Bullied Holidays

Really sorry for the delay. God I hope I can get Chapter 3 out soon.

Emma watched the door close and sighed. Soon she would be home. Luckily for Christmas, her journey home was a lot easier. No emergency landings, no broken-down trains, and no fantasy hotels. And no Quinn.

Emma covered her face, hiding her blushing cheeks. She took a couple of deep breaths and leaned back. She pulled out her phone and checked Instagram again, quickly finding Quinn's account. Using a burner, she had been following Quinn for the last couple of weeks. She hadn't posted that much since Thanksgiving. There was something about Southern Christmas traditions, but that was it. Maybe Quinn was going to the South for the holidays?

Emma put away her phone and closed her eyes. How would she react if she ran into Quinn? Emma had been praying that Quinn would be staying in Chicago during Christmas. But at the night, her body betrayed her and Emma would think about Quinn tongue-fucking her or sucking her nipples or fingering her cunt.

And the kiss.

They stared at each other, naked and covered in sweat. Emma remembered that they were both smiling. Suddenly her phone began to buzz, it was Emma's mom. Checking her phone, there were several messages from her parents. Emma responded with a lie and looked back at Quinn.

Her chest tightened and she gasped for air, feeling incredibly hot. What was she going to do, tell her parents that she was with Quinn? That they had sex? She glanced at Quinn; a number of questions filled her mind. What happens next, should Emma stay, and are they in some kind of relationship?

"I guess..." Quinn said, giving her a lopsided grin.

"Yeah," Emma replied, slowly nodding her head.

Quinn got off the bed first, pulling out an oversized t-shirt from a drawer. Slipping it on, she turned to Emma, who was now standing, still naked. Quinn crooked her neck, like she was appreciating the redhead's naked body. She then scooped up Emma's panties and threw them at her.

"Typical, my first time with a woman and she treats me like a one-night stand. Such a guy move." Quinn said, grinning.

Emma nervously nodded, wondering if her whole body was going red or was it just her cheeks? She slowly got dressed, feeling Quinn's eyes on her. Pulling her sweater over her head, Emma then glanced at the blonde. Her understated coolness had returned, leaning against her dresser, smirking.

"I...uhm..."

"You forgot something," Quinn said, interrupting Emma. She then held up a bra that Emma knew belonged to her.

"Shit." She groaned.

Emma thought about telling Quinn to keep it. But that would have been weird. Instead, she stuffed it into her back pocket, hoping she would remember to take it out when she got home.

Quinn led her downstairs and into the kitchen so Emma could retrieve her coat. She then followed Emma to the door, watching her button up.

"You sure your mom doesn't want her Tupperware back? My mom holds grudges." Quinn said, smiling.

"Um...no it's fine," Emma replied, "Thank you... you know, for saying amends." Her face was now a full tomato color, and she had to look sorry to avoid Quinn's gaze.

"Anytime," Quinn said, giving her a wink, "Goodnight, Emma."

She then leaned forward and pressed her lips against Emma's. It was just a peck, but Emma could feel her knees buckling. She looked back at Quinn, there was no teasing look or aloofness on her face. She was blushing.

"Goodnight Quinn." Emma whispered.

She opened the door and stepped into the cold night air. As she walked down the quiet streets, Emma would absentmindedly touch her lips.

Scrunching her face, Emma opened her eyes again and pulled her phone back out, needing to distract herself. She checked her messages, Discord and Reddit. But nothing could keep her attention. Her breathing trembled and her heart thudded over and over in her chest. She did a few anxiety exercises, slowly calming down. Looking out of the window, there were only three more stops.

***

***

Emma smiled at the flashing Rudolph wreath; it was her father's doing. He loved decorating the outside of the house as tacky as possible. Thousands of lights. An eight-foot Santa on the lawn. The front door was flanked by a snowman and the Grinch, both inflatable. Stepping inside, the scent of cinnamon and pine immediately hit her. A warm, cozy hug. Emma dropped her bags and kicked off her boots, then darted for the living room.

While her father was responsible for the outside decorations, the inside of the house was her mom's domain, especially the tree. The tree stood tall in the corner, wrapped in red and gold ribbons, white lights twinkling through the branches, dotted with ornaments Emma remembered making. Garlands of holly and pinecones draped the mantel, white candles flickering softly. On the coffee table, her mom had sat a platter of cookies, wrapped neatly. Everything looked wholesome. Almost perfect.

"No gingerbread house?" Emma said, aloud.

"Emma, is that you?" Her mom's voice called out.

