'Tis the Season for Love: A Charity Box Set

by Maggie Dallen

  Just then one side of her face grew a devilish half-grin. I knew that look, her eyes squinted. At that moment, I knew I was in for it.

  “Great! Then will you take a mitten for the cause?”

  “A mitten?” I was seriously confused.

  “Yes, I hung cut-out mittens on the tree with toys the kids asked for at the shelter.” she said.

  “Alright, you're on. I’ll grab one tomorrow.” I could do that. This was perfect. I could make Chelsea happy, and this would give me an excuse to interact with her. It was so simple, yet perfect.

  “Wonderful! I put them all on the tree, so just grab one! Whichever one you want.” Chelsea said.

  “See ya.” It was amazing how just five minutes with Chelsea lifted my spirits. She was amazing. I couldn’t keep the smile away from my face. I paid and grabbed my bag of treats and headed out. Now I had to get ready for a date. It was nuts: I was about to go on a date with a hot rich girl, but I’d rather just stay here and talk to Chelsea.

  “Bye.”

  Chapter 4

  Chelsea - Serendipity

  I counted out my register drawer and grabbed my things from my locker. I swaddled myself in my coat. I wasn’t looking forward to the walk home. It was the middle of December.The night air was frigid and on top of that, it was snowing.

  I slid my fingers into my gloves and flipped the hood over my head to keep me as warm as possible. An icy breeze burned my cheeks.

  I jogged across the intersection; my foot landed splat in a glob of brown slush. Just great. Now I was not just cold, but my feet were soaked—the cherry on top of my great day.

  I hopped onto the sidewalk and continued crunching my damp feet in the snowy sidewalk that had looked once shoveled but was now gathering a few inches of white snow. Darkness had fallen too soon as it did in winter, making the nightly walk even gloomier.

  “Hey!” A familiar voice blurted from behind me.

  I heard a car roar up beside me. Carson. Okay this is way too crazy. Three times in one day, although, if I got out more, I’d probably see lots of people more.

  I turned and waited for his car to pull to a stop. The window was down, and the music thumped. The entire car vibrated to the annoying bass. He shouted out the window, which was blaring a song that wasn’t too bad. He was so hot with his deep voice, trying to make his voice heard over the noise.

  We used to sing together when we took walks or just hung out. He rested one burly arm across the top of the steering wheel and leaned into his dashboard. His finger pressed a few buttons and the noise broke.

  Carson pivoted his head. He cast his ocean blue eyes on me, and I was drawn in like a helpless fish to a tempting lure.

  “You want a ride?”

  I stepped close and paused, taking in the heat that gushed out of his window and blew onto my face. The warmth was tantalizing. I would have jumped into a heated car in an instant if it was anyone else but Carson. I still had feelings for him. Taking a ride from him would only make me wish I had him more.

  The chill whipped through my many layers. It had been good for the first block, but my feet were wet from the slush. I only brought sneakers thinking of being comfortable for the job.I probably should have thought ahead and brought boots for the walk home. The icy chill of the wind cut through my coat like a razor-sharp knife.

  “I’m ok.” I couldn’t put him out. It’s not like he actually cared about me anyway. If he did, he wouldn’t let his friends do what they do to me.

  “It’s not a problem. You're on the way.”

  He looked at me with sincerity. Maybe it was easy for him to have me around, but it wasn’t as easy for me. I sighed, disappointed that my heart wouldn’t let me get in that car without feelings.

  My neighborhood was two blocks away and then another two blocks to my apartment complex then to the apartment building. Wow, that was sounding farther by the second.

  “It’s fine,” I lied. I was freezing and wet. Snowflakes covered my purple knit hat like whipped cream topping on a sundae, and I felt as cold as vanilla ice cream beneath it.

  “You live right down the road. It’s not a big deal,” he said.

  I paused at the comfortable seats and how nice the car smelled of new leather. It would be nice to ride in a new car for once. It beat the car I shared with my sister. It was a relic to say the least. Honestly I really wanted to jump right in it and snuggle up beside him, but that would never happen...again.

