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#she messaged me on christmas just to tell me 'merry christmas btw your older sibling's grandmother just died' like what is wrong with you
archaeolitikum · 1 year
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mum stop calling me challenge
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The Twelve Days of Holly, Jolly Tidings - Day 2
Disclaimers: I watched “Dash & Lily” the other day on Netflix. This story is LOOSELY based on that book and Netflix series.  I do not own “Dash and Lily” or Newsies or anything recognizable within the series.  There are occasional curse words throughout the series, nothing too horrible but there’s some.  
Saturday, December 14 
Mornings were the worst for her. It was awful having to drag herself out of a warm bed, only to be cold as soon as her feet hit the hardwood floors. She mentally reminded herself that she needed to purchase some rugs, as the hardwood floors weren’t going to be so forgiving as the winter months continued. 
Quickly getting dressed, she threw on a pair of jeans and a festive winter sweater that was cozy enough to combat the harsh NYC December weather. Slipping her feet into her slippers, she padded out to the living room, shocked that she saw colorful lights reflecting against the wall. 
Pausing, she distinctly remembered unplugging the tree last night before she went to bed, but low and behold it was lit up.  As it was yesterday, a box wrapped in emerald green reindeers was sitting under the lit up tree. 
She bypassed the tree, heading into the kitchen to make a cup of coffee. Waiting for the drink to brew, she shook her head at her boyfriend. His one mission in life was to make those closest to him happy - as long as those he loved were happy, he was happy. 
They had met accidentally - he had bumped into her outside of the library their junior year of college.  She was studying journalism while he was studying mixed media arts - they should have never met, not in a million years, they had no reason to.  He had apologized profusely, before convincing her to grab coffee with him.  After a few minutes, she agreed and that was the start of their relationship.  She couldn’t stop thinking about him and after a month, he confessed the same thing before asking her out on a date. For the past 5 years they had been together; her effortlessly fitting in with his group of friends and him charming her little group of friends. 
The coffee maker beeped, letting her know her cup of joe was ready. She added some creamer before padding back into the living room, sitting on the floor in front of the tree. Taking a sip of the coffee, she sighed in contentment before picking up the box. As she did yesterday, she smiled taking the notebook out of the box, eager to see what Jack had up his sleeve for today.  Walking over to the couch, she settled in before opening the notebook to see the familiar scrawl. 
Katherine,
Happy 2nd day of Christmas!  Based on what you wrote yesterday, it seemed you had fun on your little adventure - that makes me so happy! 
Today’s adventure - you’re going to see the Big Guy himself.  Head to the Harold Square Macy’s and tell him exactly what you want for Christmas - let your imagination run wild, tell him everything! 
Have fun today and I love you! 
Jack 
Biting back a cuss word, she shook her head. Of course her boyfriend would send her into a department store with only 10 shopping days left before Christmas.  Pausing, she smiled - she had confessed to Jack how she loved going to visit Santa as a child. There was something special when her parents would take her and her siblings to visit Jolly Old St Nick and tell him everything they wanted that year. 
Maybe Jack knew her better than she thought he did . . . 
Later that afternoon
Pounding down the stairs to the D train, she rubbed her hands together vigorously trying to get some warmth in them as she bounced on her toes waiting for the train to arrive. Her ears picked up the sound of someone playing Silent Night on a violin a bit down the platform. Singing softly under her breath, a smile tugged at her lips as she listened to her favorite Christmas song. 
The train came into the station with a screeching whine, before coming to a complete stop, allowing passengers to leave and others to hop into the car. She took a seat, her bag on her lap as the train continued its journey. 
Secretly, she had always loved the Subway, even as a child, though her parents hated it. She always loved that everyone was together in that car just to get from one place to another. When she was on longer train rides, she would try to figure out where everyone was going to - meeting up with friends or family, first dates, old dates - but as she got older, she stopped playing the game, opting to write on the longer journeys. 
She was knocked from her thoughts as the train pulled into her station. Making sure she had everything, she made her way out onto the platform before ascending the stairs and heading to Macy’s.  Biting back a groan, she watched hoards of people make their way to the famous department store before walking inside. Sighing, she pushed herself forward and joined the queue to get into the store. 
Taking a moment to get her bearings, she inhaled deeply before pushing forward. She headed to the 8th floor, where Santa Land was located.  Trying to hold her frustrations down, she put a smile on her face as she made her way up the escalators. 
As she stepped off the escalator, she was surprised the line wasn’t very long. Joining the queue, she ignored the looks from the parents in the line, pulling out her phone to see a message from Jack. 
Ignore the haters - enjoy your time with Santa. Remember, tell the big guy alllllll the things you want
She grinned, her finger dancing across the screen texting him back.  Do you have an in with the big guy? Trying to figure out what to get me for Christmas? 
Three dots bounced up and down as he typed something.  Nah, your present is bought and wrapped and hidden away. But Race might need some help so he’ll be conferring with the big guy
She threw her head back laughing at his response. He never failed to make her laugh, one of her favorite qualities of his.  If Race needs ideas, he can ask me himself.  I’m in line at Macy’s. 
