A Ghost of A Smile

Chapter 9: Christmas Lights

Life picked up after that day. Jason and I started dating, Ava wallowed in silence, and Lori found a new love: Travis. This time, I was pretty sure she'd stay with her boyfriend for more than a week.

I don't know why Jason and I hadn't gotten together earlier. We were so... perfect. I know it sounds cheesy and lame. I probably sound like every single teenage girl in love, but it's true.

One night right before he left for Christmas break, Jason and I were driving around town, looking at Christmas lights the way we had every year since kindergarten.

We rounded a corner and came upon the big house. At least, that's what we called it. It was the same house as any other on the block. But at christmas this place went all out on lights. There were blow up reindeer, mini roller coasters and ski lifts with stuffed santa's in them, there was even a hallelujah chorus on their rooftop! We drove past every year, just to look at the lights.

"Hey, they added a new reindeer," I pointed to the little field of light-up animals. Jason smiled.

"How their neighbors sleep with all this light..." He shook his head.

"I know, they don't." He rolled his eyes.

"That was a cheap shot." He grumbled, I scoffed.

"If it was so easy then why didn't you say it?"

"Because it's a cheap shot." I punched his arm playfully.

"I'm gonna miss you. Promise you'll text me every night?" He wrapped an arm around my shoulders.

"Of course I will. You will be my first priority." I laughed.

"Thanks." He turned to look at me.

"That reminds me, I got you something." HE reached into his pocket.

"Christmas isn't for another week." I protested. He brought out a small box.

"I'm not here in a week. But promise me you won't open it until Christmas morning?" I rolled my eyes.

"Absolutely, thank you." I leaned over and kissed him, "Only if you do the same with yours." He nodded.

"Wouldn't dream of bringing on your wrath by opening it early." He joked. I elbowed him.

"Seriously, it's being mailed to your grandparents house at this moment." He crossed his heart with his finger.

"I swear, I won't."

(I'm sorry it's so short but I'm dying to get to the interesting parts!!!! Almost there...)