The Most Wonderful Time of the Year?

Chapter 12 - Autumn

As Theo and I ran toward the house, the two of us laughed with each step. My hair flying in the cold winter breeze, I could feel the cold gaze of my father upon me. I knew I was in trouble... Once we arrived at the house, we found my father stood on the steps of the house looking down at us with disdain. His eyes moving between the two of us, questions within his eyes, and I knew already suspicions were building. “What are you doing with him? And where have you been?” he asked with sheer disgust in his voice. "Your mother asked you to be here doing the right thing, did she not? You know what is expected of you Autumn."

The thing was, I did know what was expected of me. I knew I was expected to sit in their over-the-top celebrations, dressed smartly, smiling sweetly, acting like the perfect daughter, making awkward but polite conversation with people I did not know, and did not like, while my parents drank the night away. And, I had known the moment I had walked out of the door I would cause an issue, even more so when I had allowed Theo to join me. So, yes, I knew this was coming the moment we were caught together. Of course, it was going to raise questions. I felt myself sighing.

But before I was able to say anything, Theo stepped forward. “Okay, Mr Anderson, no need for that tone with her. I asked Autumn to show me the orchards. We used to play there a lot growing up. I didn’t realize it would be a problem. I apologise.”

I stood in shock, not quite believing that Theo had stood up to my Dad, and my Dad stood looking at Theo with his brows raised, he too obviously surprised by Theo speaking up. “No need to apologize. I didn’t realize it was you who had asked. It has been a while since you have visited. You should have let me know if you wanted to look around. I could have arranged it for you. I forget, with your mother and father being here each year.”

“I didn’t want to disturb you, I could see that your wife has a lot planned for her celebrations. And, besides, it is nice to catch up with Autumn, we were always quite close growing up.” Theo said, once again sounding quite defensive, not willing to back down to my Dad. "So it is nice to hear what she has been up to since we saw each other last."

Dad nodded. “Hmm, I suppose you were. Both similar in character, running off at the first opportunity.” He said before turning and walking into the house, evidently expecting us to follow.

I found myself rolling my eyes at my Dad's abruptness. "I am sorry." I mouthed at Theo, not quite believing my Dad would so openly insult a guest in our house that way.

Theo chuckled, before looking at me with a grin, clearly unaffected by the insult. “Oh, see, I am as bad as you.” he said, before wiggling his eyebrows playfully.

I laughed. “Oh, I think that takes some doing.”

“See, you got me intrigued again now, sweetheart.” He winked. “You don’t strike me as the naughty type.”

I held back an almost flirty smile that was threatening as I moved toward the door, holding back on responding. The bad thing is, I think I wouldn’t mind being naughty for him…

My Dad had already walked away, leaving the two of us to walk inside the house together. But, just as we walked through the doorway, Taylor and Elodie were walking towards the kitchen, and turned to look at Theo and me, the two of them instantly smirking when they caught sight of us.

“Oh, there you are Autumn. We were all wondering where you had got to. Found yourself a replacement man while Max is away?” Elodie said, venom heavy in her tone.

“Aww, are you jealous that she has my company instead of you, Elodie? You always did like to be the center of attention, didn't you?” Theo said with a sarcastic smile, causing Elodie to look at Taylor in shock before Theo added. “But no, your sister was simply being hospitable, and showing me the orchard we used to play in as children, because I asked her to. I wasn’t aware that two old friends catching up would cause so much drama. Though, when your life lacks excitement, I suppose you find it in anyway that you can. Even if that is at somebody else's expense.”

Elodie gasped, so clearly infuriated by Theo’s words, while Taylor scowled, shaking his head, before placing his arm protectively around his wife’s shoulders and leading her away. I held back the laughter that was threatening. Theo was really not holding back. I turned to look at him. “Are you asking to be thrown out? You do know my mother will hear about that, right?”

But my words evidently did not bother Theo, because he simply grinned at me. “Well, at least it would get me out of the rest of the holiday celebrations. Care to join me? You said you liked to be naughty, didn’t you?”

I shook my head at him in surprise. “You are terrible.”

“Yet you seem surprisingly hooked, right?” he winked, sounding awfully confident right now. I wanted to disagree with him. Make it clear that nothing was happening. That I was not hooked as he put it, but, the scary thing was, he had been here a matter of hours, and I think he may be right…

Theo ignored my lack of response, giving me a charming smile, one that gave me butterflies, before he suddenly offered me his arm. “Shall we go and see who else we can offend?” he asked, his smile turning playful. "Imagine the fun we could have?!" he suggested, and I found myself accepting with a smile. Why the hell not? I was stuck here anyway, and no matter what I did, it was pissing my family off, so I might as well have fun while I was at it! And spending time with Theo was proving to be a lot more fun than I had expected. Though, whether that was a good thing or a bad thing, I was yet to decide...