Chapter Nine: The Christmas Story
December 2005, the special holiday for my opinion. Well, Will is already sixteen now.
Will, Sonika and I are decorating the while mom and dad are shopping with their friends. After decorating, we're just doing our usual thing. Then mom and dad came home. "We're home!" They announced. "Hi mom and dad!" Will and I said. "Konichiwa Mr. and Mrs. Hedgehog!" Sonika said. "So how's your shopping with your friends?" I asked. "It was fine son." Dad answered. "C'mon you three, can you help us?" Mom requested. "Alright." We answered then helped them. After that, I went outside to check the mail. Then I saw an invitation. I got it from the mailbox then went inside. "Everyone, we had an invitation!" I announced. "Who's it from?" Will asked. "It's from the residents of Thorndyke Estate." I answered. Everyone, but Sonika, is shocked. "Really Shandic? Please read it to us Shandic." Dad requested. I opened the envelope.
"Dear Shandic and family," I read, "You are invited to a Christmas party on Dec. 24, 2005. It'll be lots of fun. This party is just a Christmas reunion for you, your family and for us. Sonic and Shadow can't wait to see you again. Their friends can't wait also. Hope you'll come. The Thorndyke Couple. P.S: Please wear formal clothes on this party."
"I didn't know Chris and Maria are now married." I said. "Same here dude." Will said with a confusing expression in his face. "Maybe they want it to be a surprise." Dad suggested. "Oh well." Will said.
"Well, we had to prepare everything for the Christmas party on Dec. 24." Mom announced. "Alright." We announced. We've started to prepare. Mom and dad went outside again to shop while we cook.
"Will, can you get the cookbook?" Sonika asked. "Aright Sonika." He said. He got the cookbook from the shelf then gave it to her. "Arigato Will." She said. "What's that mean?" He asked. "That means thank you in Japanese." I answered. Sonika started cooking. We've only helped her to get the ingredients.
Few hours later, mom and dad appeared with a bunch of toys and gifts. "We're back." They said. They placed the toys down then went to the kitchen. At the kitchen, they Sonika cooking. "So, you learn to cook when you're young Sonika-chan?" Dad asked. "Yes sir," She answered, "my mom is really good at cooking, so I had to learn from her." "I see…" Said dad with a smile. We've prepared so early so we wouldn't be a bit unprepared. My family always does that. I guess this is our tradition.
December 24, ten minutes before the Christmas Party, we went to our room to dress up. At my bedroom, I was dressing up while Sonika's helping me. "You're done Shandic-kun." She said. I walked closely at the mirror. "Arigato Sonika-chan." I said. She started to blush a little then sighed. "What's wrong?" I asked. "If you're going to the Christmas Party with you and your family, I guess I'll stay here and do nothing but clean up the house." She answered. "Please don't say that Sonika," I pleaded, "you've been with me for three months. You've got to come with us to the party." "Alright Shandic…" She replied with a sigh, "but the problem is, I don't have any formal clothes, just my usual clothes." "Don't worry," I said, "You can borrow one of my mom's formal clothes…I mean gowns…gowns." She started to laugh. I started to laugh as well. "Well, let's go to my parent's room." I answered. We walked out of my bedroom then went to my parent's room.
At Thorndyke Estate, we've arrived. Everything looks a bit the same. By the time we've entered, Sonic and Shadow are running around like kids. "Can't catch me Shadow!!" Sonic yelled. "Oh yeah," Shadow smirked, "let's see about that." He dashed a bit faster using his air shoes then got him. "I've gotcha!" He shouted. "Hey that's cheating!" Sonic yelled.
"That's not cheating Sonic. Remember the last time we've played Tekken 5? You've cheated by copying my moves."
"I did not! You're the one who's copying me!! What about the last time that you gotten the last cookie!?"
"Hey that wasn't me! It's Knuckles who gotten the last cookie!! Well what about the time when I went to the bathroom to take a bath, you suddenly turned the water cold."
"What, I had to go. Honest!"
"You always had to go to the bathroom, but not when I'm taking a bath!!"
I, my family and Sonika suddenly had sweat drops at the side of our heads. "They never changed their attitude when they fight." I said with a nervous laugh, "Also, they are growing up, but still childish." The two suddenly saw us. "Uhh…sorry about that," Sonic said nervously, "we've been so close together that we're suddenly brothers and had sibling rivalry. It happens to us all the time." "Well, you're early." Shadow said as he changed the subject. "Yeah, we know." I said. The two suddenly saw a blue hedgehog behind me. "Hey Shandic," Sonic called out, "who's that hedgehog behind you?" "This is Sonika," I answered, "she's my…uhh…" "Girlfriend!" Will answered. "No…" I answered.
