SHERLOCK - Here's a Hand, My Trusty Friend c12 pt2

 Wednesday, 25 December – Giving Gifts

The family dinner quickly devolved into an impromptu food fight. Tired out from laughing and rough housing, the little makeshift family spent the subsequent hours sprawled out on the floor sharing stories and secrets.

For all the times John had poured his heart out to Harry as a child, he never knew family held the potential to be so heart achingly open and forgiving. It was simultaneously the most beautiful and the most overwhelming evening of John’s life.

It was just after three in the morning when the friends cleaned up the destruction left from their dinner and had all headed to their own rooms. John stood in the middle of his room, staring at nothing in particular, considering the events of the evening when his thoughts were interrupted.

“Ready?” With a grin Matt pulled two large shopping bag from the closet.

“Yes!” John grinned enthusiastically, his contemplative mood quickly gave way to childlike excitement. “I’ve never been able to do something like this before.”

“C’mon then. But be quiet!” Matt whispered. He handed John one of the bags and led the way into the hall.

After they had gone to work at the community outreach center, Matt suggested they stop at the second-hand shop across the street. As they perused the shelves, an idea solidified, and the two quickly counted out their available funds.

They’d found out which rooms were occupied, and by how many people. Using their limited allowance, the friends picked a large variety of items, one for each of their hall-mates. They’d found super hero and soldier action figures, model cars and trains, stuffed animals of all kinds, jump ropes, a few rubik’s cubes, and an assortment of other games and toys. Not to mention a few specific items for their new friends.

And John had no idea why, but Matt purchased a dozen neck ties, all in varying degrees of hideousness. “You’ll see,” Matt had laughed and let it go.

When the shop proprietor questioned them about what they were up to, she smiled warmly and went a bit misty in the eyes. When she told them their balance due, which was less by half than what they’d figured, they had tried to argue with her. “I’ll have none of that!” She’d declared. “You two boys are absolutely precious, and this is my gift to you. What you’re doing is lovely, and I want to help.”

They quickly set about their task, propping toys, adorned by bows supplied by the owner of the shop, against each door. For Sanjay and Nate they left a set of toy dart guns, with an abundance of foam ammunition (John and Matt had bought a set for themselves as well). For Essie they left a small teddy bear, but around its neck was a small silver necklace with a pendant that read courageous. For Izzy, to his utter amazement, John had quite accidentally found “Abbey Road” on CD -- the case was cracked, but the CD was scratch free.

They collapsed onto their beds and shared a few moments of companionable silence.

“Here.” John sat up and handed Matt a simply wrapped gift. “It’s not much… But, it’s my favorite. It’s…” John stammered and rolled his eyes. “Just open it.”

Matt unceremoniously ripped off the paper, and found a slightly worn, but otherwise lovely hardback edition of “The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe.” Matt grinned. “My mum read this to me when I was little, but I never had my own copy. I love it. Thanks, mate.” Matt rolled off his bed and retrieved a messy bundle from his desk drawer. “Sorry about the wrapping…”

John took the bundle and laughed as the paper practically fell off on its own accord. It was a mug. He turned it over to reveal the RAMC logo printed there. He gasped and looked up at Matt.

“I think going into the army is… incredibly stupid.” Matt blushed, and John huffed a laugh. “But I get it. Especially now that I know… things. And… well, I think you’re probably the bravest, strongest person I’ve ever met. God, John. Everything…” Matt shook his head. “Sorry, just, you really are bloody brilliant, and you’ve not just tolerated my crazy the past few days, but embraced and encouraged it. I just, really respect you… and…”

“And you’re my biggest fan, and can’t we please, oh please, be best friends for ever?” John laughed with a wink.

Matt laughed and dropped down onto his own bed. “Yeah, something like that.”

“You’re stuck with me now, Matt.” John grinned and raised his new mug. “Cheers, mate.”

“Happy Christmas, John.”