  “Well.” A part of me wanted him to just demand me to jump in so I didn’t have to look desperate.

  “It’s warm.” He patted the seat, enticing me. Carson peered at the reflection in his rearview mirror. “Come on, hop in. Cars are coming,” he ordered.

  I shrugged. It seemed like he really wanted my company. I lifted the handle and dropped into the warm leather bucket seat. Ahh, this was heaven. The entire car smelled of his cologne. I closed my eyes and took in a breath of warm woodsy air. He looked over his shoulder and pulled into the road.

  “So, how’ve you been?”

  I chuckled. “Other than feeling like a popsicle, I’m fine.”

  He laughed a little and my eyes met his.

  The heat felt amazing. I melted into his seat.

  “How’s your mom?” I asked. I was curious. How sweet was it that he went to pick her up medicine.

  “She's doing good.”

  “How about your family?”

  “Good.” He nodded.

  “My little brother is as annoying as ever. So, is your mom still a Girl Scout troop leader?”

  That was the first time I met her. Then when we were dating in eighth grade and we went to his house, he introduced me. I was thrilled to see her again. She was so amazing. She was my favorite girl scout leader. She showed me how to do so much, like sewing, macrame and camping.

  “No, not anymore.” He turned to me with his smile that made my entire body melt.

  “I still remember how to macramé and the campfire songs. Remember the time we all slept over and had a camp out in your basement?”

  “Yeah.” His smile grew.

  “And Sasha had such a crush on you.”

  “Sasha did?” His head flew between the road and me.

  “Oh my God, please. She stole a blue shirt so she could have a piece of you.” I slid off my gloves and rubbed my hands together, hoping the friction would relieve the freeze.

  “What?! That was my favorite shirt. I wondered what happened to it. I missed that thing. It was so comfortable. Damn, I’d still wear it today if I had it.”

  No way that it would fit over those broad muscular shoulders and his massive frame.

  “No way those bulging muscles would fit into it today.” Oops. I threw my hand over my mouth revealing way more than I wanted to. What was I thinking? Me and my big mouth! Now he’s going to believe that I think he’s hot. Of course if I was being honest with myself, he was more than gorgeous, but he didn’t need to know that! Now he’s going to think I’m one of his drooling followers at school. Ugh.

  “Really?”

  “No, It was merely an observation,” I corrected.

  “So you were checking me out?” He closed one eye and gave me a cockeyed smile.

  “No.” I lightly smacked him with the back of my hand. Unfortunately, I couldn’t hide my emotions either. My face grew warm. He swiveled his head in my direction with a beaming smile.

  CARSON - Serendipity -773

  She said I had muscles. She must have been looking at me. Maybe she has some feelings for me. Maybe I can convince her I’m not all that bad.

  Even better, we still could carry on a conversation. She was like a friend, but she made me feel funny inside. Lila, tonight's date, was gorgeous with a glowing smile, top-of-the-line clothes and legs for miles, and she had been clawing at me all evening, but there was no appeal to that.

  Not that I didn’t mind being used for bragging rights. It’s just that we didn't have enough of a connection. But then we didn’t need conv
ersation. My hands and her body filled that time, but that got old.

  “Why are you out here so late?” she asked.

  I wish I had the nerve to ask her out again. I should have never broken up with her, but I couldn’t help it. I was pulled into the in-crowd, but I was too young and stupid to know what a good thing I had. That’s the thing that’s so crazy. I hang with the most popular kids. I have the hottest girls follow me around like puppy dogs, but the one girl I want hates me and I have no one to blame but myself.

  I didn’t want to tell her I had just finished a date. It wouldn't do any good for her to know anyway.

  “Just got back from Dewayne Fisher’s house. I’m going home. Are you just getting off work?”

  “Yes.” She grew a smile that made my insides tingle.

  My fingers twisted the knob, blasting out hot air. I pressed the button for floor and upper vents so her feet could warm. She looks pretty wet from the walk.

