Forever 16

White Christmas

Gene's POV

            When we were children, Noll was socially inept. More so than he is now. He ignored most people, had too much complaints but had very few wishes which included a book, silence and tea. One winter afternoon, I asked him to play with me and some children. One invitation that he obviously refused.

            "You sure, Noll" I started holding on to the study's door while wearing my winter coat and hat.

            Noll just sat in his chair and continued to read his book eve as he replied, "Yes, I'm sure."

            I went back to him and peered at the his face from behind him with a grin on my face. I was hoping to change his mind but Noll was one stubborn customer.

            "Are you really suuuuuuuuuure?"

            Noll gave me an exasperated sigh before looking at me—no—glaring at me.

            "Yes." He turned back to his book and waved at me to go to the door, "Now go outside and freeze. Leave me."

            I pouted and went for the door but not before I took another glance at him. Noll was still sitting in his chair reading his book like nothing matters around him. I sighed and went out as told, leaving him alone with his book.

            Noll didn't like going out. Back then, he would just sit by the window with his book and occasionally watch the snow fall onto the corners of said window. I used to look at that window every now and then as I ran and play with the other children. Noll was always the same. Not even glancing down to look at me, until that afternoon.

            I caught Noll looking at us while we play. He had this odd look on his face as his book lay forgotten on his lap. It was as if he wanted to join us but couldn't for some reason. I waved at him hoping he'll come down and play but Noll just stood up and walked away from the window.

            I guess, I really just wanted to have fun with him and so I did.

            I tip toed back to the study clutching my heavy hat behind me. The door creaked open as I pushed it and took a deep breath.

            "I'M BAAAAAACK! I yelled to catch Noll's attention form his book

            "So you screamed." He was glaring at his book

            I ran up to his side, hiding my hat and grinned. Noll looked up at me and raised an eyebrow as he realized I was grinning at him. He had this curious look on his face but tried to mask it with his stoic mask. It didn't work on me since I can see right through it.

            "Close your eyes and turn around!" I ordered him and I saw his eyebrow twitch. Noll doesn't like being ordered around.

            "Why pray tell would I do that?" he asked closing his book and maintaining eye contact

            "Just do it!" I told him and he just stared, "If you don't I'll bug you until you won't be able to read in peace for the next weeks."

            That certainly got his attention and he reluctantly stood up from his seat, closed his eyes and turned around.

            The moment after I checked that he wasn't trying to peek, I poured out the snow I collected with my hat onto his head. Noll flinched at the sudden cold contact with the snow and whirled around with a glare.

            "Gene!"

            He complained about his clothes, his hair and his book being drenched but I didn't care. His eyes told me that he was happy with what I did. I laughed and giggled as he tried to take the snow off of his being while a smile made its way on his lips.

            To me, this is the memory of my first White Christmas with Noll. The feeling of cold snow and Noll's book hitting my head is one of my warmest winter memories.

            I climbed down the stairs of the two floor apartment that Noll and I are living in now and saw Noll with a book and a cup of tea sitting on the sofa. He had his glasses on and was intently reading his 'black book of mysteries'.

            I went up to him and dove onto the other sofa across the one Noll was occupying. He glanced at me from his book and raised an eyebrow. I took one of the pillows on the sofa, hugged it before smiling at my twin.

            "Noll," I started, "I want snow for Christmas."

            Noll stared at me with a bored look, sighed then went back to his book. My request somehow forgotten.

            "It's 7 degrees outside, Gene." Noll replied, "Go get it yourself."

            I sat upright, still holding the pillow and smiled at my twin sitting across me.

            "So if it gets warmer then you'll get me some snow?"

            Noll sighed and looked at me.

            "Get. It. Yourself." he said pointedly and returned to his book.

            Yup. That one winter afternoon is still my warmest memory.