 Thursday, 26 December – The Nutcracker

None of them had ever seen “The Nutcracker.” Matt had come the closest, as his mum watched it on the telly every year, but he had lost interest after the first few minutes the first time he tried to watch it, and had never tried again.

“It’s a ballet,” offered Essie with a shrug.

“I’m out!” Nate turned to leave. Matt and Sanjay pulled him back.

“What’s the story?” John asked.

“Well, I remember there’s a girl, and she gets a toy soldier as a gift. And then there’s something about the toy soldier fighting a battle against a giant rat and his army. There might be a princess or fairy or something too.” Matt scrunched up his face.

“John should be the soldier,” Essie nodded resolutely. He shrugged in response.

“And Essie’s the princess,” Izzy smiled sweetly and kissed her cheek. The boys simultaneously made gagging noises.

“I still don’t get it.” Nate shook his head.

“It’s a thing that people do. It’s tradition, so we have to! We’ll just… Make it up as we go along. Izzy, you be the girl. Nate, you wanna be the rat king? Sanjay and I will be your army.” Matt pulled out his toy dart gun.

“Wait. Wait just a minute.” Izzy put up her hands and laughed. “So, this is basically your excuse to launch a Nerf war?” Matt blinked innocently. “Of course it is. Whatever.” She shook her head.

“There’s dancing too… You girls like that, right?” Matt winked. “You both get to dance with golden boy, how’s that?”

“Not gonna happen,” John turned and dashed from the common area. He made it to the stairwell before the rat king and his minions caught up and dragged him back, kicking and cursing.

“You will dance with my girlfriend, and you will like it,” Essie had assumed her princess-fairy-whatever persona, and stood before John with her hands on her hips. She stomped once to punctuate her point.

“Yes, your majesty,” John mumbled in abject obedience.

They didn’t know what music was appropriate, so Izzy started singing “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds,” and everyone thought that was brilliant, so they let her sing it sweet and clear as she and Toy Soldier John spun, stumbled, and giggled around the room.

As soon as the dance ended, before either could regain their equilibrium, the rat king’s army descended and captured Izzy away from John, pulling her behind two sofas they’d pushed together. John ducked behind an armchair as a volley of foam darts rained down on him. He fired back, but was quickly running out of ammunition.

Essie crawled up beside him. “You have to save her!” She commanded.

“I’m a little outnumbered here, if you can’t tell…” John grunted as he fired a few rounds and then dropped back behind the chair.

“You’re the soldier, come up with a plan!”

“I’m thinking!” John hissed as a dart just barely missed him. “Listen to those idiots carrying on over there. All we need is a good… Oh! I know what to do!”

“What?” Essie clapped her hands with excitement.

“A distraction.” John checked his gun. All he needed was three rounds. “This is a ballet, and you are an enchanted… whatever… after all. Just, follow my lead, okay?” With that John started singing “All You Need is Love.”

Essie covered her mouth with her hands and giggled. John motioned to her, and she started singing along. After a few moments, the enemy ceased their attack.

“What is this sorcery?” Cried the rat king.

John looked over the armchair and saw the rat army looking back at him. He held out his hand to Essie, and they stood slowly, and began to dance along to their singing, twirling out to the middle of the battle field. Sanjay broke character and laughed outright, but Nate and Matt maintained their fierce glares. John and Essie sang at the top of their lungs, and twirled nearer enemy lines. At the last moment, John pulled his gun out, and mid-twirl fired three darts directly at the foreheads of the three rats.

There was stunned silence for a moment, and then the three slaughtered rats and the captive Izzy stood to their feet and cheered. Grinning broadly, John and Essie took their bow.

 Friday, 27 December – Christmas Film Night

“They don’t have to be holiday themed films,” Matt assured the group. “I know not everyone likes them. But we always had a night where we would marathon watch Christmas films. It’s fun. And I swiped a bunch of biscuits from the dining hall, since ours didn’t turn out.”

“A film night sounds fun. I vote for The Princess Bride! I’ve got it in the room!” Essie grinned.

“Anybody have any Monty Python?” Matt asked.

