Ballerina

December

- We are going to have a little pre-Christmas party this year like we've had each year. Everyone brings something to eat or drink that we can all share. And Secret Santa was a huge success last year so we do that again. The present can be selfmade or bought just make sure it's not too expensive, Penelope said from behind the teacher's table. It looked like she belonged there. And I wondered if she would become a teacher. It was Christmas week so teachers weren't that strict and our school had ended but we stayed to plan some sort of pre-Christmas. I had know idea what that was.

- I will write down everyone's name in these little piece of paper and the one you pick up will be the person you get the present to. Okay? So you'll be that person's Secret Santa. Do not tell anyone before hand. So that it'll be a surprise !

Penelope went around the room and everyone picked up names. They were all in happy spirit.

- Anthony you're next.

- What if I don't want to?

- It'll be fun. Please. There are only two names left. I take the last one. Oh and by the way if you got your own name let's switch. Anyone?

I picked a name. Samuel

- Shit.

I looked aroud the classroom and saw Samuel staring at me. He'd done that a lot lately.

- Where are we holding this this year? Last year the juniors got the community house. Is it the seniors this year or we? Samuel asked.

- I already asked my friend in senior. They are not having any sort of Christmas party this year so we can take over the community house. Everybody excited?

- Yes!

- So friday after school at the community house and this is mandatory for all, Penelope said and gave me a stare.

- Yeah right, I said, can we go now.

- Actually can I have a word with you Anthony. Everybody else you are dismissed.

*

Samuel was almost singing on his way home. He had found the perfect present.

- Juliet! He called his little sister.

- What do you want?

- I want you to come and help me to wrap this present. You are the master of wrapping.

- That's true. I always recognize which present is from Santa and which from you. You always put your presents in an old newspaper.

- Do not! Look at this wrapping paper, Samuel showed.

- That's nice. This must be for someone special then.

- It is.

- Okay. Now put your finger there and I'll get the perfect bow and then what? Samuel asked.

- Gift string curls! Juliet said excitedly.

- Do you want to do them?

- Can I?

- Just be carefull with the scissors.

- Do you think she's gonna like this? Juliet asked when the present was ready. Samuel held it in his hand and smiled.

- I'm sure he's gonna like it, he said.

- Well he better. After all this effort you put in it.

*

I knocked Anna's door.

- Come in!

- Hey, I sat down on Anna's bed.