Disclaimer: I do not own Gakuen Alice, despite my insane wish to own it. Depressing isn't it?


Monday, December 25, After Dinner, Living Room

I never thought that Hotaru, being such a high tech person, would actually get me a journal for a present. It's just so not her style. I mean, it's a book. Paper and pen. There is not a single shred of technology in it, it's so old school, and she actually went out of her way and bought one for me (which means that she had to actually shop for it). I'm shocked, that's all I can say.

But regardless of that, I'm overjoyed by the fact that she actually got me a present for Christmas, though I still cannot seem to wrap my mind around the idea that she actually took the time to shop for me, I feel so giggle-ish every time I think about it.

This is the FIRST, in all ten years of our friendship, that she got me a gift. A gift that is not in the form of getting scold/lecture, shot at with her baka gun or blackmail. I have no idea why she sees them as being either a present or punishment, since it's clearly not. But I guess geniuses' mind works in a twisted and complicated way that I, a normal girl, can never understand.

This is the best Christmas ever! Especially the gift giving session, it has got to be the best out of today. I mean, Hotaru bothered to actually get me something. Oh, and the process of her giving it to me was priceless, I can faint right now from remembering it. I mean, for all I know, this could very well be her first and last time she do something so sweet, physically.

Today was like every other Christmas we've spent for the past ten years. As usual, Hotaru joined us from the morning till lunch. What with her family being so busy and only being able to meet up during dinner.

Then, traditionally, we helped mum baked double chocolate chip cookies and while we were doing so, we (mainly me) chatted but you could tell that she had put more in effort today, compared to her usual head-nodding-but-impossible-to-tell-if-she's-even-listening response. Maybe the lack of ability to see each other every day is in some way, affecting her too.

After that, lunch went on smooth and nicely. Mum and dad was sitting there having their usual argument before the phone starts ringing and those two will run off to answer it, leaving Hotaru and I (mostly me, unless mum served crabs) to eat all the yummy food.

Then, before we know it, it was time to give gifts. I got mum a really cute sweater that would be wonderful for when we go see grandpa during New Year. And I got dad a refill for his mountain pen that I got him last year during his birthday. The old man was so glad and proud that he kept using it for every single thing while bragging that it was from his daughter to everyone; the ink was gone in less than half a year.

And last but not least, I got Hotaru a Hotaru doll, specially made by me. This is actually the second doll I have given her. But my first attempt was so sucky that I decided to give her a second one when my sewing skills got better. Note: I made the first doll when I was 10, so I shall not be hold responsible to any lousy mistake I made back then.

Anyway, truth be told, all these years of being best friends with Hotaru, I have never gotten a present from her (not on birthdays or anything –as I have established earlier) and I actually gave up hope after 5 years.

So, (this is favourite part) when she actually dragged me to the corner of the room, stuffed her hand into her bag, and pulled out a rectangular box that was wrapped in a common looking Christmas wrapping paper, I almost died of shock. But that is not even the sweetest and most shocking part, the sweetest part was when she held it in front of me and said, "Here. I guess this is payment for being my best friend for all these years", looking a little embarrassed, if I may add. It was so CUTE!!

But of course she had to ruin the nice, rare moment by saying, "Take it already. My hand is getting tired." I mean, sorry that I cannot help but stare at my best friend when she does something so entirely out of character. It's a pity the moment was gone as soon as it appeared. But it was definitely worth it. Hotaru have her cute moments too. I just wished that I had a camera to capture it.

Gosh, it's moments like this that makes me miss being with my best friends more than I already do.

Also, before I forget, my present from mum and dad is a makeover for my old room. In other words, I don't think I'm in the same room already. Will write more about room when not so tired.


Sunday, December 31, 11.45pm, Paradise

In just the matter of fifteen minutes, the world (fine, some parts of the world) would be celebrating the New Year and as narcissist as it is (and as Hotaru would say, delusional), my birthday! I mean, that has got to be the best way to celebrate a birthday. As the saying goes, the more, the merrier and what can be more merrier than the whole world?

And to top it off, we're currently sitting at the balcony of the hotel that will overlook the amazing fireworks that will be displayed later. I guess there are perks after all to being the daughter of the owner of a hotel, especially one that partakes in the fireworks display. You would know where the best place to be at to get a good view. Dad say the fireworks are going to be beautiful.

Though I have to say, it's kind of sad that not everyone, that I want to see, is here. But I guess, you can't exactly have it all. Life's not that perfect, or at least that is what Kyra tells me.

Anyway, dad just told me that he has a surprise for me tomorrow and that I should be a good girl and sleep once we get home.

Seriously, I'm going to turn sixteen in just matter of minutes, for goodness' sake, but he still treats me like I'm six.

But still, hmm.. I wonder, what's the surprise?


Author's note: After re-reading my story, I realised that I've managed to write myself into a corner. I've re-written chapter 6 till I'm almost sick it, but I'm still not satisfied. So, I've decided to rewrite the whole story (There are a number of changes but it's still basically the same plot. But if you've read it before. I still suggest you read it again. Sorry for the inconvenience caused.) while I'm on my sem break (Yippee! Break!). Will repost the other four chapters and the new one within next week, I hope.

(26/9/2009)