  Her white yarn hat smushed her hair down. A cute purple scarf was twisted around her neck. Her chestnut that poked out of the bottom of her hat, fell over her scarf. It was wet, where snowflakes melted. Her adorable cheeks grew bright red where the blasting warm air from the vents hit them.

  She huddled her arms into her sides. She took off a glove and her fingers picked a thicker lock of hair from her cheeks and tucked it gently behind her ear, then replaced the glove on her hand. Her every movement was subtle and soft, like a soft feather brushing away the dust.

  “Where’s your car?”

  “It’s my mom’s; she needed it tonight.”

  “Well, you can call me anytime you need a ride. I don’t live far.” Perfect opportunity to get her my phone number. And a great opportunity to get to see her again.

  I wanted to lean over and kiss her plump pink lips.

  I pulled into the parking lot of the apartment complex. She stepped out and held the door. Chelsea peered in with the brightest smile and sparkling emerald eyes.

  The wind was whipping strands of her brown hair across her face. She was beautiful like a model in one of those commercials.

  Bits of snow were clinging to her hair, making her look even hotter.

  “I don’t have your number,” she said softly.

  My face reddened, How could I not know that? I frivolously spout out my number to nearly every girl in our class and any hot ones I met on the street. But the most important person, I never gave it to.

  “Here, ready?”

  She pulled her phone from her purse. She pressed the home button. “Ok, I’m ready.”

  I let the digits roll off my tongue, and she gave me hers.I was already getting a tingling through my body. I never feel like this when I get a girls number, except maybe when I was twelve. So many times I wish I was still back in middle school, that normal kid with the messy hair and braces. Riding my bike to the store with my friends, playing dorky video games, but mostly those innocent kisses from Chelsea and her strawberry lip gloss.

  When I hit high school. My body grew, and I excelled in every sport I played. In some ways, it was a blessing, and in others, it was a curse. It was great to be catapulted into popularity, but people’s expectations of me grew too. Coach, my parents, and my teammates all counted on me to be perfect every time I hit the field. The pressure at times was unsurmountable knowing that a college scout was in the stands scrutinizing every pass, fumble or move I made on the field.

  I could barely wait for her to call me.

  She pulled back from my car window.

  “Thanks for the ride.” Her fingers wiggled as she gave me the cutest wave.

  “Your welcome, see you later. I’m serious about you calling me if you need a ride ok?” I was hoping the push might make her contact me again. Although I knew she probably wouldn’t.

  Chelsea turned away and darted up the pathway to the apartment entrance.

  My eyes fell to her cute butt, pulled in like tractor beams. I was almost caught when she pivoted her head and with a soft smile, she gave one last wiggle of her fingers to me.

  Damn I wish I had the nerve to ask her out again.

  Chapter 5

  Chelsea - Parking lot

  I had stopped by the school to add a few final mittens to the tree. I wasn't alone. I heard the basketball team. It sounded like practice. I didn't really care as long as they left me alone, although I secretly wouldn't mind bumping into Carson. I had to admit, I stayed a few minutes longer than necessary grabbing peeks of the boys doing a workout through the open gym doors. But I hadn’t seen Carson.

  I shouldered my purse and threw on my coat. I started toward the parking lot, preparing for the second half of my dreary life: work.

  It was dreary and cold as Amanda and I walked. I waved goodbye to her and sprinted toward my car, trying to avoid the bitter cold snap in the air.

  As I stepped onto the blacktop, which was covered in patches of snow, I noticed Carson’s car. My mouth screwed up. What was he doing there? The team was already inside. Something felt amiss.

  What I saw through the window made my heart pound. It was Carson. He was slumped forward, with his head in his hands. I raced to the passenger side window and tapped incessantly.

  “Carson? Carson, are you ok?”

  His eyes rose to meet mine. My gut twisted. His eyes had the most helpless look I had ever seen. The hair on my arms stood up. I never saw Carson filled with anything but confidence. I was shaken to the core. I reached for the handle and tapped on the window.

