Saving Christmas

Chapter 2

Sunlight streamed on my face. I woke up and looked around me. The surroundings didn't look familiar. Then it all came rushing back to me. My stomach growled, indicating how hungry I was. After getting lost a few times, I finally found the dining hall and had a breakfast of orange juice with pancakes and maple syrup. I later learned that the names of the two elderly people I had met the day before were Jimmy and Rose. I spent most of my time reading, surfing the Internet and watching movies. That's just how bored I was.

So I decided to take a walk. I told Mum where I was going and promised I would be back soon. I took my winter jacket and mittens before going outside. It was cold outside and snow was falling lightly. The sky was a light shade of blue. I walked on for some time and I heard the sound of a child's voice. I wasn't sure I heard right but then I heard it again, more clearly this time. It sounded as if someone was in trouble. I walked towards the sound and found a little girl, about six years old, sitting on the ground and crying. There was a pink bicycle not far off from where she sat. I helped her up before I asked any questions.

"What's the problem?" I asked.

The little girl pointed to her knee. Blood was gushing out. I took my handkerchief and tied it around her knee to prevent the further flow of blood.

"What's your name?" I finally asked.

"Hannah", she replied.

"Okay, Hannah. I'm going to get you home", I promised.

I flagged down the cab and Hannah directed the driver to her home. We got down and I paid the driver. He sped off. I rang the doorbell and a teenage girl opened it. She had long, auburn hair which was braided. She wore a red and green striped sweater with a woolly jacket. Hannah ran into her arms as soon as she saw her.

"I'm Daphne", she introduced herself.

"I'm Kimberley, but you can call me Kim", I said.

"Thanks for bringing Hannah back. She really wanted to ride her bicycle but nobody wanted to go to the park with her so I guessed she sneaked out. We were getting worried about her and were going to start a search party. But you've brought her so that wouldn't be necessary", Daphne told me.

"No problem. I was just taking a walk and I saw Hannah.", I explained.

"Are you new here?' Daphne asked me.

"Not really. I've been here before, but I was very little".

"It's a small town so I know everyone around here".

I looked at my watch and realized it was almost dinnertime. I didn't know I had walked for such a long time.

"I have to go back home. So maybe we'll talk some other time?"

"Sure".

I hurriedly walked back to the house, trying to remember which way I had waked. After getting lost a few times and dawdling a bit, I finally reached home just in time for dinner. I helped lay the table and everyone sat down to eat after the prayer. I called and texted Melissa and Cathy before finally going to bed.

  The sound of my alarm clock woke me up the next morning. I quickly did my morning chores, had my breakfast and did my morning stuff before rushing to the garage. I arrived just in time for Kevin arrived a minute after I did.

"It's not fair! " Kevin shouted.

"It is. I got here first", I said.

"But I promised my friends I would go ice skating with them".

"Kevin, don't worry.  I'm only going shopping. I won't be long".

"I know how long shopping can take", Kevin muttered under his breath and walked away.

I shrugged. He could walk or take a bus. I didn't care. I hopped into the car and sped off.

  I asked for directions and found Sweetwater Shopping Mall. Christmas decorations were seen everywhere and the mall was packed and this was in early December. I even struggled finding a good spot to park the car. I'm glad I did my Christmas shopping early. Soon enough, I finished my Christmas shopping and bought gifts for virtually everybody in the family. I had bought so many things and I found it difficult carrying all of them. I tripped and all the bags I was carrying fell down. I bent down to pick them up.

"Let me help you with that", a female voice said.

I turned around and saw Daphne standing right in front of me! Hannah was standing beside her. This time, her long, auburn her was tied into a ponytail and she was wearing a plain white sweater with the same woolly jacket.

"Just doing some shopping", I said.

"Same here. Can you believe how many people are in this place? I'm so glad I did my Christmas shopping early", Daphne commented.

"Oh, and you brought Hannah along too", I said when I saw Hannah holding some shopping bags.

"Yeah, I couldn't leave her at home. Are you in a hurry to go anywhere?" Daphne asked me.

"Not really", I responded.

"I was wondering if you would care to join Hannah and I. We're going to take a bite".

"Sure, I'll come along as soon as I put these bags in my car".

I quickly put the shopping bags in my car and Hannah, Daphne and I made our way to a fast-food restaurant. We soon ordered our food and were sitting at the table, eating.

"So are you enjoying your stay here so far in Sweetwater?" Daphne asked me.

"Well, to be honest, it was boring till we met each other", I said truthfully.

"So will you stay here in Sweetwater?" Daphne asked again.

"No. I'll return home shortly after Christmas".

"So what are the Christmas traditions you have here in Sweetwater?" I asked Daphne.

"Oh, the normal. You know, singing carols, exchanging gifts, blah, blah, blah", Daphne answered.

I was thinking of the Christmas traditions we had back home. Christmas was always fun. I had the feeling that my stay here in Sweetwater would be boring. I think I was feeling homesick.

"I know you're leaving here and all but you can still come here anytime you want".

"Yeah. That would be great".

  I drove slowly back home. My thoughts wandered. So far, Sweetwater wasn't so bad. I had made an acquaintance. Maybe, if I just give it a try, my Christmas wouldn't be as bad as I had thought. I used my phone a little, checking my notifications on social media and chatting with my friends who were in Alabama. After a few hours of doing that, I wet to my bedroom and soon fell asleep.