Boyfriend for the Holidays

Chapter One: I Wanna Talk About Me

By Queen Beryl

I need a boyfriend. It’s almost Christmas time, and I can’t go much longer without one. I need someone to take me on romantic dates and to buy me lots of gifts during this festive holiday season.

Gerald and I are taking a break right now. We’ve been going out for two years, since high school, and we’re so in love. He went to Florida for a month and a half, and so we’ve called a time out on our relationship. I’m not worried though. Gerald loves me as much as I love him. We have no problems.

I’m a freshman in college; Gerald and I go to the same one, isn’t that romantic? We’re going to wait until senior year to get married; I’ll stay at home taking care of our two sons, and he’ll become the greatest doctor ever. Well, that’s my plan, anyway. He says he doesn’t want to be a doctor, but I know he loves me enough to change his major from… what was it again? Oh, Marine Biology. I mean, come on.

So, back to boyfriend shopping. I don’t really care who he is, just as long as he’s rich and cute. That way, I can brag to all my gal pals about his wicked awesome looks, while raiding his bank account. Well, actually, he’ll be doing the raiding, but it’ll be at my will. Now, to select the perfect victim….

“Taylor Matthews?”

“Present.” I replied, wiggling my pen between my fingers. I was staring out the window in psychology, thinking about the perfect person for my perfect plan.

“Yes, I think we’ve already gotten past that. Class is over. People are leaving.” The professor was peering over heavy wire-rimmed glasses at me. I glanced around while gathering my things. I hadn’t even noticed I was the only one left.

“Well, thanks, Prof.” I waltzed out of the room, my designer heels clicking my exit. I didn’t have time to go to my next class. I had things to do, lives to ruin.

“Taylor!” A classy feminine voice called from my left.

“Alessa baby! Long time no chatty. How you doin’ sweetie?” I air-kissed my best friend as she sauntered over.

“We talked just yesterday, angel. How’s Ger?” Alessa linked arms with me as we headed toward the parking lot.

“He left this morning to Florida.” I replied sullenly. I was going to miss him for a while.

“Aww, major tragedy, darling. Let’s do lunch.” Alessa grinned as we hopped into my Mercedes. I lowered the top and backed out of my parking space. I roared down the aisle and into the street, not checking for any other vehicles. I zoomed down to this chic little café by the pier, narrowly missing a couple of pedestrians. Well, not like it mattered, right? They were lesser than me anyway.

We entered the café, and our normal waiter came over with our regular drinks. Alessa and I had been there so many times, they knew us by name. I love it.

“So, what’s the scoop, darling?” Alessa demanded as she sipped her caramel macchiato. I sighed and divulged the entire story.

“Well, Gerald went to Florida to visit his grandparents. I know, major bore, right? Anywho, he won’t be back for another month or so, and I’m simply dying without him.”

“He left you before Christmas?” Alessa demanded hotly. “What a scumbag.”

“That’s not the half of it. We’re taking a break.” I stated dramatically. Alessa gasped appropriately. Sometimes life was extremely tragic.

“Whose idea was it?”

“We both agreed upon it, although I figured I could make it with him in Florida.” I sipped my green tea and sighed.

“What are you going to do while he’s gone?”

“Well, I actually thought about getting a boyfriend.”

“What?” Alessa squealed. “But you and Gerald….”

“We’re still strong.” I replied. “I’m just getting a boyfriend for the sake of having one over Christmas vacation.”

“Are you going to bring him to see your family and stuff, too?” Alessa was so into it. Her eyes were alight with anticipation.

“Oh, I dunno. I might. Depends on how filthy rich he is, ya know?” I giggled.

“Taylor!” Alessa lightly hit my shoulder. “You are so bad.”

“I’m not bad,” I replied with a grin, “I’m just made that way.”

We finished our drinks, paid the discount price we always did. (The waiter simply adored us.) Then we went shopping. I had to get some new killer clothes to capture the perfect wealthy man. I planned on hitting the clubs that night, searching for Mr. Warbucks. Now, I just had to convince Alessa to go with me. I needed the background moral support, and she needed to get away from her dreadfully clingy boyfriend, Rodger.

