TW: strong language and threats

Susie's Pov

The rest of the day was mostly uneventful. A few passing remarks about Kris and I's "relationship", Noelle deathglaring them, but nothing huge.

"...And that's why I think Angela Wexler is the bomber." Berdly finished his little rant. Even though I would never admit it, I was actually extremely invested in the book we were reading in class. I had a secret notebook filled with clues and evidence for all the characters. But I just couldn't crack the code... (If you know what book this is you get extra points)

"Alright class, it's about time to leave. I just want to say a few things before you leave. 1, I hope you all have a happy holiday! 2, uhhh... Nope, that's it. Happy holidays, everyone!" Miss Alphys dismissed us.

My eyes widened. I hadn't even realized the date. It was December 23rd! I mean, my dad never did anything for the holidays, but I usually had a little Christmas celebration with myself. Believe it or not, Noelle wasn't the only one to get overly hollyjolly.

"Hey, Susie! Do you want to come over on Christmas? I don't know if you have plans with family or anything, but if not, my mother would be honored to have you over," Kris asked me.

"Heh, maybe. I'll have to see." I responded.

"Okay!" Kris walked towards the door before being stopped by Catti.

"So Kris. You're quiet. Kinda weird. What's up with you and Susie? Everyone's saying you're with her. She'd usually beat someone like you's skull in if they even tried talking to her. I don't believe this "dating" shit. Explain the tea." Catti didn't look up at all. I chuckled and turned around to see Noelle right behind me.

"H-hey, Susie! How are you? That's a stupid question. I mean obviously you're fine, I mean, look at you, I mean-" I cut her off.

"Look, I'm tired, okay? I don't really have time for this." Noelle looked crestfallen.

"W-wait, I... Nevermind..." I couldn't say I didn't feel even a little bit sorry for her.

"Fine, what do you want?" I sighed reluctantly.

"R-really!? Okay! I was wondering if you maybe, uh, wanted to  go out over Christmas break?" She stumbled over the question. 

"I got plans." With that, I walked away.

"Son of a nutcracker!" I heard Noelle whisper from behind me. Even as annoyed as I was with her, I had to appreciate the reference.

...

I opened the front door of my house. I had arrived home on time today. 

"Good. On time. Get to work on dinner." My father said. He sounded sober and for once he was satisfied.

"Yes father." I grabbed a can of soup from the cabinet and set it up to eat. I then took a broom and began sweeping the kitchen floor.

"Father?" I asked.

"What do you want now?" he asked sharply.

"I've been invited to spend Christmas with a friend. I would like to go if you would allow it." I kept my request short and sweet as to not make him think I was sugarcoating it while also providing necessary details.

"You what? Since when do you have friends!? And what will I do about dinner!? I'm having the boys over, you know this!" he snapped.

"I understand that. I would make dinner beforehand and set it up to heat before leaving. And I'm sure you and the others would have a much better time without me around anyway." It was pretty obvious the first question was rhetorical.

"Hmm... You make a good point. It depends. Don't think I've forgotten about last night. You're still going to have to pay for that." I felt tear well up inside me, but I pushed it down. 

"Of course." I continued to go throughout the house, picking up beer bottles.

"Someone seems to be cooperative today. You're trying to earn points from me, aren't you?"

"N-no sir." I hesitated on my answer, unsure of what the correct response was.

"You're lying to me." He was starting to get mad.

"No sir, I'm not." I tried to hide my now shaky voice, but failed. He laughed.

"Aww, you're getting scared. That's nothing. You better not fucking lie to me again, bitch, or I'll have your head."

 I nodded quickly and said nothing else. when dinner was finished heating, I made my father a bowl and went to bed without eating.

It was a good night.