Six

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 "I can't believe that our first semester is already over!" Sayra exclaimed as we left the lecture hall. I laughed as she spun in circles.

"Time flies when you're having fun."

"If you considered that to be fun, you are a fucking loser." I chunked my pencil at her, which she managed to dodge. "So, are you going home for the holidays?" I shook my head.

"Nah, this is my home. I plan to stay inside, hiding out from all of the last minute shoppers."

"No way am I going to let my new best friend spend the holidays by herself! That would make a really shitty person and an even worse friend!"

"Say, I'll be okay. I'll still be here when you get back from your parents' house. Enjoy your holiday break, and don't worry about me. I've never liked the whole ordeal anyway," I insisted. She eyed me suspiciously.

"Are you absolutely sure? There's plenty of room. It would be like one big sleepover," she coaxed.

"I'm positive. Go and have fun. When you get back, you can tell me all about it," I reassured her. She rolled her eyes as she sighed dramatically.

"Fine, but if you think that I'm not calling you while I'm gone, you are poorly mistaken."

* * * * *

I made my way up the stairs to my apartment. As I turned the corner, I crashed into someone. I looked up and smiled, only the smile wasn't returned.

"Gee, what's up?" His mouth twisted to the side before he finally spoke.

"Mom and Dad are expecting me in Jersey for a couple of weeks. I hadn't planned on going this year, but Mikey says they have their hearts set on it. So, looks like I'm going home for the holidays."

"I thought you loved being with your family. So, what's the deal?" He sighed.

"I hate driving there and back. It gives me way too much time to think."

"Now, that? I get that. I hate being trapped in my own head."

"Yeah, but anyways, what are you doing during the holidays? I highly doubt you're going home, based on how you've described your remaining family."

"No, I'm definitely not going back to that hell hole. I'm probably gonna chill at home, work on some projects, avoid the bullshit holiday panic."

"Sounds like a plan," he chuckled. "Well, I gotta run. I'll see you later." He continued down the stairs as I headed up. As I closed the door behind me, I looked around and felt a little depressed by the lack of holiday cheer inside my home.

While it was true that it wasn't my favorite holiday, it made me sad that the only source of holiday cheer in the entire place was a small, two-foot-tall tree that Sayra insisted on putting up. I sighed as I set my bag on the counter.

"Merry Christmas to me..."

* * * * *

I had just dozed off on the couch when I heard a loud knock at the door. I blinked a few times to wake myself up, waiting for another knock. I was almost convinced that I had dreamt it until another one sounded. As I headed towards the door, I looked at the clock.

11:28

"What the fuck..." I muttered as I reached for the door. As I opened it, I saw Gerard posed to knock again.

"Hey," he said nervously. "I'm sorry if I woke you up. I couldn't sleep. Listen, I know this is really last minute, and we don't really know each other well enough for this, but I was wondering... Would you go with me? To Jersey, I mean. I hate driving alone, and I would really hate for you to spend the holidays by yourself." I blinked rapidly in confusion.

Was I fucking dreaming?

"Uh, well... That's a real long drive for two strangers to make. Plus, I barely know you. Wouldn't it be weird for you to bring some random girl home to your family?" He looked at the ground nervously before looking back into my eyes.

"Please," he pleaded. "I really don't want to go alone, and I'm sure they'll love you." I thought about it for a minute. It's not like I really had any other plans, and it would be nice to get to spend some more time with him.

"Alright, I guess," I accepted in defeat. His face lit up as he leaned forward and hugged me.

"You won't regret it!" He chattered excitedly in my ear. He pulled away, but his hands remained on my sides. His touch made my heart race. We just stood there, not saying anything. After a couple of minutes, he dropped his hands and cleared his throat.

"So, when are we leaving?" I asked, trying to break the silence.

"Well, I'm leaving in the morning." It caught me off guard.

"Oh... I wasn't expecting it to be that soon. What time do I need to be ready?"

"I guess around eight?" I nodded slowly. "Okay... Well, I guess I'll let you get some sleep. Good night." I smiled at him as he backed towards his door. After I shut and locked the door, I headed to my room and packed my things before laying down and trying to get some sleep. 

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