We stepped through the sliding doors at the mall, and I deliberately flipped my long blonde hair with a casual hand and sauntered in, linking arms with Alessa. I didn’t even bother scanning the food court for prospects. There simply weren’t any filthy rich people that hung out at this mall. I knew that for a fact.

Alessa and I practically floated to Abercrombie & Finch. I picked out the best, and one of the most expensive, outfits that would surely catch anyone’s eye. It was a cute little flowing pink skirt and a matching halter. It became me quite well, I must say.

“Oh. My. Gosh. Tay, you look totally cute. You’ll totally get a hot guy tonight!”

“You’re coming with me.” I said.

“Oh, no, Rodger wants to hang out later, and-”

“You’re going to abandon me in my desperate hour of need?” I pouted. Alessa’s face slipped slightly and I could tell she was going to give in. I figured I should probably just sweeten the deal just the same. “I’ll buy you an outfit.”

“Oh, alright…” Alessa sighed, “but just this once, okay?”

“Oh! I love you, Alessa!” I squealed and wrapped my arms around her shoulders. I bought Alessa the same outfit I was wearing, only in a pale purple color. We were drop-dead gorgeous.

After stopping at a few more stores, we headed over to my house. Rodger called Alessa’s cell on the way. Julie told him of our plan to hang out. I could hear Rodger protest greatly. I scowled and grabbed the cell from Alessa’s hand.

“-way you’ll be going! We planned on-” he was shouting.

“Rodger, hon, lookie. Alessa simply has to go with me. You see, it’s one of those… you know, girl things.” I persuaded. I knew he wouldn’t know exactly how to take that. I smiled.

“Taylor… but….” He was floundering. I sighed dramatically. I slammed on my breaks to avoid hitting the car in front of me. Alessa jerked forward, her eyes wide. She was shaking her head. I couldn’t tell if it was from my driving or my talking.

“I promise I’ll have her home at a descent hour, and I’ll have her call you every couple of hours or something like that, m’kay? I won’t let her get too plastered and she won’t bring home any ugly men.”

“She’d better not bring home any men!” Rodger managed to say before I continued.

“I’ll keep my b.f.f. safe, okay sweets?” I knew he’d be mad, but who could resist my reasoning? “Catch ya soon!” I hung up and handed the cell phone back to Alessa.

“Oh my gosh, Tay.” Alessa breathed. “You have amazing powers of persuasion.”

“Honey, I’m a Daddy’s Girl. Of course I have powers of persuasion. Especially over men.” I giggled. We’d finally reached my house. I hopped out of my cherry-red Jetta and popped the trunk to get our bags.

Alessa sighed as she grabbed a few bags and closed my trunk. I pulled my keys from my bag as we headed up the driveway to the front door.

“What’s up, Lessa?” I asked, unlocking the front door.

“I’m just worried that Rodger’ll be mad at me.”

“Don’t sweat it, cutie! I’ll take all the blame. You two can badger me behind my back and all that stuff.” I shut the door behind us. I could smell chocolate chip cookies baking. My mouth watered.

“I smell baking.” Alessa stated unnecessarily. I nodded.

“Mom?” I called out. Mom baked up a storm on Mondays and Fridays. I was so glad today was Friday.

“Taylor, is that you, sweetie?”

“No, it’s Kevin with a high-pitched voice.” I called back. Kevin was my older brother. Alessa and I set our bags down by the stairs and entered the kitchen.

“You’re funny.” Mom replied sarcastically. “Hello, Alessa.”

“Hi Mrs. Matthews.” Alessa smiled warmly and plopped down on a barstool. I sat beside her.

“Cookies?” I questioned, although I wanted it to sound like more of a demand.

“In about ten minutes. I just put them in.” Mom nodded. “I believe I smell Prada.”

“Oh, we got a great haul, Mom.” I giggled excitedly. I hopped down from the stool and clicked over to the doorway. I dragged the bags in and began modeling my clothes with accessories.

“I’m going to wear this one tonight.” I announced. “Alessa has one just like it in lavender.”

“Your idea?” Mom asked.

“Of course.” I smiled. “We have to look cute together. Come on, Lessa; model!”

“She’ll see when we’re all ready to go.”

“Speaking of which, where are you going?” Mom asked, bending down to check on the cookies.

“Oh, I haven’t decided yet. Some place that’s loaded with cute guys.”

