Author's Note: Wheeeee! It's done! I was thinking of putting this up on New Year's Eve, but it didn't make sense and I couldn't decide on a date to put it up, so I was thought, why not today? XD Plus, I was a little late finishing it because I finally got around finishing my drawing of Carly! 0 Thanks to everyone who reviewed, you guys are the best! It gets a little sappy at the end, but nothing too passionate (it is PG, isn't it?) – it's your typical everyone-gets-a-happy-ending fic because Christmas is supposed to be all warm and fuzzy and happy, right? If it was longer, I would've developed some more character, but well, you know. I know I didn't focus much on Enrique and Aquana, but I'm thinking of another short fic for their relationship, maybe a Valentine fic or something. But anyways, enjoy, hope everyone had happy holidays! Don't forget to review!

I want to dedicate this final chapter to Whisper – my inspiration and all around best online friend! glompz Happy holidays sweetie!

The song "Beautiful Soul" is © Jesse McCartney (squeals This song is the best! I highly recommend it to all pop music fans).

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The joy of brightening other lives, bearing each

others' burdens, easing other's loads and supplanting

empty hearts and lives with generous gifts becomes for

us the magic of Christmas.

( W.C. Jones )

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Chapter 3: Wishing Fountain

Michael cursed creatively as he sped his car down the icy roads, barely making it through the red light and ignoring as the drivers of a couple cars nearby screamed at him. "Oh, screw it!" Michael snapped, jerking his windshield wipers control irritably as he came to a screeching stop in front of Johnny's mansion. Slamming the door and swearing some more, Michael banged on Johnny's door, "Open the door, McGregor!"

Michael paced back and forth furiously, too confused and angry to think clearly, "Johnny McGregor!!" He shouted, slamming his fists against the door.

The door finally opened and Johnny was frowning with a slightly bewildered look on his face (probably because of the pounding his door received) – aside from that, he didn't look too surprised to see Michael. Behind him, Oliver peered out as well; there was no surprise on his face either.

"Hi Michael," Johnny said, a queer, unreadable look on his face.

Michael glanced from Johnny to Oliver, breathing heavily and shaking his head slowly, "You know. You know that Carly hates me, don't you?"

"Perhaps you should come inside," Oliver suggested mildly, "There's no use yelling outside and you're letting in all the cold air."

Michael dazedly followed both of his friends inside the heated house, closing the door behind him, "Johnny – why didn't you tell me?"

Johnny sighed, "Why don't you tell me? What am I supposed to tell you? Everything that I can tell you, you already know."

"I don't know…" Michael protested weakly, "I went to the orphanage and Carly went berserk, I tried to talk but she kept interrupting me and screaming at me to get out."

"If she wasn't at the orphanage, she probably would've slapped you," Johnny pointed out sardonically.

"But what did I do???" Michael demanded, "Why isn't anyone telling me?"

Oliver quickly cut in, "Remember when you were at the mall with her Michael?"

"And you ran into screw-up Travis and his dolls?" Johnny spat.

"Yeah…" Michael said slowly, trying to recall the event, "But what does that have to do with anything?"

"Carly heard your whole conversation with him," Oliver explained quietly, "She thinks that you're just taking the whole thing like a joke and Travis' comments didn't help either."

Michael frowned slightly, thinking hard until words like "unwanted", "parentless", "troublesome" floated back in his mind. "Oh my God…" he breathed, a dazed look in his cerulean eyes, "She heard us…?"

Johnny scowled, "Yes."

"That's why she ditched me," Michael said weakly, "Oh my God…me and my big mouth…"

"Michael," Oliver said gently, "What exactly did you say in there with Travis?"

Michael ran his hand through his messy hair, still looking stunned, "I-I don't remember. Travis…" He took a deep breath and related the whole conversation back to Oliver and Johnny as it slowly came back to him. "I-I didn't know that she was listening otherwise I would've never –"

"Michael, you shouldn't have said those things regardless," Oliver said with a shake of his head, "I know you like to show up in front of others, but…" He exchanged worried looks with Johnny who still looked partially angry and partially stunned.

"I'm so stupid," Michael groaned, getting up, "I have to go and talk to her right now –"

"No Michael, don't talk to her now," Johnny said hoarsely, "Give her time to cool off – if you go talk to her now, she'll never believe a word you say."

"But I have to –" Michael insisted, stopping abruptly and looked at Johnny and Oliver who were exchanged glances yet again, "There's something else, isn't there?"

"You could say that," Oliver mumbled slowly.

"What is it? Tell me!" Michael demanded, his turquoise eyes flashing.

"Should we tell him?" Oliver asked Johnny quietly.

Johnny nodded slowly, "I think we might as well."

"Won't Carly freak out?"

"I think I'll take that chance"

"But if she finds out…"

"I think she'll know that it's for her own good, after all, it's nothing to be ashamed of."

"All right," Oliver's shoulders slumped, "If you really think so, you know her better than anyone."

"What is it?" Michael hissed, nearly snapping with impatience.

Johnny took a deep breath, "The main reason why Carly's so upset is because…"

"Because what?!"

"She was raised in an orphanage herself when she was growing up."

Michael backed away, shock reflecting in his eyes while shaking his head, "Y-You're kidding me…tell me you're kidding…"

Johnny's amethyst eyes reflected a seriousness Michael had never seen before, "Why would I joke about something like this? Can you see why she's acting the way she is? She's more hurt than anything."

"I-I never knew," Michael stammered, "B-But her parents…then…?"

Johnny shook his head again, "I don't know her parents. She doesn't know her parents. Whoever they were, they left her in front of the orphanage sometime during the winter when she little more than a year old. She grew up in the orphanage, but she hated it there – it wasn't like the orphanage you two work at. She despised the staff there and they despised her, they work as soon as they can otherwise they don't get to eat. I'm not going to go into details Michael, you get the point – she lived there until she met me when she ran away."

Michael sank back down on the sofa, completely speechless, "Oh my Lord…Michael Parker, you idiot – why couldn't you keep your big mouth shut? No wonder she hates me – if I was her, I'd hate me too!"

"Michael?" Oliver said softly, "We know you didn't know. And I think that you know that you shouldn't have said those things. We're just asking that you stay away from Carly for a while –"

"But –" Michael protested.

"It's for the best," Oliver interrupted.

"But I need to apologize!" Michael said.

"You need to give her some space right now."

Michael just shook his head, propping up his arm to support his head, "Oh my God…tell me that she doesn't think that I wanted to work there because I thought I could trick her into a date."

Oliver and Johnny exchanged glances once again before Oliver sighed, "She's really angry – she'll believe anything against you right now."

