64 - Christmas

                                    

                                          
Alison
***
                          
My five and a half hour flight to New York was set to leave at 6 PM, meaning that Chris and I left his apartment at four. I was only taking one big suitcase back home and was leaving the rest behind in my rented room. After all, I'd be back in just three weeks. Apart from clothes, I was taking a few paintings I had done throughout the semester to show my parents how hard I worked. I felt the obligation to prove to them that my art degrees weren't a waste of time.
                          
Chris insisted on parking instead of just dropping me off. We both knew he couldn't accompany me inside and risk being spotted by any student flying back home like I was. We'd have to say goodbye in the car. 
                          
It were instances like this that made me absolutely hate hiding. It felt unfair. I wanted a proper goodbye at the gate, to be kissed and hugged among the other parting couples. 
                          
We were silent at first as Chris took the keys off the ignition. Technically, we were already taking a risk by being in the parking lot for longer than strictly necessary. 
                          
The air around us was tense. Neither of us wanted to say goodbye, so we waited until one of us finally gave in and spoke.
                          
"I have your present." Chris said at last. He reached under his seat and took out one wrapped present. It was in a weird shape, like he tried to wrap two gift in one wrapping. 
                          
I took it and smiled from ear to ear. "I can feel two things inside..."
                          
He chuckled. "I couldn't decide between the two so why not give them both?"
                          
I kissed him on the cheek, putting the present inside my tote bag. Even when traveling I preferred to take my things inside that rag than use a purse. I found it much more convenient this way. A tote bag could also fit many more things inside, and today was no exception. As I put my present away, I took out Chris'.
                          
"And this is for you." I said, giving it to him. His eyes softened as he took it, turning it to inspect the packaging. 
                          
"My first gift to put under my non-existent tree." He said. Instead of kissing my cheek, he took my chin and aligned our lips, kissing me lightly.
                          
"There's still time to put one up." I smiled, caressing his beard.
                          
"If you help me take it down when you come back I might reconsider." He replied with a wink. 
                          
With our gifts exchanged, we fell silent again. We knew we had to say goodbye in the next few minutes, but neither of us wanted to make that move.
                          
"Text me when you get there?" He asked, his thumb running across my cheek.
                          
"I'll call you. You don't mind the time difference, do you?" 
                          
He grinned. "Well, I might be a little annoyed if you call me in the middle of the night, but if you tell me what you're wearing I'll forgive you."
                          
I nudged him, shaking my head and rolling my eyes. I knew he was trying to lighten the mood.
                          
I looked at my watch. We couldn't stall anymore. I had to go.
                          
 Chris understood what I was feeling and reached his arms towards me. I hugged him back, my head nestling in the crook of his neck.