ASHLEY’S P.O.V.

Its Christmas time!!! But it doesn’t feel like it. Christmas just doesn’t have that…that spark. You know? The spark that was there when you were younger. Like when you’re little and Christmas feels so special, it gives you that warm, happy, and exciting feeling. Your family comes and you have this big special dinner. And you, being the excited little kid, wake up on Christmas day and run to the tree, waiting for no one, and just rip everything open. Well, it’s still kind of like that, but that whole special feeling is gone. Maybe it’s because I realized Santa wasn’t real, maybe it’s because I know every present I get and its no longer a surprise, or maybe it’s because…Spencer’s dating Michelle.

Family has flown in from everywhere, and a few friends of the family are here too. This house is just packed! They’re all just getting here.

Ashley: “Uncle Ray!” I shout as I hug him.

Ray: “Well if it isn’t my favorite niece.” he says hugging me back.

I release from the hug and just look at him, trying not to cry. He looks so much like my dad. I choke down my tears and look at his wife, the bitch. Honestly I think she’s related to Satan, she’s so evil.

Ashley: “Hey aunt Viv.” I say listlessly.

Vivian: “It’s Vivian dear.” I roll my eyes.

Ray: “Who’s your friend Ashy?” he asks, referring to Emily.

Ashley: “This is my girlfriend Emily.” I say taking her hand.

Vivian: “I always knew she’d grow up to be a dyke.” she mumbles under her breath, but I heard her. Uncle ray elbows her.

Ashley: “And I always knew you stay the stuck up snob you always were.” I turn back to my uncle. “I’m sorry you have to put up with her Uncle Ray.” I say patting him on the back, than walk away.

We continue greeting everyone. But it’s kind of hard to move around without bumping shoulders with someone. It’s kind of loud, but the Christmas music playing kind of drounds out the noise. Spencer’s here somewhere, but I haven’t seen her all day.

Ashley: “…and this is Spencer’s cousin, Mark.” I say introducing Emily. Emily and Mark continue talking, I’m not really paying attention so I overhear a conversation between a few family members.

Vivian: “So both of them are gay?”

???: “Well, Spencer says bi, but yea.”

Vivian: “Tomayto tomahto. Either way both are disgusting. Not to mention, it’s a sin and they’ll both burn in hell.” BITCH!!! She really pisses me off! I walk over to them.

Emily: “Ashley…?” I put my hand up, telling her to hold on, but she must have noticed the angered look on my face because she’s following me over to them.

Ashley: “Listen here VIV! Spencer’s more of a woman than you’ll ever be, and so am I for that matter. I’ve had it up here with your ‘holier than thou’ bull, so since you think you’re so much better than everyone why don’t you just get the hell out.” I say pointing to the door.

Vivian: “You little-” I cut her off.

Ashley: “Dyke? Yea, I guess I am, but I’d rather be a dyke than a heartless stuck up bitch like you.” I sneer.

She looks around at everyone. There are a lot of people looking, some shaking their heads, others pretending they weren’t listening. All you can hear in the background is Christmas music. She pushes past me and heads out the front door.

I take Emily’s hand and turn to walk away, but am caught off guard when Spencer’s standing there with Michelle close behind. Spencer just stands there with tears forming in her eyes, then she throws her arms around my neck. I stiffen up at first because, it has been a while since I’ve had any physical contact with her. I soon get use to her arms around me and I release Emily’s hand and rest my arms around Spencer’s waist. I shut my eyes tight and relax into the hug.

Spencer: “Thank you.” she whispers tearfully while we continue hugging.

Ashley: “Any time.” I whisper back.

We hug for a long time. I open my eyes and see Michelle standing there with a hurt expression on her face.

TBC