The Hazards of Mistletoe

by Alyssa Rose Ivy

  “Layden Fells may have mentioned you have been spending time with Savy again.” His expression was unreadable, so I decided to tread lightly.

  “Yes. I have.”

  “She’s a lovely girl.” Mom’s expression was very readable. She loved Savy, and she wasn’t hiding it.

  “She is.” I smiled. I couldn’t help it. Savy wanted to be with me, and that thought made everything else seem inconsequential.

  Dad’s lips twisted up into a smile. “I’m sure the admissions office at Harrison would consider a transfer application for next fall. If you need our help with it just let us know.”

  I wasn’t sure what to make of their reaction. What happened to the angry rants of a few months before? Had the fact that I hadn’t come crawling back to them for money and help worked? Did they understand I was going to have to find my own way? “Thanks. I’ll keep you posted.”

  “What are your plans for the rest of the week?”

  “Maybe going snowmobiling with the Fells today. I work tomorrow and then hopefully spending Christmas with you guys if you’re willing to have me. Well and Savy too.”

  “Wonderful.” Mom smiled. “Maybe we can do something together with the Fell’s like we used to.”

  “Sounds great, but is it ok if I bring my roommate? He’s here for the holidays.”

  “Absolutely. You know we always end up with too much food.”

  I wasn’t sure whether Winston would be interested, but I needed to at least ask. He didn’t have any family around, and he’d proven himself to be a good friend the last few days.

  “Go have fun with Savannah. We’ll catch up tonight.”

  “Thanks.” I hugged them both. “I’ve missed you guys.”

  “We’ve missed you too.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  Savannah

  I couldn’t believe I had agreed to go snowmobiling. Evidently it was one of the planned activities my dad had eluded to. Adding Glen into the mix was easy, especially since I had no intention of driving a snowmobile myself. I was more than happy to get my view while holding onto Glen. Driving a car was the only kind of driving I did, and it wasn’t my strong suite.

  To his credit, my dad didn’t say a word about the change between Glen and me. He seemed to accept we’d worked things out on our own, and he was glad I was enjoying myself. I’d tell him eventually, but I just wanted to get the most of every minute I had with Glen and my family.

  My dad pulled me aside when we reached the lodge where we were meeting for our snowmobile tour. “Can we talk for a second?”

  “Sure.” I was in such a good mood that I felt prepared for whatever he threw at me.

  “You seem to be getting along well with Dalton and Laney.”

  I nodded. “I like them. They’re really down to earth and fun.”

  “That’s great.” Dad looked off into the distance.

  “Dad? Is there something you want to tell me?”

  He looked at me. “How would you feel about spending more time with them? And Gina?”

  “I want you to be happy, and Gina makes you happy.”

  “But what about you? What would make you happy?”

  I smiled. “You already made me happy by even talking to me about this.”

  “Does that mean you’re giving me a green light here?”

  “Did you really need my approval?”

  “Yes. Yes I did.”

  I hugged him. I held onto him for a full minute before I finally let go. “Love you, Dad.”

  “Love you too, kid. Now go have fun.” He patted my shoulder, and I walked over to where everyone else waited.

  We went on a two hour tour through the picturesque snowy landscape. The wind was biting, but it didn’t seem nearly as bad when I held onto Glen. He knew exactly what he was doing, but I could tell he was trying to keep his speed in check for my sake. I loved that without me telling him, he knew exactly how I felt. Eventually he slowed to a stop as we returned to the lodge we’d left from.

  “You doing all right there?” He helped me down and pulled off my helmet.

  “I think so, you’re good at that.”

  “It’s more enjoyable with your hands on me.”

  “I like having my hands on you.”

  He grinned. “You have permission to have your hands on me anytime.”

  “That permission goes both ways.” I kissed him on the cheek and walked over to where Dalton and Laney waited. My dad and Gina had fallen a little ways behind.

  “Don’t tease me,” Glen called after me.

  “I wouldn’t dream of it.”

  Dalton rolled his eyes and Laney grinned. I was really starting to enjoy their company.

  Exhausted and cold, we split from my Dad and Gina and decided to head over to a hot tub when we got back to the condo. Glen had to run over to his apartment to grab a swimsuit, so he told us to go on ahead. Laney was bursting at the seams to go, so I agreed. I hoped I’d still be in the water when Glen got back.

  I hesitated inside the door to the deck where the hot tubs were before making a run for the water. I threw down my towel, and slipped in next to Laney. The water felt unbearably hot at first, but then it became relaxing. I tried to keep as much of my body in the water as possible to avoid the chilly wind. Despite the cold, it was a beautiful setting. The snow covered mountain dotted with evergreen trees was so breathtaking it almost looked fake.

  “Are you ready to tell us about last night?” Dalton asked with a quick glance over his shoulder. It was only two o’clock and earlier than the usual hot tub rush. Most people were still out on the slopes.

  “What do you think happened?” I eyed Laney. Wasn’t Dalton the one who was worried about me being a bad influence on his sister?

  Laney groaned. “Oh come on. I’m not a baby. You can talk about sex in front of me.”

  Dalton shook his head. “No, no we can’t.”

