Home is where the Heart is

Christmas in the City

"Are you excited for Christmas tomorrow?"

Sam stopped doing homework as his heart dropped. "It's tomorrow?"

"Yeah, did you forget?" Mercedes asked, making her way over to Sam at the table.

"Me no? No, of course not,"

"Well, I'm excited about something tomorrow," she moved her hair to one side while hinting at her neck. Just then, Sam remembered what Mercedes had been talking about this whole season. A necklace that was, well, said to be pretty expensive. "I can't wait," she said.

"Um, if you excuse me...I have to um. I have to go somewhere," said Sam reaching for his jacket and rushing out the door.  "Be back soon, bye!" Mercedes became a little suspicious but shrugged at his behavior because he could be a little scatter-brained sometimes.

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Sam completely forget to get her a gift, so he found the shop with the necklace she had asked for and went inside. He pointed at the sparkly gold one and asked for the price.

"200 dollars," the lady replied. Sam gulped.

"Is there a sale?"

"This is on sale," she replied sternly.

Sam looked back and forth and then leaned towards the counter. "Look, you see my girlfriend is very special to me, and-and she really wants this, but I can't afford it. Please, it's Christmas Eve."

The lady barely acknowledged Sam's presence and continued to restock the counter.

"Miss?"

She rolled her eyes and drew attention to him. "I don't know what to say, you have to pay what's offered, sir,"

"Have you heard of Mercedes Jones?" he asked a little desperately.

"Hmm...rings a bell. Is she a singer?"

"Yes, yes! That's my girlfriend. Are you a fan of her music?"

"I've never listened to it, but either way, full price or leave the store," she said. Sam nodded his head feeling sad he couldn't get Mercedes the gift she wanted. He wanted their Christmas in New York together to be special, but it didn't feel like it was going to be now. Sam was stuck on what to get her, and so he phoned someone he knew could help him.

"Hello," Kurt answered.

"Hey, so..."

"Let me guess, you don't know what to get Mercedes for Christmas and you left it to the last minute."

Sam laughed, "Yes, Kurt can you please help me. As her best friend, I figured you would know."

"Theirs a necklace she really wants," he went on, but Sam cut him off.

"I need something... more in my price range,"

Kurt paused for a moment, while Sam continued to walk through the streets, allowing the snow to fall gently on his face.

"Theirs this purple handbag, oh or these earrings or maybe..." Kurt continued to name items as Sam spotted a person who looked cold and lonely. Sam remembered those days, where he would be cold and hungry. It reminded him back to the days where life was not so great for him, and then a spark ignited in him. He suddenly felt warm, despite the icy snow he was covered in, and the warmth in his heart told him what Christmas should be. And what it should be, does not involve a gold, expensive necklace.

"Thanks for the help Kurt, but I think I'm ok now," he hung up the phone and went into a store to buy something more affordable but just as caring for Mercedes, then went home.

When getting in the door, Mercedes rushed to him. She welcomed him home with a small kiss, then shoved a wrapped box in his face.

"Oh, hello there," Sam said slightly surprised, but happy to be greeted in such a manner.

"Hey so I thought you could open your gift early because I just couldn't wait," she said.

"Oh, sure Cedes." Sam was reluctant because of his idea, but Mercedes insisted and he didn't want to ruin her smile.

Sam unwrapped the gift and noticed it was a new watch. A very expensive watch. "Wow, Mercedes that is so nice of you! I don't even know what to say,"

Mercedes grabbed his hand and pulled him closer, "You don't have to say anything, I wanted to make sure you got the gift you deserved this year,"

Sam loved it, but it was too much. "Look, Mercedes," his eyes slowly started to grow glossy. Mercedes noticed his sadness and grew fearful.

"Oh, I can take it back it's no worry. I didn't mean to upset you, I-

Sam stopped Mercedes scattering thoughts. "No, it's just, as I was looking to buy you a present, I sort of noticed all these people who looked cold and hungry sitting against the wall. Homeless people. And I remembered that used to me, sitting there wondering where my next meal would come from," he gulped and continued to look away. "And that's when I realized we don't need all these gifts. I couldn't afford the gift you wanted, but I got you this instead."

Mercedes felt a light touch to her heart and grabbed the box he handed her. She opened it and saw a necklace that had a locket with a picture of her and Sam in it. They took it when they went to prom together. The memories came flooding back and she became speechless. No, this was not the expensive gift she hoped for, but it was better.

"I don't know what to say either," she said looking at Sam who grew emotional over his hard past. She knew Sam was right about the gifts, and she was so glad she could see and understand that now.

"You're such a good person, Sam. I wish I was able to see the good as you do," she finally said, and then she wrapped her arms around her boyfriend, pulling him into a comforting hug. Sam hugged back with emotion.

"I thought since it's Christmas Eve, we should volunteer at the homeless shelter together," he explained.

Mercedes lifted her head to meet eyes with him and nodded. "That sounds great,"

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They settled themselves at the shelter, each one dressed in an apron ready to hand out food for the less fortunate.

Mercedes put mashed potatoes on someone's plate and smiled, "Have a nice Christmas," she said.

Sam looked up from his plate. "Looks like you're getting into the spirit,"

"Yeah, it feels nice to do something good for a change. Seeing all these people smile makes me grateful," she replied.

"I agree, thank you for coming," he said.

"Of course,"

Seeing Sam's eyes light up every time he served someone, made it seem this was the place he needed to be. And at that moment, she felt content to be with someone who cared so much about others. No, she felt like the luckiest girl in the world.

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Happy Holidays! I hope you enjoyed this sweet chapter.

Stay tuned for the next.