Starts with Goodbye
It was Goodbye.
Carly didn’t really like goodbyes; But when you go through life, you realize that they’re inevitable. And then you realize one more thing: That maybe sometimes, some goodbyes aren’t really for good.
Alfred accompanied her to the airport before her flight back to New York. His eyes were already red-rimmed due to crying so much the night before.
“Hey,” Carly told him a few minutes before she boarded the flight, “Don’t be so sad. I’ll be back before you know it.”
“I just realized how much I’ve missed,” He said, “I just can’t bear losing you again.”
“Listen,” She said, “I’m not going anywhere. You won’t lose me. I’ll just have to say goodbye to them there and then come back. I promised, remember?”
He nodded his head, “I love you.”
“I love you, too.” And with that, they kissed. He held her tight as they both cried.
“I’ll be back.” She said with a smile and in a few seconds, she was walking away to go back to the City that never sleeps. He only had the best hopes.
Christmas…One Year after
Margot was laughing as she watched Terrence make funny faces while she took his photo. They were in Seychelles for Christmas. Since the last Christmas, they have been traveling the world together, making good memories and being in love. It’s been 6 months since she officially said yes to him, and a year since she told him all the secrets from her past and allowed him to take care of her and make her forget all the pain. It didn’t matter if she wasn’t tough—she now knew she was strong, not just pretending to be. And she was happy—because she had him and he had her.
***
Lea was glowing. Well, aren’t all mothers to be? Venizio smiled, thinking to himself. They were in a coffee shop in Boston—well, it wasn’t just a coffee shop. It was the coffee shop He, Lea, Tim and Candice owned. It just opened three months ago, but it was a success. They were all happy. He and Lea got married last February and Tim and Candice were enjoying a carefree life together. Candice and Tim also sing in the coffee shop for a few days each week. They all felt at home, and at peace.
***
Vivienne opened the door and found Vince waiting outside, a bouquet of Wild Flowers in one hand. He has been doing this (and more) for a year now and Vivienne felt it was finally time to give him an answer.
“Thanks, Vince,” She smiled, “But you can stop doing this now?”
“Why?” Vince asked nervously.
“Because,” She said, moving towards him and kissing him, “I guess that means a yes…” She smiled.
He was surprised, “Are you serious?”
She nodded her head as she gave him a tiny, happy laugh.
He laughed with her and carried her, “I love you, Vivienne!” He shouted.
“Oh, God, put me down!” She laughed as she shouted.
He did and he kissed her, “I love you.” He said, meaning each word.
“I love you, too.” She smiled, happy and content.
***
“Some goodbyes are forever,” Carly said, “But not for me and Alfred.” She smiled. It was Christmas day and she was standing in front of an audience—the people who attended her and Alfred’s wedding. She was happy, fulfilled and in-love, with Alfred by her side. She went on, “Last year, I came home and then went back to New York. I remember being at the airport with him, saying goodbye. But I knew it wasn’t for forever. I came back after a month, found him in his room, painting. For that, I was happy. He was finally going for his dream. He fulfilled my promise,“ She continued, “And so did I.” She smiled at Alfred, “I believe we can fall in love a couple of times…We could often get our heart broken and we might think the one for us doesn’t exist anymore,” She went on, “But, I also believe that sometimes, life gives us chances to fix things…To give ourselves new beginnings, and to come back to where we belong.” She smiled, “That said, I’m glad I came back here and as I’ve told Alfred a year ago, I can’t see any reason for me not to be here. This day is not just for us, but also for each one of you. I wish you all your own happy ending, and more than that, your new beginnings.” She smiled and Alfred kissed her, knowing forever could actually exist.
Epilogue
Christmas. It’s a season of love and forgiveness, of new beginnings and happy endings, of celebrating life, and celebrating love.
Maybe, it’s high time you make that long-postponed phone call; To send that e-mail you’ve been wanting to send all year; to patch things up with the people you’re supposed to; to find yourself again; to go home.
It only comes once a year—but we can do it every day.
~♥~
Winter Wonderland Page 7
