Story Trades

For Clara

Two days before Christmas. That's when I saw him. His name is Jake. His friend, him, and I got really close at a Christmas party earlier in the month.

I was in the mall, looking for a Christmas present for him. I was thinking about getting him a collar, but I was worried he'd think it's stupid.

As I was looking, I heard a voice behind me. "Hey Clara! Nice to see you here!" I turned and blushed. He was standing right behind me.

"I wouldn't think you'd be one for collars" he said, startling me. He grabbed a red collar with a golden circle in the middle. "This one is cool." He says. My tail swayed happily.

The rest of my day was amazing. We talked and laughed and helped each other look for presents.

That night, he showed up in my dreams. It was a sunset, we were at the edge of a cliff. We were talking, laughing. I looked down at the water, but it was black.

A dark, shadowy mist rose up and came at me, through me. It hit Jake. His fur turned gray. He started yelling at me. Telling me how stupid I was to ever be friends with him.

I fell to my knees. "I know! Your right!" I yelled at this darker version of my friend. "Your way better than me! I don't even know why you talk to me!"

I woke up in tears. My mom ran into my room. "Are you alright sweetie?" She asked. I sighed. "Yeah, just a nightmare"

I went back to the mall. I was determined to get the present I had picked out.

As I passed by the jewelry section, I recognized his light blue fur and dog like ears imstantly. "Hey Jake." I said, shyly. He smiles and held up two different necklaces to me. "Hey Clara! Great timing!" He replied.

One necklace was a cross, while the other was a peace sign. "Which do you like better?" He asked. I smiled, and sighed. "The cross looks pretty good!" I said with fake enthusiasm. He smile. "I'll take the cross" he told the salesperson.

I went home, heartbroken. I still planned to give him his gift. Soon after rapping it, I heard my mom let someone in.

"Hey Clara" Jake said. I smiled, and grabbed the present I got for h Iim. "Here!" I said quickly. "It's for you!" He grinned and took it, then pulled out a small box. I noticed his tail sway as he grabbed it.

"And this is for you" he said.  I took his gift and smiled. That's when I knew, he was the one.