“Life of Brian or Holy Grail? I’ve got both,” Nate offered.

“Both!” John and Izzy cried in unison.

“I haven’t seen any of those,” Sanjay shrugged. The group gasped in amazement. “I guess I’m getting an education this evening.” He laughed. “I do have a copy of Psycho though.”

“Oh my God, yes! I haven’t seen that in forever!” Matt clapped Sanjay on the back.

“Those are all great, but I actually do have a Christmas film I think we ought to start the evening off with. It’s actually one of my favorites ever.” John spoke softly, commanding control of the room.

“Yeah... Of course. Sure thing,  John.” Matt stammered at the sudden change in John’s tone. John stood to walk to their room, and the others watched him in silence. He was back in a moment, and was careful to keep the title hidden.

“Thanks guys. This means a lot. If you haven’t seen it, I’m sure you’ll like it.” He smiled sheepishly as he queued the video up and pushed play.

Matt figured it out first and burst out laughing. “You git! You really had us going there! Die Hard? Die Hard is your go-to, sentimental Christmas film?” He threw a cushion at John’s head.

John ducked with a laugh. “Yippee ki yay…”

 Saturday, 28 December  - The Christmas Story

John lay on the floor, reading aloud from his copy of “The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe.” His new found friends lounged about the common area, lazy and content, sipping away at tea and cocoa. He turned down the corner of the page, put the book down beside him, and leaned up on his elbows. “That’s chapter two. I need a break. Anyone else wanna read? Or have something else to read?”

“I’ve read that a dozen times, but there’s just something about hearing it read by one of you Brits that really brings it to life for me,” Nate laughed from his spot curled up in the armchair. “Sorry, John, I vote you keep at it.”

“Your family really does this every year, Matt?” Sanjay stretched out on a sofa.

“Well, not necessarily this book every time, but other stories, yeah.” Matt nodded. He lay on his back with his feet propped up high on the wall.

“Hanukkah is all about telling stories,” Essie added from her spot curled next to Izzy on the other sofa.

“Well, John if you’re tired of reading that, I can read some out of this,” Izzy waved a smutty historical novella at him.

“Pass!” He laughed. “Thanks, though. I just need a little break.”

A small voice from just outside the common area spoke in Mandarin. Everyone turned to look in the direction of the voice. The petite girl, held something in her hands, and with a tremulous voice, repeated herself in English. “A good book is a good friend.” She ducked her head, but then looked back at them sheepishly.

“You… You want to join us?” John sat up. “We’re just laying around and I’m reading.” He held up his book. The girl took a few steps closer.

“Are… are you John?” The girl blushed, and John nodded with a smile. “And is Matt here too?”

“That’s me!” Matt jumped up awkwardly, stumbled, and stuck his hand out to shake hers.

She looked up at him warily, then to John, and then down to the item she held in both hands. It was pink Care Bear with a rainbow on the front. She gripped it tightly, but held it out for them to see. “You did this. Why?”

John stood slowly to his feet and looked at Matt. “Uhm… We thought it would be fun?” Matt shrugged. The girl stared at him blankly.

“We, uhm… We know not everyone celebrates Christmas. But, everyone is away from their family right now, and we thought it might be nice if people knew someone cared about them.” John added.

“Yeah, that.” Matt nodded at John.

“We didn’t mean to offend you.” John smiled. “You… you don’t have to keep if you don’t…”

“No! No, I love it…” The girl pulled the bear to her chest. “I just… I’ve been here two years, and no one has ever given me a gift before.” She looked from John to Matt with a small smile. “Thank you.” With no warning, she threw her arms around John’s neck in a tight hug, and then hugged Matt.

“Heh.” Matt blushed. “You… You’re welcome. You wanna… join us?”

“I always hear you all having so much fun. Have you known each other long?” She sat carefully on the floor, still hugging her bear. John sat cross legged in his old spot, and Matt resumed his position near the wall.

