Christmas Carols

f i v e

"You're... wow."

"Is that good or bad?"

"It's fantastic," I say.

She giggles and asks, "what about you?"

"I'm— well, I'm me."

"Interests? Hates? Hobbies?"

"I'm really interested in science! I hate... well you know what I hate. I don't really have any hobbies except for participating in STEM competitions."

"You sound like a nerd," she says jokingly.

"I'm sorry," I tell her.

"No, I think it's cute. I like dedicated science students."

"What are you hoping to go to college for?"

"A music degree. As you can tell by my caroling, I love singing."

"Even though caroling is caroling, your singing is honestly amazing."

"You're just saying that to be nice."

"No! I wouldn't lie about hearing such a beautiful voice like yours."

"Thank you."

"Thank your own voice," I say.

She laughs and gives me a hug, her eyes lingering to my lips. The moment lasts for a few seconds and I pull away, embarrassed at the sudden contact and gaze.

"Do you want to walk to the restaurant nearby and grab something to eat?" I impulsively ask her and I instantly feel worried that she'll say no.

"Is that your way of asking me on a date?"

"Maybe," I shyly tell her.

"If so, then yes, obviously!"

"I thought you were going to say no," I admit.

"As if I would ever want to be miss out on a date with you."

I smile, and she warmly holds my hand. I take my phone out of my pocket and send a text with a reservation to a special restaurant I have in mind.

"Who are you texting?"

"No one," I quickly say.

"Right."

   ***********

   "I've never been here before," she comments when we arrive to the restaurant.

  "That's good, I want this place to be new to you."

  "Smart."

  "I guess," I say, shrugging and I lead her into the restaurant.

  "Reservations?" The man says when we walk in.

  "Under the name of Scarlet Lox."

   "Ah, here you are. I'll lead you two to your table," he tells us, directing us to a private table in a corner of the room.

  "Thank you," I say.

  He leaves us alone, and promises that he'll send someone to gather our orders when we're ready.

  "Hm, Lox? That's an interesting last name," Stella tells me.

  "Well, that's my name."

  "I've got the keys to un-Lox your heart," she tells me, adding a wink at the end.

  "Wow."

  "Too soon?"

  I shake my head and laugh, telling her, "it was just a surprise— I didn't take you to be a pun making person."

  "I always try," she says.

"You're adorable."

She smiles and says, "what are you going to order?"

"Whatever you'll order," I say.

"That's not fair! What if I order something like fish guts?"

"Then I will eat it as long as you do."

She shakes her and says, "no. Order what you want and I'll ask for what I want."

"Fine," I say and I begin looking down at the menu.

I order the first meal option I see while Stella takes her time to look at each option.

"May I take your orders?" A waiter comes by, asking.

"Yes, I'll have this meal," I point to the option, "and she will have," I trail off, waiting for her to finish the sentence.

"Um, I'll have this order," she says.

"Anything to drink?"

"Just water," I respond.

"Same for me."

He nods and leaves to get the food prepared.

"This is a classy restaurant. I'm sorry I didn't dress well for it," Stella apologizes.

"I didn't even know I was going to ask you on a date, how would you have known? I think you look beautiful, whether it's in rags or in a gown."

"Once again, you're just saying that to be nice."

"I would never lie about your beauty."

She blushes and says, "thanks. I think you're gorgeous as well."

After minutes of talking, the food arrives and we start eating. We spend the rest of the meal talking about random subjects but I'm entranced with every single thing she says. At the end of the meal, I pay even though Stella insists on paying, which I tell her is insane since I'm the one that asked her on the date. As we're walking out of the building, Stella gives me a kiss on my cheek and it brings upon a special feeling in my chest.