It's beginning to look like Christmas

 

Vada wasn't so sure whe was up for Sammie and Gabe's party.

"But we already drew names," Kevin told her with a shrug. It wasn't like they were living together yet, but they did spend a great deal of time together.

"I know," she said while they were out for a late lunch at the University Commons. "It's just." She wasn't sure she wanted to explain it. "I'll see my ex with his new girlfriend." She didn't want to elaberate.

"Well, it's a party. It can't be that bad," Kevin smiled. There he went again, all happy go lucky. Just how did he do it?

Vada managed to smile. Although, she dreaded seeing Justin the most. She hated him. And maybe she'd made up a lot of bad things about him. It seemed to bother no one but her. She couldn't remember the last time she saw him, and she wanted to keep it that way.

"I think I drew his name," Kevin nodded as he went back to his hot roast beef sandwich. Vada opted for soup and salad. Although, she ate far too many salads these days. And it was so cold with ice and snow these days. Just the thought made her shiver.

"You drew Justin's name?" Vada couldn't help but scowl as she looked at him.

"I  thought I'd just give him a gift certificate. You know, a local resteraunt." He told her. She nodded. She liked the idea of helping out local business, but she wished Justin would stay away. 

"He'll be there with that Carmen," Vada was straightlipped.

"They just live together. They're roommates," Kevin shrugged. He knew of her on Campus. In fact she was taking Art 101 which he was teaching. "She seems nice to me."

That was all Vada needed to hear. She couldn't help but fret a little. 

"She and Sammie are good friends. You should try to like her." 

He looked at her blankly. Then bit into a fry. He made it sound that the best gift she could give Sammie this Christmas was to be nice to Carmen and maybe Justin. Of course, she had no intention of bothering with those two.

Carmen got Mona's name in the drawing. It frustrated her, wondering what to get her.

"Remember, she said no candles," Justin had seen Mona's list. They were out at their favorite department store looking for Christmas deals.

"Got it." Carmen nodded.

She knew Justin was looking for a one stop present that would be close to twenty dollars. As she looked at hoodies, scarves, something for the kitchen (Like the Paris Hilton fry pan), she didn't see anything Mona might like. She didn't even like pink.

Of course, the longer she held that skillet, Carmen wanted it for herself. She put it in the cart.

"What are you doing?" He winced with a smile.

"I'm getting myself a Christmas present. I'll wrap it and say it's from you," Carmen shrugged.

"Oh, really," Justin sighed. "You think I'd buy you a skillet?"

"I don't know? Would you?" She looked at him as if he could.

She pushed onward. That was when she found the close out sale for the Dolly Parton Pancake mix. She'd make a package for Mona to include the mix and maple syrup. Although, she was tempted to get Mrs. Butterworth's Dunkin Donut Syrup that was a lot cheaper. She would think about it. She needed to stretch this twenty dollars the best she could.

Just then Justin's phone dinged a text. He looked to see who it was. "It's my brother." He didn't look that happy to see the message.