“It’s not a big deal” I replied nonchalantly. I finished making the breakfast in silence, while Ashley sat at the table and watched me. I knew that her mind must be working – for she was never this quiet otherwise.

            “Well, that wasn’t the only reason I got up.” I heard her say, as she rose. She began filling her plate with food, while I stared at her, awaiting an explanation.

            “Well?” I asked, growing impatient.

            “I had to go out and pick up your present.” She smiled quickly, looking down at her plate. Her eyes flicked up to mine, and seeing their questioning gaze, she continued, “Don’t worry, I abode by our one gift rule.” Given that money was tight, Ashley and I made a one gift rule. I never cared too much for gifts anyway, so that was fine with me. I continued to stare at her as she took her seat opposite me. Her hair hung messily around her bronzed face – yes, even in New York Ashley was tan. Her eyes stuck to her plate, peeking out from over darkened circles. Even now, she looked beautiful; obscenely worn down and shoveling eggs in her mouth. She caught me still staring at her. “What, you want it now?”

            “Sure” I replied, shrugging my shoulders. A beaming smile rippled across her face, and it was like a breath of fresh air to me. I hadn’t seen her smile like that in ages. Her dimples almost seemed exaggerated, as if relieved to be in use once again. Whatever crappy and cheap gift this might be, I didn’t care. The image of that smile would stay with me for a while.

She darted from the room, her untidy brown curls bouncing happily after her. She returned moments later, a wrapped box sitting in her palms with a cheesy ribbon bow on top. She set it down before me, and sunk to the floor, cross-legged at my feet. Yet another silly smile played at her lips, and I couldn’t help but return it. This really was a gift enough. I looked at her questioningly and laughed softly.

            “Open it!” She cried, her voice resembling the whine of an overexcited child. She was nearly bouncing. I looked down and began pulling the wrapping paper neatly off of the box. I knew it drove her crazy, the way that I refused to rip the paper in the heat of the moment.  “Oh just do it already!”