Hello World

by Joanna Sellick

  ‘This isn’t fair,’ I splutter, waving at the discarded coffee mugs. ‘She probably just wants to get close to you so she can find out more about me for her notes! This is a woman who probably thinks I am crazy and you are having coffee with her!’

  ‘If it helps, I already know you’re crazy.’

  I narrow my eyes at him, frustration boiling up within me, and get up to leave.

  ‘Aw, Nevie, don’t be like that,’ Charlie laughs, grabbing my arm and pulling me back down onto the sofa with him. To my utter embarrassment, he starts tickling me. He’s really more of an older brother than an uncle.

  ‘My name isn’t Nevie!’ I manage to speak, wriggling around and squealing. I manage to take hold of a pillow and slam it against his chest until I’m able to get free. I curl up on the other end of the sofa, hugging the pillow to my chest.

  Charlie smiles.

  ‘You know I would never do anything to upset you, if it bothers you that much, we won’t meet up again.’

  I groan and bury my head in my pillow.

  I have prevented him from getting anywhere with a woman for too many years. After all, who wants to date a thirty-year-old with a grumpy teenager daughter? If Charlie has the chance to be with someone, I should let him, right?

  But why does it have to be my counsellor?

  ‘It’s fine. Just don’t… talk about me…’ I cringe. Although he tries to hide it, I see Charlie grin. ‘Also, when was the last time you, Charlie Willows, visited a bookstore?’

  Charlie scowls. Much like Jay despises his first name, Charlie hates his last, determining a number of times that it makes him sound like a blonde cheerleader.

  ‘If you must know, I was picking up something for my boss,’ he mumbles. ‘In between sales, Grayson has me running stupid little errands he can’t be bothered to do for himself. Today’s was picking up a present for his wife’s birthday. Apparently she reads stuff by Alfred Tenny-whatever. That’s when I ran into Nadine and I couldn’t exactly tell her I was an errand boy so I just sort of blabbed about this Tenny-guy,’ Charlie shrugs.

  ‘Alfred Tennyson?’ I laugh.

  ‘That’s it. He writes epic novels, right?’

  ‘He’s a poet, Charlie.’

  ‘Huh. Well, she didn’t question anything I said. I think I got myself out of it pretty well.’ Or she hoped that by nodding and smiling you would finally shut up.

  It could have gone worse I suppose; he could have started talking about comics.

  Although I keep my thoughts to myself, my doubt and amusement must have shown on my face because Charlie makes an irritated noise and goes in search of the kitchen.

  It’s then that Joy’s invite comes to mind, and I decide now is the best time to ask.

  ‘Charlie?’ I ask, dragging out his name as I follow him into the kitchen. This time he is the one to eye me suspiciously.

  ‘Yes?’ He replies carefully, starting to assemble pans.

  ‘Can I spend Christmas at the Ellsworth house this year? Please?’ I pull myself up onto the counter, swinging my legs under me.

  Charlie looks taken aback by the question at first but then he just laughs.

  ‘I guess I should have seen that one coming,’ he muses. ‘You’ve spent a lot of time there. You’re not trying to subtly move out, are you?’

  I wink. ‘Damn, you caught me. Can I take the coffee machine with me when I leave?’

  ‘Over my dead body,’ Charlie snorts, now reaching for different ingredients. He really is going to try to cook. ‘You really want to spend Christmas with them?’

  ‘I really do… but I don’t want to leave you on your own either,’ I frown. I haven’t really thought about what Charlie would do all day without me around.

  ‘I’ll find something. Just don’t tell your Grandma, otherwise I’ll have to spend Christmas and New Year’s with her.’ Charlie squirms at the thought, which just makes me giggle. It isn’t that Charlie hates his mother, he just can’t be around her for long periods before she drives him crazy.

  ‘Why do we have to go there for New Year’s? Can’t we just say we have the flu?’ I groan.

  ‘She won’t believe that,’ Charlie snorts.

  ‘What if we claim to be under house arrest?’

  ‘That could work.’

  ‘Charlie is banging my counsellor!’

  ‘I’m sorry?’ Jay laughs on the other end of the phone and I drop my head into my pillow. The more I think about it, the less I like this development in Charlie’s love life.

