Before continuing, I strongly suggest you read The entire storyline of The Party if you haven’t already.♡
"Charlie that one is never going to fit on the car. I thought we agreed on a small tree. Ya know, Charlie Brown style?”
"I know but look at it. It’s just like the ones Mom and Dad would get when we were little. Come on it’s perfect!”
I clasped my hands together. It really was the perfect Christmas tree. It was tall and full and smelled incredible. I eyed the pile of tiny trees nearby and grimaced. No, I wanted a normal tree. I can’t imagine Christmas with a tree that’s shorter than I am.
"Charlotte, seriously. It’s like ten times the price and we don’t even have any free space in the living room to put it." Max eyed my tree with a raised brow. "We won’t even be able to carry it. I’m tired just looking at it.”
"We can put it in the dining room! Come on Max!"
I gave her my best pouty face and she returned it with her trademark you’re my sister and I love and hate you because I’ll do anything you want glare that she always throws at me right before she’s about to cave. “Fine. I’m going to get hot chocolate. You and Scarlet can figure out how the hell you plan to get it home.”
Scarlet had been glued to her phone, probably texting Nick, as always. She looked up when she heard her name. “Huh?”
"Max wants us to get the tree to the car. She’s going to buy some hot chocolate."
Scarlet smiled. “Okay. Which one?” I rolled my eyes at her. Way to pay attention.
"That one!" I pointed at my perfect tree.
"I thought we were getting a small tree?"
I couldn’t suppress my laugh.
"Nevermind Scar, can you pretty please help me carry it?"
"Yea of course. I like this better than those puny things anyways. It feels more like Christmas."
“That’s exactly what I was thinking!”
My inner child was jumping with joy. I inspected the tree for a second. It was definitely going to be a task getting it to the car… Managing to get it on top of it was an entirely different story. I shook off the heavy cloud of doubt that started surrounding me and summoned as much perk as I could muster.
"Okay, you grab that end, I guess. I’ll get this one." I reached into the top of the massive tree and grabbed the trunk. Scar grabbed the bottom of it and we started to lift. It was a lot heavier than I’d expected.
"EW!" It took all but five seconds before Scarlet squealed and jumped away from the tree. Next thing I knew the entire tree was flying with a good bit of force in my direction. My hands were still gripping it but it didn’t stifle the blow by much. I stumbled backwards and the tree landed on top of me.
"Oh my gosh Charlie are you alright? I’m so sorry it was all sticky and it just felt so gross. Plus, Nick just bought me this jacket. I don’t want tree goop all over me! I’m so sorry!"
I just let the snow engulf my body for a minute as I processed what had happened.
"Charlie, are you alright?"
I continued looking up at the sky. It was really clear and nice tonight. Snow began to sprinkle down and any negative feelings I had melted away. There’s nothing that makes me happier than snowfall. I let out a sigh.
"Yea Scarlet I’m fine. Just give me a minute."
"Okay. I’m really sorry Char."
"It’s really okay." And it honestly was. I was kind of enjoying laying in the snow, watching the white flakes descend and land around me. I felt like I was five again.
Suddenly a helping hand popped into my field of vision. My eyes followed the arm it was attached to and gasped when I found who was at the end of it.
