The Magic of Christmas

Chapter Eighteen - Gabe

I regret asking Averi to this Christmas dance not because I don't want to go with her, but because I don't want to go at all. 

I hate school dances. 

What was I thinking? 

Despite my apprehension, I drag myself out of bed around three o'clock to start getting ready. 

Just yesterday, we'd finished our last week of school before Christmas break and I was so relieved to notice Averi and I slowly returning to our old friendship, our old feelings. 

I'm still not entirely sure what happened on the back porch that day, but I'm glad we've moved past it. 

Even Averi, whose face turned red every time she looked at me up until about two days ago, seemed to be laughing and goofing off like normal at our tutoring session yesterday. 

I hope she acts the same at the dance because I absolutely hate awkward silence. 

An hour later, I'm showered, dressed, and ready. 

It takes me nearly half an hour to find Averi's house; I'd forgotten how to get there, so I had to call and ask her, but eventually, I'd succeeded and coasted my car to a stop in her driveway. 

Pausing in the car, gathering my courage for some unknown reason, I only give myself five minutes before taking a deep breath, steeling my nerves, and walking up the sidewalk. 

I'd ordered her corsage a few days ago, so it's gripped in tight, sweaty fingers, as well as the boutonnière I'd ordered for myself. 

They're gripped so tightly, in fact, that when I put both plastic containers in one hand to knock on the door, I nearly squeeze them both out of my hand without the balance to even them out. 

I manage to gather my composure just before the door is flung open, revealing Averi's father standing on the other side. 

I try to say hello, but my voice gets caught in my throat, so I have to clear it before choking out, "Hi." 

He raises an eyebrow, "Are you here for Averi?" 

"Yes," I say, quickly, and then amend, "Yes, sir." 

"Come on in, then," he swings the door open further and Theo, who had been sitting on the floor, trying in vain to see who was standing at the doorway, lights up when he notices that it's me. 

"Hey, buddy," I smile as he runs up to me, hugging tightly to my leg, "How've you been?" 

"Good," he replies, quickly, before taking me by the hand and carting me over to his toy. 

I consider telling him that I can't play for long because I have somewhere to be, but I don't. 

For one, I can't leave until Averi comes down the hall and for two, I'd rather play cars with Theo anyway. 

Setting the two, plastic containers on the floor, I stoop down, pick up a car, and send it sliding down the ramp. 

I look to Theo for him to take his turn, but he's looking at me, beaming and proudly holding up a car in chubby, toddler fingers. 

"Look," he says, moving it closer to my eyes, so I can see the tiny details, "I got a new one!" 

From the couch, Averi's dad chuckles, "Get it away from his face, bud. He can see it." 

"Sorry," Theo mumbles, pulling it back towards himself. 

"It's no problem," I say to both him and his father, "That's a really cool car."