Our Classic Christmas Story

Chapter 19: It's the most wonderful time of the year (Bennet)

"OOOHHH BENNET!" I hear from downstairs.

"WHAT?!" I yell back.

"It's Christmas eve! Have you gotten Aiko a present yet?!"

Oh shit. "I'm gonna find out today! Before the party!"

"Then you better get up now!"

I look at the time. Sure enough, it's eleven o'clock in the morning. T-minus four hours until I have to go to Aiko's house. I get dressed and run downstairs.

"Here, I already made breakfast," Dad says, handing me a plate of pancakes and bacon.

"Thanks," I reply, taking a bite of the bacon.

"Sooo? What you gonna get her for Christmas?" Cameron asks with a mouthful of pancake.

Dad points the spatula at Cameron. "Mouth closed please."

"Sorry."

"I have a few things in mind," I reply, walking away with my plate.

"I don't think so, young man," Father says to me, "You are going to sit with the rest of your family, whether you like it or not."

I sit back down at the table. A few minutes pass by with just the sounds of people eating, drinking coffee, and forks hitting the plates.

"What are the rest of you guys doing today while I'm shopping for a present?" I ask.

"Well, I was hoping I was coming with you," replies Cameron.

"Why?"

"I need a date for the Christmas party tomorrow," He says.

I laugh. "You're going to come to the mall with me to get a girl?"

"Yup."

My dads exchange looks.

"Okay, well have fun!" Dad exclaims.

-

We get to the mall, which is packed with last minute gift shoppers.

"What are you thinking about getting Aiko?" Cameron asks me, searching the mall like a mouse looks for cheese.

"Well, I know she wants a new iphone, to take better pictures."

"That's a good start. How much money do her parents have?"

"Why would you ask that?"

"Well, you don't want to get her something that her parents already got her. You want to get her something that she will want to keep forever, right?"

I blink back in surprise, "How much do you know about girls?"

"More than you think, Bennet," He winks.

"Do you think she'll like a necklace?"

"Depends on the necklace. Come on," He leads me to the most expensive jewellers store in the mall.

"Hello. How can I help you today?" A girl behind the counter says.

"We- well hi there," My brother, now red faced, starts to stammer.

I roll my eyes, "Hi, yes. Umm, I need help from a girl point of view."

She laughs. "What can I help you with?"

"Well, tomorrow is Christmas, and I need to get something for a girl." I reply.

"A girlfriend, or just a friend?"

"A soo-"

"You know, a thief should not be working in a jewellery store. How'd I find out, you ask? Good question. You stole my heart the second we walked in," Cameron, witty as always, says. She laughs.

"As I was sayinging," I give my brother a look. "I am going to ask her to be my girlfriend tomorrow on christmas. But I need another gift to give her.

"Well, I would suggest over here," She leads us to one section.

"Also, did you have an accomplice? Because they did you an amazing favour by putting the diamonds in your eyes," Cameron continued to talk.

"You are full of those pick up lines are you? What's your name?"

"Cameron. And you?"

"Amelia."

I ignore the rest of their conversation and look in the glass for something that Aiko might like. But then I see two matching gold chain necklaces with two rings on each of them.

"Hey. Is it possible to get necklaces customised?" I ask.

"Sure it is. It will cost a little more, but yeah, you can."

"Okay good. Can I have these two necklaces with my name and her name on both of them?"

"Sure! I'll get that to you in three hours."

"Thank you. Do I pay now or later?"

"You can pay... when you get back."

"Okay. We'll see you then!"

I lead Cameron out of there. "Three hours is cutting it close, but I'm sure we'll make it in time for the party."