Loyalty

Chapter 4: Wrap.

Brian's POV

Christmas has never been my favorite holiday. Even when I was a kid, I always preferred Halloween. As an adult, I've appreciated it even more. I love getting to dress up as one of my favorite characters without being judged or labeled as a "nerd." It's also the perfect excuse to watch scary movies. I always thought Christmas was too stressful. There's too much pressure to find the right gift.

"The worst part is wrapping the gifts," I told Jess. I was so clumsy. I could never do it right.

Her eyes lit up, "No! That's my favorite part!"

"Seriously?" I asked, a bit surprised. How could someone enjoy such a boring, monotonous task?

"I can wrap all your presents for you!" Jess offered. She was excited for some reason.

"No, I can't ask you to do that," I said.

I thought that it would be way too much trouble for her. But it would be a relief to not have to worry about the gifts. Especially since I've been so busy with the show. It's difficult to find time for something I don't want to do in the first place.

"Really, it's okay. I actually enjoy doing it. Are you busy Monday night?"

"I don't think so. We're not shooting, so I'll probably be at the firehouse during the day."

"So why don't I come over Monday night? I'll wrap all your presents. We can just hang out and watch Raw. I'll bring food."

"Sounds fun. But if you're helping me out, there's no way I'm letting you get food. It'll be my treat," I told her.

"Seems like a fair trade," she agreed.

-----

On Monday night, Jess arrived at my house in a Santa hat.

"Your elf has arrived!" she joked. Jess seemed to be in a great mood, and very excited about Christmas. It was kind of adorable.

"I brought cookies too," she said, handing me the box she was carrying.

"You're here to help me wrap my gifts, and you brought ME cookies?" I asked. She was doing me a favor, and she's bringing me stuff?

"It's just a habit I guess. It's kind of what I do. But they're CHRISTMAS cookies!" she said, bubbling with excitement. She seemed to be so cheerful and festive about the holidays. The exact opposite of me during this time of year.

"Do you always bring cookies?"

"No. Sometimes I make a cake. I make homemade cinnamon rolls too. Those are really good," she said enthusiastically.

"How are you not 300 pounds?" I asked. Jess was in near perfect shape, which is surprising considering all the delicious things she makes.

"Mostly I just bring them for other people to eat."

"So I'm going to be 300 pounds if we stay friends much longer?"

"Why, do you not want to be friends?" She asked, laughing. No. I REALLY don't want to JUST be your friend. But I couldn't tell her that.

-----

I watched as Jess wrapped each present with ease. She was very neat but efficient, and incredibly precise. I handed her a gift and told her who it was for. She would quickly wrap it and put the labels on it for me. We went through almost all my presents in under an hour. I was grateful to have one less thing to worry about, especially with my hectic schedule.

"You're an angel," I said.

"Well, that is my middle name."

"Is it?"