Page 96 of 12 Days

Chapter 39

Tristan

I stare with bitterness at the falling snow.

There's nothing merry about this Christmas.

It's Christmas Day and I feel awful about how we left things with Alyssa.

But she did the right thing by coming in here yesterday and admitting her untruth.

And showing her cards, her true colors, she fessed up about doing the right thing with the FDA and also quitting her position there. Personally, I couldn't admire her more. But to say the least, we are all pretty jaded about this whole event.

This is one of the bleakest Christmas days in my life. We're at the office working away and it's as if the holiday's not even happening around us. What's to celebrate without Alyssa?

We're back in the conference room as it's the biggest space to accommodate all of us and all the work we have to get done. We sent our assistants and the HR and PR people home. What good are they now?

This is a day that people should be home celebrating with their families. And I guess I'm with my family of sorts. But it's nothing without Alyssa. She really is the glue that holds this group together.

I know what's happened hangs heavy on everybody's hearts and minds. There's a quiet seriousness going on in the room as we work to repair our broken image.

Just when I least expect it, the person at the top of my mind shows up by the door.

It's Alyssa.

She knocks gently on the door and I go to open it.

"Hi baby," I say with a kiss on her cheek.

No matter what happens, no matter what she's done, no matter how far she's fallen, she'll always be my baby.

"Hi Tristan," she says with tears in her eyes.

Oh no, the tears are already forming. This poor girl has been through enough. I wonder what she came here to say?

She tentatively walks in and addresses the group.

"Hi guys, I understand if you don't want me here, but I just thought I’d come by and just say one more thing."

The room is silent, rapt with attention. Every one wants to know what's on her mind.

"I just want to apologize to all of you, I am so sorry for my actions. I know there's no excuse. I know that what I've done was a horrible thing and that I betrayed you all. But I just want you to know that it doesn't change the fact that I love each of you in 12 different ways. You have each won my heart and I can't imagine my life without you. I understand if I can't be forgiven for this, but I just had to come here and say my piece."

She looks beautiful and vulnerable standing up at the front of the room in front of all 12 of us hulking figures. It must be quite a sight. She has a lot of courage and bravery to come down here like this to make a final apology.

It's etched all over her face, the fact that she feels bad. To see this girl in pain, well it pulls at my heartstrings and I just want to embrace her.

"Oh baby," I say. "I forgive you. You could do no wrong in my eyes, don't you understand that by now?"

I fold her into a hug and she seem to melt within my arms. She needs our safety and security. She's too sad right now for a girl to be on Christmas day.

Owen comes next, walking to the front of the room. He pulls her to him.

"Alyssa you're the love of my life. You have to know that by now. I will forgive you for anything."

She looks up at him with wide eyes, and he plants a kiss right on her beautiful lips.

Tears are still streaming down her face as Ty approaches.

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