“We’ve known each other for about a year now,” Izzy answered, as she and Essie both slid off the couch to sit on the floor. “I’m Izzy, and this is Essie. But we only met the rest of these idiots when break started. It’s nice to have another female joining us.”

“I’m Nate, and that’s Sanjay. We just met everyone when break started too.” Nate offered as he rolled out of the armchair a sprawled out on the floor.

“Hi!” Sanjay added as he attempted to stand, but tripped over his own feet crashed to the floor. Without checking to see if he was okay, the others laughed raucously. The new girl covered her mouth and giggled.

“Sorry. I shouldn’t laugh. I don’t really know any of you. Sorry, Sanjay. Are you okay?” The girl ducked her head again.

“Pfft. He’s fine, aren’t ya Sanj?” Matt waved his hand dismissively at Sanjay.

“I’m fine, no thanks to you, Matt.” Sanjay snapped, though he was grinning.

“Well, I’m Jiayi… but no one ever gets that right, so everyone calls me Joey.” Jiayi waved her hand slightly.

“Would you rather people call you Ja… Jiy… Jiayi… Oh bloody hell. Sorry.” John blushed and buried his face in his hands.

With a giggle, Jiayi shook her head emphatically. “Call me Joey. Please.” John groaned, eliciting uncontrollable laughter from his friends.

“Well, Joey, you’ve made John uncomfortable.” Izzy grinned. “Welcome to the family. You’re one of us now.”

 Sunday, 29 December – Game Night

“You have to do it. It’s a dare.” John mimicked as he stomped along the footpath. He came to a sudden stop and turned on Matt. “This is your fault.”

“Wha… Why is it my fault? You’re the one who took the dare, I’m just here for moral support!” Matt huffed indignantly.

“When you said game night, I thought you meant Cluedo, or Monopoly, or poker. Something like that!” John crossed his arms over his chest in a pout.

“Nobody had any board games!”

“Charades, then!”

“The girls wanted to play Truth or Dare. I couldn’t say no… I’m a little bit scared of Izzy.” Matt pulled a face of mock terror.

John snickered. “Really? Because I’m pretty sure Essie’s the crazy one.” With that, he frowned, turned, and continued to stomp off toward the medical sciences building.

“John? John, what are you going to do? There’s no way you’re getting in there.” Matt jogged up next to him.

“They dared me to find something gross. Do you know how easy that is? Wonderfully nonspecific. You’re the one who mentioned it should be something from one of the labs. So here we are.” John motioned broadly to the building looming ahead of them.

“But how are you getting in there? It’s break, and late. Security’s probably not even in there!” Matt shrugged as he followed John around the side of the building.

“That’s what I’m counting on.” John huffed as he continued his march around to the back of the building. Scanning the darkened area, he approached the skip next to the locked maintenance shed. There was a low ledge just above the roof of the shed, and it ran just underneath a row of windows.

Checking once more to make sure no one was around, John pulled himself up onto the skip, and climbed up to the roof of the shed.

“John!” Hissed Matt. “What are you doing? Get down! Have you lost your mind?”

“Third window is Professor Kirk’s office. It’s always too hot in there, and he opens it all the time. Forgets to latch the lock.” John grunted as his foot slipped a few inches. He caught himself and balanced just in front of the ledge.

“What? Have you done this before?”

“Left part of a presentation I was working on in the lab last year. Had to get it, security wouldn’t let me in. “ John shrugged. “You coming?”

Matt cursed under his breath. “Everyone thinks I’m crazy. It’s always the quiet ones. Always.” Matt pulled himself up on the skip, balancing precariously. “That thing safe?” He pointed to the roof of the shed.

“Enough, I guess.” John shrugged and carefully climbed up onto the ledge.

“That really looks more decorative than weight bearing.” Matt laughed nervously.

“What, you’re friends with Sanjay, and suddenly you’re an engineer now? Nate teach you a few things about architecture?” John snipped as he stood up slowly.

“No, no. Just… looks a little precarious.” Matt shuddered as he crawled along the roof of the shed.