  “Laney has a point. She isn’t a kid.”

  “She is to me.”

  Laney rolled her eyes and picked up her phone from where she left it just outside the hot tub. She was kind of attached to the thing.

  “Ok, then let’s change the subject.”

  “But you guys are together now, right?” Evidently Dalton wasn’t ready to drop it yet.

  “We are,” I said without wavering. I believed Glen when he said he knew we could make it work. If we both wanted it badly enough it was possible.

  “Look at that confidence.” Dalton grinned. “Glad it worked out for you.”

  “I’m happy.”

  “And happy is a good thing.”

  “Like making friends is?” I arched an eyebrow.

  “Oh my god. On my god.” Laney looked like she was in a state of shock.

  “What?” Dalton asked with alarm.

  “I got in! I got into Harrison!”

  “What? Now?” I found myself getting as excited as she was. “That’s so awesome! Congratulations!”

  She held up her phone. “Just got the email!”

  “That’s amazing, Laney. Congrats!” Dalton beamed.

  “Ahh, I have to tell Mom!”

  “Hey, did I miss something?” Glen stripped down to just his swimsuit and got into the hot tub right next to me.

  “Laney got into Harrison!” I liked the idea of us going to the same school. She was fun to be around.

  “Congratulations!” Glen smiled. “That’s great news.”

  Laney hopped out and grabbed her towel. “I’m going to tell Mom.”

  “I’ll go with you.” Dalton got out. “Don’t stay out here too long.” He winked as he followed Laney back inside.

  “Looks like you’re going to have some company at school next year.” Glen put an arm around me.

  “Yeah, I’m excited about it.” If only Glen could move closer too. That would make things even better.

  “We’ll all have to celebrate later. I bet my Dad has some champagne he’d be more than happy to break out early.”

 
“Sounds great.” I snuggled into his side.

  “You look great. I may have seen you in even less last night and this morning, but that bikini is kind of killing me.”

  “Well, seeing you shirtless is hard on me too.”

  “Is it?” He brushed his lips against mine.

  “And that’s making it worse.” I glanced up as something cold fell on my face. “It’s snowing.”

  “Is it me, or do you actually sound excited about that?”

  “I am… it’s Christmas Eve tomorrow, snow is a good thing.”

  “I knew I’d get that Christmas spirit back.”

  “You know what would help even more?”

  “What?”

  “If you kissed me again.”

  “I think I can manage that.” He cupped my face with his hands. “I plan to do that any chance I get.”

  My planned reply of ‘me too’ was lost as his lips met mine.

  I got lost in the kiss, and I needed more. I wrapped my arms around his neck and crawled into his lap. I didn’t want any space between us.

  Throat clearing had me jumping to the other side of the hot tub. “Oh, it’s just you.” I let out a deep breath. “I thought you were my dad.”

  Dalton laughed. “It would have been, but I had a feeling I’d find you guys this way. Any chance you can uh, finish this up later? Laney is dying to go celebrate.”

  “Of course,” Glen answered for us. “I was just telling Savy I need to ask my dad for some champagne.”

  “You were just asking her that?” Dalton raised an eyebrow.

  “Maybe a few minutes ago.” Glen hopped out and got my towel ready for me.

  “Thank you.” I eagerly accepted the towel from him before running inside. Being wet outside in that weather was painful.

  Glen followed right behind with Dalton.

  “I think we should go out for ice cream.”

  “Ice cream?” Both guys looked at me.

  “Yeah. I think it’s just what Laney needs.” I hoped a certain boy was working the counter. The only thing that was going to make things even better for her was a phone number.

  ***

  Christmas Eve was so much better that year. I spent the morning snowboarding with my Dad, and that afternoon the whole family went over to listen to a choir sing in the center of Lionshead. It was beautiful and put me in such an amazing mood. The only thing that could have made it better would have been if Glen could have joined us, but he had to work. I tried not to dwell on it because I knew he’d be around that night.

  There was something magical about the mountains at Christmas time. The snow everywhere made everything that much more festive. After the concert we all went back to the condo to hang out before Glen, his parents, and his roommate joined us. My grandma and Gina were busy cooking in the kitchen, and the rest of us hung out around the fireplace drinking my seasonal favorite drink, egg nog made with Southern Comfort.

  A knock on the door had me jumping out of my seat. I really hoped it was Glen. I wrenched open the door, and when I saw him on the other side I practically jumped into his arms.

  “Miss me?”

  “Just a little.”

  He kissed me on the cheek. “I got here as soon as I could. My parents will probably be over in twenty minutes or so.”

  After he said hello to everyone we walked outside onto the balcony. I wrapped my coat around me.

  “I wanted to talk to you about something.” He walked around the corner to the one spot no one inside could see us.

  “About what?” Normally I would have been panicking, but he seemed happy. I refused to assume the worst.

  “Your present.”

  “What do you mean? You didn’t have to get me anything.” We had an unofficial rule never to buy each other gifts. We’d never done it in ten years.

  "Of course I did. You already got me the best gift ever."

  I stared at him. “What are you talking about?”

  “You. You gave me you.”

  “Well then you've already given me a gift too. That is if I get to keep you.”

