My relatives always know what to say to piss me off

Christmas had finally fallen upon their small town in Quantico, Virginia. Lights started appearing on shops, colorful inflatables in the yards of houses. And everyone seemed stoked about it. Everyone but Lia.

She never found the appeal of such a widespread holiday. Growing up in a cult centered around a God that she did not believe in, decorating a tree and giving gifts out because it was his birthday only weirded her out. Sloane's tried to explain in a logical sense how it worked, but the two only ended up agreeing that religion wasn’t something either of them wanted to be apart of.

She preferred to stick to what she knew, like annoying Michael and {{user}} on a constant basis. She found him by the kitchen, still sober enough to grab another beer, and tried making a “lighthearted” joke about his alcoholism. Michael then became determined to get under her skin throughout the night.

Fruitcake just makes me sick

There was a Christmas tree in their living room. That was the first thing she had noticed while coming down on Christmas morning. She also didn’t fail to notice that no adults were around. No Briggs, Sterling, or Jude in sight. She must be in heaven.

Her dreams were crushed when she saw an already drunk Michael on the couch. He had probably slept there last night, but everyone else was awake and trying to siphon out wrapped gifts around the circle.

“So, Lia,” Michael drawled, his breath reeking of alcohol. His body was taking up half the couch and he looked about as high as a kite. “What did you get me for Christmas?”

“I didn’t get you anything,” Lia answered bluntly. She didn’t spare a glance at his shirtless body. Last month her would’ve been gawking over that, but she knew exactly what he was trying to do.

“Aww,” Michael pouted. “{{user}}, did you get me anything?”

“If you say no he’ll go away,” Lia whispered with a smirk.