Christmas in the City II

by Samantha Chase

  She waves at me. “Hi.”

  “How you been?”

  She breathes deep, letting out a deep breath. “Oh, I’m alright. Been really busy.”

  “I nod. “Yeah, with work and stuff?”

  “Yeah. Uhhh, listen I got your gift so…?”

  I sit back and watch, waiting for her reaction. “Yeah, please. Open it.”

  I watch as she tears the packaging apart and grabs a pair of scissors to cut the tape on the box. She unfolds it and takes out a wrapped globe. My eyes watch close as she removes the Styrofoam, unwrapping the snow globe.

  Tears fill her eyes as she gasps. “It’s beautiful. Thank you.”

  My smile spreads wide across my face. “It plays music. Go ahead and wind it.”

  She follows my instruction and winds the little knob. Letting it go, we both listen to the wonderful Christmas song that the globe chimes. Her eyes glisten as tears threaten to spill from her eyes.

  I inch closer to the laptop, speaking over the song. “You see, now the snowflakes have music to dance along to.”

  She covers her mouth as tears spill down her face and she muffles a cry. My smile goes from happy to sad as her tears roll faster down her face. Confused by her reaction, I step closer to the screen.

  “What’s wrong?”

  She wipes her nose and face, rubbing away the tears as the Christmas song ends and the globe stills to a stop. She places the globe back in the box and stands up to go move it somewhere.

  During her absence, I notice a bunch of boxes surrounding her area. She returns a few seconds later, with puffy eyes. Reddened by the tears that spilled down her face.

  “Bridgette, what’s wrong? Was the snow globe too much?”

  She sniffles. “No, it was absolutely perfect. I love it. Thank you.”

  “Well, I’m happy you love it. But, please, tell me what’s bothering you.”

  She sighs. “It’s work.”

  My brow arches. “Work? Is that why there’s so many boxes in your office?”

  “I’m not in my office. I’m at home.’

  Her statement doesn’t sit right with me as she continues. “Remember that promotion I was telling you about?”

  “Yeah, you took it right?”

  She nods. “Yes, I did. It’s just that it requires me to move. I leave tomorrow.”

  “Tomorrow!? But that’s Christmas Eve. Wait, where are you headed?

  My first thought is New York. God, I hope she says New York.

  “I’m moving to London.”

  My heart drops as my chest caves in. I sit still for a moment, swallowing what she just told me. “London? As in the U.K?”

  “Yeah, that’s why I was hesitant about taking it. I knew I had to move.”

  I shake my head. “Wait, you mean you knew you were moving? And you didn’t tell me? So, this past month, what were you doing packing up your stuff?”

  She begins to panic as my voice fills with anger. “I had so much to get done and I…I didn’t know how to tell you. I couldn’t find the words.”

  “But, all those times, I called and texted you, not even once did you have the decency to tell me what’s going on. I mean, what if I never sent the gift? Would you have even told me?”

  Her lips seal shut as she hesitates to respond. I blow out a breath as her silence wounds me. “Wow, so you’re running away?”

  “No! There’s nothing to run away from.”

  Ouch that hurt.

  “So, this…us. This is nothing to you?”

  Tears spill down her face again. “Rob, please. I need you to understand. I don’t even know what we are. We live in different time zones for crying out loud. We’ve only seen each other twice in the past year. How can I know what this is?”

  By now, my anger seeps through and I can’t control the next words that spew from my lips. “Because you feel it, dammit! That’s how ya know. It’s just there, in your chest. You can’t deny it Bridgette. You can’t.”

  “Rob, I’m just trying to make sense of it all. And I can’t. This can never work. It just won’t. It’s just…bad timing.”

  Her words wound me over and over again and if my heart is being cut into little tiny pieces and being put through a meat grinder. My eyes feel wet as tears fill them, ready to spill at any moment.

  “Well, I guess you made your decision.”

  She begs through the computer. “Rob, please wait—”

  “Good luck with the new job. I hope it’s everything you dreamed of.”

  Before she could respond, I slam the laptop shut, cutting off our video chat. I wipe my eyes and breathe in the sniffles as I stand up from the sofa and head to the kitchen.

  My hands are shaking with anger so I close my eyes and breathe, trying to calm myself down. I need a damn cigarette. Falling to temptation, I grab my coat, keys, and wallet and head outside to the nearest bar.

  The bartender recognizes me and immediately starts making a Jack and Coke. I down the first drink and order him to keep em coming.

  I don’t know how much time has passed but long enough for the bar to have cleared out. My head pounds as my eyelids feel heavy like a ton of bricks. Dizziness and nausea wave over me as I slump in my stool against the counter.

  The faint sounds of Taylor’s voice chimes in from the distance as he wraps his arms around me. “Come on buddy. Let’s take you home.”

  “Taylor? What’s going on?”

  “You are trashed my man and you need to get some sleep.”

  My body goes limp as I fall. Everything spins as I feel my body floating in the air and out into the cold winter air. Everything is spinning and I feel I’m on the verge of hacking any minute.

  All of a sudden my body slams against the bed as Taylor’s voice comes back. “Rest. I’ll be right here when you wake up.”