"Michael," Johnny started, his eyes blazing, "My sister –"

"I never!" Michael snapped, tossing his blond hair out of his eyes desperately, "It's true that I only wanted my fifteen hours to begin with, but I never ever played her thinking that I could score easy." He stared at the table in front of him in despair, murmuring, "Only a snake would do something like…"

"It's something Travis would do," Johnny snarled.

"Well, I'm not Travis!" Michael retorted, "Don't put me in the same league as him! You've got to believe me Johnny, I'm your friend – I'm not going to sell you out cheap so I could date your sister…oh God…what have I done?"

"So you really had no intention…?" Johnny questioned doubtfully.

"Absolutely not!" Michael insisted, standing up furiously, "That's it! I can't stand this anymore! I need some time to think!"

"Michael, calm down," Oliver started.

"No, you tell Johnny to calm down!" Michael replied heatedly, "I'm going home!" He shoved on his shoes and rushed outside, slamming the door behind him with a thud.

He stormed to his car in rage, pausing as his hand reached for the knob of his car. Angrily, Michael hit the top of his car, yelling, "I'm such an idiot!" He slowly reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out the letter that he was supposed to collect from his supervisor certifying his completion of fifteen community service hours. The words blurred past him as he didn't even bother to read it. Taking the paper in both hands, Michael tore it in two, stacking the remnants and tearing them once again, repeating the process until the letter was shredded into dozens of small fragments.

Heaving a sigh, Michael got into his car, releasing the paper pieces from his grasp and letting the wind rouse them up and blowing them out of sight with the snow.

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Carly sat in the corner of the infirmary, hugging Ryan tightly in her arms, biting her lip to keep from crying.

"Carly…" Ryan whimpered, tears gathering in his deep navy eyes, "Don't cry. Why are you sad? Is it because I'm not keeping my promise?"

Carly let out a shaky breath, stroking Ryan's hair fondly, "Don't be silly, Ryan – it has nothing to do with you. Something just happened that's all, something bad – I'll get over it, don't you worry, sweetie."

Ryan laid his head on her shoulder sadly, "I'm trying to get better soon."

"I know you are," Carly whispered, hugging him close, "I know you're trying your best. Don't worry, everything will turn out all right, I promise. I know you won't let me down, Ryan." She felt oddly comforted by the feeling of Ryan's small arms around her neck, he really looked to her like an older sister and it was something that touched her deeply. She couldn't lose him, he absolutely had to get better.

"Carly, honey?" Mrs. Faraday entered the room, closing the door behind her gently, "Are you all right?"

"I'm fine," Carly said shortly, "I'm sorry for yelling so loud in the orphanage."

"Honey, what did Michael do that deserves such an attack?"

"He's a selfish, conceited, self-admiring, egotistic jerk."

"Do you know that, Carly?" Mrs. Faraday asked sternly, "You shouldn't judge people without –"

"I know it. I heard it myself, all right?" Carly said, hugging Ryan closer to her, "We don't need his help anyways, I can finish the wrapping by myself."

"It's not a matter of needing his help or not," Mrs. Faraday argued, "It's difficult expecting too much of someone. Maybe he has said things that are hurtful, that aren't right, but you have to give them a chance to recognize their mistakes."

"I don't care," Carly said stubbornly, "I really don't care. Michael Parker can go to Hell for all I care, I just don't want to see him ever again."

Mrs. Faraday shook her head, "I see there's no changing your mind right now, I'll help you wrap the –"

"I can do it myself, thank you," Carly interrupted, "I'm still missing Ryan's present."

"I thought you bought it yesterday?"

"They were out of stock of the item I wanted to buy," Carly replied, gritting her teeth, "I'm going to go look again later today. Mrs. Faraday, please go do your own things and stop trying to talk to me, I really want to be alone."

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"Oh Carly," Oliver said, pushing the door open, "I hate to be the negative one, but we've already searched through the five closest malls and none of them have this Tempest Spaceship model – maybe we should just call it a day."

"But Oliver," Carly protested, running her fingers through her hair helplessly, "What am I going to do for Ryan? Let's just check out one more mall, please?"

"All right," Oliver sighed, sliding into his car and rearing the engine, "Carly…Michael came over to Johnny's house while you were at the orphanage today."

Carly gritted her teeth, "And so?"

"He said you told him to get out."

"I did."

"It's that a bit too extreme?" Oliver asked gently.

"Not by my standards," Carly replied steely, "In fact, I think that I let him off easy."

"What's with this sudden hostility, Carly?"

"Hostility?" Carly blinked at Oliver in bafflement, "After what he said, he deserves every bit of this hostility."

"There's no doubt in my mind that what Michael said was wrong," Oliver assured her, "But he does seem really sorry."

"It doesn't matter to me," Carly said tightly, "I don't care how sorry he is, if he thinks I'm just a big joke –"

"I really do think that Michael respects you," Oliver objected.

"Ha," Carly snorted, "That's a big laugh. He thinks I'm just someone who he can pick and use and then toss away, it makes me sick –"

"Michael doesn't think that –"

"How do you know?"

"He's not –"

"Why are you defending him?"

"Because –"

"Oliver – you're my friend, not his!"

"Goodness Carly, I'm both of your friends."

"He thinks he can string me like a violin or something."

"That's getting too judgmental now –"

"Why do you keep defending him?!"

"Because if he didn't have an ounce of respect for you, he would've took you to bed on the first day!"

Carly's eyes widened to the size of round saucers, her voice shocked, "Oliver!" She couldn't believe Oliver had actually said something like that. She was so astonished over the fact that those words came out of Oliver's mouth than to pay attention to the context of the words.

Oliver looked ashamed, "Pardon. Excuse me, but I was feeling particularly frustrated at the moment, I didn't mean to say something that disturbing. The point is, Carly, some guys take longer than others to realize that they've done things wrong."

Carly smiled coyly, "Not everyone's such a gentleman, like you Oliver."

"Merci, ma cherie," Oliver said graciously, "But you're more harsh to him than you are to others, why?"

"I am not," Carly scowled, "If I heard anyone else say the same things, I would've blasted him or her to Mars."

"Michael isn't the only one who has offended you though."

"Definitely not, not the first nor will he be the last."

"Then tell me why you're especially harsh on him?" Oliver asked again, "You didn't get along with neither me nor Enrique when you first met us because of a series of reasons. But why the hostility towards Michael?"

"Give me one good reason why I shouldn't be hostile," Carly grumbled.

"You two were getting along fine the other day. You know what I really think Carly? That you're using this partially as an excuse to push him away because you're afraid that he'll get too close."

