Chương 10: Queenie's Sweater is Awesome!
Downstairs, Newt and Tina had decorated the house for Christmas. A beautifully trimmed fir tree stood in the center of the living room, shaped into a perfect triangle. Red and gold threads were wrapped around the tree, adorned with golden and red baubles, along with bells. Pine cones, garlands, and ribbons were scattered throughout the room, while colorful lanterns and ribbons hung from the walls, creating a warm and festive atmosphere. It was clear that Tina had arranged everything; Newt, although helpful, didn't have quite the eye for design.
Tina was busy in the kitchen, preparing the food for their Christmas dinner, while Newt stood by, offering assistance. Though they usually used magic to prepare meals, Tina preferred to do it by hand during Christmas, especially since they were expecting important guests later that evening.
After breakfast, David wanted to help in the kitchen, but Tina insisted that he rest and sent him away. She assured him that Newt could manage everything on his own. With no other option, David decided to check on the fairies and their progress with their dance rehearsal.
The fairies were practicing the last few moves of their routine. They no longer seemed nervous, performing with the ease and confidence of seasoned performers. David watched them for a while, making sure everything was in order, before heading back downstairs.
By the time evening rolled around, the dining table was set, covered with a feast. A plump turkey sat in the center, surrounded by plates of grilled meat, baked potatoes, and various snacks. The tantalizing aroma of the food filled the room—everything had been made by Tina herself.
Newt and Tina, both dressed in their best clothes, stood together by the Christmas tree, smiling as they admired the decorations. The fairies perched on the tree, enjoying the sight from above. Normally, Pickett, the tree guard, would have stayed in the magical space for an extra meal, but due to his ongoing rivalry with the other tree guardians, he was allowed to stay outside for the holiday.
The three cats and Lizi were also dressed in festive clothes, standing by and waiting for the guests to arrive. At that moment, the doorbell rang, and a pop sounded as two familiar figures appeared in the room: Jacob and Queenie, Newt and Tina's best friends, who visited every Christmas.
Jacob was short, a bit chubby, and had a lot of white mixed in with his black hair. His face had the wrinkles of age, and he wore a black beard. He was holding a bamboo basket with a white cloth covering it, which smelled of freshly baked bread. Queenie, his wife, was holding his hand. She was a beautiful woman, though the years had softened her youthful charm, it still lingered in her eyes. They were longtime friends of Newt and Tina and always spent Christmas with them.
Queenie immediately walked over to Tina and gave her a big hug. As she did, she playfully commented on Tina's clothes, calling them outdated, much to Tina's dismay. The two friends exchanged greetings, and then David stepped forward to say his own: "Uncle, Aunt, Merry Christmas!"
Queenie beamed and hugged him warmly, then asked, "Did you see the Christmas present I gave you?"
David, a little uncomfortable, hesitated. "I saw..." he mumbled, a look of helplessness crossing his face.
Queenie smiled, "Do you like it?"
David reluctantly replied, "I… like it very much."
She raised an eyebrow. "Then why aren't you wearing it?"
David's face twitched as he remembered the pink sweater. His dear aunt had given him the most ridiculous gift. He thought to himself, Have you ever seen a ten-year-old boy wear a pink sweater?
"Oh, my lovely David doesn't like the gift I gave him!" Queenie pouted, her eyes starting to glisten with the threat of a tear, using her skills in emotional manipulation.
David sighed. "Okay, okay, Aunt, I'll wear it right away." His tone was a mix of surrender and annoyance. "But you promised you wouldn't read my thoughts anymore."
Queenie smiled mischievously. "I didn't read your thoughts," she said, "I just guessed!"
Before David could protest further, Queenie grabbed him by the shoulder and cheerfully pushed him upstairs. "Go change into the sweater, David. Let Auntie see how cute you look!"
David trudged upstairs with a sigh, but Queenie's smile didn't falter. He reluctantly pulled the sweater from the back of the closet. It was a soft pink, made of fine wool, with little fluff on the surface. He had always told himself he'd never wear it, but now, here he was, about to put it on.
He changed into the sweater and stood before the mirror, examining his reflection. His red hair, like Newt's, was kept long for warmth in the cold weather. He looked… cute. No, wait! He was a boy! He shook his head, trying to push away the thought.
As he walked downstairs, Queenie's eyes lit up. "Oh, my David, so cute!" she exclaimed, immediately wrapping him in a hug. "Smile, smile! You'll get old if you don't laugh!"
David managed a forced smile, but inside, he was struggling. Queenie was ecstatic and praised him endlessly, telling him how great the sweater looked on him. Even Jacob, Tina, and Newt joined in, all complimenting him, calling him "adorable" and "charming" in the sweater.
David, unable to take it anymore, thought, What are these people doing? Do they not understand? I'm a boy!
Queenie, unaware of his frustration, was delighted. She led him to the dining table, where everyone continued to sing his praises. David felt completely overwhelmed. Was everyone in the room trying to mock him?
After dinner, which included a delicious turkey and plenty of snacks, the group began to reminisce about their adventures together, especially Jacob's annual retelling of his thrilling encounter with Grindelwald. While they laughed and shared stories, David, having heard the same tales every year, began to zone out. He had practically memorized Jacob's stories, and this year was no different. It was all too predictable.
Eventually, the meal was finished, and the table was cleared. David moved the sofa to the front of the Christmas tree, and everyone gathered around as he prepared for the fairies' performance. He dimmed the lights, leaving only the soft glow of the colorful lights surrounding the tree. The show was about to begin!
The fairies took their places, and David felt a surge of excitement. Christmas was here, and everything was finally ready.
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