  ‘I think Charlie is going to start dating my counsellor, it’s a disaster,’ I grumble miserably.

  Luckily, the fire extinguisher hadn’t been needed, and together Charlie and I had created a fairly edible looking stir-fry. Although, I can’t tell if the funny feeling in my stomach is because of the Nadine situation, or possible food poisoning.

  ‘Okay, start from the top.’ So I do, I tell him everything that happened when I got home, including mine and Charlie’s conversation. He listens carefully, but just ends up laughing by the end of it.

  ‘It’s not funny!’ I whine, rubbing my temples.

  ‘I disagree,’ Jay teases. ‘Look, you gave him the okay, right? If you said otherwise I’m sure he’d call it off in a heartbeat.’

  ‘But I can’t do that to him,’ I groan. ‘I’m doing the right thing, right?’

  ‘Sounds like it.’ I can’t see him, but I can just imagine Jay grinning on the other end. ‘You’re putting his feelings before yours, so yes, I guess you are. But if it does get too weird, it would be wrong not to say anything, okay? Also, if you can push past this, Charlie will be in your debt for eternity.’

  I smirk at the last bit.

  ‘I guess so. You may need to remind me of this in times to come, thanks Jay. Also, Charlie says I can spend Christmas at yours.’

  This seems to brighten Jay’s mood further.

  ‘Huh, Christmas miracles really do happen,’ he says.

  ‘Indeed, but I’m expecting a huge and expensive gift in return for this,’ I warn him, smiling.

  ‘Is hanging out with me that much of a chore, Red?’ He replies, putting on his most heart broken voice since I can’t see the ridiculous action it normally comes with.

  I deliberate over his question for a lot longer than is probably needed before answering with, ‘depends, there won’t be any Biology involved will there?’

  ‘No Biology, I pinkie swear.’

  ‘You can’t pinkie swear unless it’s in person. Also, you are forcing me to socialise. Remember this.’ I mentally cringe. It would be alright if it was just going to be Jay, his parents and Blake, but there are going to be lots of people that I won’t know, which freaks me out more than anything. I’m not exactly the easiest person to get on with; I still can’t believe Jay and Blake are still around.

  ‘It’ll be good for you. Anyway, I have to go. Some of us actually have to work for a living.’

  I frown. ‘Strictly speaking, you don’t need to work. You use twenties as toilet paper, remember?’

  ‘But the life of the rich is so lonely, I much prefer being poor and mundane, remember? Plus, Dad says I can’t have the new car until I can pay for insurance, which sucks.’

  If I didn’t know Jay so well, I wouldn’t be able to stand his arrogance. Fortunately, it’s all for show, and Blake has assured me on numerous occasions that they don’t use twenties as toilet paper.

  ‘Oh, wait!’ I suddenly announce before Jay can put the phone down. ‘I have an important question.’

  ‘If it’s “Oh Jay, how do you look so perfect each day?” I’m afraid I can’t help you, I naturally look this good every day.’

  ‘You think you’re hot, we get it,’ I reply dryly. Truth be told, I have to agree with him. He’s exceptionally good looking, but I’ll be damned if I ever admit it. ‘But I have a question even more serious than that; what the hell do I wear to your Christmas thing?’

  I’m being deadly serious, but all my question is
answered with is a fit of laughter.

  ‘Oh, Red, I can’t imagine how dull my life would be without you,’ he snorts. ‘I swear I always thought you would be the last person worrying over clothes. But I dunno, a nice dress?’

  I frown. ‘I don’t think I own a dress.’

  ‘But you’re a girl?’ he replies, genuinely confused. I resist the urge to roll my eyes.

  ‘You’re not helping.’

  ‘Look, I’m a heterosexual teenage guy, so I couldn’t care less if you turned up in a bin-bag or a bikini, so long as you bring your lovely self. Although, I think Blake would appreciate the bikini…’

  ‘I need more girl friends,’ I sigh.

  ‘This is what you get for asking my opinion. Just wear something nice, okay? It’s not exactly formal, Blake and I just hang around in T-shirts normally unless Mum corners us, pristine and ironed shirt at the ready.’

  ‘See, that was useful, you can be helpful,’ I laugh.

  ‘Whatever, Red. Later.’