Carly could feel her cheek reddening as she glared at Oliver, "What is that supposed to mean?"

Oliver raised his eyebrows, "You tell me."

"I am afraid of no such thing," Carly retorted, glowering, "That's ridiculous, Oliver."

"Ridiculous? Is it?"

Carly stared downwards as a long silence followed with the only sound the windshields from Oliver's car, "I don't like Michael."

Oliver smiled gently at her, "Tell me the truth Carly, do you really not like Michael or do you not want to like Michael?"

Carly shook her head, "Are you playing word games with me?"

"Hardly."

"It's not that I don't like him," Carly started, twirling a stray strand of her hair around her index finger thoughtfully, "It's that if I let him like me, then I might like him and then a whole big mess might start. Besides, it's easier this way; the easiest way to not get hurt is to not get close."

"But you might be missing a chance for happiness," Oliver pointed out.

"I don't need a significant other to be happy."

"Yes, but it does put more of a light into one's life, does it not? To know that someone will be there for you and will care for you when you're in times of need?"

"You sound like you're reciting a poem," Carly wrinkled her nose. "Besides, if I wanted to like someone, it will not be Michael Parker. Period. End of Discussion."

"Fine," Oliver said, pulling up, "Let's finish off with this mall, all right? If there isn't anything here, I'm sorry, but we ought to be getting home."

"Okay," Carly said sullenly, hurrying inside to check the stores with Oliver behind him, "Wait, look – there's a fountain. I really need to make a wish." She pointed to the marble structure in the middle of the mall filled with shimmering water and pennies.

"Wishing fountains are magical," Oliver agreed, his eyes sparkling, "You never know when a wish is actually going to come true."

Carly took a penny from her pocket and took a deep breath, "I wish that Ryan will get better quickly and that he'll get the present he wants. Please, he really deserves it!" She flicked the penny into the fountain with a sigh, "Poor Ryan…come on Oliver, let's move."

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"Do you still want your skin?" Johnny hissed at Michael when he opened the door to find him standing outside, "You're lucky that Carly left with Oliver earlier."

"I told you – I want to apologize," Michael retorted.

"If it's any consolation, Oliver believes you," Johnny remarked, turning around and motioning him in grudgingly while turning on the heater again.

"Do you believe me?"

Johnny was silent as Michael closed the door behind him.

"I told you, I didn't try to use your sister. I swear, if any relationship ever develops between us, it will be with her genuine consent. Come on Johnny, you've got to believe me."

"I do believe you Michael," Johnny started, "But I can't help but feel angry because of what you put Carly through. You didn't see her last night; she came home soaked like she had been wandering around in the snow for hours. When I tried to talk to her, she told me to shut up before she was able to talk rationally. I have never seen her so emotionally unstable, she practically cried herself to sleep and I haven't seen her cry in years."

Michael was silent for a long time before he spoke, "I really didn't mean to hurt her. Trevor has a way of making people feel like total losers and I know I shouldn't have let him get to me… Now I feel like an even bigger loser. Oh, I can't sit here doing nothing, Johnny, where is she? I have to talk to her."

"She went looking for Ryan's present again," Johnny said, shaking his head, "Even though it's useless, she still wanted to go search – Oliver was worried, so he went with her. I already phoned a couple of stores in the malls and none of them have it."

"Present? She's still looking?" Michael frowned, "What is it again?"

"Some Tempest Spaceship Model X53J9 thing, it's absolutely sold out, but she won't give up."

"She can always get him some other gift."

"I know, that's what I've said –" Johnny was interrupted by the phone and he quickly went to answer, "Hello? Oh hi Oliver."

Within his short distance, Michael could vaguely hear Oliver's accented voice from the background.

"No luck Johnny," Oliver reported glumly, "We've already been to all the malls that I know of."

"Where is Carly?" Johnny demanded.

"Right beside me," Oliver replied, "She's very upset. You know how much she adores Ryan."

"Put her on."

"What Johnny?" Carly asked with a tired sigh when she picked up a moment later. Hearing her soft voice made Michael cringe in guilt and he sat down sulkily.

"Carly, get him another present, will you?" Johnny pleaded, "It's useless searching for something they don't have in stock."

"But Ryan likes that."

"I know, but they don't have it," Johnny said patiently, "It's not going to magically appear in front of Ryan because he likes it. Let's be realistic, once things are sold out during Christmas shopping, you're not going to find them again. Come back home, please, it's getting real dark out there."

"But what about Ryan?" Carly whispered, her voice quivering.

"Just buy him the closest thing you can find to that spaceship," Johnny said, "He'll know you cared about him, I'm pretty sure that he'll love anything you give him."

There was a short silence and then Carly's defeated voice, "Fine Johnny, I'll be home in half an hour. See you later."

"I really don't think she'll be in the mood to talk to you after she comes back," Johnny remarked, putting down the phone, "You should go home Michael."

"But –"

"Michael, just go home please," Johnny said, shaking his head wearily, "I'm really not in the mood to face another argument between you two."

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"Oh man…" Michael muttered, pulling his covers up to cover his face, "Freakin' conscience…can't sleep…" He tossed and turned around some more, getting tangled up in his sheets before finally leaping out of bed with a gigantic sigh. He ran his fingers through his messy blond hair and stared out at the near full moon wistfully, yawning, "It's two AM for Heaven's sake, I need to sleep…man…this is all Johnny's fault for not letting me stay to apologize earlier."

Michael turned around and stared at his digital clock, watching as the zero digit became a one, "But then again…had I not opened my big mouth and said all those things there wouldn't be the need to apologize." He sighed again, flinging himself on his bed again and staring at the white ceiling in the dark room, "Michael Parker…you are a jerk…you are such a –" Suddenly, he stopped abruptly and sat up again, an idea dawning him.

"Why didn't I think of this sooner?" Michael muttered, jumping out of bed again and throwing on his jacket, "It might not earn me forgiveness, but at least it'll earn me a chance to ask for forgiveness." He flipped on his computer and did a quick search on the Tempest Spaceship Model X53J9, scanning for manufacturer. "Ah-ha, just as I thought, made in the UK. Perfect."

He did a double take when he saw the address, "Hell…it's nearly halfway across the freakin' country." Glancing at the time again, Michael shrugged, "Should be able to make it there and back if I leave in an hour."

Next, he checked the phone number in the phone book and dialled the security number quickly, "Hello?"

"What is it?!" someone on the other end snapped, probably cranky because of having to work on Christmas Eve.

"Hey, I know that the office is closed but I was wondering if there are –"

"You're bloody right it's closed!" the other end barked, "If this don't have anything to do with –"

"Please, be a sport, it's Christmas – have a heart," Michael pleaded, "I really to need to get the Tempest Spaceship Model…X53J9. It's really, really urgent."

