Thanksgiving slash Charlie's birthday came and passed which was a huge relief for me. His birthday weekend had been successful and Alex's mother was happy to receive her son back in one piece, full of smiles and no EpiPens used. Robert had done a great thing for Charlie so I was trying to be nicer to him for that. My mother hated it that we were getting along with Robert but her misery was my joy. Work at the arcade couldn't be better and my friendship with Henry was still strong and steady. We had laid out some pretty heavy stuff during Charlie's birthday but it only made us better friends.

Crescent didn't snow during Christmas but it got very cold which I was not a fan off. I actually liked when I didn't have to wear so many layers. It was still two weeks to Christmas but every house already had lights on it and wherever you looked there was too much Christmas cheer. I had nothing against holiday but I had just realized that with Jack and Henry as new additions to my life, it meant that I had two more gifts to buy. I'd have to get something for Robert too but I'd just get him a tie and call it a win. Jack would be easy to shop for too but I had no idea what to get Henry. Something too simple and he'd think I didn't care enough about him but if I got an extravagant gift, it'd show that I was trying too hard. Having a friend had it advantages and disadvantages. I'd figure it out though, I still had two more weeks.

In the spirit of Christmas I'd died my hair blue, it was not a Christmas color but that's exactly why I did it. The red I'd been spotting had been too Christmasy for my liking. It was my way of rebelling against the holiday.

I was switching out my books before heading to the library for lunch when someone tapped my shoulder. I looked back and was surprised to see Matthew. I hadn't talked to him since Halloween and it had been a blissful two months. If only he could have made it another six months I would have been long gone by then.

"Hi Willow."He greeted and for the first time since I met Matthew he looked nervous.

"What do you want?"I asked not willing to stick around long enough to find out why he was acting so weird.

"Can we talk?"He requested.

I closed my locker and turned around my hands crossed over my chest. I observed Matthew closely and he looked nothing like himself. He was fidgeting, his eyes were unfocused and he was actually looking at my face not my boobs. He was either possessed or high.

"I really want to say no but I'm also curious as to why you think it's a good idea to approach me considering our history so go ahead."I replied.

He adjusted his stance, switching from one foot to another before he finally managed to look up at me and meet my gaze. Whatever he was doing was unnerving so I was hoping he spoke fast so I could leave.

"I just wanted to apologize for my behavior towards you in the past. It was rude and uncalled for, you didn't deserve any of it and I'm sorry."He expressed taking me by surprise.

"Are you dying?"I asked because it was the only reasonable explanation for his behavior.

He probably needed to make things right with everyone he had wronged before he kicked the bucket.

"No. Why would you think that?"He replied.

"Because you are apologizing. Mean bad boys like you don't apologize." I explained.

"I can assure you that I'm not dying, I'm in perfect health. If you came to any of our games you would see that."He answered with a suggestive grin.

"Then what is it? Did you change your dealer? Play with a Ouija board last night and a nice spirit possessed you or is this a dare."I continued still confused.

Matthew looked at me like I was crazy but he was the crazy one. There's no way Matthew was being nice out of the blue, there had to be some higher power involved.

"I can assure you it's none of that. I just thought that in the spirit of Christmas, a season of forgiveness, I would apologize so we can bury the hatchet and possibly be friends."He replied.

"The spirit of Christmas is actually kindness,love and cheer but that's besides the point. Like seriously are you okay? I think you should get checked."I said feeling like I was talking to a stranger.

"I'm being serious, I want us to put all the past hate behind us and be friends."Matthew replied.

"Friends?"I asked chuckling.

Had I somehow walked into an alternate universe or had I somehow fallen asleep in class and it was all a dream. I pinched myself and blinked twice but nothing happened proving it was all real.

"Yeah. So what do you say? Do you forgive me?"He asked looking at me hopefully.

I didn't really care for Matthew as long as he didn't hurt those that I cared about. He had been a jerk in the past but he seemed really genuine. He had also pointed out that it was Christmas, a time to forgive and move on so I decided to give him a chance.

"Sure why not. I forgive you but that doesn't automatically make us friends."I replied.

"Really?"He asked a I nodded.

Matthew grinned so hard, I feared he'd crack his jaw. Before I could react he pulled me into a hug saying thank you over and over again. I chuckled as I patted his back awkwardly.

"Okay enough before you crush me."I choked out and he quickly let me go.

"Sorry, I got excited. Thank you for this chance I promise you'll not regret it."Matthew expressed.

"I hope so."I muttered feeling out of place already.

"So in the spirit of apologies, don't you have something to say to me too?"He asked looking down at me expectantly.

