Soda Pop

Chapter 48- The Three Words

Ah, Christmas. The only time of year when it is acceptable to go broke buying your family gifts. But hey, at least you got them anything at all.

Christmas is usually the same every year. My mom and dad buy me something science related, hoping I will get back into it, and then I just end up hiding it in my closet for 3 months before stashing it in the basement. Where unwanted Christmas presents go to die. It's basically the Island of Misfit Unwanted Science Equipment.

This year it is a set of bejeweled beakers. Like that is even lab safe anyway. The glue would totally just erode, and the sparkles would fall off into whatever chemicals I would be mixing. It's insanity. I only know this because I may have looked through my parents credit card bill.

But, luckily for me, I use my parents credit card to buy gifts. My sister, Alicia is super easy. You buy her a shiny gift card to anywhere and she is happy. Even if it is to McDonalds. She just loves the shiny effect.

Jake will probably want something smart. Like a 'Complete Guide To the Periodic Table of Elements'. He is just like a mini me.

Mom will want anything couture. Handbags, jackets, anything. As long as it is authentic and costs twice the average persons bank account.

Every year I get dad a paperweight. The exact same one. I literally have a stash from when I accidentally ordered bulk on the Shanghai themed paperweight. But this year, I have an extra suprise. Included is a two ticket flight to Shanghai.

I hope and pray that he will take my mom with him. Mostly so I can have the house to myself for a weekend. And throw a party. More importantly, Brett's suprise birthday party. I booked the tickets for then on purpose. Then after everyone leaves, we can have a sleepover and watch the Starwars marathon that will be running, and maybe a little making out too.

Just wait until Brett sees what I got him.

On Christmas morning, I am awake early like a little kid. I run downstairs to our massive 15 foot golden tree, and squeal at the sight of the massive piles of gifts. I read each label, and count 23 for me, 22 for Alicia(who isn't even home, she spent the night at her boyfriend's apartment. We all know what that is code for.), and 27 for Jake.

That little turd got more than me!

Christmas mood= ruined.

Since no one is up yet, and my mood is basically destroyed, now would be the perfect time to deliver Della, Courtney and Brett's gifts.

I grab my keys, still in my fluffy pajamas, and walk out the door. I have a solid two hours before anyone is going to be up.

When I arrive at Della's fathers mansion, my Christmas spirit has returned. I carry her beautifully wrapped gift to the door and wait outside. When Alyssa answers, I am taken aback.

"Um, hi." I mumble.

"Can I help you?" She half smiles, pulling up the pants to her cheap penguin flannel pajamas. I can tell it's cheap because a designer wouldn't use cheap materials like flannel. They would use penguin feathers(or something less illegal).

Is she actually attempting to be nice for once?

I hold up the wrapped gift. "Uh, yeah, I just wanted to drop this off for Della."

"I can give it to her," She smiles, taking it from me.

"Thanks Alyssa. Merry Christmas!" I wave, wrapping my coat tighter around me.

"Merry Christmas!" She says, closing the door.

Next stop is Courtney's house. Or, Courtney's new boyfriends' house. Her father is on another business trip. Luckily Clayton's parents love Courtney and told her she could spend the holidays with them.