“Oh my God, you’re afraid of heights.” John barked a laugh. “Just get down. I can manage without you.”

“You… You sure?” Matt had already started backing down toward the skip.

“Yeah, I’m sure. This won’t take long.” John scooted glacially along the ledge.

“John? John, someone’s coming!” Matt hissed. “John, I think the guard is coming. I saw a light.”

“Shut up, and get down then. Don’t draw any attention!” John whispered, and kept inching forward. Matt reached over and grabbed John’s ankle. “Don’t you dare. Are you trying to kill me?” John hissed and tried to shake Matt’s hand off.

“This is stupid. C’mon John. Just stop it.” Matt tugged a little harder at John’s leg.

“I swear to God, I will kill you if you make me fall, Matt. Do not test me.” John kicked back swiftly and promptly lost his balance. Matt watched helplessly as John grabbed to hold on, and then fell back onto the skip. He sighed in relief when the impact didn’t cause the lid of the skip to give way.

And then John groaned.

“John… Oh God. John, are you hurt? I’m sorry. SO Sorry. You can hate me forever...  Just, let me get you help, yeah?” Forgetting his fear, Matt scrambled off the shed and ran to the side of the skip to be near John’s head. “Can you move? Maybe you shouldn’t move. I’ll get an ambulance.” Matt turned to run for help, but John grabbed him by the collar of his coat and yanked him back.

“I can move, just winded. Dislocated left shoulder. Thank you so much.” John sat up slowly, and with a cry of pain slid down off the skip. “And don’t worry, I won’t hate you forever.” Matt grinned at him. “Because when I can use my arm again, I’m going to murder you.”

“Oh.” Matt flinched when John turned suddenly, despite being a bit wobbly. “Hey, where are you going? We need to take care of that shoulder!”

“They dared me to bring back something gross. Watching you pop this back in should suffice, yeah?” John winced in pain as he stumbled along.

Matt laughed. “Sorry, mate. But yeah, I think that’ll do it. I have to admire your dedication to the game.” He stepped up to John’s right side and put his arm around John’s back for support. “Can you hold that arm against you until we get there? Keep it still?”

“Yes, doctor.” John rolled his eyes and groaned again. “And just so we’re clear, I win.”

“I don’t think Truth or Dare actually has a winner.”

“Don’t care. I win.”

“Whatever you say. Idiot.”

 Monday, 30 December – Sledding

“Sledding.” Matt grinned as he held up two plastic trays he’d managed to liberate from the dining hall. He’d gathered everyone together at the hill behind the residence hall.

Joey laughed. “Matt, there’s no snow. Doesn’t it have to snow to go sledding? I’ve never been, but I’m pretty sure…”

Matt waved her off. “Nah! It’s been raining for days! The ground is nice and soft…”

“You mean muddy.” Sanjay peered dubiously down the hill.

“Same thing.” Matt shrugged. “Look, these trays are plastic, they’ll slide perfectly on the wet… and mud… It’s practically the same thing.”

“I’m in!” John took one of the trays.

“Oh no you don’t!” Essie snatched the tray and spun out of John’s reach. “I still haven’t forgiven you for your little adventure in idiocy last night. No bloody way are you doing this. You’re in a sling!”

“See, I told you,” John looked at Matt and pointed at Essie. “Crazy one.”

Izzy coughed to try to cover her laughter. “You’re not wrong!”

“C’mon you guys! It’ll be fun!” Matt tossed a tray on the ground and sat on it, pulling his knees toward his chest. “Nate? Sanj? C’mon!”

“Ah, I think this one’s a failure, bud. Sorry, Matt.” Nate shrugged and turned toward the footpath. Joey and Sanjay followed after him.

“Guys, c’mon. Don’t be like that!”Matt started scooting, a little at time, toward the slope.

“John may have forgiven you, but I haven’t. I’m not going to let you hurt anyone else.” Essie commanded.

“Yes, your majesty,” Matt mock bowed from his seated position.

