Lights, Camera, Action

Christmas

TWELVE - CHRISTMAS

MARK’S POV

Christmas quickly approached, but before the actual holiday or even going home to be with family came Alyssa and Aubrey’s Christmas party. Judging by how awesome their last party was, I wasn’t expecting anything less from this one. Sure enough, when I got there wearing my ugly Christmas sweater (which lit up, I might add), I could already tell it was going to be good. The apartment was decked out in the usual decorations, plus there were holiday themed appetizers and cookies displayed nicely in the kitchen. Christmas music was playing too, and there were gifts underneath the tree, which was where I was told to put the gifts I brought for Alyssa, Aubrey, and Matthias, who was also attending with his wife, Amanda.

We ate, drank, took pictures, did some karaoke, and finally opened gifts. It was enjoyable to see what everyone got and to open my own gifts, but my favorite part about the exchange was seeing Alyssa’s reaction to her present from me. I had gotten her a Time Turner, and she was so excited about it. It was the absolute number one Harry Potter collectible that she wanted, so I knew I had to get it for her. She fangirled a little bit, which was hilarious to see, and I knew she really loved it. She had bought me geeky t-shirts as well as a new mouse for my computer since I had been complaining about the one I currently had. She was worried that she didn’t do a good job on my presents, but honestly, I thought they were perfect. 

Before the party ended, I tricked Alyssa into standing under the mistletoe with me so we would have to kiss. Aubrey took a picture and sent it to both of us. I wanted to share it with the world, but instead I just set it as my lock screen. I wasn’t sure if she wanted our relationship to be public yet. But then again, I didn’t even know what I wanted. As much as I wanted people to know about my wonderful girlfriend, I knew there would be negativity. And anyways, why should we have to tell anyone that we were together, other than the people who really knew us? People would find out eventually. They already suspected it. Why not let them wonder for a little longer?

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During the early hours of December 22, Alyssa went home, and I went with her. Not to stay, but just to hang out with her and see her hometown. She always explained it as small and boring, but I was still interested to see where she grew up.

The flight felt long, but I guessed that it probably felt even longer for Webster. He seemed to have mixed feelings about flying - the only time he ever did was when Alyssa went home at Christmastime, because she usually stayed for a while and she didn’t want to have to put him in a kennel for so long without seeing him. He did seem extra relieved to see us when we arrived at the Chicago airport, which was more than I could say for Alyssa’s brother, who picked us up. 

When Alyssa saw, him, she immediately ran up to him and gave him a bear hug. She had told me that they were very close, and I could definitely tell. But when she brought him up to me to introduce us, his smile turned into a frown.

“You said you were bringing a friend…you chose to bring him?” he sneered, looking like he was possibly going to punch me in the face. I’ll admit that I wasn’t expecting such a reaction from him when I hadn’t even said a word yet.

“David, hey! We’re together now. It just became official recently and I’d really rather you didn’t kill him,” Alyssa held him back.

“Oh,” he answered awkwardly. “Sorry, man. The last time Lys and I spoke, I thought you had broken her heart. I didn’t make you out to be that kind of guy from your Youtube videos, so I’m glad to hear that I was right. It’s nice to meet you. I’m David, obviously,” he shook my hand.