X-Kid

Fool's Holiday

Before we knew it, we were released from school for Winter break, but I wasn’t excited. After all, this was set to be the worst Christmas I had ever had. My aunt was out of town, my brother was busy with his kids, my grandfather was sick with pneumonia, and my mom just didn’t care, leaving me almost completely alone for the holiday.

I wasn’t supposed to see my friends until later that week to exchange the gifts we bought for each other, so that was just another reason for me to be bored. So naturally, I spent Christmas Day dancing around my kitchen to the holiday songs playing through my computer, baking cookies just because I could.

The doorbell rang just as I put the cookies in the oven, so I paused my music and went to answer it. I didn’t see why anyone would be stopping by, since they should be at home celebrating with their families, but I swung the door open anyway.

“Merry Christmas, Nora!”My 6 best friends greeted, bundled up warm and carrying colorfully wrapped gifts.

A huge grin spread across my face, moving out of the doorway to let them in. “Merry Christmas guys! What brings you here?”

“We knew you were all alone, so we all begged our parents to let us come spend a couple of hours with you. Plus, we might as well do our gift exchange now,” Alex explained.

I jumped up excitedly. “You guys are the best.”

“OPEN MINE FIRST!!!” Luna shouted, shoving a small gift into my hands.

I laughed, tearing off the paper and ripping open the box. She had gotten me a stuffed giraffe and she had drawn me a picture of cartoon versions of us. I hugged her, thanking her before going to the counter and giving her the present from me.

This was how we exchanged gifts with each other, wrapping paper decorating my living room floor as we all ate cookies and laughed. I ended up with a lot of new CDs and my very own copy of Home Alone (Jack was complaining that I hadn’t seen it, but he told me I couldn’t watch it without him). I had given him  new guitar picks to make up for the one I had ended up with and Blink 182 shirt, which he was very excited about.

Luna had even brought a mistletoe, which I was scared she was going to somehow make Jack and I stand under, but instead she used it as an excuse to kiss Alex, causing the rest of us to cheer obnoxiously. They had been dating for almost 3 months at that point, and they were utterly perfect for each other, so of course it made us happy when they kissed.

Unfortunately for me, they had to return to their families a lot sooner than I wanted them to. I understood why they had to leave, and I was happy I got to see them for a little while, but I wanted them to stay longer. Jack was the first one called home, and then Luna, Alex, and Rian’s parents slowly arrived to come pick them up, leaving me and Zack waiting for his ride.

“Thanks again for stopping by dude,” I said. “It really means a lot.”

“Anything for you, Nora. After all, you shouldn’t have to be alone on Christmas,” Zack smiled. “Though I can’t take the credit. It was all Jack’s idea.”

“It was?” I questioned.

“Of course it was. None of the rest of us could’ve thought of it,” he explained.

“I wonder why that is,” I commented, fiddling with the hem of my shirt nervously.

Zack gave me a thoughtful look. “He really likes you, Nora, more than he ever liked that Kasey bitch. Hell, he’d probably stop the world from turning for you if that’s what you needed. I just can’t believe you don’t see it like the rest of us do.”

“Well, when you like someone, it’s really hard to see if they feel the same without full on asking,” I replied.

“So you like him too then?” he asked.

“Yeah, I do. A lot. I just...I guess I’m scared. Jack is about a trillion times better than Drake...but I really don’t want to get hurt again,” I mentioned.

“I doubt Jack would ever hurt you, at least on purpose. I mean, he’s bound to screw up sometimes, but he is probably the best chance you have of not getting hurt, like ever,” he stated.

I let out a small groan. “You couldn’t be more right...but I’m also a coward.”

“No you’re not. All you need is a little bit of courage and maybe a push from 4 of your best friends,” he pointed out.

“You know, you should really talk more, Merrick. You have a lot of good things to say,” I smiled.

My doorbell rang. “That’s probably my dad,” Zack said, standing up and heading toward the door. “Merry Christmas, Nora!”

“Merry Christmas, Zack,” I replied, shoving a wave at his dad as they left.

I was alone again, but I was a lot happier than I was before. Plus, I was excited. Zack’s words had inspired me so much. I was going to tell Jack how I felt...but now the question was: when and how?