A Chocolate Apple and a Rock (2024)

I'm surprised that I reached this far writing garbage. Not surprised that anyone reads this

Eugh I used an emoticon....so gross.

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CHAPTER 55

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Before Christmas:

Location: Los Angeles:

“Totally,” Gisela smiled as she was making hot chocolate in the kitchen. “I can’t believe like you’re going steady with Carl.”

“What’s wrong with Carl?” Courtney frowned. “You don’t like him as well? Why doesn't anyone like him? First Kyle punches him and Chris says I’m dating a loser.”

“It’s not like I like him or not, it’s like…” Gisela tried to find the words. “He’s a pretentious guy. He’s not like the type of guy that you’ll date.”

“What do I date?” Courtney asked as she was trying to fix up a glass angel hanging on the tree.

“Chilled out guys not like stuffy uptight people, like seriously,” She walked out of the kitchen holding two mugs. “I hope you didn’t invite him to the Harris’ Christmas Party.”

“Nope,” Courtney nodded. “I’m so surprised that Daniela invited me.”

“Totally,” Gisela gave her a mug. “But maybe she’s like different or maybe she totally wants to show off Kyle in front of you. He says that she is absolute sucker for Christmas. She hasn't bought a tree.”

“Really?” Courtney held on to the mug. “I wonder why.”

“I have like no idea,” Gisela shrugged. “She’s like pretty sensitive about it.”

“No wonder. She must make up for something.”

“I wouldn’t like go that far.” Gisela muttered. “I dunno. Just forget about it.”

“It won’t be hard.”

“Ohhh….” Gisela looked at her watch. “Is it okay that Alicia stays here? Like her parents are out of state and she wanted to come home.”

“Yeah, that would be so awesome….except.” Courtney looked down at her hot chocolate. “I didn’t leave things with Kyle well.”

“Oh like relax,” Gisela picked up her keys. “He’ll forgive you. It’s Christmas and I forgot to tell you about their roommate. Total party guy.”

“Is he cute?”

“Immensely but sadly for me,” The blonde haired teen picked up her purse from the kitchen table. “He’s gay. I bet all the guys totally run to him.” She chuckled. “I totally have to jet. I’ll see you later.”

“He’s gay?” Courtney’s eyes widened. “Wow…I never met a gay person before.”

“Court,” Gisela laughed. “You’re so joking? You live in California.”

"I could never tell," Courtney heard a knock on the door. The red haired teen opened the door. “Carl!” She smiled when she saw the tall bespectacled man at their doorstep. She kissed him on the cheek.

“Merry Christmas.” He smiled handing her a present. “Don’t open it till Christmas.”

“I won’t. Carl, this is my best friend Gisela.” Courtney introduced her boyfriend to Gisela. “Gisela, this is.....”

“Nice to meet you, Carl,” Gisela smiled. “I hope your nose is like okay.”

“My nose?”

“Gisela’s brother is Kyle, the guy who knocked you out.”

“Oh…yeah…ummm…” He touched his nose. “It wasn’t broken. Anyway I’m off to Fiji for Christmas; I just wanted to drop a materialistic holiday gift created by corporations. I’ll see you later.” He waved to Courtney.

“Oh wait!” The teen stopped him and handed him a small present. “Merry Christmas.”

“Merry Corporate Holiday!” Carl left without a kiss.

Courtney closed the door. She saw Gisela staring at her. “I know what you’re going to say….”

“He’s a freak and a loser.”

“But he’s sweet to me.”

“Whatever…” Gisela turned her back and went back into the kitchen.

“You made no fuss about Hannah.” Courtney fought.

“She never insulted family, she's not a freak and she's not a loser," She explained as she washed her mug in the kitchen sink. "She and Joel are happy."

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“We aren’t happy…”

Joel was sitting in a café booth opposite his cousin and her boyfriend. The café was decorated all Christmassy with tinsel, ribbons, music and a nice small tree by the door. “What happened?” Daniela asked taking a slip of her coffee.

