Meet Me Where the Oak Tree Grows novel Chapter 36

By the time I fully came to, I was standing there with a glass of milk in one hand and a piece of toast halfway to my mouth. I blinked in confusion. Jonah pointed to the wall clock. "It's 7:15. You've got five minutes to get yourself together."

With the test starting at 7:30 and a ten-minute walk to school, panic set in. I shoved the rest of the toast into my mouth and bolted to my room. Aunt Marie had warned me it would get much colder today. The heating kept the chill at bay indoors, but I dreaded the freezing weather outside. In a whirlwind, I layered up with sweaters and thermals.

I dashed downstairs, glancing at the clock—7:20 sharp. Grabbing my backpack, I was all set to fly out the door.

"Bye, Jonah! I'm leaving!"

But before I could make a move, Jonah's hand gently stopped me. He had changed clothes and asked in his deep voice, "Why are you running? Isn't your stomach still hurting?"

Truth be told, it was still a bit sore. As if he knew, he crouched down, offering his back. "Hop on, I'll carry you."

The choice between walking and being carried was a no-brainer—I went for the piggyback ride. Once I stepped outside, I noticed the snow falling. The sky was a moody gray, with the cold wind swirling around us, carrying feather-light snowflakes.

Jonah moved briskly and surely, carrying me with ease. I held the umbrella, resting quietly against his back. Noticing his open collar, I wrapped my fluffy scarf around him too. He adjusted his grip under my knees, hoisting me up a bit.

It was my first holiday season with the Evans family, and theirs in Peace Alley, with plenty more to look forward to.

On Christmas Eve morning, I sat at the vanity, Aunt Marie behind me braiding my hair into neat little buns. She finished, then cupped my face, her eyes full of delight. "Oh my, our Lana looks so adorable!"

I looked in the mirror. The girl staring back had two cute buns perched on her head, a red velvet cape highlighting her skin, and big, bright eyes that shone with innocence. Her smile was a charming crescent, a far cry from the timid girl I once was.

No wonder everyone at school said I seemed like a completely different person. I turned and hugged Aunt Marie tightly, resting my head against her soft chest, just like those few cherished times I hugged my mom when I was little.