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“I was always coming, Lark.” He brushed his knuckles across my cheek, “I do actually have a present for you, but it's going to be a belated one.”
“Really? Want to give me a hint?”
“No.”
“Just a little one?”
He rested back on his hands and shook his head. “Not even a little one.”
“Fine, be that way.”
He moved with astounding speed and pulled me across his lap. “So let's talk about my present,” he cooed.
“I got you the first five seasons of Downton Abbey.”
“No you didn't.”
“You're right. I only got you the first season.”
“Lark.”
Grinning, I reached under the tree for a small package wrapped in silver. “Here.”
He looked like a little boy, his eyes all wide with wonder, as he slowly unwrapped the package. His fingers weren't quite steady when he lifted the lid to the box. Inside was a framed sketch I had done of us, sitting in the living room of the apartment. It took me a while because I had trouble sketching myself, but I was thrilled with how it turned out. He met my gaze and for a moment we just looked our fill. “It's beautiful, Lark.”
“Merry Christmas.”
He leaned over and touched his lips to mine. “Merry Christmas.”
***
With the coming of the new year, I spent a lot of time doubling up on assignments since I'd be taking my exams a few months before everyone else—like Bastian, though it didn't come as easily for me as it apparently had for him. I missed him constantly. Even though our week together gave me many more memories for my happy place.
My brain was on overload, feeling much like a ticking time bomb. Genuine gratitude filled me for the reprieve offered when I looked up from my homework to see Poppy standing in my doorway. My mouth opened to offer a witty remark, but one glance and I knew that she and Shawn had officially called it quits.
“Poppy.”
“I knew it was going to be hard but I didn't think it was going to be this hard.”
“How did he take it?”
“He cried. I've never seen Shawn cry.”
The flood gates opened then and I felt helpless. There was nothing I could do but offer her comfort, which I did and pulled her close. It took a bit for her sobs to subside. She seemed embarrassed since she jerked away from me and refused to look in my direction.
“Poppy, talk to me.”
Her red-rimmed eyes met mine from across the room. “Did I make a mistake?”
“Did you make a mistake or do Ithinkyou made a mistake? You're the best judge of that, but don't confuse missing what's comfortable with making a mistake.”
She rubbed her hands over her face. “I know you're right. It's been off, for both of us, but it hurts seeing his face and knowing that after everything, I hurt him.”
“He'll move past it and I think you'll both find your way as friends because you started as friends.”
“I hope you're right.”
“Time will tell, but I think I am.”