“It’s a long story but to make it short. Everything was going great until we hit a protest. She attacked this police officer with a brick because they broke her sign and she got arrested,” Joel explained looking down sadly at his blueberry muffin. “She was way into some cause, I don't know.”

“Harsh...” Kyle remarked. “How did she take it?”

“Surprisingly kind of well. Actually a lot more surprised she wasn’t expelled or suspended.” He tapped solemnly on his cup of coffee with his thumb. “Whatever, it is for the best. I should give her some stuff back. Man, I thought it would last longer than a month.”

“Her sister said that she’s in Denver with her parents.” She smiled looking at Joel.

Kyle put his arm around her. “How do you know Hannah’s sister?” He asked looking at her and playing with her hair.

“What?” Daniela was taken aback. “Oh….well….Hannah’s sister Katherine is the head of my sorority.” She muttered quietly.

“Wait….a second,” Joel blinked in disbelief. “You? Daniela Cooper? The Daniela Cooper? A sorority sister.”

“You joined a sorority?” Kyle cracked up laughing. “You? Oh man….”

“Don’t laugh…” Daniela whined in a little girly voice as she slapped him on the arm. “I thought it would be something to write on my resume. It would open doors for me.”

“Yeah but it’s you,” Kyle remarked. “If it was Courtney or Gisela, yeah it makes sense but it’s you. Anyway sorry about it, man. I’m sure everything will work out.”

“It will,” Daniela smiled. “It always will. You’ll find the girl of your dreams.”

“I always thought you’ll find a girl and hang on to her.”

“Kyle…” Daniela glared at him.

“No, I mean that if you couldn’t hang on to her, she’s not the one for you. It’s not on you, mate.” He explained while the song ‘Sleigh Bells' echoed throughout the café. “You’ll find her.”

“Thanks, man.”

“Kyle, we should go.” She tugged on his arm.

“Where are you guys off to?” Joel asked.

“Christmas tree shopping,” Daniela explained. “I know I left it late.”

“Two days till Christmas…”

“But I’ve been busy with sorority stuff. I’ll see you tomorrow night.”

“Yeah, yeah. I’ll see you guys.”

“Take care, mate.”

Daniela and Kyle left. In about a couple of seconds, Tony walked in. “Ahh Christmas time. A gay old yule something tradition. How are you, man?”

“I’m good, bro...” Joel looked down at his coffee as Tony sat down opposite him.

“What happened this time?” He asked looking at a half-eaten muffin on a plate. “I know you enough to know that something happened.”

“Other than Maria dumping me back in July, I met this girl. She was this hippie protest girl and everything was going alright until she got arrested. Then it was best to end it.”

“That’s a bummer. Don’t worry, you’ll find the girl,” Tony looked at him.

Joel looked up. “Yeah, so how’s Pittsburgh?” He changed the topic to avoid thinking about Hannah.

“Cold but it has been pretty interesting to say the least. I’ve been learning things, honing my craft and all that jazz. A couple of actresses but nothing else,” He chuckled. “Hey, is it me or did Daniela and Kyle walk out together. Am I reading too much into it?”

“You’re not,” Joel smiled. “They’re dating.”

“Really?” A shocked Tony blinked several times. “Wow…” He was surprised. “How long?”

“Since July actually, so 5 months,” Joel laughed. “That isn’t the funniest part.”

“Oh this should be good.”

“She joined a sorority, Daniela joined a sorority…”

Tony laughed. “Bullsh*t...you have to be yanking my chain. There is no way Daniela would join a sorority. You didn’t bribe her or anything right?”

“All on her own accord. Anyway I better jet. I have to give stuff back to Hannah, the hippie girl I told you about.” Forgetting that she was in Denver. “You are coming tomorrow night, right? Dani is cooking.”

“Wouldn’t miss it for the world. Where’s Chris?”

“Still Christmas shopping. People leaving their shopping till late tsk tsk,” Joel got up. “I’ll catch you later, bro.”

