The Experience Buddy [Completed]

Chapter 14

Other than writing my story, there is another important task that I need to do - buying Christmas gifts. So I thought of going to the Stanford Christmas Market to experience the merry vibes and to get presents. Killing two birds with one stone.

I was planning on going alone but Hero said he wanted to tag along. So, why not?

It's actually my first time to a Christmas Market. Back in high school, we never really thought of going to one. My only friends were Madison and Frank so there weren't many people I would need to get presents for so usually half a day would be more than enough to shop for gifts. And since I part-timed in the cinema in the mall, I would go shopping after the end of my shift.

Speaking of part-time jobs, I would need to start looking for one this winter break too. Note to self to add this to my to-do list. Lake Tahoe and expenses for this winter break, plus Christmas presents, made me spend ahead of my scholarship allowance.

The area was nicely decorated with every typical Christmas decor that one can think of, from jingle bells to giant candy canes to snowmen made of cotton. If only there were snow, it would create an even better atmosphere. There was a huge, fully decorated Christmas tree in the middle of the square and tentages were set up around it. Every booth sold unique food, beverages and products. I suppose the organizers made sure not to have anyone clashing when they recruited the vendors.

For my mum, I found an adorable herb planter so that she can grow basil in our kitchen and as for my dad, his bedroom slippers were worn out so I got him a new pair that is brown and feels comfortable to the touch. Since Madison and Frank just got together, I thought it would be cute for them to have matching mugs. I even managed to find those magic trick playing cards for Jackson as I heard this was what he was into recently. Whereas for Davin, I got him a glitter tumbler which I know for sure he would love since he loves everything bling.

The hard part is in selecting gifts for Nat, Cheryl, Hugh, Toby, and even Hero.

In the end with Hero's help, I bought hand cream for Nat, lavender scented candle for Cheryl, a lighter with a cute moustache design for Hugh and for Toby, a wooden drink coaster with his name carved in the middle of it.

Then it was down to the last gift, the hardest of them all. How do you buy a gift for someone who seemingly has everything in life?

I was on the verge of giving up when we passed by a booth selling art supplies. Then it struck me about Hero's hobby. It was hard to check out the booth without being too obvious so I had to wait until he needed to make a trip to the restroom, then run to the booth. I had to glance around quickly and it was tough not knowing what exactly to get. Then my eyes caught onto something. Without a second thought, I bought it knowing that it will definitely be useful for him.

We hung around to watch and listen to the carolling before having dinner.

"Since you bought gifts for the rest, I am assuming I get one too?" Hero asked.

"Huh?" His question took me by surprise that I almost choked on my food. "Why would I?"

"Since we are friends." He stated in a matter-of-fact tone.

"Hold on, now we're friends? We didn't seem to be friends when you were being a prick towards me. Especially in front of those basketball friends of yours?" I snorted.

"I acted that way to protect you!" He exclaimed.

"By being a douche?" I narrowed my eyes at him while taking a bite of my fries.

"Yeah, so that they won't bother to try to sleep with you."

"Woah, this is fresh. Never heard of this reason before." I thought, with my most sarcastic voice in my head.

"I'll take that as a compliment." I smirked.

"Whatever. Just so you know, their standards for girls are at the level as your alcohol tolerance."

Can somebody remind me why was I hanging out with this guy again?

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After dinner, we went back to Hero's place to wrap the gifts. Actually, I was the only one who did the wrapping, Hero just sat on the couch and used his eye power while sipping on a can of beer.

He didn't buy anything for anyone, which made me start to wonder about his relationship with his family. However, I did notice that he bought a pressed, dried rose bookmark and a card. I didn't mean to peep but I couldn't pry my eyes away when I saw him write 'thinking of you' in the card. Then he put both the card and bookmark into an envelope and sealed it. The address written on the envelope was an UK address.

Is that for his girlfriend? Hold on, does he have a girlfriend back in the UK? He is attached but he fools around here in the US since she is not around?

Oh my god.

When I first started hanging out with Nat and this group, I learned from her that Hero only moved here to the US last year. Before that, he was from the UK, which wasn't that hard to figure out from his accent. But ever since I met him, he was hooking up with different girls so the thought of him being in a relationship has never crossed my mind.

What was weirder was, I felt this unexplainable sunken feeling in my chest that instant.

"That's for my grandmother." Hero broke the silence as he placed the envelope on top of the shoes cabinet.

Upon hearing that, somehow, I felt relieved. Uncontrollably, the edges of my mouth curved upwards.

"I didn't ask." I bit my lips, trying very hard not to let my smile show.

"I just felt like saying." He shrugged as he went into the kitchen and returned with two cans of beer.

He sat down on the floor beside me and placed one can on the coffee table in front of me. I looked at him in confusion as I uncrossed my legs so that I could shift my position to face him.

"I think," He paused as he opened both cans and continued. "It's time to train your alcohol tolerance."

I nodded without thinking then his words struck me in the next second. My back straightened in an instant as my eyes widened in shock.

"Wait, what??"