Snowflakes danced outside the window of the treehouse. Flickering and shining off the light emitting from the fireplace. The crackle of the logs on the fire and the smell of freshly baked goods filled the room. Carrie floated around the room happily, carefully placing decorations and setting the table, waiting for Harmony to come home.
The stockings were hung neatly above the fireplace for each of them. Carrie giggled as she stuffed mountains of chocolate candies and toblerone bars into Harmony's stocking. Her heart filled with so much happiness as the decorations started to come together. The tree, decorated with multicolored lights and large golden bauble ornaments, glittered subtly in the corner. The star atop seemed to shine brighter with the growing number of candles and mood lighting that Carrie placed around the room.
Candles were placed strategically around the room to create a cozy and romantic atmosphere. A large winter flower arrangement was the center piece for the dinner table, which was set with golden eating utensils and matching plates. Red and green confetti was sprinkled in the dining table in the shapes of holiday spirits. Carrie glanced around the room, proud of herself for doing so much in so little time.
Next she started on dinner, Harmony was expected to be home soon. She began by boiling a variety of vegetables in water and seasoning them with salt. These would be placed over steamed white rice, a perfect pairing to go with their perfectly marinated and cooked steaks.
Footsteps came from outside the front door as Carrie finished the steaks. She placed them quickly on their plates and covered them with fancy metal covers. Harmony walked in and smelled the air, smiling, as she found Carrie standing next to the dinner table.
"What is all this?" She smiled as she set her bag down and took off her coat.
"I wanted to make the evening special!" Carrie felt her cheeks flush and she noticed she was still wearing her "Kiss the Cook" apron. "Oh crap! I- I planned enough time to get everything made but I didn't plan enough time to get myself ready!"
Harmony walked slowly up to Carrie and gently kissed her lips. "It's okay. Now I have an excuse to kiss you everytime I read your apron."
Carrie blushed and ushered them both to take their seats at the table. They laughed and ate and shared memories from their childhood Christmases. Harmony made several jokes about how extra Carrie was but also admired the effort she put into all the decorations.
After they had cleaned up the dishes and put everything away, Carrie quickly pulled Harmony to the couch and brought over her stocking. "Carrie, this is so nice. You didn't have to get me anything, you've already done so much."
"I know. It's nothing big." Carrie smiled and crossed her legs on the couch as she watched Harmony reach into the stocking. Her heart filled with excitement. She loved giving gifts and she was excited for her first Christmas with Harmony. Harmony smiled, but her face changed as her hand reached into the bag.
"What's wrong?" Carrie frowned.
"Is there... chocolate in here?" Harmony looked like she was fighting a smile.
"Yes!" Carrie said proudly.
"Did you... leave this hung by the fireplace?" Harmony giggled and watched Carrie's face turn into absolute horror.
"NO! I cannot believe I did that!" Carrie hid her face in her hands.
Harmony smiled at the koala and reached into the stocking, getting a dab of chocolate on her finger, and lifting Carrie's chin with her free hand. Carrie's face was sad and disappointed, but Harmony couldn't have been more happy. She giggled and plopped a bit of chocolate on Carrie's nose. "Chocolate is chocolate silly."
Carrie smiled at Harmony and felt completely relieved. No matter what happened, Harmony always made the best out of every situation. She always taught Carrie, that things can never be as bad as they seem, as long as they have each other.