"The hell was the point of me being here?”

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Later:

“Man, I miss my Porsche.” Kyle whined as he got out of Daniela’s Porsche (formerly his) in front of a Christmas tree lot. There were surprisingly still a few trees left so close to Christmas. “Don’t you think you left it a little too late?”

“Yeah but I wanted to do it with you,” Daniela clutched on to his arm, resting her head on his shoulder as they walked on the dirt pathway. “And it’s my Porsche and don’t you forget about it.”

“I know, I know,” He smiled slightly. “So what type of tree you’re looking for? Cause you can’t fit a big one in that car.”

“You don’t think I know that?” She looked at a few trees. “I want something small and simple. What about this one?” She pointed to a large tree. “Too big?”

“Easily.” He put his around her. “You smell like a car.”

“So do you,” She cooed looking at another tree. “$140! What do you think?”

“Still too big.” He touched the tree and looked at the price tag.

“Ooh I like these ones. So cute and small,” She pointed at a few tiny small ones. “I like them round, fat and cute!”

“What about this one?” Kyle pointed at a little tree.

“It’s a little, little one. I like it,” Daniela put her arms around her boyfriend. “Let’s buy it. Where’s the guy? We like to buy a tree.”

“What about this one.” He pointed at another little tree. “Looks like a ball. You like them round and fat”

“But it’s not cute.” She put on a little cute voice. “We like to buy this tree.”

“Why don’t you guys buy two?” The saleswoman asked. She had grey hair tied up in a ponytail. She wore a green apron over a blue collared shirt, brown cargo pants, glasses and black gardening gloves. “One for you and one for him.”

“Nah, we’re good,” Kyle smiled. “Which will it be?”

“I got the money, so…” Daniela laughed. “It’s my choice. We’ll take the tiny one, please.”

“No problem.” The woman pulled out the tree. “These days people are going plastic. It’s hard to keep them alive. Young couple living with each other?”

“Sure, why not.” Kyle shrugged as the lady took the tree with her.

Daniela wrapped her arms around him. “So why don’t we live together?” She kissed him on the neck.

“Well I live in Madison and you live in Malibu, that’s reason one.” Kyle smiled. “Reason two, we’ve been dating for 5 months and reason three, you don’t have the capital.”

“You are such a party pooper but let me imagine,” She made a kissy face as she walked up to the register. “Come on.”

“You are such a sorority girl.” He laughed as he followed her.

"You are such a lameo."

"But I'm a sucker for your lucky, pretty eyes."

"Awww cute Liz Phair."

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Pasadena:

Joel walked up to a small house in Pasadena. There were Christmas lights turned on around the surrounding houses even in broad daylight. There was a wreath on the door as Joel knocked on it while holding a box full of Hannah’s stuff. Their house was small, one story but with a pretty vegetable garden. He could see zucchinis, peppers and cucumbers. There were a few fruit trees as well, a nice apple tree and a fig tree.

“Hi,” A brunette woman opened the door. “You’re Joel. I’m sorry for everything Hannah had done. I’m Katherine.”

“Thanks?"

"Daniela told me a lot about you. Come inside,” Katherine offered. Joel obliged as he walked inside. The house was just as small and cramped inside than it was outside. He sat down in the living room which was just a couple of sofas, a wooden table with a fruit bowl, a bookshelf and a television. “Can I offer you anything? Tea, coffee, water, cookies?”

“No thank you.”

“Daniela speaks really highly of you. She’s a great person and a great help to the sorority,” Katherine remarked. “I mean I can really see her going places.”

“To be honest, I really didn’t see that coming,” He explained. “Daniela was never the rah rah type back in high school. She spent a lot of time with guys and hated cheerleaders and stuff.”

“That’s surprisingly normal,” Katherine laughed as she sat down. “That’s exactly how I was until I thought to myself in my freshman year, why not?” She saw the box on his lap. “That must be Hannah’s stuff. I’m sorry about the whole mess. My sister is a bit out there. She isn’t the most social person.”

