Red and Butter

19 | Fake Love

Red

"Welcome back Red and Butter!" Truffles runs to engulf me in a tight hug. "I miss you, Red. Glad you are okay." Apart from Elle, no one has given me a warm friendly hug. Truffles' hug is sugarcoating the sadness and fear in my heart.

"I miss you too, Truffles." When we detach from each other, I scan the room to see D&A chatting with Cupid Santa. "Where is Glitterpie?"

"Nursing her broken heart. But she will be here soon to bring our food."

I am about to ask who broke her heart until I remember that it was us. "She really likes Butter, doesn't she?"

Truffles nods. "She thought Butter was referring to her when he said that someone has piqued his interest."

So I guess I'm that someone.

Truffles is right. Glitterpie arrives about 5 minutes later. The usual energetic and happy girl is not meeting my eyes when she waves at me.

What should I say? I feel sorry for her but I don't want to apologize for loving Butter and him reciprocating my feelings. I choose to ignore her instead.

"Butter, Red," Applesauce calls our attention. "Let's start."

"Excuse me, Truffles."

I walk to where D&A and Cupid Santa are standing — beside the grand piano. Butter appears on my side within a second.

"Happy to see you both." Cupid Santa stands between me and Butter and tucks us under his arms. "Safe and sound. I watched the music video for I Love to Love You and indeed, I chose the right elves. It was beautifully done." 

"Did you send them to those who wish for love?" Butter asks.

"Not yet, I will do it on the 24th. I am still checking the list and might check it twice tomorrow with both of you." Cupid Santa releases us and turns to go to his study. "See you tomorrow elves."

"See you," I say.

"Here are your notebooks." Dazzle says. "When you're ready just show it to Applesauce."

Perhaps it's the memories of the incident yesterday and/or my previous relationships and their fake love that inspire me to write the lyrics. I glance up to take a glimpse at Butter who is seriously writing his own.

Who would have thought that I have to be an elf in order to find true love? I hope it still finds me once Christmas is over.

"Hmm, leave the notes here." Applesauce says to Butter, tapping the space beside her while reading my notes. "This is easier than the previous song." Her hand works again faster and her gaze never leaves the notebook. "Dazzle, start at the lower note, Butter will begin this song."

Butter and I walk to where Glitterpie, Truffles and Chippy are sitting. I pick up the usual gingerbread hot chocolate and a slice of fruit cake.

"Hmm, this is yum!" I exclaim at Glitterpie, forgetting that she's not talking to me but she gives me a small smile. "You're the best elf baker here."

"I afgree wif Ref," Butter says, his mouth is full.

"Thanks." Glitterpie's smile widens. Although broken-hearted, her work is still her masterpiece and our feedback is her trophy.

We stop talking when the sound of the piano resonates in the house. Dazzle is playing another emotional song but after mixing with drums, guitar and saxophone, the song becomes more upbeat. Butter and I sit on the couch as we all watch D&A. Butter puts his arm around my back to hold my waist and pulls me closer to him.