fading voices [ the SEQUEL to little talks ]

[ 25 ]

the two of us are almost warm.

abby: dude. it's christmas.

me: well, yeah. that's what the calender says. and why you're here, in my house.

abby: so what'd you get me?

me: i can go make you coffee. it's christmas eve. not present time.

abby: are you sure it's fine without your folks here?

me: yeah. we haven't spent christmas together since, well, you know...

abby: since that brother you only bring up when you're drunk kicked it?

me: that's the one.

abby: you're awfully open today.

me: it's christmas.

abby: you're an atheist.

me: secular holiday, bitch.

abby: touche.

me: it's christmas.

abby: maybe we should go to bed and wait for santa...?

me: it's 9:30 at night.

abby: there's a clock on the mantel. i have eyes. 

me: want to go... for a coffee run?

abby: be still, my beating heart! this boy, he - he knows me! 

me: don't cry on me now. it's christmas. 

abby: as you've stated, several times already. off we go!