Knock. Knock. Knock.
Kelly rose up from her nap on her bed. She looked around the bedroom scrunching her face trying to figure out what the noise was that woke her up.
Knock. Knock. Knock.
She scurried out of bed and answered the hallway door.
"Zack? Why are you knocking on this door?" she asked straightening up her rumpled clothes.
"I was trying to get lost while Slater and Alex had their talk. So, I thought I'd come see you and give you some updates," he told her as he entered the room and took a seat at the desk.
Kelly gave him a playful smile and shook her head. "Couldn't you have occupied your time in your own room?"
"Sure. I could have, but Screech isn't nearly as good company," he grinned, propping his arms up on the back of the chair.
Kelly grinned back and sat down on the edge of her bed facing Zack. "So, what are the updates you were talking about?"
"Slater has decided to go to New York for Christmas to see Jessie," Zack told her matter of factly.
"Really?" Kelly asked leaning forward with a bit of surprise.
"Well, Screech and I sort of helped lead him to that decision," he said a little uneasily, "You see, we kind of told him we would go with him."
"Oh," she replied with disappointment evident in her voice.
"I know it sounds crazy," he began.
"I was kind of hoping we could spend Christmas break together. Like old times," Kelly said softly. She crossed her arms and looked down at the floor.
"We can! If you go with us. It'll be just like old times with the gang again—just in a different setting! Picture it," Zack got up from the chair and sat next to Kelly on the bed. He moved his hand in the air attempting to paint a picture of his words, "Snow on the ground outside, a fire blazing in the fire place, your best friends around you, reminiscing and laughing. " Zack looked over at her to make sure Kelly was seeing the big picture, her gaze followed his hand as she hung on every word. "And when it gets too chilly, I'll be there to make sure you stay warm," Zack added putting his arm around her.
Kelly nudged him playfully in the ribs, "I'll just make sure I pack an electric blanket."
Zack laughed. Then, he put his hand on hers.
Kelly put her other hand on top of his."It sounds wonderful, Zack. But you know how important spending time with my family is to me. I couldn't be away from them during Christmas." She looked up into his eyes, "I would love to see Jessie and spend time with you—"
"What if we didn't spend Christmas with Jessie?" Zack interrupted.
"Zack, isn't that the whole point of going?"
"Not really," he said shaking his head, "the point is to see Jessie over Christmas break. It doesn't have to be the whole break. We could spend a week in New York with Jessie, have an early Christmas with her, then, be back here to spend time with our own families during the actual holidays!"
Kelly smiled, "That's a great idea, Zack!" She threw her arms around his neck in a quick hug. Then, she jumped up in excitement, "Can you imagine the gifts we could buy in New York? Nikki would love something from…" her smiled faded and her voice trailed off. She sat down slowly next to Zack, then, attempted a smile. "Who am I kidding? I can't afford to go with you. You all have a good time," she told him trying to sound cheerful."
"You might not be able to afford it, but I can," Zack assured her. "Call it an early Christmas present."
"Zack," Kelly gasped, "You can't spend all of that money on me."
"It isn't entirely all for you. It's an early Christmas for me, too," Zack confessed.
"How's that?" Kelly asked. Catching onto his game, she tilted her head pretending to be confused, but giving him a half smile.
"Because," he spoke softer and moved closer, "I'd have you with me. And as much as I like presents," he leaned in even closer, "I can't think of anything I'd want more."
He grinned, and Kelly broke into a big smile. Then, she leaned over and gently kissed him.