Sweetheart Christmas

<<Sweetheart Christmas>>

My eyes were glued to my wristwatch as I patiently waited. It was almost time. In my peripheral vision, I could discern a much more relaxed and calm Jack, unlike the anxious girlfriend he possessed. Both hands were casually stuffed in the pockets of his ripped jeans and his chestnut brown hair was suavely swept to the side, occasionally being blown into place by the gentle breeze.

Even the air around him was at such ease.

"We're open!"

I peeled my eyes away from my watch and forthwith, I rushed into the shopping mall like a ravenous bear in search for food. It was the 25th of December and that only meant one thing - store wide 50% discount on all merchandise. Oh yes, it was also Christmas Day.

I scrambled to every child's heaven - Toys 'R' us. Scanning the immaculate shopping list, I then stared at the numerous aisles that lay before me like an elaborate labyrinth.

Focusing myself, I sprang into action. Barbie dolls, toy cars, Legos, stuffed animals...

The goodies were transferred from the shelves into the trolley I held in hand in a matter of moments as my claws swiped at anything that resembled fresh salmon for this starving bear.

"Val, wait up!"

Unfortunately, in the terrible rush I was in, I had forgotten my sloth-like Jack who was inching his way towards me at an incredibly slow pace.

Smiling an apologetic smile at him, I checked my shopping list again before hunting my next target.

It was then I saw a little counter that had pretty and sparkly charms. My eyes sparkled in delight as I swooned over the sweet and precious charms.

"Val, we still have lots to shop for," reminded Jack as he placed a hand over my shoulder and dragged me away from the counter.

Mentally, I thanked him for bringing my attention back to the serious matter at hand which was to purchase Christmas presents.

"You're right. Even though there's a massive sale today, my own desires can wait," I said as I went back to the children's section.

After an hour or so, we were at the cashier with everything that needed to be bought.

Once everything was neatly piled up in the separate trunks of our car, we raced back in our separate ways to our own homes, where I was just in time for the traditional Christmas dinner the Hales' were used to having.

Just like every year, after the sumptuous dinner, the adults would give the dear children their unwrapped gifts. And as always, their dearest Aunt Val would give unwrapped gifts to her nieces and nephews. Though their little faces would show signs of discomfort because she hadn't wrapped the presents unlike the rest of the relatives, the overwhelming joy of receiving what they wanted for Christmas would always outshine the gloom as they gleefully take their present from her.

I smiled in relief as I noticed that this year, traditions were not rebelled against and that everything went smoothly.

After the exhausting day was over and everyone went back to their own homes, I then sat on the floor of the living room and threw away all the used wrapping paper that had been ruthlessly tore off from the gifts by the children. Taking the carriers that my presents to them were previously in, I put them in a pile which was to be thrown away. It was then I noticed a tiny little box sunken in the very bottom of one of the plastic bags.

Curiously, I unopened the box. I was pleasantly surprised that it wasn't empty. In fact, inside the box lay a very delicate charm in the shape of a tiara with rhinestones scattered all over it. Attached to the charm was a slip of paper that read: "Thanks for being my queen, I love you. Merry Christmas. - Jack"

I clutched the small to gift against my chest and marveled at the beauty of the Christmas lights in my view. The lights reminded me of the magic of Christmas and how I used to anticipate for Christmas as a young girl. Today, I realised that Christmas was still meant to be anticipated for.

And what was my Christmas present?

Jack.

Although, it would've been more meaningful if he had gotten me a charm in the shape of a sloth. It would've always reminded me of him.

Author's Note!

Hello all my dearest readers and merry Christmas Eve!! I decided to stay up last night to complete this and I'm happy that I had done so, despite the fact that my eyebags have become all the more prominent. It's alright though, since I'm very happy with this piece of work.

This is also a piece I did for a writing contest hosted by BubbleGumPopMag! They're hosting writing contests all the time so you should definitely check them out if you're interested :) Haha I hope I win because if I do, my work will be featured in their next issue I think!

This is also dedicated to Kol_Mikaelsonx who fanned me last night which totally made my Christmas Eve. Thank you!!

Anyway, have a splendid Christmas everyone! I hope that you've enjoyed this short story and if so, don't forget to comment, vote or fan if you haven't!

Thank you because I will love you forever!!!