Christmas Secret

Christmas Promt

It was cold. Really cold. Like the kind of cold where it didn't matter if it was snowing no one would want to be outside. And all I wanted to be doing right now was be huddling by a nice, controlled fire with a frothy mug of hot cocoa in my hands watching the snow flutter down and create a winter scene. Preferably with Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer playing in the background. But I wasn't bundled up at the dorm with my roommate and cousin and instead standing in the winter wonderland, freezing, while waiting for the light to change.

I let out another shiver, hands rubbing themselves through thick wool gloves as snow piled atop my hair black. Slowly a neon green man appeared in the screen before my brown eyes, cars swerving as they tried to stop on the icy road. Walking quickly I watched my breath form before my eyes, other pedestrians creating more strands of smoke. Soon salvation was in sight, a neon sign spelling out the words OPEN. Opening the door I let out the smallest hiss, freezing metal burning my skin.

It was quiet in the store except for soft murmings and the twinkle of little bells as idle customers observed flying Santas with a less than amused look. It seems many had come in only to escape from the storm, waiting patiently for the snow to stop. Shaking my head I felt a mini storm come down, half melted flakes creating a puddle around my boots. It looks like I won't exactly be comfortable for the next hour. Letting out a small huff I walked forward swiftly, eyes roaming side to side at the many Christmas displays. Rows upon rows of cheesy Christmas cards filled out and color coordinated by shade. It was becoming increasingly clear that the employees had way to much time on their hands when another display came into view. Rows upon rows of little Knick knacks posed to show different views, delicately painted as they sat on cold metal shelves.

But nothing was what Lerum wanted, little brat, or would even consider looking at so I kept going. In all honesty coming to this store for a Christmas Eve gift hadn't been one of my smartest ideas but Jaden was making ginger bread and I'd be damned if I missed her roommates cooking just because her cousin wanted a beginning toy on Christmas. Letting out a small huff I reached the back of the store, eyes roaming over the minimal children's toys. There. Hidden in the back, filling wide rimmed baskets, were small little model kits showing bright and colorful robots. It would be the perfect beginning gift.

Grabbing the small box I placed the item in a handbasket and headed to the entrance. Even more people were crowded in the store, murmuring adults eyes filled with worry as the snow fell down in white sheets. Casting a nervous glance around my eyes fell on a tick wool scarves hanging from wooden hooks. Perhaps I should prepare.

—————————————————————

It was frigid outside. Gails of icy wind pushing against my slowly moving body, snow piling atop my head as they suck to my shaking body. Feet digging into the packed snow I moved forward as my body tried to gain ground. Luckily I knew this route by heart or I would be lost in the monstrous storm.

Gaining ground I could spot the outline of a weathered pole and bright green sign spelling out ininteligible letters. I let out a soft sigh, it would only be another ten minutes at worst until I was home safe and sound. Step by step I approached the sign, frozen water sloshing in my boots as the temperature continued to drop. The sun was almost halfway down, and little traffic was on the road.

I stopped. Something was moving slightly ahead of her, one big body and two small ones desperately crying out for savior. Through the snow I couldn't see what creature it was, but I felt my heart split in two. I couldn't just leave two babies and, what I assumed, a mother to freeze on Christmas Eve, but how would my roommate Jaden react? She was strict enough as it was, and two wild animals that were half frozen weren't exactly the best arguing point.