On the second day of Christmas,
My true love sent to me—
Two Turtle Doves
❆ ❆ ❆
S E C O N D D A Y
"Merry Christmas, Jellal."
"Erza, it's Christmas Eve—"
"Doesn't matter! Don't ruin my Christmas spirit! This is the only holiday I actually care about."
A chuckle resonated from the phone, and Erza only rolled her eyes, imagining the blue-haired male crying from laughter at her reasoning. It was completely true, though—maybe she freaked out over Christmas a little too much, but that didn't matter. It was her favorite holiday, and if you knew Erza Scarlet, you would have lost your jaw from gaping at her too long.
Erza was a strict, impulsive, and almost lethal woman—she had a tendency to dislike people who didn't answer her questions quickly enough, and could easily get pissed off by sarcastic or goofy people. Still, she was kind, and it was weird for some to see that she was socially awkward. Besides her boyfriend and family, she had little to no friends because of how unsociable she was.
And because of the Christmas season, her armored heart was naturally warmed by seeing kindness, charity, generosity; given how much pride and justice she held to herself. Despite being fiercely independent, she didn't mind getting some help decorating the Christmas tree or receiving a gift. It was all because of the particular holiday, and friends and family found that quite adorable.
Erza bit her lip, glancing at the frosted window, icicles hanging off the ledge. A strong gale shook the glass slightly, and the only thing she could see was a blur of snow and hail. It wasn't too bad. She could definitely still visit Jellal, but the aching feeling of dread still remained in her stomach. Visiting Jellal's birth home was an annual tradition for Christmas, and while the prospect of his loving parents and warm food might entice others, she knew the real trouble of going there. His birth home was an entire town over—and the distance between Magnolia and Hargeon was almost an overnight ride. While it may seem fine, the chaotic weather of the season created a lot of problems for her and Jellal. Thankfully, the past six years they had been doing the tradition, no major delays occurred, but the current weather right now made her heart sink.
Noticing how Erza hadn't responded at all, Jellal asked,"Hey, how's the weather where you're at? Magnolia a freezing hell?" he laughed a little at the end.
She wish she could be as collected as Jellal, but her heart wouldn't allow it. She bit her lip harder this time, until she tasted metallic blood. Squeezing her fist, she forced on a cheery tone, and laughed,"No, no, it's fine here! Don't worry. I'll make it in time for Christmas day, don't worry!"
"Al-alright . . . br . . . up . . . za?" Jellal's distorted voice started to crackle, and soon the phone line went dead.
She felt horrible for being relieved. If he didn't have phone service, his internet must have been dead as well. If he didn't have the internet, there was no way he could actually verify Erza's lie.
The snow pounded against her roof, and the blizzard only came down harder. The woman shivered, and ran a sweaty hand down her face. How was she ever going to make it in time?