"Sweetheart?"
"No."
"Fiancé?"
"No."
"Angel?"
"No."
"Crush?"
"No."
"Girlfriend?"
"Will, you already said 'Girlfriend' twice."
"What about soul mate?" Said a voice. It was Maria who said that question. "Konichiwa Maria-san." I said with a bow. "It's very nice to meet you also." She said with a curtsy. "Maria, this is Sonika. She's a bit sensitive with her surroundings." I introduced. "It's very nice to meet you Sonika." She said, "Welcome to Thorndyke Estate." Chris went downstairs then went to Maria. "It's nice to meet you again." He said. He suddenly saw the two hedgehogs a bit dirty and messed up. "Sonic, Shadow" He said, "Did you play 'run around' again?" "Uhh…no…" They answered. The hedgehogs' ears started to twitch. "You're lying again aren't you two?" He answered, "You'd better fix yourselves again." "Yes sir." They went upstairs then headed to their room to fix up. "They never changed ever since." He said. He looked at us. "It's nice to meet you again." He said. "Nice to meet you again also." We said, but Sonika. "Chris, this is Sonika, my soul mate." I introduced. "Nice to see you Sonika." He said. "Nice to meet you also." She said nervously.
Then we suddenly saw Cheese. He started circling around me. "Hey, stop that." I said with a laugh. Then Cream appeared. She was wearing a tan dress with a flower at the center. "There you are Cheese." She said. "Chao, chao!" He said. He went to her arms. She looked at me. "Hi." I said. "Hi, I'm Cream and this is Cheese." She said, "You must be Shandic. It's very nice to meet you." She did a little curtsy then went to the living room.
Then Tails and Knuckles appeared playing with the game boy. "That's not fair Knuckles." He complained, "You're cheating." "I'm not," He said, "You're just too slow." "Tails…Knuckles…" Chris said, "You're not suppose to play while walking, you'll get hurt." They stop playing then place the game boy on their pockets. They went near us. "Hello." They said. "Hi." We said. "You must be Shandic." Tails said, "My name's Miles 'Tails' Prower. I'm Sonic's best buddy. I'm sorta a little brother of Sonic since I always followed him around." "My name's Knuckles the Echidna" Knuckles introduced. "My name's Shandic." I introduced, "This is my little brother Will, my mom, Kristina, and my dad, Jericho." "Nice to meet you." They said. "You two better go to the living room." Maria said. "Yes Maria." They said then headed to the living room.
Then Amy and Rouge were at the corridor upstairs then went downstairs to see us. Amy was wearing a beautiful red gown with pink ribbons on the side while Rouge wore a silky red gown with green laces on the rim of her gown. "Hi, you must be Shandic. My name's Rouge the Bat." Rouge introduced. "My name's Amy Rose. I'm Sonic's fiancé." Amy introduced. "Not my fiancé!!" Sonic shouted. "Since when did he have good hearing?" Will asked. "Beats me." Chris said nervously. "So Amy, since when did you started to like him?" I asked. "So simple really," She answered, "his eyes and his looks. He's so dreamy." Her eyes started to twinkle. I suddenly had a sweat drop on my head. The two looked at Sonika. "Shandic, who's this girl?" Rouge asked. She didn't respond. I started to fill in. "This is Sonika." I said, "She's my soul mate." "She's so cute." Amy replied.
Sonic and Shadow opened their door then went downstairs. "Sonic!!" She shouted. Sonic suddenly had a sweat drop. "Hi…Amy-chan…" He said nervously. "So Sonic," She flirted, "How do you like my gown? Is it lovely?" "It looks nice on you alright." He said then went behind Shadow. He suddenly had a sweat drop then said, "Why do I have him?" We started to giggle. "C'mon, let's go to the living room." Maria announced. "Alright." We all answered. We went to the living room.
At the living room, Tails, Knuckles, Cream and Cheese are reading comics. They suddenly saw us, mostly Chris and Maria, and then stop reading. "Hi everyone." They said. "Hey guys!" Sonic said. He went near to Tails. "Hey little bro!" He said. "Hey Sonic!" Tails said. "No wonder why he said 'little bro' to him." Will said. I started to giggle a little. We all sat down. My dad stood up. "I would like to thank the Thorndyke Couple to invite my family and me to this reunion." He said, "Also, I was happy to see the couples beloved hedgehogs, Sonic and Shadow, grown-up and protecting everyone in Station Square." The hedgehogs started to blush. I started to laugh then everyone giggled. "Don't make us blush." Sonic said. The laughter slowly faded. "And further more," my dad continued, "I wish everyone a Merry Christmas." He sat down then everyone clapped. Sonika looked at Shadow with Sonic and Tails. She looked at his ruby eyes sparkle. She started to blush a little. He looked as well then saw her emerald eyes sparkle. He blushed a little as well. "They might be lovebirds someday…" I said in my thoughts. "You said something?" Sonic asked. "You can hear my thoughts?" I asked frantically. "Ahh…not that much." He answered, "I'm no expert with it yet, Shadow only. He gave me few pointers then I'm getting the hang of it." "So, you heard what I said?" I asked. "Only a little." He answered, "I heard 'lovebirds' in your thoughts. Who'll be lovebirds?" "You'll find out soon enough." I said.