"Oh yeah, like what?"I retorted having no idea what he was driving at.

"You stabbed me."He pointed out.

"Because you were a jerk."I exclaimed."I knew this was a big mistake. Goodbye Matthew."

"No no no, wait."He begged holding me back."I'm sorry, I can't believe I already messing up again. You're right and you have every reason to be mad at me. I totally deserved that stab. Please forget I said anything."He pleaded.

I was already tired from all the talking we had done and wanted it to be over.

"Okay, water under the bridge but I have to go to lunch now."I excused myself patting my bag.

"Why don't you join me and my friends at the cafeteria? In the spirit of our budding friendship."Matthew offered.

"Maybe next time, Henry is waiting for me at the library."I declined.

At the mention of his twin's name, his facial turned from a smile to a scowl. It only lasted for a second though before it switched back. There was definitely something fishy going on but I was too hungry to stick around and find out.

"Next time then, have a great lunch and merry Christmas."He said backing away from me.

"Merry Christmas."I replied.

He waved before turning around and walking away towards the cafeteria. I was stunned for a second my head reeling from the whole experience. A locker slamming shut in the distance jerked me from my thoughts and I found my way the library.

I had my doubts about Matthews whole nice and apologetic new self but I was hopeful that he was genuine. I wasn't holding my breath and would be ready in case he decided to switch back but for the moment I chose to believe that he really had changed.

"What took you so long?"Henry asked as soon as he saw me.

"Had a run in with your twin."I replied.

"What did he say? Are you okay? Better yet, is he okay? Are you in trouble?"Henry rushed out making me chuckle.

"Calm down, no one was hurt. He actually wanted to apologize for his past behavior and ask if we could be friends."I explained.

Henry choked on his juice and it took a few minutes and a few pats on the back from me before he could talk.

"Did you just say Matthew apologized?"He wheezed out.

"Yeah, I was just as surprised as you are just without the choking part."I teased.

Henry scowled at me before replying"Are you sure he was being genuine? Maybe he was high or just pretending."

"I don't think so but I seriously don't care. I forgave him but I'm not holding my breath. Matthew and his new found feelings are the least of my worries."I assured him.

"Well just be careful, my brother always has a motive for everything and I don't want you getting hurt."Henry expressed.

"Look at you being all caring."I mocked playfully.

"I'm being serious, be careful around Matthew. I've known him my whole life and he's never apologized so he definitely wants something."Henry warned.

"Don't worry, I'm a big girl but thank you for caring. I'll watch my back around your twin."I assured him.

"Perfect."

"You know if you two didn't have the same face I wouldn't believe that you were actually twins let alone related. You couldn't be any more different."I expressed biting into my wrap.

"No one is more baffled by that phenomena more than me."Henry replied as he tried to steal one of my wraps.

He had a whole bagel sandwich yet he still wanted my food. I slapped his hand away but I was too late and he made away with one of my wraps. It was a good thing I'd packed extra otherwise he would be dealing with a meaner version of me that hated sharing her food.

Avoiding the topic of Matthew all together we enjoyed the rest of our lunch talking about what strategy we would use to convince Jack to allow us to start playing Mortal Kombat again. It had been more then two months and he was still holding a grudge against us for freezing it that one time. It's not our fault we were both competitive and good at games. We didn't get anywhere with our ideas but it was a great lunch and we parted ways afterwards to head to our afternoon classes planning to meet up later at the arcade.

When I arrived at the arcade for my shift I quickly rushed inside grateful to get away from the freezing cold outside. Jack and Charlie were drinking hot cocoa behind the counter looking all warm and toasty. There were less people than usual inside browsing and playing but still a lot more than we'd had before business picked up.

"Please tell me there's more of that cocoa."I asked kissing Charlie's forehead as I wiped whipped cream from his cheeks.

Jack pushed a steaming hot mug towards me with marshmallows.

"You are the best."I gushed taking a huge sip.

It warmed me up instantly making me feel all better.

"I will not argue with that."Jack replied adding more whipped cream to Charlie's cup.

Jack dotted over Charlie and were it not for the fact that I did the same I would totally discourage that behavior.

"Oh and by the way Willow, I have to leave early tonight. I have a date."Jack informed me taking me by surprise.

"Oh wow, who's the lucky lady."I teased.

I had no idea how old Jack was but I just guessed that he was in his late thirties or early forties. He always said that he never settled because he hadn't found then one yet. Looks like luck was changing for him.

"Her name is Hannah, I met her at the mall and she said she liked my beard so I asked her out on a date and she said yes."He replied with a slight blush in his cheeks.

