There it was, again this morning, staring at you the second you opened your apartment door. The small perfectly wrapped present. A shiny blue paper and silver bow stared you down from the spot on the floor.
Present #23
Every morning, some how, since December 1st the boxes began arriving. Why had to be the biggest mystery, outside of who?
Each tag read the same, addressed to you, from: Santa.
Whichever one of your friends were leaving the presents needed their arse kicked. This had been cute the first three days, but now it was becoming a little concerning and even a little awkward.
Fumbling the package around in your hand, you sigh, wondering what was in today's package. The gifts had been great, no doubt - especially the homemade cookies and the fresh Danishes, but now it was getting to be too much. You really didn't deserve it.
"Morning," A shy voice jolts you back to the hallway. Standing in the door of your apartment, you blush not having noticed the neighbour from two doors down approaching.
"Good morning, Marco." You greet him with a sheepish smile. "Off to work?"
"Not today, I'm off to pick my mom up at the airport." He smiles proudly. His cheeks round and his eyes bright. "She's coming here for Christmas this year," He shares, not that it matters to you.
"That will be nice. I hope you two have a good holiday." You can't help but notice how good he always looks.
You knew Marco like any other neighbour, he was in Dublin for work, he was shy, friendly, and always willing to help if he could. He was fairly quiet, despite his rowdy friends, and was never a cause to complain.
Once or twice the two of you had hung out, if you could call waiting for cabs in the lobby or a casual social gathering hanging out?
"You, too." Marco offers with another shy glance. "So, do you like that present?"
Lifting the present, you shrug and allow him to take it in his hands. "Since I don't know what's in it, not yet." You reply. "Someone keeps leaving them by my door." You offer the other information.
"A secret Santa." Marco nods in understanding. "I hope they're good gifts."
"They're not bad, I almost feel guilty for opening them, though." You admit, not wanting him to think you are some sort of selfish gift grubber.
"They're addressed to you," Marco carefully hands the box back, his eyes on your hands. "They're meant to be enjoyed."
His words make sense. When your best friend had said something along the same lines, you had been appalled that she would even suggest enjoying them.
"I guess," You bite your bottom lip. "I don't suppose you've been getting them, too?"
It was a long shot.
Marco shook his head, "Nope."
"Thanks." You offer a small smile, slowly taking a step back into your apartment, suddenly aware of your pjs. "Well, I should let you go get your mom."
"Yeah, her flight will be in soon. I can't have her waiting too long." He agrees, rubbing his hand against the back of his neck. "I um...if you're not busy tomorrow would you like to join us for dinner?"
Christmas eve with the cute neighbour and his mother sounded a tad awkward, but it would beat sitting home alone. Having your family all over the place this Christmas had meant you were staying in Dublin, why bother traveling home if nobody would be there?
