Page 21 of Snowflakes and Ice Skates

“Do we have plans for the rest of the day?” I was crossing my fingers we didn’t. I was tired of people and entertaining and putting on a show. I wanted us to relax.

Dad shook his head. “Nope. We have nothing planned. Do you guys want to watch Christmas movies?”

I nodded and jumped up. After cleaning up, we met back on the couch for a movie marathon.

Halfway through our second movie, the doorbell rang. I didn’t bother moving since Steven jumped up from the couch.

I heard voices and hoped it was just a neighbor. No one would come over on Christmas, right?

We’d hosted enough parties. The welcome sign on the door needed to be thrown out for the day.

“Look who decided to join in the family festivities.”

I sat up and met Vince’s eyes. Perfect. I sunk further into the plush cushions and pulled a blanket up over my shoulders as if that would hide me.

Mom stood and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “There you are, honey. We have your gifts still under the tree.”

Ugh. He did have his own family. I wondered if anyone, including him, remembered that. Didn’t they miss him? Didn’t they want him at home?

“Thanks. I’ve got all of your gifts as well.”

He walked in and made himself comfortable, sitting at the end of the couch near my feet. While everyone was moving around and getting gifts together he caught my eye. “Are you feeling better?”

Right. I was ill. I nodded. “Much. Thanks for asking.”

“Good.” He smiled and handed me a box. I looked at the tag and it said it was for me.

“You didn’t need to get me anything.”

He smiled. “I know. Just open it.”

I unwrapped the small box and lifted the lid. It was a beautiful rose gold watch with a pearl face. “Wow.” I looked up at him in shock. “This is too much.”

He just smiled. “Think of it as a graduation slash birthday slash Christmas present.”

I shook my head and slid it on. “It’s beautiful.”

“I’m glad you like it. I thought it looked like something a professional would wear.”

I laughed and nodded. “It definitely is a grown-up watch.”

Steven stole his attention and they exchanged gifts. I snuck away to grab his present from my room. I paused in my room, holding the wrapped box. I felt a little silly giving him a beanie after receiving such a nice present, but it wasn’t like I could do anything about it now.

Oh well. At least I had something to give him. When I got back downstairs Dad was holding up a tie and laughing. “I can’t believe you found this.”

Everyone was laughing but I didn’t understand. “What is it?”

“It’s a Doctor Who tie.”

I shook my head. Dad loved that show. “Good find, Vince.”

I was actually a little disappointed in myself for not thinking of something so perfect. Since when was Vince the expert gift giver?

“This is for you.”

He looked up at me surprised. “You didn’t need to get me anything.”

I just smiled and sat down on the couch and watched him open the box. He pulled out the grey beanie and touched it as if it was the most delicate thing he’d ever held.