A Very Awkward Christmas

[drewkirke]

Christmas at the Kirke house had been dull the last few years. Growing up Drew and his family would stay with family - but his father's family. When he left that tradition, along with many others, disappeared. They were forced to make new traditions and celebrate in different ways. But by then, at age eleven, it didn't feel right

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[allaboot_terry]

Terry kept tugging on his Christmas sweater. Where the bloody fuck had his dad acquired these evil things? His was a forest green, with white snowflakes, while his dad wore a very similar red one. He ever felt more phony in his life. The boys were out of floo network from the Kirke's, so the Boot men had taken a train to a local stop, and were now approaching the front door. It was annoying not being able to floo or apparate... Terry's mind was constantly focused on the idea of a port key during the entire journey.

"Hi," he greeted Drew, eyeing his mum and sister, as the door opened. He shook Drew's hand at first, letting his dad lead the way in.

[drewkirke]

"Happy Christmas," he said, forcing a smile. Amanda shifted next to him, arms crossed.

Andrew's mom took a step back, welcoming them into their home. She had already put a fire on and the house smelled like baked goods. It was almost like the picture perfect Christmas.

[allaboot_terry]

Their feelings were mutual. No more did Terry want to be there, obviously encroaching on their family traditions, and hence, the feelings were obviously mutual.

Terry stepped inside, his mind already analyzing absolutely everything he could see in the house. He placed his presents down on their table, and grabbed a piece of cheese from the appetizers the Kirkes had so generously put out.

He then turned to see his father, obviously glowing, walking with his girlfriend. He seemed to be bending over backwards to help her in the kitchen. Weird.

He suddenly wasn't too hungry. Terry noticed the younger girl, Amanda, watching him. She looked like a very observant girl, and that made him feel somewhat interested. "You must be Amanda," he mused aloud, his raspy voice letting some of his feelings of irony drip through. The formal introductions seemed so dumb. He may as well have started with, 'So my dads fucking your mum, right?'

[drewkirke]

Amanda nodded, an eye brow rising. She didn't like the way he looked around their house, judging them and figuring out who they were. It was the same thing his father did.

"That's right. And for the record, I already have a brother..." she said, meeting his gaze. "He's a dope but he's mine and I don't need another one."

Drew literally put his face in his hands, shaking his head slowly. Awkward.

[allaboot_terry]

Terry tried so hard to not laugh. He managed to force a smile. "Trust me Amanda. Only children are not looking for new siblings either," he saw Drew looking a bit embarrassed but to be honest he liked a girl who spoke her mind. "But I respect that, and I totally get it, he gave her a half smile.

Trevor Boot walked out of the kitchen, and came to shake Drew's hand. "Andrew," he greeted him warmly, "You are the splitting image of your mother. It's a pleasure to finally meet you."

[drewkirke]

"Thank you, Terry!" Mrs. Kirke smiled enthusiastically, looking pleased. "And you are just as handsome as your father!"

Andrew enjoyed seeing his mother looking so happy. It was definitely a welcome change.

"Can I get you something?" Drew asked, to both Terry and his father. "We have water, soda, or wine."

[allaboot_terry]

"Water," both Boots replied at the same time, not thinking much of it. Both felt the need to have their wits about me in new situations like this.

[drewkirke]

Drew grinned, finding it amusing. He grabbed two glasses and filled them with ice water.

"Here you go," he said, handing the glasses out.

[allaboot_terry]

They each thanked him for their drinks, taking a long sip from their respective glasses. Neither noticed the synchronized movements, despite their ingenious observational skills.

"So," the elder Boot began, sitting down next to his girl, "You're in the Gryffindor house I hear, correct? Are you in the Potter boy's year?"

[drewkirke]

"Yeah, that's right. I'm a Gryffindor but I'm a year younger than Harry," Drew explained, taking his usual seat across from his mother.

"And I don't see him all that often either. He doesn't spent too much time in the common room."