Dave surveyed the room. Alvin had rushed through opening his presents and was now putting Theodore on the spot to say Alvin's present was best. Britany and Eleanor were trying to persuade Theodore that he didn't have to say what Alvin wanted. It wouldn't be too long until Britany and Alvin started fighting. As Dave rolled his eyes he caught sight of Simon sitting quietly. He was nervously turning Jeanette's present about in his hands. Dave knew he'd be shy in front of everyone but even now, when they were distracted, he still seemed hesitant. Had Jeanette given him his present yet? He glanced over to where she was sitting by Miss Miller. There was an unopened present in her lap.

He nonchalantly got up and headed towards the kitchen. As he reached the doorway he called back.

"Simon? Jeanette? Do you mind giving me a hand?" Both promptly got up, still holding their gifts, and quietly followed Dave. The sound of arguing erupted behind them as they entered the kitchen and Dave looked over their heads back to the living room.

"Uh oh. I better give Miss Miller a hand. You two stay here." He went out and they were left alone. After standing awkwardly together a few moments, Jeanette began clearing up. Simon took a deep breath and held out her present.

"Here. This is for you." She gratefully put down the plate of snacks she'd just picked up since she hadn't really known what to do with them. She'd just had to do something. With a small smile she took the pretty box from him. It was about the size and weight of a double CD. Had he, like Alvin, got her a collection of Chipmunk hits?

As she pulled the wrapping off she was surprised to see a jewellery box. Gingerly she opened it… and gasped.

"Oh, Simon!" He blushed but she was still staring at the necklace. Reverently she lifted it out and held it by the delicate chain. "It's beautiful." She breathed.

"It's white gold. And look," he reached over to hold the pendant. "It opens, see?" Her eyes met his and for a brief moment they both stood holding the locket.

"It's perfect." He let go and looked down shyly. She looked back at the precious necklace before suddenly remembering.

"Oh! I got you something too." She glanced round to see where she'd put it.

"This?" He gestured to the box on the table. She nodded, shy now he was picking up her gift.

"It's not as good as your gift." She gently stroked the musical notes of the chain.

"Oh wow! A Brief History of Infinity." He carefully lifted the book out of the box. "The Quest to Think the Unthinkable. I thought this was out of print?"

"I ordered it from England." He was flicking through the pages. "There should be an inscription." She added quietly. He glanced up at her in surprise and then quickly turned to the front of the book. She watched his eyes anxiously as he scanned the title page. Then he smiled. As he looked up at her she saw a look she hadn't seen before.

"What did it say?" He turned the book round and stepped closer so she could read it. She glanced down at it and read,

"To Simon. Out of an infinity of designs a mathematician chooses one pattern for beauty's sake and pulls it down to earth. Don't let the beauty pass you by." When she looked up he seemed to be very close. Without taking his eyes off her he closed the book and laid it on the table. There was nothing between them now and he gently took her hand.

"You're beautiful." He murmured. She silently entwined her fingers with his. Then he kissed her.

Previously she'd imagined their first kiss, but having no experience of the subject her imagination fell short of the reality. She'd thought it would be wonderful. In fact it was like a door opened revealing a whole new set of incredible emotions. When they broke apart, they couldn't help grinning at each other. He took the locket out of her hand and reached round her neck to put it on. Instead of pulling back though, he kissed her again.

As they headed back into the living room together, they couldn't stop smiling.

"There you are!" Miss Miller exclaimed. Dave glanced over and smiled.

"Oh! You're standing under the mistletoe!" Eleanor giggled. Simon and Jeanette glanced up, then back at each other. Smiling happily, he put his arms round her.

"Merry Christmas Jeanette."

"Merry Christmas Simon," she whispered back as their lips met. Eleanor squealed in delight and Britany gasped. As the pair came back into the room Alvin scowled at his brother. Simon didn't care. For once he had a girl on his arm when Alvin didn't. He sat down with Jeanette and his eyes met his father's. He would thank him later (though he knew he could never repay him) but for now he would enjoy Christmas with his family, friends and girlfriend.

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MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY, AND THANKS FOR THE REVIEWS!