“I could tell. She hated athletes as well, what was up with that?” He asked.

Katherine chuckled to herself. “Bad memories from high school.”

Joel looked around. “Yeah, it’s okay. We all had bad memories from high school. How come you aren’t with your family in Denver?” He finally remembered what Daniela told him.

“Because…” She looked down at her white socks. She was wearing a college sweatshirt and sweatpants. “I have some sorority stuff to do and looking for job prospects since I’m graduating after this year. What about you? Daniela says you’re making strides in student politics.”

“Yeah, yeah. It’s pretty fun trying to do the best for my fellow freshmen,’ Joel looked around. There wasn’t even a Christmas tree in sight. “You’re spending Christmas alone?”

“Yeah, it’s pretty fun,” She tapped her foot on the wooden floor. “Watch some movies and eat some food.”

“That’s sounds fun….” Then Joel had an idea. “Why don’t you come over for our Christmas party.”

“I don’t want to really impose and it’s your family and stuff…”

“Oh, it’s not just family. It’s friends as well and Daniela is an amazing cook. She’s cooking a big Christmas feast.”

“Really?” Katherine started to entertain the idea. “Why not? It does sound a lot better than microwaved turkey. You have yourself a deal.”

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Los Angeles:

Kyle was staring at a very attractive woman. She had a dark complexion and frizzy black hair. She held her hands Christmas decorations as she placed them hanging on the shelf right next to the lights.

“Honey!”

Kyle sighed as he heard Daniela call him. “This is lame....” He muttered to himself. “I don’t know anything about decorations.”

“Honey!”

Kyle knew it was a losing battle. “Yes, Wooshie?” He walked up to Daniela who was holding Christmas decorations in her hand.

“What do you think about this one?” She showed him a nice purple set of decorations. “What do you think the theme should be?”

“I don’t know. Your choice.” He looked at the decorations.

“I think we should go silver and purple. I’ll get the decorations,” She ordered. “You get the tinsel, silver tinsel and oh some lights.”

“What about the angel?”

“Good point,” She agreed. “Let’s go get all of it together. Our first shopping trip as a couple!” She held on to his hand. “Honey, what do you think of the blue ones?” She showed him a box.

“I think they look great.”

“I don’t know what color scheme I want for the tree,” She sighed. “I guess it’s a little, little tree. So let’s go with the cute purple and silver decorations.”

“Okay…” Kyle nodded knowing that he had no say in this.

“We need an angel and mistletoe.” Daniela recalled pushing her dark brown hair.

Kyle stopped in his tracks. “Mistletoe? Why do we need mistletoe…?” He put his arms around her. “It's poisonous.” He kissed on her on the cheek.

Daniela giggled as they walked towards the Christmas lights. “Awww cute!” She said in a little cute voice. They were grabbing things from the shelves such as lights, angels, decorations, Christmas hats, foam reindeer antlers, and the works.

"Elf hats are some scary stuff."

They wandered to Daniela’s Porsche holding and clutching several bags on Christmas stuff. “Now we just need to get our tree. Are you staying over to help me set up the tree?” She asked as she unlocked the car.

Kyle opened the backseat doors and placed the Christmas bags on to the backseat. “I don’t know. I guess I could in theory but I live close anyway. All we are doing is setting up the tree and getting you prepared for the Christmas feast.”

“Pleaseee Plonky!” Daniela held on his hands with hers and she gazed into his hazel eyes. “Pretty please?”

“Oh, you weren’t like this with Tony….” He tried to resist.

“Because you love me, so pleaseee?” She gazed lovingly at his hazel eyes.

Kyle couldn’t resist anymore. “Fine....”

------------------------------

Christmas Eve:

Location: Harris House.

It was chaos in the Harris kitchen. Daniela was trying to cook everything that was like Christmassy. She had turkey, ham, salads, potatoes, yams, pie and pudding. She was running around in the kitchen trying to make sure everything was right, frantically. She needed to get changed and the guests were arriving soon, she was rushing and stressing.

