• Hey Readers, here is a link to a slideshow I did of the characters for OFR. Check it out!!!

    http://s319.photobucket.com/albums/mm462/booknerd93/?action=view&current=02fe5c78.pbw

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    I went home that night and read one of my books by the fire with dad watching TV and mom drinking a glass of white wine. She sipped little drinks then filled it again. I shook my head and got into the book I was reading. The next I knew it. Dad and mom were sleeping and it was just me, the TV off and the fire blazing. I smiled as I smelled the fresh wood burning. Christmas. That’s what I thought. Christmas. I realized that it was in two and a half weeks. For about 4 years now we hadn’t put anything up but a stupid Christmas tree we got on Christmas Eve. I bit at my lip as I looked up the stairs. Could I? I smiled and put my book down. I ran up stairs and into the attic quick. I grabbed the dusty boxes of decorations and ran back down stairs, tip toeing when I went past mom and dad’s door. I curved lights around the stair case and put little Santa’s everywhere. I set fake snow and a manger set on the piano. I hung up our old stockings above the fire and smiled. They were torn at the edges. I had made them when I was about 3 or 4 with mom. I put my hands on my hips and looked around the room. It looked like a Christmas castle. It smelled of cinnamon and musk. But that’s how I liked it. I made a cup of hot chocolate and sat back down with my book. I glanced out the window and smiled as I saw it clouding over. Maybe we wouldn’t have any school tomorrow. I grinned even more. I checked my phone and frowned seeing I didn’t have a text or message from Zane. I was about to write him then thought better. Maybe he was busy. Remember you’re not his real girlfriend. How many times have I told that to myself?

    My alarm went off and I groaned and slapped it off. I looked at my blinking cell phone and snatched it off the table and looked. Text message from Candice. I pressed my lips together and sighed. I stood up and got a shower taking a little longer then usual. I got dressed in warm clothes and went down stairs. Mom was packing stuff into a bag from the cupboard. Looking like liquor bottles.

    “Honey!” mom said with a smile.

    “You guys leaving this morning?” I asked. She nodded.

    “Ugh! How much stuff can you pack?” my dad mumbled as he came down the stairs holding 4 suitcases. I rolled my eyes at mom.

    “What? It’s just a few things.” I laughed. She got her bag then I helped them carry their stuff to the car. I put it in the bag as the wind whipped at me and I shivered. Mom sighed as dad shut the back. “Well that’s it,” mom smiled at me. “Come here.” she pulled me into a hug and I smelled her peach hair. “I love you sweetie,” I nodded. “There’s money in the jar. If you want to go shopping the credit cards on the counter. Call Mrs. Rogers if you have any trouble or us. But we probably won’t pick us.” she grinned at my dad who blushed a little. I raised an eyebrow.

    “I don’t want to know,” I muttered. She giggled.

    “And no boys after midnight ok?” I rolled my eyes.

    “Yeah I know that.” she nodded.

    “My girl,” she got into the car as dad gave me a hug and said to be safe.

    “Oh!” he said turning before he got in. “There’s supposed to be a bad storm tonight and into tomorrow so be safe on your way home from school.” I smiled.

    “I will.” He gave me a salute and I laughed and did it back. They drove off as I waved. I sighed then went back inside and got my bag for school. I looked outside waiting for Zane. I tapped my foot as the clock got closer to the time I was supposed to be at school. I finally got out my cell and called it.

    “Hey, this is Zane…leave—“

    “Damn-it!” I muttered as I realized his phone was off. I stopped and frowned. I don’t remember him ever letting it go dead. I bit at my lip not sure what to do. I looked back out the window knowing if I didn’t leave now I would be late. I groaned and stomped my feet as I went out of the house locking the door behind me. I kept looking around for him but he was no where. There was a churning in my stomach. Did he just take off? Did he not care anymore? Did something happen? I almost threw up again but I tried to think of other things.

    On the way to school I called Zane’s cell 10 times and texted him about 20 messages. I wasn’t feeling good as I walked into English and still didn’t see him.

    “Hey!” Candice said as she waved at me talking to one of her actors from the play. I didn’t smile. “What’s wrong?” she asked as she came up to me. I turned to her.

    “Zane hasn’t called or text me. I haven’t seen him since Saturday.” She frowned.

    “Doesn’t he always do this?” I shrugged.

    “Not really.” She sighed.

    “Don’t freak out about it Olivia. Seriously guys do that all the time.” I nodded but not so sure. No you need to be. You know what! I bet he is out playing hooky and got a couple girls. He ditched me again! Anger rose in me and I slammed my locker door shut.

    “You’re probably right,” she laughed.

    “Well I got to go. Call me tonight so we can talk.” I nodded.

    “Yeah sure. My parents left me for the week so you can come over anytime.” she grinned. “Awesome! Maybe this weekend. When the holiday break is.” I laughed.

    “Yeah party!” she laughed and hurried on her way down the hall. I turned to go to my next class, teeth clenched hands in fist at my sides wanting everything to have Zane in front of me so I could hit him really hard for ditching me.

    I got home that evening just as the snow started to fall. It was amazing I thought. I watched a flake hit the window then slide down it and melt. I turned on the TV and started watching the news. From what it sounded like it, we were going to get a butt load! Like a foot. No school tomorrow! I thought happily. I stood up and turned on the fire to make it warmer as the soft glow formed an orange light around the room. I settled back on the couch and was channel surfing when I heard a noise. I frowned. Then before I could get up there was a loud bang on the door then it opened and Zane fell onto the floor unable to get up.