15.06 (#2)

Chapter 2

Christmas in the Jamieson family was the best holiday, aside from thanksgiving. Every year we held a huge party where many important people attended and boasted about their riches. Naturally I was absent for most of the evening, usually drowning my sorrows in my room with a bottle of cheap whiskey and laughing at the irony of my alcohol choice. Thankfully it was going to be a quiet affair this year, just like it was two years ago. My dad made it a rule we at least attended the private family dinners for which I had no obligation about. Christmas was the only time I ever allowed myself to get drunk. It was the one holiday which brought back too many painful memories so drinking away my problems once a year seemed perfectly fine to me. I had no clue what my family wanted; I mean what do you give to one of the richest families in America, they had everything.

I let my sous chef take over the kitchen for the day while I took the day off as opportunity to relax. With my usually hectic schedule I was thankfully I had cleared the day to just lounge around in my apartment, drinking, watching Netflix and generally just bumming about. It also gave a chance to think of presents for my family.

"Chris!" Groaning, I slipped out of bed to greet my annoyingly happy sister.

"What do you want Felicity?" I asked tiredly, sitting down on the bar stool.

"We're going Christmas shopping!" She said excitedly, handing me a well needed cup of black coffee.

"Now? I took a day off because I needed a day off to do nothing." I informed her.

"What are you going to do at home? Mope around? I won't let you. Its been almost seven years. She's gone Chris. Rori isn't coming back." Felicity said.

"I know. I still think about her you know."

"I know you do. But it's time to move on. It's been a long time." She said exasperatedly.

"Yeah you're right. Let me get ready then we can go to Macy's or something." I replied resignedly. She grinned and kissed my cheek.

"I bought breakfast too. So we can eat it in the car because the rush will be starting soon and I want to be done before the shops close today." I just shook my head at her enthusiasm and left to have a shower.

To be honest, I haven't thought about Rori in a long time. Sure she pops into my head once in a while, usually when I'm alone in the apartment or when I see George. Sighing, I pushed the image of her out of my head and focused on people who cared about me, my family.

I dressed in a simple blue shirt and black jumper before throwing on a pair of dark jeans. "Are you done already? I swear you take as much time as a girl!" Felicity cried.

"Calm yourself woman, I'm done." I laughed. She practically dragged me to her chauffeur driven escalade. Even if I renounced the riches of our family, she embraced it benefitting from all the perks. Felicity however, was the least spoilt rich woman I knew. She was the only light left in my life and I did all that I could to keep that light in her eyes. She may not have shared my blood but I'd die for my sister.

A week before Christmas and Macy's was just as we expected, packed and unpleasant. I continued to humour my sister as she pulled me around the store to collect the gifts she had ordered. Yes, she was that organised.

"I don't understand why you didn't just order it home?" I sighed for what seemed the hundredth time.

"Because I like going to the stores and experiencing Christmas myself." She replied. Felicity was an old one. Younger than me by only a few weeks but very much a child. To her everything was exciting, at least it became so when Rori suddenly left us all. Felicity lost the one true friend she ever made in high school and was left heartbroken. That day I vowed to never let my sister shed another tear for anyone. We became each other's crutches and shields. True to her nature she followed her dreams into the fashion industry like her mother.

I looked proudly at my sister as she helped a woman pick out an outfit for the upcoming festivities. She was a damn fine fashion designer and there was nothing that could take that sparkle out her eyes. "Are you done already?" I moaned as she insisted on helping another person decide what gift they should purchase for Christmas.

"Okay I'm done. Now the real challenge. I have to help you pick your presents out!" She grinned gleefully.

"I guess I do need help in that department," I admitted regretfully. Once again we rushed round the department store, picking items off the shelves and getting them gift wrapped.

"I think we've finished now don't you think?" I said, checking my watch. I had survived five hours of constant shopping I deserved a break.

"What about my gift?" She asked.

"No way. I'm not buying your present in front of you! That's cheating. I don't know what you got me so it's only fair you don't know either. Go help some people out and I'll call you when I'm done."

"Fine. I guess that old lady does need help with those clothes." She sighed. I just rolled my eyes knowing full well she was happy to help.

I had no idea what to buy my fashion conscious sister. She could design anything she wanted and she'd have it custom made. Buying for rich families was hard work. I roamed the handbag department not finding much inspiration, plus I looked awkward handling expensive bags but knowing nothing about them or their designers. Instead I gravitated towards the jewellery section. I heard Felicity mention that you could never go wrong with a simple piece of jewellery.

Suddenly a small child bumped into my leg. "Sowi!" She giggled. Her angelic face looked up at mine.

I crouched to her level, "That's okay, kiddo."

"My name is Oliwia," she introduced, holding her tiny hand out. Smiling, I shook it.

"My name is Chris. It's a pleasure to meet you."

"You're nice." She giggled once more.

"Where's your mother?" I asked, looking around.

"I lost her." Tears formed in her eyes.

"That's okay. We'll find her together." I promised.

"Olivia! Olivia." A frantic woman's voice called.

"Mommy!" The little girl cried and ran into her mother's arms.

"I was so worried Olivia. I couldn't find you." The mother's back was turned to me so I couldn't see her face.

"Mommy I'm fine. Are you crying?"

"No. I'm just happy you're safe."

"Mommy this man helped me. He's nice." Olivia pointed to me. The woman turned around and my breath caught in my throat. I couldn't forget those mismatched eyes even if I wanted to.

"Rori?"

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An early Christmas present for you all!! It just happened that even though I had written this chapter many, many weeks ago the beginning of the story started around this time of the year. Total coincidence. I wasn't really thinking about updating for a while but since the story coincides with the right time of the year, why not right? 

Hope you all have a happy holiday and enjoy the time you have off with the ones you love. 

Love you all

Neha xx