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***
The past few days had been frustrating, to say the least. Hayden had prepared a meal each evening and, whereas before, they’d eat while talking, mealtimes now were taken in almost complete silence and as soon as they were done, Ash was tired and just wanted to sleep. The coffee shop was busy in the run-up to Christmas, and Hayden didn’t have time for Ash’s moods. He noticed the holdall had been moved, and the bag he’d left out for him was slowly filling. He guessed that answered the question of whether he was still intending to travel with him, but if they were going to have a good Christmas, they needed to address this distance that had grown between them.
“So, you want to tell me what’s up? You’ve not been the same since I helped you with the shower. Did I do something wrong?” Hayden had served them an easy meal of vegetarian wraps. He was getting better at this and had started to not miss meat as much as he’d thought he would.
“Nothing’s wrong,” Ash said with a shrug. “I’m fine.”
Hayden didn’t believe that for one moment. “You’ve been withdrawn, tired, hardly wanting to talk. I thought we’d got over that and were friends.”
“We are friends.” He refused to look at him, though, which seemed to contradict what he was saying. Maybe a change of subject.
“Do you have everything ready for the trip? I want to leave as soon as we can tomorrow. The traffic hopefully won’t be too bad, and we’ll make good time. It’s a couple of hours.”
“I’ve packed, yes, but I don’t have any gifts. How can I turn up with nothing for your parents or Vic? I feel bad about that.” Ashok pouted, and Hayden smiled at him.
Hayden had already thought of this and bought a few things Ash could give them if he wanted to, of course.
“I’ve got some gifts you could give them. I’d originally bought them from me, but I always buy too much.”
“Are you sure? I’ll pay you for them.”
“I am and I know.” Hayden knew better than to argue with him on this one. He seemed stubborn where money was concerned. He’d been insisting they talk terms for the room, but Hayden didn’t think it was fair to take money from him while he wasn’t working. “They’re already wrapped too, so we’re good to go.”
“I really am grateful, Hayden, for all of this. I’m sorry I’ve been quiet lately, and I promise not to ruin Christmas by being a dick. I know you can’t wait to see your family.”
“We’ll have a great time. You’ll be welcomed with open arms.” Hayden knew what his mum was like and had no doubt she’d be pushing the boat out to make it as good as it always was.
***
Christmas Eve was relatively quiet at the coffee shop. He sent Bonnie home early and worked the rest of the shift with Scarlett, even managing to close up an hour earlier than usual. He rushed home to find Ash on his arse, making his way downstairs. So that’s how he’d been getting around.
“Hey, let me help you.” He rushed over to him.
Ashok waved him off. “I’m good. I’ve been doing this for the past few days. The ankle still won’t take all of my weight, but it’s getting better. I brought as much down as I could, so I’m ready when you are.”
“Great, I just need to grab a shower, then pack the car and we can go.”
“What about Jerome? Do we need to take him with us?”
“He’ll be fine on his own for a few days. He’s had food, he has water and his heater and lights are on a timer. I’ve left him before, and he’s always been fine.”
Hayden walked over to where Ashok sat and took his hands, pulling him to stand. He helped him to a chair and sat him down, putting his foot up on the small coffee table.
“Rest up. I’ll be ready in a jiffy.”
He rushed upstairs and showered in record time. He’d packed his bag the night before, ensuring he had all the presents and the special gift he’d bought for Ashok tucked safely away.
Within an hour, they were on the road. The weather wasn’t too bad, and the traffic reports said the roads were clear. Hayden was really looking forward to the break, working almost every day as he usually did. His mum took care of everything while he was there, and he never needed to lift a finger. For that, he was grateful.
“You sure they don’t mind?” Ashok asked when they were halfway through the journey.
“Bit late now if they do,” Hayden joked. “They’re fine with it. Don’t worry.”
“I don’t want to be any trouble. It’s Christmas, and they don’t even know me.”
“You worry too much, you know that, right?” Hayden said, knowing it would be no problem.
They listened to the radio for the remaining journey, Christmas songs filling almost every station, finally turning into the driveway of his parents’ farm shortly after eight. They’d made pretty good time, only getting snarled up a few times on the motorway.
