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Well, someone had certainly decked the hell out of these halls.

Thick fir-tree garland braided with schizophrenic twinkling lights, maroon beads, and garish holiday ribbon draped each doorway. Oversized ornaments hung suspended from the ceiling, like marbles dropped by some colossal and careless child, and candles in were probably meant to be festive colors cast dark and ominous shadows. And in the doorway to this, Old Wendemare Hall in all its terrible holiday glory, stood Devon DeCray, with a controlled scowl on his face.

Of course, the hall would have been lovely if he were in the mood for it. If this was how his new school decorated for Flag Day, for instance, he would have marveled at the delicate interplay of color and light—but this was Christmas, and Devon hated Christmas. There was, he complained, no subtlety to it, no artistry, nothing but loud and clownish displays made for and by people trying to escape their own emptiness by replacing it with shit they didn’t need. He wasn’t alone in this opinion, he knew, but most people tended to overlook Christmas’s overabundant commercialism by retreating into the happy cocoon of family or religion. And Devon was no longer interested in either of those things. Least of all family.

But Devon DeCray was every bit as ambitious as he was bitter, which is why he was standing on the threshold of all this forced merriment. It was the first meeting for the Harvsboro Academy Annual Christmas Parade, and somehow Devon had been convinced that this sort of involvement would show well on a college resume. And so here he was, hands shoved deep into his pockets, the muscles in his jaw tense and protruding in a display of protest.

He stepped out of the doorway and into the hall, long strides carrying him confidently to the nearest table, the one next to the exit, and there he sat to wait for the other members of the parade committee to arrive. He drummed long fingers rhythmically on the dark wood of the table and took a long, desirous glance at his watch.

"What could go wrong?" Her exact words to herself before stepping into the doorway of Wendemare Hall.

She immediately regretted not doing the hallway decorations herself. A few of the lights on the doorways were blinking faster than the others. And, against her directions, the ornaments weren't all different sizes. And a few of the candles, which were the wrong color red & green, had wax dripping onto the toasted-cinnamon birch flooring. Taking a few short breaths, Rhiannon Noel Atkins calmed and tried to get back into the holiday spirit.

After all, she was nominated for 'Miss Holiday Cheer', so she couldn't be seen with a childish pout on her face. Her lips turned upwards into a stunning smile and she strutted confidently out of the doorway and towards a table. She sat in the middle, instead of the front or back. Taking a seat in the front would make her seem like she was all too eager, and seating herself in the back would make it seem that she desperately needed to leave.

Rhiannon crossed one green skinny-jeaned leg over the other, folding her hands in her lap, and glanced around herself. There were only two other people in the room with her, the student body president and some boy she didn't quite recognize. He was gazing down at his watch, as if, even though the meeting hadn't started, he was ready to leave.

Not wanting to be caught staring, she looked down at her red converses. Her straightened bangs drooped over her eyes, the rest of her hair piled into a ponytail on the top of her head. She pulled at the sleeves of her dress hoodie, the one that said "Ho Ho Ho!" in a messy scrawl, trying to occupy herself while waiting for everyone to enter.

Angel smiled as he walked through the doors of Harvsboro Academy. He's never been one to enjoy another day of school, but now he knew what was close approaching. His smile grew wider as he started to skip down the hall. Why wouldn't he be happy today? It was almost Christmas, almost the Parade and almost his birthday. Although no one seems to remember that special occasion. But he never seemed to mind.

He began to stop skipping as he saw some kids looking at him strangely. He never likes people looking at him strangely. He knows how odd he acts when ever he's happy. Normally he doesn't care what people think about him, but he hated the looks that people gave, as if he was a strange freak.

He walked through the doorway with his head looking down at his feet. He looked around for an empty table, some where no one would mind him. He walked through the room and spotted a familiar face wearing a green festive hoodie. He passed by Rhiannon with a shy smile on his face, nodding at her.

He took the seat next to Rhiannon. He kept his eyes locked on the ground. He pulled the red hood of his his hoodie over his head.

