Page 14 of Unwrapped

December 25th

7:25 p.m.

My gaze returned to my phone screen for the fiftieth time in an hour. Ryan had texted me, as promised, first thing this morning, to say he was on his way. I’d had another text later in the morning when he’d arrived at his parents’ house to say that he’d arrived, and he was hoping he could escape his relatives when his family duties were over so we could meet up. Since then, there’d been nothing. I kept telling myself not to be so impatient and selfish, that it was Christmas and family time was important, but it was so fucking hard when I craved him so badly. Now I’d finally had a taste of him, all I wanted was more.

Finally, finally, my phone buzzed, and I snatched it up, almost knocking over my mum’s glass of Bristol Cream sherry in my haste. “Sorry,” I muttered, attempting to calm myself, but she just smiled, patting my knee, before returning her attention to the TV screen whereLove Actuallywas playing.

I opened my notifications and hit Ryan’s name, right at the top of the list.

Ryan:

I need to see you. Do you think you’ll be able to get away?

Me:

YES

Ryan:

*laughing emoji* Did you miss me or are you just fed up with your relatives?

Me:

The first one

Ryan:

Me too

Fuck. Why is it like this already? We only just found each other again

Found each other again. Like we’d been lost, which, in a way, I guess we had been.

Me:

I don’t know, but I don’t want to stop x

Ryan:

Me neither x

“Awww. You’re really into each other, aren’t you?”

My head shot around to see my sister leaning over the back of the sofa, unashamedly reading the messages on my screen.

“Hey! That’s private!” Shielding my phone with my hand, I shot her a betrayed look, and she laughed.

“I didn’t actually read your messages. Don’t worry. I just saw Ryan’s name pop up.” She bent her head, lowering her voice. “I’ve noticed that you’ve been staring at your phone all day, even when we were opening presents. Nothing normally drags your attention away from presents. Why don’t you go and see him?”

“What about Mum and Dad?”

She shrugged. “I think they’ll be fine with it. We’ve spent most of yesterday and today with them. I’m sure Mum said something about her and Dad going next door for a nightcap in a bit, anyway. Take the opportunity and go. I would.”

“Yeah.” I nodded, then nodded again. “Okay.”

Picking up my phone, I sent another text.

Me: