The semester had come to an end, and Kent Madison College was buzzing with excitement as students prepared to leave for the Christmas break. Ella stood at the campus gates, her eyes scanning the crowd for Leo. The past few weeks had been a whirlwind of emotions, from the misunderstandings with Chloe to the party where Leo had come to her rescue. But now, standing here at the edge of it all, she felt like she was on the brink of something new.
It had been a month since the incident at the party, and since then, Ella and Leo had been inseparable. Every moment with him felt like a dream, from the late-night study sessions to the stolen kisses between classes. They weren't just friends anymore, they were officially dating. They'd finally admitted their feelings for each other, but even then, it felt like they were still learning what this new chapter in their lives would mean.
As Leo appeared, walking toward her with that familiar grin on his face, Ella felt her heart skip a beat. He looked different, more relaxed in his casual sweater and jeans. His eyes found hers, and without a word, he pulled her into his arms, wrapping her tightly in a hug.
"Merry Christmas, Ella," he whispered, his breath warm against her ear.
"Merry Christmas, Leo," she replied, her voice soft as she melted into his embrace.
For a moment, they stood there in silence, the world around them fading away. It was just the two of them, and it felt like everything was finally falling into place.
"I can't believe the semester is over," Ella said, pulling back just slightly to look up at him. "It feels like it just started."
"I know, right?" Leo replied, a chuckle escaping his lips. "But at least we get a break now. I'm looking forward to spending the holidays with you."
Ella's heart warmed at his words. She'd been nervous about how their time apart over the holidays would affect them, but hearing him say that made her feel more confident than ever.
"Are you spending Christmas with your family?" Ella asked, her tone tentative.
Leo nodded, his expression softening. "Yeah, I'm going back to London. I haven't seen my family in a while. You?"
"I'm going back home too," she said with a small smile. "But we'll make it work. I promise."
They stood there for a few more moments, exchanging a few more words, before Leo pulled her into a deep kiss. Ella's heart raced as their lips met, the warmth of his touch sending a shiver through her. The kiss was slow, tender, as if they both knew this was more than just a goodbye—it was a promise for the future.
Leo's hand cupped her cheek gently as he deepened the kiss, and Ella responded eagerly, her arms wrapping around his neck. The feeling of his lips against hers made everything else fade into the background. They had been dancing around their feelings for so long, but now, there was no doubt. They were meant to be together.
When they finally pulled away, Ella couldn't help but smile up at him. "I'll miss you," she whispered.
"I'll miss you too," Leo replied, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "But we'll talk every day. I'll be counting the days until we're back together."
As the day came to an end, Ella made her way home, her thoughts filled with Leo. The drive back to her parents' house was a blur, her mind racing with excitement and anticipation for the time ahead. She had her family to look forward to, but a part of her couldn't wait to see Leo again, to hold him, to kiss him.
The next few days were spent with family, the Christmas holiday filled with warmth, laughter, and the usual chaos of her parents' house. Ella's thoughts often drifted to Leo, and even though they were miles apart, she could feel his presence with her. They spoke every day, their conversations full of plans for when they would return to Kent Madison College.
One evening, as she sat in the living room with her parents, her phone buzzed on the table. It was a text from Leo.
"I miss you more than I thought I would. Can't wait to see you in the New Year. I hope you're having an amazing Christmas with your family."
Ella smiled as she read the message, her heart swelling with affection. She quickly typed back, "I miss you too, Leo. I'm counting the days until we're back. Enjoy your time with your family. I love you."
She hit send, feeling a warmth spread through her chest as she thought about their future together. Even though they weren't officially dating yet, the connection between them was undeniable, and she knew they would figure it out when the time was right.
As New Year's Eve approached, Ella and Leo continued to exchange messages, their anticipation building for the day they would finally be reunited. The days felt long, but Ella knew it would all be worth it.
The night of New Year's Eve arrived, and Ella found herself standing outside, the crisp winter air biting at her skin as she looked up at the sky. It had been a beautiful holiday, but she was ready to return to Kent Madison. She was ready to be with Leo again.
As the clock struck midnight, Ella's phone buzzed again, and she smiled as she saw Leo's name on the screen.
"Happy New Year, Ella. I can't wait to start this year with you."
Her heart fluttered, and she quickly replied, "Happy New Year, Leo. Here's to a year full of love, laughter, and us."
Just as she sent the message, her phone rang. It was Leo.
"Hey," Ella answered, her voice trembling with excitement.
"Happy New Year, love," Leo's voice came through the phone, warm and full of affection. "I just wanted to hear your voice before the night ended. I miss you."
"I miss you too," Ella replied, her heart swelling with happiness. "I can't wait to see you again."
"I know," Leo said, his voice softer now. "I've been thinking about you nonstop. When I get back, I'm taking you out on the best date ever."
Ella laughed, feeling her cheeks heat up. "I'll hold you to that."
The conversation continued for a while, filled with promises and sweet words. As the clock ticked toward the end of the night, Ella felt a sense of peace wash over her. She wasn't sure what the future held, but she knew that with Leo by her side, she could face anything.
As the conversation wound down, Ella's phone buzzed again. She looked at the message from Leo, her smile widening.
"When I get back, I want to show you how much I've missed you."
The words made her pulse quicken, and she felt her face flush. She sent back a simple reply: "I can't wait."
Their love was only just beginning, and she was eager to see where this journey would take them. The holiday season had brought them closer, and with the new year, they were ready to start fresh, hand in hand, ready to face whatever came next.
THE END.....