“Hello?” I took a breath.

            “Hey, Dad, it’s me, Spencer.” I exhaled. I began concocting a lie in my head.

            “Hey Spence, what’s up? It’s almost Christmas! What are you even doing up? Santa’s not going to come if you’re awake!” He jested. A weak smile came across my lips.

            “Well Dad, I’m not sure that Santa’s going to want to come into this apartment – it’s pretty contagious in here.” I replied, priding myself on my quick lie. Sickness – it truly never failed as an excuse.

“Uh oh, who’s dying?” My dad replied, still slightly joking but I could hear the concern in his voice.

“It’s Ashley. She’s been coughing for the last few days, and today she could barely get out of bed – bad headaches and fevers that are off the charts. We think it’s the Swine Flu. We waited to call you guys just in case it took a turn for the better, but it’s only spiraled down.” Good thing I googled the Swine Flu symptoms, I thought. I heard my mom in the distance muttering something like ‘Who’s that?’.

“It’s Spencer, Ashley’s sick.” He answered her. “Spence, that sounds horrible. Do you want us to bring anything over?” He asked.

“No, no, I think we’re okay. Besides, I wouldn’t want to risk infecting you guys.”

“Are you sure? I feel awful, it’s Christmas – ” He pleaded. I hated lying to him, but I knew that this was probably better than struggling through Christmas with a miserable Ashley.

“Seriously, Dad, we’re fine. The only problem is the dinner tomorrow night. Could we reschedule for sometime this week? I know it won’t be Christmas dinner but it will be something”

“Absolutely. You just let us know when.” He concluded.

“Thanks, Dad. Alright, I guess I should be going.” I said quietly.

“Heck yes you should! Santa will be there any minute!” If it makes sense, I could hear him smiling, so I couldn’t help but smile myself.

“Okay, Dad” I laughed. “Goodnight. And Merry Christmas”

“Merry Christmas, sweetheart. Your mom says so too.” I heard my mom chiming in the background. “Bye”