Home For Christmas (Short Story)


Home For Christmas

By: Lucki

Valerie sighed as she looked out the window. No snow; as usual, in her home state of Georgia. And, as usual, no Justin. She’d met Justin 2 years ago; she had been passing through Memphis and he happened to be there. Imagine that! The two had a connection and continued to talk to each other via phone and email. He would visit her as often as possible. But, now, with him working on his solo album, he was gone even more than when he was with N’sync. She didn’t completely understand how that was possible. But he was always either recording up in Virginia, flying to L.A. or New York to meet with some producers and songwriters, booking TV shows, and going to photoshoots. The popstar never seemed to have time for his own girlfriend anymore. Phone calls were few and far between and she never got email anymore. Usually it wasn’t so bad. She worked often, and when she wasn’t at work she was with her friends and family. But it was Christmas time, and the season was supposed to be spent with the ones you loved. And the one she loved wasn’t here.

Valerie pushed a strand of her ash blonde hair away from her face and held her coffee cup tighter. She gazed out at all the lights and decorations adorning her neighbors’ houses. She lived in a small subdivision in a small town outside of Atlanta. She took a sip of her coffee and turned to look at her own Christmas tree. She and Justin were supposed to put it up together. He had promised he’d be able to. He’d made it for thanksgiving. But he had to leave early the next morning. They didn’t have time to put up the tree, like she usually did. He promised he’d be home to put it up. He never came. She felt tears begin to well up in her hazel eyes. She quickly blinked them away.

“Don’t cry. This is Christmas,” she whispered to herself. She sipped out of the red mug that was adorned with a goofy picture of Garfield with antlers on, tangled up in colorful lights. Valerie smiled at the cup, then rolled her eyes out how sentimental she was being. She understood why Justin couldn’t be here. She really did. She just missed him. “You’re being selfish,” she chastised herself.

Just then there was a knock at the door. Valerie walked over to the door, unlocked it, and pulled it open. There were about 15 kids who looked from the ages of 6 to about 14 standing there in Christmas sweatshirts, bundled up, some had on santa hats, others had on antlers. Valerie grinned at the bunch, thankful she hadn’t changed into her pajamas and still had on her jeans and red turtleneck sweater.

“Hey guys,” she greeted them happily.

“Hi, do you mind if we sing some Christmas carols for you?” a little boy asked, as he adjusted his santa hat that was much to big for him. He looked about 7.

“Sure, sing away.” Valerie smiled. The group began singing. She leaned against her doorframe, cradling the mug of coffee in her hands. They sounded great. This was just what she needed. As they were singing their last song , Valerie looked around her; she didn’t have anything to give to the kids for singing to her. She knew she could give money…but she didn’t want to just give them that. She wished she had made those cookies when she had thought about it earlier in the day. They finished and she applauded. “Aw! Ya’ll, I wish I had something to give back. Ya’ll sounded amazing! Thank you so much.” Valerie said regretfully.

“Oh it’s okay Ma’am. We don’t want anything,” A little girl spoke from the back of the group.

“Don’t-” Valerie went to speak.

“Don’t call her ‘Ma’am’. It makes her feel old,” a voice spoke up from behind the kids. Valerie’s eyes widened. A couple of the kids turned around. “And if ya’ll have the time, come inside and we’ll make you hot chocolate. How’s that?” Justin asked as he made his way through the bunch of kids. Valerie grinned and fought her tears as he approached her. “Merry Christmas, Sweetie,” he whispered in her ear and kissed her cheek. “Come on in guys!” he said, then shot a unsure glance at Valerie. “I hope you don’t mind…” he trailed off.

“Of course not.” Valerie shook her head. She stepped back into the house to let the kids and Justin enter.

After about 20 minutes, all the kids had hot chocolate and went on their way, singing carols to the rest of the neighborhood. Valerie sat down on the couch and Justin joined her. He looked over at the tree.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t be here.” He spoke first. “But I had to-”

“Shh, it’s okay,” Valerie shushed him. “I understand why you couldn’t make it, Justin. It’s fine. What matters is that you’re here now.” she pointed out. Justin grinned and leaned in and kissed her softly on the lips.

“See?” he spoke quietly as he pulled away. “I told you I’d be home for Christmas.” he finished and gave his charming smile.

“I love you, Justin,” Valerie said in response. Justin’s grin widened.

“I love you too.” he said and kissed her again.

THE END


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