The voice on the other end quieted down a bit, "All right, son, what about this spaceship?"

"Is there any left in stock?" Michael crossed his fingers and held his breath.

"Sure darn popular, this thing," the man muttered, sounding as if he was flipping through papers, "Well, it seems that the last of the manufactured spaceships were shipped to the United States a week ago…"

Michael's heart sank, "Oh man…"

"But, lucky for you, one was returned today," the man continued, "It's unopened, delivery error."

"Great!" Michael exclaimed excitedly, "Could you please hold on to that one? Make sure no one else takes it, I'll come and get it."

"Hold on, hold your horses," the man interrupted, "'Tis Christmas tomorrow, we're only open from eight in the morning 'til eleven before everyone breaks – and from your area code, I can tell you live quite a distance away."

"That's okay," Michael assured, "I'll leave right now and be there by around ten thirty."

"You crazy, son?" the man demanded in bewilderment, "It ain't even dawn yet."

"I know, but I've really got to do this," Michael said impatiently, "I'll be there, you can count on it. Thank you for all your help, I really appreciate it, Merry Christmas!"

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"Johnny, what is Oliver doing?" Carly demanded, crossing her arms angrily as her emerald eyes flashed.

"Don't talk to me, I'm driving," Johnny retorted, "It's snowy and dangerous outside in this slippery weather and I really want to live to see the next day, you know?"

"Would you two quit that?" Oliver asked impatiently, waving his hand elegantly in the air, "Arrêtez!"

"Stop what?" Aquana mumbled, staring hard outside the window.

"I'm not doing anything," Enrique muttered.

"Stop glaring at each other with me in between," Oliver replied irritably, "I feel like I'm sandwiched in the middle, and rather uncomfortable if you ask me. If you two like to look at each other so much, then perhaps you ought to sit next to each other instead of insisting that I act as a barrier in between." He picked up his cell phone and dialled.

"Johnny!" Carly wailed.

"What?" Johnny snapped.

"What's Oliver's doing?"

"Why are you asking me?" Johnny demanded, "He's sitting right behind us for Heaven's sake!"

"Make him stop!"

"Carly, enough with this childish behaviour, will you?"

"He's calling Parker, isn't he?"

"So what if he is?"

"Make him stop!" Carly pleaded, "I don't want to see him!"

"Carly, I would like to see Michael," Oliver insisted quietly, before snapping off his phone with a soft sigh, "Although…I can't seem to get a hold of him."

"Good!"

"Where can he be?" Oliver wondered aloud, "I've been trying since eight in the morning and no answer. It's really too bad, I really want him to come to the dinner."

"Well, I don't!"

"I'm sure that your orphanage matriarch and the children appreciate what Michael has done during the course of the time he was present," Oliver added, "Didn't you?"

Carly just crossed her arms sulkily with a big, "HMPH!"

"That Michael's gone too far this time," Aquana remarked, on Carly's behalf, "I can't believe he said such atrocious things."

"Maybe he didn't mean it," Enrique argued, "It's not fair to condemn a person for one mistake he makes."

"Are you talking about yourself?" Aquana hissed, "Because it's been more than just one!"

"Arrêtez!" Oliver ordered, "I've had quite enough."

"Aquana," Carly said sweetly, turning around, "Enrique's case is different though, he really is sorry. I should know, I talked with him last night and he knows that he was wrong."

"Really?" Aquana asked suspiciously.

"Why don't you let the guy give her his present?" Johnny told Carly, "That will say it all."

"I'm not doing it in front of you all," Enrique grumbled, sinking down in his seat with his face reddening.

Aquana looked slightly happier, "He got me a present?"

"Mais, bien sur," Oliver replied, "But, of course. Gosh…still not here, where is Michael?"

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"Good afternoon, you all," Mrs. Faraday greeted them, "I'm so happy that you were able to make it."

"We're happy to be here," Aquana replied sincerely, "It'll be nice to give these children some true festivity."

"Carly, I'm awful busy in the kitchen," Mrs. Faraday said, "You know how we do things around here. The kids are even more hyperactive today than ever before, if we don't keep an eye on them, they keep trying to sneak into the room with presents. Perhaps you can divide tasks among your friends?"

"Of course," Carly said promptly, "Oliver can help you in the kitchen, he's an awesome cook."

"That would be much appreciated," Mrs. Faraday said, motioning Oliver to follow her, "Thank you."

"Pas de probleme," Oliver said graciously, following her into the kitchen, "What would you like me to do…?"

"Enrique and Aquana, can you guys play with the kids?" Carly asked, "They'll love you Aquana – and Enrique too if he cheers up a bit. They're really sweet kids."

"Sure," Aquana said with Enrique nodding in the background.

"Johnny can come with me into the infirmary, I'm going to take care of Ryan and wrap the rest of the presents while I'm at it," Carly finished, "Let's get to it!"

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"Won't Ryan see you wrapping presents?" Johnny asked, raising his eyebrows, "Aren't the kids supposed to believe in Santa Clause and his reindeers from the North Pole dropping down the chimneys and stuffing their stockings? You know, the whole works."

"Well, the presents that 'Santa' brought are already outside," Carly said, "I just have to wrap the ones that are from us – besides, Ryan doesn't believe in Santa."

"But he believes in you," Johnny added.

Carly stopped and smiled, "Thanks Johnny." She entered the room and found Ryan sleeping peacefully, "Looks like he's sleeping, I won't disturb him then – we can go wrap in another room."

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"I am lost…" Michael muttered, turning his map 360 degrees with a frown, "How on Earth does someone arrive at their destination fine and then lose their way on the way back? I'll bet I took a wrong turn somewhere back there…man…it's getting dark real fast and I had better hurry if I want to get this spaceship back in time."

Pulling back into the street, he stepped on the gas, "This snow is horrible, I can barely see anything, it's definitely not the greatest condition for speed driving." Being hungry, Michael finally gave in to his stomach and parked at the nearby mall to grab a bite to eat.

It was then he saw a potential present in the nearby gift store and spent hurried time picking out the gift and getting it wrapped.

"I've really got to run now," Michael muttered, before stopping abruptly by the sparkling water fountain. Shimmering pennies lay at the bottom of the marble structure as water spurted out gracefully and caused waves in the clear water. He reached in his pocket and pulled out a shiny penny with a slight smile on his face, "Give me another chance Carly, that's all I ask for – I'm really sorry." Flipping the coin in the air, Michael left as the penny dove into the water with a light splash.

