They went to the center of the living room where everyone else was dancing, and Sarah took Dennis's hand. 'Al.alright.' Dennis took her hand, and joined her.

'Oh come on! Dance with me Dennis!' Sarah smiled. 'Don't you think it would be more fun to come over with us?' Sarah pointed at Tina, Jenn, and Emily who were all dancing to the band that was currently playing on the television. 'It's an RPG.' Sarah wasn't sure what that meant, she never played a lot of video games. 'What kind of game?' Sarah asked, trying to get Dennis to open up to her a bit. She sat down on the floor next to him and asked 'What are you doing?' He was being rather antisocial, and it reminded Sarah of how she used to be. Tina made them some snack, which included potato skins with bacon, some cookies, cheese and crackers, and lastly some sparkling apple cider for them to toast at midnight.ДЇeeling awfully brave, Sarah decided to try and get Dennis in on their fun. The three girls sat on the couch in front of the televison, watching the show in Times Square. 'But don't tell him it's a phase or he'll get really angry.'

'He's in his 'I hate everything and no one understands me phase',' Jenn sighed. 'Does that kid do anything else?' Sarah asked quietly to Jenn. Dennis went into a corner of the living room and started playing on his phone again. So Jenn and Dennis were invited to celebrate with them. Her mother, Hana, was going out with her new boyfriend, and her father and Marisol were going to a party. New Year's Eve arrived, and Jenn was over at the Pinkerton's house. Customer's seemed more cheerful now, many of them coming in the store with shiny new gift cards to spend. Work had been slower now, although Jenn had her dreaded returns to do. The next few days until New Years Eve went by quickly. Emily took a picture of everyone with her new camera, in front of the tree, saying she never wanted to forget the best Christmas ever. They spent the rest of the happy Christmas watching old Christmas movies on television, and at Emily's request, singing some Christmas Carols. It was a truly thoughtful gift, and Tina was so happy that Emily thought so highly of her. Emily had gotten her a t-shirt and mug that all said 'World's Best Mother'. 'Aww Emily!' Tina said hugging the small girl. When she opened Emily's gift, she almost began to cry. Sarah had gotten her a foot soaker, which she would put to good use after all her long days at Macy's. Tina, with a cup of coffee in hand started to open her own gifts. She hadn't been doing much reading since Emily had moved in, so she had a bunch of new books she wanted to get. This thrilled Sarah, she wanted to go buy some new books right away. Then she opened the gift from her mother, which was a gift card to buy some books for her book reader. 'Cause you look so cute with your hair straight!' Emily declared. She got a pet rock, and a her own hair straightener.

She opened the gifts she had received from Emily, secretly wondering when Emily had time to buy them. Sarah was so happy to see Emily opening her gifts with so much enthusiasm, that she almost forgot she had gifts herself. 'Ohh! They have monkeys on them! For my little monkey.'

'It can also take movies' Sarah said, happy that her present was so well received.Д®mily was also excited to see the onesies and matching socks Sarah had bought for Forrest. 'A camera! Now I can take lots of pictures when Forrest is born.' Emily smiled brightly. Sarah tensed up, hoping she would like it, and Emily started cheering as she opened it 'YES SARAH YES!' Emily hopped up and down looking at the box in her hand. She had also bought some onesies for Forrest.Д®mily cheerfully opened the gift that Sarah had gotten for her. Tina had bought her some coloring books and crayons, which Emily seemed to want to start coloring right away, and a cute diaper bag. She didn't wait for the two Pinkertons to arrive, she started ripping into the presents. Several of them were addressed to her, and a couple more to Forrest. Emily's eyes sparkled at the amount of gifts that were under the tree. 'YAY! Look at all the gifts!' Emily shouted from in front of them. As Sarah began to groggily sit up, Emily ran into Tina's room to wake her up as well.Д®mily ran down the stairs like an excited child as the two Pinkertons sleepily followed. 'Can't we sleep a little more' Sarah groaned but Emily wouldn't let her rest. Emily woke up at five in the morning, and woke Sarah up with her eyes gleeming.

A quiet storm