Friendsmas

Today was Friendsmas. It was my favorite tradition that my mom had started for us when we were about 10. We all gathered and ate food and played games. The presents were nice too, but we mostly loved being around one another.

People started coming around 4:00 pm. Casey was the first to arrive. Which I was thankful for, because Baylen was the worst at helping me set up. She got the drinks and ice tray ready for me. I had red cups that had snowflakes around the border. It was super cute. The doorbell rang and I ran to see if it was Jeff. However, I was surprised to see Quinn standing at the door. Baylen ran over and took her jacket. He flashed me a smile and led her into the dining room.

“Okay, what’s the story there?” Casey asked.

I shrugged and finished laying out the decorative sugar cookies. Why did he have Quinn here? Was he into her? Did they exchange numbers yesterday at dinner? I was not going to worry about it. My boyfriend would be here soon and I had to make this Friendsmas the best one yet.

Once Jeff arrived with Cyman, I felt a little bit better. It was always awkward being in the same room as Keegan and Jada. They were sitting together in our lounge chaise by the fireplace, being adorable as ever. She was halfway on his lap and playing with his blonde curls. She proceeded to share a candy cane with him Lady and the Tramp style . I smiled at the thought of Keegan being happy and in love. I knew I could never give him that kind of love, or dare I say be open enough to declare it, but I was glad that Jada could.

Jeff brought his Secret Santa present, but also brought me a bouquet of flowers for my birthday and a gift in a small gold box.

“I hated missing your 16th,” he said, dipping me and kissing me ever so gently.

The whole room began to screech out “oohs” and “ahhhs,” as if we were in third grade. I rolled my eyes and took the flowers to the kitchen. Jeff sure can pick out gorgeous flowers. When I came back into the living room it was time to give out the gifts. No one could know who their Secret Santa was and we never told. Jada opened her gift first, it was a furry, white hat and scarf set.

“Oh my gosh this is so adorable. Thank you Secret Santa,” she said to the room.

Keegan opened up his gift next. It was an LSU hoodie. Someone clearly went over the $20 limit. Those hoodies were $80 or more. I saw Jeff’s reaction when Keegan opened it, so I assume my boy didn’t read the rules. That is okay because Keegan loved it.

It was finally my turn to open my present. I pulled the beautiful green bow from the top and tore the paper along the creases. It was a large box, so I started to get more and more curious. What could this be? I lifted off the lid of the box and inside was a framed Rolling Stone Magazine with Harry Styles on the cover. I hadn’t put this in my G****e Form so there was no way anyone could have known my story about this magazine.

When I was 12 my mom had bought me this magazine of Harry. I treasured it. I took it everywhere I would sit and read it cover to cover daily. One night when Keegan and Baylen were having a sleepover, they wrestled in the living room and knocked a cup of juice onto the magazine. It was ruined. I cried for days after that had happened.

I looked over at Baylen and he shook his head. If Baylen didn’t get it for me then that means… Keegan had to be my Secret Santa. I got tears in my eyes thinking about how much this gift meant to me. This was super thoughtful and sweet.

“Umm, I am going to the kitchen. Anyone need anything?” I asked, trying to disguise my lump in my throat.

Everyone seemed so wrapped up in the Secret Santa moment, so I decided to go and grab the desserts, so we could play some games in the family room and I could avoid everyone seeing me get teary eyed over a magazine. As I composed myself in the kitchen I felt someone standing behind me.

“Are you alright Brees?” a familiar voice asked.

It was Keegan. He stood close to the door with his hands shoved in his pockets. Why did he follow me in here? Both of our significant others are here so this was highly inappropriate.

“Yes,” I said, grabbing the tray of cookies.

I tried to push past him but he gently grabbed my arm. He placed his hand on mine. I looked down at his fingers touching mine.

“I know how much that magazine meant to you, Brees. It cost me all of my tips from the dock this summer, but you are worth it,” he said, moving his hand up my arm.

I got a tingling feeling all the way up that arm that he was touching. I stepped back from his grasp.

“I appreciate it, Keegan. We can talk about it later when my boyfriend and your girlfriend aren’t 50 feet away in the other room,” I said, avoiding his stare.

“Understood. I just want you to be happy. Happy birthday Brees,” he said, touching my cheek. His eyes traced my face as if he were searching for something.

Before I could respond, Jeff walked into the kitchen.

“Is everything alright in here, Brees?” he asked, looking at Keegan’s hand on my cheek.

His face looked irritated. I’ve never seen Jeff look upset. But this was definitely what I was seeing.

“Dude, I think Jada is looking for you. Maybe go in there with your own girl,” Jeff barked as Keegan pulled his hand away from my face.