Unexpected - Shawn Mendes

Chapter Thirty Six

Christmas.

With all of the boy problems that I'd been having, along with adapting to a new environment, I had not even realized how close Christmas was.

It was less than three weeks away. Today was December 7, and the Canada weather becoming even colder than it was before hit you like a ton of bricks. As soon as you stepped outside, the cold air tinted your cheeks and the tip of your nose, and your hands became numb. Houses around ours began decorating with vibrant lights and wreaths, and we had quite frankly not gotten around to it.

In addition to being unaware of the time of season, I was virtually broke. My bank account money had been transferred when I moved, putting it in Ryan's possession. I felt awkward asking him to get me money from my account so that I could afford a gift for him, especially since this money would probably be used towards my college tuition and a car.

I began thinking of ways I could scrape up money, and fast. There weren't really many people in my life that I felt I needed to purchase gifts for. The people I felt as if I needed to get something for were Shawn, Ryan, and Jade.

Jade and Ryan really deserved something to give back for everything they've done for me. Although Jade can be a real bitch, she has still given me the opportunity to stay somewhere where I would be loved, which is what I needed. Ryan had to be one of my favorite people to ever graze the earth. I was proud of how close I was with my brother, considering most teenage girls get into a lot of fights with their siblings.

Ryan had always been supportive and encouraging and without him I would be in foster care. He deserved more than I could ever give him for Christmas, making me feel terrible for barely even being able to afford some cooking supplies.

I even contemplated looking for a job, but it was far too late at this point. By the time I put in an application and actually got hired, I wouldn't even have a paycheck by Christmas.

Virtually, without having to borrow money from anyone, I was going to have to ask Ryan for money from my account. Sighing, I crawled out of bed and made my way over to his office, where he had been all day filing papers. Ryan was always working, and it made me feel bad because I felt like he had no other choice with an extra addition to the family.

I knock on the door, not wanting to rudely interrupt him as he worked. "Come in," he calls, and I turn the door knob. Ryan is seated in his comfy, black office chair and turns so he's facing me. "Hey, sis, what's up?"

"I was wondering if you could get me some money out of my bank account. Shawn and I are going shopping and I would like to use my own money to get some things," I explain, hoping he catches the point that I'll need my own personal money.

"I can just lend you some of my money," he offers, and I shake my head.

"No, Ryan, you've been spending a lot on me lately. I have plenty of money in my account, I just need you to help me get it," I explicate, hoping that he will catch on.

"It's not a problem, but if that's what you want to do, then be ready in ten minutes," he says, standing up from his desk and going to his room to change out of his pajamas. Since I wanted to be comfortable but presentable, I threw on a gray lace up sweater and a pair of leggings. (see pic)