Set Me Free

17. What Makes Me Happy

  Both Apollos and I were sat on the couch, staring all-clueless at the telly screen as my favorite show played. I was satisfied with yesterday and me having a little cuddle-therapy session with the reindeer after he seemed so depressed over losing his happiness. Today, he seemed better then usual, and had a peculiar interest in Leland Palmer for some reason. Maybe because of the evilness inside this character reminding him of his own father.

     "I have a plan." I exclaimed loudly as Twin Peaks played in the background.

"Oh?" Apollos' ears perked up in surprise at my sudden statement. "Explain."

"Gladly," I shuffled on the couch into a criss-cross sitting position. "You know what makes me happier than being able to produce and release songs?"

"What?" Apollos tilted his head in curiosity. "Having the ability to not be an awkward twat?"

"Hey!" I swatted at his head, and missed. "Shut up!"

"Just stating the truth," he grinned cheekily. "But continue anyway."

Goddamn. He's literally like Kyle whenever he insults me.

"Seeing my mates be happy or overjoyed about something kinda makes me develop a bubbly and positive feeling in my chest," I explained. "I figured, 'why not just buy each of them something that they've always wanted?' Maybe you and I can head down to the shopping centre to find something for Woody, Kyle, and Will," I gave a persuading smile.

"That's...that's a pretty good idea," Apollos nodded. "But...what are you going to get them?"

"Well," I made a thinking gesture with my hands, "Will loves to sketch and create these really good drawings, so I'm probably going to buy him a full on sketching kit from this crafts store. And then...Woody...I know he has his little lad at home...I'll probably buy a snow globe or something cheesy that typical families would want."

Apollos stood up from the rug and looked straight into my eyes. "And your best friend? Kyle?"

"Erm..." I tucked up into a ball, completely unsure of my own best friend. "I still have yet to decide on that one..." I sheepishly said with an awkward smile.

     "What does he like?"

     "Um...rings, weird kinky shit, beanies, kittens-"

     "I got it!" Apollos cried, as if he had discovered the greatest treasure in the world.

     "What? What?!" I jolted up from the couch and nearly fell on him.

     "Are there any pet shelters around here?!" He immediately questioned me.

     I nodded. What's he planning? I nervously stepped back as this reindeer started to illuminate with brightness. I shielded my eyes from the blinding light and stumbled backwards as the room went completely white for a second. Now I was so confused. Where did Apollos go? I panicked and wished that he didn't accidentally kill himself, and ran around my flat trying to find him. Even the in the most unexpected places.

     "Oi, Apollos?! Where the fuck did you go?" I shouted into each room.

     "Over here!"

     My head pricked up and jogged over the slippery floor to the living room. I felt even more confused when I couldn't see my reindeer friend. I called out once more and received a response, except...it was from a place I would have never expected to check since it was the most unusual place to look. Apollos was in my fucking iPhone, as Siri, and was able to control everything that happened in my phone.

     Well then.

     "The hell you doing in there?!" I queried. "I did not give you per-"

     "Don't you need help to find presents for your friends?"

     My mind paused. Come to think of it...I do need help to locate all the shops and search up information on things...I looked down and saw that my iMessage app was open. Apollos had fused himself into a one-on-one text conversation with me. Maybe this idea he had wasn't so bad after all. Plus, texting me would make me seem less of a crazy person, and hopefully just a guy who was texting his friend.

<<<<<>>>>>

     I was walking around in the little gift shop, decorated with loads of snowflakes and blue tinsel. Shelves were filled with snow globes, each one with a different figure inside and a different message engraved onto a small stone rectangle. My hand traced across each one until I stopped in the middle of the isle, with my head tipped back.

     Found it.

     I grabbed the snow globe and took it to the counter to pay for it, happily gripping the bag of wrapped-up sketching supplies for Will. The young man at the counter politely saw me off as I left the shop, heading to the final place to purchase a gift for my best friend and band mate.

Apollos: you're standing right in front of it.

Me: I know.

Apollos: Then go inside already!

Me: I'm not really sure if Kyle's going to have the responsibility to raise a cat.

Apollos: neither do I, but this is the best idea that I've got

Me: Guess so.

Me: I'll go inside and find a cute critter for Ky.

     I just want to see my mates being happy.