To spread some holiday cheer, I will be writing a new story every week that shows what Christmas is all about. So go grab a nice cozy blanket and a cup of hot cocoa and read on to get into the holiday spirit.

The Parisian Book

"Look at him, isn't he dreamy?" Susie says as Albert walks past by them.

"He's perfect, but we're not his type," Chloe sighs.

"Oh Chloe, why don't you just ask him out? You've had a crush on him since the 6th grade. What's the worst that can happen?"

"That he says no obviously!" Chloe tells Susie.

"Oh well, let's just go and buy our Christmas gifts before our moms kill us for staying at the mall too long."

"Hey girls," Charlie says as he walks past by them, giving Chloe a smile.

"Hey Charlie," the girls reply.

"Why don't you give Charlie a chance Chloe," Susie asks after he walks by. "He has always liked you since the first day you met him and he's so much sweeter than Albert is. You know Albert isn't the type of guy to date. He has a new girl every week," Susie tells her.

"I don't know, I've always seen him as a friend. Plus, every guy has to settle down sometime so I'll keep waiting for Albert."

Susie rolls her eyes. "Whatever you say Ms. Daydreamer."

"Oh my gosh, Susie look!" Chloe says as they past by the bookstore. "That's the book I was talking about. It's a limited edition and has a bunch of pictures of Versailles, the palace in Paris. Oh if only I could afford it. You know I love Paris."

"Yeah but that book costs more than our budgets can handle. And your mom would kill you for spending that much money on a book."

"Actually, I have been saving up thanks to the extra nights of babysitting I have been doing. After taking care of Mrs. Conner's kids tonight, I'll have enough money to buy it!"

"That's great! But my butt needs to get home soon so let's keep walking."

"Party pooper," Chloe says as the girls start laughing.

After a long day of shopping, Chloe goes back home. As she walks down the hallway, she hears her little brother crying in his room. She opens his door to check up on him.

"Daniel, are you okay?"

"No, my life sucks!" Daniel replies.

"You're 10 years old. You're way too young for your life to suck already. Tell me, what's wrong?"

"I wanted to buy mom a present I saw at the store the other day but they raised up the price and now I can't afford it."

"How much is it?"

"It's a silver bracelet with pretty rhinestones."

"How much is it Danny?"

"Ummm, $60."

"$60! Why don't you get her something else?"

"Because I saw it and wanted it for mom. And all I have is $5 because I spent the rest on another gift," Daniel says as he sobs.

Chloe had the money. She was saving it for the book she wanted. But the one thing she hated most was seeing her little brother cry.

"Danny, I'll help you buy the gift, but you have to say it's from both of us okay?"

"Oh Chloe you're the best big sister ever!" Daniel says as he hugs her.

"Yeah, yeah. Just don't forget to add my name on the tag," Chloe says as she laughs.

Well, there goes my book. She thought.

The next day, she met up with Charlie after school.

"Hey Chloe, I wanted to give you something. I hope you like it."

"Oh, Charlie you shouldn't have." Chloe tears the wrapping paper and gasps.

"It's the book about Versailles. How did you know I wanted it? This book is expensive."

"I saw you looking at it the other day with Susie and thought I'd get it for you. I know you want to go to France one day and I just wanted to make you smile," Charlie says as he blushes.

"Thank you, this means a lot."

Charlie begins to leave, feeling embarrassed.

"Hey Charlie, do you want to go catch a movie with me? If we leave now, I think we can make it to the next showing?"

"Sure, I'd love to."