Cacophony

chapter five: pumpkin spice latte

Elisa spent Christmas eve in Jay's flat, watching him put up his Christmas tree with intent.

He doesn't own more than fifteen ornaments, so his tree is extremely sparse, in the corner of his living room. He bought it the night before, claiming he didn't want it to dry out before the 25th, but Elisa believes he just bought just to spite.

"Yo, Elle. Wanna help me put the star on top?"

"I'm atheist."

"You're being racist. Anyone can put the star on top."

"The tree is like, six foot."

Jay smirks before walking over to her and picking her up from the couch. He throws her up on his shoulder, and Elisa shrieks in surprise.

"No, no, no! Put me down!" Her giggles bubble, and she can feel Jay's shoulders shaking with laughter as he hands her the star.

"Not before you put it up."

"Jay, bad boy extraordinaire, putting up a Christmas tree? What world am I living in?" Elisa mocks Jay, as he hands her the star.

"Shut up." His eyes flit downward as Elisa reaches out to plop the star on. She leans back to take a look at her handiwork, and then leans in to kiss Jay's forehead.

"I think we're great Catholics."

"You know I'm like, a quarter Palestinian, right?"

"What?" Elisa looks down at him, studying his features again. His dark hair is a giveaway, and his skin is a complexion tanned enough to where she can see it now.

"Yeah." Jay reaches up to grab her waist and puts her down, hands lingering as she leans against his chest.

"That's crazy."

"I know." Jay toys with his knuckles a couple times before looking back up at Elisa. "You wanna do something fun?"

"What's more fun than this?"

Jay just smirks.

☽ ● ☾ ◯

"A carnival is your idea of fun?"

"Yeah."

They've been strolling for over ten minutes now, and Elisa has no idea what to do with Jay. She considered going on a roller coaster, but unfortunately, she knows Jay has motion sickness from that one time they decided to go on the roundabout at the playground. She also considers getting food, but everything is so oily here and she doesn't want to get gas. She settles for the Ferris wheel, which Jay is currently staring at with angst.

"Let's go." Jay tries to refuse, but Elisa pulls him into the line.

"Someone told me chicks like this shit."

"Well that explains it."

"What?" Jay looks at Elisa with wide eyes.

"There was no way you could've come up with this." Elisa pokes at his stomach, and he locks his arms around her waist and pulls her in closer.

"Are you doubting me abilities, Ellie?"

"No, just stating the truth."

"Sassy Elisa isn't a good Elisa."

"Says who?"

"Says Jay."

"Jay? I don't think I've heard of him."