2009, still

"Merry Christmas, Lolo," Blaine is wearing a Santa hat, "I know that didn't sound optimistic, because frankly, I'm not doing well. I'm really not doing well. Everyone keeps telling me that Christmas time is fun and cheerful and before the dance, I thought that too, but now I know better.

Christmas time is the time to feel utterly alone in your own home, more than usual. Thanks to the extended homophobic family coming over to 'spread the Christmas cheer'. Better than Thanksgiving. I heard my dad telling my mom that my uncle was thankful for gay people still not being able to marry in Ohio. Cheers."

He opens his bag. "I know I never leave anything behind when I visit, but I got you something. Daisies. They will probably wither away since it's winter, but I wanted to give you a Christmas present. I know these are your favourite kind of flowers and I know you dreamed of getting them from another boy. Well, here they are. Probably not the setting you had in mind… with you dead and me being quite depressed, but it's Christmas.

I hope they're better than the presents my grandparents gave me. A handbook that's called 'How To Properly Woo A Lady'. Thanks grans, thanks a lot. I can't wait till school starts again, so that I can go back to our room. Just hope Trent won't get back first, because he always makes such a mess of things.

I want to call Wes, but he's with family. Same goes for David and Trent. I know one of the Warblers doesn't celebrate Christmas, since he's Muslim, but I don't know him well enough. So is it okay if I stay here? I actually managed to steal some leftovers. Not the ideal Christmas dinner, but it's way better having dinner next to a tombstone of your deceased best friend than having dinner with your homophobic family."