Amber has 24 days to figure out who her secret Santa is, along with office parties and Christmas shopping and the busy hustle of a small town girl trapped in New York City, how will she ever find time for a secret as big as Christmas.
Cover By: Br...
"This is insane! What the heck am I supposed to get him?" I growl as I flip through the endless array of cheesy Christmas cards, not noticing the group of children observing me attentively. They glance at my frustrated face for a moment and quickly run down the aisle to catch up with their mothers. I wanted to apologize, my tone must have frightened them, but it was too late, they were already taking comfort in their mother's hand. I felt it would be weirder if I tracked them down just to simply apologize. I let out a sigh before searching further through the hallmark cards. These were all so mundane and simple. What happened to all the cute cards? Or even the funny cards? The cards that played songs or had graphic images that would make you wonder why anyone would ever buy a card like that in the first place.
I decided finding a card right now was useless. There was still eleven days til Christmas and I was sure I could stress about it at another time. I placed the ugly card back on the shelf before heading further down the Christmas aisle. I searched through the many stuffed animals lined neatly on a shelf. I let out another heavy sigh before realizing I was completely wasting my time. I didn't have anyone to buy a present for and Miranda and I always went shopping together for our Secret Santa's. Which was hard the one year we had drawn each other ironically. I chuckled to myself before placing the stuffed bear back on the shelf.
Since there was no use in sitting here griping about presents I don't actually need, I decided to go get a drink. I brushed passed the couples all cozy in their winter jackets with their hearts warmed from the love they shared. I hadn't been like that since my parents passed away last year. I gently made my way through the crowds before entering the Starbucks near the entrance of the store. I sat down at one of the tables trying to decide what I wanted to drink.
I pulled my phone out of my pocket scrolling through Facebook looking at everybody celebrating the holiday season with their children and families. Both of which I didn't have. I didn't want to muddle around for too long so I stood to order my drink.
"What can I get for you?" The lady behind the counter smiled, fully prepared to take my order. I smiled back in response.
"Can I get a buttered croissant warmed up and a tall hot chocolate." I wasn't sure how it was possible but she seemed to smile brighter than before. With a nod of her head she told me my total and began working on my drink. "Can I get little marshmallows in that please?" I politely asked handing her the money when she came back to the cash register.
It didn't take long before my order was complete. I thanked the girl once more before grabbing my things and heading out into the winter air. There was no reason for me to try to pretend that I had any reason to be at that store any longer. I walked the covered sidewalk as the snowflakes covered everything in sight. The snow was stunning tonight as the moon peeked from behind the clouds.
I had decided to take a stroll through the park, to take the long way home. This night was too beautiful to not enjoy a little of it. I took a sip of my warm hot chocolate before pulling the croissant out of the bag. I delve into the delicious bread before clearing a spot on the closest bench. I sat down to enjoy my food as children sled down a hill just a few meter away. I couldn't help but smile as they scream their little heads off in joy.
Before I could take another bite my phone buzzed in my pocket. I pulled my glove off quickly before reaching in to retrieve the cellular device. After investigating the noise I realized I had a text from a blocked phone number.
Day 2,
One note is not enough for someone as beautiful as you,
So here I will write you two,
But trust me there will be more
In a couple of days there will be four.
Amber you are the most amazing woman I have ever seen.
You would be my perfect Christmas gift.
- Your Secret Santa
My heart leaps in my chest as I read the words across the screen. Why was this happening? I had never done anything to deserve such beautiful words and honestly one of the cheesiest things I had ever seen. I wanted to know who this was.
My fingers quickly typed a response back.
These are seriously so sweet, but who are you?
I thought for a moment before quickly hitting the send button. There really wasn't a response I could send that didn't sound a little insensitive. It's like pouring your heart out to someone only for them to text you back with a 'New number who's this.'
I searched my phone making sure I had ample service. I didn't want to miss a response. I wanted to make sure I would receive whatever text came in next.
Would they even text me back?
My phone buzzed once more and a lump formed in my throat. Maybe this was it, maybe I would finally have a chance for a better Christmas. I quickly unlocked my phone hitting on the new notification.
Hey girl, what are you up to?
It was a text from Miranda. My heart sank and I hated it. I felt disappointment that my Secret 'Santa' hadn't texted me back but also for the fact that I wasn't more excited about Miranda's text.
I wanted to throw my phone as far as I possibly could, but that was a ridiculous thought. I had only sat on this bench for a little over five minutes since receiving the second note. There was still time for him to answer.
The real question was if he ever would, and if I would ever know who these notes were from.
