Stubborn Love

It Was All A Dream

~ALLIE POV~

"Allie, wake up!"

Charlie was jumping on me as I rolled over. I rubbed my eyes, blearily opening them, glaring at my brother. "Charlie, go away, I'm sleeping."

"Come on, Allie! It's Christmas!"

"Who cares?" I groaned, throwing Charlie off me.

Charlie was relentless, and jumped back on me. I groaned again, sitting up so he would leave me alone. Rubbing my eyes, I looked around the room, and realized I was back in my room and not that room at the North Pole.

Thank goodness, I thought. It was just a dream.

I sighed, and slipped out of bed. I looked down, realizing I was still in the nightgown Bernard had given me. I quickly ran down the stairs and into the living room and saw Charlie opening presents. "You're supposed to wait for everyone, Charlie."

"Dad said I could open them," Charlie shrugged, pulling a ribbon off of one.

I rolled my eyes, sitting on the couch. Dad ran in, and threw himself on the couch, and let out a loud sigh. Charlie stood up and walked over to him. "Are you okay, dad?"

"Yeah, just fine, just fine."

"Are you having a heart attack?" Charlie questioned. "I know CPR."

Dad chuckled a little as he looked at Charlie. Dad looked at the pocket on his pajamas and said, "S.C.?"

"Yeah," Charlie shrugged. "Santa Clause."

I rolled my eyes. "Or Scott Calvin."

"Hey, same initials as your name dad." Charlie said with wide happy eyes.

"What?"

The doorbell rang and Charlie ran over to answer it. I looked at all the unopened gifts under the tree and picked one up. To: Allie Calvin From: B & C. I unwrapped it, ignoring mom and dad's talking. Inside was a framed picture of Mom, Dad, Charlie and I on the last Christmas we spent together. We all looked happy. I studied everyone. Mom was wrapped up in dad's arm, and they both had love sick smiles on their faces. Charlie was probably only about 2 years old in the photo, which means I was 7 years old in the picture. My blonde hair was tied back with a gold ribbon, and I had on a cute Santa outfit and a few teeth were missing, and a few more were growing in. My smile was wide, and there was a sparkle in my eyes that was far gone now. I grabbed the frame in my hands tightly, and stormed up to my room.

"Allie–" Mom said.

I ignored her once again, and stomped up the stairs, clutching the picture tightly. I grabbed the photo and shoved it on my desk, shaking my head. Whoever gave me this picture was sick. I didn't want it. I didn't want a single reminder of how things used to be.