“Mad?”
Maddox pulls me close to him and wraps his arms around me. My hands voluntarily wrap around Maddox’s body. He is warm, unlike the Christmas weather. My heart is pounding in my chest like the beat of a drum as we keep our bodies close to each other even more.
We are both speechless until I hear Maddox cry. I feel so bad for causing so much pain to him. I hate and blame myself for every hurt Maddox is bearing. I gently pat Maddox’s back.
“I’m sorry. I’m really sorry, Mad.”
“It’s okay.” Maddox loosens his arms around me. I glance up at Maddox, trying to make eye contact with him.
I can't bear to look him in the eye so I lower my head, avoiding his stares at me. I’m embarrassed.
“Baby, look at me." Maddox lifts my chin.
"I understand, don't be sorry."
"No, it wasn't okay. I was so selfish. My conscience is eating me alive. I don't deserve your kindness."
"Shhh... Enough with this." Maddox tuck in my hair in my temple. "I completely understand what you went through. It was hard for you to see your mom weakening each day until she dies. I couldn't imagine how painful it was to see your mom losing her strength. It was probably harder when I saw mom lifeless in the master's bedroom."
"I'm sorry about your mom Maddox. I'm sure you understand my pain. Thank you for being so kind to me."
"Your mom and my mom are in a peaceful place now. No more pain for both of them."
"Yeah, that's what I think to soothe my pain. At least, mom is in a better place now." I hold Maddox's hand. "I love you, Mad."
"I love you too baby." We hugged again. Maddox is warm, alleviating the cold Christmas weather.
I pull back a little when I remember what the security guard told me. "Baby, we can't stay here any longer. The school guard told me I only have 10 minutes. I lied to him. I said I'll get my shoes in the locker."
Maddox laughs at me; I laugh with him. "Same. I lied. I told him I have things to get from my locker. He is probably wondering where I am now."
"Wait, was it your plan to just stay in this forest?"
"Yes, because this is the only place that reminds me of you. This is your favorite place on this campus, right?"
"Yeah, it is. And we feel the same way. This forest reminds me of you because you never get tired of accompanying me here. Even though sometimes it gets boring."
"No, baby. There's no dull moment with you." Mad says, pinching my chin. “Baby, I was thinking of having a get-together with our FURBABIES."
"That's a good idea. Where are they?"
"They're home. I'll have my driver bring Logan and Bruno so they can join us. You haven't seen them for a very long time."
I squealed a little, excited to see our furbabies. "Yes, please, I miss Logan and so does Bruno. Bruno was so little the first time we adopted him from the street."
"He is almost 3 times bigger now. You know puppies, they grow fast."
"I know. I can't wait to squeeze him and also Logan."
Maddox presses his lips like he is hesitating to speak. We are walking back to the school gate.
“Angel, would it be okay if I join you for Christmas?”
“What about your family? Would your dad allow you to be away for Christmas? Maddox if you’re worried about me being alone, don’t. I can manage, I can let this night pass. Besides, I have already talked and reconciled with you. That’s enough for me.”
“Baby, can I just explain myself? I don’t have family here. Dad, his girlfriend, and my baby sister are spending Christmas abroad. I’ll be alone at home with our household staff so might as well spend the night with you. What do you say?”
“Oh, sorry about that. By the way, you haven’t mentioned you have a baby sister.”
“Well, I have, just a month ago. My dad and his girlfriend just had a baby.”
“Oh, nice. How are you doing as a big brother? I’m sure she’s pretty like you.” I say pinching Maddox’s cheek.
“Of course, she got my looks. Just as pretty as you.” Maddox says, pinching my chin. “Hey, are you gonna let me stay with you for the night? I’m so alone and lonely. Don’t you pity this homeless man?” He says, pouting his lips.
He’s too cute. “Hmm…I need to see you cuter than that.”
“What? What kind of cuteness? Do you want to see me cry?”
“No. Baby, we don't have enough time to prepare for Christmas eve. How about we order food for midnight dinner"
"Does it mean, you want me to stay with you for Christmas?"
"Do I have a choice? I can't be heartless by not helping a homeless man."
"Yes!!!" Maddox says, punching the air.
I'm happy to see Maddox celebrating. I badly miss his cute smile and his beautiful dark eyes.
"If only Sam and Luke are here. I could have apologized to them as well. I know there have been misunderstandings recently after I broke up with you. I haven't replied to their messages especially when mom was gone."
"Baby, you don't have to worry at all. We all understand what you went through as friends we should stand by your side no matter what, and that's what we did. We had a talk when you were in Singapore. They agreed to support you after learning you broke up with me, we shouldn't bother and give you space."
"You guys did that for me? You guys are so sweet."
"That's what friends do, baby," Maddox says, pinching my cheek.
Maddox's driver brings the two dogs as requested. In the living room, we are playing with our furbabies, Logan and Bruno after we prepare the food for midnight dinner. Bruno is so energetic and playful with anyone. He gets along with Logan very well, like they are real siblings.
Before midnight hits, I initiate giving my Christmas gift to Maddox.
"When we were in Singapore mom told me to buy souvenirs for you and our friends. Since I didn't prepare a Christmas gift, take this as my Christmas gift for you." I say handing the green paper bag.
Maddox takes the bag with a surprising look in his eyes. He obviously didn't expect me to get a present for him. Maddox's eyes light up even more seeing his favorite avengers print on the shirts. "These are my favorites." Referring to the three printed shirts.
"I thought so."
“My turn. Here's my first gift to you. Open this before I give the second one." Maddox hands me a red paper bag.
I take it from Maddox with a wide smile on my face.
"Wow, that's exciting. You really have a gift for me. When did you wrap this?"
"Yeah, I got it early this month when you were still in Singapore. Even when you broke up with me, I still have hope that I'll be giving it to you personally. And it happened."
"Hmm...I wonder what this must be. It's not so heavy." I say, trying to weigh the bag in my hand, and then I start opening it. Exposing a thick novel book Maddox got for me.
"Wow!! Nice, I haven't been reading a book for quite a while. Thanks for this, baby. You really know me well."
"You're welcome. I hope you'll also like the second gift I got for you. This is the best I can give in writing poetry. It’s never my thing but I made it, especially for you.” Maddox hands me a piece of pink paper. It smells so good when I open it.
YOU ARE MY SUN
You came when I was in the dark.
You brought some spark.
You light my way every single day.
I was alone, but you came to care.
I was in distress, but you heal my pain.
You have my heart before I know.
You made me smile out of the blue.
I love you more than you ever know.
MADDOX
I kiss Maddox on the lips right after reading the poem he made for me. It's the sweetest gift I've ever received.
Maddox didn't expect the kiss; he was quite stunned.
"Thank you, Maddox, I love you so much."
"I love you too, Angel, so much," Maddox says after a few seconds and then he kisses me again. This time a little bit longer and then he rubs his nose with mine. We celebrated Christmas with Logan and Bruno by our side.
THE END