Dear Janet, You're Ugly

Merry Christmas

Janet's POV

Some days I liked to go for walks. Although it was rather cold and dreary these days, I didn't mind it. It was Christmas day and Ms. Freckles and I planned to have a quiet dinner. I was practically kicked out of the house for fresh air while Ms. Freckles cooked up a storm.

The cold air nipped away at my cheeks like little mosquitoes. I stuffed my gloved hands into my pocket as I made my way to the nearest park. The same park where I had discovered a sobbing Barnie Greco on the children's swing.

My phone rang for the millionth time today. Amy had thought it to be a great idea to add me in some stupid group chat. It consisted of me, her, Erin, and a few guys from the soccer team. I had to turn off the notifications because every minute it would go off.

I finally arrived at the park sitting on the children's swing. I gently swayed back and forth letting the cool air whip against my hair. I increased the speed, my hair flying about as I swung faster and higher.

I felt a rush of adrenaline. My heart pounding nearly out of my chest and everything seemed to blur around me. Faster and faster my body feeling as light as a feather I wasn't worried about the repercussions of my actions.

And with one last push, I flew through the air. My bottom no longer touching the swing, with a loud harrumphed. I fell into the embrace of a person's arms. With my erratic breathing, I looked up at the person who had saved me from almost pummeling on my face.

I was met with the familiar face of Erin. A red beanie sat on top of his head and his almond eyes examined me closely. Worry clear on his face he examined me up and down.

"What the hell Janet! You could have seriously hurt yourself" he grunted. I hesitantly licked my chapped lips as the frown on his face deepened.

"What are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be having some elaborate party"? I sighed backing out of his arms. He wore a large black puffy coat with navy blue gloves. His cheeks were as red as mine as the weather grew colder.

He shoved his gloved hands into his pocket." Amy's been freaking out thinking you might not come. Said you promised her".

I sighed deeply before taking a seat on the green bench. "I never promised her anything. I said I would give it some thought". He took a seat next to me stretching out his long legs. We sat in silence until he pulled out a small red box with a gold bow on top.

"What's this"? I asked as he shoved the box nervously into my gloved hand. He avoided my eyes as he bit his lip anxiously.

" It's just a little something. Merry Christmas Jane" he muttered softly. I stared at the box as if it was something I'd never seen before. Part of me wanted to give it back and say I didn't need any stupid gift. But as I started at him all anxious and flustered I knew my guilty conscience might haunt me.

"You didn't have to" I grumbled lifting the top off of the box. I gasped as I saw a sterling gold necklace even in the dreary weather it sparkled brightly. At the end of the chain held a cute panda that held a leaf in its hand.

My eyes began to sting as I carefully lifted the necklace in my hands. "D-do you l-like it? You used to love pandas so I-". The next thing I knew shocked even me as I gently grabbed him for a short hug.

"Thank you". I whispered pulling away only for the necklace to be taken from my hands. He turned me around gently and placed the necklace around my neck. I held the panda pendant in my hand gently tracing it.

A sudden wave of guilt bubbled in the pit of my stomach. I didn't have a gift for him or Amy. I had only bought Ms. Freckles a gift because it always used to be just the two of us.

"Erin I didn't have time to get you anything. I-"

He immediately shushed me and grabbed another hug. Light snowflakes began to fall as he held me in his embrace. The small form was easily covered by his tall frame. I felt content something I hadn't felt in a while.

We stood like that for awhile.

And it felt...

Good