It's almost ten minutes away. That dreaded December 25th. It may not be that bad. I drifted in and out of crappiness. Ranger toyed with me. I hate that bastard. I slept in. Mark gave me my present before he left. Two pairs of really nice chopsticks. It was really sweet of him. Then I immediately felt shitty because I wasn't able to get him anything. I planned on getting him a candle, book or something. I sat on the edge of my bed, staring at the chopsticks. Feeling myself age. I checked email and had cereal. Wrote the last entry. Played 'Chrono Trigger' for most of the day. Ross called later in the afternoon. I wanted to see him but not in the toxic state I was in. We made plans to hang out. I played more 'Chrono Trigger' until I felt well enough to be in public.

We met outside the Virgin Megastore. I like watching him from a distance. I watched him leaning against the wall, reading the paper and I couldn't do anything but smile. We didn't really have anything planned. We walked around a little and then Ross came up with this great idea.

"Bowling."

"Bowling. Cool. I've never been," I responded.

"Never been bowling? Then it's perfect!"

So ... we went bowling. And I suck! But I swear, it's one of the best times I've had in a long time. I don't understand the concept with the shoes though. During the game, Ross gave me a rectangular aluminum foil-covered .... thing. My present. I can't even describe how cute it was. He said he didn't have any gift wrap. I opened it. Two packs of minidiscs....

"...So now you have to buy the player. You deserve it."

We left and walked around some more. Any traces of feeling shitty were gone. Dessert at a small cafe and more talking. He understands a lot about me. More strolling. This time, to the subway but I wanted to pee so we made a detour to a bar. Monster. Nothing like a group of gay men on Christmas eve. It's a known fact that once you're not single, people notice you more. I felt eyes on me. I used the bathroom and then dragged Ross downstairs to dance. Note to self: Never drag Ross to dance anywhere! Kidding. He wasn't bad. We went back upstairs and hung out for a while. When we were getting our coats, I was leaning back on Ross. He started nibbling on my neck.

"Ooooh, girl! Don't you know that's how you get pregnant?" this guy called out. The way he did it was just too funny.