The Secret About Christmas

by Amanda Bennett

  As I sat in my “Christmas throne” I noticed Noel standing at the red velvet rope that was holding back the hundreds of snot-nosed, whiney, but sometimes enjoyable kids, and a large smile formed across my face. When she caught sight of me staring in her direction, I could see the rosy colored blush spread quickly across her cheeks. I gave her a wink and a smile, signaling for her to let the first child through, and we were off and running.

  By lunchtime, I was exhausted. I swear each child took a small piece of my energy, leaving me with practically nothing in the end. I stopped off at my locker for a quick “pick me up”, and then headed to the backroom for some lunch that was provided by one of my favorite restaurants today. I was just about to turn the corner to enter the room when I heard Noel and her friend’s voice. I knew it probably wasn’t the best idea I’d ever had, but I stood there and listened in on them.

  “Oh my god, are you stoked or what?”

  “Honestly, I was last night, but now…I mean, I’m excited but not as much as I was.”

  “WHAT? You’re crazy. He is seriously the hottest thing I’ve ever seen.”

  I smiled at myself, completely agreeing with her friend. I was the hottest thing a lot of these girls had ever seen. Ten points to that girl for noticing.

  “Really?” Noel’s voice sounded irritated, and my ego instantly deflated. “I mean, I’ve seen better.” She laughed. “He is super sweet though, and that’s a bonus in my book. Most guys these days are egomaniacal assholes.”

  “True, but honestly, he’s a ten.”

  “Nora, you don’t even know him.”

  “I know, but I saw him.” She laughed. “Where are y’all going on your date?”

  “I have no idea. I suppose it’s a surprise. Let’s just hope it’s not your typical romantic restaurant.”

  That’s when I realized she wasn’t talking about me at all. She must be talking about Officer Arrogant. My blood started to boil just a bit at the thought of the two of them on a date…alone. Of course the one girl I actually end up liking in this podunk town, already has someone chasing after her. This wasn’t going to make anything easier on me…at all.

  Before I had to hear anymore about Mr. Wonderful, I turned the corner and “accidentally” ran into her. “Oh, I didn’t see you standing there. Sorry.” I held onto her shoulders to steady her, but honestly, I just wanted to touch her and see her reaction to me touching her. Her cheeks turned a light shade of red, and a small smile formed across her ruby red lips.

  “It’s okay.”

  I stood there waiting for her to say anything else at all, but she quickly looked away and turned her attention back on her conversation with her friend. I made my way past both of them and over to the buffet when I heard her little friend make a snarky comment.

  “He is such an ass.” Instead of getting angry, I simply smiled, because she was correct.

  “I don’t know, maybe you just need to get to know him better.”

  My heart skipped a beat as she stood up for me, a gesture most women wouldn’t do…especially for a guy like me. I made myself a plate of food, and then sat down in front of the TV, consuming as much food as humanly possible in the short amount of time that we were allowed for lunch. Noel and her friend continued to chat over in the corner, and I continued to eavesdrop as much as I could from where I sat.

  “So what, are you guys like friends now?” Her friend really didn’t like the fact that Noel and I were talking, but I had no clue as to why.

  “You could say that. He’s…nice.”

  “You like him, don’t you?” Disdain for me was present in her tone of voice, catching me completely off guard. Who the hell was this girl?

  “No! I didn’t say that. Him and I are just-“

  “Friends. Yeah, I got it.”

  I wasn’t so sure I liked this girl as a friend for Noel. Not that it was my choice, but man she really didn’t like me, but more importantly she seemed to want to control Noel’s life. What a joke. But why was Noel so adamant that we were just friends, I mean yeah, that’s what we were, but I guess part of me was thinking I was having an effect on her. One strong enough to get her to want to date me, and she did agree to go out with me, so I suppose that’s something.

