It was Christmas eve morning, they were both sitting in front of the fireplace in the common area, reading some medical books they had taken from the library. Surgery was all they talked about. It wasn't easy to find other 10 year olds interested in it, so both Meredith and Cristina were glad they had found each other.

"So, I was thinking…" Meredith was the one speaking. "Maybe we could have a sleepover in my room tonight. Since tomorrow it's Christmas and whatever."

"If you don't mind me messing all your blankets." said Cristina.

Meredith replied by just sticking out her tongue.

The next morning, as soon as they both woke up around 10 o'clock, Meredith remembered about the package Ellis had sent her a few days before.

"Do you want to see my new ugly sweater? My mom always has a nurse pick up gifts for me."

Cristina nodded still half asleep.

Meredith got out of bed and sat on the floor. As soon as she opened the package, the first thing she saw was a piece of paper with Ellis' handwriting.

"That's weird."

"What?"

"Seems like my mother chose the gift herself this year." She started it, when her face became red with anger.

"Mer? What is it? What did she write?"

Meredith was so focused on the the note that she didn't hear Cristina getting out of bed and walking toward her. She sat on the floor next the Meredith and took the piece of paper from her friend's hands.

"I'm still disappointed at you for deciding to not come home for the Christmas party." Cristina started reading out loud. "But it's time for you to start learning how to be a good surgeon. I got a present for your friend too, because we need more female surgeons.

Ellis."

Cristina took her eyes off the note and looked at Meredith. Her face was still red, but this time it was from embarrassment.

"I thought your mom was okay with you staying here."

"Nope."

"So, why did you stay?"

Meredith looked away.

"Was it because of me? You didn't have to."

"Of course I had to. You are my best friend!"

"I am?" Cristina was surprised by that answer.

"Yeah, you are. Whatever!"

"Whatever."

There was a short silence between the two when Meredith said: "Should we open the gifts?"

"Okay!"

They both looked inside the open package between them and took one wrapped gift each.

"It's a suture kit!" they exclaimed at the same time.

"Best gift ever!" said Cristina. Meredith smiled and replied with a simple "Merry Christmas."