I'm not dying with you tonight

'tis the season

-six months later-

Christmas time in Summerville was nothing like Christmas in New York, and for many reasons. One, it was extremely cold and rainy, and though it did rain in New York, rain there was sprinkles compared to Oklahoma rain. Also, summerville was boring. There was no giant tree, no ice skating, and no bright toy stores. What used to be Sage's favorite time of the year became a harsh reminder of how much she missed home. She hated the god forsaken place, but she hated being at her house more, so she spent her days walking the empty streets, exploring the tedious town, and trying to make the best of her miserable life. She hummed to herself, looking down at her phone, as she was currently on a facetime call with Ray while he attempted to decorate for the season.

"How's Alex adjusting?" He asked from behind his tree. It really fit in his small book shop, with the red ornaments and white lights. Sage sighed and crossed the empty street, walking down the open pavement and into the back roads.

"He's... He..." She sighed again. "He just wants to be home. We both do. Ray, it's awful here." She muttered, kicking rocks.

"It can't be that horrible." He chuckled as he strung his lights. Sage shook her head and scuffed her feet.

"It's so bad." She looked down at the dirt road ahead of her and shivered, pulling her jacket tighter. Thank god she remembered it because it had to be below freezing. "It's so bad..."

"You know what, it'll get better. I promise you. It will get better and you'll think, 'Man, what was I even talking about?! I love it here!' and then you'll want to stay forever. Trust me. I promise you'll find something to stay for. Or... someone." He wiggled his eyebrows and Sage laughed, rolling her eyes.

"Ray... I telling you... there is no one in this stupid town. Everyone here is either a pedophile or an old ass weirdo!" she sighed, "It's just... it's hard. It's so hard!" She yelled into the abis, and birds scattered from trees at the sudden loud noise. Ray chuckled and grabbed the phone, filling the screen with his face.

"Look at me, Sage Morgan Parker. Look at me." He said sternly and Sage looked at him, smiling at his wrinkles and white hair. He was getting so old. She really didn't want to think about it, but somehow her thoughts always led her there. He was almost 70...

She told her brain to stop as Ray continued.

"You are the bravest woman I know, and you can do hard things. I believe in you. More than you can possibly know." His brown eyes were always comforting, but they were never the same over the phone. She could feel her heartbeat in her throat and she wanted to throw up.

"I just wish we could come home for Christmas." She looked up at the dark clouds and knew it was going to rain. She didn't care.

"I know. I wish you guys could come home too, but you know it's not gonna work this year. Maybe next christmas." Sage laughed dryly and rolled her eyes. Ray sighed. "I'm sorry. I really wish... I really wish you were home. I hate being so far away." He paused and the silence was loud. "But hey, at least you won't have to hear Peter attempt to sing Silent Night this year." Sage laughed and shook her head.

"He said he would send me a recording." Ray laughed and her smile grew. "He's horrible, so I'm not really looking forward to that... aw shit I think it's gonna rain soon. I need to head home." She sighed as the clouds got heavier and the sky got darker.

"Language." Ray scolded, shaking his head. "Call you tomorrow?" She looked down at him and nodded.

"Yep. I'll talk to you tomorrow. Bye Ray."

"Bye Sage. Be safe."

"No promises."

The rain started slowly, but before long it was pouring and Sage was screwed. She was in the middle of a dirt road, nearly an hour from her house, with only a small jacket to keep her warm in the freezing rain. She had two options. Either walk back home where she could change into dry clothes and warm up, or keep walking in the downpour without any idea where she was actually going. She chuckled and threw her phone in her bag, zipping up her jacket, and continuing on through the mud.

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