Fantasy - The Anthology

Santa's Naughty Elf

Holidays were always the worst time of year for me. Everything was expensive, especially when you had to buy gifts for the whole family, including your insufferable sister and her husband who insisted on hosting the annual Christmas party. Evvvvvery year!

I'd spend a fortune to travel back home and spend the whole week living with my sister. She'd make me go carolling and help decorate the tree and even made me watch the worst Christmas known the man. But none of that was anything compared to the snide remarks she'd make about my weight or my lack of a love life or even the way I looked. It was hell. But being the bigger person that I am I chose to ignore her. That is until this year when I went home...

'Hey Eve, long time no see.' My sister greeted me at the door, already digging home the point that I don't visit enough for her liking.

'Hey Christine.'

She came in for a hug, wrapping her arms about my waist.

'Ohh, someone feels a bit fluffy.' She commented before poking my in the side.

'It's the jumper.' I told her flatly

'Of course it is sweetie.'

'Mum here yet?'

'Oh no, did she not tell you?'

'What?'

'She fell in the shower and broke her leg, so can't make it.' She says, walking into the house.

'What? When did that happen?'

'Last week, I'm sure if you ever picked up the phone she would have told you herself.'

'I didn't have any miss calls?'

'Oh well, maybe she just assumed you'd be too busy with your super important job and didn't want to bother you.'

I really wished she had and then I would have gone to stay with her rather than my evil sister.

'Did you want to go and change into something nice for dinner?' She comments as soon as I take my coat off.

I look down at my outfit.

'What's wrong with this?'

'If that's what you want to wear... But we'll have other guests...'

I roll my eyes. I'd literally just walked through the door and everything she said to me so far was a dig one way or another. I don't know how she managed it honestly. Must be her super power or something.

'Fine, I'll go change.' I say, walking out the room.

'Do you remember where the spare room is? Since it's been a year since your last visit?' She shouts after me.

'You done any renovation since I was last here?'

'No...?'

'Then yes I do.' I call back to her, walking up the stairs and ignoring everything else she says.

I push open the door and walk in, dumping my bag on the bed before trying to dig out an outfit that Christine will approve of.

I shimmy out of my jeans and top, dumping them on the floor, only to annoy her when she sees it laying there.

'Knock, knock, knock.' Her husband says, just walking straight into my room without actually knocking.

What a douche bag.

'Nick, what are you doing? Get out!'

'Sorry, Eve. Didn't think you'd already have your kit off. Didn't you just get here?'