  I finished off my plate of food and tossed it into the garbage can that was right next to where those two were chit-chatting away. Noel gave me a flirtatious little grin, but I completely ignored her, and made my way back to my locker. If she wanted to play this stupid game, even though she said she didn’t play games, then I was going to play it back even harder. We would see how much she liked it.

  ~~~~

  The rest of the day went by slower than normal, and my attention was drawn to her more often than not, and it was driving me nuts. All I wanted to do was grab a twelve pack from the liquor store and drink myself into a drunken stupor in the comfort of my own home. No worrying about girls, or their friends, or anybody at all for that matter. This whole trying to prove that I was a responsible individual, and that I was willing to do whatever I needed to was far more exhausting than I ever thought it would be…and worthless if you ask me.

  One kid left to go, and I was home free. Unfortunately, tonight wasn’t my night, in more ways than one. Just as the last little girl came running over to me, I noticed Officer Asshat making his way over to where Noel was standing. My eyes stayed glued to her as he leaned towards her, pressing his stupid lips against her cheek. She pulled back with a bright smile, and my stomach churned in annoyance. I felt a small tug at my sleeve, and I turned in shock, realizing that I had completely forgotten that I still had a child to attend to.

  “I’m sorry, and what is your name cutie?”

  “Hi Santa. My name is Sophia.”

  “Sophia, huh? Well that is a very pretty name Sophia. Have you been good this year?”

  “Well…kind of. I was kind of naughty at the beginning of the year, but since then, I’ve been real good.”

  “Are you sure about that?” I teased as she nodded her head vigorously. “Okay, I believe you. So what would you like for Christmas this year?”

  “Hmmm…well see, I don’t know if you can actually give me what I want this year.”

  “You want to know a secret?” She nodded again. “I’m Santa Claus, and I can do anything.” I whispered.

  “I want my daddy to come home for Christmas.”

  My heart began to ache for this little girl, because I knew exactly where her daddy most likely was, and though I wish I could give her what she wanted, I knew most likely I couldn’t. “Where is your daddy?”

  “He’s overseas. He’s a soldier.” She said proudly.

  “I tell you what, I’ll try my very best. Sound good?” I glanced over at the little girl’s mother, and she looked at me apologetically. I just simply smiled.

  “That sounds great. Mommy, Santa says he is going to try and bring Daddy home for Christmas, isn’t that awesome?”

  “That is awesome, love bug. Now say your good-bye’s to Santa, he has to get going.”

  Sophia turned back around in my lap and threw her tiny little arms around my neck, giving it a tight squeeze. I could feel the tears welling up behind my eyes as she pulled back. “Have a very Merry Christmas, Sophia.”

  “Thank you, Santa. You too. I’ll leave you extra cookies this year.”

  “Thank you.”

  I watched as this small hopeful child went skipping out of the store hand in hand with her mother. I was envious of her, because at that age, you have the entire world before you. Unfortunately when you get older, reality sets in and you realize that the magic of Christmas fades away, and all you’re left with is bitterness and regret. It was refreshing to see such innocence.

  I stood, and gathered up my bottle of water, and the basket of candy canes that were left after today’s shift. As I approached the picture desk to hand them back to Roni, something caught my attention. Something that I wish I wouldn’t have seen. Right there in front of me, was someone I ne
ver thought I would see ever again in my entire life, and she was walking straight for me. I glanced around, looking for a way out, but there wasn’t anything I would be able to do to avoid her. I opened my mouth to speak, but she just continued on right past me, and made her way over to where Noel had just been standing, and then she disappeared through the back door.

  I shook my head in confusion. Had I just imagined her all together? I looked over at Roni to ask her if she had just seen the same girl, but Roni and the rest of the girls had already gathered up everything, and made their way to the backroom. I blinked my eyes a few hundred times, and let out a small ridiculous giggle, thinking that I was going crazy.