We were having a good time. Chris, Maria, my mom and my dad are chatting while we play. It was really fun. I'm really having a good time. You know, under the mistletoe mishaps, Sonic always steered cleared from them. Why? It's because Amy wants to kiss him under the mistletoe. He still doesn't like her. I wonder why. Upstairs at the hedgehogs' room, all of us, except Chris, Maria and my parents, are watching Knuckles and Sonic playing Tekken 5. Sonic always wins and Knuckles always lost. "Wahoo! I won again!" He shouted. "Aww man…" He complained. "Alright who wants to play?" He announced. Then a voice was heard, "Sonic, Shadow…tell your friends it's time to open the gifts. We'll be at the den." "Alright Maria…!" They shouted. Sonic turned off the PS2 then we went downstairs.
At the den, Chris, Maria and my parents are waiting for us. Then we arrived then sat down on the floor. "Sorry about that." Sonic said nervously. "It's alright Sonikku." Maria said. "Please don't call me when my friends are here." He complained. Will started to laugh. Mom looked at him then he stopped. "Sorry about that mom." He said. "Alright, it's time to exchange your gifts." Chris announced. "Let's started with the Hedgehog Family." Maria announced. "Well, it's a good thing we've got them." Dad said. He went outside then got the plastic bag. He went back then got them. "Will, when I give the gifts to you, you shout their name that belongs to. Shandic, when Will gives you the gift, you give it to your friends." He said. "Sure dad…" We said.
He first got out two gifts that are covered in blue and black. He gave it to Will. "Sonic and Shadow!" He shouted. He gave it to me then I stood then gave it to the hedgehogs. "Thanks." They said. Next, dad got a gift with pink and red swirls then gave it to him. "Amy Rose!" He shouted, gave it to me, then I gave it to her. "Thank you." She said. Next, he got out three gifts which are covered in Christmas Trees and snowmen then gave it to him. "Tails, Knuckles and Cream!" He shouted then gave it to me. When I was about to give it to them, Knuckles got them from my hands. "Okay…I'll just do nothing." I said. Everyone started to giggle.
After we've given our gifts to them, it's now their turn to give their gifts to us. "Our turn!" Sonic shouted. He went to the Christmas tree then he threw the gifts. They came flying around. "What is he doing?!" Will asked frantically. "Don't worry," Amy answered, "he does this every Christmas." Then the presents landed on our laps. "Wow," He said, "He's a professional." "Thanks." Sonic said, "I've been practicing everyday." "I thought Amy said every Christmas." He said. "She sometimes messes up everything. You've sometimes got to listen or ignore her." He answered. "Alright everyone, you may open your gifts." Maria announced. We've started open our presents. All of us are really shocked when we saw our gifts. Sonic was the most. "Oh my god!" He shouted, "I really love this! Thanks for giving me special shades, guys." "You're really welcome." Dad said.
Then we started to chat again. We really can't stop with the talking, the laughing and the fun. I was happy to see my friends again.
That night, we've waved good-bye to them. "See ya later guys!" I shouted. "See ya later Shandic!" Shouted Sonic and Shadow. My family, Sonika and I went back to the van then headed back home.
When we've arrived home, we've went to our bed. In my bedroom, I was the first to dress-up. Sonika was next after I'm done. She took off the gown then placed it on my bed. I turned around then saw her half naked. She suddenly saw me looked at her then hid behind the sheets. "Sorry Sonika-chan…" I said. "It's alright…" She said. "It's a good thing you're wearing you-know-what." She started to blush. "I'll just give this gown back to mom." I said as I got the gown. I went out then went to my parent's room. I placed my mother's gown on the bed then went back to my room. As I went in, I saw Sonika-chan in her night gown. I was struck again. "Sorry again…" She said. "It's alright…" I said. I looked at the clock. "Well, we'd better sleep." I said, "Tomorrow will be Christmas Day." We went to sleep.