  We hang up and I sink back into my bed, gazing up at the ceiling and all of my beautiful paper cranes. Silently, I muse over what Alex’s reaction to the whole Nadine thing would be.

  He and Jay are so similar, yet so different.

  For some reason, the thought comforts me, maybe because I can trick myself into believing a part of Alex is still in my life, and I turn my attention back around to the dreaded Biology revision.

  I sigh and open the book, intending to go through the notes Jay has helped me with later.

  Alex, if you’re up there I’ll make you a deal. Help me through this revision, and I’ll owe you one.

  CHAPTER 14

  After growing up with his mother, Charlie has become a firm believer in the whole “some things are best left unsaid” mantra. After seeing Nadine twice in the week up to Christmas outside our usual time slot, I’m beginning to become a follower of the phrase myself.

  To his credit, Charlie does his best to keep their coffee dates out and about rather than in the house, which I thank him for. Having Nadine around that much would just be too weird, even if it is only twice in one week.

  So I try not to let it bother me, and in no time at all I’m peeling my eyes open one at a time on Christmas morning.

  I lay awake in bed, staring up at my paper cranes when a harsh, crushing pain suddenly hits me.

  This is going to be my first Christmas without Alex.

  I don’t know why it hasn’t occurred to me before because in that moment it’s the only thing I can focus on.

  Squeezing my eyes shut, I dig my nails into my palms to calm me and blink away the tears that have formed, eventually pulling myself out of bed. Something else hits me then, a strange smell.

  Burning.

  Groaning, I slip on my slippers and hop down the stairs two at a time, just as the fire alarm starts blaring away. The kitchen door is wide open, thin wisps of black smoke beginning to surface.

  ‘Merry Christmas!’ Charlie chimes, a red, novelty Santa hat sat lopsidedly on his head while he tries to save the food he is currently burning. It looks like pancakes. Alien pancakes.

  ‘Merry Christmas. What are you doing exactly?’ I raise an eyebrow, leaning against the doorframe and trying to suppress my laughter.

  ‘Well, I figured we were in need of a special breakfast, so I thought, hey! Pancakes,’ he explains before frowning at the burnt mass.

  ‘Why pancakes exactly?’ Not that I don’t love pancakes, it’s just that they aren’t exactly Christmassy.

  ‘It was either this or attempt a full English breakfast.’

  ‘Touché,’ I laugh. Last time he had attempted one of those, it hadn’t gone well. ‘So what do we do now?’ I ask, staring pointedly at the pan.

  Charlie winks, dumps the lumps in the bin and holds up a packet.

  ‘I also bought back-up ready-made stuff.’

  I roll my eyes, grinning as we assemble our ready-made breakfast and move into the lounge. Charlie gets out his present first, a large, hard rectangle. I eye it curiously and shake it although it doesn’t make a noise.

  Pulling off the wrapping, I burst into laughter. The name Alfred Tennyson stares up at me.

  ‘You were right, he does do poems,’ Charlie remarks, winking. ‘And you seemed to know so much about him the other day, so…’

  ‘Well, now you can do your research for your next bookshop romance,’ I tease. ‘Thanks.’

  ‘Don’t thank me too quickly!’ Charlie announces with another grin, reaching behind the sofa and holding up a bigger box this time, wrapped once again in cheesy Christmas paper, grinning reindeers jumping across the paper.

  I raise an eyebrow.

  ‘Two presents? Man, I feel bad now that I only got you a pair of socks…’

  ‘Seriously?’ Charlie asks dryly. I haven’t given him his present yet, it isn’t actually a pair of socks. I make a mental note to make sure it is never a pair of socks.

  ‘I’m joking, now gimme,’ I say greedily, holding out my hands with anticipation. Charlie finally passes me the parcel and I rip this one open to reveal a brown box. I open the box and sit there with my mouth hanging open.

  ‘Oh, Charlie...’ I trail off, handling the contents as if they are the crown jewels.

  Inside is a new set of paints and sketchbook, drawing pencils and inks. I have received art stuff before but I can tell immediately that these are different. These are extremely good quality and most importantly, expensive.

  ‘You’re serious about this college thing? Well I figured you should have some decent materials to start off with. They’re the right things, right?’

  ‘They’re perfect,’ I whisper, running a hand over the paint set. ‘I don’t know what to say…’

  ‘Well, you can start by doing the dishes for the week.’

