You Will Be Mine (Forever and Ever #7)(18)
I sighed then walked away, knowing my visit was absolutely pointless.
Chapter Four
Silke
I finished my last minute Christmas shopping and somehow survived finals. I got my mom some new picture frames, my dad a fake tattoo sticker that said, “#1 Dad” and Slade a new guitar pick. They weren’t amazing gifts, but I was poor.
When I got home, I realized I still hadn’t put up my Christmas tree. Between school and Arsen, I just didn’t have time. I texted Arsen. What are you doing?
Thinking about you.
I rolled my eyes. You always say that.
Well, it’s true.
Liar. Come over if you aren’t doing anything.
Maybe.
I rolled my eyes again and put my phone down.
I retrieved my fake tree and decorations from the closet and hauled it into the living room. I sorted through everything while I thought about Arsen. We hadn’t talked about giving him my virginity since it first came up. I had no idea what Arsen was thinking when I said that, but he did seem moved by the revelation. I pretty much told him my deepest and darkest feelings. I was just grateful he didn’t take off because the revelation scared him. He didn’t speak of it and neither did I.
When I had a feeling he was outside, I opened the door. “Seriously, knock.”
He stood with his hands in his pockets. He wore a gray hoodie with dark jeans, looking hot like usual. He shrugged but didn’t say anything.
I left the door open then walked inside. He followed me then shut the door behind him.
“Why don’t you ever knock?” I asked for the hundredth time. “Or just walk in?”
He didn’t answer my questions. He just looked at my Christmas decorations on the ground. “What’s this?”
“I got a late start decorating. I thought you could help me.”
He eyed it for a moment but didn’t say anything.
“I just need to put the tree in the base then tighten it. Can you help me?”
He grabbed the base then studied it, playing with the knobs. “I guess.”
I picked up the tree then adjusted it. “Can you hold the base?”
He dropped it but it was upside down.
“Turn it over.”
“Oh.” He turned it then held it still.
I put the tree in and held it upright. “Can you tighten the screws?”
He looked around before he adjusted them.
When I let go of the tree, it stayed still. “Great. Can you put the skirt down?”
“The skirt?” he asked.
“Yeah.” I handed him the fabric.
He held it in his hands then eyed it. He looked at the hole then rearranged it in his hands. It was like watching a child assemble a car engine.
“Have you never seen a tree skirt before?” I teased.
He looked at me then returned his gaze back to the skirt. He adjusted it under the tree. “Like that?”
“Yeah.” I turned on Christmas music from my phone then dug into the box. I found the hooks and ornaments then I started to assemble them.
Arsen watched me.
“Dig in and help me.” I picked up an ornament then found the right spot to put it on the tree.
He looked through the box then hooked a hook inside an ornament. Then he studied the tree for a long time before he found a spot. He put it directly next to mine.
“Spread it out,” I said. “You don’t want it to look too congested.”
He moved it to another place.
“Have you never decorated a tree before?” I teased.
He went back to the box and grabbed another one, leaving my question in the air.
Together, we decorated the tree with lights, ornaments, and ribbon.
“It looks great,” I said excitedly. I dug into the box until I found the star that goes on top. “Can you put this up? I can’t reach.”
He held it in his hands for a long time, just staring at it. Then he looked at the top of the tree like he was confused. Slowly, he inserted it on top then stepped away, crossing his arms over his chest.
“We did a great job,” I said.
He stared at the lights like they were far away.
“Arsen?”
He ignored me.
What was wrong with him? “Are you okay?”
“Huh?” He turned to me, clearly missing every word I said.
I narrowed my eyes at him. “Have you…never put up a Christmas tree before?”
He looked away and put his hands in his pockets. “There’s a first time for everything, right?” He added a light laugh but it was full of sadness.
My heart broke directly in half.
He wouldn’t look at me. His eyes seemed to be glued to the star at the top of the tree.
I came to his side and rested my head on his shoulder and hooked my arm around his waist. “I’m happy I get to spend Christmas with you.”
He moved his arm around my shoulder but didn’t say anything. Then he dropped it and walked away. He headed out the front door then shut it behind him.
I stood still, unsure what to do. Maybe he needed a moment alone. Maybe I should talk to him. I understood him well, but this time I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t know anything about his past. I gave him twenty minutes before I grabbed my jacket and joined him outside.