Leave it to Fate (Fate Series - Book #1)

Chapter Eighteen - Two Christmases

The city transformed into the North Pole, as Christmas decor began to pop up on buildings and street lights, and with the light snow that had fallen, Boston was a winter wonderland. A yearly tradition, Lorelei and I took very seriously was the tree lighting in Boston Common. She, Kira and Adelina met me in the city after work so we could go together.

"Okay, where's the hot chocolate stand!" Lorelei announced as we entered the park.

Part of the tradition was to pay over five dollars for a Dixie sized cup of coco.

"Oh, over there!" Adelina pointed, linking her arm in Lorelei's.

We followed the mass of people that moved in the right direction, taking in the sights. As we walked, a live country band could be heard as they covered famous Christmas carols.

"Ugh, I love this time of year!" Loreili gushed.

"Me too," I agreed.

The magic that this time of year could bring was amplified with the happiness I had for where I was in life. I had found my balance with seeing my friends more, while still enjoying my time with Colson. I was sad he couldn't be with us tonight, but promised to FaceTime him for the countdown.

Kira's attention was on the crowd, looking for Yasmine to join us.

"Oh there she is!" Kira called suddenly, spotting her. 

She took on her toes to wave her hand to guide her.

"Hey guys!" Yasmine greeted us as she joined.

We hugged her warmly, and took to find our spot near the tree.

"Okay, I'm gonna call Colson." I announced, raising my phone and clicking on his name from my Favorites list. The phone trilled as it rang, and Colson soon answered, with a loud, "Hey baby!"

"Hi!" I greeted, my excitement from the evening melded with seeing him.

I turned the phone so everyone could greet him. They each called their version of a hello, and he called back, "Hey, it's like I'm right there with you guys!"

"Except youre in sunny California sitting in a hot tub right now." Loreili teased.

"Well, it's chilly over here!" Colson joked.

Loreili rolled her eyes, "What is it 70 degrees?"

"68!" he countered, laughed.

Colson was in his backyard, the sun still shining lightly in the background.

The silence signaled the band had stoped playing, and the singer took to the microphone to announce, "Okay everybody! The moment we've all been waiting for it about to begin!"

"It's time, baby!" I called into the phone.

He pumped his fist in the air to signal his excitement.

The girls and I huddled together for warmth as we faced the lskyscraper sized pine tree.

The countdown began at the microphone, and everyone in the Common joined in. It appeared that all of Boston was gathered to witness the holiday tradition.

"5!" I heard Adelina, count.

"4!" Kira and Yasmine shouted, gazing into each other's eyes.

Lorelies hand grabbed mine in excitement as she called, "3!"

I could hear Colson from my phone, join in with a "2!"

"1!" The final number echoed from the hundreds of voices who shouted it.