“Oh, just shove off” Essie laughed and pushed his shoulder playfully. The shove was just enough to send Matt’s tray over the edge. He quickly lost his grasp on the tray and was sliding down the hill in the mud on his backside. He shouted something almost unintelligible back at them, which sent John into hysterics.

“What? Oh God, it was an accident!” Essie turned to John, her eyes wide.

John watched his roommate roll to a stop at the bottom of the hill. He jumped up, pumped both fists in the air and shouted again. This time both Izzy and John nearly collapsed against each other in laughter. “He’ll be fine!” John gasped. “I can’t… I…” He fought to catch his breath, and winced when he jarred his shoulder.

“It’s not funny!” Essie shoved John’s good shoulder and grabbed Izzy’s hand to pull her up the path.

“Yes. It really is. It’s quite hysterical, actually.” John giggle-snorted, and lost control again.

Struggling up the hill, covered head to toe in mud and clumps of grass, Matt paused to catch his breath, cupped his hands around his mouth, and shouted up at Essie, “As you wish!”

 Tuesday, 31 December – Black Tie Event

“So, you left the planning of this one up the girls? Probably a good call. I know I’d be crap at something like this.” John shrugged and winced.

“Shoulder still hurting?” Matt glanced back at him from his place in front of the mirror in their room.

“Not too bad. But I know me, and it’s for the best if I leave it in the sling another day or two.” John smirked. “How’s your face?”

“Eh, I’ve had worse.” Matt leaned in and inspected the turf burn he’d gotten on the right side of his face. “It’s a good story though. I can’t wait to tell it. The guys definitely aren’t going to believe any of this.” He turned to John. “I actually got to scream ‘as you wish’ when a crazy-princess-fairy-whatever pushed me down a hill. Oh my God, they are never going to believe this!” Matt was completely giddy.

“You know, I’m not sure I believe you actually have guys.” John laughed when Matt whipped a towel at him and missed.

“Like you’re so popular.”

“Weeelll… I do happen to have a fan club it seems. I had this roommate once, just drooling all over himself the second I walked in the room…” John winked and ducked as a shoe was aimed at his head.

“That guy sounds like a real idiot.” Matt pulled a face in the mirror.

“Yeah, that’s what I thought too.” John grinned broadly. “That’s a nice tie, by the way.”

Someone had probably thought it was nice at one time. It had definitely seen better days. Matt turned and showed off his ensemble. He was wearing the stained, lime green and orange plaid bow tie, a black t-shirt printed to look like the front of a tuxedo, black jeans, and black Converse. He strutted to the middle of the room like a model, and did a little twirl. John whistled and catcalled.

“You need help with your tie?” Matt pointed at the long tie hanging loose around his neck.

“If you don’t mind, that be great. Thanks.”

A moment later John was checking his reflection in the mirror. The tie wouldn’t have been too awful, it was light blue with a large silver, olive green and navy paisley print… Okay, it was fairly awful. The whole thing made worse by the plaid pattern running behind the paisley print. John wore the tie with grey t-shirt that, if he were a vain man, he would have admitted fit just right, a black zip up hoodie, navy jeans, and his tatty old trainers, since he hadn’t planned to need anything nicer when he’d thrown his stuff in a duffle on moving-in day.

There was a knock on their door and Matt reached to open it. He looked John up and down, and shook his head. “It’s not fair. Even in a sling and smelly old trainers, you could make anything look good.”

“You’re not helping your case, weirdo.” John laughed.

“You guys ready?” Nate stepped into the room. He was wearing a bright pink bow tie with a grey jumper, khakis, and cowboy boots, along with his coat. Sanjay stepped in wearing a long red tie with green and white polka-dots over his deep burgundy colored kurta, black trousers, black dress shoes, and his jacket.

“Looking rather dapper there, gentlemen.” John grinned. “Shall we?” He turned to Matt who was buttoning up a dark grey cardigan. Matt nodded and motioned for the others to lead the way, he grabbed the little bag sitting on John’s desk, and they trooped up the rooftop.