Joel was cleaning up in the house, vacuuming, spray n' wiping, and dusting. He was rushing the job until he heard the doorbell ring. Joel opened the door. “Hey,” He greeted Kyle. “Love what you guys have done with tree except it’s kind of small.” They both looked at the Christmas tree which was decked out in lights, purple decorations, silver tinsel and a glass angel on top.

“Couldn’t fit a big one inside the Porsche,” He walked inside holding a bag full of presents and his clothes. “Brought my clothes in a bag just in case I need to help you guys”

“Ahh Kyle!” Bette walked to the living room. “Merry Christmas, Daniela is a bit frazzled at the moment. I told her I would help her but she’s stubborn.”

“I heard that!” She yelled.

“Is there anything I can do to help?” He asked.

“Well Mr. Harris needs some help setting up tables and chairs and the lights,” Bette remarked. “You can help him.”

Kyle happily obliged. “I’ll be happy to help.”

“Thank you, I really appreciate it,” Bette smiled at him until she heard Daniela running around from the kitchen. “How are your parents?”

“They are in Buenos Aires at the moment. They are having a great time.”

“That’s nice to hear. You are welcome to stay the night,” Bette smiled. “We have a spare room.”

“Not like he’ll use it….” snarked Joel in a low voice.

“I heard that young man!” Bette glared at her son but realized that he had a point. “And whatever you kids do…”

Bette walked back into the kitchen. Daniela frantically ran around the kitchen making sure that things were simmering on the stove, baking in the oven, mixing in the blender and hardening in the fridge. “Was that Kyle?” She asked. Her hair was out of place and her eyes were looking exhausted.

“Honey, you’re over-stressing yourself. Let me do some work while you shower and get ready.” Bette took a pan from Daniela’s hand. “Now go. Go!” Daniela ran upstairs like the Flash.

Joel dressed in a red polo heard the doorbell ring. He walked up to the door holding a glass of Pepsi. He opened it revealing Alicia who wore a very smart outfit. She wore a long red dress with her black hair tied up in a bun. “Merry Christmas, Ally.”

“Merry Christmas, Joel.” She smiled. “Who’s here?” She asked as he welcomed her with a hug.

“Dani still cooking, so that won’t be done for another hour but Thorpe is down at the back with my dad.” He took the gifts from Alicia. “I’ll put your presents under the tree.”

“Thank you,” Alicia looked at the small tree that was decorated in purple and silver. “Small tree.”

“Yeah, Thorpe and Dani went tree shopping and decorated the whole house together.” He said pointing to all the purple and silver tinsel on the staircase railing, the lights across the staircase railing. The whole house was decorated immensely. “Looks nice, doesn’t it?”

“They did a great job.”

"Yo Ales, I haven't seen you in a while." Kyle high fived her.

"Yo Kyle, been staying out of trouble? Ain't wanna call your parole officer."

"Nah boss." They laughed.

Joel feeling lost just decided to drink his soft drink silently.

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Later:

Everyone was at the party. Daniela was shocked when she saw a familiar face in the background. “What are you doing here?” She saw Jasmine who somehow invited herself to her party.

“Joel invited me.” Jasmine smirked as she ran her fingers around a glass of red wine. “Great party, Dani. I didn’t know you were a great cook.”

“You’re not supposed to be here…” She glared at her.

“Oh Daniela, you’re not a good friend. Is it so hard to be nice and accommodating? I mean because I have information that I bet you don’t want anyone to find out.” She smirked as she took a sip of her wine. “See Dani, I can ruin your whole life right now but I won’t do that because I’m a good friend and it’s Christmas. That black guy…” She pointed at Tony who was in deep conversation with Kyle and Chris. “He is fine.” She turned her gaze back towards Tony. “Isn't he your ex?”

“Yeah…”

“Huh, well that brunette guy. He’s fine. I wonder if he is single. What do you think, Daniela?” Jasmine gazed at Kyle. She had her sights set on her. “I talked to him. He’s a great guy.”