  ‘Stuff that, I’ll do the dishes for the month,’ I laugh, reaching over to tackle him in a surprise hug. ‘Thank you so much.’

  ‘You’ll do me proud,’ he says softly, kissing my head. I simply nod.

  ‘Now I feel really bad about the socks…’

  ‘Okay, sentimental moment over. I want my present.’

  I grin and detach myself before picking up the terribly wrapped present beside me. It is a new shirt, long-sleeved and checked. It isn’t as great as the art set but Charlie insists he loves it and goes so far as to put on a little fashion show, acting the campest I’ve ever seen him as he catwalks the length of the lounge.

  After the usual wrapping-paper war, I march upstairs to assemble for the Ellsworth’s. I was right in that I don’t have a dress so I pick a light blue pair of jeans and a quirky burgundy Christmas jumper. Picking up the curling tongs I haven’t used in God knows how long, I tame my hair into falling into soft red curls before applying light red lipstick.

  I had been particularly bored last night so my nails were currently adorned with various Christmas designs. Since it’s Christmas, I also decide not to feel guilty about wearing my converse to the fancy estate.

  Charlie gives me a lift down to the house, gazing in approval at the fancy homes around us. Joy had also invited Charlie along, but after suffering so many of his mother’s parties and family gatherings, he tries to avoid them as much as possible.

  I walk up the path and knock on the door. Jay answers in seconds.

  ‘I knew your Christmas wouldn’t be complete without me,’ he chimes, winking. I stand there and fold my arms.

  ‘Er, this is kinda awkward. I actually came to see Blake.’

  Jay slams the door shut in my face.

  Laughing, I knock on the door again.

  ‘I’m joking! You’re lovely!’ I giggle. He still doesn’t answer. ‘I brought presents.’

  Slowly, the door opens and Jay peers around suspiciously.

  ‘I also brought chocolate,’ I volunteer, holding up the plastic bag in my hand. Jay grins and finally opens the door.

  ‘In that case, come on in.’

  ‘You’re too easy,’ I l
augh, striding into the warm home. Other guests won’t start arriving until about twelve but Jay had insisted I be here before then. We shuffle into the living room where Joy and Harold are happily snuggled on the sofa, a warm fire already burning.

  A huge and extravagant Christmas tree takes up one corner of the room, a few presents for the younger children who will be here later still gathered under the tree, although most of them have been opened before I had got here.

  ‘Merry Christmas!’ we all greet, Joy getting up to hug me before we settle onto the sofa opposite.

  Blake finally stumbles downstairs, still in his pyjamas, his hair a complete mess yet still annoyingly stylish. It appears both of the Ellsworth boys have the ability to look good in any situation.

  He must have opened presents with the family earlier and then gone back to sleep because he looks as though he has just rolled out of bed.

  ‘You know you don’t actually live here, right?’ Blake smirks, remarking on the early hour, rubbing his eyes and then slumping onto the sofa next to me. I raise an eyebrow.

  ‘Don’t be a jerk, Neve is welcome anytime she wants,’ Joy chastises, smiling at me. It’s only a small comment, but it fills me with warmth. A small smile plays on my lips and I snuggle further into the sofa. When no one else is looking, Jay winks.

  Meanwhile, Blake is still in shock at being called a jerk by his own Mum.

  ‘Mum!’

  ‘Oh shush, it’s Christmas, I’m allowed to say whatever I want,’ Joy teases.

  ‘Only on Christmas?’ Harold raises an eyebrow dubiously. Joy slaps him playfully on the shoulder, tsking.

  Blake nudges me. ‘You are totally a bad influence on Mum.’

  ‘Oh shush and open your present,’ I laugh, handing him a wrapped gift. I also give Jay his and pass a bottle of wine and chocolates over to Joy and Harold.

  For Jay, I had been very careful to find a collection of the scariest movies I could, which he pretends very well to be thrilled over, and the latest All Time Low CD for Blake. After bullying Jay mercilessly for a good ten minutes, Blake hands over mine, a new swanky pair of bright purple headphones.

  To my surprise, Joy and Harold also pass me over a present, a sweet smelling perfume that I fall in love with immediately. I haven’t really worn perfume before.