The First Day of Winter

It was December 21st, and I was 17. He sat on my back porch; a secret stirring in his mind, ready to be spoken.

December 21st, the first day of winter. Ironically, it wasn’t all that cold, but then again, you could expect that from Texas. Christmas was quickly approaching, yet I wasn’t all that thrilled

since I didn’t have much to look forward to. Sitting on my back porch in a pair of ripped up jeans and a Blink-182 shirt sat Blake, my best friend of ten years. At least, he was. Earlier that morning he made a snide comment about my lack of plans despite knowing I never got along well with my family. I had blown up at him and now he was hoping to cool off outside in the 65 degree weather.

I assumed he was still fuming, but I walked out the back door and stood silently besides him anyways.

“Hannah,” He must have heard me come out because his head never turned towards me.

“Y-yes?” I hadn’t expected him to speak first so the sudden sound of his voice caused me to jump.

He let out a dejected sigh. “Nothing, you’re the one who came out here, so I figured you had something you wanted to say. I was just letting you know I acknowledged your presence by saying your name.”

“Alright then.” I gave a snort and found a spot to sit next to him. He still didn’t so much as glance my way or even make eye contact as I walked by. “Blake,” I began “I’m sorry about earlier.”

“Yeah, I know. It wasn’t your fault, though. I shouldn’t have said that…” He trailed off.

Punching his shoulder lightly, I smiled. “Don’t sweat it.”

He finally looked me in the eyes and returned my smile. “Hey, do you want to come to my family Christmas?” I shrugged, I hadn’t been to one of his family’s events since I was 9, 8 years ago. He must have sensed my hesitance because he grunted in indignation. “It wasn’t a question, you’re going.”

“Why?” My question was long and drawn out giving the impression that I was a young child.

His smirk widened to a grin. “Because I love you, of course.”