“That guy is mine.”

“Really? Girrrrlll he’s fine with a capital F. So how is he in bed? You don’t mind if I try? You didn't mind when you slept with my boyfriend.”

“Get out…” Daniela ordered in a low voice.

“Touchy, touchy…..” Jasmine put down her glass of wine. “I can take a hint. I have a new proposition for you that doesn’t involve your little love life. I’ll talk to you later.” She started to leave. “Oh and Daniela? Merry Christmas.”

Daniela watched as Jasmine left. She went to the kitchen and on her way saw Katherine talking to Joel. “Katherine? What are you doing here?”

“Your cousin invited me. He said you were an amazing cook.”

“I wouldn’t say that…” Daniela scoffed trying to sound modest. “Food will be ready in 10 minutes. Joel can you tell everyone else?”

“Sure.”

“So you’re a democrat, you know they had sororities and frats,” Katherine explained as she put on a pair of foam reindeer antlers. “They say it neglects people but we are very accepting. We try to accept every girl regardless of race, religion, background and sexuality. It is important because everyone needs to feel that they are included and a part of something and we offer that. We offer support both academic and emotionally. I need another glass of wine….you want a drink?”

"You're a guest. I'll get it." Joel offered.

"No, it's okay." Katherine smiled waving his concern off.

Joel shrugged “Sure.” Katherine left to get a drink or two.

Chris walked up to Joel. “Dude you are so in.”

“What?”

“You’re in. She likes you, bro.”

“Bro, you’re imaging things. She’s not interested me. She’s Hannah’s older sister.”

“Whatever dude, I’m going to find Alicia.”

“Bro, you’re not going to have sex in my house especially during Christmas.” Joel shook his head.

“Oh come on, Dundee basically lives here.” Chris whined. “How come I can’t?”

“It’s Christmas, you’re sick and he’s dating my cousin. You’re not even dating Alicia.”

“Hey the sex is good.”

“Dude, don’t want to know about your sex life on Christmas. Now go and help Thorpe and Dani bringing the food.” Joel ordered him.

Chris smiled “So you can talk to the chick, I got you bro.” He went to help Daniela bring out the food.

Joel groaned. "This guy."

Courtney and Gisela were talking to Alicia and Tony. “So what’s this about a new boyfriend?” Tony asked as they were sitting on deck chairs on the fresh cut lawn.

“His name is Carl and he is super smart and is really intelligent and knows about the world. He’s sweet.” The red haired teen explained as she wore a red and green Christmas sweater and a black pencil skirt.

Alicia looked at her with a raised eyebrow. “Isn’t that the guy that Kyle beat up?”

“Wait….” Tony dressed in a charcoal suit and a pink collared shirt, stopped the conversation. “Kyle beat up someone? Why? How do you get beat up by Kyle? You must be a serious loser.”

Gisela wearing a white blouse and blue jeans with her blonde hair done in an updo, laughed. “Cause he called Daniela a whor* like right in front of him.”

“Well I mean….” Tony kind of agreed with Carl.

“Tony!” Alicia glared at him. “How would you feel if some guy called your girlfriend a whor*?”

“Good point but man….was she there?”

“Dani would have totally killed him..."

“Guys…” Courtney frowned. “Enough. He made a mistake and mistakes happen. He’s sorry and wants to patch things up…”

“Where is he?” asked Tony who was looking around to find a male that….well had no description.

“In Fiji….”

“Well, I can smell Dani’s food. For all the sh*t she did in our relationship, her cooking was a saving grace.” Tony laughed as he got up.

“You guys coming?” Alicia asked.

“Soon.” Gisela stared at Courtney. Alicia shrugged and left with Tony towards the buffet.

“What?”

“Time to like patch things up?” She muttered. “Courtney, you totally have to talk to him.”

“It’s hard. He’s around everybody…” The red haired teen sulked.

“Let me.”

