"You should get one of those wrapping jobs during Christmas time," Nathan commented. I was kneeling in front of an open locker, currently wrapping a very special gift for a not-so-special someone. I usually didn't have anyone included in my plans but this year, I needed help and who better than Nathan. He mentioned some plans of his own and I gave the green light as long as they didn't interfere with mine.

Nathan was a nice guy, not to be mistaken with "nice guy". He was there when you needed a helping hand but respected boundaries. He had plenty of time to interfere or even straight up tell Easton about my plans, yet here he was conspiring with me. I wonder how Easton will take it when he finds out that his close friend has been colluding with me. Either way is a win for me.

"Working in retail during Christmas? I think I will pass. I'm sure some Karen will come for me if I use these methods," I replied, without looking up from my masterpieces. I was kneeling on the floor, next to Easton's locker.

My methods currently included wrapping all items, books included in huge amounts of cling film and then topping it with a layer of Christmas wrapping paper, all sealed tightly with some duct tape. The energy to wrap it all better be worth it. My arms were getting the workout of a lifetime. I underestimated just how much of my time would take but luckily, the birthday boy was currently at swim practice. Having a lookout hurt no one seeing as we were in the middle of school grounds, busy with someone else's locker. I was currently looking like the poster girl for detention and I didn't have time for that with my own busy schedule.

"I think I would be the Karen if someone touched any of my gifts with duct tape." Nathan eyed the duct with disdain. I had been saving this particular blue tape roll for a long time. Not that I had other rolls of duct tape laying around.

"Well I am not totally cruel, there is a lovely protective layer of cling help." I cut a piece of duct tape haphazardly. This wasn't my finest wrap but it wasn't exactly a rectangle like a book. At some point, I started wrapping some of the loose stationary individually. The wrapped pencil could probably pass off for something else.

"What even did you wrap?" The shape of the item was distorted with the multiple layers. I stopped taking note of what I was wrapping after the maths book. The last thing I wanted to do was waste time when I was not even sure how long we had left.

"No clue, I just found it in his locker."

Nathan took a peek inside Easton's locker. All of his books had an array of Christmas wrapping paper topped with duct tape bows. Those bows took extra time and helped stick all the books together. Just the right amount of inconvenience for him to deal with tomorrow. I think I need to give myself a round of applause for the right amount of chaos without any of the property damage.

I placed the last item carefully inside the locker and snapped a quick picture, "I think I was an artist in my past life."

"I think you should be grateful that you have other talents in this life, Maya."

I threw a scrunched-up piece of wrapping paper in Nathan's direction, which he easily dodged. Just another piece to add to the mess. I knelt down and started picking up anything that looked suspicious. There was no point in laying out this plan, only for Easton to figure it out before he even had a chance to open his locker.

Meanwhile, Nathan closed the locker door and replaced the combination lock, while automatically messing up the numbers. It was a habit since everyone had the same type of lock. Using one's birthday as a code is the worst idea, especially when everyone knows your birthday thanks to social media.

"Do you need help cleaning this up?" Nathan asked. He was an excellent partner in crime and I had made the right decision to have him help me out. The objective was met and we hadn't been caught.

"Nah, I think we are good to go." I stuffed all my wrapping gear into a bag, "You should go meet up with Kim. I know she is waiting."

"That's the plan. See you later, Maya." Nathan picked up his bag and waved goodbye. Kim and Nathan had been dating for what felt like forever. I was simply the girl who lived through their love life, gushing over all their cute moments and cheering them on silently from the sidelines. I don't think cheering loudly would be appropriate anyway.

I took my time cleaning up. I doubt any teacher would care about me picking up paper off the floor. I even had a good excuse of wanting to throw it in the recycle bin. My bag was way lighter than earlier, showing the good progress I had made today. The on-sale Christmas paper I had bought at the end of January had served its purpose well.

Easton was in for a treat tomorrow. He had been on guard all week, trying to figure out what I was up to. Last year for his birthday present, I sent him multiple balloons. Maybe they were filled with water and maybe they did go splash after he received them. Those are all rumours that I can't confirm, nor deny. In all honesty, I just wanted to return his generosity. Sometimes I still find pieces of confetti in my room to this day. I think the only way to get rid of it would be to move house at this stage.

I had done my duty for today.

As they say, do something today that your future self will be thankful for. And I am sure that the future me will be thankful.