Nikki woke on Christmas Eve to the sound of bacon hitting a skillet. Nikki had been sleeping on the couch ever since the family had left. She went to the kitchen and found Drake at the stove. “Morning.” Drake said. “I thought we’d have a warm breakfast today.” He looked Nikki up and down. “Do you have anything warmer?” Nikki shook her head. “Well,” Drake said. “You can borrow something of mine after breakfast.”
They ate in silence and Drake took Nikki to his room. He fished around for some pants. “You’ve never been to a party have you?”
“No.” Nikki said.
“Want to come tonight?” Drake said. “We can get you a festive dress in town. It will be fun.”
“If you want me to go.”
“I do.”
“Okay then.” Drake gave Nikki a pair of sweats and jeans and a long sleeve shirt. “I’ll wait outside.” Drake left and Nikki got dressed.
They went to town in a cab. Drake took Nikki to a store full of beautiful outfits. Drake led Nikki around pulling dresses off the racks and holding tem against Nikki. They soon had a dressing room full of dresses. Nikki began to try them on. She liked a red one that tied behind her neck. She stepped out of the dressing room and looked at herself in the mirror. “Wow,” Drake said from behind her. Nikki stood blushing.