Below is the second of three finalist entries for the 2018 Holiday Writing Challenge. After you’ve read them all, vote for your favorite with our blog poll on Thursday, January 17th!
*Please note all entries have been posted as submitted.
Holiday Love
“Jeremy, it’s December, the holidays are here, and we can’t be consumed by our petty differences anymore. I’m sorry I got angry yesterday and yelled at you, ‘Ya filthy animal.’ It was wrong.”
Through the window, Jeremy saw snowflakes falling to the ground, peacefully and with gentle grace, and understood he needed to forgive Alison. He walked over to her, pulled her close and passionately kissed her. She melted into his arms while any remaining angst dissipated as well.
The next morning, the sun shone with an intensity that made the snow glisten. Alison walked into the dining room where Jeremy was drinking his coffee. Her hands were behind her back.
“Oh look another glorious morning,” said Alison.
“Yippee-ki-yay,” said Jeremy, as he handed Alison her cup of tea. She took one hand from behind her back to take it, then extended her other hand to Jeremy, which held a beautifully decorated box.
“As an expression of my love after we made up last night, I want to give you one of your presents early. I wrapped it hurriedly, so it came without ribbons.”
He took the box and sat it on the dining room table where he eyed it intently in a playful manner. He lifted it and turned it on each of its sides. Alison began to laugh, enjoying the game. He began to unwrap the silver and gold paper. Beneath was a plain cardboard box that gave no hint as to its contents. Jeremy ripped the tape from the top flaps, reached inside, then lifted out its contents. In the air, he waved papers showing two reserved tee times at Augusta National in Augusta, Georgia for two golfers in January 2019. A smile beamed across his face.
“How did you ever get tee times at Augusta National? They are nearly impossible to arrange,” said Jeremy.
“Our company recently published a book on the finest golf courses in Georgia, and the author was kind enough to arrange this for me,” said Alison.
Jeremy quickly left the room, only to momentarily return with a wrapped present of his own. The glittery paper sparkled as he handed the box to Alison. She opened it quickly and removed a book titled Women in the Literary Landscape.
“For a woman who works in publishing, I couldn’t think of a more appropriate gift,” said Jeremy.
“I couldn’t agree more!” exclaimed Alison.
Missed yesterday’s finalist entry? Read it here, and check back tomorrow to read the last entry and cast your vote!
