My Only Wish This Year // Flee

One

*Story is Faye's POV throughout*

Sighing, I made my way into yet another toy store. Today was the 1st of December, 24 days until Christmas, and I hadn't finished my little sister's Christmas shopping. Usually I'd be long finished, hell they'd be wrapped and ready by now but this year I'd just been too busy to even think about Christmas. I quietly cursed to myself as I picked up a Monster High doll I knew she'd like and placed it into the basket. I managed to push through the ever growing crowd towards the till as I queued patiently. When I managed to get to a cashier, I was greeted by a confused look, as if he was wondering was I buying all this for myself or if I had a kid. I simply smiled awkwardly and paid for the things before promptly leaving.

Sure, I'm used to that look by now but it can still sting sometimes, reminding me of what's missing. When I was 19, and my sister was 4, our parents died in a car crash around the Christmas period. Of course, Courtney, being 4 at the time, was too young to understand, and still, 3 years later I can't bring myself to tell her. I'm 22 now, and I've basically been raising her for the past 3 years.

Of course, raising a younger sister has meant I've had no time for myself. No time for friends and definitely no time for love. In fact, I've never had a boyfriend. Anyone I meet automatically assumes I was some teen mom who was knocked up in high school and deletes my number before I have a chance to explain. Although I love my sister dearly, she doesn't make my life the easiest, but I've learned to live with it.

Carrying the multiple bags of toys, I walked along the snow sprinkled streets and admired the beautiful winter day. All around I saw couples in love, and although I do like other people to be happy, I couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy. As I wandered past the small coffee shop on the corner of the street, my eye caught a young couple, perhaps a few years younger than myself. The girl was so beautiful, something I'd learnt to accept that I'd never be, and I could tell the guy as deeply in love with her. It was in his eyes. How I yearned for someone to look at me with that same passion and love.

Eyes captivated by the beautiful scene that was before me, I turned the corner, completely unaware of the handsome guy coming the other way. Smiling gently, imagining myself in there, I was taken by complete surprise when I suddenly landed on the ground, all the toys I had previously bought sprawled all around me.

"Oh I'm so sorry" a male's voice filled my ears
"No it's totally my fault" I shook my head as I began to pick up the toys
"Here let me help" he said as he started to place some of the toys into one of the bags.

Our hands met for a brief moment, and for the first time in our encounter I looked up, as he looked towards me. Our eyes met and I took in his features. He had gorgeous dark brown hair, that was slightly ruffled and chocolate brown eyes with the sincerest of smiles. God dammit he was so hot.

Neither of us spoke until all the toys were bagged up and in my hands again.

"You look flustered, would you like to grab a coffee?" He offered, gesturing to the coffee shop
"I'd like that" I smiled and nodded

We sat down at quiet secluded table in the corner of the shop and he opened with the dreaded question.

"So... who are the toys for?" He asked, taking a sip of his coffee
"Its not what it looks like-" I began
"If you were a teen mom I'm not judging"
"No no it's nothing like that. These are for my little sister" I explained
"Oh, do your parents not buy the presents?" He questioned
"Well... not exactly... they're kind of... busy" I trailed off
"Ohhhh" he nodded approvingly "Are they really busy with work?"
"Something like that" I mumbled

To my relief he left it there and didn't bring it up again. We talked about anything and everything, had several cups of coffee, and passed many hours. It was special. I'd never felt this connection with anyone. I was entranced by him. I could've stayed with him for hours. I was pulled out of my trance with the sound of my phone ringing. It was my little sister Courtney.

"Shit" I mumbled to myself
"Everything alright?" He asked, concerned
"Oh yeah" I shook my head "it's my sister, I forgot I was supposed to pick her up I'm so sorry"
"It's okay" he smiled reassuringly
"Thank you for everything, Lee"
"Just one thing?" He questioned
"Yes?" I laughed
"Call me if you need any help with your sister, what with your parents being really busy, okay?" He said, extending his hand to give me a piece of paper
"Sure" I blushed as I reached to take the paper. Our hands touched as I took the paper and I felt the sparks. Lee was special. I was so glad I'd met him.

"See you soon?" I asked
He simply nodded and smiled before I turned to leave and pick up my little sister.

Lee made me happier than I'd ever been since 3 christmasses ago.