"The Greatest Gift" December 24, 2016 Home was only three hours away so taking a deep breath I climbed onto the crowded bus. A few moments later my eyes searched for a seat on the left side of the bus but I couldn't help but to gaze to my right, seeing the furrowed brows and looks of disdain and even though I knew why they were reacting in such a way I really didn't care because I was almost home and that's what mattered. A few moments later I was settled so my mind began to wander, recalling the last six months of my life that I was desperate to forget for my actions had affected many. It was bad enough that I didn't have a choice in the matter but in the end, it was all for a good cause. At least, that's what I kept telling myself. "Hey Alexa." Looking around, I saw a girl sitting two rows in front of me peering through thin, wire-framed glasses. Her name was Jen, one of my biggest rivals so as her eyes scanned me up and down, I prepared myself. "What?" "Tomorrow's Christmas," she smiled coldly, "so how does it feel to have nobody at home waiting for you?" I shook my head. "Shut up, Jen." Jen's smile quickly faded. "No, I won't, and..." "She's already suffered enough," another voice said, "so please stop." Her eyes narrowing, Jen looked to the left across the aisle to a man sitting there. "Where did you come from? This is a private charter so get off." Then, the man reached out a hand and touched her forehead. "I've always been here and I will not leave." "You..." Jen began, but she then stopped abruptly, sinking back into her seat without another word. As for the man, he too fell silent. A couldn't believe what I had just witnessed because Jen was never one to back down from anyone, no matter what, so to see her turn submissive in the blink of an eye was incredibly odd...yet entertaining at the same time so with a grin I leaned my head back and closed my eyes, deciding to nap. **************************** I had no idea how long I dozed, but a light shaking awakened me and when my eyes opened I was peering up into a man's face. "May I join you?" He asked. Remembering the voice, it was the strange man from before and I realized how pleasant his face was, civilian or not, so I moved over to the next seat. "Sure." Sitting down, he looked at me tenderly. "So there's nobody at home waiting for you." The way he said that sounded more like a statement than a question, but I couldn't say anything because his beauty was completely indescribable. He was flawless, like something out of a dream, so I was sure that I must've looked ridiculous with my mouth agape and widened eyes. However, after a few moments more I mustered up some words. "No, my family and I..." My words then trailed off, eyes dropping. The man rested a hand on my shoulder. "I know but fear not. You have a good heart despite what you've done." My entire being was comforted in that instant, the man's touch like soft velvet. It was a very soothing, profound feeling of heat, and so delicate and moving that it brought tears to my eyes. I had never before experienced anything like it and now I couldn't help but to look into his eyes once more. "I...didn't mean to hurt anyone...I..." Nodding, the man now reached up to brush away my tears. "I know, and it's all right. It's over now, so no more sorrow." "No...it's not over," I sniffled, "the fighting will go on and..." Then, the bus suddenly stopped and the doors opened. I was pretty sure that three hours hadn't gone by yet but the man now arose from his seat. "This is your stop. Go see your family." I smiled through my tears. "I have no family, remember?" The man's smiled matched mine. "Yes you do." His eyes then peered out of the window. "Look." Turning my head, I struggled to see through all the frost and snow on the window, but I could still make out my mother standing there. It had been the first time I had seen her in over twelve years so needless to say I was in significant shock and disbelief. This wasn't happening...she hated me, so I couldn't even fathom why or how she was right there. "How?" I quickly looked back at the man but all I saw was the roof of the bus now. Quickly standing up I frantically searched for him but he was nowhere to be seen. He had vanished like a whisper. As for the other passengers, they were all silent and not moving, as if though they were frozen in time, oblivious to everything around them. Not wanting to question it, I grabbed my bag and ran off the bus and into the falling snow, the tears falling down my eyes at a mile a minute. My mother opened her arms to me, her warm brown eyes shining. "Welcome home, Alexa." "Mom!" I wept, falling into her arms. She petted my hair. "I'm so glad the war is over. Did you have a nice trip?" Pulling back, I looked at her desperately and was about to answer when my eyes caught glimpse of a man watching us from afar. It was the stranger from the bus, and he was smiling. My eyes couldn't leave him for a moment and as he turned and began to walk away, I felt something I hadn't felt in a long time. Peace. Then, I understood. It all made sense. Word count: 1000 This story is for all the people out there who have to be alone on Christmas. People tend to become more depressed during the holidays, especially on Christmas so I wanted to write a story that inspired hope in people. Sometimes hope comes in different ways in many different forms so I chose one that is close to my heart so please enjoy it and have a happy, peaceful holiday.