  The blaring morning sun shines bright as I cover my face, hiding away from the beaming light. I groan, sick to my stomach, as I roll in the bed. My eyes open slightly as I lay there, trying to gather what happened the night before.

  I lift my head up and see Taylor sleeping in a fold up chair next to the bed. Uh shit.

  I force myself out of bed, heading toward the bathroom. I flush the toilet and wash my face. I glance at my reflection scaring myself with an image of the man who stands before me. You look rough.

  I exit the room, to find Taylor already sitting on the bed.

  I glance down at the ground ashamed of how I acted last night.

  “What happened with Bridgette?”

  Taylor’s first question makes my blood boil. “Nothing, it’s over.”

  I storm out into the kitchen with Taylor following close behind. I open the fridge, looking for something to eat.

  Taylor keeps going at it. “I know that. I could tell from last night. Do you know that Tony called me at two in the morning, telling me to come get your drunk ass? What the hell man? What kind of shit is that?”

  I slam the fridge and yell back my best friend. “She’s moving to London! That’s what happened. Moving across the goddamn ocean. So, that’s it. There’s nothing to discuss. I…I lost her.”

  “You can’t lose something, you don’t fight for.”

  I walk away. “Man, what the hell are you talking about?”

  Taylor pushes further. “Did you fight for her? Tell her how you feel?”

  I hesitate. “I gave her hints.”

  “But did you tell her that…the exact words?”

  “No! I mean, what was I supposed to tell her? That I can’t live without her and every day that she spent with me was one of the best days of my life, and that she means everything to me.”

  I pause as the realization hits me as if a lightbulb goes off in my head. Taylor notices my look and smiles. “Exactly. Now go get her.”

  HOLLAND

  I haven’t cried this much since my father passed and even then I was prepared for it. But Rob…I was not prepared for him.
It all happened so suddenly, I don’t even know how.

  I guess I supposed it happened the night we met. He was so warm and sweet. I was instantly drawn to him.

  And here I am now, blowing my nose and crying my eyes out as I fly across the ocean. I stare at my reflection in the bathroom’s mirror and sulk. My heart aches so much; it feels as if it’s been torn in half.

  It no longer beats; it’s dead inside. My chest heaves up and down as my mind flashes images of Rob’s face before me. He looked so heartbroken during out video chat.

  I did that to him. It was all me. How could I do such a thing? I’m a terrible person. I don’t deserve this promotion. I should have turned it down and quit.

  But no, then hurting Rob would have been a waste. No, I need to push further and tell myself I made the right decision. My career.

  The pilot comes on the loud speakers advising that we will be landing in London very shortly and for everyone to take their seats.

  I breathe deep, closing my eyes, and mentally tell myself that everything will get better. It just takes time. Time heals all wounds.

  I wash my face in the sink and head back to my seat to buckle up. We begin our descent to the London airport and I glance out the window. The city comes into view as we drop from above the clouds and a gasp escapes my lips.

  The gorgeous city is blanketed in white sands of snow while dazzling lights sparkle across the city’s night sky. Snow falls from the clouds sprinkling onto the city and it instantly reminds me of a snow globe. Tears well up but I push them away. Suck it up. Your choice.

  I tear myself away from the window, not wanting to cause any more pain. A few moments later we land and I exit the plane, grabbing my carry-on. I follow the crowd toward the baggage claim area and wait for my suitcase. I packed light, only one suitcase for the move.

  I figured I can always buy new things here. Make a fresh start. After about twenty minutes of waiting, I finally find my luggage and head outside to grab a cab.

  The strange city overwhelms me, reminding me of another time I spent in an unknown town. I take a deep breath and relax, telling myself I can handle this.

  I roll out my luggage and head for the taxi line. Being in a strange city is exactly what it seems like. Everything is out of place. I’m going to have to get used to cars on the wrong side of the road. That’s for sure.

  The accents don’t bother me; just some of the different dialects that I’ll need to get accustomed to. But, as long as I stay focused and dedicate myself to my job, I can accomplish anything.

  I get to the front of the taxi line and hop inside as the driver puts my luggage in the trunk. I pull out my phone and locate my new address on it. The driver climbs in his seat and asks, “Where to Miss?”

  I smile at his accent and tell him, “Hampstead please.”

  The car takes off and weaves through the streets of London as I stare out the window, admiring my new home. The city’s ancient architecture captures my view as we pass by many historical and famous landmarks. I make a mental note to come and tour the city sometime next week.

  Twenty-five minutes pass and my mind is full of new information and imagery. I smile as I had him money for the fare. I step out of the cab and thank him as he hands me my luggage and I step away from the curb.

  He nods. “Good night to ya Miss.”

  I turn to face my new apartment, and look up at the gorgeous architecture.

  “Beautiful, isn’t it?”

  The sound of that voice sends chills down my spine as I freeze in place. The voice moves closer as I sense footsteps approaching from behind.

  “Beauty like this makes you appreciate it more and more, doesn’t it?”

  I slowly spin, facing the man in front of me. I gasp, seeing him standing here…in London.

  “Rob, what…what are you doing here?”

