The moment we saw what Niki displayed, we all burst into laughter as Britney got evidently embarrassed.
"Hey, come on. We are planning on playing secret Santa." Britney said in between catching her breathe, as she was running behind Niki trying to snatch her so-called gift from her. Niki dodged her, as she laughed and sang Christmas carols along.
"Eeww! Stop that Britney. I think I will now imagine you and Max doing kinky things every time I see a Santa Claus. You are ruining my pure and blissful image of Christmas." I teased.
"Yes, we didn't know, you are such a naughty girl, Britney, holy mothers of heaven will haunt you in your dreams." Niki grinned as she finally gave up and handed Britney's extraordinary gift to her.
These two were total nuts. I rolled my eyes as I began setting the lunch table. Their bickering and
chuckles filled my otherwise empty home, making a small smile creep up my face.
After they settled, we sat down to eat together. They bought me takeout food, from my favorite diner in the city center.
"So, Emma, we already know about Britney's plans for Christmas, what about you? What are you doing?" Niki cooed teasingly, giving Britney a wink.
Britney nudged Niki, gesturing her to stop embarrassing her, as I responded with a playful grin on my face, "I am going to Benjamin's house. It's his daughters' birthday party tomorrow, I will most likely ring in the Christmas with them."
"Birthday party will wind up much sooner, but I am sure it will be fun. You can crash at my place post that." Niki said as she swallowed a spoon full of noodles in her mouth.
"No, you guys carry on. I think I will call in a quiet night at home."
They both looked at each other and signaled something in telepathy it seems, as they quietly nodded and began eating again.
I knew they were worried about me, but after my repeated attempts, I had made them agree to not force me into things, I will recover from the current setback in my life at my own pace. I am glad my friends accepted, and that they respect my decision by giving me the space I needed.
At least, they didn't think I was weak to handle life, and its challenges.
"Emma, so are you assigned with your new client yet? I heard they were re-assigning you a project." Britney asked.
"Oh, Yes. I will be working for Brento Corp now, right after the holidays, I will be joining their office."
"That's great, Emma. I wish you all the luck." Niki replied gleefully.
They both hung out with me all day, and honestly, they made me lose track of time. I forgot all my worries when I was with them.
Next day, I woke up and did some routine household chores. Usually, by this time, I used to be hustling around buying Christmas decorations and lights, and baking cupcakes with my mom. This year, well let's just say, I was coping.
They say, the pain you feel today is the strength you feel tomorrow. That was exactly my state of mind right now.
Soon, it was evening, and I got ready for the birthday party. I wore a plain red dress that just covered above my knees, and paired it with black warm stocking and boots. I matched a cozy yet comfortable fur coat on top of it and left my hair loose as I applied minimal makeup on my face.
The moment I stepped out, I saw Mark in the corridor, pacing up and down my apartment. He was wearing a close-fitted brown jacket with blue jeans and a grey muffler around his neck.
"Hey, Mark. I didn't expect you to be here. What were you doing?"
"Hi Emma, I am sorry I called you an hour ago. Honestly, I was deciding whether to knock at your door or not. I was in the neighborhood for some work, but you didn't answer the call, so I thought just to drop by. Sorry for intruding, umm, Merry Christmas!" He said nervously, with a sheepish smile on his face, as he handed me a bunch of beautiful red roses. I checked my phone and saw his missed call. I was busy getting ready and didn't realise he called.
"No worries. It's absolutely fine that you dropped by. Merry Christmas Mark! These roses are so pretty. Thank You." I took the flowers and gave him a polite reply.
"They aren't as pretty as their owner. You look great, Emma, I regret not calling you again, as I see you are heading somewhere."
"Umm yes. I have to attend Benjamin's party. I mean, my boss at S&M. It's his twin daughters’ birthday today." I was taken aback by his compliment and his piercing brown eyes. I saw warmth in them.
"Ok Great! Please carry on. We can meet some other time. Have a great evening."
"Sure. Thank you for dropping by and for the flowers Mark. I will call you."
We both started walking downstairs, and when we reached the front of my building, Mark greeted me goodbye and headed to his car.
Meanwhile, I waited for the cab I booked, which should have been here by now. A few minutes later, Mark's car stopped in front of me.
"It's freezing. Is your ride here yet? Or can I drop you somewhere?"
I was not sure if I would want his company any longer, I got a very different vibe from him, friendly yet complicatedly different. He was a great friend, yet his eyes said a lot more than that.
"Earth to Emma. It's going to snow soon, what
