A Kiss Before The New Year

CHAPTER THREE — A CHRISTMAS PROMISE

December 25, 2023

The world outside Megan’s window was blanketed in white, the kind of snow that made everything look like it had been dusted in sugar. Inside her dreams, however, the world was dazzling gold.

A crowd surrounded her, faces blurred by light and laughter. Jason stood before her in a black tuxedo, his blond hair tousled by a soft winter breeze. He was smiling — that lopsided grin that made her stomach twist.

“Megan Thompson,” he said, voice steady but warm. “Will you be my girlfriend?”

In his hand were red roses and a small ring box, glinting under fairy lights.

Her heart thundered. “Yes,” she gasped. “Yes, I will!”

The crowd erupted, clapping and whistling. Someone chanted, “Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!”

Jason stepped closer, eyes locked on hers, his breath brushing her cheek. The noise around them faded. Her pulse roared.

Just as his lips brushed hers—

“Megan! Wake up already!”

The dream shattered.

Megan shot up, eyes wide. Evelyn stood over her, wrapped in a cozy robe, holding a pillow like a weapon.

“What in the world, Evelyn?” Megan groaned, covering her face.

“It’s Christmas morning, sleepyhead!” Evelyn said, tossing the pillow onto her. “Your mom’s losing her mind downstairs, and you’re drooling over dream boys.”

Megan blinked. “Dream boys?” Then it hit her. She groaned louder. “Oh no. Don’t tell me I was smiling in my sleep again.”

Evelyn smirked. “Smiling? You were practically making out with the air.”

“Evelyn!” Megan shrieked, burying her face under her blanket.

“Get up! Everyone’s waiting.” Evelyn hummed “Mistletoe” by Justin Bieber as she danced out of the room.

Megan groaned but smiled despite herself. Jason Stone, you are invading my subconscious. Rude.

Fifteen minutes later, Megan came downstairs in a sleek off-shoulder black gown that hugged her curves and flared softly at her knees. Her hair cascaded in loose curls, and a hint of strawberry gloss glimmered on her lips.

The house buzzed with activity — laughter from the living room, clinking cutlery from the kitchen, and the faint sound of holiday music playing from an old speaker. The tree lights blinked rhythmically, reflecting off golden ornaments.

“Megan, get the door!” her mom called as the doorbell rang.

“Got it!” she said, smoothing her hair before swinging open the door.

Standing outside were Jason and Axton, each holding gift boxes and grinning under the light snowfall.

“Merry Christmas,” Jason said, his eyes catching hers with a glint that made her stomach flip.

“Merry Christmas to you too,” she managed.

Axton stepped forward, shaking his head dramatically. “You guys outdid yourselves with the decorations. Even our tree looks shy now.”

Megan laughed, stepping aside. “Come in before you both freeze to death.”

As they entered, Jason paused briefly beside her, his hand brushing her arm — a light

touch, accidental maybe, but it sent sparks racing up her skin.

“You look…” he started, then stopped, smiling. “Dazzling.”

Megan’s breath hitched. “Thank you.”

Evelyn, passing by with a tray of cookies, gave her a knowing grin that screamed we’ll talk about this later.

The party took place at the neighborhood’s small community hall, transformed into a wonderland of twinkling lights and snowflake cutouts. The scent of roasted turkey and peppermint cocoa filled the air.

Axton and Jason stepped in together, both instantly mobbed by friends. Music thumped softly in the background — festive but not deafening.

“This is beautiful,” Axton said, scanning the decor.

Jason nodded, though his eyes were elsewhere — following Megan as she crossed the room carrying a tray of cider glasses.

“Let’s sit over there,” Jason said, motioning toward a quieter corner. They dropped into their seats, exchanging nods with a few classmates.

Minutes passed in comfortable silence until Axton suddenly leaned back, his expression distant.

“What’s up?” Jason asked, not looking up from his phone.

Axton hesitated. “There’s something I need to fix tonight.”

Jason raised an eyebrow. “Fix?”

Axton exhaled slowly. “Evelyn.”

Jason’s eyes flicked up. “What about her?”

Axton’s jaw tightened. “Since freshman year, man. I tried to shake it off, but it’s useless. Every time she laughs, I—” He stopped himself, running a hand through his hair. “Never mind. You wouldn’t get it.”

Jason chuckled. “Try me. You’re talking to a guy who just survived a public breakup with a human firework.”

Axton grinned despite himself. “Touché.”

Jason leaned back. “Then tell her. Life’s too short for almosts.”

Axton looked unconvinced but nodded. “Maybe you’re right.”

A few minutes later, Axton spotted Megan near the buffet table, passing out glasses of wine.

“Hey, Megan!” he called, weaving through the crowd toward her.

She turned, smiling. “Oh! Axton. Need anything?”

“Yeah.” He rubbed the back of his neck, suddenly awkward.

She blinked. “Why do you look nervous? You’re sweating more than the turkey.”

He laughed quietly, shaking his head. “It’s not the party. It’s your friend.”

“Evelyn?” Megan’s eyebrows shot up.

He nodded. “Since freshman year, I’ve liked her. No—loved her, actually.”

Megan froze, her mouth falling open. “You’re serious?”

“Dead serious,” he said, eyes earnest. “She’s kind, funny, and she doesn’t even realize half the room lights up when she walks in. I was too much of a coward to say it before. I don’t want to end this year the same way.”

Megan’s face broke into a wide grin. “Axton, this is huge!”

He chuckled nervously. “So you’ll help me?”

“Help you?” She placed a hand on her hip. “I’ll be your Cupid, your backup dancer, and your emotional support system.”

Axton laughed, tension easing.

“Wait here,” Megan said, already backing away. “I’ll get her.”

“Are you sure—?”

She waved him off. “Trust me! You’ll thank me later.”

Axton watched her go, shaking his head, half anxious, half hopeful.

Across the hall, Jason watched the exchange from a distance, one hand in his pocket, eyes narrowed just slightly. He wasn’t jealous exactly — but there was something about Megan’s excitement that made his chest tighten in ways he didn’t want to name.

Megan practically skipped through the crowd, her heels clicking against the polished floor, her heart swelling with excitement. The lights, the music, the laughter — everything seemed to shimmer with possibility.

Maybe Christmas wasn’t just about gifts and traditions this year.

Maybe it was about beginnings.

And as she spotted Evelyn laughing near the dessert table, Megan grinned to herself. Oh, you’re going to love this surprise.