"Yeah, it's me." Emma said, walking towards the kitchen.

She caught her mom, wiping her hands on a dish towel. Her face lit up when she saw her daughter.

"Thank God, there were no problems this time. Your dad was about to run out to collect you. Anyway, I was about to make the gingerbread house."

Emma smiled. "Perfect timing. Let me drop my stuff and let's get started."

She gave her mom a quick hug, then ran upstairs. Changing into her sweats, Emma heard her phone buzz. She noticed that Quinn had posted an Instagram story. Sighing, she put away her phone. Emma knew she had to forget about her. Throw herself into Christmas, then maybe hook up with someone new next year.

Returning downstairs, Emma joined her mom in the kitchen. She took a sip of coffee, humming along to the faint Christmas music. As she started rolling out the dough, Emma would glance at her mom; something was up. She was uncharacteristically quiet.

As her mom finished with the icing, she finally opened her mouth. "Did you know that I saw Quinn the other day."

"W-w-what? Really? What did she say?" Emma said.

"She asked about you, seeing how you were doing. But first she apologized. A lot. To be fair to her, she didn't blame anyone but herself."

Emma looked down, hiding her reddening face. "Wow-- I didn't expect her to be in town."

Her mom turned to her and gave her a quick stare. "Look..." she carried on, "I know you want to forgive but it's hard. Every bit of suffering you went through... that she caused, we felt it as well."

"I know, Mom. It's just I want to...She is different. She's changed"

Her mom sighed, "Okay," she said.

She made that face again, Emma thought. They had known she had snuck out to speak to Quinn on Thanksgiving. Her mother and father caught Emma returning home. They were both stunned when Emma told them where she had been. She told them everything up to the point when they kissed. Instead, Emma said they went to a bar and had a few drinks. Repeatedly, her mom and dad asked why. Emma just told them that it was to get closure.

***

***

Taking another sip of her hot cocoa, Emma sat cross-legged on her old bed. She looked out of the window, seeing the snow falling. She had never felt so cozy. Emma checked the time; it had just gone past four. She logged into the portal and waited.

"Hello Emma," a woman in her forties greeted her, "How are you today?"

"Hi Dr. Stephanie," Emma replied, "I am well."

"So, what is on your mind today?"

Emma took a deep breath and recounted the last week. Telling her therapist all the bullshit she dealt with at work, things that had been bugging her, and her emotions during the holidays. Emma then went on about being home for Christmas, how it made her feel.

"So, what makes you so anxious coming home for Christmas?"

Emma sighed and then said, "It's Quinn."

Dr. Stephanie nodded. "Have you spoken to her since Thanksgiving?"

Emma shook her head.

"Do you want to?"

Emma's eyes widened and she clenched her fist. "I uh.. I don't know."

"You mentioned that Quinn apologized and you feel it was sincere. Then you had sex. And you haven't spoken since. Is that why you are anxious?"

Emma could feel her body tense up. "Yes. I just... I don't know... what do I say to her?"

"Okay. I want you to remember your last conversation with Quinn. How did you feel? Did you feel safe? Respected?"

Closing her eyes, Emma thought back to their last kiss. "I felt she was sincere... jokey but sincere."

Dr Stephanie then leaned forward and asked, "What is your biggest concern on seeing Quinn?"

Emma sighed. "I uh... I don't know."

"Maybe being rejected?" Dr. Stephanie replied.

***

***

Emma doublechecked the list her mom had given. Her mom literally pushed Emma out of the house and Emma wasn't sure she had written everything down. The last couple of days, she had been cooped up in the house, watching movies, cooking and playing on her Steam Deck.

After stopping off at the local market and going through the list, Emma headed into town. She rushed to the corner where they filmed Groundhog Day and took a selfie of herself and the plaque. She sent it to Ryan, hoping that was enough as proof. She thought about checking out the square, but decided to continue shopping.

But first, she needed coffee.

And she had to go to Café Valentina, the best coffee shop in the city. Walking in, Emma smiled, it wasn't too busy. She ordered the famous Christmas latte with oat milk. Taking a long sip, Emma sighed, smirking. She looked up, ready to leave, but stopped.

Shit.

Quinn was on the other side of the coffee shop. Taking the occasional sip of her latte and texting. Emma couldn't look away, captivated by what she was wearing. Tight black jeans, a cream-colored sweater with a winter pattern, a brown jacket, and she covered her blonde hair with a beanie. Though Quinn wasn't showing off any skin, Emma couldn't keep her eyes off her.

