19

It is December the 22nd and we were currently on our way to San Francisco heading to Jay's parent's house. Since we're both Muslim and don't celebrate Christmas, we have had this tradition going on since he and I became friends. I go over to his parent's house and spend the Christmas holidays with them so I don't get lonely. It started off with him bringing me home once and now 6 years later it's a custom.

Jay's family is like family to me. His parents are the most marvelous people ever. I love them so much, they took me under their wing when I was 16 and treat me like their daughter. I often go to them when I need advice or guidance since my parents are just not people I fancy talking to.

So right now I was sitting in the back seat, Jay was in the passenger seat and Nayel was driving. We were in Jay's car but he got tired so Nayel took over. In situations like this, I always feel so guilty that I don't know how to drive and can't help out.

"Mom has been going on about these new neighbors who are apparently the worse," Jay says shaking his head.

"Yeah they're racist they keep harassing them, I'm going to have a word with those assholes" Nayel clenches his jaw angrily.

"I will never understand how some people can have such hatred for someone just based on their race or gender or sexual orientation. What is wrong with people" I huff in annoyance.

"Just ignorant pieces of shit who believe America is supposed to only consist of white folk" Nayel shakes his head disapprovingly.

Jay switches the topic, he and Nayel start talking about the game last night, I am not into sports at all I find them so boring so I don't know what game they are referring to. It could be baseball? Or maybe basketball? Rugby? Soccer? Football? Maybe cricket?

My phone started buzzing in my pocket, I was getting a call from Karter. I smile as I press answer, "Hi" I say softly.

"How is the most beautiful girl in the world doing today?" Karter's voice was cheery.

"I will ask her once I find her" I grin to myself.

"Always so humble" Karter jokes and I chuckle softly.

"Been feeling more lonely than usual this holiday season" Karter says.

I roll my eyes, my shoes were off so I sit cross-legged on the seat, "And why is that?"

"Because the hottest woman in the world who happens to be my girlfriend is millions of miles away from me." Karter whines.

"Uh-huh," I humor him.

"I miss you"

"As you should" I joke making Karter chuckle.

"I'm so fucking horny right now babe" Karter blurts out.

My eyes widen, immediately my cheeks start to heat up and in that very moment Nayel and I make eye contact through the review mirror and I press my lips together, "Let's facetime right now" Karter says, his voice hoarser than before I know exactly what he was doing.

"Actually I'm in a car with Jay and his brother, we're on our way to San Fran so I can't right now," I try to say it calmly but it comes out all flustered.

Automatically Jay turns around with the biggest smirk on his face as if he knew what Karter was saying to me on the other end, he makes a hole with one hand and slides his finger in. I mouth a shut up and he laughs.

"Fuck, can you guys stop somewhere?" Karter practically moans.

"No no, I can't no we don't" I mutter out.

"Just send him a tit picture you have saved, help the guy out Christmas is time for sharing our gifts with others" Jay grins and I see Nayel was also pretty amused by this conversation now.

"Shut up," I roll my eyes at Jay.

"What?" Karter asks, he was panting.

"No sorry, I was talking to Jay." I gulp.

"Karter, why don't you go and like solve your problem and I'll call you later tonight when we reach"

"Babe but I miss you and your-" I cut him off.

"Bye Karter" I hang up before he can say another word.

"I didn't know you and Karter sext? I mean long-distance relationships you have to right?" Jay's smirk was bigger.

"We don't that's not what that was shut up" I snap getting flustered as I put my phone down.

I look in the review mirror to see Nayel hiding away a grin. Why do I always end up embarrassing myself in front of him?

....

Beren aka Jay and Nayel's mom was showing the new interior they did in the living room, "I love these sofas, this color is so beautiful" I say running my hand on the couch.

"Right?" She nods at me happily.

"And these tables? I love oak wood furniture, it just brings such a chic vibe to the room. The room looks so put together if that makes any sense, I love it so much. I'm obsessed" I smile looking around.

Beren puts her hand on my lower back, "This is why I'm so grateful to have you in my life, my uncultured boys never appreciate what I do around here" She scowls at Jay and Nayel.

"Great couches mom, stunning" Nayel's tone laced with sarcasm.

"Are you teaching my mom slang?" Jay turns to grin at me, "uncultured where did you learn that?" Jay laughs.

"I know what uncultured means, I'm not uneducated, Maria just filled me in on the lingo" Beren smiles at me, "Not to mention she calls us more than either of you and look at how busy she is."

I stick my tongue out to the boys and they both roll their eyes in unison, "Everyone always says daughters are more caring than sons, I think they are right" Sameer aka Jay's dad says smiling at me.

"You guys should just adopt me at this point, your sons suck." I shrug, "No offense," I say looking at Nayel who shrugs beguile at me.

"You look so weak Maria," Beren says abruptly cupping my cheeks, "When was the last time you ate?" She scowls at me.

"Hmm.." I trail off, I haven't had solid food in 4 days.

"We had sandwiches this morning and donuts remember?" Jay covers up lying for me.

"yeah yeah, we did" I smile at Beren.

"Okay good. I'm making your favorite for dinner" She smiles.

"Biryani?" I ask getting excited.

"Yes!" She exclaims.

"Mom we exist too you know" Jay rolls his eyes.

"Tomorrow will be your day then the next will be Nayel's. I'm only going here based on age, Maria is the youngest so today is for her" Beren smiles.

"Sure" Jay huffs.

"Why don't you guys put your things in your rooms, go on then" Sameer shoos us off.

I had my own room at their house, which was technically a guest room but since I come and stay here so frequently there are several of my clothes and belongings in here and some pictures of me and the Jafari family.

"Hey, are you doing okay?" Jay grabs my arm before I enter the room.

"Yeah, why?" I furrow my eyebrows, confused.

"You sorta froze when mom asked you when you ate was? When was the last time you ate Maria, be honest please" his face filled with concern.

"Maybe 4 days ago?" I gulp nervously. Jay knows all about my ED and I don't like telling him when it gets worse because he worries.

"Maria are you relapsing?"

"I'm sorry, I just always put on weight in the winters and can't help myself so I was cutting off before Christmas cause I know I have to eat here with your family" From the corner of my eye I notice Nayel standing near the kitchen next to us, he was using his phone but I could tell he was listening in on us.

"I'm fine, really. I'll eat at dinner." I smile at Jay.

His face was still very down, "I'll eat 3 plates at dinner I promise. I'm fine. It was just a weak moment. I'm sorry, I'm fine" I semi lie.

"Okay, I'm always here for you" Jay pulls me into a hug.

"I know I know" I smile as he squeezes me in his embrace.