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"Enrique and Aquana seem to be getting along quite nicely now, don't you think?" Carly asked Johnny, passing him the tape, "It's really nice to see on Christmas."

"It's about time too," Johnny muttered, "They're squabbling was starting to get more annoying than usual love notes."

"Oh Johnny," Carly laughed quietly, "They aren't that bad."

"To you."

"I wonder if –" Carly was cut off when the door opened slightly and Ryan's head came poking in, his innocent brown eyes sparkly.

"I heard Carly's voice!"

"Ryan!" Carly squealed, jumping up and hugging him warmly, "You're not supposed to be out of bed, how many times have I told you? You'll catch a cold out here."

"But Carly…" Ryan said, "My head stopped hurting. And I don't feel hot and cold anymore."

"Huh?" Carly's heart skipped a beat as she reached up to feel his forehead, "Oh my gosh! Johnny, his fever's gone!"

"See? I told you that you were worrying for nothing," Johnny scoffed uninterestedly, but he was smiling.

"Ryan, you're recovering!" Carly exclaimed happily, squeezing him tightly, "Oh, I'm so happy. You're the sweetest little boy, I know you wouldn't break your promise to me!"

Ryan's small arms went around her neck tightly, "It's Christmas!"

"Yes, I know, silly," Carly said, tears filling her eyes as she smiled at him, "I'm so thankful!"

Ryan looked confused, "Why is Carly crying then?"

"I'm not crying," Carly corrected, putting him down and wiping her eyes hastily, "I'm just so relieved, that's all."

"Is that Ryan's cheerful voice I hear?" Mrs. Faraday asked, coming inside with a smile, "Just as I thought, escaped from bed again!"

Ryan giggled and hid behind Carly, hugging her leg, "Me stay with Carly!"

"But Ryan, there's one last gingerbread cookie waiting to be decorated by you," Mrs. Faraday said, "Special treat for all the kids. If you hurry and finish making yours, I can bake them with the others and have them ready by tonight."

"Go ahead, sweetie," Carly encouraged, "My brother and I have to finish wrapping."

"Okay," Ryan said, walking towards Mrs. Faraday. "You're lucky," he told Johnny confidently as he walked past him, "I want Carly for my sister."

Johnny burst into laughter as the door closed, "No wonder you love him so much, the kid idolizes you."

"Oh shut up Johnny," Carly said crossly, "He's the world's sweetest kid and you are lucky to have me for your sister. Without me, your life would be so boring."

"That's for sure," Johnny agreed with a smile, "That's for sure."

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"You still disappointed that you couldn't get Ryan's present?" Johnny asked, helping to put away the dishes after the big dinner. The kids were happy and stuffed from the food and were just about ready to open their presents, rolling around and jumping all over the decorated room.

"No," Carly said, wiping her eyes of their tears, "I'm just glad that he's getting better. He was so energetic at dinner, running around and all, I'm just so relieved!"

"He's a real keeper too," Johnny remarked, "He insisted on sitting beside you – you spoil him too much."

"Do not!"

"You had better go help Carly," Oliver added with his accented voice, "I'll help Johnny clear up, they're bringing out the presents."

"Right," Carly wiped her hands hastily, "Thanks Oliver." She hurried to give Mrs. Faraday and Aquana a hand with the presents.

"You guys, quiet down!" Carly called, clapping her hands, "Quiet now! Otherwise I'm going to start opening the presents."

The children immediately froze, all scrambling to sit down in front of the fireplace where the presents were stacked.

Ryan was still running around, chasing a spin top until he noticed Carly giving him a stern look. "Ooops," he whispered, running up to Carly and hugging her legs tightly, "Sorry Carly."

Carly couldn't resist the grin that was tugging at her lips, "It's okay Ryan, sit down please."

Ryan instantaneously scrambled on his knees and squatted down.

"Okay, my friend Aquana and I are going to deliver out the presents," Carly announced, "Make sure you put the wrapping paper in the garbage when you're done unwrapping – and remember to share." She bent down and picked up the closest present, "Brianna, come up here!"

"I knew Santa would get me something!" Brianna said excitedly, rushing up with her cheeks flushed and her arms outstretched.

"Santa doesn't exist!" Hannah exclaimed loudly, standing up with her hands on her hips.

There were outrageous shouts from the children until Carly ordered them all to sit down again and Aquana handled out the next present.

After all the presents were handed out, the children were all happily tearing out the wrapping paper or playing with their newfound items.

"No fair!" Hannah cried, jumping up in disappointment, "I didn't get anything!"

"That's what you get for not believing in Santa!" Greg retorted, zooming his toy trunk down the hallway.

"Greg," Carly said warningly, "Be nice."

"I told you that Santa exists," Brianna whispered to Hannah.

Hannah crossed her arms indignantly, tossing her pigtails huffily.

"Mrs. Faraday," Carly murmured, "What happened to Hannah's present? I know I wrapped it."

"Yes, honey, I know, but Hannah doesn't believe in Santa, remember? Her present was supposed to be from Michael," Mrs. Faraday explained.

Carly flinched at the mention of Michael, "But –"

"Don't worry Carly," Oliver piped up from behind her, "I've got Hannah's present – Michael asked me to give it to her for him."

Carly gritted her teeth and nodded grudgingly, turning around to get Ryan's present.

Oliver approached the pouting girl and knelt down, "Hannah? Michael couldn't make it tonight, but he did get you this and asked me to give it to you. Merry Christmas."

"Really?" Hannah scrambled up with a smile, "Thank you!" She hugged the present close to her chest, swishing her pigtails happily, "Where is Michael?"

"I…don't know," Oliver replied with a nervous look at Carly.

Carly was too busy giving Ryan his present to notice, handing him a neatly wrapped box, "Here Ryan, this is from me, I'm sorry that I couldn't get what you wanted, but I hope you'll like it anyways."

"Thank you Carly," Ryan said courteously, taking the present in his arms and eagerly tearing off the paper, When the wrapping paper slipped off, Ryan was holding a signature box for the Tempest Spaceship Model X53J9.

"What the…?" Carly whispered, drawing back in shock.

"Oh wow!" Ryan exclaimed, "This is exactly what I wanted! Thank you so much Carly!" He flung his arms around her neck and hugged her tightly, "Thank you!"

"You're welcome, sweetie," Carly replied in confusion, gently prying his arms off her, "Be a good boy and go play now, I need to talk to someone for a moment."

"All right!" Ryan said, jumping up with the box in his arms, "Greg, look! Look!"

"Mrs. Faraday!" Carly exclaimed, hurrying up to the plump woman who bringing out the dessert, "Ryan's present – how did you find it?"

