a terrible "hesitate, neglect, jealous" present!

[Fiction] Friday Challenge for December 19, 2008:

Write a short scene, with exactly two characters that involves a terrible Christmas (or similar holiday) present.
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Hesitate
Jealous
Neglect

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S: Don't think I didn't see you hesitate, Carl.

C: Huh?

S: I said, don't think I didn't see you pause and think about your answer, even if it was just for a split second, before saying that you liked the present.

C: Well, you know I'd rather not fight on Christmas...

S: Why do you always assume we're going to fight if you have something that you think contradicts what I like, what I want, what I think?

C: See? It's starting already.

S: No, it's not.

C: Yes, it is.

Carl and Sheila glared at each other over the ripped wrappers scattered over the floor, dancing firelight making their eyes glisten and groove to the 70's disco music playing in the background.

He looked away first.

C: All right. I don't like what you gave me. I really don't.

S: Oh? Why not? I thought you liked Star Wars, or did you neglect to inform me of such a fundamental change to your being, to your definition of what and who you are?

C: There, see? So much anger? I can't swim for all that sarcasm!

S: Whatever. Just tell me. Why don't you like what I got you?

C: I. Am. A. Fan. Of. The. REAL. Star Wars. Not the crap George Lucas has churned out recently. You know that. How often have I bemoaned George's actions, how often have a longed to rip him a new one, to do to him what he's done to what so many of us consider sacred?

S: You feel that way? Really? I don't think I knew.

C: That worries me. You don't listen, do you?

S: What? Sorry, I wasn't listening.

C: Oh, har har, very funny.

S: Okay, seriously? I've heard you rant, yes, but I never really thought you meant it. You do have this tendency of talking out of your behind, you know.

C: Okay, I don't deny that.

S: And according to the guy at the shop, folks would be jealous of you having it.

C: Hah! He took you for a ride, that one. No one would buy it, that's why. He wanted to get rid of it. I assume there's a no returns policy?

S: I'll have to look at the receipt...

C: No need to look ashamed, Sheila. He conned you. And I appreciate that you were trying to get me something from the world I wish we lived in, I really do... but really... A full body Jar-Jar Binks costume? With built-in phrases from the movie shrieked out at the press of a button? I hate him. With all my heart and soul, I totally absolutely loathe him. Why are you smiling?

S: Now that I've gotten you to admit that, it's time for the second part of your present.

C: Second half?

S: Second half. You didn't pay attention to the pair of scissors that were attached to the present.

C: I saw it, but I didn't think anything of it. Why?

S: Your present is not the Jar-jar Binks full body outfit. Your present is to cut a piece of Jar-Jar Binks off every day, and throw it into the fire. Sure, it'll stink up the apartment a little, but I think I'd rather enjoy the aroma of the charred remains of the most irritating creature ever created. Wouldn't you?

Carl and Sheila stared lovingly at each other over the ripped wrappers scattered over the floor, dancing firelight making their eyes glisten and groove to the 70's disco music playing in the background.