Drake stepped back from the tall spruce tree, tilting his head to the side ensuring he’d gotten it straight. He smiled, his eyes drifting out the large picture window as a high pitched squeal broke through the silence.
He shook his head with a laugh as he watched his son running after the chickens and his mother desperately trying to corral the young child. Another squeal broke out as her hands wrapped around the small boys waist. Drake smiled broader as he watched his wife place their oldest on her hip, her shirt pinching exposing her barely noticeable bump. How did I ever get so lucky?
He met her at the door with a kiss pulling his son into his arms. “I got the tree straight and the popcorn all popped ready to be strung … I still say it’s a waste of perfectly edible popcorn.”
“And you’re the greatest husband in the world for doing it anyway to make your wife happy.”
“Anything for you babe. Let’s decorate the tree.” He turned to his son, “should we decorate the tree Will?”
“Yeah!”
He laughed at his son’s response. He was always eager and easy to please, nothing like his father, William was the everyday reminder of who he left behind. He looked at his family, while he missed him, he was glad he’d had the strength to move on.
He’d made peace with his decision long ago. No matter the twinge he felt in his heart the odd times his mind wandered to thoughts of him. He was happy and leading a full life. He even grew to find comfort in the fact that he’d never again have a white Christmas, snow would just be another reminder of him.
“No no Will! That’s daddy’s special ornament.”
He turned in time to see his son holding the red blown glass ornament in his chubby little hands. His heart stopped in his chest as he watched in slow motion as his wife carefully pulled the fragile ornament from their young son’s clutches.
“It’s safe, shall we put it up this year?”
He stared at the red glass, sparkling under the white lights. He never put it up, not even the first year he was in Texas, the reminder too hard to face the days leading up to Christmas. “No.”
She gave him a questioning look but didn’t push. She carefully put the ornament back in the case. “Are you ever going to tell me the story of the ornament you refuse to put up?”
Drake’s throat grew tight. “It’s from an old friend.” One that I still sometimes regret leaving behind even if it was for the best.
Drake took the long way back to his room from their secret nook. He was trying to delay the inevitable, the way he had by putting off packing and telling Liam he wasn’t ever coming back. He hated the thought of never coming back, but he couldn’t bear to watch Liam marry someone who wasn’t him. It’ll be easier a continent away.
In Texas he’d be spared watching Liam putting on a show with his wife for the press. He wouldn’t have to pass by him everyday or endure longing looks.
He stepped into his dark room, the shadows masking the missing items that made the room his. Tomorrow you’ll be going to bed in Texas. The thought gave him pause. Could he truly leave and never see him ever again?
The look in Liam’s eyes as Drake told him he wasn’t returning played in his head. He’d never seen Liam look so lost and broken as he did in that moment. He knew Liam would be hurt but seeing it written on his face had made it difficult to breathe.
It’s for the best. For both of us.
He stopped at the sight of a small box sitting in the center of his bed. He picked it up, tears stinging his eyes as he read the card.
To remember where your heart belongs while you’re in Texas. I will be counting the days till I’m holding you in my arms once again.
Yours always,
XO
Li
“Fuck!” He must of put this here before the party. He opened the box with trembling hands. He swallowed a lump of emotion as he unveiled a bright blown glass Cordonian Ruby. Damnit Li, why do you have to make it so hard to say goodbye?!
He held the fragile glass in his hand, picturing the way the red shards would rain down if he threw it at the wall. He shook his head as he carefully placed the apple back in the box before placing it in his suitcase. He was already breaking Liam’s heart, he couldn’t leave it shattered on the floor in one of the rooms where all their promises were made.
You’ll forget me someday Li.
Drake shook his head, letting the memories dissipate from his mind. Focusing on Christmas’ from the past wouldn’t change anything and only make the ache in his chest grow.
He looked at his growing family. It was all worth it. This is where I belong.