Emma groaned, clutching her coffee tightly. She could leave and Quinn wouldn't notice. Her knees were buckling, her hands trembling, and her stomach suddenly felt empty. But Emma watched her text someone, her lips curling into a smile. Again, Emma could run away, or she could say hi to her. Or kiss her.

Quinn then raised her head and they exchanged looks.

Fuck.

Taking a deep breath, Emma crossed the shop, shaking with every step. "Hi... Quinn," she said, doing her best to control her blushing cheeks.

Quinn tilted her head and grinned. "Hey Emma. Missing Valentina?

"Of course, best coffee in town," Emma replied, "Are... you... uh spending the holidays here?"

"Yeah... kinda," she replied, "Please, join me." Quinn then added, pointing to the seat.

Emma smiled and sat in the empty chair, taking a sip of coffee.

They awkwardly caught up. Quinn asked about her journey home after Thanksgiving. Emma smiled, remembering what she told Quinn last time they spoke. She said yes, her dad did drive her back to Chicago. Emma then asked how Quinn was doing. As Quinn told her that she got into town two days ago, Emma just stared at her.

They fucked. And it was only three weeks ago. And they were sitting just there, catching up like old friends. Should Emma speak about it? Or maybe just ignore it. Quinn was just saying sorry.

Quinn then crooked her neck and glanced at the grocery bag on the floor. "Been running errands?"

Emma nodded. "My mom said I shouldn't spend my time just watching Christmas movies. Since I got a lot of time to kill, she asked me to get some things for the party."

"Party?"

"My parents throw a Christmas Eve Eve party every year. We have family and really close friends come over. It makes Christmas Eve and Christmas less hectic." She then sighed.

Arching an eyebrow, Quinn asked, "What's wrong?"

"Oh, it's just remembered that I need to add wrapping paper to the list. Also, some presents. Stocking stuffers."

Quinn nodded. "Yeah, I need to do the same. There's also a new store I want to hit up. It looks like they have great holiday gifts. Actually, why don't you come with me?"

Emma stayed quiet, biting her lip. She could make up an excuse. Tell Quinn that she needed to get back home, help her parents, or she had to go to Walmart or somewhere. She glanced up at her coffee, seeing Quinn's blue eyes zeroing back at her. She was grinning.

Fuck, that smile.

Nodding her head. "Sure, okay." Emma said.

They walked a couple of blocks to a pop-up store. Luckily for them, it wasn't too busy with holiday shoppers. Emma followed Quinn, weaving through the aisles, stopping at the shelves that were filled with colorful rolls.

"Those this one works?" Quinn asked, holding two classic red and gold rolls of paper.

Emma nodded. "I also need one for the kids," she said, picking up a roll that was adorned with cartoon reindeer in Santa hats.

After getting the wrapping paper, they circled around the store, picking up the occasional Christmas decoration.

"You said you wanted some holiday mugs, right?" Emma stopped and pointed to a set of ceramic mugs.

Quinn stared at the collection of mugs shaped like various Christmas characters. She glanced back at Emma and beamed. "They're perfect for spiked hot cocoa."

Emma chuckled. Of course. "Yeah, we just have normal cocoas."

"You're missing out," she then filled her basket with the set. "So, how's Christmas like at your house?" Quinn asked.

Emma hesitated for a moment before replying. "We have a few traditions. We buy new pajamas every Christmas. And after dinner on Christmas Eve, we get to open one present."

"That's cute." Quinn smiled back.

"What about you?"

"We used to go to a lot of parties. It's different now since the divorce. But on Christmas Eve, we go to see my grandma. Her birthday is on 24th. Also, lots of food, lots of movies. Been getting into Christmas horror movies."

Emma turned to her and raised an eyebrow. "Christmas horror?"

"Yeah, like there's some holiday slashers. Also, Krampus or Rare Exports. Oh, and Gremlins, obviously. You've got to balance out all the Hallmark sweetness with some blood."

"Never expected you to be into horror."

Quinn tilted her head and smirked. "You should know by now that I'm a different person and like to try new things."

Emma softly moaned. She looked away so Quinn wouldn't see her blushing. Was she flirting? Sighing, Emma turned back to see Quinn staring at a gingerbread house.

"Oh yeah, my mom and I make gingerbread houses." Emma said.

Looking back at her, Quinn's eyes lit up. "Really?"

"Yeah. Every year."

"You got any pictures?" Quinn asked, leaning in.

Emma pulled out her phone, scrolling. "We did these a couple of days ago," she said, holding out her phone.

"Wow. I love the decorations." Quinn then turned and grabbed a readymade gingerbread kit. "Maybe I should try some this year. I promise that I will send you the results... and maybe the fails."

