Forever (Original)

Forever [21: A Christmas Party]

Forever: A Christmas Party

“I suppose it could have been worse,” said Brookelle, dabbing the blood from Nigel’s face with a wet washcloth.

“She broke my nose, she’s pissed as hell, and she hates me,” said Nigel, wincing slightly. “How could it be worse?”

Irritated, Brookelle tossed down the washcloth.

“You know, life is not just about having a girlfriend or boyfriend,” she snapped. “My advice to you is to stop trying to throw yourself onto her and start by becoming her friend. And you’re not the only one that’s done something wrong; so don’t blame it all on yourself. You both have yet to apologize.”

~x~

“Why do I have to be the elf?” Maria whined as Alex placed the elf-eared headband on her head.

“Don’t question Alexander the Great,” he said.

Maria rolled her eyes and dashed into the kitchen, she grabbed herself a can of Monster and retreated back towards the living room, but not before meeting Kirsten at the doorway.

“It seems that I have caught you under the mistletoe,” said Maria, winking very flirtatiously.

“Are you seriously going to do this?” Kirsten chortled, glancing at the green plant over their heads.

“Totally,” said Maria. She leaned in and landed a kiss in Kirsten’s cheek. “Mmwhaaa!”

Kirsten chortled. “I can’t believe you just did that,” she said.

“Who cares, Kirst?” Maria snorted. “It’s just us.”

“Hey, Maria, someone’s knocking at the door!” Vincent called.

Maria hid her confusion as she skipped merrily to the front door. Peering through the peephole, her grin turned into a frown.

“Hey Ian,” she said as she opened the door.

His frown mirrored hers.

“You haven’t seen me in months and all you say is ‘hey?’” said Ian.

“Sorry, but I wasn’t expecting anyone,” she said, “more or less you.”

“Either way, I come bearing gifts from all of us,” he said, holding up several gift-wrapped boxes. “Please let me in. My arms are starting to hurt.”

Maria chuckled and moved out of his way. Ian bounded in with a cheery grin and dumped the presents under the tree.

“Do I get some love now?” Ian asked, staring at her with puppy-eyes.

Rolling her eyes, Maria opened her arms, and Ian hugged her tightly. He laid his head on her shoulder, having to hunch over to get there.

“I missed you so much!” he wailed. “I can’t handle not seeing you! It’s just pure torture!”

Maria cringed.

“Hey, man, I don’t plan on going deaf anytime soon,” she said.

“I’m sorry, but I missed you!” Ian pouted.

Maria peered around to see her friends all looking at her with amused expressions.

“Let go of me,” she said.

Ian released her and straightened up.

“Okay, but please let me stay! Christmases with Nigel are horrible!” he pleaded. “I don’t wanna go back!” He dropped to his knees and wrapped his arms around her legs. “Please let me stay!”