  He steps in front, mere inches away from my face. Snowflakes fall from the sky, landing on top of our heads and bodies, instantly melting into our coats.

  “Well, I called your office and practically begged your associate for your new address. And instead of calling you or mailing you something, I decided to hop on a plane.”

  “But…it’s Christmas Eve. There aren’t any flights available.”

  He smirks. “I got lucky and was placed on standby. Thankfully my plane arrived before yours.”

  I shake my head, trying to understand it all. “Why are you here?”

  “I forgot something.”

  My breath catches as he continues.

  “Bridgette, I was an idiot. A complete fool. I didn’t realize it till it was too late.”

  I whisper to him as he cups his hands around my cheeks. “Realize what?”

  “That I need you in my life. I can’t take another day without you in it. From the moment I set eyes on you, I felt it. The spark, the connection. I always thought that you were the lost one on that day in New York, but it was me. I was so lost and blind. But, you found me and you brought me back. I realized that you mean more to me than my job at the firm. I’d always choose you.”

  He pauses as tears shed down my face; my heart on the edge of bursting with happiness.

  “Bridgette, you once said that you were an emotional jigsaw and you had to put the pieces together. Well, I’m your missing piece. Bridgette…I love you. I always have since the first moment I laid eyes on you.”

  I gasp, mumbling the words, “I love you too.”

  And at that moment, our lips collide as my heart bursts with pure happiness and joy. Sparks of passion ignite between us as we kiss under the moonlight of the London sky.

  A cool snowflakes lands on my cheek, pulling me away from his lips. He smiles as we both look up into the sky.

  He whispers to me, “Look, they’re dancing.”

  THE END

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Madison began writing at a young age. She would write episodes of her favorite television shows and her passion has grown since. She decided to pursue her dreams and debuted her dark romance suspense novel, Little Things, in June 2014. It was well received by thousands of readers and became a bestseller in Romance Suspense on Amazon.

  Madison Street was born in New York City and was raised in the Bronx, where she resided until she was 17 years old. After 9/11, Madison joined the United States Navy to serve her country.

  During the deployments, Madison constantly wrote short stories and she discovered her passion for writing. You will find Madison always on the computer, whether she's on Facebook, designing websites, messing with Photoshop, or writing for her blog

  .

  The Lovers of Vale

  CS Patra

  I

  Once upon a time, things were fine. The world was divided between human and demons. There had been a time that this balance worked well. Those times were simpler times and no one was in fear of their life. In the midst of all of this was a place called Tartarus Sanctum. It was supposed to be hidden from humans and it was the place that a certain of group of demons lived. They were known as Reaper’s Apprentices and their job was exactly that; they learned the trade of reaping souls. They were a quiet group of demons who lived in Tartarus Sanctum and kept to themselves until it was time to work. Unlike a lot of demons, they didn’t want to terrorize humans. Eventually, all those Apprentices would pass their tests and become Grim Reapers. That was when they got immortality and left the human world to spend eternity in the Underworld. They wouldn’t go back to the Upper World until it was time to reap someone’s soul.

  In the midst of it all were, four female Reaper’s Apprentices; Yuka, Tessa, Kaska, and Avani. To humans, they went by their human names: Debra Laird, Rosemary Bowden, Tiffany Donnelly, and Suzanne Crenshaw. They were of different ages and had different lives prior to coming to Tartarus Sanctum. During this time, they learned that they had a very important job. They were guardians of the Underworld. Four Reaper’s Apprentices were always chosen to keep an eye on the b
oundary between the Underworld and Upper World. At first, all four were excited about this, but that excitement turned sour when they saw how much work went into this. No one wanted them to think of anything but training. They were told they would have to give up their hobbies and other things if they wanted to be the best guardians out there. They felt like they were trapped no matter what they did.

  The girls ran away simply because no one was going to let them try to have some fun in between training. They were supposed to become stronger and better than the other Reaper’s Apprentices. However, they weren’t ready to give up everything they had. The training meant they could no longer go to school regularly nor do their extracurricular activities. It also meant they had little contact with their family and their other friends. The only ones who let them be themselves were their masters. Sebastian, Adair, Fabian, and Gideon were the next in line to become the guardians of the Underworld. They were the ones who protected both the Upper World and the one below. It was the most important job that any Reaper’s Apprentice could have. The girls just didn’t want it if it meant losing their freedom. So when no one was watching, they decided they would go home.

  It sounded like they were childish, but it was the one thing that would keep them safe. A strange thing happened once they got home. They all fell ill at the same time and went into a coma for ten days. Doctors assumed it was because their bodies were changing and becoming more demonic as a result. They weren’t hurt, but they were in that state for a long time. When they woke up, they learned the worst news imaginable. Tartarus Sanctum had been broken into, attacked, burned down, and destroyed. Not only that, everyone that had been in the house at the time had been killed. There was nothing left of Tartarus Sanctum and police were trying to figure out what had happened. They figured that demons had fought amongst themselves and destroyed their own home. Demons knew better though. It had been demon slayers who had done this thing. Demon slayers had broken in and attacked when they knew no one could fight. They knew very well that Reaper’s Apprentices weren’t fighters. They weren’t designed to fight and that was why they lost.