I desperately looked around for something, then got an idea. I found my wallet in the middle of the mess and ripped it open, digging through it. My face lit up once I found my fifty dollars Starbucks gift card I had gotten from Landon. He had gotten it from his rich parents for getting an A on some easy quiz and decided to give it to me, since he was too concerned about his masculinity being impacted by walking into a Starbucks.
I had used about three dollars on it but it would have to do.
I gathered all the gifts inside the bag and walked out to the living room where all three brothers were sitting.
They looked so cute and cozy, talking amongst themselves on the couches with liveliness. The picturesque scene was one to capture. Times like this were when I really wished I had a Polaroid camera.
As I walked in they all looked up, but Nathan’s gaze was what caught my attention. Was he… checking me out ?
I had put in a lot of effort into my outfit and I guess it had paid off… I looked away from his inviting eyes and looked around the room instead.
Merry Christmas ! I exclaimed, walking over to Max and ignoring Nathan the stripper. That was going to be his nickname for quite a while now…
Merry Christmas to you too homegirl. Max stood up to give me a half-hug half-bro shake embrace thing.
Can we open the presents now ? Dustin asked, straining his voice to sound polite.
The three of us chuckled at his adorable cuteness and nodded. That lit up Dustin’s face as he ran to the tree and started ripping open boxes.
I walked over to the excited kid and bent down.
Before you open one, I also got you a gift. I smiled down at my favorite kid in the world.
Really ? He asked with excitement.
Yes really. Cuz you deserve it. Here you go Dustin. I smiled as I pulled out the large Luke Skywalker action figure in its box and handed it down to him.
He stared at it with wide eyes and quickly started jumping up and down. YAY ! Now I have another you to keep in my room ! He yelled and suddenly hugged me.
I laughed and hugged him back, my heart warming over his reaction. I’d buy him a new gift each day if I could just to see the kid’s excitement. But I guess that’s how you spoil kids… It was so tempting though.
Skylar, you didn’t have to. Nathan said. I looked up to see him smiling down at the excited Dustin.
I wanted to. I said honestly.
So what does your best-friend get ? Max teased.
I grinned and dug in the bag.
Wait, you actually got me something ? He asked slowly, staring at me with disbelief.
It was a last minute thing. I said sheepishly.
Here. I smiled as I pulled out the Starbucks gift card and handed it to him.
Thanks Skylar. He said with a warm smile and pulled me into a bone crushing hug.
I giggled and squeezed him back. In that moment, I was suddenly reminded of my brother as Max hugged me. I felt a tinge of longing and sadness, but let it wash over me and pass.
And now for the grand finale. I said with a grin, I pulled away from Max and turned to Nathan.
Since I had already handed out all of the gifts, I handed Nathan the bag.
He just stared at me with surprise and laughed slightly, before slowly opening it and looking inside.
His face suddenly lit up upon seeing my gift, before pulling out the big stuffed Simba.
It had taken me quite a while to find one but I had finally found it at some Toys R Us. I had to wrestle some old lady for it… But it was worth it.
He placed the large Simba on the couch and walked over to me.
You really are something. He smiled at me, before pulling me into a warm secure hug.
I smiled into his shoulder, squeezing him back.
Okay okay, enough hugging. Now it’s our turn to give you presents. Max cut in.
I stepped away from Nathan and looked at them confused. You guys got me gifts ? I asked in awe.
Yeah, I call first. Max called excitedly.
Second ! Dustin yelled with an excited smile.
And the best for last. Nathan gave me a small secretive smile.
I stared at each of the boys and a warm smile took place on my lips.
Who knew that I’d become so close with my kidnapper and his brothers. These three boys were amazing and sometimes it felt like we were all just friends enjoying time together ; not just me being trapped in this place with my kidnapper and his two brothers.
For you m’lady. Max said cheekily, holding out a small red gift bag.
I chuckled at him and took the bag, looking inside. I pulled out a white shirt and held it open in front of me, bursting into laughter as I read the front.
In the middle of the shirt was a big heart with Max’s face printed and around the heart were the words ‘MAX IS MY BEST FRIEND’.
Do you like it ? Max asked me with a hint of nervousness.
The words ‘best friend’ stood out and reminded me of Landon, but wasn’t it true that someone could have two best friends ? Could Max really be my second best friend, on the same level as Landon ?
Yes.
I love it. I said honestly, before pulling it over my head and shrugging it down.
Nathan read the shirt and burst out laughing as well. Only you Max. He muttered in amusement.
Max grinned at me and Nathan. It really does suit you. He said to me with a grin.
I’m wearing this everywhere I go. I grinned back at him excitedly. It was a cute and funny gift which made me feel super loved and cared for by these sweet-hearted brothers.
My turn ! Dustin suddenly exclaimed, running up to me. He shyly handed me a small folded up piece of paper.
I bent down and took it from his hands, looking at him curiously.
I really hope you’ll like it. He said nervously, tucking his hands behind his back.
If it’s from you, of course I’m gonna like it. I said honestly, before unfolding the paper delicately.
I instantly smiled as I read the poem he had written.
Nathan helped me spell it, but I made it myself. He said proudly.