hey ¦ contest entries

c. get out. ⭐️

✨for my sun and ma'am and papaya and didi and all lgbtqia+ people out there✨

love is love.

• • •

I dumped the disposable plates into the trash bag in my hand, glad that the huge dinner was finally over.

Christmas Eve was always huge at my house. We'd invite everyone.

My aunts, uncles, neighbours, cousins, the freaks across the door. Anyone available on Christmas Eve.

I know, I know. Usually, most people would be busy on this festive day, preparing I have absolutely no idea what.

But, in my town, everyone was so used to my parents grand and huge annual parties, they'd clear their schedule up on Christmas Eve just for our party.

Talk about Christmas spirit.

I hated it. I hated these parties. Where thousands of bodies entered my house, getting drunk, eating whatever the hell they want, and well... partying.

God, I just wanted a peaceful Christmas Eve for once.

But, no.

These Eve parties had long since become a Christmas tradition.

At least, this time, I had something to look forward to. I glanced over at Valencia, a small smile on my lips.

Valencia didn't celebrate Christmas, so her parents had allowed her to spend the night at my house. It took a lot to convince my parents, but they soon allowed. Thank the heavens my parents aren't such traditional Christians.

Valencia walked over, grinning, "Done with the trash, Esme?"

I groaned, "Done? There is trash at every inch and corner of this house. I swear to Go-"

Val cupped my mouth, giggling, "Just calm down!"

I rolled my eyes, getting back to work after giving her a small smile. At least the guests knew not to litter too much. It'd be hell to have a trash-filled house on Christmas, of all days.

We finished up cleaning and got to bed, realising just how late it was.

"I can't sleep," Val muttered, staring up at the ceiling.

I mumbled back the same, pulling her into a hug. We'd been trying to fall asleep for the past hour or so but my weariness from the party had just disappeared.

I groaned, sitting up, "Let's get some hot chocolate, then."

Val grinned widely, her eyes sparkling. She loved hot chocolate. And, after all, it was over that small drink that we'd met.

We stumbled out of bed, and down the stairs, trying to keep as quiet as possible.

"Shhhh!"

"Well, tiptoeing just isn't easy for me, okay?"

"How in the world did you sneak out that time? You can't even tiptoe in your own house."

"Shut up."

Val laughed, walking to the kitchen, but her laugh soon died down as she stopped in her tracks, "Esme..."

Standing in my living room was a woman.

Oh God, what?

She was wearing a huge coat that was used and worn out. Her boots were caked with mud and her hair was stringy and didn't look brushed. Dang, what a mess.