34

Me in the shower:

2% washing

8% singing

90% winning fake arguments.

"It's Christmas, it's Christmas, it's Christmas" I sing happily as I turn around in my room dancing. Christmas is one of my favorite parties. The presents, the family, the good food. My brothers left three days after my birthday. And I can promise you it was an emotional goodbye.

While I'm decorating my room, I'm singing Christmas songs. I feel two familiar hands grabbing my hips. "Hey," he says hoarsely in my ear when he puts a kiss in the hollow of my neck. "Hey," I say as I turn around and put my arms around his neck. I stand on my tips and kiss him briefly but lovingly. "Are you going to wear Lexi's present tonight as my Christmas present?" he whispers even more hesitantly in my ear. I can feel my head turning red when I look at him with indignation. "How do you know what I've had?" I ask in amazement. Alex looks at me sheepishly when I realize why. "You were looking for your present," I shout accusations.

"Sorry princess, but you know how much I love presents," he apologizes with puppy eyes. I look at him for a moment but then kiss him anyway. "Maybe tonight I'll use Lexi's present.' I whisper seductively in his ear when I leave him in my room in amazement with a smile on my face.

I shout "Dexie" in the backyard. My little puppy comes walking happily with Lizz next to him. I pet Dexie behind his ear when I pick up Lizz. "Ready to open the packages?" I ask Lizz who happily shouts yes. We are all sitting on the couch with a glass of hot chocolate with mini marshmallows in it and whipped cream on top of it. Lizz gave me a drawing, Alex's parents some books, and Finn gave me a receipt for a clothing store. Alex gave me tickets for an amusement park. Lizz got from everyone a doll for her collection. She is now sitting next to Dex on the floor playing with her dolls. Finn got a new game for his PlayStation from his parents.

From Alex a couple of movies and from Lizz also a drawing. I bought Finn a sweater from his favorite player. Alex's parents got tickets for a cruise and of course a drawing of Lizz. Alex got 100 packets of condoms from Finn. I turned completely red while Alex quickly closed the box so his parents wouldn't see it. Alex had put his arm around my waist to pull me closer and give me a kiss on my jaw. 'We are going to be able to use Lexi's package tonight and other nights' he had muttered in my ear, making me even redder.

From his parents, he had received pocket money and from Lizz a card instead of a drawing. And now it's my turn. There are only two parcels left under the Christmas tree and I get the present for Alex. Nervous, I look at him when I give him the present. We had agreed on a maximum price but I couldn't resist Alex buying it when I saw it on the internet a few weeks ago. Alex slowly tears off the wrapping paper.

Alex and Finn both gasp for breath as they watch the football signed by Alex's favorite player, who is also one of the best players at the moment. Alex happily jumps straight and attacks me on the couch. He hangs over me and starts to kiss my whole face. Between each kiss, he says a thank you. 'Alex, not in front of Lizz' says his mummy punishing but with a smile on her face.

"How did you get this?" he asks in amazement when he looks at the ball. "Remember when I went away for the weekend with Lexi a few weeks ago?" I ask him. I see him nodding his head as I tell him more. "We've been behind the ball in San Diego where a sports store sold the ball" I explain to him. I see him look at me too the ball before he takes me back in his arms. "I can't take that.' He whispers in my ear. I grab him even tighter. 'Yes, you can cause I'd give you the world if I could. I love you so much that no place is too far and no price is too high when it comes to you' I whisper back.

We're three hours away and everyone, but for me, Alex and Finn, has gone to sleep. I look at the lonely package under the tree as I crawl towards it. "Do you know whose it is?" I ask when I turn to the boys. They both nod no as they're down on the ground next to me. "Your name's on it," says Finn pointing at a cart. I look at Alex who is pointing at the box telling me I have to open it. I open the bow and open the lid. A scream leaves my mouth as I jump back.

Alex sits right next to me and grabs me protectively. Finn looks inside the box and looks away with one hand in front of his mouth. In the box is a dead bird with a card around his neck. Alex grabs the card with disgust and reads it out loud.

'I'm done warning him. Now it is still the bird, but next time it will be your neck. '