Chapter 162

• The conversation moves on after that, I lose complete interest however as Amelia places her hand on my knee and gives it a soft squeeze. I turn my head to the side and see her eyes light up as a soft smile spreads across her cheeks. She has the faintest traces of dimples at the corner of her mouth. I presume it's a 'well done for being polite' knee squeeze, like I'm a child being told I'm a good boy for eating all my broccoli. I return the smile, I refuse to ruin this weekend for her. She feels so alive to me right now; chatting animatedly with my family, humming quietly to the Christmas music. She can say it doesn't matter all she likes, but I know that this is the sort of family relationships she wished she had all her life. So I'll be good, I'll keep it together, so she can have this. And I truly believe that I can do that until my mum speaks up to everyone.
• "Okay everyone, lets get our deserts and go to the living room for family charades!" Everyone excitedly gets up after hearing the family announcement. My mum catches my eye and must see the absolute horror in my face as she walks over and kisses my cheek.
• "It's just a silly game. You'll be okay darling" With a pat on the back, she walks to the kitchen with everyone else and begins to load several small deserts onto plates for everyone. Amelia squeezes my hand as she and I remain standing at the table.