Hey! Im back! Yay? I guess? Guess what.. I went back to school! Holidays are over, but my first week (which is usually the worst) was actually awesome! Third year of high school.. Time flies :p

And by third year, I mean I'm in year nine.. 'Murican school systems are different xP

It's a good thing, actually. Coz I was updating, WAY too often.. Anyhoo, nuff of me.. Enjoy! Review replies are at the bottom ;)

Mal Fallon

A Few Seconds Earlier..

You and Natara huddle close in front of the flickering orange fire, and you realise that now that you guys are huddling, you're suddenly warmer. It's such a comfortable moment that you wish would last forever. She leans her head against your shoulder, which makes you smile a little. You close your eyes and begin to relax. You wish this would never end, that you two could be close together for ever. Never leave each others side, laugh together, cry together.. Have moments like this together.. You open your eyes suddenly, and furrow your brows.

Do I like her?

And that's when the door opens..

Natara Williams

That Night..

Neha sits on your lap on the couch, fiddling with a doll in front of the fire. You sway her side to side slightly, as you start to feel the heaviness on your eyelids. In the kitchen, Anita prepares the food for tomorrow, as Mal sits in front of the fire, silent, like he has been all day.

"Are you going back?" Asks Neha, breaking the silence.

"Where? School, you mean?" You ask, forcing your eyes open to focus on her sad face. She nods, solemnly.

"I kinda have to, Neha. But I'll be back, I promise." You hesitate that promise. You think on whether Trisha ever said those words, and that promise.. Because she never did come back..

"But can't you stay here longer?" She asks.

"Neha.. Do you want to grow up, big, strong, smart, successful and happy, like Daddy?" You ask her seriously. She nods again, vigorously.

"Well then you have to go to school.. To be smart, and make friends, so then you can be what ever you want when you grow up.." You smile at her, as she does to you.

"You'll be back?"

"Promise." You cross your pinkie with hers, just as Anita steps into the living room.

"Bed time, missy.. Santa's coming tomorrow!" She picks Neha up from your lap as you yawn and stand. Neha yawns, all most in sync with you, then leans on Anita's shoulder, too tired to complain.

"G'night mum.." You call out, as you and Mal make your way down the hallway to your bedrooms.

"Night, you two.." She calls back.

You both stop in front of your doors, opposite each other.

"Good night, Mal." You say with a smile, turning the doorknob. He has no smile, he seems quite upset.

But after a second, he forces a smile onto his face.

"Good night, Nat.."

You don't bother questioning him on his uneasiness. You nod, and open your door into your amicable room.. Until you feel a warm grasp on your arm. It's Mal. He spins you around with just one hand, and faces you. Your lips meet suddenly. Within two seconds, so many questions run through your mind, and panic on what to do. He moves his hands onto your hips, and kisses you deeply, until you push him away gently. You stand there in silence, covering your mouth, as Mal gives you a confused, and deeply regrettable look.

"What?" You barely manage to squeak. It wasn't quiet the right word to say, but what other words were there? What just happened?

"Look, I'm.. I just, I like you, I didn't think about it.. I'm sorry." He responds nervously. You nod slightly, then compose yourself.

"Goodnight, Mal.." You step into your room, trembling slightly. As soon as you close the door, you lean back on it, and think: What just happened?

Mal Fallon

What did I just do? What did I just do?!

You storm angrily into your room and close the door gently, tempting not to slam it. You resist the urge to punch the wall nearby, and take a seat on the edge of your bed.

Why Mal? Why? Why? Why? You never think things through, never think of the consequences, you go with your gut! She obviously doesn't feel the same way.. What the hell do I do?!

Your frustration builds as a million thoughts enter your mind like a mob on Black Friday.

You stand and walk to your door, tempted to open it, as your hand hovers above the knob. You take a deep breath.. And relax your arm, and head straight to bed.

Natara Williams

It's about 9AM when you open your drowsy eyes to the blinding sunshine.

Why did I forget to close the drapes last night?.. Last night..

You shoot up right, suddenly awake as you remember the occurrence of last night.

Oh no..

You cover your mouth shocked.. Until Neha bursts into your room.

"SANTA CAME! COME QUICK!" She yells, struggling to climb onto your bed. Once on, she jumps up and down excitedly.

"Calm down, Neha.." You say.

"But he came! And he has presents for you!" You can't help but smile at her giddiness in her unicorn pyjamas. You pull the corner of your covers away, grab her playfully, and tickle her into the living room. You dread turning the corner, in case Mal might be there.. But relieved only to find Anita, sitting by the tree. You put a squirming Neha down, who runs straight to the tree.

"Morning, sweetie. Wanna get Mal?" Your gut twists at his name.

Today's going to be super awkward..

"Yeah.. Sure.. Be right back." You respond, slowly making your way back towards his room. You knock on his door three solid times. After a moment of scuffling, he opens to doors tiredly. His expression instantly changes, from tired to anxious.

"Merry Christmas, Mal.. Can I have a word?" You ask. He looks at you confused, but then steps aside to invite you in. You walk into his room, to see the covers and bed sheets strewn about.. He obviously didn't get much sleep.

Time to tell him, Nat.. Tell him how you feel..

"About las-"

"Yes! I know, okay? I'm sorry, I did something wrong! Don't think I know that?" He interrupts, suddenly.

"Can we get over it, please? It didn't mean anything.." You furrow your brows in shock and frustration.

"What? You said last night you liked me."

"Yeah, well.. Dumb people do dumb things.." Tears are close to filling your eyes with frustration.

"So, you just kissed me.. For no reason?" You ask. He shifts uncomfortably.

"Yeah, I guess. Pease.. Can today be normal? You know, in front of Neha, and stuff." He asks, rubbing the back of his neck. Without another word, you storm out, bumping into his shoulder violently, but stop in the doorway.

"Act like this.. None of this never happened.. Got it?" You ask angrily. There's nothing you want more than to punch his stupid face.

"Fine.." He says sadly.

"Join us once you get your act together.." And without another word, you march out, to celebrate what once used to be the best days of the year, turn into the worst..

I know that the first part with Mal was outrageously cheesy, but.. It's cute..

Oh no! What shall ever happen to Maltara?!

I think I'm turning into Kai -_-

Replies:

mozzi-girl: Thanks! ;D

HoplessRomantic1994: Yay! I'm so glad you're enjoying it! Hope you liked this chapter ;)

Aca-Awkward: Haha! Thank you! Is this another huge cliffhanger for you? Might have to wait a while as well for part two, because of school.. Mwahahaha :)

Amillie: Thank you!

hannalovescod: Thank you! And yeah, I heard their coach was a bit of a d!ck :/

SarahCat868: Thanks! I'll try ;)

AKgal2001: Thanks for the sweet review, as always! Yeah, I was so sure of the signs! But they lost :/ but I have never watched a US footy game.. Ever, so I don't really care xP

BreezyFan: Don't worry 'bout it! I can understand being busy ;) And thanks!

My Quiet Riot: Thanks a ton! ;)

Review please? :D