Next day was Christmas Day. I suddenly heard Will shouting 'It's Christmas! It's Christmas!' I suddenly woke up. I got my robe next to the bed post. I went near Sonika then started to shake her. "Sonika…wake up…!" I whispered. She started to moan then opened her eyes. "What day is it?" She asked. "It's Christmas silly…" I answered. "Christmas…?" She repeated. "Just grab a robe then come downstairs." I said. I went out of our bedroom then headed downstairs.
At the living room, I saw my parents and Will's started opening his gifts. "Hi honey!" My mom said. "Hi mom…" I groaned, "Can you please don't call me 'honey?' Sonika-chan will hear it." "Alright sweetheart…" She said. Then I heard Sonika coming downstairs. "Merry Christmas everyone…" She said. "Merry Christmas Sonika…" We said. "Will's already opening his gifts." I said, "Let's open ours." The two of us went near the tree then we've started opened our gifts.
"So Will," Said dad, "what gift did you have?"
"I had new clothes, a new game, snow goggles and an extreme gear, an air bike."
"That's great Will. Shandic, what about you?"
"I had new books, writing materials, two notebooks, new clothes, new sneakers, shades and…an extreme gear that is an air board…?"
"What's wrong Shan? You don't like it?"
"I like it dad…but why did you give me an extreme gear…?"
"Well, I really don't know why. I just like to give you this because I want you experience this ride."
"Will Sonika-chan will have an extreme gear?"
"Of course…its air skates."
"That's really cool dad."
"You're really welcome…"
"So Sonika," Said mom, "what gift did you have?"
"Well, I had new clothes and belongings, new books, writing materials, a notebook, special shades, new sneakers, a gown and an extreme gear that are air skates."
"That's really nice…"
"Thanks…"
Will went up to his room with the gifts in his arms. "Wow, Will's really excited." I said. "You'll never know him until you know him more." Said dad. I turned to Sonika. "Let's go to our room." I said. "Alright." She said. We went upstairs with our gifts in our hands.
At our bedroom, we've placed our gifts on our beds. "It's really great when my parents give me gifts." I said. "My parents also." She said, "I live in a rich family. They give lots of gifts on birthdays and on holidays. They're so embarrassing." "Welcome to my world…" I said sarcastically. She started to giggle. Suddenly, Will came in my room, wearing his new clothes and got out his extreme gear. "Shandic," He said, "you've gotta try your gear. I'm gonna try mine." He dashed out then shouted 'Wahoo!!' I turned to Sonika. "Well Sonika," I said, "let's suit up so we could use our gear." "Alright Shandic-kun." She said. She got her new clothes then headed to the bathroom. I've changed first. I've put on my socks first, and then I've placed on the new pants and sneakers. I've put on my new shirt, long-sleeved, then another one, short-sleeve. Since it's snowing, I've put my jacket. I've placed my shades on my head. I was ready. I sat down to my desk then I've started to write on my notebook. I really love writing; it's my hobby besides reading a book.
I heard the bathroom door opened. I saw Sonika-chan in her beautiful clothes. She had the same get-up like me, only its pink and red. I was awestruck by her appearance. "You look lovely Sonika-chan." I said. "Thanks…" She said. I've noticed that she's wearing her air skates. "I see that you're prepared." I said. "You also…" She said. "Let's go," I announced, "Will's already riding his gear." I've got my board then went we went outside.
At the front yard, I saw Will doing crazy tricks with his air bike. I suddenly saw my friends watching him. "Johnny! Allan!" I shouted. They heard my voice. "Shandic!" They shouted. They approached us. "Your brother's extreme gear is really cool." Allan said. "It's really a rare gear." Johnny added, "Your parents are really awesome." "Please," I said, "my parents always give me and Will lots of gifts. It's really embarrassing." Then Will went in front of us then stopped. "Like the tricks?" He asked. We all nodded. Then we suddenly heard something. We saw someone from afar. They're coming closer and closer. Then they stopped in front of us. It was Sonic, Shadow and his friends. "Guys!" I shouted. "Whuzzup Shandic!" Sonic said. Then he saw my gear. "That's an awesome gear Shan." He said. "My parents gave me this as a gift. Also to my little bro and Sonika-chan." I said. "That's cool." He said, "Everyone's is just built by my best buddy Tails." "Sonic, you're making me blush…" Tails groaned. "I really wanna say it Tails." He said. "That's cool." I said, "The gears mom and dad got us are really rare." "No way!" Knuckles said. "Your parents are so nice to you guys." Amy said with a smile. "They always gave me and Will lots of gifts." I said. "Well," Sonic said with a faint smile, "let's race until this day ends." "You're on!" I said. Then all of us started.
