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chapter twelve. comparative religion.
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CHRISTMAS IS THE SEASON OF GIVING. There's also the whole son of God thing, too, and a manger in a barn. But most people use it to give unto others gifts (whether they be sentimental or a gag gift), and Elina is definitely one of those people. Which is how the group ended up in the cafeteria early that morning, a table decorated with pristinely wrapped gifts. She stood in front of said table with a beaming smile and the reddest top you'd ever seen in your life.
"Merry Christmas, guys!" she exclaimed, clasping her hands in front of her. She looked like a jolly elf, ready to knock the socks off of those she adored. "Before you guys say anything, I just wanted to let you all know that I really enjoy spending time with you guys. I feel super lucky to be your friend... and I love you." She paused, hands pressed to her chest. She noticed the way they all looked at her. She wasn't embarrassing them, nor was she being too much. "So! I got you all gifts."
Shirley was first. The box was a good size, wrapped in beautiful, silver paper. The rectangular gift was thrusted into the woman's hands by the giddy blonde. She bit down on her bottom lip, blue eyes shining with excitement and anticipation, and all around Christmas spirit. Everyone fell quiet as Shirley began unwrapping, carefully ripping the tape from each ends of the paper before unraveling it. Inside was a customized case for Shirley's Bible. Her name was stitched into the floral case. Shirley gasped at the present and held it close to her chest.
"A protector for my Bible," she stated tearfully, a smile growing across her face. She got up from her seat and grabbed Lina's hand, yanking the girl into her embrace. "Thank you," she exhaled. "It's beautiful." It was a deep shade of purple with white flowers decorated across it. Shirley's name was in cursive and sat on the bottom corner. Lina was buzzing now. "Okay, who wants to go next?" She figured they would go oldest to youngest, and yet Annie was quick to snatch the gift with her name tag on it.