Rhiannon was hardly surprised when she saw Angel walking towards her table, head down. When he smiled at her, she grinned back. She didn't exactly know him enough to know why he was always so shy. She never saw him in the halls, either. He sat beside her in most of their classes, so they were bound to at least get on speaking terms.

She glanced over at him, with a welcoming smile on her lips. "Hello." She greeted him, before glancing down at his hoodie. He seemed to be wearing a red hoodie, which sort of went with her green hoodie. Except, of course, her's said "Ho Ho Ho!" Uncrossing and crossing her legs, Rhiannon waited with anticipation for all of the others to come.

She began humming 'Jingle Bells' to herself.

Devon's gaze followed first Rhiannon and then Angel as they strode past him, and a rather dumbfounded expression broke all over his face. Had it been their intention to wearing matching holiday hoodies? And did hers really say Ho Ho Ho on it? Disgusting. Just because it was Christmas did not give anyone the excuse, Devon thought darkly, to dress like a goddamn elf. He looked down at his own clothing: dark jeans and a grey Irish sweater. Nothing decidedly depressing about it, but also nothing Mrs. Claus would approve of. Perfect.

Disappointment came as a sigh when he realized that these two people, she decked in at least as much holiday cheer as the halls themselves, had to be the fledgling beginnings of the parade committee he'd been waiting for. Damn. He had really been hoping, though not with much conviction, that there might be at least someone on the committee more dedicated to college than to Christmas, some like-minded individual to ease his suffering. But as the soft strains of a hummed "Jingle Bells" reached his ears, he let that particular pipe dream die.

And so he stood, though not without some serious reservations and desires to spring through the doors without returning, and started the long walk towards their table. "You guys the parade committee?" he asked, running a hand through his dark hair in what would prove to be Devon's favorite nervous tic. And even though he was certain of the answer, he hoped, for the first time in a long time, that he was wrong.

Rhiannon tried her hardest not to turn her head when the boy sighed, only making a slightly puckered face. If he wanted to leave, he could, apparently he just didn't realize how important this was to the other people on the committee. But, then again, Rhiannon wasn't on the committee. Rule 3 of 'Miss Holiday Cheer' , page eight, sub-section A read: 'If a person nominated just so happens to be on the Parade Planning Committee, then they will immediately be disqualified from the event'. Which explains why she quit the committee the year before.

It was November 30th already, which means they had 25 days to plan for the parade. Which also meant that her birthday was the next day, that brought an even brighter smile to her face. A chair screeched against the wooden flooring behind her, and she heard footsteps coming nearer. "You guys the parade committee?" The person asked.

She glanced up to see a dark-haired boy standing behind her. He ran his fingers through her hair and she glanced down at her feet. Clearing her throat a little she smiled, "No, not exactly. Are you?" She asked, wondering why she hadn't seen him before around the school. Well, she spent most of her time on the Field Hockey field, and in the Drama Department. But they, at least, should have had one class together.

On the other hand, the school was rather large.

"No, not exactly. Are you?"

Her words reached his ears, and a smile broke over Devon's face like the dawn, bringing a light to his eyes and softening the lines around his mouth. This wasn't the committee. These weren't his new partners. The girl in the Ho Ho Ho sweatshirt, admittedly cute despite her holiday cheer, would not be telling him that he needed to hang this or that tinsel strand more to the right or left or making him hand out candy canes. And he found that comforting. As long as Christmas wasn't being foisted upon him, he looked almost pleasant. "I am. Reluctantly," he admitted with a sheepish smile.

Standing in front of her now, he recognized her at last. Rhiannon, the name floated into his mind and struck a chord of recognition. Of course. The name had been plastered all over the hallways for the past few weeks as part of the Miss Holiday Cheer election, and suddenly her attire made sense to him (though he still found it at least a little nauseating). Of course, as a new transfer into the school just this September, he had no illusions that she would recognize him. He played soccer and sat in the back of most classrooms, studious and naturally drawn to academia, but unwilling to draw any extra attention to himself by sitting up front. "I'm Devon, by the way."

