Short Stories

The Christmas Surprise

"Father left us to work in Canada. It took ten years before he came back home. The day he came back, I left." I sigh. "I remember the smile that disappeared the instant I announced my leave. I literally packed my bags and had them ready. I had a friend drive me to the apartment I bought. I haven't been home since."

He smiles at me, fondly. I've never known a man to be so caring. The only man I thought loved me turned out to prove I'm easily replaceable.

"You don't know what he's gone through, Angel. Maybe he has his reasons and you judged too easily." He says, taking my hand in his. "Now, I know you're going to argue but I set up a blind date for you."

I look at him in shock.

He holds my hand tighter. "Don't worry. I met the guy. And I'm not letting anyone take you away from me."

I let out a shaky breath and lean into his embrace.

"But, I do want you to stop worrying every Christmas. It's been three years. This guy has a story that may help you out. So, I asked him to do this. I'll give you the directions but you have to go on your own, okay?" He turns me to face him and I stare into those eyes.

It's been five years since we met. Five years since I left home. Five years since I've been haunted on Christmas.

"Okay, fine. But this better not be a prank. And you better be home for Christmas." I say, hugging him.

He chuckles. "I'll be at my parents' for Christmas Eve but I'll be at our place for Christmas don't worry."

He gives me a final squeeze then waves goodbye.

I walk slowly, the apartment too near and too lonely. The snowflakes fall and the chill seems to find its way under the thick fur coat. No one's walking on the streets at this hour.

The lights flicker and the streets echo silence.

Matthew and I are unique this way. Hanging out at times unlikely.

I finally reach my apartment and wish I could've had a shift today. I'd rather work than stay alone and yet everyone tells me to enjoy the break. How?

I look around at my white and gray apartment. No Christmas decorations and no sign of anyone living here.

I leave my coat on the coat rack and exchange my boots for fur house slippers. I trudge my way into my bedroom where I brush my teeth and get ready for bed.

It's midnight and I get Matthew's text for the location of that blind date he set me up on.

How cruel he is. Setting me up on a date when I've been taken by him.

I stare at the directions. "Okay." I whisper to myself. I thank him and say goodnight. Tomorrow's Christmas Eve and I'll be spending the first half of it with someone I don't know just to learn a lesson. Well doesn't this sound like a Barbie movie or something.

I wake up to the sound my alarm. I forgot to turn it off. "Great." I mutter, shutting off my alarm which turns out to be slapping my phone off my nightstand. "Ugh."

I sit up and bend over the bed, grabbing my phone. Six o' clock in the morning. The date's still at ten. What am I going to do?

I'm tempted to go back to bed but I realize I don't know what to wear for the date. I don't have anything presentable, do I?

I end up looking at my closet for a good half hour. I finally find a dress. An old one mom gave me years ago.

I eat cereal for breakfast and drink some milk. I watch Rise of the Guardians and wait for ten o' clock.