Chapter 1

Happy Holidays! Read the sign outside the mall. Everyone was getting into the holiday spirit already. I stepped inside and tried started to shop for some gifts. My family was easy, since I know what everyone likes, and then there were my friends. Devon got a CD, my friends from my old school got something that seemed to fit their personality, but then there came my morphing friends. I found some video games for Jake and Marco. (I could not resist the latest "Attack of the tiger" game.)

Ax had said he wanted no part in our Earth customs (Although I still got him a spaceship keychain.) Cassie was fairly easy too. I found some books she might like and some for myself as well, (I wasn’t sure everyone celebrated Christmas, so I just got Happy Holidays cards.)

But what about Rachel? Or Tobias? I was still debating whether or not to get Tobias a gift, I mean what do you get a hawk? I sighed and decided to try it again after tonight’s gathering.

At home, I brushed my hair as I worried about tonight. I haven't been there for a while, would they be mad? I couldn't help it the yeerks kept popping up into my schedule, but I couldn't tell them that.

Just as I was in the middle of all this I heard a peck at the window. Smiling, even though I was going to be late, I let Tobias in.

(Merry Christmas, Mercy,) he thought to me. I returned his greeting and asked, "What are you doing here?"

(I need some help.)

"With what?" I already knew I'd help him with near anything, but I didn't say so. Suddenly I felt strange, though not from my own feelings. I knew Tobias was thinking about Rachel. Something else I also knew I wouldn't tell him was that ever since I healed him I placed a sort of bond between us. If I told him he would learn that was something I did on my own, that he had trusted me and I had violated that trust. If I could reverse it I would but it was too late now.

Sometimes, because of this bond, I could feel what he was feeling, whether it was physical pain or a strong emotion. Now that he was a nothlit this was actually strengthened. At this moment his strong emotion was for Rachel, and mine was envy, though he couldn't feel it.

(I want to get everybody a gift but well you see where I run into trouble getting into the stores.) I nodded my head as he went on.

(I’ve had money in a hollow tree back at my old house. I managed to get it out. If you could just go to the store and get some gifts for me, I mean I’d pay you and every thing, just-) I cut him off,

“Tobias I’d be happy to.” Tobias squawked with happiness. Gosh, was I blushing? I wrote down his list.

“Speaking of Rachel, I was wondering if you knew what she might want for Christmas?” I cursed inwardly and wasn’t surprised when Tobias said, (Um, who was talking about Rachel?)

“Like it wasn’t obvious you were thinking of her.” I teased. Well it wasn’t obvious but I think everyone knows. “Anyhoo, Do you know what she might like for a gift?”

(Well she likes James Iha. )

“Really?” I glanced at the clock; it was 8:58. I gasped. “Oh my gosh, I’m late! Sorry Tobias I really got to go. I have to be there in 2 minutes!”

(Where?) “Tobias, if you don’t mind I’d rather not say.”

( You’re keeping a secret from me?) I didn’t have time.

“Sorry but I really do.”

(Can I come?)

“No.”

(You might get there in time if you fly.)

I nodded and left as a sparrow.