Christmas Day. The day I've dreaded for the past ten years. Ten years he's been gone.

I look over at my alarm clock. 7:32 in the morning. My mom doesn't really do "Christmas" anymore. She'll get me a few things, but that's about it. I decide to get out of bed and trudge downstairs.

I walk into the kitchen to see Mom brewing coffee and cooking French toast. It smells amazing. How will I get out of this one? Maybe I'll just have one piece. And try to keep it down....

"Good morning, Gwendolyn! Merry Christmas!" she chirps.

"Merry Christmas, mama," even though I don't agree with some things that she does, I love my mama.

"Want some coffee?"

"Sure."

"Cream and sugar?"

"Umm," go big or go home, "yeah. Do we have peppermint creamer?"

"We sure do," she replies.

She then slides the mug to me across the counter. I take a sip and it instantly warms me. It tastes amazing.

"Thanks, Mom."

"You're welcome, sweetie. Would you like French toast?" she almost pleads.

"Yes, but just one piece."

She gets out a plate and slips a slice of toast on it. She then hands me the plate. I drizzle a miniscule amount of syrup over the top of my toast. I then dig in.

I don't remember the last time I had my mother's French toast. I had almost forgotten how good it was. Control, Gwen. Remember to control yourself. Control your intake.

I finish up, rinse off my plate, and stick it in the dishwasher. Mom and I then walk out into the family room to open each other's gifts.

I have Mom go first. She then opens up my gift for her, which is a new sweatshirt and a pair of jeans. Now, it's my turn. I pick up my first gift from my mother and open it up. It's a record player. I'm astonished. I look at her in disbelief.

"It's what you've always wanted, isn't it?" she asks.

"Yes, yes, yes!" I shout.

"Well, I'm glad that you like it, honey."

"Thank you so much, Mom."

"You're welcome. Now open up your other gifts."

I open up the rest of my gifts. They turn out to be two Oasis records, a Goo Goo Dolls record, and some new clothes. I love my gifts. More importantly, I love my mom.

I thank her one more time and head upstairs to prepare for Arlo's visit. Since his parents kicked him out he's been living with his 21-year-old brother, James. Since James is going to his girlfriend's parent's house, my mom and I invited Arlo over here for Christmas dinner.

I take a quick shower and get dressed in a cute top with skinny jeans and a red scarf. I do my makeup special since it's Christmas. I put on some shimmery silver eyeshadow, line my waterline with white eyeliner, and curl my lashes with some lengthening mascara.

Around an hour later Arlo shows up looking dapper as ever. He's wearing a fresh pair of jeans and a nice button-up shirt with his hair done nicely and some amazing cologne.

"Good morning, Gwennie," he greets.

"Good morning to you, too, Arlo," I reply, "come on in."

He strides on in, right past me and into the family room. He thinks he's so sly. I follow his trail and find him talking to my mom. They've always gotten along well.

I take a seat next to my mom on the couch. Arlo is in the recliner next to the couch. We all get to talking and before we know it it's five o'clock.

Mom then disappears into the kitchen to finish up dinner. Arlo and I go up to my room for a bit. I get out my present for him and set it on my bed. He then gets out his for me and does the same.

"You first!" he pokes me.

"Okay, okay."

I take my gift and open it up. It's a small box. I slowly open it up. It's a promise ring.

"This, my dear, is a promise ring. I know that we aren't dating now, but I want you to make the promise to marry me when we're grown up and out of school," Arlo explains.

I'm speechless. I'm stunned. I don't know what to do.

"Arlo," I say, still not knowing what to think, "d-do you really love me?"

"I've always loved you, Gwennie."

And with that, he kisses me. A kiss full of passion. Full of love. Not lust like most teenage boys.

"I love you, Arlo."

"I love you, Gwennie."

Author's Note ~

So, what do y'all think? Quite the surprise, huh? Haha. There should be an update within the next day or two. Love you guys!