  I obsessively kept looking over my shoulder as I headed to the back to change, just in case she decided to make herself seen again. Although I wish I would’ve said something to her just to make sure I didn’t imagine her, I was also thankful that I hadn’t because lord knows the drama that would’ve ensued. This crazy, tiny, one horse town was already turning me into a crazy person. This most definitely called for a night of drinking.

  Nine

  Noel

  “Wow, you look amazing.”

  I was taken aback by his compliment, but I smiled regardless. “Thank you. So, where are we going?”

  “Ah…that’s a surprise. I promise, you’ll love it.”

  “Well let’s hope so, because I’m famished.”

  “Lets get you fed then, shall we.”

  He reached out for the door handle, and just like a gentleman, he opened it for me, and even closed it once I was safely inside. I don’t think in all of my years of dating that I’d ever had a guy be so gentlemanly. It was nice, but sort of weird at the same time. It made me feel like I wasn’t capable, and I didn’t like that at all.

  “So how was your day at work today?”

  I turned in his direction to answer him. “It was a long day, but it was okay. Did you work today?”

  “I did. It was also a long day.” He laughed. I liked his laugh. It was comforting.

  “What made you become a cop?” I wasn’t sure how to go about the small talk with him, but he seemed like the type of guy that would be okay with me asking questions.

  “Wow, so we’re just gonna jump right in. Okay. Well…my dad was a cop, and ever since I could remember, I wanted to be just like him.”

  “Well that’s sweet, and what does your mom do?” With all this talk about parents, I knew it was inevitable that he would ask about mine. At least I had a few minutes to prepare my answers.

  “Sweet, huh? I’ve never heard anyone use that word to describe it, but sure. My mom is a fifth grade teacher. She works at the local elementary school.”

  “Oh. So have you always lived here?” Maybe if I kept up on questioning him, then he wouldn’t have time to ask me anything.

  “No, we moved here about five years ago. I-“

  “What made y’all decide to move here of all places?” I nervously laughed.

  “What’s with the interrogation?” He laughed.

  “Oh my god, I’m sorry. When I get nervous I ask a lot of questions. Just one of my many quirks.” I smiled over at him, but he didn’t return the sentiment.

  “I see. Well, my father retired from the Chicago police force, and my parents wanted a change of scenery. Apparently I had a distant relative that grew up here and my parents loved it when they came to visit, so they always vowed they would retire here. Small town living and all, you know?”

  I nodded in agreement, although my plan was to get the hell out of here as soon as possible. I guess he didn’t need to know that quite yet. “Are you close with your parents? How old are you, by the way?”

  “And the questions keep coming. I’m twenty-seven, and yes, I am very close with my parents. I even built myself a house on their property when we moved here. They live on five acres, so it’s not like I’m right in their backyard, but it’s nice to know that they’re there.”

  “That must be nice.” It sounded a little weird to me. A little on the Norman Bates side of things, but who was I to judge. Just because I didn’t have a relationship with my parents, didn’t mean everybody else didn’t. I stopped my interrogation long enough for him to ask a few things about me if he wanted, but he just kept on driving in silence. “Any brothers or sisters?”

  “No.”

  I thought he would’ve gone into a little bit of detail like he had with the rest of the questions, but he didn’t, so I decided to sit there in silence the rest of the way. This was definitely one of the most awkward first dates I had ever had, but something told me that he was used to dates like this seeing as he was perfectly content with riding in silence. I glanced out the windows a few times to see where we were headed, but I couldn’t see any lights from the city. My insides began to knot up, and I started to get really worried about where he was taking me.

  “Are we almost there?” I tried not to show him how worried I was getting, but my nerves were definitely starting to get the best of me.

  “Almost.”

