Story: Christmas Story :)

                It’s Christmas eve and everyone’s getting ready for the mass. Angela is on her way to the church alone and she has always been alone during Christmas season because her family lives a thousand miles away from her and her friends are all with their family. Some invited her over but she said no. It’s kinda sad but Angela is used to it already. She’s been alone for 3 years and it’s nothing new for her.

                “Merry Christmas.” Everyone greets each other on their way and it makes Angela smiles. She just loves it when people greet each other. The church is just blocks away from her house and she actually has neighbors walking with her so it’s a nice short walk from her house to the church. “You know you’re welcome at our home anytime, right?” Andy, her neighbor, tells her. “I know, and thanks but I’ll be fine at my house.” she replies with a smile. “Okay then. Just come over if you change your mind.” Andy blurts before speeding up.  

                Lights fill the streets and beautiful lanterns are hanged everywhere. People also crowd the streets and children are hurrying their moms to go inside the church. Angela is walking on the sidewalk when a car comes storming and almost crashes her if only someone hadn’t grabbed her away. People rush to see if she’s fine and gladly she is but she’s in shock. “Are you okay?” the man who grabbed her asks. Angela looks up then replies, “I’m fine. Thanks.” The man gently lets her go. The driver of the car comes out then walks towards her. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to do that. I lost control and the break didn’t work. I’m so sorry.” the man looks horrified. “I should bring you to the hospital.” he holds Angela’s shoulder for support but she gently pulls away. “No it’s okay. I’m fine and I know you didn’t mean that. It’s okay.” Angela blurts with a smile. She’s not really hurt and she believes the man that it was just an accident. “Are you sure? Are you hurt somewhere?” the driver asks. “No. I’m feeling just fine.” She says again. “Okay, she’s fine. I think we just need to give her space.” the guy who helped her announces and politely tells everyone to go their ways. “Thanks. I’m fine.” Angela tells everyone who asks if she’s fine. The crowd lessen after a while leaving only Angela, the guy who helped her and the driver. “My name is John Martin. Here’s my card and if you feel anything wrong just give me a call, okay?” the driver hands her a card. “Okay Mr. Martin. Just be careful next time.” Angela tells her. “I’ll be going then. Be careful.” Mr. Martin says. “How about your car?” the other guy asks. “I’ll tell my assistant to pick it up.” Mr. Martin replies. “Okay.” the guy replies and Mr. Martin slowly turns away. “Uhmm, Mr. Martin.” Angela calls out after Mr. Martin has already turned away. He turns back to her. “Merry Christmas.” Angela greets. “Oh,” Mr. Martin scratches his head like he’s totally forgotten. “Merry Christmas.” he replies. 

                The other guy stays with Angela for a while making sure she’s really fine. “I’m really fine. Thank you” Angela assures him. “Okay then. If you insist.” the guy replies. He is about to go when he remembers something, “Oh,” he looks at her again. “Merry Christmas.” he tells her with a beautiful smile that it makes Angela smile too. “Merry Christmas.” she replies. 

                She finally reaches the church, safe and sound, and sees many familiar faces. Neighbors, schoolmates and some of her friends. It feels nice for her and somehow she feels like her family is there too. She sits on the third row and then kneels down after a moment to pray. She prays for her family, friends, her job, health and everything else. She also prays for world peace and strangers who have good hearts, like the one who helped her. “Bless them all, Lord. Amen.” she finishes. She opens her eyes and sees the white cloth covering her arm. The guy had used his handkerchief to cover the scratch on her arm. It’s been a while since a guy did that to her. “So you were going here.” A voice sounds beside her. She turns to look and surprised to see the guy who helped her kneeling beside her, praying. “Yes.” she simply replies then sits back on the pew. The guy opens his eyes, do the sign of the cross then sits up beside her. 

                It’s kinda awkward that the guy followed her but she knows that he’s a good guy so it is okay. “I was actually going here too.” the guy explains. “I see.” she says. “You’re not with your family?” she wonders. “No. I’m all alone.” he replies. “Same here.” she blurts. “I know.” he says. “Huh?” Angela thought she heard him wrong. “You’re always alone during Christmas eve mass.” the guy explains which makes Angela stare at him. “Don’t worry, I’m not a stalker.” he says right away. “I just used to see you every Christmas eve mass.” he says. “Oh, but I don’t see you.” Angela blurts. “There are many people during Christmas eve mass, surely you wouldn’t be able to remember all of them.” he says. “Right.” she agrees. 

                But he surely remembered her. 

                The mass starts after a couple of Christmas carols and the lightning of the candle. The church is filled with families, friends, and strangers all excited to celebrate the Holy Eucharist. It is a night full or rejoicing because the Son of God is finally born. 

                “Peace be with you and Merry Christmas.” the guy greets Angela. “Peace be with you and Merry Christmas too.” Angela greets back with a smile. It’s a strange feeling but somehow it feels good to her. It’s like she already knew him and that they’re actually friends. Maybe it’s because Angela knows that he’s a good man. 

                It’s a long quiet mass between Angela and the guy and the service lasted for an hour and a half. “You’re going straight home?” the guy asks as they walk out the church. “Yes.” Angela replies. They stop by the door and talk there for a while. “Why?” she asks. “Nothing, just wondering if you have any family arrangement after the mass.” he says. “My family’s not here actually.” she replies. He regrets asking the question after. “Ah. So you’re spending the evening alone?” he clears. “I believe yes.” she says. “If you want…” he starts saying but Angela cuts him. “No, it’s okay. I’m used to it. But thanks anyway.” she says. He smiles. “Just wondering if you want to help me read some books for the kids.” he blurts. “Huh? Read books?” Angela gets confused. “Actually I’m working here.” he points at the parish office on their left. “You’re working here?” Angela wants to confirm. “Yes. I help Father Larry with the youth activities and some other things.” he explains. “Really? You didn’t tell me.” she says. “So?” he waits for her reply.

                For three years, Angela has always been spending her Christmas alone. Maybe it’s time to spend it with someone. Or the kids. 

                “Sure.” she shrugs.

                It’s been a long night for Angela but it’s a good one. She thought it would be just another Christmas eve alone but she was wrong. Because she will be spending this Christmas eve with a stranger and some kids. 

                  “So, you haven’t told me your name yet.” Angela starts as they walk towards the formation office. “Well,” the guy stops then turns to face her. “I’m Matthew. Matthew Johnson.” he extends his hand to Angela. “Nice meeting you Mr. Matthew Johnson. I’m Angela,” she takes the hand. “Angela Morrison.” she smiles. “And Merry Christmas.” she adds.

                Merry Christmas!