Christmas Eve was finally here, and I am starting to regret not going with Chetan. I wonder what our holiday season would have been like. I watch as others decorate stockings that Riya and Abookisgun weaved together. I smile and listen to Kirsten go on about how Santa will come tonight. I remember staying up all night with my sister to catch him in the act of leaving gifts under the tree.
Every time I think about going with Chetan, I get the thought entering my head of seeing my parents disappointed that he is with me and not Kiara. I know they will love Cricket, but I feel they're going to be confused. Mom was practically planning their wedding.
My feet move towards the trailer, and by the smell of the kitchen, Ajay was cooking a special dinner. I can smell cranberries and turkey. Almost getting the Thanksgiving vibe.
I open the door and I am relieved to see the coffee pot still full. Yes, all of us are crazy about our coffee. I pour myself a glass.
"You've been cooking all day Betty Crocker?"
He laughs. "You've been hanging out with Dev too much."
"Our jokes are starting to sound the same."
He smiles. "Yeah, he called me Pillsbury Doughboy."
I couldn't help the laughter that came out of my mouth. "I have to admit he was better."
Ajay laughs, "Well he's been a douche-bag longer."
"Whatever", I say, shaking my head.
"It actually hasn't been the same without Smoke's inappropriate jokes," Ajay tells me.
"Yeah, definitely quieter."
"So what's the real reason you didn't go with Chetan?"
"I told everyone the real reason."
"You are worried your parents would be disappointed he was with you?"
"I mean sort of, but more like I stole him from my sister or something."
"I think she's coming back with a fair exchange," he smiles.
"Yeah Cricket's great."
"Seriously, I think it would have been fine."
"You're probably right."
"Zare, I'm always right."
I roll my eyes. Ajay passes me a plate with a slice of pie on it, I am not exactly sure what type.
"Here, try this, you won't be sorry."
I take a bite, and it tastes like a vanilla sweet sugary taste. It was really delightful, nice and crispy on top, but creamy and delicious in the middle.
"Some type of vanilla custard pie."
"That's a pretty fair guess but it's called buttermilk pie."
"Buttermilk that sounds gross."
"Yeah, but you can't even taste it in there."
I take another bite. He was absolutely right, I cannot believe there is better milk in this pie. "You're right, it's absolutely delicious. Not sour or tart like you think it would be because of the title."
"It's a popular southern recipe in my family," he tells me.
I smile. "Guess I just learned something new about you."
We both turn to look at the door, as it swings open, making a loud entrance.
"Zare, there's an old man here to see you," Dev says.
"An old man?" I couldn't help, my eyebrow raised. I don't think I know any old men.
"Just walk outside."
My feet move to the door a lot slower than normal. I don't want any more Christmas surprises right now.
My eyes definitely grow two sizes, and my mouth drops open when I see the jolliest, gentle looking old man I've ever seen. His cheeks are rosy and his belly is plump, but most importantly, his face looks welcoming, and he wears one of the nicest smiles I've ever seen. His outfit was a perfect shade of dark red, and his boots as dark as coal, and his white beard covered in his face looks like fine silk, so nice and smooth.
"For the girl who is loved most," he holds a dark green box in his hand.
My feet slowly towards him, and I am not sure what to expect in this box.
When I opened the gift, I was shocked to see it was a bright silver bell. I read the piece of paper that was with it.
Ring this Bell and you were hear
The Conversation your heart so desperately needed to know
And you will see everything will be
So special this Christmas Eve