Eke, only 600 words...but you'll thank me when you read the next chapter ;)


Sonny

How was it already the 23rd? I had shipped my gift to Zora and wrapped (with difficulty) Grady's slinky and spray paint, placing Nico's comic books in a gift box, which fitted them snugly. I had even gotten something for Chad, though it wasn't much, just a leather bracelet with a single blue bead. I had given a lot of thought to it, and assumed he would never use what I gave him anyways.

But what on earth was I going to get for Tawni? For the third time that day I closed my laptop in yet another failed attempt to find Coach within my price range. Well, even if I did, it would probably be too out-dated for Tawni.

I couldn't just leave this alone! But I was at a dead end.

---

Christmas Eve was almost gone, and I was physically in Chad's home, but mentally in a state of worry. I had never not given a close friend something for Christmas. And I mean, I could get her something meaningless like what I did for Chad, but Tawni deserved better…plus the fact that I worked with her every day gave her license to make my life torture.

"Sonny? Hey, you okay?" Chad had stopped in front of me on the way over to the radio, only his face towards me. "This is about the Tawni thing, isn't it? Come on, forget her. She causes you misery."

He chuckled. He seriously just chuckled? "Yeah? So do you but I got you something!"

He stepped back a bit and acted like he was about to sit by me. "You…you did?"

"Yeah…" I dug around in my purse and pulled out the small black box, tied with a sparkling blue ribbon. He seemed unimpressed with the size, but tried to appreciate the gesture anyways. "I mean, we're friends. I'm serious when I say that Christmas is a big deal."

Now he looked like he was about to cry, but I didn't know why. The silver tree in the corner harbored many a large gift, extravagantly wrapped. "Th—thanks, Sonny. You really…you shouldn't have."

Again I'd stayed late. I'd not stayed the night since two days before he had left for Tahoe and he now I suspected he would ask what he asked right then.

"Hey, I don't know you didn't really plan on it, but…do you want to stay the night?"

"Chad…"

"I'll let you sleep in my bed. I'll take the couch."

"Well…"

"I've some extra bed clothes…they're really comfortable." His eyes looked pleading and lonely.

"And it's cold outside, right, Chad?" I joked.

He let out a frustrated sigh. "It's Christmas Eve." He paused to let me think this over, pure blue eyes penetrating into mine. "No one should be alone on Christmas morning, Sonny. Especially not you."

I bit the side of my lower lip. He mimicked me and a sensation like butterflies filled my stomach, though I knew it couldn't be. I only got those when I was with a guy I had a crush on. "All—alright. But you don't have to give up your bed…"

"No, really. I can survive a night without it."

Was the selfish Chad just an act?