Finding Zoe

CHAPTER TWO The inception

24th December 2023

Christmas Eve has always been my mother’s beloved holiday. Despite her coldness, she summoned a fragile cheer. She decorated the small tree in our living room with trembling hands. “Christmas is about magic,” she would say, but her eyes, shadowed with untold sorrow, betrayed the lie.

I’ve loved Christmas too, the way city streets come alive with twinkling lights and children’s laughter as they await Santa’s arrival. There’s a special warmth in the air, an unspoken promise that the world, despite its flaws, is still capable of magic. Today, I was on my way to see my best friend, Jasmine, the one person I hadn’t seen in ages.

While I loved my family, I felt most at peace when I was far from home. Every year, I spent Christmas with my family, but this time it was different. “A new beginning, a new me,” I whispered to myself. I felt excited and nervous. I wasn’t going to spend this Christmas arguing with my mom like I always did.

The ride to the airport was blissful, with carols playing on the radio at a gentle volume.

La la la la la, Christmas is here 🎶

And as I sang, memories of my last Christmas as a complete family flashed through my mind. I had both Dad, Mom, and Noah dancing under the Christmas tree that Dad and I made, their laughter filling the house before it left us.

Holding on to my favorite dark blue winter jacket as I stepped out of the car, I could feel the familiar rush of Christmas cheer enveloping me.

“Happy holidays, Miss," my driver called out.

“Same to you,” I giggled, finding my way to the entrance of the airport with my luggage.

The airport was a flurry of holiday hustle. Families reunited, travelers rushed to catch flights, and laughter filled the air. It was as if everyone shared the same unspoken joy in the air.

"Got to the airport,” I texted Jasmine, my excitement bubbling over. Moments later, her reply came: “Can’t wait to see you, love!” My heart swelled as I smiled.

“The flight announcement echoed: “Welcome aboard Delta Airlines flight DL456 from New York’s JFK to the Six. Please secure your carry-on items, fasten seatbelts, and set electronic devices to airplane mode. Merry Christmas!”

Settling into my seat, I slipped on my headphones. The familiar notes of "All I Want for Christmas Is You" by Mariah Carey filled my ears. I whispered, "This Christmas is going to be great." I closed my eyes and let hope carry me away.

I arrived in Canada at exactly 4 p.m.; the chill in the air felt exhilarating, like a fresh start. Jasmine insisted I join her for a swanky holiday gala downtown. It was a world of champagne flutes, designer dresses, and people untouched by life's struggles.

“You should come to Canada, Zoe,” she had always said. So, when I landed a lucrative writing gig, it was the perfect opportunity for her to convince me to move in with her. She picked me up from the airport with a wide grin, her arms open for a long-awaited hug.

Welcome to the six, she screamed at me.

“I’ve missed you so much!” I squealed, laughing as she pulled me close.

“We have a lot of catching up to do,” she said in a friendly tone, “but first, let’s get you home."

Jazz veiled her apartment in Kitsilano, a lovely coastal Vancouver district. People know Kitsilano, or "Kits," for its mountain views and the nearby Pacific Ocean. It achieves an ideal combination of urban charm and natural beauty.

The heart of it lay along West 4th Avenue, a street lined with trendy cafés, boutique stores, and restaurants serving food from all around the world. Whether you were in the mood for artisanal coffee, vegan treats, or fresh sushi, you could always find something to fit your taste.

Jasmine had found the perfect home two blocks away from Kits Beach, her number one spot, where the sea and mountains met in perfect harmony.

The duplex apartment, snug and art-filled, radiated Jasmine’s personality. “Still got the cozy vibes, Jazz,” I said as we entered. It felt like home, comforting and peaceful.

“Always going for the best,” she replied with a wink, handing me a cup of tea.

“Freshen up. I’m going to grab some groceries from the store across the street,” she said before heading out, leaving me to settle in.

Jazz has always been a beacon of strength. An orphan who has turned her life around, she is now a successful lawyer. I admire her so much for that, and now she is welcoming me into her world. No one does it like her.

Left to settle in, I wandered to the kitchen when a knock interrupted me. "Jazz, did you forget something?" Leaving the cup on the table, I opened the door, expecting Jasmine. Instead, a man with a magnetic presence and an air of quiet confidence that didn’t demand attention but commanded it stopped me cold.

For a moment, I stood frozen, unsure if I was imagining it.

“Hey,” he said, brushing my arm with a touch that was so gentle it grounded me. His emerald eyes locked onto mine, and in an instant, every butterfly in my stomach took flight.

“And she is as exquisite as a rose,” he said, his tone low, almost inviting. Oh, how those words made me blush and quicken my pulse.

I smiled, uncertain how to respond.

“Is Jazz here?” he asked, his voice holding a hint of curiosity.

“No, but come in,” I replied, still a little flustered. “She’ll be back soon.”

“Sure,” he nodded, stepping inside with a smile that sent a shiver down my spine. “With an angel standing before me, I wouldn’t mind waiting.”

“I’m Luca,” he introduced himself, extending his hand.

“Zoe, Jazz's best friend," I shook his hand in reply. "You're not Jazz… never mind,” I mumbled, feeling a little silly. He fit the description Jazz had provided about him in every detail.

He laughed, his eyes crinkling at the edges, and I felt an inexplicable connection to him.

“Nice to meet you, Zoe,” he said, his gaze wandering around the room, landing on a beautiful painting hanging near the television. “Jazz always has an eye for art,” he said, admiring the piece.

“She’s always loved art since she was a child,” I replied. “It’s one of the most beautiful things about her. Even nature loves that about her.”

Luca nodded, his eyes returning to mine with an intensity that sent my heart racing.

“You’re beautiful,” Luca said, his gaze never leaving mine. His words lingered in the air, a compliment so sincere it almost took my breath away.

“Zoe,” he called in a gentle tone, pulling me from my thoughts. “Wouldn’t it be great?”

I shook my head, struggling to grasp his meaning. I lost myself in his gaze, and my heart fluttered, unsure of what was happening.

“Well, I should get going,” he said, breaking the silence. “Tell Jazz I dropped by.”

“Wait!” I called out, driven by a surge of emotion, my pulse pounding. “Can I have your number?” I asked, smiling at him. I did not know where the courage had come from for me to ask.

He grinned, his eyes sparkling with amusement and something more genuine. “Is it the Christmas lights, or did your smile light up my whole world?” he teased. “I’d love to keep that glow around," handing me his number.

Something in his gaze pulled me into an undeniable affinity. It felt as though we had known each other forever, as though fate had aligned our paths.

For the first time in a long time, I didn’t feel like Zoe, Gwen’s daughter, or Jasmine’s quiet shadow. I was Zoe, a woman with her dreams and fears. And in that moment, I felt the presence of someone who recognized me with sincerity.

They say love is never enough. But at this moment, I hope my love for him might be enough. I was, without a doubt, falling for him.

You can find pure love in the craziest ways that you may not have imagined or wished for. It may not be how you planned it. Sometimes, it could be with a different person than you hoped for. But it all turns out better.

As Luca left, something inside me stirred. Could this be an obsession that would soon diminish, or had my life shifted?