Fiction: A Christmas Carol

You told me you were out of town.

I sat alone in my room after work, doing some usual chores. Clicking on my mouse, browsing webpages on my computer. Nothing special for the empty night. Facebook, Twitter, Plurk seems a little boring today. I stumbled upon the phrase I posted few days before.

Growing up has covered the magic with a veil...we all forgot how we believed in Santa when we were young.

I tuned in some Christmas Carols to create a joyful, merry ambiance. Following the melody & sing with the lyrics. Have yourself....A Merry...Little Christmas...
Flipped through messages of you and me, the last one in my mailbox from you was:
'How I wish I can make you some warm energetic drinks everytime you work'

Indeed , I miss you so much. Hoping to see you everytime after work. To feel the emptiness, I indulged myself with the thick sweetness of Max Brenner's milk chocolate. It melted on the tip of my tongue and ends with a crunch of waffle crisp. Crunch!

My phone rang! The other side on the line were you. As usual, we tucked each other in bed by words & kiss each other goodnight. Felt not so real but at least, there's still a spark...

Before going to bed alone, I chatted with one of my best friends on the chatbox. Something unpleasant happened and I want to be there to comfort my friend. So we chatted, we laughed. It passed midnight and reached 1:30am on the clock.

My phone ranged again. On the screen was from my dearest you. I picked up the phone and giggled: "You caught me! I am still up!" We chatted for a while and this time is real, I have to go to bed. The clock struck the last quarter of the hour and I said goodbye to my friend then runs to my bed as if you were waiting for me...

This time, my phone beeped:
"Hey, I've got a surprise. Can you wait for 15 minutes? You can wait on the bed coz something is gonna happen soon" -You

My lips curved and I thought:
That's a little creepy, but I can't wait to see it. What will it be? My feelings were all messed up and I couldn't close my eyes. The 15 minutes is like 15 days and I waited impatiently.

After 15 minutes, my phone beeped again. It says:
"Still believe in Santa? Check your front door and you 'll get what you wanted." - You
I covered my mouth from over excited screaming and walked myself to the front wooden door. It's heavier than usual and I slowly peeped from the gap when I opened it. It's a bag. Hanging at the outside gate.

Inside the bag was a purple sweater you wore last time which I told you I loved it so much. I was sad because I thought you will be the present that Santa gave. But Santa gave something from your past...

I called you and questioned impatiently:" Where are you? Why is this here? What happened?"
You grinned and said nothing but asked me to wait again.

My heartbeat was running really fast and you left me hanging on in the middle of the night. I paced around in my room then sat on the bed, holding the sweater and read your message again.

The phone beeped for the 3rd time.
"Present present's here" - You

I quickly ran to the door but still open it cautiously. My heart shrank again because it wasn't you. But I saw the thick frame glasses I chose for you on top of a singlet with your signature scent on it. I can feel that you are really near. I tip toed and looked at the corridor anxiously, hoping that you will pop out somewhere and I rather to be scared than waiting you for ages. I quickly message you saying that Santa made a mistake, I want the whole present but not only part of it.

Then you returned a message again:
"Follow him to the dark...." - You

All of a sudden, the melody of a song from Death Cab for Cutie, I will Follow you into the Dark rises from the far end of the corridor. I can't get it at first, but slowly found this familiar tune.

"If there's no one beside you
When your soul embarks
I'll follow you into the dark"

Middle of the night, its windy and chilly. I was so excited. Mixed feelings all in one. Should I walk out? Or shouldn't I? What if there are more surprises? What if I see something that wasn't what I expected? What if I see you...

I stepped outside the door, barefooted. Slowly followed the music along the corridor. Chilly winds raised a few strands of my hair. I hold my mobile phone very tight and my heartbeat is still racing. The music is approaching whenever I stepped ahead, nearer...and nearer.

Slowly I reached the end, and I saw you squatting down the floor gave me a smile. You were wearing the same sweater you bought for me but in black colour. You stood up and gave me a teddy-bear hug. You whispered on my ears.

"Darling, this is the present of the future, it's me" - You

It totally surprised me and I was really touched. Santa's great, right now I have all the presents from the past, present & future. My happiest day ever and we were surrounded by happiness.

That night, I wasn't alone at all.

xoxo,
Felix
A short story that I would like to dedicate to my beloved dear.