"Wow, Hannah is indeed lucky. You two kids have fun and don't forget to use protection."I teased some more.

"I should fire you for your smart mouth."Jack scolded.

"If only you could but I'm practically a partner now."I replied with a cheeky grin.

I was saved from any more scolding by a customer who was checking out a comic book. He was a cute young dark chocolate guy who looked really familiar. I'd never seen him at the store before, otherwise he would have been easier to remember.

"Willow right?"He spoke up surprising me.

"Umh, yeah. Do I know you?"I asked looking up to get a good look at him.

He was tall about 5'9, brown eyes, with his hair was shaved to a drop fade, he had both ears pierced and he had pink plump lips that were curved in a smile.

"Not really, we have Spanish together with Mr Fernandez."He replied.

I looked at him closer and that's when I realized where I'd seen him. He was pretty active in class so it wasn't hard to recall him.

"Nice to officially meet you.... "I trailed off because I had no idea what his name was.

I had been at that school for five months and it showed how much of a recluse I was when I didn't recall any of my classmates names. I didn't hang around long enough to know them or participate in any extra curricular activities. That thought should have scared me but I had been like that my whole life so it was no big deal to me.

"Cameron."He filled out.

I nodded as I bagged his comic book and took his money.

"I know this is totally random but can I have your number? I think you're beautiful and would like to take you out sometime."He blurted out.

Cameron was right, it was totally random but only because he was asking me out. Most guys just hit on me hoping I'd have sex with them and that was that. Cameron looked like a nice enough guy who was genuinely interested in me.

He was the type of guy I'd easily consider having a no friends but with benefits kind or relationship before but looking at him, I felt nothing. I was looking at a slightly watered down version of Keith Powers and I was not doing anything about it. Any other time, we'd already have plans for after work but I stood there saying nothing. It was weird considering I hadn't had sex in almost six months. The last time had been during Charlie's summer camp with one of the other counsellors. Since then it had been a very long dry spell for me. Now in front of me I had someone I could actually be with but I wasn't doing anything to make that happen.

"Sorry but I'm not dating at the moment."I found myself saying.

He looked disappointed but it didn't last long before he was smiling again.

"It's okay, here's my number. Call me in case you change your mind."He said picking up a pen and writing his number on a random piece of paper that had been on top of the counter.

He picked up his book, put his change in the tip jar then left. I picked up the paper with his number on it, stared at it for a few seconds before tossing it in the trash.

"Why did you do that?"Jack exclaimed behind me reminding me that I was not alone.

"Do what?"I asked with a shrug.

"Turn down that boy. He's very good looking and polite."Jack explained.

"You can have his number and date him."I retorted earning me a swat at the back of my head.

"Oh I know why, it's because you're interested in someone else."Jack said wriggling his eyebrows at me.

"Who?"I asked and before he could reply Henry walked in blowing warm air into his fingers.

Jack looked at me, then at Henry before looking at me again.

"No!"I whisper yelled understanding his meaning.

"Yes!"Jack retorted.

"No!"

"Yes!"

"No!"

"Yes!"

"No!"

"What are you guys arguing about?"Henry asked taking my hot mug of cocoa and taking a sip.

I was about to reply with a totally random topic to avoid getting into what Jack was hinting at but the big brute beat me to it.

"Henry do you think Willow is beautiful?"Jack asked clamping his big hand over my mouth so I didn't say anything.

Henry looked like a deer caught in headlights. His hand was frozen mid sip as he stared at us with big eyes.

"Well do you?"Jack insisted when Henry didn't reply immediately.

Henry cleared his throat before answering,"Yeah I think she's gorgeous."He replied and I could have sworn he blushed while saying that but I blamed the cocoa he was drinking.

"See, Henry and that Cameron boy agree and since you won't date Cameron maybe you'll consider our boy Henry."Jack suggested finally taking his hand away from my mouth.

"I am not dating anyone, now if you'll excuse me I've got work to do."I declared picking up a stack of comic books and walking away from them.

Only when I was a good distance away was I able to properly breath. Cameron asking me out did nothing for me but when Jack suggested I date Henry, everything in me light up like a Christmas tree. I didn't want to date anyone, especially a white guy but the thought of Henry and I together did unexplainable things to my body.

Jack apologized later for taking things too far and I assured him it was okay. Henry and I didn't speak of that ordeal which I was very grateful for since I had no idea what I would have told him. I just wanted the year to end with zero drama and full of cheer. Only three more weeks and we'd find out if that would happen.