"We wish you a merry Christmas, we wish you a merry Christmas, we wish you a merry Christmas and a happy new year." Amber listened to the carolers outside and grinned. She loved the Holiday season and was happy that school was out for the break. School had gotten so busy that she, along with her two best friends, had spent almost every lunch period working on some school project. Jane had left for Orlando the night before and she had jokingly teased that she'd come back all tanned while Amber would still be pasty white. Amber had dark red hair and green eyes. Her skin was always pasty white, even in the summer. She had two options, burnt or white. When she burned it was painful and annoying and she preferred staying inside to trying to get some color to her skin. As the carolers walked down the street, she thought of her other best friend, Quinn. He had moved into the neighborhood the last week of August and they had become instant friends. For the first few months of the school year, they had also spent almost every night making out on the swing in the backyard, but at Halloween it had ended. A cold front had come in and the weather in Vermont had gone from hot and sunny to cold and snowy.
She missed spending time alone with Quinn. Their parents were best friends and their mom's spent their days together doing volunteer work. Quinn's mom thought it was great that they were friends and was worried that once Quinn met a good Catholic girl that he wouldn't have time to spend with Amber.
"Amber! Phone!" Amber's mom was calling out from downstairs. Amber picked up the phone.
"Hello?"
"Hey my cute neighbor. John and Mark invited me to a party tonight and I want to know if you want to come. It's in the city and my mother is actually letting me go. She figures since I'm two weeks away from my nineteenth birthday I'm old enough to drive into the city. What do you think?"
"Sure Quinn. I've missed spending time with you. What am I supposed to wear?"
"Something boring and ugly. I don't want anyone flirting with you."
"Yeah whatever. What time you picking me up?"
"Seven."
The moment Amber hung up the phone, she started to worry. This was almost like a real date. She spent the next few hours having a shower and getting dressed. She decided that her black jeans and a red sweater was the best choice. The red was in the holiday spirit and it made her red hair sparkle. When her mom found out where she was going, she got so excited she was like a little puppy dog. She knew that Amber and Quinn had become best friends and the fact that they wanted to spend time outside of school together was great. Amber's mom was worried about her, especially with the rumor going around about Jane. She knew that Quinn was a good influence on her daughter and was ecstatic that they were spending time together.
"You look gorgeous Amber. Your hair is sparkling and that is the cutest red sweater ever. You make sure that Quinn brings you home on time and if anything happens make sure to call."
Amber rolled her eyes. She was waiting at the front entrance for Quinn to pick her up. Her white parka was over her arm, ready to be put on when Quinn pulled up. It was already a cold winter and according to the almanac, winter had only started yesterday. Quinn pulled up to Amber's driveway and got out. He walked the short distance to the front door and was welcomed by Amber's mother.
"Hello dear. You are looking very nice tonight. I'm so glad you and Amber are going to the party. You are such a good influence on her. Now remember that your curfew is midnight so do not be late. Amber has her cell phone so if there are any issues please call me or your mom"
"Mother! Please stop worrying."
Quinn just grinned. He had the same discussion with his mother and he was happy to know that Amber had the same issues. Amber quickly pulled on her parka and the couple walked out the door to his car.
