Is it a Happy Holiday?

It just had to be Christmas.

"I want to wish you a Merry Christmas from the bottom of my heart, "

Waking up to the voices of my family members reciting Christmas carols was the first reminder. I woke up in my matching sleeping set and walked down the stairs. Sighting the bright yellow bright star shining on top of the enormous Christmas tree mounting in the middle of the living room was the second reminder that today was Christmas.

"Merry Christmas everyone!" I said once I got down to the living room where everyone was.

"Merry Christmas Nadine!" My 10-year-old sister, Shantal, shrilled and ran to my legs and held them tightly

" Merry Christmas Nadine," My mum smiled 

"Today we're opening presents!" Shantal said, spraying the confetti she had in her hand all around.

"Yes Shantal, I know the Smith family's Christmas tradition" I smiled and touched her nose

"You should also know that while we partake in our annual present opening tradition we always have some special snacks brought by someone," My mum said making a confused face "But I wonder why they're currently unavailable?"

"Ok, mum I see where you're going. I slept in so there might be a bit of delay on those 'special snacks;" I said making air quotes on special snacks "I plan to get them then go back to my apartment quickly to get some makeup utensils"

"Utensils? You say it like you use a sledgehammer to apply your foundation" My 15-year-old sister, Storm said laying tinsel on the tree.

"Don't you think you can quit being salty for the sake of Christmas" Ralph my 17-year-old brother said referring to Storm.

"Well I'm sorry that the wrong use of words bothers me," Storm said and got into an argument with Ralph.

I left the living room and headed to my room to get ready. I got off the shower and got dressed in a red sweatshirt and a white tennis skirt and slipped into my fuffy slides. I walked down to the living room and met Ralph and Storm still in the argument. 

"Make sure to get my bagels extra salty," My mum said before I left and went into my car.

I drove slowly as I listened to 'Candy Cane Lane by Sia' in a medium tempo. I got to the cafe in like 30 minutes, would've been just 15 minutes but got caught up in traffic.

"Welcome to Chloe's Cafe what would you be eating today," My gothic friend Gina said as I scanned her in her all-black Christmas attire and a regular red Christmas hat. "Let me guess 1 salty bagel, 4 triple sugared bagels and 1 with olives and 4 cups of caramel macchiato and I black coffee," She said typing in the details

Gina has been working here for like 4 years now, so I guess she's familiar with the Smith family's Christmas order

"Just this time the salty bagel should be extra salty," I said 

"Mama Smith's still got that salty tongue" Gina commented "Are you coming to the Christmas party at Devonte's house tonight?"

"I don't know, I might pass, depends on the plan my family has for Christmas," I said

"You're the only 22-year-old I know that still lets her family decide what she does," Gina said handing me the items I ordered for

"It's just for Christmas," I said handing her cash 

"Thanks for stopping by" Gina smiled "Have a Merry Christmas"

I left the cafe and went into my car and drove straight to my apartment. I had planned on spending Christmas with my family because our communication this year was very poor especially after my dad died in February. But Gina makes it look like I'm that college dropout that lives In his parent's apartment and thinks he'll become the next Big Sean.

Once I got to my apartment I slid my keys into the wooden door and opened my apartment. I took a step in and almost tripped on a box. I bent down and picked up the box and It had my name on it. I opened it and saw a mini-boom box in it then diverted my attention to the piece of paper that fell to the ground, I guess it was tuck underneath the ribbon. I sat on a couch and read it 

Hey Nadine, It's your boyfriend Ted, who you probably know already is diagnosed with Stage 3 Lung Cancer,

You remember how you always said I was fond of delivering bad messages in the worst times, I think I can finally agree with you.

I couldn't watch you leave for your family's house 10 days ago, and I felt this sad guilt in my heart. Last 2 weeks I was taken to the hospital and that's when they broke the news to me. I only had 13 more days to live. I felt drained day after day and I couldn't get up to see you off when you were leaving that's why I had to send Fred to help you and also to place this box behind your door.

By the time you'll be reading this it'll be Christmas, my deathday, please listen to the song I put on the boom box in memory of me.

I'm sorry Nadine, but I guess this is fate

Goodbye

"No, it can't be," I said as my face was covered in tears

I hurriedly dialed his sister's number "Hello?" she said

"Where's Ted!" I asked as I cried

"I'm sorry Nadine, but he kicked the bucket earlier today"  She sniffed

"No" I mumbled 

"Ted is dead," She said and I ended the call.

I cried profusely. My Ted is gone forever. I picked up the boom box and played it 

"Last Christmas I gave you my heart but the  very next day you gave it away"

The boom box played and I cried my heart out.

 Why him? Why me? Why today?

It just had to be Christmas.

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