"I didn't find it, honey," Mrs. Faraday said kindly, placing the cookies on the table.

"I don't understand then…" Carly said weakly, "I didn't get Ryan that spaceship, I looked for it forever – but they were all sold out everywhere. How –" She noticed Mrs. Faraday was smiling secretly and looking at something past her. Carly turned around and gasped quietly, feeling as if her insides had been turned into ice.

Standing at the entrance was Michael, who was talking with Enrique and Johnny with a light smile on his face. Hannah came tearing over, pushing between Enrique and Johnny until she was jumping up and down in front of him. Carly watched with a lump in her throat as Michael bent down and dropped the baseball cap on Hannah's head, covering her eyes along with it.

"Michael…" Carly whispered, feeling her body go numb with shock at the sight of his handsome face. She slowly turned back around, "What's he doing here?"

"He wanted to come for the dinner as well," Mrs. Faraday explained, "But he was afraid that his appearance would make you even angrier. I don't know how he did it, but he got a hold of the spaceship model you were looking for just earlier and came bursting in through the back door. He said that he had to wrap it before Ryan got is present so I let him do it and replace it."

"B-But why say that it was from me?" Carly asked, feeling out of breath, "I didn't get it."

"Oh, I know, honey, but Michael was so insistent that I couldn't say no," Mrs. Faraday replied, "He said that if you had found a way to get it, there would be no stopping you anyways."

Trying hard to digest the information, Carly turned around yet again just as Michael stood up, their eyes meeting for a split second. Carly felt a familiar tightening in her throat as she met his gaze, watching as the grin on Michael's face faded and his face was replaced with a solemn look. She didn't know what to think, much less what to do, about the tension between them and just the sight of him made her heart squeeze tightly.

"Children, dessert!" Mrs. Faraday called, ringing a little silver bell lightly, "Your gingerbread cookies are baked, come and get them!"

"Carly! Carly!" Ryan bounced over, slipping his hand in hers, "Come sit beside me please!"

"Why don't you go ahead by yourself first?" Carly suggested faintly, reaching down to stroke his hair, "I'll join you in a moment, I really need to go outside for a breath of fresh air."

"Carly's not feeling well?" Ryan frowned.

"No sweetie, I'm fine," Carly assured, "I just need some air, all right?"

"Okay," Ryan said obediently, skipping over to the table with the other children for the cookies.

"Johnny, I'm going outside for some fresh air," Carly said briskly, patting him on the shoulder as she walked by him.

"All right, don't stand out there too long," Johnny called after her, "It's freezing out there."

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Carly sighed when she breathed in the cool air outside, leaning against the balcony of the orphanage desolately. Ryan was slowly regaining his health and was happy, she couldn't have been more relieved or glad for him – she was thankful that her wish was granted on Christmas. But what was Michael doing here? Why was he here? Didn't he know that just seeing him brought a painful tug at her heart? She knew that deep inside her heart, she still refused to believe that Michael was the kind of person that her mind thought he was. Her mind and heart repeatedly battled for control, each denying and defending him.

She couldn't believe that Michael had switched her present around, trying to figure out whether she should be irritated at the fact that Michael had done it without asking her permission or whether she should be grateful that the present made Ryan extremely happy. Sighing as the wind ruffled her loose hair, Carly froze when she heard soft footsteps approaching from behind her – she didn't even have to turn around and look; she knew who it was.

"Carly?"

She bit her lip stubbornly, just when she thought that she could move on away from Michael Parker she realized that she had never been less ready to confront him. Carly struggled to contain her emotions, battling down the sadness, anger, and loneliness.

"Carly…?"

"What would you like now?" Carly demanded without looking at him, trying hard not to recoil when she felt his presence grow nearer.

"Carly, can we please just talk?" Michael asked softly, moving up beside her, "I think we really need to talk."

I don't want another pretty face

I don't want just anyone to hold

I don't want my love to go to waste

I want you and your beautiful soul

"Start talking then," Carly said carelessly, gritting her teeth to keep her emotions in check, "I don't have anything to say to you. If you're waiting for a thank you, then thank you, Michael Parker, for getting Ryan his gift!"

"No, I don't want any thanks," Michael said, "I know you're really mad, that you probably hate me right now –"

"You're bloody right about that."

"I'm really, really sorry Carly. I really am, I know I can't take back what I said, but I know it was wrong of me to try to show off in front of Travis –"

"Don't – even mention his name in front of me."

"Okay, sorry," Michael paused, "I really don't know what else I can say or do besides that I'm just really, really sorry."

Carly took a deep breath and spoke without looking at him, "You know, I thought about this an awful lot for the past two days. When I say an awful lot, I mean that I thought about it nearly every minute. And I realized that I shouldn't have said the things I've said to you either, it's not my place to do so –"

"But Carly –"

"Some people will never change; I don't have the right to make them change. Some people, like Travis, will remain in their little selfish, conceited, the-world-revolves-around-only-me hole and never be able to crawl out. But that's their problem, not mine. So, the time I flipped out and screamed all sorts of things at you – sorry, don't take it to heart. And I accept your apology." Carly said shortly, turning around and walking past him.

You're the one I want to chase

You're the one I want to hold

I won't let another minute go to waste

I want you and your beautiful soul

"Carly, wait!" Michael said, reaching out and grabbing her wrist.

"Don't touch me," Carly insisted, trying to pull away, "I told you that I accept your apology, now leave me alone already!"

"Do we have to be like this?" Michael asked, "Can't we start over and –"

"Let go!" Carly said, trying to pull away from him, "I told you that I already accepted your freakin' apology…argh! No, we cannot start over – I can't. I can't do it. Leave me alone and go chase some other girl –"

"Carly! Talk some reason will you?" Michael grunted, struggling to keep the girl still, "Not all my life…is…spent on chasing girls!"

"Yeah right!" Carly retorted, "Let me go! What more do you want from me? Just because I accepted your apology doesn't mean that I want to talk to you –"

"Don't be so unreasonable –"

"You're just mad because you're not getting your way like you're used to –"

"Can you stop taking a stab at all my faults for a single second –"

"If you would just release my arm already –"

"I just want to talk –" Michael persisted, reaching out with his free hand and grabbing her other hand.

"Stop it!" Carly snapped, shaking him off violently, "Stop it!"

Michael stumbled back, his blond hair falling slightly into his eyes, "Okay Carly, you can stop hiding it, I know, all right?"

Carly massaged her sore wrists grudgingly, "And what big secret do you know, Parker?"

"That you lived in an orphanage," was Michael's quiet answer.

Her emerald eyes widened as she slowly let her arms drop by her sides, feeling as if her heart had stopped right then and there. "How…how do you know?" Carly whispered, her breathing coming out in short gasps.

