Page 15 of Just Enough

“You didn’t even have to get me anything,” he muttered, amused.

“Well, I have to because you’re always getting me something every year, so I’d feel bad not doing the same.” That wasn’t true, I didn’t mind getting him anything. He was easy to buy for because I knew him so well. I’d even admit that I looked forward to the one present I’d get every Christmas from him because at least I knew someone was thinking of me.

That sounded so pathetic.

Maybe it was.

I watched as he unwrapped the box and opened it. His grin stretched ear to ear as he pulled out his gift. “You didn’t.” He shook his head.

I smiled. “I did.”

“You got the first seven seasons. How much did you pay for these?” he asked me.

“I got good deals on them where they were pre-owned.” I paused. “Are you disappointed?”

“No!” He laughed. “You know I’m a total fanboy when it comes toOne Piece.”

I rolled my eyes. “You have such bad taste in anime.”

“You still going on aboutNarutobeing the best anime?” He looked up from the DVDs.

“Narutois the best.”

“No.”

“Yes.”

“All right.” He stood up. “Let’s go watch them at your house.”

I pretended to be annoyed with that idea and groaned. “Ugh, why did I get you those again?”

We spent the rest of Christmas break watching the anime I got him, all the while he annoyed me about writing something for him to read.

Sadly, break was over.

And my best friend was gone again.

Chapter 4

_______

Emily

2 years and 6 months prior…

“Have you heardfrom your Mom today?”

I closed the fridge and looked over at Dad as he stepped into the kitchen.

I shook my head. “No.” I thought about his question. She hadn’t been home much, which wasn’t unusual, but I tried to remember if she came home last night. “Is something wrong?”

I caught him off guard with my question because he seemed to think about it. “Nah, nothing’s wrong.” He shook his head. “Can you hand me a beer out of there?”

“Are you sure you want one first thing in the morning? Want me to make you some breakfast before I go to class?”

He frowned. “Why are you offering to cook breakfast? You never cook breakfast.”

“Because you’re getting older, and what if all that drinking catches up with you?”

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