It was Christmas and Kayla Smith was feeling like she deserved to treat herself to a special edition of her favourite novel of all time Lost in You by Rachel Hayford. Yes, at that precise moment she held the special edition in her hands with the greatest care the world would never see, as she cradled it to her chest like a mother would a newborn baby. She thought how lovely if she could purchase all Rachel's other books as well. At that moment she could not afford it as we all know special editions come with special prices as well. Should she buy it, should she not? She thought for a moment and listed the pros and cons mentally.
She had not read a book in ages! Since she had started her degree programme at Brickfields University. Dear God how she missed those times of snuggling in the corner of the couch near the fireplace, with a cup of hot chocolate. If it weren't for her annoyingly protective older brother, she would have had the chance to bring all her novels with her but oh no he and mom had ganged up on her and demanded that she leave her beloved collection of books behind. She could not blame them entirely for such treatment as she was rather famous for being so immersed in reading a book she could read on for days and nights at a stretch without taking breaks in between except to use the bathroom.
Even so, she still thought they were being unfair even if they meant well for her. She would be able to concentrate more on her studies and not get wearied out by too much reading. Her phone rang once she reached the counter to pay for the book.
"Kay, where are you?" Asked her brother on the other end.
"At Noel's Bookstore. Why?"
"I'm coming over to pick you up, mom is waiting for us to have dinner together."
"Alright, I'm almost done." She answered then cut the line as it was her turn to pay for the book in her hand.
"That will be ninety dollars, Miss."
"Can I pay with my debit card?"
"Yes Miss," said the shopkeeper.
She pulled out her debit card and touched it on the machine that was close by. It beeped and the receipt came out of it. The shopkeeper tore the receipt and presented it with her book.
Jaxon her brother called her again to remind her that he was waiting outside, Kayla left the shop and scanned the street for her brother's car.
Aha! There it was that silver mercedes parked just across from the bookstore. She walked over to the car and opened the passenger side door and got in.
"Waiting long?" She asked her brother.
"Nope", was his curt reply.
They arrived home and Kayla could smell the roast chicken that was coming through the doorway as she entered the house. Mom must have really outdone herself this time by preparing such a feast.
She was surprised to find that they had visitors who would be joining them for dinner, 'oh well thought Kayla the more the merrier.'
Present at the table was Ava Jaxon's wife, Mary-Anne and her husband Jedidiah with their two old son, named Felix.
"Merry Christmas you guys I can't believe y'all are all here!" Exclaimed Kayla giving each of them a hug.
"We're delighted to join you and your mom for Christmas," said Jedidiah with a grin spreading across his face.
"Come, let's tuck in now that Kayla is here," said her mother at the head of the table. Everyone started eating the spread laid out which was roast chicken, salad, mashed potatoes, and creamy cheese and spinach puffs. Dessert time came along and the little party gathered at the Smith household enjoyed a carrot cake with cream cheese topping.
The time came to open presents and Kayla didn't get the chance to slip her present for everyone under the tree instead she took it out of her shopping bags and just passed it each and everyone of them. There were ooos and aaaaas as everyone tore the wrapping of their presents to take a look at what they had gotten.
"I love this book, 'Waiting Here For You by Colleen O'Brien!' Thank you Kayla," gushed Ava as she opened her book and inspected it's contents.
"Oh my goodness, you got me a midnight blue top from Charlotte's Clothing Store! It's beautiful like the night sky when the stars come out, thanks Kayla," said Mary-Anne. She had also gotten a pajama suit for Felix and a bottle of men's cologne for Jedidiah. Jaxon got a bottle of men's cologne as well it was an Ocean scent and it smelled fresh like the cool waves of the sea. Her mother received a maroon sweater with gold autumn leaves scattered all over it, she had thought the design was stunning when she purchased it for her mother and she was glad that her mother liked it.
Kayla got an ivory knitted scarf with pink stripes on it from Ava and a book from Mary-Anne titled 'City of Love by Lindsey Summers'.
"Oh my Lord this is the latest romantic comedy to hit the shelves in bookstores world wide, Mary - Anne thank you so much for this," said Kayla with excitement clearly evident in her blue eyes.
"So Kayla what are your plans for the new year?" Mary-Anne asked.
"I'm hoping to get a raise at my current work place," answered Kayla.
"What do you do?" Ava asked her from her position at the couch near the fireplace.
"I predict outcomes based on current patterns in charts and graphs. You could say my job is to help manage risk, before my company can take a step to invest in particular project."
"Cools", commented Mary-Anne.
"Yeah, if you're risk averse like me then yes I like what I do," said Kayla.
"We're just glad to have you home, especially now that your workplace is closer to home," said her mother.
"Thanks mom, I'm happy to be home." She had been away from home for her studies and internship, now that she was back, she was glad to have the people she loved closer at reach. She and her mom shared an apartment which was just fifteen minutes from her workplace and twenty minutes from her mom's school where her mother worked as a teacher.
"I don't know about you guys but I believe 2023 is going to be a better year for all of us," said Jaxon suddenly from his end of the room.
"I agree, hopefully things would have fully recovered since the COVID 19 pandemic."
"How about a toast?" said Ava carrying a tray with tall glasses of champagne.
"To a good year ahead filled with life,laughter and prosperity!" Jedidiah said raising his glass in the air.
"Cheers!"