Metropolis, Jon’s Apartment
11:57a.m.

~ Jonathan

              It’s that time of year again.
              School is closed, snow is falling, people decorating their houses with mistletoe, tinsels, trees, and many more.
              Christmas time.
              It started snowing not too long ago, but the weather is definitely causing the house to freeze. Or maybe it’s just me.
              I'm standing in front of the window with one of my arms resting on the windowsill while the other sticks out to feel the snow particles against my skin.

At the same time, the chilling breeze through my hair. My eyes gazed down to see many people doing different activities. There is a group of six people singing Christmas carols, an elderly man is shoveling the snow out of his driveway, a badly designed Santa Claus mascot standing in front of a restaurant while handing out flyers, people walking in and out of the malls, and many more.
              It’s still fascinating to know how everyone is given the same time and day, but we're all doing different things.
              “Jon?” Mom enters my room.
              “Yeah?” I pull my arm back and shut the window before facing her.
              “We’re done with the tree,” she said enthusiastically. “Would you like to put the star on
the top?”
              “Why didn’t you guys put it together with the other decorations?” I asked.
              Her mouth shifted to the side. “We thought you’d like to do that,” she said. “Since it’s your favorite part of decorating the tree since you were a kid.”
              “That’s just it,” I said. “I’m not a kid anymore. Putting up a star isn’t such a big deal as it was when I was five years old, mom.”
              “Tell dad to put it.”
               Her eyebrows relaxed as she let out a questionable sigh. Her eyes wandered around my room before she quickly changed her expression and tone.
               “Sure thing,” she said, sounding happy again. “Your father and I will head out in a while to shop for gifts. Wanna come?”
               “You guys go ahead,” I said. “I’m going to Damian’s place for a bit. I’ll see you guys at their party okay?”

               “Alright, take care sweetie, we’ll see you then.” She left the room to join dad in the living room.
               I guess you can say I’m not so fond of Christmas anymore. I don’t hate it, I just don’t find it to be as fun as before. Every Christmas, it’s always about putting up the decorations, singing songs, and giving gifts.
               It has become too predictable. When I was about three years old, I saw Christmas as something magical. But as I grew older, I began to see that there’s nothing special at all. It is just another day only filled with presents and decorations and singing.
               But as I said, I don’t hate it. And I will never interrupt someone else’s good time just because I see nothing in it. Besides, it’s the only time in the year where I can feast on the fresh gingerbread man and candy canes.
               So, it's not all bad.
               I packed up some change of clothes and other necessities just in case if I’m going to stay overnight at the Manor. Today’s Christmas Eve and the Wayne’s are hosting a Christmas party at the Manor. If I’m not mistaken, everyone in the Justice League including the Titans and outside friends are welcomed. This party is going to be something.
              What surprises me about this was the fact that Damian is okay with this. Usually, parties or occasions involving enormous crowds aren’t his thing. But I guess this party is.
              Once I’m done packing, I put on my winter coat, beanie, and a pair of blue mittens that mom got me for last Christmas.
              I slung my backpack over my shoulders, shove my phone into my pocket and head out of my room. When I got out, I was surprised to see the living room filled with Christmas decorations. There were ceramic angel figurines on the coffee table, styrofoam snowflakes hung against the wall, a standard-sized tree at the corner with many tiny ornaments on it, and colourful lighter flickering on the decorations.

             Beautiful.
             Mom and dad had completed the decorations fast this time. They usually take a full day
to complete everything. I wanted to inform them I was about to leave, but there were no signs of them in the
house. I flew towards the kitchen, and they weren’t there. So was their room. Only then I realized
that they had already left for the mall.
              Oh well.
              I then turned around and flew out the balcony, heading straight to the Manor.
            
Later...

             I’ve visited and slept in the manor so many times that I am now familiar with every inch of the place. And they welcomed me as a family member, which means I could enter and exit any time I please. Of course, I still prefer entering with permission. Respect is important after all.
             Upon arriving at the manor, I noticed the main door was open wide. I landed and walked in to see every member of the Bat-family was busy preparing the house for the party this evening.
            And I gotta say, the manor is looking absolutely beautiful... and more lively compared to my house as Christmas jazz music was playing in the background. The Wayne's do love jazz a lot.
            Bruce and Jason were handling the garlands that were elegantly rolled on the staircase handrail, some on the ceiling, and basically anywhere that had a railing. Tim and Dick were on decoration duty as they were putting up beautiful yet delicate Christmas ornaments to its proper place.
           With the mouth-watering scent of baking goods filling the atmosphere, I assume Alfred’s in the kitchen preparing the feast for tonight.
           “You made it,” Damian appeared behind me. I turn around to face him. He was dressed in a plain green shirt with sweatpants on and his hair had some snow.
           “Where did you come from?” I asked while dusting the snow off his hair.
           “The garden,” he replied, sounding strangely excited. “I’m in charge of setting up the barbeque station.”
           “Anyway, follow me, I want to show you something.”
           He walked past me and started heading up the stairs. While tagging along behind him, the rest of his family caught sight of me and waved towards me. I waved back before flying straight towards Damian’s room.
           When I got in, I flew towards his desk where he was standing. “What is it?” I asked as I landed next to him.
           “This,” he hands me a letter.
            The letter is from Gotham University. Also known as Gotham’s top colleges filled with the latest technologies, green environment, highly educated lecturers, and many more.
            It says he's accepted to join the school. I look up to see his emerald eyes filled with joy even when his expression wasn't really showing it.
           “I got accepted and I'm starting next year.”