--------------------------

Later:

“Kyle,” Gisela walked up to her brother who was sitting down in a food coma. He wasn’t the only one. Chris and Tony were feeling it as well. “Are you alright?”

“Food coma….” He slowly got up by sliding from his deck chair. “What’s up?”

“I like need some help with something.”

“Fine….” Kyle followed her until he stopped. He stopped just when he saw Courtney. “No way.”

“Kyle, not for her, not for you but for me, I need this.” She pushed his back towards her.

"You owe me, sis." He grumbled.

"Yeah, yeah, like cry me a river..."

“Hi…” Courtney got up. She was tapping away on her glass of water with her fingernails.

“Hi.”

“I just wanted to say I’m sorry about everything. I know I can’t stop you from who you’re seeing and stuff and I’m sorry about Carl. I shouldn’t have told him anything,” Courtney looked down at her shoes. “I would really like it if we could still be friends but if the bridges have been burned….”

“They haven’t….” Kyle looked down at his shoes. “It’s okay. I’m sorry for punching him but being friends? I would like that but it's going to take a while, Court.” Words just came out and it did help that he drank a lot. "But that doesn't mean we can try, I guess."

“Are you happy with Daniela?” She asked.

“Yeah, yeah I’m happy. It’s a different relationship to what we had but you helped me grow as a person.”

“And the same for me. She is a great cook.”

“Yeah, I know. How good was the food?”

Daniela watched from a distance. “So what’s the deal?” She asked Gisela. “Reconciliation?”

“I guess,” She eyed Daniela. “Are you like threatened?”

“Threatened by Courtney?” Daniela laughed. “You wish.”

----------------------------------

“I can’t move…food too good…” Chris was still on his deck chair struggling to move. “You wanna go inside?”

“Sure…” Tony slid down his chair. “So how are the college babes?”

“Thank god I play sport,” Chris smiled. “It is like the best thing ever.”

“Better than having crabs.” He laughed.

“Shut it Howard….” Chris grumbled. The blonde teenager then told him “The story of how I managed to hook up with an Indian girl and a Mexican girl.”

“Together?”

“No….” He frowned. “But they loved sports except the Indian girl said that cricket was better than baseball. She’s weird.”

“Have you seen a cricket game?” Tony asked him.

Chris not really with an answer, replied with “Have you? Yeah think about that.”

“I haven’t and you haven’t. We can’t judge something we haven’t seen. We didn’t grow up on it like Kyle or grew up with soccer like Gisela. We grew up with football, basketball and baseball.”

“That’s true. So how are the acting babes?”

“Theatrical.” Tony joked. “It’s been good. The work I mean not the women. I’ve been learning a lot and honing my craft. It’s really interesting which makes it even better. Women? Well there isn’t many to choose from at the moment but I’ll tell you when someone comes into play.”

“Yay!” Chris cheered. ”Success!”

“You’re still a dumbass aren’t you?” Tony looked at Chris.

“Yeah…"

“I’m gonna pee.” Tony said out loud.

“Is that actor talk?” Chris laughed as Tony stuck his finger towards Chris. “Ah huh.”

“Hey Chris!” Chris jumped in the air when Courtney surprised him.

“Dang Court…” Chris raised his voice trying to get his breath back. “Man, you scared me.”

“Sorry, it’s just that I haven’t talked to anyone that I go to college with. There are a lot of people I don’t know, it feels weird.” She looked around. “Is it true that Dani is in a sorority?”

“Yeah?”

“Well it’s true what Carl said then.”

“Man, why do you listen to that guy?” The blonde male looked at her. “The guy is a tool and an asshole with a metal pole stuck up high. You deserve better.”

“What do you mean?” She asked not really knowing what he was saying. “He’s not good?”

“Courtney, you’re sweet, nice, really f*cking attractive that deserves better than him. You’re a great girl and I’m hungry.” Chris walked to get some more of Daniela’s excellent cooking.

