#Aliver

Chapter 7:

Christmas is only a week away. I'm nervous.I'd thought about getting a present for Adam, but I don't know what to get him. I could get him a camera, but that would be too much. I could get him a card, but that's not enough. Why is it so hard to find the perfect present. I wish I knew exactly what he wanted, but that would mean asking and I don't want him getting suspicious. I really want to make a good impression. He's been so great lately . Ever since the trip we've been closer. We talk everyday and usually we have a movie day every Saturday. He's been extra sweet and I'm blushing more than usual. How can I make him see that he means the world to me.

I walked through the mall a fifth time. This is the longest I've spent at a mall. I'm really not into the whole mall scene ( meaning I hate places with people). I want to find something for Adam, but nothing sparks my interest. I'm walking around the corner when I spot a small booth. The both has a sign that reads 'amazing murals'. I make my way over. There are some beautiful murals of the beach or the park. There are also a few with cartoons and random doodles. The lady at the stand gestures to me.

" See any you like?" She inquires. I look around some until I see one and its perfect for Adam.

" How much for that one." I point to the mural on the right of her.

" $55 but since it's the holidays I'll give it to you for $45.” I consider the offer.

“Deal.”  say and I hand her my money. She gives me my change and hands over the painting. “ Thanks, happy holidays.” She smiles and returns the kind words. Hopefully Adam likes it.

---

It’s Christmas eve. Today, I plan to really just spend the day with Alissa and Dylan. OH and Adam. Adam had originally said he would be visiting his family, but he cancelled the plans last minutes saying something about his parents wanting to rekindle their old flame ( that was everything I needed to hear to change the subject). I was happy that I would get to spend today with him. I mean I would be happy just to have a minute of his time. I just love being able to be near him, He makes me feel warm and nice and loved. I feel amazing anytime i with him. I just wished I knew how he felt about me. Sometimes, I wish I could crawl into his head and figure out his thoughts. It would make it easier.

I’m not really sure how to act around him lately. Like I said we have gotten closer, but I feel like somehow we’re bending the boundaries of a friendship. He likes to hug me more so than usual. We cuddle sometimes on the days we have movie marathons. He likes to compliment me everyday. I just feel like maybe we’re not just friends anymore, maybe we’re something more. But, those are just my thoughts. I don’t know if he thinks the same way. He could just be that comfortable with best friends. I haven't really had the chance to notice. He doesn’t seem as touchy feely with his other friends, but like I said I haven’t paid it much mind.

“ Olly!” Alissa shouts. She comes into the room wearing a red dress and high heeled boots. “ Oh my Olly you like nice.” She says referring to my button up shirt and slacks. We’re going out to eat and coming back to my dorm after to open presents at midnight.

“ Thanks you as well.”

“ So are you excited? You and Adam are spending your first holiday together.” I roll my eyes. SHe acts like we’re already dating ( which wouldn’t be a bad thing). I tell her that. “ Oh Olly don’t worry, I see it now you guys are totally gonna be a thing. PLus who knows, tonight can be your lucky night.” She winks and I slap her lightly on the arm.

“ Gross Alissa, this is not the time to go talking about my sex life. Plus, that’s not happening, like I said we’re not together.”

“ I wouldn’t be so sure bout that.” She mumbles. Before I can ask her what she meant, Dylan shows up saying he’ll be ready in twenty minutes.

---

About an hour later, we’re all ready. We pile into Adam’s car and head to the restaurant. You would think that they would be closed, but surprisingly it was just the opposite. They were actually very packed, good thing we got reservations. The waitress leads us to a table and we take a seat. I sit next to Adam, while Dylan and Alissa take the opposite side. We make small talk as we wait, and soon the waitress is asking for our order. Wel order then we eat as we continue making conversation.

“ So Adam I heard you were planning a very special party for New Year’s.” Dylan asked. I looked toward Adam as he nods his head. Hmm I didn’t know that.

“ Yea it’s gonna be real fun, but the special part is staying a surprise until the night of the party.” Dylan laughed and tried making Adam tell him. “ Aw man please, I wanna know. Just like tell us we promise we won’t tell anybody. I’ll do anything. I really just wanna know.” Adam considers it, but then shakes his head.

“ Nope sorry man. I really want to make this night memorable and if I tell you know it won’t be as fun.” Dylan finally stops asking, and I can’t help but wonder what the surprise is. maybe he was going to have a live band, no that’s not really that big. Maybe he’ll be having fireworks or something, although that doesn’t really sound like a good plan. We’d most likely get caught if we had fireworks on campus. The rest of the night, the question plagued my mind. I just couldn;t stop  thinking about it.

Finally, we made it back to the dorm. We still had an hour so we decided to put on a christmas movie. Alissa decided we should watch  Holiday in Handcuffs ( girls and their need for romance, ok maybe I wanted to watch it too). We settle on the beds and watch it on the tv Dylan brought with him for the year. Half way through I look over at Adam. He;s watching the screen, transfixed by something funny on the screen.. He was so gorgeous. I really wish I could lean over and kiss him. He suddenly looks over at me. I want to duck my head, but I can’t look away. He smiles and I smile back.

“ So how ‘bout those presents.” I laugh at him, but get up anyway to grab his present. I look onto the other bed to see Alissa and Dylan sound asleep. So much for staying up. When I return, I notice he’s holding a gift tp. Wonder when he got that? I sit back on the bed and hand him the wrapped gift. He hands me mine and I tell him to open his first. He slowly unwraps the gift, being careful of the wrapping paper. When he finally opens it, he gasps. The mural was of mindless doodles, with Youtube written in the middle. He traces his finger over a few of the designs. He looks up at me and smiles brightly.

“ This is amazing, you know how much I love Youtube.” I smile back at him.

“ Yea it just fit you know, I know you make great videos.” Oh wait. I slap a hand over my mouth. He still didn’t know I watched his videos. I think he might have not heard me, but then he studies my face intently.

“ You watch my videos? You knew I had a channel?” No point in lying now.

“ Yea, I kinda love your channel actually. I’m even a subscriber.” I say shyly.  He smile is still intact and he just chuckles.

“ Well I think that my number one fan should open his present.”Oh right I forgot about that. I look down at the small box that sits on my lap. I pull the little bow undone. Then I lift the box. I peer in and stare shocked at what’s inside. There’s a small necklace in it, with my birthstone.

“ Oh my God, Adam…” It’s so simple, but so precious. “ Thank you really its amazing.” He takes it out of my hands and places it around my neck. I turn to give him better access so he can close the clasp. When he’s done he places a small kiss to my shoulder, and I feel light headed. Tonight has just been incredible. I look up at him and he smiles down at me. FInally, he opens his arms in invitation and I settle into them. I fall asleep with Adam plastered to my back.