Page 59 of Unwrapping Ember

"Ember, wh-"

"I know that bitch is lying about what she said he did. I saw the proof Koda has."

"The proof? What are you talking about?"

"I'm talking about her admitting she lied about what she said."

"Ember, you don't understand."

"No, you don't understand, mom. I talked to her, and she admitted it! But you and his father have tunnel vision and can't see the truth. I don't know if I'll be there for the New Year. If Koda can't come, then I'm not coming." I toss my phone to the side and turn back to Koda, who is looking at me with concern.

"Everything okay?" He asks.

I nod, burying my face in his chest. "I just wish our parents weren't so fucking naive."

"Thanks for sticking up for me; that means a lot."

"Oh, you're welcome, but I feel like there's more I can do."

He pulls me closer and plants a kiss on my forehead. "You're doing great, you know that? I'm proud of you."

Hiswords make me feel a little better, and I smile up at him. "Thanks, Koda. I don't know what I'd do without you."

We lie there in each other's arms, the storm raging outside but a sense of calm wrapping us in its embrace. And as the wind howls and the snow falls, we hold onto each other, finding solace in the warmth of our love.

fifteen

Hot Cocoa and Head

Everest

After pouring a few shots, I cap the bottle of peppermint schnapps and nestle it into the soft pile of snow to chill. My gaze is drawn to the wild flames dancing before me, their glow brightening the sky and illuminating the heavy clouds, which are blanketing us in fresh snow.

As we gather around the bonfire, taking shot after shot while indulging in a playful game, smiles bloom on everyone's lips—a sight that warms the heart. With Ember's impending departure for college, we’re eager to make the most of our time together, even though it always seems too short.

“Have you heard anything from your mother about her party?” I ask Ember, hoping against hope that she has changed her mind about us attending.

“I have, actually.” Her smile widens as she takes a shot, the fiery mint liquid swirling in her cheeks. She nods, a flicker of hope brightening the three of us.

“And what did she say this time?” Baine inquires, his voice laced with a mix of curiosity and concern.

“She told me they don't mind if you guyscome.”

“Seriously?” Koda responds, bewilderment etched on his face.

“Yeah, your father too. They’re both okay with us being there now.”

A mischievous grin spreads across her red-painted lips, revealing that she has persuaded them in her own unique way—most likely through some clever blackmail or a veiled threat. I can’t help but feel a rush of pride for her courage. The tendrils of smoke spiral into the darkened sky as we share a quiet, collective laugh, picturing Ember standing up to her parents.

As the evening unfolds, the camaraderie and warmth of the fire wrap around us, soothing us against the biting cold. Eventually, someone retrieves the bottle of peppermint schnapps from the snow, and the shots keep flowing, the flames safeguarding our little sanctuary against the growing snowfall.

We linger a little longer, hesitant to break the silence as the reality of Ember’s departure looms close. I’m struck by how deeply I’ll miss these nights together.

As the fire crackles, Ember leans in closer, her voice becoming quieter, almost a whisper. “Promise me something?”

“Anything,” I respond, the sincerity in her eyes momentarily silencing the playful banter around us.

“Promise me we’ll keep doing this, no matter where we are. I don’t want distance to change us.”

---