  “Carson, open up!" I demanded. My heart was pounding against my chest. Whether he liked it or not, I was not walking away. I would never leave him like this.

  There was a pause. Every second felt like a lifetime. I didn't even know if he heard me. His head lifted and his arm covered the door armrest. I saw his bulky fingers twitch, followed by a click.

  His eyes were red and swollen. He looked like he had been crying. My heart beat fast. What was wrong?

  I yanked the handle and hopped into the passenger seat. I stared at his perfect profile. The interior light dimmed, and his silhouette appeared before me. But I could still make out his strong jawline.

  “What’s wrong?” I could only think that something happened with his mother. I wasn’t sure if I was the one to be with him during this, but none of his friends were around for him to lean on.

  “Nothing, I’m ok.” He sniffled.

  “Please, Carson, talk to me.” I waved my hand trying to lighten the mood. “It’s me, Chelsea, the annoying girl who doesn’t take no for an answer.”

  His large reddened eyes rolled up to meet mine. Still, he didn't answer.

  “Carson. I am not leaving until you talk to me, so you better just tell me."

  I watched his chest move as he inhaled, then released it.

  “My mom, it’s just been a lot lately. I don’t know. Sometimes I can't take it.” he croaked.

  My heart immediately dropped in my chest. Carson was broken. I couldn't help but feel a painfully strong connection. His mom was like a mom to me for so long. I had spent so many afternoons with Carson at his house. My mom was a single mom and they didn't mind me over there. And when I wasn't with Carson, I was with her helping make Girl Scout plans, when she was our leader.

  “Is she worse?” I asked, afraid of the answer.

  “No, she’s getting better, but it’s still a lot. With school and sports and home.”

  My heart ached for him. Although, I was relieved. I was glad to hear she was okay. My heart was still heavy for him. He definitely had a lot on his plate, and he gave everything he had to sports. Just like I did to charities. So I understood the pressure. I lifted his hand from his leg. I laced my fingers between his strong fingers. I felt the warmth of his palm and every muscle in his hand. I layed our hands on my lap.

  “How's your dad taking it?”

  There was a long pause. He turned to meet my eyes. His red swollen eyes locked on mine. I had never seen him so vulnerable, even when we dated.


  “Please, don’t tell anyone ok?” Carson pleaded.

  “Sure. You know you can trust me.”

  Carson looked away. I guess imagining he was alone made it easier to say out loud.

  “Sometimes I catch him crying.”

  My heart was heavy. I could see the sadness in his eyes.

  “I’m sorry, Carson.” My fingers wrapped his large hand. I squeezed his hand gently, reassuring him I was here for him. It felt good being able to touch him again.

  His head pivoted. He focused his eyes on mine. A glassy tear-filled sheen covered his warm brown eyes.

  He leaned in with warm strong lips touching mine. I closed my eyes, receiving his kiss. I couldn’t resist, even if I wanted to.

  But what was he doing? Was he just doing this to ease his pain? It hurt to see Carson struggling like this. He was always so strong. This was that loving side of him that others didn’t get to see. But this was wrong.

  I let myself get lost in him as one rugged hand cupped the curve of my back. I felt every part of my body tingle. Suddenly, he abruptly pulled away.

  “Thank you,” he said, pulling his arm back from me.

  “Y…you’re welcome,” I stuttered, barely able to catch my breath and make sensible words. The touch of his lips to mine sent sparks up my spine.

  “I better be going.” His eyes stared into mine, never leaving not an inch of my face unseen.

  “Yeah.” What the heck just happened? He was letting me go? Did Carson just realize he made a mistake? This was so embarrassing. I completely fell for a guy who obviously just needed a kiss from anyone, just not from me. I wanted so badly for him to say please stay, but those words weren’t coming out of him.

  I swiped up my purse with brutal force.

  “Bye,” I said short. I pulled the handle, opening the door. I whipped my legs around to the pavement and slammed his door. I was crushed. Angry at myself and him. What was I thinking letting him get to my heart? Carson, the womanizing flirt. I crossed my arms hard and stomped away. I was burning red.