christmas in Honolulu heights.
"No, Alex. Absolutely not." Hal said, holding up a snowman decoration.
Alex pouted then looked through the box. "Come on, it will be fun!" Alex cheered.
"Need I repeat myself?" Hal asked, his tone remaining stern.
"Tom likes the idea. He's never had a proper Christmas." Alex put on her sad, needy, manipulating eyes and gently caressed the box.
"Christmas is hardly a celebration." Hal faltered, watching the ghost's act.
She sighed.
"Sighing will not work on me Alex. Not this time."
She sighed louder and dipped her head.
"Stop that." Hal demanded.
Alex sighed again and started dragging her foot along the carpet. "I loved Christmas when I was alive." She whispered.
"Bloody hell, must you always manipulate me like this."
She nodded slowly, carrying on her act. "The boys used to run down the stairs, tripping over each other just to get in the living room first." She recalled.
"Please stop that."
"Say it then." She grinned, but quickly composed herself.
"Must I?"
"Yes!" Alex replied too quickly.
"Fine. Alex you may decorate the house however you like for Christmas."
"Even your room?"
"No." He shook his head.
"But it won't be however I like if I can't decorate your room too!"
"Leave my room out of this, please."
"I won't!" She grabbed the box then grinned at him.
She rent-a-ghosted up the stairs- all traces of sadness gone.
Hal stared at the snowman decoration in his hand. "Unbelievable." He muttered.
He heard Alex and Tom upstairs, like children decorating and singing Christmas songs. Hal gave in and joined them.