"Johnny told me."

"No…no…no…" Carly said, shaking her head furiously and backing away from him, "You lie. Johnny would never tell anyone. He would never –"

"He told me," Michael insisted gently, "Because he thought that it would –"

"Michael," Carly raged despite the shakiness in her voice and tears stinging her eyes, "Johnny would never betray me – I refuse to believe it. Tell me the truth."

"I am!" Michael protested, "Johnny didn't betray you, he –"

"No no no!" Carly said angrily, "Johnny wouldn't! He's the only one who cares about me, he wouldn't! I won't believe it…" She sank down on her knees as tears slipped down her cheeks, whispering, "Because I don't know what I'd do if it was true…he's the closest person I have left in my life…"

"Why didn't you tell me before?" Michael demanded, "I –"

"Tell you?" Carly exclaimed bitterly, "Do you know how long it took me to finally spill out the story to Oliver? And to Enrique? Why would I tell you? Even Aquana doesn't know and she's been my friend for so long, what right do you have to demand to me why I never told you?"

"Why though? It's not something to be ashamed of –"

Carly rose up slowly, tears shining bright in her eyes, "Ashamed? No, I'm not ashamed. Why would I be ashamed when it was my parents who didn't want me? Who threw me in front of an orphanage when I was barely a year old? Who left me without a name, without a family?" She rounded closer to him, her eyes blazing, "Michael, I don't even know when my birthday is for Heaven's sake!"

"Carly, calm down –" Michael pleaded.

Carly shook her head with a resentful smile on her face, "I'm not ashamed, Michael. No…not at all. But you should be able to answer your own question, why would I tell you? You said it yourself, children are orphans when no one wants them, when they're troublesome, when something's wrong with them. I've been unwanted all my life, do you think that I would tell you so you can secretly laughed it up behind my back?!"

I know that you are something special

To you I'd be always faithful

I want to be what you always needed

Then I hope you'll see the heart in me

"Carly, trust me, I had no intention of laughing –"

"Michael!" Carly exclaimed, stamping her foot irritably, "I want to believe you – I really do, but tell me, how can I believe you now when I heard you say those things with my own ears? I can't just pretend I didn't hear it, I can't! And Travis –"

"I didn't come here to use you," Michael said sharply, "I'll admit that I had only wanted to get my fifteen hours over and done with at first, but I swear, I never, ever intended to try to play you up."

There was a silence before Carly finally said, softly, "That - I believe you…" She looked away and bit her lower lip furiously to prevent a fresh wave of tears from falling, drawing the metallic taste of blood in her mouth and ignoring the pressure of the strong winds and the snowflakes settling in her hair. It's just that – I don't know what to think anymore. What you and Travis said. What Johnny said. What Oliver said. What's going on between Enrique and Aquana. What Mrs. Faraday said. The fact that you drove across the country to get Ryan his present and the fact that you showed up here tonight…" She looked around dizzily, not quite sure where she was going and throwing her hands down in frustration, "I don't know what to think about you…why did you have to come tonight? I'm not ready to face you…"

Your beautiful soul, yeah…

You might need time to think it over

But I'm just fine moving forward

I'll ease your mind

If you give me the chance

I will never make you cry, c'mon let's try

Michael stepped forward and pulled her in his arms without a word, hugging her tightly.

Carly collapsed into tears, burying her face in his shirt and trembling in the security of his arms, "I really don't know what to think Michael. Tell me the truth. Tell me the truth – when Johnny told you, what did you really think of me?"

"Carly," Michael shook his head, "Why would that bother me? I don't care if you came from outer space, it doesn't change how I feel about you."

"Michael, I don't want you to feel anything for me," Carly protested, "I'm not right for –"

Michael laughed softly, "Not right? For who? For me? How would you know if you don't give me a chance?"

Carly looked away, sadness reflecting in her emerald eyes, "Oliver was right."

"About what?"

"About me."

"And what is that?"

"That I don't want you to get close," Carly whispered, "That's why I insisted on making a big deal of the whole thing. I knew that you pretty much were trying to show up the Travis all along, but it was his last remarks that got to me. You weren't supposed to see me cry… If I let you too close, then I'd have to trust you and I…I can't…"

"Crying isn't a sign of weakness," Michael said gently, shaking her by her shoulders.

"Yes, it is, crying makes me feel weak – weak because I don't have the strength to control my tears," Carly said in a choked voice as tears slipped down her cheeks.

"That's silly," Michael said, "Everyone cries once in a while, we all have things we wish we could change, but I'm sure in the end you see that they're what makes us the people we are today."

Carly nodded slowly, "I wouldn't have my life any other way than it is now."

Am I crazy for wanting you

Baby do you think you could want me too

I don't waste your time

Do you see things the way I do

I just want to know that you feel it too

There is nothing left to hide

"Exactly," Michael agreed, his turquoise eyes softening, "Please Carly, give me a chance. That's all I ask for, one chance."

"I would…but…I can't," Carly protested weakly, "I really can't. I can't trust –"

"If you can't trust me, then trust this." Michael leaned down and kissed her, not giving her a chance to utter another objection, slipping his arms around her waist and pulling her close to him.

At first Carly was so shocked that she was frozen in place, but as the kiss sent a tingling anticipation throughout every nerve of her body and turning her hot and cold, she could feel herself melting. Slowly, she wrapped her arms around his neck and returned the kiss softly. Despite the cold winds and the frozen snow whirling around them, she had never felt warmer in her life.

I don't want another pretty face

I don't want just anyone to hold

I don't want my love to go to waste

I want you and your beautiful soul

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"Oh…my…gosh…" Aquana whispered to Enrique, her turquoise eyes flickering in shock as she stared out the window, "Tell me that I'm seeing things."

Enrique's hazel eyes followed her gaze and his mouth dropped in astonishment, "Well, I'll be – if I wasn't feeling particularly awake right now, I'd be sure that I was dreaming."

"I think it's perfect," Oliver remarked, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed, "I always thought they would be good for each other."

"You would," Johnny retorted with a deep scowl, watching from the window as Michael slipped his arms around Carly's waist, kissing her all the while, "Lord, I think I'm going to be sick…" He whirled around, "Tell me when it's over."

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Carly laughed lightly, pulling back shyly as Michael leaned forward again, "Stop it Michael, Enrique's spying on us."

"Well, screw him," Michael murmured, reaching up to stroke her cheek and kissing her again.

"Michael!" Carly exclaimed breathlessly, gazing deep into his turquoise eyes with a blush.

