December 03rd
A long sigh escaped her lips, forming a puffy white cloud before it disappeared into the cold air of December. Christmas was everywhere, like it had invaded the streets within a few days. Carols were sung at nearly every corner and the local sound system was rolling another soapy Christmas song after another.
- « What is wrong, Maria? » Lucy asked between two sips of her hot cacao beverage.
- « I have absolutely no idea what to get for Altaïr. The guy is like a total moron of emptiness. »
The blond shrugged, careful not to spill her drink. Avoiding a very rushed lady, tightly corseted into an awful bright pink coat, she managed to defect a blow of one of the many packages the anonymous was swinging around.
- « I don't know, you chose him. Your bad taste must be the one to blame... »
- « Ah-ah-ah. Not helpful. … what are you getting for Desmond? »
- « I bought two tickets for his fave band coming in town in April, and a new hoody. »
- « Altaïr does not like music. »
- « Really? It does not seem that way... » Lucy lifted a brow. Sure, she was not so well acquainted with her cousin's boyfriend, but she was certain to have seen him listening to CD.
- « It is not that he does not like it... It is more about him do not liking anything in particular. He enjoys many things, but nothing more. And Christmas presents are something coming from the heart, something special, reminding both of who gave it and who receive it. »
- « I think you are over-thinking it. A gift is a gift. Buy him something he needs? »
- « No, no, no. Christmas is not about need. It is about sharing and thinking about other. »
- « And obviously I was wrong when I stated you were over-thinking it. » But the sarcasm – truthful sarcasm indeed, but still sarcasm – did not hit Maria as she was deaf and blind to anything but the shop she spotted around the corner. Lucy followed her eyes and: « No, oh no! This is SUCH a BAD idea! »
- « Oh, come on! It is perfect... and it will piss Malik off... »