Too Much Drama by Laurie Friedman Read Free Book Online Page B

She was so beautiful. I’d like to believe that’s how I looked the night of the dance show. It was pretty cool to know that’s how Leo saw me that night.
    â€œDo you like it?” asked Leo.
    â€œI love it,” I said sincerely.
    When Leo smiled at me, I could see that he was blushing a little. “Merry Christmas, April.”
    â€œMerry Christmas, Leo.”
    As I said the words, he bent over and kissed me on the cheek. “Now where’s my gift?” he asked.
    â€œHiding,” I said as I recovered from his unexpected move. We got up and started back to my house. We held hands again, and this time it felt comfortable as we walked and talked.
    When I gave him the clock I had gotten him for his dorm room, I was a little embarrassed. “My gift is kind of boring compared to what you got me.”
    â€œApril, this is the best gift you could have gotten me. You have probably noticed that punctuality is not my strong suit.”
    Actually, that was not something I’d ever noticed. “I got you the clock because the lady at the store said it’s something everyone who is going to college needs. You’re never late when we have plans,” I said to Leo.
    â€œI guess it’s easy to be on time when you’re showing up for something you like,” said Leo. I tried to think what activity he meant—yoga? Walking? It took a minute, but then the intent of his words sunk in.
    It was my turn to blush.
    Christmas Eve
At home
    Tonight we celebrated Christmas Eve at home. It was just supposed to be Mom, Dad, May, and June and me. But my Uncle Marty called my dad this morning and said Sam was supposed to go with his mom for Christmas, but the plans changed, so Uncle Marty and Sam drove from Mobile to Faraway to spend Christmas with us.
    We ate the delicious dinner Dad made: grilled lamb chops, twice-baked potatoes, asparagus, and homemade strawberry cheesecake. Then we opened presents. When we were done, Mom told June she should sleep in May’s room so Sam and Uncle Marty could have her room.
    â€œDo you have one bed or two?” Sam asked June.
    â€œOne,” said June.
    Sam shook his little head from side to side. Blond bangs flopped into his eyes. “I’m not sleeping with Daddy,” he said. “He farts in his sleep.”
    â€œSam! I don’t like that word,” sad Uncle Marty.
    â€œDaddy poots in his sleep,” Sam corrected. “And it stinks.” He held his nose and made a retching sound. May, June, and I cracked up.
    â€œGirls, that’s enough,” said Mom. I knew she didn’t want us to egg Sam on, but I guess June couldn’t help herself. “What does it smell like?” she asked Sam.
    â€œJune!” said Mom.
    â€œDog poo,” said Sam. He collapsed into a heap of laughter.
    â€œSam! That’s enough,” said Uncle Marty. His tone was sharper than before. Everyone but Sam got that it was time for him to stop.
    But Sam was just getting warmed up. “If he farts when Santa comes, Santa will be grossed out by the smell and won’t leave any presents.”
    â€œSanta won’t leave presents for little boys who say
fart
,” said Uncle Marty.
    I knew he was teasing, but apparently Sam didn’t. He started crying. He was wailing that he was sorry and wanted his presents. He was actually apologizing to the air, like he wanted Santa to hear his words even though he wasn’t there. It was the saddest thing I’ve ever seen.
    Even Uncle Marty felt bad. He told Sam he was kidding and let him have a second piece of cheesecake. Sam sniffled while he ate it. When he finished, Uncle Marty said it was his bedtime, but Sam said he was still upset and scared too. So we all stayed up watching the Santa report on TV until Sam fell asleep in Uncle Marty’s lap.
    For some reason, watching Uncle Marty carry Sam to bed later made me emotional. Maybe it was that Sam looked so small and sweet.