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Chapter34
It was 3 pm and the carols started at 6 pm but that was ok because we brought some cards to keep us occupied and Harley and I had brought our swimmers too. I sat in between Harley's legs and Lucas didn't seem happy but not my problem. I was happy with Harley and that's all that mattered. Time passed quickly and just before the carols began, I pulled out the Christmas hats I brought. Harley and Bryson were not impressed I was making them wear them but Lucas looked sad. I got up and sat next to Lucas snapping a selfie of us in the hats. I made funny faces and whispered to him "For mum" he nodded and asked if he could post a few on social media. I didn't mind just as long as there was no location.
We took some of just us two and then some with Harley and Bryson. We were laughing so hard it was good. Within 5 minutes both his and my phone blew up. Ethan and Joshua were ringing Lucas giving us crap about the Christmas hat like they use to do, whereas my father was calling and texting me demanding I tell him where we were. Lucas helped me block my father's number from my phone so he couldn't call or text. Ethan and Joshua messaged me telling me they wished they were here but insisting I didn't tell Lucas and sent me a photo of the two of them in funny Christmas hats.
Of course, I had to show everyone the photo. I had a blast at the Christmas carols but at the end when they were singing mum's favourite song I broke down crying. Lucas pulled me into a hug and cried with me. We cried for our mum and I cried because I truly didn't feel like I would ever be free, but I realised I slowly was getting my freedom. I wanted to make Mum proud of the person I was becoming even after everything I had been through. Bryson had snapped a few photos of Lucas and me crying for some odd reason and then jumped on us screaming group hug. Harley joined in and it was soon apparent these dudes were huge because I was stuck on the bottom of the pile trying to breathe while laughing at them.
Everyone around us was laughing at us as well. We had a great night and ended up going for ice cream after the carols. Lucas and Bryson asked to meet up on Boxing Day so we could spend time together. I agreed as long as my father wasn't present. Lucas asked if he could invite Joshua and Ethan along too. I was ok with that as long as Harley and my mates could come too. I allowed Bryson and Lucas to drive us to the Addison after warning Lucas that if he told them where I was staying we would never have a relationship again. I was glad I asked Lucas to the carols with me, I think we both needed it. We both got how much it meant to mum and we wanted to do this for her and ourselves. I hadn't forgiven Lucas, but we both sort of accepted the new norm of the relationship. He respected my boundaries and for that I was grateful.
I'm currently unpacking in my dorm room while Harley is lying on the bed. Christmas came and went. Harley, Levi, Tommy, Brad and I spent the day together watching movies in silly Christmas hats. They were happy with the presents I bought them. Harley loved the jacket I got him along with the necklace he had wanted. Levi loved the hair products for their stash and Tommy and Brad seemed to like the shirts I got them. Harley brought me a gorgeous bracelet and also got me some perfume. Levi brought me some make-up and a few shirts. Tommy and Brad gave me a voucher.
We had Christmas dinner with everyone from the Addison and ended up crashing in Levi's room. Boxing Day I spent with Bryson, Joshua, Lucas, Harley, Levi and Jason. We went to lunch which Joshua paid for. I had brought a little gift for everyone, it was mainly photos of us although for Joshua we hadn't got any photos so I gave him an empty frame and a promise to capture a memory together, I did the same for Ethan even though he wasn't there.