Against the Stars

Chapter 29

A few days later, Ginny decided that it had been some time since she'd seen Ben and she needed to see him again. She slipped out of her house early, wanting as much of the day as she could. She eagerly skipped down the road, watching as the sun began to rise in the distance, turning the sky into a color indescribable.

Ginny found herself in good spirits as she made her way through the streets. She smiled brightly and waved. She kicked up loose snow and pretended it was snowing. She laughed loud and loud as the snow decorated her hair, not caring who saw.

It was odd, the feeling of gee. Especially odd this time of year. The winner months, especially December, were hard on the Miller family as a whole because it reminded them of Delly. But for some reasons, today as Ginny thought of Delly, she thought of a bright smiling girl who would want her to be happy.

So that's what she did. 

Christmas time also brought joy to Ginny, because of a secret she had. Each year, instead of buying for everyone, each Miller would buy for one other person. This year, Ginny had Stephen and she had the best gift ever planned out. 

Ginny swung the door opened to the general store and began to move her way around. She found Ben on one side, staking items. Deciding to have some fun, Ginny snuck up being him, grabbed his collar, and pulled him back.

Ben weighed more than Ginny had anticipated and the two of them came crashing down against the floor, the items Ben had been stocking rolling away. Ben looked around, panicked, and then his eyes latched on Ginny. 

"What is the world do you think you're doing!?" Ben cried, as he tried to gather up some of the items. 

"Well, what I thought I was doing ended up being different than what I really did. So I'm not quite sure."

"Oh Ginny," Ben sighed.

"Oh Ben," Ginny said, perfectly imitating his voice. Ben rolled his eyes, but chuckled softly. 

"Ready to go?"

"One moment," Ben said, placing one more item on the shelf. "Let's go!" 

The pair headed outside. Ginny found herself shading her eyes over they got out. The sun had risen and was reflected against the snow, creating a bright glow. Ginny looked over and saw Ben doing the same. 

The two of them quickly made their way to the maple tree, ready to embrace the day. Today especially, Ginny was determined to get out of it all she could.  As they sat down, an idea beginning to form in her head. This could be a very fun plan. If all went according to plan. 

"So what are we doing Ginny?"

"I had an idea. What are we doing for Christmas?"

"We, as in you, and me?" Ben asked. Ginny nodded. "Nothing."

"So let's do something! Let's get gifts for one, another."

"What?" Ben cried.

"It's not that hard. We'll meet back here on Christmas eve, midnight to give the gifts."

"But Christmas Eve is only a week away!" Ben cried. 

"Yes, I could have said tomorrow if you prefer. Now if you excuse me, I have some shopping to do, I'll see you in a week,” Ginny said, standing up and leaving Ben dumbfounded. She laughed at that thought. 

One week later, Ginny couldn't wait for midnight to come. She had spent all week preparing her gifts, and couldn't wait to show her friends.

Christmas Eve dragged on, as Ginny waited for midnight. She spent time with her family and they did their traditions, but Ginny was on edge the whole night. She just wanted to show Ben and Celia. 

Finally, Ginny heard the clock strike midnight. It was Christmas day. Time to go, Ginny thought, as she slipped her cloak and shoes on and preceded outside, her gift stuffed deep into her pockets. 

Ginny couldn't help but run for the tree. She dashed through the streets, her bundle in her pocket crashing against her leg. She didn't care, she just kept running. 

When Ginny spotted the tree, her smile grew. She saw Ben and sitting at the base of it, large smiles on his faces. When he saw her, his smiles grew. "Ginny!" Ben called.

"Ben!!"' Ginny said, as she ran to sit next to him.

“Are you ready?”

“I am.”

“So who’s going first?” 

"I will!" He cried, excitedly. He reached into his bag and pulled out a long skinny package. Ginny ran her hand along the package. It felt smooth. She carefully began to rip the package open. Inside, was a small case.

"Open it," Ben said. 

Ginny up opened the small case to see a bright, freshly polished, dagger. 

"Oh Ben," She said, shocked. She could not believe what she was holding. 

"It was Nicholas’s old one. I just polished it up and had it looked at it. It's still in pretty good shape. Do you like it?" 

"Yes!" Ginny cried throwing her arms around Ben's neck. A dagger! She could scarcely believe it. She had wanted something she could carry around to protect her so she never had to deal with someone like Abiel again. Her mother wouldn't allow her, but now she could.

“I thought you could keep it in your book.”

“That’s genius!” Ginny cried. 

"I'm glad you like it."

"I do. Now it's my turn."

Ginny stood up and cleared her throat. 

"What are you doing?" Ben asked, confused. 

"Wait and see."

Ginny cleared her voice one more time and then began to sing. "We ran from the world

You and I Hand in hand

Eye in eye

We fled together

Just the two of us

Our shadows looking like not two 

But one

And that night 

We met together 

At our midnight

Maple tree

The freedom we felt 

As we ran 

Faraway 

Together

There was no stopping 

We were too far gone 

Away from life's troubles and hate

Alone

And that night it all started 

At our midnight 

Maple Tree"

For a moment Ben just started at her, almost shocked. Then his face twisted into smile. "Did you write that?"

Ginny nodded slowly, her voice a bit strained from the song. 

"It's beautiful, oh Ginny," Ben cried throwing his arms around her. Ginny just smiled back.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome."  And Ginny knew it, Christmas was magical. 

Author Note: What do you think? Do you think they should have kissed or not? Comment and let me know!