"All right, all right," Michael said, giving in and putting his arm around her shoulders, "It's getting really chilly out here anyways, let's head back in – we've been out here for a while now."

Carly nodded, letting him guide her inside. She was still in a daze from his kiss and her body was still tingling pleasantly from being so close to him; she gave a shiver when they re-entered the orphanage and the warmth of the building swept over them.

Michael was startled when he heard someone clear his throat loudly from against the wall, turning around and coming face-to-face with Johnny. "Oh…hi Johnny," Michael said weakly.

"Johnny, how long have you been standing there?" Carly squeaked, looking guilty.

"After Oliver pointed out to me that you two were kissing and I nearly threw up," Johnny said sarcastically, eyeing the both of them doubtfully.

Carly blushed, muttering, "Why did Enrique have to look…?"

Johnny raised his eyebrows, glancing from his friend to his sister, "Are you two sure this – err – arrangement is going to work out all right?"

"I promise you that I'll take good care of her," Michael said quickly.

"You had better," Johnny retorted heatedly, "Because if I ever find out that you're mistreating her, you can start digging your own graveyard!"

"Sheesh Johnny," Carly complained, "We're not getting married or something –"

"Don't be silly! I know that," Johnny snapped, "Marriage is out of question for you until you're at least twenty-two!"

Michael laughed as Carly drew back, mumbling, "Like I want to get married."

Johnny shook his head, "Remind me never to fall in love – it's ridiculous. Now get out of my sight before I lose my dinner."

Carly smiled and grabbed Michael's arm, yanking him away, "Johnny will get used to it. He doesn't say it, but I know that he only wants me to be happy."

"Carly!" Ryan scrambled towards her as soon as he caught sight of her, pushing past the other children who were munching on their homemade gingerbread cookies.

"Easy there, buddy!" Carly said, laughing as he jumped in her arms, "Otherwise you might trip and fall."

"Carly, I want you have my gingerbread cookie," Ryan said, holding out a neatly decorated cookie wrapped in cling wrap, "I made it myself."

"That's awful sweet of you," Carly said, smiling, "But you eat, you only have one, don't you? You go ahead and enjoy it."

Ryan shook his head insistently, "No, I want you to have it. I made it for you because you are always here to take care of me – I've always wanted a big sister."

"Oh Ryan…" Carly murmured as the little boy persistently put the cookie into her hands, "Thank you so much, it means so much to me." She knelt down and hugged him tightly, "I'm so glad you're well again."

"Is Carly happy again?" Ryan asked innocently.

"Yes sweetie," Carly said, sniffing and wiping her eyes quickly, "I'm very happy, don't worry." She held the cookie in her hands, "It's perfect Ryan, is it okay if I don't eat it? If it's left out in the open long enough, the gingerbread will harden and I'll be able to keep it forever, then I'll always be reminded of you when I see it."

"Okay!" Ryan said cheerfully, "Mrs. Faraday said that when I get better completely, I can visit you for a night!"

"Really?" Carly gasped, "That's awesome! I can't wait!" She stroked his head fondly, "You're so sweet, you go ahead and play, all right? I won't leave without telling you."

Ryan nodded and ran off with his spaceship tucked under his arm.

Carly leaned close to Michael and whispered, "How did you get that anyways?"

"From the manufacturer," Michael replied with a lazy smile.

"How?"

"Halfway across the country."

Carly's mouth dropped open, "You drove halfway across the country on Christmas in this weather just to get his gift? You would've had to get up at the crack of dawn to make it there!"

"Actually, I couldn't sleep because I couldn't stop thinking about you so I left at around three. I figured you would've done the same had you knew about the manufacturer – I got lucky, they had one left and it was one that someone returned unopened too," Michael explained, "'Cause of some delivery mistake."

Carly smiled, shaking her head, "You're really something, and you never cease to amaze me. Thank you so much Michael, you don't know how much it means to me. Ryan's so happy and he's recovering, I couldn't be happier."

"Actually…" Michael said awkwardly, fumbling through his bag to take out a wrapped, rectangular-shaped box, "His present wasn't the only thing that I got. This is…uh…for you…hope you like it."

"Michael…" Carly said, looking stunned, "You really shouldn't have –"

"Oooh, pretty!" Aquana chirped, "If you won't open it, I'll open it for you!"

Michael scowled at her, "No way." He turned back to Carly, "I really want you to have it."

"Well…okay…" Carly said hesitantly, accepting the present with a blush.

"Open it!" Aquana encouraged. Johnny and Enrique both peered in curiously as well.

"Stop staring at me!" Carly snapped, a flush staining her cheeks as she whirled on her heel, "I'm going to open it outside! Go away!" She tossed her hair defiantly and strode outside again, closing the door with a bang.

Michael chuckled and sighed in content, "She looks as if she's back to normal again."

"Yeah, about time too," Johnny grumbled, "All the tears and self-pity was not her. 'Bout time she let all of it out for good."

"Aren't you going to go after her?" Enrique winked, nudging Michael in the side.

"Sure," Michael laughed, "I'll be sure never to make the same mistakes you do with Aquana. Hey, at least I can learn from your mistakes since you sure don't learn from them!" He winked back and disappeared outside as well.

"Hey!" Aquana scowled, "Jerk!"

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Carly smiled as the wrapping paper slipped off and the box was opened, revealing a beautiful snow globe with a small water fountain within the glass. The surrounding scenery was delicate and precise with same trees and flowers. She shook it gently, watching as white flakes settled on the fountain and the bottom, creating a snowy scene, "How did he know…?" Tweaking with the dial at the bottom of the silvery structure, a soft tinkling melody flowed from the globe.

"Like it?" Michael asked quietly from behind, his turquoise eyes gleaming in the darkness.

"Love it," Carly confirmed, setting it down on the banister and walking up to him with a smile, "You're good, you know? I wished upon a fountain just yesterday and it came true, either you're psychic or you've got a really good knack for gift-buying."

Michael smiled at her innocently, "Or maybe I just know you very, very well?"

Carly smiled back, her emerald eyes sparkling like the stars in the sky as the moonlight of the full moon washed down on both of them, "I wouldn't go that far – at least not yet. But you'll have time to figure me out."

"That's what I'm hoping for," Michael winked, reaching up to cup her face in his hands. Drawing her closer, he leaned down met their lips, kissing her just as sweetly as he did before. When they broke apart, Michael whispered breathlessly in her ear, "I wished on a fountain too, for one more chance and it came true too."

Carly blushed, pulling back to meet his sincere eyes before wrapping her arms around his neck; then, she pulled him back down again for another kiss.

Behind them, the snow globe shone in the moonlight and the wishing fountain within sparkled.

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The End