Please don't ever become a stranger

 

Sunny wanted to be in an I Don't Care Mode, but it didn't last long with Hart around. It felt weird having him at their Christmas gathering. Yet she knew it would have been more weird to be the third wheel.

"Is that her twin?" Hart wanted to know first thing about Felicity and Liv. Naturally, that put Sunny off. He was supposed to ask about her and how was her Christmas. Still, he brought her a nice bouquet of flowers. Last minute, she guessed. She would take them. This was no time to complain. But still, was this all there would be?

Of course, there was a lot of laughter. She didn't want to join in, but Hart felt right at home. This was not what she expected. Couldn't he be a little nervous around her brother?

After all, he got on at the English school. He was teaching French and helping with understanding English to those who knew French before English. 

She had a little of Liv's fudge to give him and of course, socks. She'd found them at the convenience store on her way home from the coffee shop. Yes, it was all so last minute. She had time for nothing.

Still, he sat with her and it was pleasant. Much more so than she ever imagined. Yes, she could see herself with Hart. It was such a romantic name. But she tensed. She didn't know anything about romance and she felt so small to be in the company of those who seemed older. 

Finally, she felt that perhaps she and Liv were at the same level. She was the only one to confide in.

"Do you think he likes me?" She put Liv on the spot while she was putting the leftovers away after everyone left.

"Possibly," Liv nodded.

"Possibly?" It felt horrifying.

"Well, did he say anything about anyone back home?" Liv shut the fridge as if she only had questions.

"No." Still, it was all so puzzling. "He likes me, right?"

"He brought you flowers."

Sunny nodded. She winced then. It might be the start of something. 

"Maybe you should text him," Liv shrugged.

"What will I say?" Sunny felt herself panic.

"Oh, I dunno, something nice I suppose." Liv smiled and walked away.

That was the start of it all. She texted him that she was happy he was here for Christmas. Maybe 2024 wasn't going to be so bad after all.