150th Post Special Picture Story~Yippee!

I didn't really expect to get many gifts on Christmas Day.
Sonali really is my only friend at school, so when we gathered by the Christmas Tree by Sravana's game shelf, I sort of sat aside from the rest.
Sonali opened Julie's present-a stuffed monkey from Gladrags. She cuddled it and hugged Julie lightly, since Sonali is kind of a giant to Julie.
Suddenly, Sonali pushed forth a beautiful present wrapped in silver gift wrap covered in pastel pictures of presents, trees, starts, hats, mittens, and boots. On the top was a label with a Christmas Horn with a green ribbon that said "To: Gwen Thompson" and "From: The Gang".

I just stared at the gift for a long time. Then, Rebecca grumbled, "Well, we pitched all our money in for those things you wanted, so you might as well open it and slip your feet in."
I still stared at that silver wrapping, decked in pastel.......
AAnd my name, written neatly in black ink above the horn.
I looked at the present one more time before taking a deep breath and picking it up.
I stared at my name one last time and ran my hand over that silvery paper.
I I slowly began to take the tape off the present, when Ruthie shook her head and said "She's one of those." I laughed. Ruthie was so funny sometimes. I don't mind her much, because she's one of SSonali's good friends.
II gasped as I took off the lid of the box, to find Fiona Monari Etude shoes!
I stared. They were the perfect ebony black-I had been admiring them for weeks outside of The RRunning, Dancing, and Walking Factory
""Well? What are you waiting for? You should try them on!" Neela cried.
SSo I did.AAnd they were sooooo comfy!
""You deserved those shoes, Gwen," Sravana said softly, squeezing my shoulder lightly.
IAnd here are my shoes!TThey are a perfect ebony
They are a beautiful ebony. Shiny too. They go good with my good dress.
The next best thing next to UGG boots.

WWe all laughed and chatted as we opened the rest of the presents, and I tucked my shoes away for later. For the Winter Formal Dance.
SI came to Sonali later and asked how she planned it. All she said was "it was Chrissa's idea."

Well, I have to go. I have to help Ruthie with her 2nd position C Major exercise.
Gwen Thompson