Magnetism

26 - families

Christmas Day was a blur. Both of my parents were home for the morning, a day filled with shrieking and laughter.

I woke up to the distinct pull on my left arm

"Mmmm" I grunted

"Christmas morning" Seb stated plainly

I opened my eyes a creak and looked at him. My ever serious brother dressed in checkered red pyjama bottoms and a Christmas jumper only had a the ghost of a smile on his face

"Already?"

But had left the room, walking briskly out of the door.

I couldn't help but laugh when Ella came bounding in a moment later, giggling about Santa. A grin was plastered on her face ear to ear.

"Get upppp"

"Okay okay" I responded "I'll be down in 5 minutes"

Groggily, I did in fact get out of bed. I headed for the bathroom then went rummaging around for a jumper. It was cold, I mean it was always cold in that house but it was even more cold and my room was always in some sort of a mess. My eyes finally rested on a hoodie, Ivy's hoodie.

As I pulled the warm material over my head I couldn't help but smile, it still smelt like her annex - a distinct clean linen scent.

But quickly I headed down the stairs and submerged myself in Christmas. Our Christmas tree was small but substantial and underneath it were plenty of presents. In front of the tree was a very jolly looking Jack, his face beaming. It was nice seeing how happy everyone was, the joy just radiated out of the room.

Still, I walked past the sight and headed into the kitchen. My parents, both slightly sleep deprived were standing sipping coffee attempting to wake up

"Oh good morning darling" my dad said as I came through the door

"Morning" I replied

"Coffee" my mum asked

I just nodded. Soon enough a steaming cup of milky coffee was placed in my hands and I was staring at it puzzled. The thought of milk mixed in with my coffee was enough to make me shudder.

My parents looked at me for a moment before finally realising the issue

"Shit. No milk" my dad laughed

"It's alright I'll make another why don't you both go and join the chaos"

A pair of eyes glared into my playfully, nevertheless I was left alone.

"Food" I called from the kitchen.

Looking down at the table I was impressed at my presentation skills, I might not have cooked the food but I took pride in the fact I was the one to make it look so pretty. I had set out a plate stacked of pancakes, pigs in blankets on the table, loaf of bread and a gravy jug of syrup. Before I led them all through, and my masterpiece would be ruined, I took a picture my amazing spread, then let the excitement enter the room
*
*
Soon enough the morning past and my mum left for her shift, my dad played games with the kids and I was allowed to head upstairs on my own. I laid on my bed letting the Christmas excitement leave me. Childhood memories of Christmas's past me the other difference being it wasn't like this one at all for me.

It was only me for 6 years before Seb came along and I didn't remember very much. Except from the last Christmas when my mum was pregnant. We were living in a flat, with very few Christmas decorations. My grandma gave me a stocking - and took the liberty of filling it - while my parents found a Christmas tree in sale from the year before. Back then only my mum worked, my dad was much more prone to drinking and it was hectic. Very hectic. I remembered my present that year, a DVD player.