One Hundred And One Sleepless Nights

I'm still top on the leader board for best present. This is quite impressive considering that it's been a full twenty four hours. Theo is still the best thing since sliced bread and Alex sprayed perfume in Rowan's eye when he told her that Theo's fur isn't 'good enough' because it should be 'as dark as his soul'. It's all worth it though just knowing I beat Vic this year. I never beat Vic!
I'm always the responsible adult that's the bad guy. Vic is the fun one. He's the one that calls Alex from far distant places and takes her out on stage with all the instruments. He's always buying her presents and always has time for her. He feeds her chocolate. I never give her chocolate. Vic is magic because he can make six stings sound 'pretty'. I just make sure she eats her greens.
I pulled up outside Vivian and Victor's house. I turned and saw Alex looking excitedly outside. Her fingers were pressing against the window. I saw Mike and Laura - or Condom Girl as I used to call her - were already here. I got out and went to Alex. She jumped down and ran full speed to the door, Theo under her arm. Poor cat.
I followed her and knocked. Vivian answered and gave Alex a smile. Alex had already ran off inside and I could hear her yell "Uncle Mike" at the top of her voice. "Come in." Vivian urged. I found this a little weird but followed her inside.
"How you doing, Zee?" Mike asked gently with Alex on his shoulders.
"I heard." Laura bit now onto her lip.
"I'm okay," I shrugged. "I should get going though."
"Why aren't you staying?" Vivian frowned at me. Why would I stay?
"She doesn't have to stay." Victor said easily.
"I just think it would be a little awkward." I explained.
"Just the same as last year." Vivian said dismissively. Wait... she does know, right? She has to know.
"Mama!" I heard Vic call. He appeared with Polly under his arm. Vivian put her hands on her hips and smiled.
"Who's this, Vic? Why isn't Zandra staying?" Oh this should be good. I almost want to stay.
"I'll see you all later. I'm sure you'll have a great time." I laughed to myself. I gave Alex a quick kiss before I went to leave.
"Zandra," Polly stopped me. "Before you go can I talk to you?" she asked. I exchanged a look with Mike and Laura but eventually nodded. She followed me out into the hall and away from Vivian who was now quizzing poor Vic.
"Yes?" I snapped.
"Just... I know this must be weird and awkward for you. But I think because of Alex we should really try. Vic has told me so many good things about you. I'd love for us to be friends." Polly told me. Is she serious?
"No thanks." I replied tightly, not looking at her.
"I think it would be good. We should be friends."
"Look," I sighed. "I have enough friends. Just like Alex has enough mother figures, she doesn't need anymore." I snapped.
Then I left her standing there looking like a bird ready for a worm. Before I left the front yard I could already hear Vivian shouting. I definitely wish I'd stayed. I got back into my car and started to head home. I parked up and hurried to get inside.
But after I'd only been home for fifteen minutes someone knocked the door. I sighed and went to answer it. I was shocked at who I saw. Vivian was standing in front of me while she was glaring around angrily. Damn it.
"Did you know?!" she demanded, walking in without an invite.
"Me?" I laughed and closed the door. "You really think I had any part in this?" I mocked.
"Vic would have told you!"
"That's what I thought too." I mumbled.
"Oh." Was all she said.
"I found out when Vic got back. He told me he'd fallen in love with her. What could I have done?"
"You didn't know?" she asked weakly.
"Obviously." I rolled my eyes.
"Why would he want her and not you?" she snapped.
"You need to ask him." I sighed.
"She's going to be all wrong for him," she rushed. "We need to stop it."
"Wait... we?" I echoed.
"Zandra, you have to help me break them up."
"Me?" I asked weakly. "I can't do it. Sorry, no." I said firmly.
"You're the only person that could do it. It would be for the best."
"The best for you, yeah. But you know he'd never forgive me. He'd never forgive you if he knew you made me do it either."
"So you're happy to see them get married?"
"No, I'm not," I told the truth. "But I'm not about to throw myself at Vic when he's engaged to someone else."
"It would benefit Alex too."
"Now you're thinking of Alex? Who were you thinking of when you told me you wished I'd had an abortion?"
"That was wrong of me." she mumbled.
"Yeah, it was." I agreed.
"Zandra." Vivian raised her eyebrows. What does she expect me to do? Break and say hang on I'll just get my thigh highs and chicken fillets.
"No!" I refused.
"Zandra." she tried again. This woman just doesn't quit, does she?
"I said no Vivian! I meant it. Now do me a favour and get out of my apartment."
"Fine," she grumbled. She turned to leave but stopped in my doorway. "Oh and merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas." I echoed. Who comes to your apartment and asks you to team up with them in
an evil scheme of stopping their sons engagement and bids you goodbye with a 'Merry Christmas'?
Then Vivian hopped on her broomstick and left me be.

Notes

Hey! What did you think? What about Polly? Will Zandra and Vivian split them up? I've written a whole lot for this so if you want two chapters a day let me know :)