He gave Angel a nod too, as way of extending a greeting. With the hood drawn up around the boy's face, Devon couldn't be sure whether or not he knew him-- but probably not. Devon was quickly getting used to not knowing very many people, a fact that didn't seem to be changing over the months he'd spent at the Academy. In fact, other than some friends from the soccer team, Devon couldn't be sure anyone at all knew his last name-- but maybe it was time for that to change. "Mind if I sit while I'm waiting?"

When his features softened, she felt a little less intimidated.

Was he relieved that she wasn't on the committee, and if so, why? Rhiannon wondered if he was on the committee, and of course, after that thought she wondered who he would be voting for, for Miss Holiday Cheer. Her fingers twitched slightly against her knee. He didn't even look like the type to go for things like the holiday parade.

He was probably one of the many students that only did this because most college's would adore something like it. So he didn't care about spreading Christmas joy, at all? Rhiannon bit her tongue, hoping he wasn't that type. Those are the people she would never conversate with. After a few moments, she noticed that he was standing up.

Just when she was about to open her mouth and ask him if he wanted to sit by Angel and herself, he introduced himself as Devon. The name sounded nice enough, and she couldn't help but stare at the slight smile on his face. Pinching herself, she looked back at his eyes. "I'm Rhiannon, pleased to meet you."

She saw him glance at Angel, who's hood was still over his head. "And that's Angel. He's on the committee, with the decorations and such." Devon looked kind of sophisticated in his grey sweater and dark jeans, unlike herself. Rhiannon had to admit that she looked like one of those porcelain Christmas dolls her aunt keeps around her house.

Slightly insecure, she pulled at her hoodie sleeves, wondering if she should take it off. But then, she remembered, she had on a red shirt underneath, with a jolly old Santa laughing on his sleigh. Rhiannon sighed softly. "And yeah, you can sit down here."

Angel sat on his seat quietly as he saw the boy from the corner of his eye. He knew who he was, he was in the soccer team. Of course he wouldn't know Angel, he was just the team's water boy of course. But who would remember the guy that would hand you water during the game or even whipe your sweat for you at times? He nodded slightly at him and then looked down at his feet.

His shoes were different from the other. One was neon green with red laces and the other was red with green laces. Obviously he loved the holidays, it was the only time he was really happy. He loved filing in shops and getting gifts for everyone. He loves wrapping all the gifts up and making each one a special card. Though it seemed to be hard work he loved it.

He lifted his head up and smiled when Rhiannon said he was in the committee. His hood only covered his blue eyes and now dyed green hair.

He brought his head back down, from the corner of his eye he use to see Rhiannon. A light blush grew on his face. He was going to vote for her no doubt about it, he was going to help make sure everyone would vote her as Miss Holiday Cheer.

He pulled his hood down now showing his green hair. It wasn't permanent though, the color would get off by the time he takes a shower that night. He took a small lock of his hair and twirled it in his finger.

Rhiannon tapped Angel's foot with her own when he looked up and smiled, a questioning look on her face when she saw a lock of green hair. Of course, it did suit the holiday theme. But she wouldn't ever do that to her own hair, maybe green highlights or one green streak, but never the whole head. She glanced down at his shoes, which were better than hers, what with the different colors on each foot.

Once again, she scrunched up her face, looking at her own plain white shoelaces. As soon as she looked back up, there was a slight blush on Angel's cheeks, and he was looking directly at her.

Three girls walked in the room, none talking to each other. Ashley Mitchell, Cierra Mackie, and Tatiana Boyd. The other nominees for Miss Holiday Cheer. Immediately, Rhiannon started feeling a bit insecure. They were all pretty girls, and that's what most boys decided on. And Harvsboro had more boys than girls.

They all sat at different tables, all not trying to be seen talking with the enemy. Rhiannon wondered when the Committee Chair and Co-Chair were going to walk into the room.

Angel's attention was caught by three other girls entering the room. He looked at them for a moment and rolled his eyes at them. None of the other nominees ever appealed to him the slightest bit. Though he never understood why most of the guys would gladly droll over them. Sure they were pretty, but they just didn't have the right personality. They were jst the normal girls that would hit on any guy they'd see.