  On the outside I was cool as a cucumber, but on the inside I was freaking out. We were far past the town limits, and there was literally not a light in sight. I knew this place like the back of my hand, and as far as I knew, there was absolutely nothing out this far. The only thing that ever happened out this way was dessert parties, and hoedowns, and I’m pretty sure neither one of those were on the agenda for tonight. I rummaged through my bag for my cell phone, but when I finally found it, I didn’t have a signal. This was exactly how all those movies and thriller novels started, with a dumb girl getting into the car with a handsome stranger, and they ended with her murdered on the side of the road. Now I was that dumb girl.

  “So…do you like football?” Seriously, that’s the best I could come up with? Do you like football? God, what an idiot.

  “Not much for sports actually.”

  “Really? I swear I could’ve pegged you for a sports guy. Huh!” Everything I had thought about this guy was all wrong.

  “I’m just messing with you. Of course I like football. I’m a die hard Bears fan, Chicago remember?”

  “That’s right. I’m a Niners fan, always have been.”

  “San Fran, huh? You from California?”

  “Um…no.” I was getting the sneaking suspicion that he hadn’t been listening to a single word I had said to him since I met him. I checked my phone again for a signal, and it was now saying I had one bar. Hell, one bar would have to do. I quickly typed out a short text message to Nora, telling her to come get me and to bring backup ASAP. I added the mile marker that we had just passed, and quickly hit send. I watched as the progress bar slowly moved across the screen, just praying that it would send, and as soon as it did, I let out a breath of relief. Fingers crossed she actually got it, and took it seriously.

  “Almost there.” His voice caught me off guard, causing me to jump a bit in my seat. “You doing okay over there?”

  “Yeah…yes. Is there a restaurant out here that I’m not aware of?” I tried to laugh it off that I was scared to death, but I’m pretty sure it wasn’t fooling him.

  “Something like that.”

  Really? That’s all I was going to get from him. Well if anything, tonight was serving as a good sign that I will NOT be dating this guy…ever. The sky and the surrounding area was completely pitch black, and I was struggling to see anything at all to alert me as to where we were. Not only were there no lights out here, but I also hadn’t seen a single car drive past. This was starting to get far too creepy for my liking.

  “Look, can you just take me home? I thought that we were going to dinner or something like that, and now we are in the middle of nowhere, going to do god knows what, and I’d rather just go home.”

  His head quickly snapped sideways in my directions, his eyes staring directly at me. “Oh my god, I’m so sorry. Am I scaring you?”

  “Honestly, a little.”

  “I’m so sorry. That was not my intention at all. I
swear we are actually going to a business, that’s open.”

  “I just want to go home. I don’t do well with stuff like this. I thought maybe we would go sit down somewhere, eat, and get to know each other better. You know, normal datey things. This isn’t okay.” I didn’t want to piss him off, especially because we were out where nobody would ever find my body, but I was already so over this date that it was unreal.

  “Just give me a chance, Noel. We are almost there. I just wanted to take you some place special.”

  “No!” Okay, that came out far harsher than I had anticipated. “I’m sorry, but no. I would like to go home…now.”

  He slammed on the brakes, turning the car around at the same time. It was straight out of a movie the way he was driving. He still hadn’t uttered a single word, and now I was really starting to freak out. I really wasn’t trying to piss him off I swear, but he was coming unhinged right before my eyes, and all I wanted to do was jump from the moving car and take my chances out in the dark as sin night.

  “You know, I never would’ve pegged you for a high maintenance, selfish little bitch.”

  “I’m sorry, what?” I turned in my seat so I was facing him, and it was taking everything inside of me to not smack the crap out of him. “Who the hell do you think you are?”

  “Don’t try to get all tough with me little girl. I know your type. You pretend to be all into a guy, make him think he has a chance, but you’re really just a tease.”

  I was flabbergasted at the way he was acting. This was not the guy I had agreed to go on a date with. This guy was crazy, and looking for me to start a fight with him. “Look, I’m sorry if I gave you the wrong impression, Jude, but I’m not that type of girl at all.”

  “Oh please. Don’t try to apologize now. This girl thinks she can get away with treating me this way? I think we need to teach her a lesson.”