Some Christmas Tales. Warning: Do Not Open 'till X-mas! Vol. 1

Nora's Surprising Christmas - Chapter 3

The setting: My house

The scene: My parents wearing the wackiest sweaters that even my grandparents would refuse to wear, decorating the house.  My little brother poking at the presents and pulling at the ribbons while my mom keeps telling him to "Leave it alone Daniel!"  And me, sitting on our couch, flipping through a Christmas magazine featuring the 'Lowest prices on bestselling items of the year.  Guaranteed!'

The occasion: Why, it's Christmas!

The only time of the year - aside from me and my brother's birthday and Thanksgiving - where our parents don't fight, my brother doesn't hate me, and everything is fine and dandy.  But this Christmas was different.  Just a week ago, I casually suggested spending Christmas at Sam's house.  Not that I didn't want to spend it with my family...okay, that was the only reason.  Actually, I wanted to hurry to open presents at my house (clothes, a subscription to Teen Vogue that I never really bothered to read, school supplies, need I go on?) so I could go to Sam's house and play whatever cool new videogame his mother got him. 

Unfortunately, my parents thought that I wanted Sam and his family to come to our house and spend Christmas.  At that, my parents called Sam's mom and she agreed.  My parents have this crazy notion that we like each other.  Despite my denial, I couldn't help but feel just a tiny bit attracted to him.  But I'm telling you, it's really really small!  I'd rather we stay friends.

But here I am, sitting on the couch, my heart beating quicker with each passing minute that will soon bring Sam's arrival.  I'm trying to read the special deal on snow gear, but the words blur.  Did it suddenly get hot in here?

Ding dong!

I jump.  Sam's here!  Oh no!  What do I do what do I do?!  I take a deep breath. 

"I'll get it mom!" I said to her.  She was busy trying to get the star on top of the Christmas tree to light up, while my dad hung the stockings over the fireplace.

I rush to the door, take another deep breath, and open it up. 

"Hey neighbor," said Sam, raising his hand.

"H-hi," I said inspecting his outfit.  A fitted red dress shirt over dark jeans and sneakers. 

"Hello Nora," said his mom, her hands full of gifts.

"Hi, come on in," I said opening the door wider and stepping back to let them through.

The warmth of the house contrasted to the bitter cold outside.  I was already starting to shiver from the drastic difference in temperature. 

Once they got through the door, I quickly shut it and ran to the kitchen while the parents exchanged hello's and how do you do's.  I sat on the stool at the kitchen's island, took a piece of strawberry off the fruit platter my parent's set out, and chewed on it slowly. 

Needs whipped cream, I thought.  I opened the fridge and brought out a bottle.  I shook it, then spread as much as I could on my strawberry, then sprayed some in my mouth.

"How ladylike."

I froze.  There stOod Sam, his dirty blonde hair hanging over his bright green eyes, hands in his pockets, a smirk on his face.

I blushed, then quickly closed my mouth and put the can back.

"W-when did you get here?"

"I need permission to have some egg nog?"

"What?"

He just smiled.  Then he crossed the kitchen, grabbed a cup, and poured some egg nog.  Not knowing why, I watched as he drank it.