He looked at the window and saw his reflection from the glass. He chuckled to himself at his festive attire. He loved how he looked at the moment, it reminded him how it was back at his home when his mother use to make a red and green scarf for himself.

His slight flash back was stopped by another person blocking his view it was one of the girls, Ahsley. He started to what seemed to be like flirting with him. Angel just simply nodded at her.
"So who are you thinking of voting this year?" She asked seducing him with her eyes.
Angel shrugged. "Well I've already decided who to pick but I'm not telling you that.
She pouted "Awe cmon. Tell."
Angel shook his head with a grin as she walked back to her seat.
"Rhiannon...." He whispered to himself answering her question.

Rhiannon noticed how Angel seemed to be intently staring at the other three nominees, sighing with relief when he rolled his eyes. At least she knew she had his vote. There were some things about the other girls that no one else knew, but she did, and they were things that could certainly get them kicked out of the Miss Holiday Cheer nominations.

But, then Rhiannon would win by default, and she wouldn't exactly like that. When Ashley sauntered over, switching her hips like she had a pear stuck up her butt, she immediately started flirting with Angel. Right, she didn't even notice her. Rhiannon turned her head like she didn't hear what they were saying, about to say something to Devon when Ashley popped the question.

"So, who are you thinking of voting for this year?"

Rhiannon's fingers twitched and she shifted her head to listen closer, just in case they happened to start whispering. He wouldn't spill! Normally it would only take someone such as Ashley two minutes to get something out of someone, in many ways Rhiannon had heard, but her sweet Angel would not tell her who.

Finally, Ashley walked away and Rhiannon grinned to herself. When she heard her name being whispered by Angel, she turned around. "Did you say something, Angel?" She asked, tilting her head.

Angel couldn't help but chuckle seeing the disappointment in Ashley's face. He always loved seeing people's face like that everytime they can't get exactly what they wanted. If I were santa, I'd stuff her stockings with coal. He chuckles to himself almost evilly.

His attention turned to Rhiannon. He was sure that she heard him, he started to feel a little shy again. "O-oh..." He whispered shyly. "I-I didn't say anything, Rhiannon...." He said with a goofy smile. "B-but anyway," He said trying to form a conversation to the girl. "How have you been lately?"

Angel was never the type of guy that was best talking with girls, especially ones that he's had a crush on since the 6th grade. Sure he didn't have dates and girlfriends in the past but all of them just did the flirting. All he did was just say yes to him, and end the relationship. But when it came to this, he'd bring up lots of random things while talking to the girl. He could tell how much of a dork he looked like in front of her.

He remembered before he told her he liked her back in the 7th grade, but then she said no to him. Sure it mad him feel like a pile of wasted candy canes, but he never gave up. He still kept that secret crush on her.

He smiled at her warmly and ran a hand through his green hair.

Rhiannon smiled softly when he spoke. Angel was always so shy, she wished she could just sprinkle a little confidence in his Hot Chocolate. When he pushed his hoodie back, she got a full view of his green clad hair. She watched him think of something to say, unable to get the smile off her face. "How have you been lately?" He asked, and she rolled her eyes playfully.

"Same old, same old. Trying to win Miss Holiday Cheer. I'm pretty sure you knew that, though." She murmured, pulling at her ponytail. Of course he knew, Angel was the first person she ran to when it was announced that she was a nominee. She wondered if he remembered her birthday, but she hoped he did. Every year he had given her something nice, never forgetting.

Rhiannon wondered what would have happened if she had actually said 'I like you, too' to him, years ago, when he spilled his feelings. She thought she broke his little heart, he didn't speak to her for about three days, but he bounced right back up and continued dating other girls, though those relationships ended quickly.

Truth be told, she couldn't think of him as more than a best friend, or a brother.

Devon had a watchful eye. Being relatively new at a school obviously full of history gave him an advantage in that he got to observe but was rarely required to interact, to speak, to voice an opinion. Ashley hadn't so much as glanced his way, much less tried to secure his vote. The other two nominees had barely registered them on their radars. And so, propping his head casually in his hands, he watched. He watched Angel pine for Rhiannon, and he watched Rhiannon treat him with kindness but nothing akin to romance. He watched the petty antics of girls vying for a title he didn't understand, and he watched a ridiculous dead-end flirtation between a nominee and one of her many potential voters. Was that how things were won here?

