25 Days of Jordan

Day 16

A cold day. No surprise for the forest I lived in. Here, it was always a white Christmas. And I never had what I needed. No sheep whose wool could warm me, barely a shelter to cuddle up in. The cheeriest thing about Christmas was the caroling. Even that was often depressing, though, because I did it alone. And my favorite song, the one my mother would always sing me to sleep with, required two people.

I sat in the warmest corner of the cavern I lived in, the one that protected me from the wind blowing snow into the gaping hole that lead inside. And I started to sing to myself.

"I really can't stay, I've got to go away. This evening has been so very nice."

I could have sworn someone was humming along with me, though. The cold's driving me insane now, I thought. I curled up however tighter I could, covered the maximum amount of skin I could with the khaki shorts, yellow short-sleeved shirt and combat boots I had on, and covered the sides of my face with my dirty blond hair. Then I continued, "My mother will start to worry."

There was definitely someone humming with me. I ignored it best I could, though it scared me slightly.

"My father will be pacing the floor."

"Listen to the fireplace roar..."

What?

"So really I'd better scurry..."

"Beautiful, please don't hurry..."

"Maybe just a half a drink more..." I looked around me now, but I didn't see anyone. Perhaps I was just imagining it.

"Put some records on while I pour," they responded surely.

I wanted to leave. But then, I hadn't sung this song with anyone for nearly ten years. Even if I never saw the respondent's face, what better chance to sing with someone?

"The neighbors might think..."

"Baby, it's bad out there."

"Say, what's in this drink?"

"No cabs to be had out there."

"I wish I knew how..."

"Your eyes are like starlight now."

"...to break this spell."

"I'll take your hat, your hair looks swell."

"I ought to say no, no, no."

"Mind if I move in closer?"

Not at all, I thought. "At least I'm gonna say that I tried."

"What's the sense in hurting my pride?"

"I really can't stay..."

I felt a coat fall over my shoulders as he finished his line this time. "Baby don't hold out..."

I looked up to see a man with red sunglasses and unkempt black hair with a beard. He was wearing a white dressy-ish shirt, and the coat he was giving me would have formed a suit with his pants.

I didn't know what his name was, but the look of caring be gave me was enough to make me like him. He kissed me on the top of my head, and we finished our line together:

"Ah, but it's cold outside!"

*****

So much singing from me lately but I love this one <3

Hope you enjoyed

-iluvpb22