The next morning, the sun peeked over the trees, making the light from the Christmas tree glisten on the top of the snow. It was beautiful, and I almost wondered if some of this Christmas magic would have changed AB's heart. Even to this day, I often think about him and what a shame he could never change. Ash swears he had a soft spot somewhere, I just never could figure out what it was.
I make my way over to Ajay and take a seat next to him by the fire pit.
"I'm sorry for yesterday?"
"For not listening to me? No more than any other day," he smirks.
"So I guess I'm officially on Santa's naughty list."
"Oh, well I'm sure you've been there for a while."
We both laugh.
"With Chetan gone, I could punish you any way I want."
I literally feel the color draining for my cheeks. "That's the first sexual comment you made in a while."
"Whoa, whoa, whoa, get your mind out of the gutter who said I meant that sexually."
I lift up my eyebrow. "Okay."
He grins from ear to ear. "So did you taste the sugar cookies?"
"I did, they tasted wonderful, and you did a nice job changing the subject."
I closed my eyes, and I couldn't help but wonder what Chetan was doing at this moment. Did he have a nice journey? Did he already arrive home? Is he having a fun time laughing with my family? Is he even with my family? As the days go by, I am starting to miss him more and more. Today was technically the day before Christmas Eve. Christmas Eve Eve some people call it.
I see Nora walking over, and she wears a happy face. She smiles, taking a seat next to Ajay and laying her head on his shoulder. I watch as Ajay watches Kirsten play with her dolls a few yards away.
I see Dev and Riya playing cards with Ash and Abookisgun. They all look so happy laughing, and drinking mint grasshopper drinks together. I could technically go over and play with them. It just feels so weird without my fiance here. It feels like my place in the forest is kind of slipping. Chetan was my obvious place here.
All of a sudden, the ground shakes. It felt like an earthquake, like somebody just picked up the forest in their hands and rocked it back and forth. Ajay looks all around frantically. It was very obvious that he was startled.
I hear big footsteps leaping towards us and the roar of a mighty beast. It could possibly be a bear, lion. Then a creature appears over the trees. It looks like a huge white giant gorilla.
It gave one last roar, sending a wave of bad breath into my face and sending my hair forward.
Dev and Riya are at my side and moments. Dev kept his promise that he will protect me. I feel his arm wrap around my waist, pulling me into his body.
I watch as the creature looks around curiosity analyzing us. He crocks his head to the side every so often.
I was somewhat relieved when Jolly the elf walked out of the wood line.
"Don't mind Abominable, he's huge and scary ,but means nobody no harm."