1 day left before Christmas
As the car headed home, Raven and Mia sat in the backseat, feeling a bittersweet mix of excitement and nostalgia for the unforgettable week they had spent in Quebec.
The cars rushed by, creating a constant hum that surrounded them.
Leaning against Raven's shoulder, Mia felt a sense of peace and relaxation wash over her.
"I can't believe Christmas is almost here," she whispered, her voice filled with anticipation.
Raven's eyes were transfixed on the passing scenery outside the car window, and a smile spread across his face.
"Yeah, it feels like time flew by. But I'm glad we got to experience all of this together."
The car hummed as they made their way home, enjoying the comfortable silence between them.
They could already hear the faint sound of carollers singing in the distance, their thoughts consumed by the holiday season.
As they arrived back in their hometown, they could hear the faint sound of music and laughter in the air.
The shop windows were decorated with festive displays, and the streets were illuminated by twinkling lights.
In the background, cheerful holiday music could be heard.
Raven and Mia's faces both lit up with a smile at the sight.
"Want to visit one after we get home?" Raven whispered to Mia.
Mia nodded and continued to look at the window.
They made their way inside their house, the warmth and cosiness enveloping them as they stepped through the door.
They took a shower and then unpacked their bags of clothes and other items they had bought.
When Raven finished, he trudged downstairs and collapsed onto the couch.
Raven then turned his head to the TV, where he saw his father listening to it seriously.
"Eh? Dad, you're home?"
His dad shot him a disapproving glare before turning back to the TV.
Raven smiled warily, his eyes darting between his surroundings and his phone's screen.
He absentmindedly scrolled through his phone, finding nothing of interest before texting Mina.
Raven: Yo, you done?
Mia: Yes, what is it, love?
Raven: Bored, want to check out the shops we saw coming home?
Mia: Sure, give me a sec.
Raven: Ight, I'm downstairs waiting.
Raven then shut off his phone and slid it into his pocket.
He then got up and looked at his dad.
"I'm going out with Mia."
His dad looked at him with a furrowed brow, then turned his gaze to the clock.
"Be back by 1pm. We're going to spend the Christmas Eve dinner with your cousins."
Raven was surprised that his dad allowed him to go out with Mia since it's Christmas Eve, but he just nodded and walked out of the door.
Once Mia got dressed, she met Raven downstairs.
Raven then pulled her close to him and began walking.
"So, where to?"
Mia smiled as she felt him pull her in for a hug and looked around.
"The one we saw coming home." Raven grinned.
"The one with the fancy name?" Mia asked.
Raven nodded his head
He let go of Mia and followed her to the shop she had in mind.
Upon entering, they were struck by the contrast between the plain exterior and the ornate interior.
Soft lights glowed in the room, and there were various comfortable seats placed randomly.
Raven sank into a plush seat, letting out a contented sigh, while Mia's eyes darted around the room.
"Why is this shop so fancy? I mean, it's way better than the other shops we've seen."
She turned to look at Raven.
Raven shrugged.
"It's probably just to show off the products they have."
She pouted, not liking the explanation.
"That can't be it! The other shops were just as fancy. Why is this one so special?"
Raven opened his mouth, but a heavy sigh escaped his lips when he realised his words wouldn't make a difference.
Mia looked at him and sighed, figuring she wouldn't get any further information out of him.
She then walked to the counter, which had several items on display.
There was a range of desserts, from bite-sized cakes to towering confections.
She noticed a table with a few cake slices, free for taking.
Mia suddenly realised something and turned to Raven with a grin.
"Hey, Rae. There are free samples!"
Raven turned to look at her.
"Huh? Oh, yeah, I saw those too."
Mia walked over to the counter and grabbed the tiny slices of cake.
She then turned back to Raven and held out a small bite to him.
"Say ah, love!"
Raven blushed lightly and rolled his eyes as he felt the heat rise in his cheeks and opened his mouth to accept the cake Mia held out to him.
His eyes widened in surprise as he savoured the taste of the cake passing his lips.
He closed his eyes, relishing the sweet flavour before swallowing.
"Mmm, so sweet!"
He looked up at Mia, who smiled sweetly at him.
"I'm glad you like it."
He opened his mouth for another piece and bit into it.
"Ah, they're so good." Mia giggled.
"They're nice, aren't they?" He looked at her as he nodded in response.
She placed the remaining pieces of cake on the table, their sweet aroma filling the room.
She then sat down next to him, watching as he kept eating the samples.
With a gentle look in her eyes and a smile on her lips, she found joy in being next to him.
"Ah, these cakes are so good!"
Raven finished sampling everything and used a wet towel to clean his fingers.
He then gave the towel to Mia to whip her hands.
"Ah, I want to eat more." Mia pouted.
"No, we're going to our cousins for dinner today." Raven said.
"What! Why?" Mia shouted at Raven.
Raven shrugged his shoulders.
"What do I know? Just ignore them and hang out with each other."
"But wouldn't that make everyone angry?"
"Would you rather talk to them? They're a bunch of drug attics."
"Are they really?"
"Yeah, but Tory isn't. Well, I don't think so."
"Well, that's nice."
"Yeah, let's get going."