Warmer in the Winter

If You Liked It...

               The morning had been terrible for Yang – she had tripped no less than five times just trying to get into her winter clothing and had slipped several times just walking to the store. But she still held a smile on her face and the checklist in her glove. She rushed into the building beside her, eager to get away from the cold, as a sign above her saying "Schnee Jewelry" signaled her arrival with a bell. A man stood behind the counter, sporting a bushy mustache and a speckled, bald head.

               "Well if it isn't Yang! Your order came in just yesterday, I kept it out right here for you," The man behind the counter said, "And you've already paid in full so there's nothing more you need to do."

               "Thank you, Klein," Yang said, "You're a lifesaver."

               Klein handed Yang two small boxes lined with felt, "They're beautiful – how did you come up with the idea?"

               "Came to me in a dream, actually," Yang said. She opened the boxes to make sure everything was just right. Two rings shone back at her, both twirled golden and amethyst spires that were flattened into the traditional ring shape. She had originally wanted them engraved, but seeing that the price would have nearly doubled, she decided against it. "I really do have to thank you for the discount. I could use the extra money I was saving for other stuff tonight."

               "You're a friend of the family, Ms. Xiao Long, I wouldn't have it any other way." Klein said.

               "Well, isn't this a surprise." A woman's voice echoed from behind Klein. Yang looked past the man to see the owner of the shop, Winter Schnee, looking back at her. She instinctively shut the two boxes.

               "Oh, Winter! It's been a while!" Yang said.

               "Yes, it has been. I haven't seen you since you and Weiss were last in college. How have the years been treating you?" Winter asked.

               Yang pocketed the boxes and smiled. "Better than ever. Are you coming to Ruby's Christmas party tomorrow night?"

               "Weiss made me promise I wouldn't miss it, but I was planning on going anyways," Winter said, "So whatever are you here for? A gift for your father perhaps?"

               Yang's hands felt clammy in her pockets as they grasped the boxes tightly, "Oh, you know, yeah, just Christmas gifts. Nothing too big, Ruby wanted a pair of earrings and I had some extra money from work."

               Winter tilted her head. "Oh, I see. I don't remember earrings coming in two separate boxes, though."

               Yang froze. Winter had seen right through her bluff, and she was absolutely not prepared. "I mean, the other thing is a secret. I can't just say everything, who knows what secrets may get around? Don't want anybody to get their gift ruined you know," Yang took a deep breath and continued, "And maybe even-"

               Winter broke Yang's sentence with a laugh. "I was merely joking, Yang. I'll see you at the Christmas party." She gave a wave and left into the backroom, Yang letting go of a deep breath just as the door shut behind her.

               "Why not just tell her?" Klein asked.

               "I'm not taking ANY chances of this being spoiled for her," Yang said, "That's also the reason why I haven't even told you her name."

               "Well I know who it is nonetheless. You forget I've known you two since college."

               "Well I know you can keep a secret, but I have no clue about any bystanders." Yang said, gesturing about the store, before seeing it was completely empty. "Speaking of bystanders, where is everyone?"

               "The store doesn't technically open for another hour." Klein smiled and gave Yang a receipt. "But you insisted you had to have it before noon."

               "Oh, right. Thanks again for this, like I said you are a life saver." Yang took the receipt with a smile and turned to leave. "Seeya around Klein!"

               "I'll be seeing you!"