Happiness [Book 2]

Chapter 43 - Christmas Eve

Today was the last day of the year before Christmas, and then we'd go back after the Winter holidays.

Last night, I dragged Mom to the mall to buy Christmas presents. I didn't normally buy people presents at Christmas, because of the low amount of money we had, but I really wanted to give Angie a present - just for this year.

She was my best friend, and I wanted to buy my best friend a present at Christmas - I did feel guilty not getting anyone else a present, but I could give it to Angie discreetly without anyone knowing, and that was my plan.

"Ange!" I shouted, running up to her in the hallway.

"Oh, hey, Marls," she smiled before looking back at her locker and organising her two books to make sure they couldn't fall.

"I got you a Christmas present," I smiled, fishing through my bag.

"Didn't you say you didn't have a lot of money?" Angie asked, closing her locker and leaning against it.

"One time thing," I laughed, pulling out the large box I'd wrapped in gold last night. I handed it to her and she flipped it in her hands for a little. "Just open it before I rip it open for you." I told her. She laughed and took off the gold paper carefully. "Look, it's not much at all, but... I hope you like it." I told her, shaking my head.

"Holy crap, Marley," she laughed, holding up the box. "Pink Star by Kylie? That is totally expensive." 

"It was on sale." I whispered.

"Still, even if it is on sale, it'd still be at least sixty dollars. Marley, you spent too much money." Angie said, shaking her head again and giving me a sad look.

"Take it and enjoy the God damn perfume." I smiled, pushing it towards her and walking away. 

"Wait!" Angie shouted, grabbing my wrist and turning me around. "I got you something, too, Mar." She began digging through her bag like me, and it took a while before Angie pulled her hand out of her bag, revealing a thick pile of money. 

She handed it to me, and I quickly counted the money with wide eyes. 20...40...60...80. "No," I laughed, pushing it to her.

"Why the hell not?" She shouted, cradling her perfume closely to her.

"I can't take eighty-freaking-dollars from you!" I shouted to her, people passing in the hallways giving us both strange looks like we were from another planet - I used to mind those looks, I didn't so much any more.

"It's my present to you." She grinned before turning on her heel and walking away from me. 

I sighed, pulling my bag off my back and stuffing the money in the secret compartment. I knew I'd never return the money to her now. She was far too stubborn.

***

When I walked into Glee club that afternoon, everyone seemed so pumped and happy. I guess everyone was excited for sleeping in for the entire holidays without interruption.

I sat down at the front next to Jake and Angie who were talking with their faces far too close - and it really made me think that they were dating secretly and I had no idea whatsoever.

But then it reminded me of how Ryder and I used to talk - our faces were always nearly touching, but now they were miles away, and I hated the distance.

"Guys," Mr. Schue smiled, walking into the room. "I'm not going to keep you long, because I know you're all dying to get home-"

"Oh, god, yes!" Kitty shouted, clapping her hands together.