Short Stories

Blind Christmas

"Good morning." I greet with a smile.

She looks up at me as I sit across from her at this picnic table.

"Morning. Don't look so confident with that smile of yours." She warns.

My smile grows.

"What're you doing?" I ask, biting into the apple after saying a prayer.

She shows me her notebook. "Math."

I shake my head. "Not for me."

She smiles. "I know."

I watch as she concentrates on her problems needing to be solved.

Her eyebrows are knitted together and lips form a thin line. Her eyes roam over the numbers across her paper and when she finally understands or gets something, her eyes relax and a small smile come across her face.

She looks up and sees me looking. "What's with the expression?"

I shrug. "Just love watching you solve problems. So pretty despite the stress."

She rolls her eyes but I know she's not mad.

When I'm done eating, we get up and stroll through the park.

"What do you plan on doing this Christmas?" I dare to ask.

"I want to visit the pound again. See what dog I can bring home." She says softly.

I know she loves dogs and already has three of her own. I smile at the thought of living with her and a house full of dogs. Well, maybe in the future.

"What about you?" She asks, reading my expression. She'll never guess.

"I plan on making a special someone's holidays more exciting." I say with a wink.

She shakes her head and smiles. "You and your plans. I can read it all on your face."

We reach the end of the path and head to the parking lot.

"I can drive you home." I offer, a hopeful expression on my face.

She smiles shyly. "Trey-"

I wave her off. "Don't worry. Your parents gave me an unlimited deal to drive you home whenever I can."

She giggles.

I take her bag and books and open the door for her. She thanks me and I hand her her stuff. I walk to the other side and we drive to her house.

Once there, I open the door for her and she steps out. We walk to the front door and I ring the doorbell.

"Thank you." She says. Her hand goes up to my face and she gently holds it. I lean into her touch.

"I'll miss you over break." She says softly.

I chuckle. "I told you. I'll be making someone's holidays more exciting."

She pretends to not understand. "By someone, did you mean me?"

I roll my eyes and kiss her palm as the door opens.

"Next time, I'd better see a ring on that hand and a kiss on the lips."

I look at her father and shake his hand firmly.

"Good to see you sir."

He smiles. "Hey Trey. Thanks."

I smile. "No problem."

I look at her and take in her hazel eyes and long brown hair.

She raises an eyebrow and I shake my head. "See ya around. Take care and God bless."

She smiles and I head back to my car.

I love seeing that expression on your face.

I smile as I read the text. I'm sitting on my bed, mom in the kitchen and dad at work.

Well, I can't help it cuz I love you;)

I smile to myself imagining the new year about to come. I can't wait for my prayers, dreams, and goals to come to pass. No matter what happens, I will soon be with her for a lifetime.

***
One year later

Last Christmas, I surprised her by showing up with a gift, and a ring box inside. Our families were gathered for the annual Christmas dinner and I proposed. They were all happy, her in particular.

For New Year's we went ice skating at the rink and drank hot chocolate in front of the fireplace while eating cookies and talking deep into the night way past midnight.

The year went by quickly and much happened. An accident included.

I open the door to our room and smile as I see her gentle sleeping form still on the bed.

"Good morning."

She looks up at me and reaches her hands out, feeling my face. She smiles as she traces the form of my lips, curved into my signature smile.

"Morning." She whispers.

She pulls the covers back and sits up.

"What time is it?" She asks, her head turning to the position of the clock.

"Ten hours left till Christmas." I say, helping her up.

We spend the day organizing the presents and the dining room. Our families will be coming over at our house this time.

After dinner, we play games and the others watch a movie. The dogs run around the house, barking and excited.

I take her hand in mine and lead her to the door of our porch. I wrap a blanket around her and gently lead her outside where mistletoe hang around us.

I look inside and see the time.

11:57pm

She places her hands on my face again and forces me to look at her.

"What are you planning?" She mumbles as she traces her fingers over my face.

I stay still, making sure my plans won't be spoiled by my expression.

She hums to herself, not sure with what's about to happen.

Her hands stay on my face and she traces my lips again.

"Where's the smile I know and love?" She asks, staring at me though I know she can't see me. "I may not be able to see but I can feel it. What's wrong, baby?"

I finally smile and she feels it. It brings a smile on her face too.

"There it is."

11:59pm

"I just thought we could have a moment out here." I whisper.

I pull her closer and she tilts her head up as if too look at me.

"I'm so blessed to have you in my life." She suddenly says. "Through the ups and downs." Her eyes tear up and I think I'm getting emotional myself.

"I love you. Aside from Jesus, you're one of the best gifts He's ever given me." She cries softly.

12:00am

I lean down and gently kiss her.

When I pull back, it's 12:02am. I smirk and look at her. She feels my face and she pulls back.

"I was being real emotional, you kiss me, it's all romantic under the mistletoe I presume and you smirk." She lightly scolds.

I chuckle and pull her close.

"You know, you feel and see so much more than most people." I say.

She laughs softly. "I'm glad I get to through my first and every blind Christmas with you. You do make the holidays more exciting."

"I love you." I whisper into her hair.

"I love you too." She mumbles against my chest.