  “Of course you get to keep me. You've had my heart for a while. Now you get the full package.”

  I pushed his arm. "The full package, huh? I'm guessing there's no returns.”

  “Nope. No returns.”

  “I wish you were the kind of package that could be shipped.”

  “Shipped, huh?”

  “Or packed in my luggage. That is if you wanted to be.”

  “Would I want to be in your suitcase? Not particularly because I don’t like small places, but would I want to go with you? Well, you know that answer.”

  “Good.”

  “Ready for your second gift?”

  “I'm ready for anything from you.” I meant it.

  “It’s not much yet, but it’s going to get even better.” He handed me a gift wrapped package.

  I carefully unwrapped it. “A journal. Cool.”

  “It’s not just any journal.”

  “It’s a really pretty one?” I ran my hand over the beautiful iridescent blue cover.

  “Look inside.”

  I opened the front cover. Inside were a few lines written in Glen’s handwriting. I can’t wait to continue this new adventure with you, but I’ll never forget how we got here. With Love, Glen.

  “Thank you.” My heart swelled. “Are we going to use this to record what we do together?”

  He nodded. “Yes, but first look at the back cover.”

  I turned it over and opened it up. Inside was a picture of us as kids. We were grinning as we sat snuggled up in the back of a sleigh. He’d written a few lines. Ten years later, and you make me feel just as complete. Can’t wait to see what happens after ten more.

  The tears started pouring down my face before I could close the book. Glen’s arms came around me. “I hope those are happy tears.”

  “Of course. The happiest of tears. But where did you find this picture?”

  “I got some help from your grandfather.”

  I smiled. “I’ll have to thank him.”

  “Are you ready for one last thing?”

  “There’s more?” I blinked a few times to clear my vision.

  “Just this.” He pulled out a small branch of mistletoe from his jacket pocket. “I figure it’s a new tradition.”

  “I’m only kissing you on one condition.”

  “Yes?” He held the mistletoe over our heads.

  “You promise we’ll be kissing under mistletoe tomorrow. I need to know mistletoe kisses aren’t bad luck.”

  He took my hand in his. “Savy, I plan on kissing you under mistletoe every Christmas for the rest of my life.”

  “Then what are you waiting for?” I smiled.

  “For that smile, and it looks like I got it.” He pressed his lips against mine, and once again, I lost myself in his kiss.

  After several more kisses I finally tore myself away from him, and we walked inside. Everyone was hanging out by the fire, and I headed into the kitchen to pour Glen and I some egg nog.

  Glen happily accepted his glass from me when I returned.

  “Could I have everyone’s attention for a minute?” My dad asked with a smile.

  No one said anything, but we all looked at him.

  “I have an important question to ask Gina, and I wanted to make sure I asked it when the entire family was here.”

  Glen reached for my hand and squeezed it.

  Dad smiled at me before he walked over to where Gina stood with a hand over her mouth. He fell down on one knee in front of her. “Gina, you already know how much you mean to me, but I think it’s about time we make it official. Will you do the honor of being my wife?”

  Gina’s ‘yes’ was drowned out by everyone’s cheering. We all knew what her answer would be.

  After I gave my congratulations Glen pulled me into his arms for another kiss. “Merry Christmas.”

  “Merry Christmas.” I returned my lips to their favorit
e spot, pressed against his.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Savannah

  Five Months Later

  I packed up the last of my bags. I still couldn’t believe that freshman year was over. I was filled with mixed feelings about finishing up school. On one hand I got a break from classes, but on the other hand I had more time to miss Glen. I’d really hoped we’d be able to find a way to spend the summer together, but it looked like I was going to be waiting until July to see him again. At least we had video chats and lots of texting to help pass the time. I just wished there was some end to all the waiting. If I had some date in the future when we’d at least live on the same coast it would have been so much easier to handle.

  “Are you excited about living in the house next year?” Jade sat on the edge of my bare mattress.

  “It will be better than the dorms.”

  “Yeah, I agree.”

  I picked up the last picture frame sitting on my desk. It was a picture of Glen and me from spring break. I’d used all of my extra spending money to fly out to Colorado to visit him. The trip had been worth every penny.

  “You’re missing him, huh?”

  “Don’t I always?”

  She shrugged. “At least you have someone to miss. I don’t even have that.”

  I sat down next to her. “You will.”

  “I hope so.”

  “I know so.” I smiled. I was so much more upbeat about relationships now.

  A knock on the door stopped Jade from replying.

  I wasn’t expecting anyone to stop by. Most of the dorm was empty already. “Who is it?” No one answered, so I slowly opened the door. “Glen!” I screamed his name and ran into his arms.

  He picked me up. “Hey, love.”

  “What are you doing here? I thought you said you couldn’t make it down until July.” My heart was racing a mile a minute. I couldn’t believe he was there.

  “There’s been a change in plans.” He set me down but didn’t let go of my hands.

  “Oh?”

  “I only need twelve more credits to get sophomore standing, so I’m taking them this summer.”

  “Taking them here?” My jaw dropped. Was he serious?

  “Yeah, it was part of the deal when they accepted my transfer application.”