Sacrifices for Love | Jonah Marais

Chapter 1 | Snowflakes

I look outside the window. Everything is white. Even the trees. All I see are snowflakes falling. They all seem the same at first glance, but each snow crystal is different. No two are alike. Just like people, but my family never understood that. "Don't wear that Audrey! You don't want to stand out! Just be like everyone else. You want to be normal don't you honey?" My childhood mostly consisted of those words. I didn't want to be brought up this way, but I was. My whole town is like this. Nothing interesting ever happens around here. I wake up, go to school, come home, do my work, and sleep. It's like that every single day. I can't stand it! I hate it! But im afraid to do anything else, because it's wrong to be different. That's what society has taught me, and it's implanted in my brain. 

My thoughts are interrupted be a low growling noice. I look away from the window and see my dog, tugging at the presents under the tree. "Buddy!" I exclaim as I run over to him. "Stop that right now!" He tucks his tail under his legs when he sees me. I sigh as I see torn up wrapping paper everywhere. I have no choice but to go to the store and buy some more. I quickly grab my keys and head out. A gust of wind crosses my face as soon as I open the door. 

I drive into town and see people running around carrying presents. Everyone is doing last minute Christmas shopping. I walk into the store, hoping that there will still be some wrapping paper left. Not paying much attention, I grab one with snowflakes on it and check out. I head back to my car and stick in the key. The car roars but does not start. I twist the key back and forth, but nothing happens. It's beginning to snow harder and I have to get home before Buddy messes something else up. I get out of the car, "Hey can anyone help me please?" I shout. No one pays attention. Everyone is in a rush because the stores will close soon. I reach in my pocket to call someone for help, but realize that I left it home in a rush. My hands freezing, I sit back down and look out the window. I start to examine the snowflakes again, when this time I'm interrupted by a low voice. "Hey, are you all right?" I look up and see a tall boy. He looks about 18 or 19. His jawline perfectly shapes his face. He's wearing a big coat and has a scarf wrapped around him. "Um not really. My car broke down cause of all this snow," I reply still distracted by his good looks. "Well let's see here," he says as he takes his hands out of his pockets and opens the front hood. He messes around with a few wires for a while before he says, "All right try starting her now!" I cross my fingers and twist the key. The engine starts. "Thank you!" I say as I get up and lean in for a hug. I later stand back realizing how I just hugged a stranger. "I uh I'm sorry-" I begin to say. "No worries," he replies, "I needed that to keep me warm." He smiles. I smile back. "I'm Jonah by the way," he says. "I'm Audrey," I reply, "I would love to talk but it's freezing and I got to go." "Oh I understand," he replies, "but before you leave, could I get your number?" I look back at him for a second. "You know just in case your car breaks down again, I can help," he adds, smiling. "All right," I say laughing. I tell him my number, thank him again, and head back home. I rewrap the presents and can't help smiling the whole time. The rest of the day, I eat dinner and spend some time with my family.

Right before I go to sleep, I pull out my phone and see a text, "Hey it's Jonah. I know this is pretty last minute, but my family is having a Christmas party tomorrow. It's just gonna be some close friends and I was wondering if you would like to come."

Without thinking, I reply, "Of course! I'll be there. Just send me the address."

I then go to sleep, not even realizing that my parents planned a party tomorrow and it wouldn't be "normal" if I just ditched it.