Christmas Kisses

Christmas Eve Eve Eve, 10:00am

The announcement had just been said over the microphone, and already the school was buzzing.

There was excited chatter as the students of Egypt Boarding School made their way into the theatre.

"I wonder what this is all about?" Nina, a scholarship student from America, said.

"It's three days until Christmas. Maybe it's something to do with that?" Fabian, a shy and geeky student suggested.

"Yeah. Or maybe Victor's retiring!" Jerome, prankster supreme, joked.

"That'll be the day," Patricia, also known as Trixie, grinned.

"Well, what could it be then?" Mara, a honours student and the group brain asked.

"Maybe it's mince pies!" Mick licked his lips. He was an athletic student, but loved food like it was his girlfriend.

"You're always thinking about food!" Mara scolded. She was his actual girlfriend, and was annoyed by his eating habits. He should be training, not scoffing his face like there was no tomorrow.

"I hope it's something to do with changing the school uniforms," Amber said, "They are so, like, last century!" Amber was a huge fan of clothes, makeup, shoes, and anything pink, fluffy and cute.

"Likely, Amber," Nina rolled her eyes.

"It's possible!"

"Well, I think," Alfie said, "They've discovered life on Mars!" Alfie was a joker, and obsessed with aliens.

"That's a national announcement, not a school one, Alfie," Fabian said.

"Still, what could it be?"

…...

"Students," Eric Sweet, also fondly known as Sweetie to the students, said into a bullhorn "I am sorry to announce that while you have been in school all morning, there has been a terrible snowstorm and I am afraid we are all snowed in to the school. None of you will be able to go home this holidays."

There was a collection on groans from the students.

"But," Mr Sweet continued, "Your housemistresses all managed to brave the storm to grab some clothes for you all to wear, and your toiletries as well. We will set up camp in classrooms until the storm subsides."

It was the teachers that looked disappointed at this announcement, Mrs Andrews especially. She had worked all morning on a French display for her children, and now it was going to be ruined by sleeping children!

"Lessons will continue as normal, and you will all be able to use the school bathrooms for washing."

"Eew," Amber murmured.

"However," Mr Sweet smiled slightly, "There will be a talent competition on Christmas Eve, organized by our very own Mr Winkler. Anyone can enter, just put your name and house on a slip of paper and hand it in to Mr Winkler. That is all." He stepped down from the stage. Immediantely, the students began talking.

"I'm so gonna enter!" Amber squealed, "And I bet Fabian is too, Nina. Maybe he'll sing to you!"

Nina blushed. Her and Fabian had kissed at prom, but weren't official. . . yet. She liked him, of course she did, she was just nervous and hoped he would make the first move, even though she knew he was quite shy.

"Shhhhh! I don't. . . think that'll happen, Amber," Nina said.

"It will. Trust me," Amber nodded wisely.

Meanwhile Mara started chatting to Mick about the show.

"I think I'll enter this year. I've always thought about it, and Christmas is always so magical. What do you think?"

Mick looked distracted.

"Um, yeah, you'll be great babe," he tried to look up Amber's skirt, but failed. He still had a thing for her, even though they'd broken up ages ago. Luckily for him, Mara hadn't seemed to notice. She continued chatting, oblivious to him not listening.

". . . and I thought that we could perform together?"

"What?" Mick almost fell off his chair.

"Only if you want to. . ."

"Erm, I can't babe," Mick tried to find an excuse. He loved Mara, but sometimes she really annoyed him, "I can't sing very good, and I don't want to drag you down."

Jerome couldn't help listening in. He'd fancied Mara for ages, and couldn't resist an opportunity to get closer to her. He tapped Mara on the shoulder.

"I couldn't help hearing that you need help with your talent show performance. I, as an accomplished guitarist, could accompany you," he turned on his megawatt smile.

"Erm, well, I guess. . ." Mara was slightly reluctant. There had been a bit of friction between them last term, and she didn't really want to be alone with him, or else she might start to have a crush on him, like she had sort-of done last year, not that she'd admit it, of course.

"Great. We'll rehearse this evening," Jerome grinned again. He couldn't wait to be alone with Mara!

…...

There's gotta be more
There's gotta be more. . .

Mara stopped when she saw Jerome come into the room.

"Hey," she said.

"Hey," he grinned, "Is that the song you're gonna sing?"

"I was thinking about it, but I'm not sure. I mean, it makes me sound a bit like a preacher, don't you think?"

"Not really. You sound great, honestly. And I think I know that one," Jerome pulled his guitar out of the case and began to strum. Mara soon began to sing along. When they were done, she hugged him.

"That sounded great! We're definitely doing that! Where did you learn to play so good?"

"Practice," he beamed, "I learned when I was younger, and in the holidays when everyone else was away."

Mara's face softened.

"I didn't know that you never went home for the holidays."

"Well, my parents basically hated me, so I just stayed here. I went home for the first few years, but it was too awkward and it was easier this way. Trudy kept me company," he looked down.

"So it's not weird for you this year," it wasn't a question.

"That's right, but I'd rather not talk about it."

"Oh, right, sorry," Mara blushed.

"It's cool. So, do you wanna practice again?"

The smile returned to Mara's face.

"Of course! Let's go!"

…...