“Give it back to me!” He shouted and reached out for the box. Aiden chuckled and ran away into his bedroom, locking the door behind him. Edmund flung himself over the back of the couch and followed. He banged fiercely on the barrier, yelling out a string of curses. They screamed at each other through the wood, each threatening the other with death.

Spencer glanced at Glen. “Do they still always do this? Even after all these years?”

Glen snorted and reached out for the wine bottle. “Everyday.” He poured the liquid to the top of the glass, gulped it down, and refilled it. “But it wouldn’t be the same if they didn’t. It’ll be the end of the world when they’re actually kind to each other.”

Spencer giggled as something padded across her feet and leaped up and down on her shins. “Awww…” She reached down and petted the fuzz gently. A pink tongue darted out and sloppily kissed her hand.

“He likes you,” Glen noted. He noticed the dispute Aiden and Edmund had ended; Aiden came up behind the couch watching the new dog, while Edmund retreated to his own room to play with his present.

The puppy continued to pounce around, trying to leap up onto Spencer’s lap, but was too small to be able to. Spencer reached down and picked up the wiggly dog and settled him onto her lap. The puppy crawled over her thighs and rolled over onto its back. Taking the hint, Spencer scratched the little tummy. The ball of fluff rolled back over onto its feet and yipped excitedly. It wagged its tail eagerly and bounced everywhere.

“Gee, that thing reminds me of someone I know,” Aiden said. He reached over Spencer’s shoulder and patted the dog’s head.

“I know what you mean.” Glen chuckled as he watched his new pet wildly move around, occasionally barking.

Spencer looked between her brother and her friend. “Who?” she asked.

Simultaneously, the couple answered, “You.”

“Me?” Spencer looked at the hyper dog in her lap. She cocked her head to the side; the puppy stopped moving and mimicked his new friend. “Oh, gee. I’m offended.”

Aiden mussed up the golden locks. “Don’t know why. It’s a compliment.”

Spencer raised an eyebrow. “How so? You’re comparing me to a dog.”

“Well, look at him.” Aiden pointed at the white puppy. “Ain’t he cute?” He pinched his friend’s cheek. “You are too.”

“Sure, but–”

Glen interjected, “Also, the hyperactive and chatty factors are the same.”

“Hey! I’m not–”

“Yeah, you’re exactly the same.” Aiden laughed and moved away toward the recliner where his lover was seated. He swung himself on Glen’s lap, grabbing at the glass in his hands. Glen’s blue eyes narrowed and he swatted at the hands trying to steal his drink.

Spencer looked away, finding the scene too sweet for her. The puppy had calmed down and was lying comfortably on in her lap. It twitched in its slumber and it made Spencer wonder if she did the same.

‘I’m pathetic,’ Spencer thought. ‘I’m spending Christmas with a dog who supposedly is just like me. No, used to be like me. Now that I’m wallowing in self-pity I’m not as hyper anymore. Maybe that’s a good thing…”

“Oh! I know!” Aiden exclaimed out of nowhere. Spencer and Glen stared at him. “What’s your middle name, Spencer?” he asked.

“Gabrielle,” Spencer answered, curious as to what Aiden was thinking.

“Gabrielle,” Aiden repeated. “Ah. How about Gobe?”

“What?” Glen questioned.

“The dog’s name,” Aiden explained. “Since they’re so much alike, it fits, no?”

Glen nodded. “Makes sense. Hi, little Gobby!” He waved at the sleeping puppy whom simply ignored the man.

Spencer grinned to herself. She felt special to have something named after her, even if it was just a dog. She scratched behind the puppy’s ear. “Hey, Gobby.” She smiled to herself as the white fur ball snuffed and snuggled in closer.