Total pages in book: 7
Estimated words: 5594 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 28(@200wpm)___ 22(@250wpm)___ 19(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 5594 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 28(@200wpm)___ 22(@250wpm)___ 19(@300wpm)
*************FULL BOOK START HERE*************
CHAPTER 1
NOEL
I have to think at some point my mom used to love Christmas, but ever since I can remember it’s always been what she dreaded most. She raised me to think that this time of year was dangerous and we needed to be careful. Now that she’s gone, I don’t understand her worry.
Walking downtown this afternoon felt magical to me. There were pretty twinkling lights, decorations as far as the eye could see, and the atmosphere felt jolly. This is my first Christmas without her, but it’s also my first Christmas tree, my first time making a gingerbread house, and my first time singing Christmas carols. I’ve been so giddy with anticipation even though I don’t have a lot of people to celebrate with.
I work at the library, and we had a little gift exchange this afternoon. It was the first time someone bought me a Christmas gift, and it was an ornament for my tree. Since tonight is Christmas Eve, we’ll be closed tomorrow, which means I have to spend the day alone. I’ve decided to celebrate on my own with movies and cookies and a full day in my pajamas. This is the first time in my life that I get to soak up the holiday, so I’m making the most of it.
As I take the last batch of cookies out of the oven, I put them on a little plate that has the words For Santa written across the bottom. Then I pour a small cup of milk and take it to the living room.
Once I’ve placed it on the table by the Christmas tree, I take a seat on the couch and admire my decorations. I might be young and on my own, but I think I did a pretty great job. I’ve got my stocking hung on the mantle with one beside it for my fish, Oscar. The fake fireplace is on, and my tree lights are sparkling. I know it’s silly to put out milk and cookies but I never got to do this as a child. I wanted a full experience this year as a way to take back all that I’ve missed out on.
Glancing at the clock on the wall, I see it’s a lot later than I thought. Still not ready for bed, I stretch out on the couch and pull the blanket over me. Then I grab a cookie off the plate and nibble on it as I start a Christmas movie.
I’m not sure what time it is when I finally drift off, but I remember the sound of jingle bells in the distance right before I can’t keep my eyes open any longer.
CHAPTER 2
NOEL
The room is too hot, and at some point, I kick off my blanket. I’m restless on the couch as I turn over, and then I hear an odd sound. At first, it sounds like footsteps, but that can’t be right because my apartment is on the top floor. I ignore it and try to go back to sleep.
The next time I hear something, it sounds like munching, and I blink my eyes open. My fear that there might be a mouse eating my cookies has me waking up and rubbing my eyes.
My vision is blurry as I sit up, but when I’m finally able to focus, nothing could have prepared me for what I see. In an instant, I’m wide awake as I stare straight ahead of me.
“Hello, Noel,” the man says, and all I can do is blink. “I’ve been trying to find you for a long, long time.”
The man takes another bite of the cookies I laid out and slowly appraises me. This can’t be real. This can not be happening. I’ve somehow hallucinated from an overdose of Christmas cheer, and now I’m seeing things. Well, seeing someone, to be more precise.
“What a good girl you’ve been,” he says and then smiles so sweetly.
His words are soft and gentle, but something about his presence feels like a warning. “W-what are you doing here?”
He chuckles loudly before finishing the last cookie and drinking the cup of milk. Once it’s empty, he places it on the small table and takes a step closer to me. “Are you ready?”
“For what?” I ask in a soft voice.
“To come home,” he tells me and cocks his head to the side in confusion. The man in front of me tugs on a pair of white gloves and then holds out his hand to me. “The sun will be up soon, so we’d better hurry.”
“This can’t be real,” I say more to myself. “I’m imagining this.”
“Oh, it’s real,” he tells me as he bends down. “All you had to do was believe, and that’s how I found you.”