The Most Wonderful Time of the Year?

Chapter 11 - Autumn

I don’t know what made me admit all of that to Theo, but I had found myself blurting things out. Things that in truth he did not need to know. Things my own family did not know. But it felt good to finally say it all out loud. Things I had kept bottled up for so long. And it felt good. Even more so with the fact there was no look of judgment upon his handsome face. He simply listened, and showed nothing but compassion.

But, I knew, that in speaking out… in opening up to him, that now he knew there was a strong possibility that my family could find out. If he were to mention even the slightest piece of any of what I had spoken of to anybody, then my secrets would no longer be my own. We were, after all, stuck together in the same house for the duration of the holiday season. And my family would know the things that could bring so much shame upon them…

But, I tried to push that fear to one side. Hoping desperately that I could trust the man in front of me. I had done what I had done now. And I found his eyes were gazing so warmly into mine, and I swear he moved a little closer toward me. I had not been this close to any man in a long time. Not had I wanted to, but there was something about Theo that did things to me… he intrigued me, I knew that much. But he made my heart race too, in ways I did not expect, and I knew that could be dangerous.

The way he looked at me not only gave me butterflies but made me wonder if he was feeling similar things to me. I was scared to consider anything because I was terrified of being fooled again. Max had so easily fooled me with his charm and his smooth-talking ways. What was to say that Theo would not do the same if I were to allow him to get too close?

All these thoughts spinning through my mind, and he simply stared into my eyes, raising his hand a little to fiddle with one of my curls, a small smile upon his lips. I knew we were playing a risky game, and when he seemed to move closer again I panicked, quickly breaking the moment by speaking once again, without thinking. “Please don’t say anything. About the things I told you.” I moved away again. “They can't know.”

Theo smiled almost apologetically at me, like he knew exactly what I was meaning. “If it was anyone else, I would usually say, they are your family. They would support you no matter what. That they would want to know that you are struggling. That they would want to help. But considering what I have seen in the short time I have been here, I am not quite so sure.” He said with a sigh. “Were they always that bad? I don’t recall.”

I shrugged, knowing exactly what he was talking about. That is why I have not mentioned it to anyone else. The first thing most people would say is, would your family not help? It is well known my family are wealthy. Of course, they could help me, but I would never hear the end of it, and in truth, I wanted to stand on my own two feet. I always did. I am capable of doing things on my own and not relying on my parents. Which is why I wanted to go and study. Gain the qualifications I did. I knew friends would never understand if I explained what was going on. Most would expect me to simply go running home to my parents. Little did they know how much of a nightmare that would be...

“I guess it blurs. Not when I was small, I don’t think. But, past a certain age, I suppose. And, I got used to it after a while. It is difficult living up to Elodie. They have her on a pedestal.” I muttered, ashamed to have to openly admit this to him. I could only imagine the things he must be thinking.

“Well, if it is any consolation, I think you turned out the better out of the two of you.” Theo said with a playful wink, and once more my heart raced. I was sure this guy was flirting with his somewhat hidden compliments. But, at the same time, as much as I was beginning to enjoy having someone around who made me feel good and appeared to enjoy my company, I knew that spending time with him was only going to bring questions from everyone.

“There isn’t much of a threshold there for me to meet.” I said with a smile, and Theo laughed. “Besides, you have known me all of an hour or so. That can't be judged.”

“Autumn Anderson!” he said playfully, sounding fake-annoyed again. “What have I told you? You have been a friend since we were kids, so while we may not have spoken in a while, I still consider myself as knowing you.”

I laughed. “I am not the same person you remember, trust me. Nor am I worth the hassle.”

I watched as Theo’s face turned into a slight frown, and it looked like he was about to argue that with me, just as I heard my name being called from the house. “Autumn?!” I found myself rolling my eyes. My Dad… “Are you out here?”

My heart dropped. So much for finding some peace and a little space… admittedly, my peace had been taken by Theo joining me, but any chance of space was going to be impossible while I was home, it seemed. I looked towards Theo awkwardly, and he simply smiled.

“Looks like we have been summoned. Come on, I’ll race you.” he grinned, before running out of the orchard back toward the house, evidently not caring in the slightest what my Dad may think about the two of us appearing from the trees together. I began to laugh and followed suit, racing my hardest to catch him up…