Courtney felt a little flustered when she watched Chris walked away. “Huh…cool?”

--------------------------------

1 am:

“You didn’t have to walk me to my car, Joel. I’m perfectly capable.” Katherine and Joel were walking outside the house to her car. The street was full of houses decked out in Christmas lights in several colors and all shapes and sizes. Some were lit up Santa Clauses or lit up reindeers with red noses.

“I know you are. Just wanted to say goodbye privately,” Joel said to her. “I hope you had a great time.”

“I did.” Katherine took out her purse. “So much better than spending Christmas alone. I’m sorry about you and Hannah.”

“I’m not…well I am but...” Joel looked at Katherine. “I mean you wouldn’t have come and I had a great time with you. It was nice.”

“It was, wasn’t it,” Katherine chuckled softly. “I might have to get Daniela to cook for the sorority. She’s a master.”

“Yeah,” He agreed. “Her food is better than my mom’s and that’s no easy competition. It’s great that she’s part of something. She’s a difficult person.”

“Her boyfriend is really nice,” She remarked. “Is he from London?”

“Sydney.”

“As in Sydney, Australia?”

“The very same.” He laughed. “Yeah his accent is hard to pick up. I guess this is your car.” They stopped at an old Toyota Camry. “I’ll see you sometime.”

“Here you go.” Katherine gave him a piece of paper. “It’s my number. Call me sometime.”

“Yeah,” Joel smiled. “I will. Merry Christmas Katherine.”

“Kat.”

“Merry Christmas, Kat.”

“Thank you,” She got into the car. “And Joel, Merry Christmas.” She shut the door and started up the car. She drove off but not without waving by to him.

He stared at the road for a few seconds before walking back to his Miata. “Yeah....”

-------------------------------------

Daniela was sitting on her bed wearing a dark grey turtleneck jumper. “That was a stressful night.” She moaned as she felt Kyle’s hands massaging her back. Her room was lit darkly as she turned on the her stereo system. "Christmas jazz."

“Yeah, you’re really tense.” Kyle agreed. “But you did an amazing job.”

“You think so?”

“I’m sure of it. The food was excellent and everything else was perfect.” He said as he listened to the music. "Who plays this?"

“I have no idea. I think it’s Kenny something something,” Daniela moaned. “I couldn’t have done it without your help.”

“Of course you could,” He smiled as he continued to massage her shoulders. “Back.” Daniela took off her jumper revealing her black bra. “You don’t give yourself enough credit. You were amazing.” He assured her as he massaged her back.

“You really think so, Plonky?” She asked. “Oh that feels good….Did everyone have a great time?”

“Might be one of the best Christmases I’ve been to.” He smiled. “And I’ve been to the Christmas markets in Copenhagen, Wooshie.”

“Well, even if I hate to admit it but you’re all important to me and I wanted to make sure you all had a great time.”

“And you did that.”

Daniela got up and sat on her bed with her legs crossed. “Merry Christmas, Kyle.”

“Merry Christmas, Dani.” Kyle pulled out something from under her bed. “I was saving this just for this moment.” He pulled out a little blue box. "It a box."

“I can see that,” She looked at it. “What is it?”. He opened the box revealing a beautiful pink gold necklace shaped in a heart with pave diamonds." She was speechless when she saw it. "This is incredible...amazing...it's so beautiful but it's so much trouble."

“It wasn’t trouble, Dani,” He explained. “Even if we are or we aren’t together in the future, I want you to know that I will always love you.”

“I love you…” She struggled to find her voice. “This is the sweetest thing anybody has done for me.....I love it." She hugged him.

"It's too show how beautiful, special and important you are to me."

“This is the best Christmas but there’s just one more thing….” She smiled, so close to tears of joy..

Kyle looked at her. “What’s that?”

“A full body massage.” She gazed lovingly with her beautiful ice blue eyes at his warm hazel eyes.

“Wouldn't have it any other way.” He said as they kissed passionately on her queen sized bed.

“Merry Christmas.”

==================================