The Matchmaker Mare

Three

I wake up tiredly in the morning and open the windows of my bedroom for some fresh air. I peer out the window only to see Austin waving to me from down below.

"Morning Holly!" Well, at least he called me by my name this time, it's a start. That doesn't make me like him though, I scowl at him, slam the window shut and pull on some clothes. In the closet, I remember what today is. December 1st! Finally, something to look forward to! I scramble down the stairs and get a whiff of bacon and eggs as I rush into the kitchen.

"Grandma, Grandpa! Guess what today is? December 1st!" I yell excitedly, hugging both of them. "We get to go to the tree farms and find our Christmas tree today!" For two people who really love Christmas, my grandparents didn't seem all too excited.

"Did I do something wrong? Why aren't you happy?" I ask confusingly.

"Oh, Holly, no, you didn't do anything wrong at all." Grandma reassured with a warm kiss on my cheek.

"Then, what is it?

"Your Grandfather has a Doctor's appointment today. Don't worry about it, the doctors just want to check up on him, make sure nothing is going on. Sadly, that means we can't get a tree."

"What?! But... can't we go get one when the appointment is over? I mean, it is a tradition to get our tree on December 1st! It has been like that ever since I was a baby!" I whine and put on my best pouty face. Right as I do, Jake and Austin both walk into the front door, and judging by my face, start to walk back out.

"Is this a bad time? Because, we can go." Jake says.

"No, no, it's fine." Grandma says, I shoot her a glare. I don't need to be sharing my home with you know who at the moment. "You boys look hungry, come have some breakfast." Jake and Austin seat themselves at the table, right across from me, and Grandma passes them some breakfast.

Grandma's face lights up immediately and she gets a huge smile, one that tells me she must have an idea. "I have an idea!" She announces. Well, there you go, I was right. Let's hear it.

"Holly, since you are so set on getting a tree today, why don't you go with Jake and Austin? That way, we can have it by evening tonight, and your Grandpa and I can help you decorate it!" Ha, me, going to get a tree with Austin? Unlikely! But Grandma seemed so excited...

"Grandma, I don't know if that is a good idea... getting a tree is a family thing..."

"Well, Jake is considered family. And Austin should now too, besides, he helps out wonderfully around here." Grandma compliments. Never, in a million years, will I consider Austin as family.

"I think it is a good idea Mrs. Smith. It will help me get to know Holly better. And Jake too of course." Austin says, smirking and lifting an eyebrow at me. I just about lost it. Okay, who does he think he is? My knight in shining armor? I don't think so! By the time my grandparents are gone, he will regret ever saying that.

"Well then, Jake, what do you think?" Grandma says. Jake, please do the right thing. He side-glances at me, I slightly shake my head, indicating for him to say no. Then he looks at my grandma, who is smiling a big smile at him, her shimmering eyes awaiting an answer. Looking from me to grandma repeatedly, pondering his decision, he finally musters up the words.

"I think it is a great idea." No way! Unbelievable! Jake, my sweet and amazing Jake, who has been with me ever since I was 7 years old, always backing me up, chooses the other side for once! And this time I actually care! Ugh! I ball up my fists, but before I throw a fit in front of all of them, I push my chair out and start to head upstairs.

"Where are you going Holly?" Grandma asks.

"Well, if I am going to get a tree, I need to have on proper clothing." I respond annoyingly and continue to my bedroom. I get weird looks from them all as I walk on, but I couldn't care less. Aggressively, I put on winter clothing, consisting of a scarf, coat, gloves, a hat, warm pants and boots, all to keep me warm while looking for a tree outside in the cold. Stomping back downstairs, I see that Jake and Austin are ready to go, waiting for me.