"What's so great about being Miss Holiday Cheer?" Devon asked, breaking his silence as he found a point of entry. He hadn't wanted to admit to Rhiannon that he probably wouldn't be voting at all, that it all seemed utterly ridiculous to him, a parody of real life. "I mean, what's the point?" He did what he could to force his voice into neutrality, to keep that biting, bitter edge out of it. He wanted to sound curious, not judgmental-- for despite his absolute distaste for Christmas, he couldn't quite find it in himself to ruin something these two Christmas fans held so dear.

Angel chuckled a little. "Ah well I didn't know you were running." He said in a sarcastic way with a small grin on his face. "I just thought people were only talking about you." He smiled to her a little more.

Though deep inside him it hurts every time he smiled. Nothing ever goes right in his life anymore, with missing one parent, then getting dumped by the girl he probably loved and now he's the freak of the school. What else could possibly go wrong in his life? Deffinately a lot.

He kept the fake smile on his face even though in side he was screaming. But he knew better then to cry over some thing in the past. He then remembered it was her birthday the day after. He could never forget that day, he'd kill himself if he did.

"So...." he said talking in his soft voice. "What would you like Santa to get you this year?" he asked her smiling softly. He would always ask the girl this question, it was his own little way of asking what she would want for her birthday. Of course calling him self as Sanata, he'd always dress up as the big red man on her birthday when he'd her his gift.

Of course he'd never tell her what he'd want. Mostly because all he wanted was her for his birthday, even for just one day. But both of them knew what he was just to her.

Rhiannon's face twisted from happiness to confusion. "Well, first off, winning let's you know that the majority of the students here like you, which is a plus. And, the Academy raises $10,000 and Miss Holiday Cheer gets to choose how to spend it." She took a side glance towards Ashley and the two others. "But they'll probably donate it to the school for bigger mirrors in the girl's bathrooms, or something like that. Only helping themselves."

"I, on the other hand, would donate the money to charity to help homeless children have the best Christmas they could. What's the name of it...'Holiday Hope for the Homeless', I think." Her smile grew, knowing that if she won, she'd be making so many other people happy. She didn't really care all about the whole popularity thing, mostly everyone that went to this school she's known since Pre-School, so who cares? Rhiannon wondered why Devon's voice had a hint of bitterness in it when he asked.

"Ah well I didn't know you were running." Angel said in a sarcastic way. "I just thought people were only talking about you." He smiled at her. Rhiannon rolled her eyes, "Oh, sure." She raised an eyebrow and smiled. He knew he was the first person she ran to, after finding out. The next time Angel spoke, his voice softened.

"So....What do you want Santa to get you this year?" He asked, referring to himself as the fat man in the red suit. Rhiannon giggled, before thinking about it. "I don't really know, but you always manage to get me exactly what I want."

Angel looked at the other boy with a strange look. He wondered to himself if he was on of those people that hated this season of cheer. But when he thought of that he wondered why ever would those people hate this time. It's the season of giving and receiving isn't it? Everyone is suppose to be happy? But why aren't they?

Before he could feel blue about that awful thought, he heard Rhiannon speak. "I don't really know, but you always manage to get me exactly what I want." Her voice always sent a slight chill down his spine.

"Well that was beause I use to stalk you like what the big red guy does." He chuckled a little twirling another one of his green lock of hair in one finger. "But now, since I promised not to stalk you this year, It's kind ofhard to think of a gift for you." He grinned a little.

Before he could say anything else he saw a familiar person walk into the door way. "Angie!" The person said giggling as she made her way over to Angel's seat. It was Ariel Brow, Angel's current girl friend.

He groaned slightly in annoyance but then forced a smile. "Arie..." He said smiling as she came over to him.

(Hope you don't mind me adding another character O3o I could make the sheet later :3)

( Ohhh, it's fine, since she's not really an important character . I'm going to edit this post in the morning, I'm about to watch a movie D: ]