Chapter Seventeen

Annie

It doesn't even feel like it's Christmas despite the fresh layer of snow this morning. I crawl back into bed and pull the covers up to my chin. I stayed up late watching Christmas movies on the Hallmark channel, hoping it would help put me in a better mood, and I think it did just the opposite.

My eyes are heavy and just as I get ready to close them, I'm startled by a knock at the door. Not again , I mumble to myself. I roll over, hoping whoever is out in the hallway will go away. When the second knock echoes through the room, I realize I better answer it.

Peeling the warm covers back, I pad over to the door. The tile floor near the entranceway is ice cold against my feet. I cross my arms over my chest as I lean over to see who it is. Within a split second, I unfasten the safety latch and snatch the door open.

"Brent, what are you doing here?" I exclaim a little too ecstatically. I don't even care that I'm still in my pajamas and my hair is a mess. "You're supposed to be with your parents right now."

"I know, but I'd rather be here with you." He reaches his arms out and pulls me to him.

I'm overcome with emotion and bring my hands up to cover my face. Tears of joy stream down my face and there's nothing I can do to stop them.

"Hey, why are you crying? I thought you'd be happy to see me." He places his hand against the side of my face and brushes his thumb over my cheek.

"I am happy. I'm over the moon ecstatic, if you want to know the truth."

"Merry Christmas, Annie."

"I still can't believe it!"

I hadn't noticed the gift bag on the floor next to his feet until he bends down to pick it up before coming inside my room. "I know it's not much, but I didn't have many choices. The drug store next door is the only thing open and well, I hope you like it."

I take the bag from him and set it down on the desk. I'm almost afraid to look inside. "I'm sorry I don't have anything for you."

"Presents don't mean a thing to me. I'm happy with spending the day with you." Brent's face lights up.

With trembling hands, I pull the tissue paper from the page and peer inside. "You've got to be kidding me!" I exclaim. "Chocolate covered cherries are my favorite. And you got me books. I love them!"

"I wasn't sure about the cherries, but my dad has gotten my mom a box every year since they started dating. It's sort of a tradition. As for the books, a of them are best-sellers, so I thought you might enjoy them Plus, the covers makes me think of you."

"Thank you for everything, Brent. This is one Christmas I'll never forget!"