"Uhm... I don't have your number."

Quinn narrowed her eyes, staring at Emma. She then held out her hand. "Phone."

Emma bit her lip and eventually handed over her phone. This was getting weird. She saw Quinn add her details and hand it back.

"Call me. So, I have yours."

Emma replied by softly nodding her head.

After paying, Quinn turned to Emma, "The store that I was telling you about, it's a block away. It's a beauty and healthcare store. Perfect for finding stocking stuffers."

"Yeah, let's go." Emma replied.

They trampled the falling snow and walked into the tiny store. The shelves were lined with glass jars, fragrant soaps, elegant bottles of ointments and lotions. In the store there was a hint of pine, cinnamon, and vanilla. Emma scanned the shelves, losing count of the mentions of herbal, organic and natural.

"It kinda reminds me of Merz back in Chicago. You ever shopped there?"

Emma shook her head. "I've heard about it, though."

"We should go there sometime," Quinn said, casually, while picking up a bottle of skin ointment. "You will love it."

Emma felt a sudden warmth in her chest, her heart racing at the casual way Quinn spoke. She barely suppressed a soft moan, quickly pretending to clear her throat. Were they becoming friends? Or something else? Shit.

She stayed frozen, occasionally nodding and giving Quinn a quick yeah as the blonde picked up some gifts. After exploring every inch of the store, they finished up and paid.

Stepping into the cold afternoon air, Quinn turned to Emma. "Hey, you wanna check out the square? They normally do something for Christmas."

Still quiet, Emma nodded back at her.

They walked the few blocks to the town square, the lights on the tree glowing as dusk fell. A massive Christmas tree dominated the center, with pop-up stands orbiting it. On the way to the gazebo, Quinn mentioned she took a photo of the Groundhog Day plaque for a friend. Emma couldn't help herself but smirk.

At the gazebo, Emma rubbed her hands as the band played soft, jazzy Christmas covers. Following Quinn's lead, she donated ten dollars. She glanced at Quinn, it was different this time. With no Thanksgiving travel hell, she could relax with her. They shared a look and a smile.

But then Emma's stomach rumbled, breaking the spell. "Hungry?" she asked.

Quinn nodded. "Starving. Let's check out the stalls."

They wandered through the rows of booths, the smell of roasted chestnuts, hot cocoa and fresh-baked pretzels flavored the air. They stopped off a stall that was selling hot dogs. Both Quinn and Emma ordered it Chicago-style and quickly demolished them.

"That was a good idea." Emma said, wiping a crumb from her lips.

"Yeah," Quinn replied, glancing at her watch. "If you still have some time to kill. You want to have a drink? Dorie's Tavern?"

Emma grinned. She had forgotten about Dorie's Tavern. "Yeah, let's do it." She looked down at her bags. "Can we stop by my house first to drop this off?"

"Yeah sure." Quinn replied.

They walked the few blocks to Emma's house, talking about past Christmases. As Emma opened the door, Quinn stayed back on the porch, telling her that she needed to quickly call her mother.

"Mom? I'm back." Emma called out as soon as she walked inside.

"Emma?" Her mom replied, appearing from the living room, holding a remote. "You took your time."

"Yeah sorry, but I got everything." Emma said, walking past her and into the kitchen. Dropping off the bags, she walked back to the front door. "Uh...this is just a stopover. I'm going to Dorie's Tavern."

"Really? With who?"

Emma opened the door and Quinn stood there leaning against a pillar. She quickly turned to face her. "Hi Mrs. McNeal. Twice in one week?" she said, there was a slight smile on her face.

Emma saw her mom's face tighten and her body tense up. "Quinn." She said, her tone brisk and measured.

Quinn didn't react, or if she did, she didn't show it. She turned back to Emma, "Ready to go?"

Emma nodded quickly, "Yeah, let's go." She said, her voice cracking.

She said her goodbyes to her silent mother and rushed out of the house.

***

***

Quinn opened the door for Emma and as she walked in, she got hit with an intense nostalgia. In the last ten years, nothing had changed. Same decorations, same ancient booths, and the same staff. Dorie's Tavern was well known to every kid growing up. They were lax with checking IDs as long as you stuck to beer and didn't cause a problem. Emma guessed that the last time she had been there was when she came back for the holidays during her freshman year.

After grabbing a booth, Emma quickly ordered two beers. When the waitress returned with their drinks, she took a long sip to steady herself before glancing at Quinn.

"Uh... I'm sorry about my mom."