Chapter 20

Almost everyone had fallen asleep in the middle of Frosty due to food comas. Only James and I had managed to watch the whole movie. I was just too hyped up and, well, happy to fall asleep. I didn’t want to miss anything. 

James went to the kitchen to wash the dishes and after debating for a few minutes I decided that I should help. It was the least I could do for all that he’s done for me. This day alone had been incredible and far beyond what I could have ever dreamed. We mostly did the dishes in silence, but after a while, I decided that I had to say something. 

“James?” 

He made a small noise of acknowledgment. 

“I just wanted to thank you. Not just for today, but for everything you’ve done for me. I’m not ready to tell you my life’s story or anything, though believe me, I wish I could, but I could have never dreamed of all of this. And to tell you the truth this is the first time that I can say I was truly happy. This day literally couldn’t be any better. I wish I could do more than say thank you, but that’s all I have to offer you.” 

James was silent for a minute and I ran through what I had said making sure there wasn’t anything wrong in what I said. But as James dried his hands off and pulled me into a hug, I knew I didn’t. 

Instead of tensing I wrapped my arms around him in return and laid my head on his chest and his landed on top of my head as he tightened the hug. I smiled at the warm feeling I felt. I liked his hugs. 

“Thank you,” he said. “That’s all I need. All I want is for you to be happy and if you are, then I’m happy. And about your life’s story? That’s perfectly okay, you’ll tell me when you’re ready. And if you’re never ready, then that’s okay too.” 

We stayed like that for a few more minutes before we both turned towards the dishes again. After a few more minutes of silence, James started to hum happily. I couldn’t help but look over and discovered the happiest look on his face. 

“Did you tell all of the others what kind of stuff I liked?” The question took him by surprise but he chuckled. 

“Yes, but they actually asked first. Not surprising really. They like to joke around and pick on people but they have a lot of love in their hearts. Once I told them about you they all asked what they should get you.” 

“How did you know that I liked to read?” 

“When Mason came over and you guys were reading Romeo and Juliet. You looked really focused and into it, it was just a guess.” 

“Well, it was a good guess. Although, I haven’t read in what feels like years.” 

“Do you mind me asking why?” I was silent for a few minutes my thoughts being consumed with my mother, but with the day I was having, I didn’t let it drag me down like usual. I was about to say that I couldn't but instead found myself telling him the truth. 

“My mom loved reading.” I could tell right away that he was surprised but tried to contain it. I’ve never mentioned my mom to James before. “She used to read all of the time and I just kinda picked it up.” 

“Used to?” Because of my situation, it was obvious what had happened, and I could tell that he knew as well. I suspected it was his way of asking me what happened to her, without actually asking.

“She died in a car accident. And when she passed, I lost all of my interests, including reading.” I purposely left out the part that it was my fault. 

By this point, the dishes were done. I walked over and sat at one of the stools by the island. I watched as James grabbed two mugs and started making something. 

“I’m sorry, Sera. I know how it feels. When I was sixteen both of my parents were killed in a car accident by a drunk driver.” He walked over to me and sat a mug of hot chocolate in front of me. He had one for him as well and sat down opposite of me. Grabbing the mug and letting it warm my hands as a frown took over my face.

“Did they ever find out who caused it?” James picked up his mug and shook his head no as he frowned as well. 

“They were never caught.” 

“I’m sorry.” I felt a little better when his frown turned into a small smile. 

“No, it’s okay. I’m still a little upset that he wasn’t caught, but I’m okay. I learned to live with it. Besides, I don’t think I would have ever met you if it didn’t happen.” I took a few sips of the hot chocolate, almost burning myself and James laughed at my face of discomfort. 

“What do you mean?” I asked. 

“Well, it’s because of what happened that I wanted to adopt. After I lost my parents, a nice family adopted me and took me in. They taught me how to deal with what happened and continue living. I was so grateful for them. I don’t know where I'd be if it wasn’t for them, certainly not here. And it was that thinking that made me realize there were probably so many kids out there like me, who needed help. It’s my way of giving back.” 

I couldn’t help but smile at that. He was so sweet and kind. Before I could say anything, the door opened and Tessa walked in. She glanced between the two of us and smiled. 

“What are you guys doing?” 

“We’re just talking,” James answered. With a quick glance at the clock, I saw that it was getting late. 

“I should go to bed.” 

I placed my empty cup in the sink and started heading towards the door, but then turned back around. I gave Tessa a quick hug before giving a slightly longer one to James. I whispered a quiet thank you before pulling back and heading upstairs to go to bed.