Page 12 of Unwrapping Ember
But it doesn’t work.
Harsh reminders of what happened to me hit me at full force, and I can't help the sobs that wake me up from another nightmare. I’m doing my best to hold it together while I’m here, but that façade crumbled sooner than I’d hoped. It feels as if they can hear my quiet sobs, and one by one they rush in to play the gallant saviors. Truthfully, I don’t need it. I’m not used to it.
As Everest, Baine, and Koda settle beside me on the bed, I fight to conceal my tears and manage to force a smile. Being alone prompted thoughts I wanted to avoid, so I appreciate their presence.
"Are you going to be alright tonight?" Koda asks, his hand gently tracing small circles on my lower back—an instinctive gesture from our childhood.
"I’ll be fine, I promise. You guys don’t need to worry about me over something so… trivial."
Their smiles kindle a warmth within me, even as snow continues to whip against the windows. "No more tears while you’re here, alright?" Everest extends his pinky, an invitation to solidify our unspoken pact, and I can’t help but smile wider in response.
"Yes, Ev, I got it," I whisper, nodding, still smiling under the intensity of their gazes.
"We're going to make this Christmas unforgettable, Ember, I swear," Baine assures me, his dazzling smile causing a warmth to spread through me that I struggle to contain.
"I hope so. I really need a distraction," I confess softly, letting out a sigh that causes my shoulders to sag.
Koda shoots me a sidelong glance, clearly trying to decipher my mood, but I wave it away, unwilling to share my secrets with anyone—least of all them.
"Alright, I’m going to try to get some sleep," I whisper, stifling a yawn.
The three of them rise, eyeing me as if awaiting something more.
"Come here and give me a hug, brat," Koda smirks, opening his arms wide.
I kneel on my bed and wrap my arms around him, inhaling the familiar scent of his old spice mixed with whiskey. "Love you, Em. Get some rest." One by one, Baine and Everest follow suit, enveloping me in their comforting warmth, and I realize that resisting my feelings will be far more challenging than I’d anticipated.
But I have to try.
As they leave the room, I lay back down, closing my eyes and tuning in to the fading sound of their footsteps. I take a deep breath, focusing on clearing my mind and reminding myself of the possible dangers that lay ahead. I need to remain focused—emotions can’t cloud my judgment.
With that in mind, I surrender to sleep, the warmth of their hugs still resonating in my heart. I know that upon waking, the challenges will await me, but for now, I allow myself to bask in the gentle embrace of sleep, hoping it will consume me immediately.
four
Mistletoe Mayhem
Ember
As I wake up, there's a brief moment of disorientation—I've forgotten where I am. But the familiar sound of my stepbrother's voice drifting from downstairs quickly brings me back to reality. I sit up in bed, peering out the window to behold thick flakes of snow tumbling softly from the sky. Clearly, the snow has no plans to relent, which means I’m in for a long day cooped up with Koda and his friends.
How bad can it be?
The mouthwatering aroma of bacon seeps under the bedroom door, making my stomach grumble impatiently, as if it needs to be fed immediately.
Ugh, I suppose it’s time to face them... once again.
I slide my feet into my slippers and wrap my robe around me, tying the string around my waist, instantly chilled as I step out of the comfort of my warm bed. My eyes scan the mess of my room, landing on my empty suitcase by the door—still untouched since my hasty departure attempt yesterday.
I shuffle into the adjoining bathroom, run a brush through my hair, and quickly brush my teeth, despite knowing I’ll be eating soon. Staring into the mirror,I lose myself in my own reflection, noticing the shadows of pain lurking behind my brown eyes. I force a smile, but it feels hollow. After attempting a few more forced smiles, I eventually resign myself to the fact that Koda probably won’t buy the facade I’m trying to project. He knows me too well; he must already sense that something's weighing on me. But I’m not here to bare my soul for pity. I’ve already managed for months on my own.
As I head back into my room, I find Koda perched on the edge of my bed, waiting for me. Concern flickers in his eyes when he meets mine, but I deftly steer the conversation towards lighthearted banter. Yet, I still can’t shake the feeling that he sees right through me.
“Morning, Em. I was afraid you might be avoiding us,” he jokes, raising an eyebrow playfully.
“No, I was just about to come down and join you guys. I just woke up,” I say half-heartedly, fully aware that I lingered longer than necessary.
“How’d you sleep?” he asks, that charming smile lighting up his face.