Page 31 of My December Darling

Look at what Luke bought!

She attaches a photo of an unopened Galactic Command Base LEGO set. To say I’m shocked he purchased it is an understatement, especially after the conversation we had while making the gingerbread houses.

I never told him this, but I’ve wanted to build that one ever since LEGO announced the addition to their collection. Whenever my sister mentioned wanting to buy it for me, I toldher that I wasn’t interested, which was partially true, but not the whole truth.

I wasn’t interested because I didn’t have anyone to build itwith.

Knowing Gabriela, she would say it didn’t matter. That I could build the set myself, but she is in a happy relationship and doesn’t understand my struggle. How a hobby I didn’t mind doing on my own became a reminder of not having anyone to enjoy it with, and I partially have social media to blame for ruining that activity for me.

I could only handle seeing so many videos of people building LEGOs with their significant others before I started associating my favorite hobby with crippling loneliness. Not to mention every time I visited the store, there was always one person in line buying a LEGO bouquet to build, which only made the feeling worse.

My phone buzzes in my hand.

Gabriela

What do you think?

A lot of things, none of which I plan on sharing with you, I tell myself before typing out a reply.

Me

I can’t believe he actually bought it.

Gabriela

Me neither! Luke is kind of cheap.

Me

He prefers the term “fiscally conservative.”

Gabriela

It’s cute that you come to his defense.

Cute? Consider me surprised by that comment after our last conversation.

I blow out a breath while writing out another message.

Me

What happened to waiting to buy it until Aiden moved out?

The dots appear and disappear twice before her next text pops up.

Gabriela

They compromised.

Me

On?

Gabriela

Aiden wants to help build it.

I frown as I read her message twice.

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