A Different Kind Of Love Story

10. Merry Christmas!

(still in Axel's POV)

  A few weeks went by. Me and Den started getting a tad closer. She just isn't warming up to me as fast as I thought she would. I wonder if it has to do with her past...I should ask her.

   One thing I noticed is that after school she's always tired. She's an introvert for sure. Her classmates don't consider her a friend, but still treat her with respect, since she's getting the best grades, after me, of course.
   I wanted to see if she would be jealous if I was the first in class at learning, but her behaviour towards me didn't change at all.
   I tried all sorts of tricks, but she wouldn't give in, and that's keeping me up at night. I don't like it at all. She's the first one to...urghh... I don't become frustrated easily...but she frustrates me!

    What should I do?
I know! Christmas is coming up. I have an idea.

    Den's POV

  These past few weeks haven't really been different. I just started watching more TV. I got some bad grades at Chemistry and got scolded, then cried, like every other night.

    My relationship with Axel didn't change. I still have my doubts about him. Maybe it's all in my mind, but I won't ignore it, like every other person ever, don't worry.

    My selfesteem just got worse and worse. Since Christmas is coming, I hope it will bring me some happiness. Ya hear me, Santa! That's what I want for Christmas!

  It would be easier if SPOILERS: Santa wasn't my dad. YOU CAN READ FROM HERE: That way I could really wish for happiness and not materialistic things. He wouldn't understand and just get angry that I can't appreciate anything.

   Anyway, when I got to school, Axel was waiting for me, as usual. It's the last week before our winter vacation.

   He was holding something in his hand. A gift? What?

   A: "Hi! I know it's early, but I wanted to give you this gift. Merry Christmas!"

   I was a little surprised, but then again, this kid is full of surprises so I got used to it.

  Me: "It's for me?! But I didn't make you anything! Merry Christmas..."

    A: "You didn't have to, anyway!" He smiled.

   Me: "Ugh...sorry anyways!"

   I didn't open the gift until I got home, since I didn't know what to expect. I was so anxious about what my parents will think. I don't want them to think I have a boyfriend. I'm not allowed to date only after 18!

   I decided to tell my mom that I got a gift from the new kid, when she asked, but I also told her that he gave everyone gifts, which wasn't even a lie. He really brought gifts from everyone.

     I opened it carefully. Inside was a cup with a really beautifully painted bird on it and a letter. I just gasped. Some weeks ago I was rambling to him about how much I love birds and how I'm a little artist and something like that. He remembered!

    I almost let out a tear, since no one from my class has ever done this. It just felt so good to have someone care about you with no reason at all.

    I took the letter and read it:

   Dear Denisse,

  Since you stayed with me all these weeks and have been my friend for all these weeks, I wanted to give you a special gift that will make you happy. I noticed that your mood in the past weeks hasn't been the best, so if you want to talk to someone, you can contact me here: (Axel's phone number).
    With that, I wish you a Merry Christmas.
                     
                             From your dear friend,
                                                Axel.

   Wh-what? The heck? Why did he give me his phone number? Why did...how did he know about my mood? Sh-should I call him? Nope.
That's not happening. Maybe I'll first message him on Nessenger.
   As I thought that my phone rang. Speak of the devil. My friends were talking on Nessenger about the gifts they recieved from Axel. They all recieved a box of chocolates.

   I...feel special. Why does it feel so good? I'm just smiling like an idiot right now.

    Christmas came around. And it went as soon as it came. We still had a week without school, so it was great. Unfortunately, my parents had to go back to work. Their boss wouldn't even give them another day of vacation for New Year! They had to go to work that day, so when they came home, they were tired.

    My sister and me were excited about it, while my parents wanted to sleep. They had to deal with our excitement until night came around. We all went outside and watched the fireworks, then went back.

    Everything was all fun and games until my dad got mad for the stupidest reason and ruined our night.

   I ended up crying in my room while mom and dad were sleeping. My sis went to bed too, so I just stood there alone, listening to my own tears falling down. It was around 2 in the morning.

    Suddenly, I remembered Axel's gift.

Maybe I should call him? No...I said that's not gonna happen. Maybe...let's message him. Wait! It's too late! It's 2 am for God's sake! What was I thinking.

    I picked up my phone anyway. I looked at Nessenger and saw Axel online, so I built up my courage and decided to message him.
 
      Axel:                                       Me:

Hi! Happy new year!

Happy new year!
How are you doing?

Not that good, actually...

Why didn't you call me?

I was about to, but
first I wanted to make
sure you're free to talk.

Well, I am, so you can
call me.

    Axel's POV

I didn't know why, but I was feeling anxious about her calling me. Even though I've done this many times, just it was in person. What's happening to me?

     I stood there in silence, waiting for her to call me. Every second I was feeling even more anxious. Just call already! You're torturing me!

    Den's POV

   Should I really call him? Is it a good idea to talk about it? Uhhh...here goes nothing...

   And so, I pressed "call". I waited a few moments, filled with anxiety, since I always get anxiety from calling someone, I don't know why.

     I waited until someone picked up.