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Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus, right down Santa Claus Lane.....

I smile at the tune playing over the speakers along the street. This time of year is always my favorite, with the lights up, the music carrying a sweet tune and making us all anticipate the biggest holiday of the year.

"Janet?" I hear an all-too familiar voice call.  I turn, and Peter is standing behind me, a cup of hot cocoa steaming in his hand.

"Peter. Hi." I breathe out, shocked. When did he come home? Why is he here?

"Hi. It's been a while, hasn't it?" He runs a hand through his auburn hair, but it's only going to fall back in those couple stray hairs across his forehead.

"Yeah, it's been a minute." 1 year, 4 months, and 6 days.

I never lost feelings for him. We didn't break up because we weren't right for each other, he was—is?—the love of my life. We just ended because he moved three hours away. But now he's suddenly here. I don't know how to feel.

"You seem happy." I feel awkward, seeing my ex here.

"I am." I respond, shoving my hands into my coat pockets.

"Do you maybe want to take a walk with me?" He asks. I hesitate.

He senses my hesitation, and gives me a small smirk. It sends my heart fluttering all over again.

"I don't bite, Janet. I promise." He chuckles warmly, and I feel as if he never left. It's as if he didn't break my heart by leaving, and suddenly he's appeared right here.

"Okay." I simply say, and we walk around town, catching up and I can't help but notice how easily the conversation flows between us.

That's when I notice where we are. We're back in our special spot, and I forgot how beautiful the view was. I haven't visited it in ages.

We sit at a bench facing the view, and he looks over at me.

"I like it when your hair is like that." Peter comments, and I smile, touching the braid that falls down my shoulder. I had placed a beret to complete the style.

"I have a question." I say, and he raises his eyebrows.

"Why did you come home?" I ask, and he sighs.

"My mom got laid off. There were some budget errors, and her department got cut entirely. She had to come home to her old job."

"Oh my god, I'm so sorry." I knew how excited his mom was about her job. She must be devastated.

"It's okay. She'll be fine. And, I'm glad I ran into you tonight." He looks over at me, his eyes fond. I can't help but get a flashback to when we broke up a year ago.

"I'm going to miss you." I whisper, tears falling down my cheeks.

"I will too. But you know my mom can't deny this."

"I know. I don't want to hold you guys back. But I don't want to lose you, either."

"Who said you were going to lose me?" His voice trembles, and it kills.

"Why are you glad?" I ask, but I think I know the answer already.

"Because I want to pick up where we left off. I haven't stopped loving you, Janet." He scoots closer to me, and I instinctively lean into him.

He still smells the same. Cinnamon and Downy detergent.

"I don't think I'll ever stop loving you, Peter." I whisper, and he looks down at me.

I pick my head up, and I can't stop staring at his lips, and he can't stop looking at mine.

"Can I kiss you?" Peter asks, and I nod. I want him back, I missed him so so much.

He leans in, and I can't believe I survived a year without his kisses. I wrap my arms around his neck, and sink even deeper into the kiss.

Once we break apart, I whisper, "Please, for the love of God, don't leave me ever again."

"I promise, I won't. I love you." He whispers back, touching his forehead to mine.

"I love you, too." I kiss him again, and a gentle breeze chills me to the bone, as snowflakes drift all around us.

He wraps his arms around me, and we just stay there, holding each other, watching the snow fall around us from the night sky.

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