"The Christmas Party" by Brianna K

During the first Christmas party I was only 13 years old. Every year I was forced to go to a neighborhood christmas party and I dreaded it because I knew he would be there. He always messed with me. He always pranked me. He always made fun of me and this year I knew he would be planning something horrible just like every other year. But halfway through the party there was no signs of him and I was worried that something even worse than I thought would happen. He pranks me all year but every Christmas is always the biggest prank to finish off the year. Past years included dyeing my hair an awful shade of orange, covering me in glue and throwing feathers all over, and even telling everyone I had somehow received ebola and to stay away. The party ended and he never showed up. For some reason I found myself disappointed because I didn’t get to see him. For the rest of the year he disappeared. I found out his parents sent him to boarding school. At first I was happy to not have him pranking me everyday, but a small part of me missed him. During the second, third, and even fourth christmas after he did not show up. Every year I waited for him to show up at least on the Christmas party, but he never did. Finally, the fifth Christmas party was around the corner and I was full of anticipation. His parents told me he was coming back. I was scared, yet excited at the same time. He would probably still prank me, but at least I’ll get to see him again. I realized once he left that even though I thought I hate him for the pranks, a small part of me secretly liked the attention since I lacked in the boys who interact with me department. The Christmas party finally came about and I was acting like a little kid on a sugar high. I was disappointed when I realized he wasn’t there, but I waited...and waited...and waited. I became increasingly sad and decided to sit outside in the backyard and watch the snow. After sitting there for awhile I heard a noise behind me and turned around just in time to see him. I was so shocked. He looked so different since the last time I saw him, so grown up and mature, yet he still had the same playful look in his eyes. 

“No prank this time?” I said acting as if I just say him yesterday.

“The party isn’t over yet. I may have something planned silly.” he said.

“Please spare me the pain and suffering this year.” I said pretending to be dramatic, knowing he wouldn’t prank me nearly as much as he did when he was younger. He was grown up now.

He laughed but that laugh quickly turned into a frown. “I  missed you.” he said.

“I missed you too.” I said. 

The silence became awkward. 

Before letting the awkwardness increase I quickly found my escape by saying I was going to use the bathroom and rushed inside the house. Of course I chickened out, like always. I was frustrated with myself and avoided him the rest of the night to spare myself of more awkwardness I was likely to cause if I had to engage in another conversation with him. After a few more snacks and watching people decorated in ugly Christmas sweaters try to dance to the never ending list of Christmas songs, I decided to leave. I was disappointed in myself yet again, but this always happens. I always get too nervous around people, more specifically guys. Sighing, I grabbed my coat and headed out into the snow towards my car. As I was walking I heard someone call my name behind me and I quickly turned around coming face-to-face with him. It happened so suddenly I didn’t know what was going on at first. He kissed me and not some quick little peck but a full on romance movie kiss with the head tilt and passion and everything. I guess you can say the Christmas party wasn’t so bad after all.

The end.