“Oh… Wow…” John gasped as they stepped out into the cold night. Izzy, Essie and Joey had picked a corner of the rooftop and had strung strands of white fairy lights and silver garland everywhere. They’d cut snowflakes and stars out of white and silver paper and had them dangling from some of the lights and garland.

Matt whistled low. “The place looks amazing, ladies. As do you!” He looked at John, who nodded, and held up the little bag he’d brought. “John and I made these for you. Well, mostly I made them, because the big baby can’t do anything one handed.”

John punched Matt in the arm, and reached into the bag. They’d taken some of the extra ties and twisted them into little rosettes and made wrist corsages. He pulled out the red and white one. “For Joey, I think.” She was wearing a red jumper with black leggings and black boots.  John held it still for her and they giggled together as the two of them tried to each tie it one handed.  

“We’ll be here all night if we let John do this.” Matt shook his head. He pulled out a blue one and smiled at Izzy. “I guess this one is yours!” She was dressed all in black, with the exception of her bright blue scarf.

“Oh my God, you guys. These are amazing. You are incredible.” Izzy admired the corsage and smiled.

“And for her majesty,” Matt winked and Essie punched him as he pulled out a pink and yellow corsage. “The tie was hideous, but it made some nice flowers, I think.” It matched her pink jumper just fine. Matt noticed she was wearing the necklace he and John had bought her.

“I really am sorry,” Essie whispered, and Matt just laughed as he tied the corsage on her wrist. “Forgive me?”

“As you wish.” He winked at her, and she punched him again.

“All right, that’s enough, you two.” Joey laughed. “Look, we’ve got food that Matt stole from the dining hall.” They all laughed at bagels, biscuits, and fruit. “There are some sodas from the vending machine… try to save the ginger ale for midnight, because we were too poor to buy champaign. But at least we found some glasses to drink it out of.”

Sanjay nudged Nate forward. “Actually, Sanj and I scraped together our cash and…” He pulled a bottle from his coat. A collective cheer rose from the group.

The night was cold and crisp, the clouds had cleared away and the stars shone brightly.

Mostly the friends just huddled together and laughed and talked about nothing in particular. They ate the food they were all sick and tired of, and laughed at Matt’s expense and the fact that the older ladies who worked in the dining hall all clearly fancied him. Of course that was the only reason he got away with any of it.

Just before midnight, they poured their champaign and huddled around John’s watch to see the seconds tick by. At the stroke of midnight, they raised a toast. Izzy kissed Essie and there were a lot of enthusiastic claps on the back and awkward hugs, and quick pecks on the cheek.

Essie asked Izzy if she wanted to dance, and if she would please sing “Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds” again. The request was so sweet, Izzy nearly melted, and agreed immediately.

As the girls twirled around the rooftop, John stepped next to Joey. “I uhm, I’m a terrible dancer… And I only have one good arm… But do you wanna…” She grinned up at him and nodded.

They laughed because she was just as terrible as he was, and she even had two good arms. The spectacle was so ridiculous, the sweetness of Izzy and Essie’s dance was lost when Izzy couldn’t be bothered to stop laughing long enough to keep singing, and Essie somehow managed to trip over both John and Joey.

By the end of their evening, they were all frozen through, and exhausted. They divided the work of cleaning up, and made a short job of it.

“Look!” Sanjay pointed to the horizon. There was a thin line glowing golden. “Sunrise!”

John took the lead, and walked to the edge of the roof. Sitting carefully on the low ledge that ran all the way around, he swung his legs out over the side of the building to watch. Matt soon joined him on his right, and Essie on his left. Joey sat next to Matt, Nate on her right, and Sanjay to Izzy’s left. They sat in silence as they watched the bright new day, the first day of the new year, burn away the remnants of the old.

“God, this is perfect.” John whispered. “Really,” he bumped his shoulder against Matt’s. “Everything about this break has been perfect. Thanks, mate. Best Christmas I ever had.”

Matt only nodded and smiled. “Happy New Year, John.”