The three dots returned as she moved closer to Santa. I know . . . have fun. 
Her head whipped around the area, looking for a telltale sign of Jack being near. Looking around, she didn’t see him anywhere. Her phone vibrated again in her hand. You’re cold as ice, sweets. Don’t look for me . . . just have fun and tell the big guy everything on your list.  
She shook her head, watching a little girl enthusiastically greet Santa. BTW, you look really cute in your Santa hat.  After your visit with Santa, look in the notebook. 
Glaring at her phone, she couldn’t help the giggle that escaped her mouth at his text message.  She watched the little girl hop off Santa’s lap before the elf gave her a look, motioning her forward. 
Walking up the steps, she gave Santa a look before he patted his lap.  She grinned, pushing away her embarrassment before taking a delicate seat on his lap. “Hello Santa.” 
“Hello Katherine.” Her eyes went wide, as Santa grinned at her. “Merry Christmas. Tell, what would you like me to bring you this year?” 
She thought about all the things she could tell him but one thing came to mind. “I just want my family and friends to be happy.” 
He chuckled deeply, a typical Santa laugh. “Jack did mention you’d wish for something not for yourself but for others.  Now, Katherine, what can I bring you?” 
“You know Jack?” She whispered, giving him a look before scanning Santa Land. 
He chuckled, shaking his head. “Yes, our friend Jack is a mutual friend. But, Katherine, what do you want for Christmas?” 
“I want to believe again . . . and a new fuzzy blanket.” She rushed out, chuckling along with his deep chuckles as he shook his head. 
“Merry Christmas, Katherine. I hope all your wishes come true.” He handed her a candy cane before a photo was snapped. As she stood, he winked at her before becking the next child in line forward. 
She skipped down the stairs, pausing to look at Santa once more before heading towards the exit.  She scanned the area once more before heading towards the escalators. She headed down to the third floor, where she knew a Starbucks was located. Walking in, she quickly ordered a Peppermint Hot Chocolate before picking a table.  Putting her bag on her lap, she grabbed the notebook from it before flipping it open.
Did you tell Santa I say hello? Did you tell him everything you wished for?  Santa and I go way back . . . he’s an old family friend who loves the romance of the holidays. 
Now I want you to think about your past Christmas’ - what are the things that stand out when you think about those memories? Write them down . . . 
A smirk tugged at her lips as she thought of Christmas’ past. Her sixth Christmas especially stands out because she ended up in the Emergency Room with a broken wrist from a sledding accident gone horribly wrong. And the seventh Christmas when she received Samantha, an American Girl doll that she begged her parents for for months prior to Christmas. She remembers how still she got really still when she unwrapped the doll - absolute shock and awe across her face as she looked up at her parents. Her teenage Christmases were filled with rambunctious yells from her siblings as they uncovered whatever was under the tree.  
In that Starbucks, she wrote line after line of precious memories, some of which she had never told a soul.  The memories were easily recalled, tumbling into her mind faster than she could write them down. A smile was on her face the entire time she thought back on 24 years worth of Christmases. 
Now re-read everything you’ve written down - you’ve had some great memories, all associated with Christmas and the magic the season holds. Now head to the second floor and look for the Teddy Bear display. Leave the notebook with the teddy bear with the green bowtie and there’s a surprise awaiting you. 
Picking up her cup, she tucked the notebook back in her bag before leaving the shop. Hopping on the descending escalator, she took a sip of her hot chocolate, sighing and reflecting on the day she’s had. Stepping off the escalator,  she went right, eyes wide looking for the teddy bear display. 
As she rounded the corner, she found the massive display of more than 50 teddy bears. Stepping forward, her eyes searched high and low to find the teddy bear with the green bowtie.   She grinned, finding him in the very center, holding a white box in its hands. Taking the white box, she slid the notebook in between the green bowtie bear and the adjacent bear, making sure it wouldn’t fall. Backing away from the display, she slipped into the doll section, careful to stay out of the way of serious shoppers. Taking the red ribbon off the white box, she smiled opening it up.  A smile curled over her lips as she saw the small Santa charm nestled in the cotton. Picking it up, she grinned seeing his little red hat and jolly smile. Putting it back in the box, she put the box in her bag, eye looking at the display but noticing the notebook was already gone. She laughed, shaking her head before heading down the escalator and out into the city. 
 Meanwhile
He grinned, opening his phone and looking at the photo he took of Kat on Santa’s lap. She had the biggest smile on her face and she looked so at ease sitting up there. An old family friend had been playing Santa at Macy’s for years and was only too happy to help Jack out with his request.  Locking his phone, he followed her as she made her way from Starbuck to the second floor where the toy department was.  He watched her bounce on her toes, looking for the specific bear he had told her about before finding it, a smile lighting up her face.  Watching that she was distracted, he quickly grabbed the notebook before slipping back amongst the toys. He grinned, this was turning out to be too easy and that was the way he preferred it. 
Thanks for reading Day 2! I would love to hear your thoughts! Feedback is especially appreciated and loved! 
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