Escape (Dana Vaughns) *EDITING*

Chapter 11: Christmas Eve

I waved goodbye to my parents as I walked the way to Dana's front door. This was a little tradition we had to always spend the night before Christmas together. The first time we did it, I was a little worried that it would be awkward seeing as it was the first time we had ever spent the night with each other but he made me laugh the whole night.

Ringing the bell I heard a faint 'I'll get it' and then some screams as the door opened to reveal five breathless guys. I looked at them concerned as they all chuckled. Rolling my eyes, I stepped around them and made my way to Dana's room to put my things down. Dana's mom and dad went out to do some last minute shopping and my parents were on their way to meet them. I really love how close our parents are; it makes everyone feel like a giant family.

After I put down my bag I went back into the living room where Cassidy, Alex and Edith were sitting. I smiled down at the three as I made my way to sit on the floor by them. Over these last two weeks we had all gotten closer as friends and were always hanging out. They were now in on our little tradition too.

"What's up guys?" I said once I got comfortable. They quickly filled me in on the topic of conversation while I heard a crash from the kitchen.

"The guys wanted to make us something special so they've been in the kitchen for like three hours. I have no clue what they're making but that's been happening like every five minutes." Alex told me while the other girls laughed with me.

"Don't talk about us!" I heard Dana shout from the kitchen as we all went into a fit of giggles. Once our little giggle fest was over we all started talking about tonight.

"So I'm thinking we do all of The Santa Claus movies, then we can watch The Mistletones, then maybe Elf and end it with The Polar Express." I mentioned to them, smiling at the thought of the Christmas movie marathon. They all agreed and I got up to put in the first Sana Claus. As soon as I sat down, Will walked in with bowls of popcorn and Gabe followed him with a tray of Hot Chocolate. I smiled as I spotted the one made for me. They left back out and us girls got so wrapped up in the movie we forgot what they were originally doing.

"Ahem." We heard someone clear their throat making all of us turn our attention to them. I paused the movie and looked to see a smiling David standing there. He looked smug as he asked us to make our way to the dining room. We all took our seats and watched David vanish into the kitchen.

"What is this all about?" I heard Cassidy ask while we all looked at each other. Suddenly, the boys all came out with Christmas themed aprons on and a tray in hand. They all put the trays down and we were blown away with what they did. There littered in the trays were different holiday themed snacks including cupcakes that looked like reindeer and Santa Claus cookies. I was shocked by how good they looked, I think we all were.

"Wow." I stated out loud, all of the girls agreeing as the guys took their seats next to us. I smiled as Dana sat next to me giving him a discreet thumbs up. I knew that he knew how to bake, I was just surprised that he got the guys to help.

Pretty soon we all were stuffed with the things they made, packing up the rest to eat tomorrow and left to go and finish the movie with the guys. Dana sat next to me on the ground while everyone else found their place. I felt his arm wrap around my shoulders as I leaned into him. These were the times I had missed and it was even better now that I had all my friends here.

After the third movie went off, Dana's parents came in and told us all to go and change into our pajamas so we could eat dinner and then wrap presents. Everyone was back down and we all went back into the living room where Jiangs was waiting. I ran and hugged Dana's parents before quickly devouring my food. They know me so well.

We wrapped the presents for everyone who wasn't there while The Polar Express was playing in the background. When the hot chocolate song came on, Dana and I burst out in song and dance which made everyone laugh. At around eleven when the movies were over, we all made our way up the stairs to sleep. Dana and I cuddled into the bed, pretending to be sleep until his parents checked on us. It was then that we snuck down the stairs and stared at all the perfectly wrapped gifts sitting there. I fell in love with the sight and took a picture before sitting with Dana.

"Can you sing?" He asked me while we were sat in silence. I looked up at him, ready to say no until I saw his face. Sighing I started to think of my favorite Christmas song.

"...They're singing deck the halls, but it's not like Christmas at all." I sung as Dana stared at me. He smiled as I got to the second verse, joining in with the harmonies. As the song came to an end, he pulled me further into his chest as we laid there. I listened to his steady heartbeat as we both relaxed into each other.

"Merry Christmas Dana." I told him right before I heard the soft snores coming from him. Content, I went and turned off the lights, leaving the Christmas lights to illuminate his face. I made my way on top of him, letting my head rest on his chest as he wrapped his arms around me.