Page 97

Freddie shook his head and shifted closer to the sparkly tree, the tint of his face fluctuating with each blink of the candy coloured lights. “Nah, Lucy and I typically hang out over Christmas. My parents misplaced their welcome mat years ago.”

“Me and Freddie have been celebrating Christmas Jamaican-style the last few years—roast chicken, rice and peas, a bottle of Sorrel—raising a glass in honour of my gran. And we always splurge on Christmas crackers. Freddie’s fetching in a paper crown,” said Lucy, sitting down beside Joan.

“That sounds wonderful, love. It’s important to keep up family traditions,” said Joan.

Michael weaved his way around his guests, carrying a tin of Quality Street chocolates and a large tub of Celebrations. Alex and Freddie swarmed his delivery before it could land on the coffee table. Freddie loaded his hands full of mini Maltesers, Twix, and Galaxy chocolate bars.

“Ooh, calling dibs on the Bounty bars.” Alex playfully shoved Freddie with her woolly white elbow. The sweater made her look like a fluffy Christmas snowflake.

Freddie laughed. “Bounty? Are you joking?”

Alex shook her head, munching on the small bar. She folded her legs under her blue tartan miniskirt and sat beside him on the floor.

“It’s the least popular one.” Lucy dug a green triangle out of the Quality Street. “The sad little Bounties always get left behind.”

“Once an outsider, always an outsider. Nice one, Lex.” Freddie gave her a peck on the temple.

“Alex, did you hear from your mum?” Michael upped the fire’s flames with a remote control.

“She sent a card saying she was off to Antigua with her greasy boyfriend; some resort where Oprah goes, apparently. Robbie and Kathryn were invited, too, like I care.”

“Now, Alex, come on…” Michael raised an eyebrow, his mouth a wry smile. Despite his dislike for his ex, he still expected his youngest to show her mother respect.

Helen trotted into the room, wearing a tacky snowman Christmas sweater that matched Michael’s. “Let’s open the presents before we eat. Everything should be ready by one.”

“Perfect. Then we can watch the Queen’s Speech at three,” said Joan.

“Really? The Queen addresses the nation today?” asked Alex. “Weird. Can’t see the President doing that.”

Helen pulled gifts from under the tree and placed them into eager hands.

Joan’s face lit up. “And we’ll look through the photo albums you brought too, Alex. We got your annual school photos, but that was about it. Your mum was quite stingy.”

“Still is…well, with me she is. I haven’t looked through those albums for ages. So embarrassing. Bad haircuts. Horrible clothes, and the acne…”

“They’re going to be hilarious. Lex wouldn’t let me take a peek. God knows, I’ve tried,” said Lucy, adjusting the hem of her grey sweater dress as she joined her friends on the floor.

For the next fifteen minutes, wrapping paper and bows overwhelmed the lounge, and laughter overtook the Carpenters’ holiday harmonies.

“Lex, you outdid yourself.” Freddie gazed at two Doctor Who Titan figures. “How on earth did you remember? And where did you find them? The green-windowed TARDIS and the blue-shirted eleventh Doctor are rare variants. They’re impossible to get.”

“All hail eBay,” she smiled. “Why go blind boxed, when you pick and choose?”

“They must’ve cost a mint. Thank you so much. I’m speechless…”

Alex shook her head, tearing the final piece of paper from Lucy’s present. “Anything for you, Freddie.”

“Speechless, Freds?” asked Lucy. “Enjoy this moment, everyone—God knows it won’t last long!”

“Wow. Lucy’s creative talents strike again! Love it. Thank you.” Alex flipped through a one-of-a-kind book filled with photos and Lucy’s drawings. “Here’s the first photo we took together at the Fox and Hounds near Sloane Square. Oh, and look Joan, here’s all of us at the Castle pub. Check out Mark’s face.”

“Are we talking about Mark…again?” Lucy scrunched up her nose and elbowed her best friend. “See, this year wasn’t all bad.”

Alex smiled at his photo. “Yeah, I’m an idiot. I’m glad we’re speaking again.”

“Hopefully that’s not all you’ll be doing!” Lucy smirked.

Alex playfully smacked her friend. “Lucy! Open your present.”