Fast

She didn't have many happy memories on Christmas Eve at home with her parents. They always fought over the lack of presents or some family drama.

Something always made them unhappy. Usually, it was her. She was glad to be with someone who didn't place all the blame on her.

"Me too. And it's not just because of the sex," Elias added as he rubbed her arm. "It's just you. You've made it so much better than usual."

Alyssa agreed with him, but it was because of him. He brought her so much joy and spirit that she would've never gotten from anywhere else.

She was grateful to have met someone with such a glow to them. Most people didn't have that. They let negativity rule them, and she was guilty of that.

Before him, she had a lot of negativity in her heart and mind. She always felt alone and scared.