Helping Insanity

Chapter 20 - Christmas

Lyles POV.

"IT IS CHRISTMAS" Elizabeth yelled into the room as I looked at the clock to see it was 6am. I heard the two males groan as I laughed to myself. God, they really hate being woken up, even more than me. After throwing on a hoodie I walked down the stairs, still in my pyjama shorts but this was one of the days where no one is formally dressed until dinner. John, Denis, and I sat on the sofa, all of us with a cup of hot chocolate which Elizabeth had prepared for us. "Your gifts are all in piles over there" Elizabeth pointed to the area behind the sofa we were sitting on as Denis, John, and I instantly leaned over the back of the sofa. I picked up my six parcels before sitting cross legged once again. I looked at the tag of the first parcel and I noticed it was from Ariela. I ripped open the paper before seeing a glossy black box. I looked around to see if anyone was looking as I noticed everyone was engrossed in their own presents. I lifted the lid as I looked at the delicate piece of jewellery, tears began to sting my eyes, but I couldn't let anyone see me be this fragile.

I wiped the tears away quickly so no one noticed before beginning to open another present. This one is from my mother and father. I tore off the paper as I noticed what they had bothered to buy me. A dog toy. I looked at the dog squeaky monkey before throwing it in the bag which I was placing my presents into. I didn't want anyone to see it. Now it was time for us all to open the gifts which we had gotten each other. Holly bought Denis a variety of band shirts, John received a new hoodie much like his old one, and I was given a variety of different Pennywise themed items which included a small cuddly plush. John bought Denis a simple leather bracelet, Holly got one similar, and so did I but engraved on a silver charm was the name "Brady" which caused me to smile widely. I bought Holly a large art set including paints, pencils, pens, a variety of different types of papers, brushes, sponges, and everything she would need which she seemed happy with, Denis a new beanie as the last one was eaten by Olaf, and I gave John a few new books and documentaries about serial killers along with a new hat which I heard him talking about with Denis.

Our last presents were IPhone Xs from Cody and Elizabeth, each of us getting one and a case which they thought would suit us. Johns was deep blue and very plain, Hollys had a wolf, Denis' had a guitar, and mine had Pennywise. After clearing all of the paper and bows we all sat with our gifts for hours, all of us sitting in the warm room which was lit by the fire. Setting up our phones was a lot of fun and Holly helped us get a variety of music onto it before it was time for our meal. We all sat at the large decorated table as we pulled crackers, winning the god awful prizes and reading the horrible jokes but for some reason it seemed like utter bliss. First course was soup, the next the typical main of turkey and all of the sides, and then a platter of pudding, most of us sitting at the large chocolate fountain which we dipped different fruits and mallows into. Even Elizabeth was getting on with all of us well, laughing at us all having so much fun and the absolute awe in our eyes as we looked at the river of chocolate.

Now it was time for watching Christmas movies as we all sat on the sofas eating even more delicious treats. Perfect, right? First John, Denis, and I decided to take our gifts up the stairs. We all grabbed the bags as we walked up quickly. Denis and John were joking around as they spoke in such a happy tone but I just couldn't be happy at this moment. The boys dumped the bags before beginning to leave once again as I sat on my bed with mine in my hands. I remained still for a moment before finally getting the effort to put the gifts away. I began to place the different items in my drawers before stopping as I pulled out the glossy black box. I opened it once again to look at the silver necklace which had a locket that I opened to see that it was a photo of Ariela and I from when we were children. It was the exact same as the one I owned when I went to Ashworth. I ran my hand to the back of the drawer as I pulled out the necklace which was dented and broken, the photo on the inside ripped. The one I had received all those years ago when I was a kid. Ariela must have thought I had thrown the necklace away or just didn't care about it but that necklace was my most looked after possession, even when I was in Ashworth and so mad at her. At the end of the day no matter how mad I was I'd always care. And that is proof. I could have sold that necklace for an easy life in Ashworth but I would never do it. The beatings at the start were worth it as long as I could always have that necklace in my room, the only thing seen as "dangerous" which they would allow me to keep.