“Cute guys, huh? What about Gerald? He hasn’t even been gone a day.” Mom pointed out. I laughed.

“Well, I have to do something while he’s in Florida.” I said, making the last word sound disdainful. “Besides, we’re taking a break.”

“Yes, I believe I heard all about that.” Mom nodded, rolling her eyes. Alessa giggled.

“Heard all about what?” Said a deep voice from the entry to the kitchen. Alessa jumped in surprise. I didn’t even bother to look at the speaker.

“The drama I have to live with every day of my life.” I sighed significantly to emphasize the point.

“You’re drama.” The voice drawled. That was Kevin. He could be such a jerk… mostly always.

I stuck my tongue out at him.

“Hey, Alessa,” Kevin nodded, a half-smile on his face. Alessa smiled a bit nervously. I think she was scared of Kevin.

“Hey.” She repeated weakly. Kevin was only two years older than Alessa and I, but he was more of a dark, brooding character, so it was easy to understand why Alessa was a tad fearful. She’d almost always been like that around him, even when we were in junior high.

“Cookies?” I demanded again. Mom glared. Then the timer went off; I was victorious!

“Careful you don’t get fat.” Kevin sneered, taking a seat at the farthest end of the bar and farthest away from me.

“I don’t need you to worry about my weight, thanks.” I shot back. Alessa was looking between us as though she was watching a tennis match.

“Somebody has to. I see pudge.” Kevin remarked.

“Liar. I weighed this morning. 113 exactly.” I nodded proudly as Mom set two gooey cookies on a napkin and a glass of milk in front of me.

“Isn’t that your highest?” Kevin managed to get in as my mouth was full. I was going to reply, but he grabbed a couple cookies and jutted toward the exit. “Catch ya, Alessa.”

“Um… bye.” Alessa waved awkwardly and smiled at me. I scowled and she dived into her cookies and milk. “What?”

“I don’t understand how you can be so nice to him.”

“Taylor, don’t be rude to your brother when he can’t defend himself. And don’t berate your friend for being cordial unlike you.” Mom reprimanded, waving a spatula at me. I rolled my eyes.

“Who cares about him anyway? Let’s go get changed,” I suggested, gobbling up the last of my cookie and swallow of milk. I grabbed Alessa, who waved in parting to my mom, and headed upstairs.

It took us about three hours to get ready. Hair took the longest. I wanted everything to be absolutely perfect. Alessa and I emerged from my bedroom looking like we’d just dropped out of heaven… minus the wings, of course.

“We look totally hot.” Alessa primped in the hallway mirror. I kissed her cheek.

“Of course we do, Lessa! We always do. Just because Rodger doesn’t say it to you all the time, doesn’t mean you’re not.” I giggled. She nodded, a smile on her face. “Come on, let’s go show Mom.”

We headed downstairs and found Mom talking to Kevin in the living room. Kevin looked up first, quickly followed by Mom.

“You two look utterly amazing.” Mom gushed, leaning over and grabbed the camera that was obviously preconceived to use. Kevin sat there, his face impassive. “Here, stand in front of the fireplace.”

I pulled Alessa with me and we posed in several pictures. Mom was loving it almost as much as we were. Kevin only looked at us, his face blank. I stuck my tongue out at him. Mom saw.

“Kevin, why don’t you get in the picture with them?” Mom suggested darkly. I narrowed my eyes at her, then grinned. Kevin would never agree to it!

“Sure.” Kevin stood up, sending me a smug look. I glared at him as he took his place beside me. I elbowed him and he backed off. He scooted over and slung an arm around my shoulders as well as Alessa’s. She jumped slightly, a startled look on her face. I sent her a smile to reassure her. She nodded back. Kevin looked completely out of place.

“Alright, Taylor, no more death-glares. Smile. One. Two. Three.” Mom clicked the camera as we all smiled quickly.

“I hate you.” I muttered to Kevin as Mom put the camera away. He squeezed me shoulder extra tightly.

“You are requited.” Kevin smirked and disappeared upstairs. I rolled my eyes.

“Let’s go.” I turned to Alessa. We grabbed our purses and headed out the door. Tonight was going to be spectacular. I was going to get a boyfriend for the time being, and Alessa was going to have time off from her clingy boyfriend.