Double Or Nothing // C.T.H

32 ~ Calum

To be completely honest, I'm not the least bit excited for Christmas.

It's all just a huge hassle, the presents, cheesy movies and worst of all, the family.

I'm sure Christmas would be great if I were sat sandwiched between cousins, grandparents, uncles and aunts chatting about grades and catching up on the time missed, however that's not what my Christmas card looks like.

There's not hot chocolate, the tree is brittle and generic, and the family would rather stand and boast than sit and listen.

I sigh, pulling my leather jacket against me as a burst of cool air harassed me, tussling my hair with its icy fingertips. In past Christmases, I've been the in background, behind Thomas' shadow of praise.

And I'd usually be angered at him, mumbling some insult under my breath as he passed, shoved him slightly when he was carrying a drink, causing it to stain his pristine outfit.

But through the short span of nearly  two months, my usual had become forgotten, replaced with a new one.

I know it's not Thomas' fault my parents would favor him, showcasing him like his life was a debut movie, trapping him in a glass box with lights shinning on him so bright you'd spot an imperfection from a mile away.

And it's not my fault I was pushed into the dark corner were nobody would see me, the lamp only flickering on in my glass box if I was an example of what not to do, of mistakes.

So now, abandoning the usual, I wonder what it will be like when our snobby cousins and prideful aunts and uncles cram into our house in a few days.

What I was really anticipating, however, was the winter formal. Not the stupid dance itself, but rather the girl who I've yet to ask. The one I'm asking tonight.

I chuckle to myself, running a hand through my hair and looking over to the rooftop only two houses away. My nervousness carried throughout my body, my heart tremors with heavy beats and my hands shake with a buzz of excitement yet, it was all too close to fear.

This never used to happen, but like I said, nothing's usual anymore. My slightly arrogant confidence was dwindling lately, and new reinforced walls were being build through the rubble of my old shell.

I glance at my phone, the screen still illuminated with the text I had sent just a few moments ago.

7:02 : Want to talk, meet me at the spot at 8:30 - Cal.

7:13, time to get going. I run my hands through my hair and down my face once again, before standing.

My energy has returned from my sickness, and I swing myself through the window with a nervous hop.

"Come on, it's time to roll," I holler, slinging my duffle bag over my shoulder.

Footsteps rush down the hall and crash through my open door. "Were ready!" Mali squeals, clapping her hands softly, "this is going to be amazing!"

"Yeah, but only because I helped with the whole plan," Thomas smirks, pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose. "I'm simply the best,"

"Yeah, yeah, whatever lets you sleep at night," I brush past the two, a excited flutter in my stomach practically propelled me down the stairs and out the door.

"Slow down there, cal," Mali laughs, running after me with Thomas in close behind, "You don't wanna seem too desperate,"