The Christmas Conflict

Chapter 1: The Start of Christmas Break

"Big Red! Pay attention here!", Ricky says clapping his hands, "I need to get the perfect gift for Nini. You got any ideas?"

Big Red looks up from his laptop.

"Uh..maybe you could get her..." Big Red stutters. He slowly turns his head back down towards his screen.

Ricky is pacing back and forth in Big Red's room anxiously.

Big Red looks up quickly while grinning, "Oh I got it dude! You can get her a microphone!"

Ricky gives him a crazy look.

"Are you being serious? She's literally a drama student. Don't you think she has a million of those?"

"Hey hey...just trying to help. And dude, its only the beginning of break...you've got time. Christmas isn't for two more weeks. Take a break from this and maybe go spend some time with her. You know, see what she likes doing...it might give you an idea." Big Red suggests.

"That's it! Thanks man." Ricky exclaims.

He grabs his coat and quickly slips his shoes on. He darts out of Big Red's house, tripping on the way. When he gets outside, he calls Nini. A wave of nervousness hits Ricky while waiting for her to pick up since it just keeps ringing on.

"Heyy its Nini, talk to Mimi", her voicemail plays.

Ricky grunts as he hops into his car and drives off to her house. On the way to her house, she calls back.

Ricky excitedly says, "Hey! There you are! Are you busy? You didn't answer my call."

"Oh yeah, sorry about that. I turned my phone off. But uhm..nope I'm not doing anything, why?"

"Okay good. I was thinking we could go ice skating...and then go get some pizza and ice cream. How's that sound?"

"Oh, so like a date...hm?" Nini giggles.

"Why not make it one? I haven't treated you to a nice date in a while."

"Ricky...you took me on one last Sunday." Nini reminds him in an annoyed tone.

"And? You're a beautiful, sweet girl that deserves them. Alright, I'm almost to your house. I'll see you in a few minutes."

There's a beep, indicating the call has ended. Ricky continues his drive down the road and up onto the driveway. He stares into his car mirror, fixing his hair, making sure he looks presentable. He gets out of the car and walks up to her door. He rings the doorbell. The door opens and to Ricky's surprise it isn't Nini.

"Oh uh...h-hello Mrs. Roberts. I'm here to take Nini ice skating."

"Oh, how wonderful Ricky! Nini has seemed a little stressed the past few days about something. I'm not sure what but I think this will be good for her. Come on in, Ricky. You can go get her...she should be in her room."

Ricky walks into the house and up the stairs. He turns left, leading himself to her bedroom door. He knocks on the door and then Nini shouts "Come in". Ricky walks in to see Nini gathering her coat and shoes.

"Heyy there baby. Are you ready to go?" Ricky askes her.

Nini anxiously answers, "Oh yes. Sorry, one second." She rushes into her bathroom.

"Hey Nini...everything good?" Ricky asks worried.

"Yeah yeah...everything's great. Just a little stressed about school and exams."

"Well baby listen. We're on Christmas break...so you need to take a break from your school life. Let's go have some fun together! Plus, you are the smartest girl I know, you'll be perfectly fine!" He reassures her.

Ricky helps Nini carry her things downstairs. They meet Nini's moms at the door to say bye and then head out to the ice-skating rink. While in the car, Ricky tries to get some things out of Nini. Such as, what she might want for Christmas. They continue to have conversations in the car, laughing and giggling. Then, they arrive to the rink. Ricky gets out and walks to Nini's side, opening her door for her. They get checked in and grab their skates. Then, Ricky gets onto the ice...but Nini hesitates.

"Ricky...I-I'm scared. What if I fall?"

"Baby...Nini...I'm not going to let you fall, okay? I promise. Hold my hand." He reaches out his hands as she grabs them. They start slowly at first and then progressively get a little faster and travel more towards the middle of the rink. Ricky lets go of Nini's hands, but still holding around her waist to support her.

{1 ½ hours later}

The two finished skating and left to go get pizza at Salt Lake Slices. They've got new ice cream so Ricky and Nini shared a bowl of it.

"Mmhmmm...this ice cream is so good", Nini manages to spit out while shoveling ice cream in her mouth. Ricky stares at her while laughing, admiring how cute she is when she gets excited.

"There you go Neens, finish it off", Ricky says, pushing the ice cream bowl towards her. They finish eating and it's now dark out. They head back to Ricky's car so he can drop Nini back home. Ricky opens the door for her. Nini shivers out of coldness and Ricky happens to notice.

"Hey Nini, you want my hoodie? The temperatures dropping."

"Oh no no it's okay...I'm not cold at all." Nini lies and Ricky looks at her, rolling his eyes.

"Baby...you're shivering. You can't lie to me. Plus...we both know I'm wearing your favorite hoodie of mine." Ricky takes his hoodie off and gives it to Nini. She puts it on and is now comfortable. Ricky drives her home, his hand on her leg. Nini starts yawning and then slowly falls asleep in the car. Ricky smiles at her.

{Some time passes, and they arrive at Nini's house}

"Baby...we're here. It's late and you should get to bed." Ricky whispers while rubbing her leg, trying to wake her up.

Nini opens her eyes hesitantly and stretches. Ricky gets out and opens her door. He holds her hand and carries her belongings for her.

"Here come on...I'll bring you in, you can get in bed, and I'll say goodnight, okay?" Ricky asks. Nini nods at the statement.

He walks her in and up to her bedroom. Nini goes into her bathroom and takes her makeup off. She asks Ricky to grab one of her hoodies so he can have his back, but he tells her to just keep his on. Nini walks out and hops into her bed. Ricky pulls her blankets up over her. Kisses her forehead. Then, whispers "Goodnight baby...I love you" and quietly walks out.

He gets back into his car and just sits there thinking. He still hasn't figured out what to get her. He comes up with the solution of texting a group chat with only, EJ, Ashlyn, Big Red, Kourtney, Carlos, and Seb asking for advice on what to get her. He sends the text and then drives home. Now...he waits for responses, but time is slowly running out. Will he find something?