WN one shot - Blue Christmas

POV Trish

"I'm dreaming of a whiiiiiite christmasssss"

"Just like ones I used to knowwwww!"

"Where the treetops glisten and children listen"

"To hear sleigh bells in the snow!"

My friend Alex nudges me. "C'mon Trish, sing!" All my friends look at me. Every year my friends and I have a Christmas party at my place. At first it was just Sophia and I, then Alex joined. Next came Dave, then Marvin, Blake, and our two latest additions, Aerin and Austin. It's Aerin and Austin's first Christmas with us, and I wanted everything to go as planned. But Dave is away at a business trip again, Blake and Alex are leaving early to hang out with Blake's parents, Aerin couldn't make it, and Sophia and Austin are on their honeymoon. Last year Sophia and Austin got engaged, and when they got married they announced they were having a super-long honeymoon. Without Sophia, I wasn't feeling up to Christmas, but I managed a smile because I knew Sophia was having fun wherever she was.

"Mommy?" Marvin's tiny voice slowly breaks the silence. "Why aren't you singing?"

"Why don't we give her some space, K buddy? I think Mommy's having a moment." Alex glances at me and gives me a look that I take to mean, your kid needs you. I slump on the couch and put my head in my hands. Soon Alex comes in.

"Trish, you need to get a grip. You're moping because Sophia is on her freaking honeymoon. You should be happy! Plus, aren't you like the biggest Auphia fan I know? Get yourself together." I half-heartedly grin at Alex.

"It's not just that. I'm gonna be alone on Christmas Eve. At least I have little old Marvin to keep me company." I smile. At least Marvin would never desert me. He had a party, but he said he would just stay home.

"About that... I think Marvin wants to go to the party. His friend Mia asked him if he's going to be there and Marvin suddenly changed his mind. It's your choice, but I would let him go." I cringe. My parenting side of me knows I should let him go. It will be good for him to be with his friends more and not always with Mommy. But the Trish side of me wants him to stay so I won't be lonely.

"Fine. He can go." I give in. He is 7 now after all. "I'll just have a quiet Christmas Eve! All by myself." Alex gives me a look. "And Tango." I add, grinning so Alex knows I'm alright. I don't want him worrying about me on Christmas Eve. It's a time for him and Blake to be together and having fun.

"Glad that's settled. Blake and I have to leave now, so we can drop off Marvin at his party if you'd like." I shrug. They all might as well leave together. It'll hurt less. I know I'm being a drama queen but I don't like being without people.

"Yeah, that's great. I'll see you guys later! And Marvin, when should I pick you up? You need to be home before midnight so Santa will leave you presents." I hope Marvin is home by 9 at least. He'll go right to bed, but at least the house won't feel as lonely.

"Mia said they can drop me off at 9:30. Is that Okay?" I sighed. 9:30 is late for a 7 year old boy, but it is Christmas.

"Yes. Sure. Bye baby! Have fun, okay? Blake, Alex, have fun too. Bye guys!" They leave the house and I watch from the doorway as Marvin hops onto Alex's back. As they enter the car, I can hear Blake's laugh getting more distant. I slowly close the door and lean against it. What should I even do? I still have four hours until Marvin gets back, and I have nothing to do. I already wrapped the presents and got everything prepared. I go on the clock app, and look at Sydney, Australia. It's 7:30 in the morning there. Sophia won't be up. I text Aerin.

T: Hey what u doin

A: Dying of boredom at a family reunion

T: Ft?

A: Can't. Can text tho!

T: ok

A: Have you heard from Soph lately?

T: Last I heard was last week when posted a picture of her in Australia with a gecko.

A: Ugh. Jealous

T: haha ikr? I wonder where they're headed next

A: Well they've already been to Europe and Australia so maybe South America?

T: UGH! I've always wanted to go to South America

A: I feel u.

T: :( I'm happy for her tho

A: Listen I gtg but I'll text u later?

T: totally

A: Bye!

I check out the clock again. 5:45. This is going to be a long night.

***

It's 6:30 and I've eaten all the ice cream already. What to do, what to do... I look around the room and realize I might die of boredom before 9:30. I seriously think I wouldn't have survived if it hadn't been for the sudden ring of the doorbell.

Thank goodness I think to myself. I open the door and see no one there. Stupid prank doorbell ringers. Just as I sit down, the doorbell rings again. I sigh. Might as well answer it! I open the door and flowers- well grass - is shoved in my face.

"Merry Christmas Trish!" I can't see, due to the fact that grass is in my eyes, but I immediately know who it is.

"Soph?" The "bouquet" is pulled down from my face and I pull the best person in the world in the doorway. "Sophia Martell, what in the world are you doing here?" Soph grins at me.

"I wouldn't miss Christmas with my favorite person! Austin is in Argentina right now. I flew up to see you!" I look at Sophia's face. She's smiling so wide I swear she looks like the Joker. As soon as Sophia jumps on my couch, a tiny tongue licks her face. "Hey little buddy!" Soph giggles. "Did Trish take care of you Tango? Did she?" I laugh and join Sophia on the couch. "So, where is everybody?"

"They couldn't make it," I explain. "That's okay though, it'll be just like old times. Just you and me." I snuggle into my best friend's shoulder.

"That sounds nice," Sophia grins at me as I detach from her and reach for the remote. I grab it turn the TV on. I look at Soph. She's concentrating on the movie. I smile and snuggle back into her. There's no one else I want to be with right now.

"Merry Christmas, Trish."

"Merry Christmas, Soph."