This was an idea I had for Christmas so chapters may be rushed as I try to get it done in time. Each chapter will focus on a different character buying a present.

"Your turn Pookie" Maureen called, so Joanne put down the case notes she had been working on and picked abit of paper from her girlfriend's hat. As funds were as short as ever for the friends, Maureen had decreed that the group would do a Secret Santa for Christmas. As Joanne looked down at the name she had chosen her heart sank. Mark. She had to buy a present for her girlfriend's ex.

At home that night Joanne held a sleeping Maureen in her arms, but was unable to sleep herself. For a while now she had felt guilty about Maureen cheating on Mark with her, though she knew it was not her fault. Yet occasionally when Mark let his guard down she saw the longing in his eyes as he looked at Maureen. She knew nothing she could give him for Christmas would match what she got from him, but she wanted to try and give him the best present she could.

"Mooooo" Maureen's sleepy voice interrupted her thoughts. Even when sleeping her girlfriend didn't keep quiet and it seemed like she was dreaming of cows…again. Gently Joanne brushed her curly hair away from her cheek before pressing gentle kisses on her skin hoping to calm her down. Instead Maureen drifted towards consciousness.

"Joanne" she moaned in a voice that made her girlfriend shiver. As she woke up Joanne knew she wouldn't be getting much sleep tonight- happily.

During her lunch break Joanne went to a camera shop near her office, but far away enough from the loft to be sure that Mark wouldn't be there. Looking around she realised how little she knew about cameras, but remembered Mark wishing he had more lens so she walked over to that section.

Eventually she had to go to an assistant. On telling him the make of the camera (which she had cleverly found out before they left the loft the night before) he gave a disdainful look at how old the model was.

"You'd be better off buying a new camera. Can't do much with such a cheap old model."

She fixed him her best lawyers stare which made him wither and look away. "Surely being a filmmaker with any camera is doing more than just selling overpriced cameras. There are more important things to spend money on." And with that she left.

On her way back from work she decided to try a camera shop nearer home. As she walked in she headed straight to the lens but was shocked to see Mark already by them. Quickly she moved into the other aisle pretending to be completely absorbed in the films on sale. Her heart beat fast- she knew she couldn't think of an excuse why she would be here. Through her worrying Joanne noticed that there were two lens in particular that Mark was looking at longingly. With a sigh he moved away and left the shop. After waiting to be sure that he had gone she picked up the two lens he had been looking at. Seeing the prices she knew why he had been upset- these were definitely out of his price range. She bought them and got them gift wrapped before heading back to the apartment.

"You're late" Maureen accused her sulkily as she entered the apartment.

"And I've missed you too" Joanne replied wryly. "I've got my Secret Santa sorted." Then when Maureen let out a snort asked "What?"

"Oh Pookie" she giggled "you're just too organised." And drew her into a kiss.

Please review and let me know what you think about this story idea.