Different

Chapter 24: Secret Santa

Wednesday is here again. Instead of the table being empty except for our coffee cups, its filled with books and papers and all other school supplies. Its finals week, and that means we can't spare a second from studying, even on a Wednesday. I'm so glad that Wyatt is so good at math, I would fail my final if he didn't help me. I'm also glad this is my final math class, I couldn't handle another. The added stress of this being our last chance to do well before our final semester really sets in. We have no room for failure.

"Okay, do a few more problems and I'll check them when you're done. If you get them right then I think you're set for your final tomorrow."

"If you finish that last paragraph I can look over it while you grade my math."

"Deal."

"Wow, you two are so romantic." Becky sasses from across the table, receiving a glare from both Wyatt and I.

"Don't you have your own work to do? Or are you ignoring it to spy in my relationship again?" I deadpan.

"Fair enough. But when everyone has a break from studying we need to make plans for Christmas."

When I finish my math questions I hand them to Wyatt, taking his essay in return. The essay is pretty good, should give him room to pass the class. My math answers seem okay to Wyatt so I'm confident I won't completely fail my final. I decide to take a break after that though, I can see the excitement in Becky's eyes.

"Okay, so what are we doing for Christmas this year Becky?

"Secret Santa!"

"Where are the names? I know you already have them in a hat for us to pick out of."

"Its right here. I'll go first." Becky reaches a hand in and picks a name before passing the hat around. "Since finals are this week and next week we'll exchange the gifts in two weeks. Is that enough time for everyone?"

We all just agree, its better not to argue with Becky when shes this excited. It won't end well. I also know that two weeks is more than enough time since the name I draw from the hat is Wyatt. I already had a few things in mind to get him for Christmas, but this gives me the perfect opportunity to spoil him without him being too upset.

Becky explains the rules one more time before we go. Wyatt walks me to my car, as he usually does. But this time he sticks around for longer, waiting until Becky and Grayson leave.

"I know we aren't supposed to share who we got but I need help. I got Grayson, what do I get him?" Wyatt panics.

"Why don't we go shopping on Friday? We can go out to the mall and I can help you out?"

"You don't have to take me out pretty girl, we can do something else Friday."

"I have to go out anyway to see what they have before I go shopping with Becky on Saturday. I like to scout it out before we go so I know what I'm getting myself into. And because its for my dad's company's Christmas dinner its a big deal and I have to look nice."

"You look gorgeous no matter what, but if you want to come with me shopping I won't object. I can pick you up a little early Friday?"

"Thank you handsome. Can't wait." I lean up to press a kiss to Wyatt's lips. "Text me when you get home."

"Always, you too." He gives me another kiss before walking to his car, waiting until I leave to leave.

~

I wake up too early Thursday, and I know its from my nerves. I go about my day early and say a prayer before I take my final. I really hope I did well. At dinner my dad asks how I think it went. I wasn't lying to him when I said I hoped I at least passed. I go to sleep early that night, trying to catch up on my sleep. Friday is here and before I know it Wyatt is ready to pick me up. He doesn't get as nervous when he sees my dad, and for that I'm grateful.

"You two be careful okay? Have fun." My dad advices from his seat in the living room.

"We will, thanks Dad. See you guys later!"

Getting into Wyatt's car I'm reminded of our first date for some reason. Our awkwardness and nerves from that night are amusing to me now.

"What's so funny?" Wyatt asks as he pulls out my driveway.

"Just thinking of our first date. Do you remember how nervous we were?"

"Oh don't even remind me," He laughs. "I was so nervous that you didn't really like me and I was going to look like an idiot."

"What? You really thought that?"

"Yeah, what would this perfect girl like you like about me?"

"Everything. I liked everything about you, and I still do handsome. I'm so happy that date worked out."

"Me too." Wyatt smiles over at me, melting my heart with those green eyes of his before grabbing my hand and kissing my knuckles.

The rest of the car ride we listen to music, for nostalgia I play the same album we listened to on the way to our first date. That got me a cute side grin from Wyatt. His eyes might have some competition as my favorite feature if he keeps smiling at me like that. When we get to the mall and park Wyatt opens the door for me before taking my hand. I don't know why its so nice to have his hand in mine but it is.

"You know, Becky took me out boyfriend hunting here one time. Actually, not long before we met." I tell Wyatt while we find the stores we're going to.

"Why does that even surprise me?" He laughs. "Is it safe to say you didn't find anyone?"

"Nope. I found my prince charming in the grocery store." I smile up at Wyatt.

"It was a little like Cinderella huh? We meet and then don't see each other until a ball?"

"Yeah, I guess it was. But instead of Cinderella running away it was Prince Charming that bolted."

"Hey, your best friend is crazy. I knew it even then." He laughs.

"I can't argue there." We both laugh. "Okay, we better get to looking if we want to leave at a decent time. I was thinking we could get some food when we leave?"

"Anything you want pretty girl." Wyatt smiles at me before dragging me in a store.

~

We found a few different things for Grayson. I picked out one of them to give him from me, and Wyatt got the rest. It wasn't anything fancy, just some new shirts and a cool hat he might like. We looked in a few of the dress stores just so I had a good idea of what to look for. The whole time in the mall, Wyatt never let go of my hand. It was like an anchor, always there to keep me grounded. We spent so long looking for Grayson's gifts neither of us felt like getting food, so we got smoothies on the way out. Wyatt did drive us to the park though so we could hang out a little longer. Its really cute how he didn't want to say goodbye. Eventually we did have to dead home. When Wyatt dropped me off he walked me to the door and kissed me in the blind spot on the porch. It was like a little tradition now, the blind spot on the porch is our own little secret.

When I walk in the house Becky was already here, of course. We all eat dinner together before Becky and I change into pajamas and head downstairs to hang out. We look up cute ideas to try and plan our looks for the Christmas dinner. Becky decides to try and find a nice red dress, I try to find a nice gold dress. We Pinterest the looks before turning on a movie we don't watch. We talk through it, what else did you expect? When we finally watch what was left of the movie, Becky falls asleep before the ending. I turn on a new movie and end up falling asleep too.

~

"Wake up, we have plans today." My shoulder is roughly shoved, an annoying voice echoing through the basement.

"What time is it? Why are you even awake?"

"I set an alarm, well, I set a few alarms. I'm excited to spend the day shopping with you so get up!"

"Is my mom making breakfast?"

"Did you really ask me that? Of course she is."

"Okay, I'll be up in a second."

"If you aren't then I'm coming back to get you."

"Wouldn't doubt it."

When I walk upstairs I see everyone already eating breakfast, Becky fitting right in. She really is like a second daughter to my parents, and my brothers treat her like another younger sister to mess with. We eat breakfast quickly, I want to get to the mall before it gets too crazy. Its a Saturday in December. We get ready and head to the mall, and from the look in Becky's eyes, its going to be a long day.