Faded Promises

32

Hanna POV

It's the most wonderful time of the year....

Or it should be.

Christmas time had always been my favorite, and now that schools is over for it it's even better.

But this year I can't feel the magic, I tried I really did. Saw my movie marathon with Luce and nothing.

I didn't shed a tear watching The grinch... I always do.

Everything is so complicated. Mom, Aiden.... The baby that was never born.

Am I a horrible person if I'm relieved she had an abortion?

I can't imagine what life would be if she did had the baby. Me and Aiden would be siblings. And I would have to see the result of an affair that destroyed my family.

Trying to forget about that mess, today I'm shopping with Lucy for presents.

We're walking into the mall, I'm looking around to see if I find something I like.

"Okay, so what's the game plan?" Lucy asks, her eyes scanning the various stores line with glittering displays. "Do you know exactly what you want to buy or we're just wing it?"

"Let's just walk... I don't know what to buy. Unless the mowing machine for my dad" I say

"And your mom? You're gonna buy her something?"

"Nope. At least not this year"

"Ok. Ok, don't get all sad. I'm here" Lucy says, looping her arm through mine as we begin to walk. "Let's just walk. I could use some inspiration anyway. Jake is impossible to shop for."

"He went big on your birthday"

"Girl... I know. That's the problem I have a lot of pressure. I saw a watch that I loved but it's expensive... I have some savings so it's no problem but I know Jake doesn't like people to spend money on him."

"He doesn't need to know" I shrug my shoulders

"You can tell" she laughs

We're wandering through the mall, I bought something for Jake and Max already so I guess this is being productive.

While we're passing a small jewelry store, Lucy stops me "Oh, look at this!" she exclaimed, pointing to a delicate silver necklace with a tiny star pendant.

I lean closer and truly it's a beautiful necklace, the way the light caught the sparkling gem in the center of the start is admirable.

"It's beautiful," I say softly.

"You should get it for yourself," Lucy suggests. "A little Christmas present just for you."

"I don't know... I don't really need it."

Lucy give me a knowing look. "Come on, babes. When was the last time you treated yourself to something nice? You deserve it."

"Maybe you're right. It is really pretty."

She's right and I couldn't resist so we got inside the store and bought it.

Before the clerk helps me to try on, not that it need any more selling but ok.

When I look at the mirror it was really pretty. It reminds me of the time me and Aiden used to go to the park and just stare at the sky.

"You look gorgeous," Lucy says, beaming. "You're smiling... yup you're definitely buying it"

Then the clerk put it a small velvet box for me.

"See? Sometimes a little retail therapy is all you need."