Learning to Love Christmas

Chapter 8

VIII: The Holiday Super Sale

December 7, 2013

“Hey dad!” I gave my dad a kiss on the cheek when I saw him sitting at the head of the table for breakfast.

“Good morning, Elle.” He said looking engrossed in the morning newspaper.

I saw mom frying eggs in the kitchen. I plopped onto a seat and put a slice of toast on my plate. “Great, you’re both here. I have something I want to talk about with you guys.”

“Go on then.” Mom put the plate of eggs on the table and looked at me.

“I have finally decided what I want to be when I grow up.” I beamed, pouring myself a glass of orange juice. “Since I love kids and helping people so much, I want to become a – “

“Paediatrician?” Dad guessed.

“Yes.” I grinned. “How’d you know?”

“We watched you grow up Elle, we could easily tell.” He answered and broke out into a grin.

“Great.” I said, “I’ll search for schools immediately.”

“Darling,” Mom began, using that tone she uses when she’s going to break bad news. It was the same one she used when we couldn’t go to Disneyland for Dan’s birthday due to a family emergency and when Ethan couldn’t join their camping trip because he had to babysit us since Dad had an out of town business trip and Mom caught the flu. “It’s a beautiful dream but with your brother attending Harvard and all we can’t afford to send you to medical school. You understand, don’t you?”

“If we had enough money, you know we’d gladly send you to whichever school you want.” She assured me, patting my hand that was resting on the table.

I know how hard they work, my dad being a professor at the local university and my mom a secretary in city hall.  My heart couldn’t help but break into a million pieces nevertheless. I forced on a smile for my parents. “I understand.”

My dad decided to change the subject. “It’s Saturday morning and you’re up early. Why is that?”

“Oh, Gavin left Christmas shopping at the last minute, again.” I rolled my eyes at my friend. He obviously didn’t learn his lesson from the last shopping trip. It was the first week of December, just like this one, when he asked me and Carol to come with him to shop the holiday super sales. I was happy to, knowing the displays would be pretty to look at but Carol being well… herself was as cranky as ever. Fortunately, Gavin emerged unscathed. Holiday shoppers can be ruthless, I’ll tell you that.

I heard my phone go off meaning Carol and Gavin were waiting for me outside. I shovelled my breakfast into my mouth. I washed it all down with a glass of juice, stood up and bid my parents farewell. “I got to go. See you guys later!”

“Are you having lunch at the mall dear?” My mom called after me.

“Probably.” I said from the front hallway while putting on my coat. “I’ll be back by two or so.”

“Have fun!” I heard my dad say before I closed the door. I greeted my friends cheerily as I wrapped a scarf around my neck. .“G’ Morning guys.”

The greeted me back before we started walking to the bus station. Carol was looking happier than our last Christmas shopping trip. At nine thirty on a Saturday, it’s quite curious.

“What did you bribe her with this time, Gavin?” I asked, looking at him.

“Surprisingly, she was like that the moment I got to your front yard.” He replied, glancing at Carol’s pleasant expression.