All About Us

Chapter 25: Christmas With You

          The ride to the mall was great, Jason and I sang to the Christmas songs that played on the radio. The parking lot at the mall was full thanks to the other shoppers who also decided to get last-minute Christmas supplies. Although we didn’t need any more Christmas supplies because we just stocked up a few days before, going to the mall to get gifts and more decorations were something Jason and I did every year except last year.

          Every year, the mall would be filled with Christmas songs and decorations. Those shops that sold chocolates would earn loads of money because chocolates were probably the easiest gift to find for a person. One store caught my attention though. I grabbed Jason’s hand and practically dragged him into the jewellery store. There were a pair of red and white candy cane earrings. Those were the same earrings that I had wanted every year since I was twelve.

          But sadly, I just didn’t have the money.

          Instead of continuing to stare at it, I did the hardest thing to do. I walked out of the store with Jason’s hand in tow. I was about to lose some happy points until something caught my eye. A photo-booth.

          Grinning, I pulled Jason’s hand as I ran to the machine. I basically pushed him into the photo-booth and went in after.

          “How do you work this thing?” the question slipped out of my mouth.

          “You just have to press that button, I guess.” Jason pointed at the ‘snap’ button. I slapped myself mentally for not checking before asking. I sat down beside Jason on the bench and asked another stupid question.

          “How are we going to pose?”

          Jason looked at the lens before a devilish smile crossed his lips. His hands immediately went to my side and tickled my like crazy. I was laughing so much I couldn’t get enough oxygen in my lungs. I was about to pass out of laughter just as a flash came from the lens. Jason smirked as he pulled his hands away from my waist.

          “Okay, two more to go.”

          “Let’s take a normal one.” Jason said and I just shrugged. I held his hand as we stared at the camera and smiled. A blinding flash occurred and I started brain-storming for another idea.

          “What else?” Jason asked.

          Instead of answering, I decided to show him. I wrapped my arms around his neck before pulling him close to my face. “Merry Christmas.” I whispered before planting my lips on his. I heard a ‘snap’ and instantly let go of him as I quickly got out of the booth and grabbed the photo strip. Three of our pictures were there and I smiled at the last one. Jason had a completely surprised look on his face, I bet he didn’t expect that I would have did that.

          After running around the mall for more decorations for the Christmas tree and getting some gifts for the others, we finally went to Jason’s car with three huge shopping bags. We bought Deanna a bag, Christmas socks for Jay, Neil and John, fuzzy pink earmuffs for Jamie and shirts for Matt and Keith.

          “Any presents for us?!” Jamie shouted just as Jason’s car pulled up at the driveway. All of them were already at the front porch, watching us get the bags out.

          “Presents will be distributed inside!” John announced, causing everyone to look at him with death glares. A chuckle left my lips when I saw their reactions. It was strange to celebrate Christmas with my friends who acted like they were part of my family. Like we had known each other for all our lives. Like we had been celebrating Christmas together for years.

          All of us crowded around the fireplace, as Jason and I slowly distributed gifts to them. Jamie and Deanna squealed when they received their gifts while the boys just mumbled their thanks. “I actually have a special gift for you.” I said, turning to face Jason. He raised both eyebrows. “Here.” I tossed him a box and watched him slowly opening it.

          His eyes widened as he stared at the camera in his hands. “Alison...” I smiled, knowing that he had wanted it. I’ve seen him stared at that camera every time we passed by the camera shop. “Thank you.” He pulled me into a hug and I felt myself glowing with happiness. “I actually have something for you too.” He said as he took out a small box from his pocket.

          Without hesitating, I opened the box and gasped when I found a silver bracelet with my name ‘Alison’ carved on it. “Jason...I love it!” I threw my arms around him and gave him the most rib-breaking hug I could manage.

          Just at that moment, dad decided to barge into the living room to announce, “Okay the bonfire is good to go! The wood was damp from the snow but it’s dry now!” Everyone turned their focus away from us and practically ran out of the room, shoving each other.

          ~~

          I watched them sang Christmas carols as they roasted marshmallows. Jamie and Matt were busy with grilling the chicken. Occasionally, Jay and Neil would throw snow balls at each other just to get on each other’s nerves.

          “Imagine every Christmas being like this. Won’t that be nice?” I asked, leaning against his shoulder. I watched my breathe visible as I talked.

          “Merry Christmas, Allie Cat.”

          “Merry Christmas, Jason Bear.”