But it’s not Frank’s name inscribed on the base of the snowglobe.
It’s Steven’s.
If I thought Cole breaking in to set up a Christmas tree was romantic, gifting me the heart of my abusive ex-boyfriend in the form of a snowglobe is downright poetic.
When I go to set the snowglobe back on the table beside my cute aesthetic candles, I see a folded piece of paper in the spot the snowglobe was placed. Unfolding it with hope in my heart and childish glee, I read:
Happy birthday, beautiful.
You deserve to feel special today.
Yours Truly,
SKS
Consider my heart melted. No mention of Christmas, no “Happy Holidays.” He’s making today about my birthday and my birthday only. This is probably the best birthday I’ve ever had. Who knew all I needed was my ex’s heart and for someone to break in to set up a Christmas tree.
Then I notice the post script.
P.S. If you want to feel extra special,
leave your window unlocked tonight.
You don’t have to tell me twice. Just like the guy inThe Night Before Christmas, I spring to the window to open it for my own dark Santa Claus so he can come do wicked things with my body instead of leaving presents under the tree. Ok, that’s not exactly how the story goes, but it’s my idea of a good bedtime story.
I guess I won’t be spending Christmas alone afterall.
So I wait.
And I wait.
And I wait so long that sleep overtakes me without consent.
But I’m roused from my slumber when I feel a weight settle over me on the couch where I passed out just before a hard force applies pressure to my airway.
My eyes shoot open to take in the dark gaze I’ve fantasized about every night this week. And the black mask concealing the chiseled jaw, short hair, and scruffy stubble of his chin that I love so much.
A normal person would be screaming in this situation. But me? I smile like I’ve just received the best Christmas present of my life, not an ounce of fear in sight.
Leaning close so I can smell the wintery scent of him invading my space, Cole whispers past the balaclava. His undeniably sultry voice asks me, “Didn’t anyone ever tell you to lock your windows at night? A serial killer could come in and have his way with you?”
I was counting on it.
What a Holly Jolly Holiday it will be.
