Sex Education

All I want for Christmas Is You

December 1994

"Ruby...don't you think you could at least try and get along with him? It's been ages. We all work together now...and I mean I'm still seeing Liam and I don't plan on stopping seeing him so...it's sort of problem. Noel apologised and he doesn't apologise to anyone."

Ruby glared at Mary from across her desk. They'd both eagerly jumped at the chance to leave their office in favour of working for Creation Records. It was better pay and a much better use of their skills. Sometimes in life it's not what you know but also who you know after all. Alan was delighted with them both. The numbers were looking good, Ruby handled the financial side. And Mary the creative side of the website and all of Creation's online presence representing their acts. The "dream team" he affectionately called them.

Mary and Liam had been together for 6 months. Things felt stable and settled but never boring. Sometimes Liam would be away on tour and that would be difficult but their relationship had been going from strength to strength. The same could not be said for Ruby and Noel. That disastrous first meeting had been an ominous tale of things to come.

Noel was stubborn and liked things his own way and so did Ruby. They'd often try and wind each other up or engage in a battle of wits that would last hours, days, weeks even. It did her and Liam's head in. And yet...it was obvious to everyone besides the two of them that they clearly were completely crazy about each other.

"And what I should be grateful like? He's a cunt and I hate him. And I'm sorry because you know I like Liam and I love you. I think you two are great together but come on to fuck even Liam doesn't like him and that's his own fucking brother!"

Mary laughed in complete despair at her impassioned response.

Mary shook her head.

"I don't know why you're still fighting against this so hard. You won't even admit to me you clearly fancy him."

Mary smiled coyly as Ruby got more enraged.

"This pen right here is going in your eye any more of your shite. He's vile. I'd never."

Mary shrugged.

"Suit yourself. But he's different with you. Softer. Deny it all you want. I know. He poured his heart out to you that night in Paris...and you never did tell me what yous spoke about. Or where yous went...or what yous...did..."

Ruby blushed and looked out of the window at the snow clouds starting to roll in.

"Well he'd had a lot to drink and he just wanted to talk that's all. And I just happened to be there. That's all. He's a cunt but even he doesn't deserve his secrets spilled."

Mary nodded with a wry smile.

"Alright. Well, I'm off. Liam gets home tonight. Not seen him in 2 weeks."

Ruby gagged.

"I'll make sure I don't come home tonight. I'll stay at Kim's."

Mary rolled her eyes and left the office.

She banged into Noel at the door on his way in.

"Hey, how was the gigs in Europe? You're back already! I was trying to leave early to get him at home."

Noel rolled his eyes and grimaced.

"Good, yeah. Ugh he's got you a present and everything like separate from Christmas stuff. Dead romantic. He's a fucking disgrace. Act surprised alright?"

Mary nodded and gave him a quick hug.

"I will. Welcome home. I wouldn't go up there if I were you. Only Ruby's in and well... I know how you two can get."