Luna Winters

Neon tree

*End of flashback*

My eyes slowly opened and adjusted to the morning light that seeped through my window. I unintentionally yawned as I peeled off the covers from my half-asleep body. I shook off the feeling so I could begin to get dressed. I threw on a baggy grey shirt with a bullet imprinted on it along with some black leggings before picking up my phone to check the date. The phone showed 10:43, Saturday, December 20th. I rubbed my eyes in irritation as the light blinded my vision. I sat on the couch crunching my cereal. "GOOOOOOOD MORNING AMERICA!" The t.v. anchor chirped. "Only five days away from Christmas and the stores are already being left in rummage as people buy their presents." I continued to chew and swallow my cereal as the t.v. went on and on about this years "hottest items" because they were so "in season".  This is the most clever way to advertise.

Jake's bedroom door creaked open as a mumbling Jake dragged his feet along to the kitchen. I laughed as he mumbled curses under his breath about how early it was or how bright the light was. "Good morning sleeping beauty". I gave him one of my "innocent smiles" that made me seem like a child. He scoffed and continued to make his coffee. The aroma filled the small apartment. He sat down next to me as we watched the news. "So you ready for Christmas?" I nervously scratched my neck. "Well, um, I've never actually celebrated Christmas. It's kind of a family/friend thing that I haven't exactly experienced." He stared at me with wide eyes. I looked down at my fluffy black slippers. "Well then" Jake looked at me in defeat before his eyes sparked to life. "Well then, I guess this year will be your first!" He said excitedly. My eyes widened. "We only have five days so we will just have to hurry." My eyes followed him as he went back to his room to grab his phone.

"So what theme do you wanna do?" He asked me when he came back. "Theme?" I asked in confusion. He facepalmed. "Sorry, I forgot you haven't done this kind of thing. When you do a theme, it's like, what are you decorating the room like. We could do a regular, a white Christmas, lights, a masquerade, gold. Any of these sound appealing?" I thought for a second. "Surprise me," I said with a smile. "One present per person. You get me one present and ill get you one" I nodded before going back to my room to change into thermal pants with my bullet shirt, a thicker one on top of that, and my winter hoodie. I stuffed my phone into one of my pockets. I went back to the living room to tie my shoes. "You are in charge of decorating since I'm new and all that." I pointed a finger at him. He laughed. "Don't forget these." He tossed my keys in the air and I caught them. I unlocked the door and left. I kept my bike running for a bit before leaving so the ice would defrost.

Unexpectedly, shopping for Christmas things is extremely difficult and irritating. You have to find something the other person will like with the things left in stores. Then you have to wait for hours in lines! This is so stupid. Not to mention all the traffic and idiotic people that litter the town. I've gone from store to store trying to find, something, that he will like. Once I finished going into every store, I decided to go ask for some help. I rode to the back of the fight club and changed into my usual. The bouncer nodded as I went past him. "I have a question for you." He looked slightly confused. I guess not many fighters talk to him. "What would be a good place to buy alcohol, that doesn't take notice to your... age." He seemed to understand. "Take a left inside, and place your order" His voice bellowed. I gave an appreciative grin "Thanks" I chirped before heading inside. I guess the fight club was also a bar. That would explain some things. Instead of going right and past the secret door, I took a left and went past some curtains that covered a doorway.

I was out of there in no time. Before I knew it I was back home boxing my present to Jake. It got pretty late so I went straight to bed and put the box in my closet. Much like the day before, I woke up around 10. I threw on a long sleeve t-shirt and some baggy pants. My door slightly creaked open as I snuck past his room and to the kitchen. I opened the fridge door and got out a carton of eggs, white bread, butter, cheese, and orange juice. I put the o.j. aside as I cracked the eggs into a pan, slowly adding sharp cheddar to the mix. Once the scrambled eggs were almost finished, I took out four pieces of bread and stuck them in the toaster. I took out two glasses and poured the orange juice into them before putting the o.j. container, the carton of eggs, and the bread, back into the fridge. I took out two plates, two forks, and a knife. Once the toast popped out, they were grabbed, buttered, and put onto a plate before I split the eggs between the two plates. I put Jake's in the microwave and set mine on the kitchen table. I took the remote and turned on the t.v. to the news and screamed.

Before me, stood a colorfully decorated living room. A Christmas tree was in the far corner and the walls were covered in lights. The tree had a popcorn and berry mix hanging around it. The lights that were on the tree were all off. The tree itself wasn't the usual green but instead dyed with bright neon colors that seemed to be splashed on from paint cans to the once white tree. For my first Christmas, this seemed very familiar and homey.