A gift from Santa

Lily's POV My feet ached from the 10-inch Louboutin pumps which adorned my feet while I made my way into the elevator, but it was a little price to pay for beauty. As I had always been one who was a stickler for beauty. My eyes ran across every single individual who was with me in the elevator, to whom I exchanged little smiles with whoever deemed it fit to exchange greetings with me. When the elevator finally dinged, opening up to the floor the law firm was at, I drew in a breath at the ornaments that decorated the floor. From a huge Christmas tree skyrocketing all the way to the top to the little writing that introduced Christmas and the famous Mariah Carey song “All I Want for Christmas Is You” playing in the background, all I could do was take in a deep breath. It was Christmas again, and I knew that it was going to be the same as all the other years I have always had; there would be no difference. Just like always, I would be wrapped up in my blanket, with popcorn loaded in a bowl, while watching whatever soap opera I could binge on or whatever movie caught my fancy on Netflix. It was going to be the same as always, like it had been for years. My feet trudged alone as I made my way in, each step leading into my office, when confetti party poppers drizzled on me. My eyes glanced at everyone while I tried not to show how irritated I was by it, but when hands clapped with smiling faces, I found myself relaxing. “Congratulations, Lily, you have broken the streak.” One of my coworkers acknowledged,to which all I could do was place a hand against my chest. “What would it be? The 20th case, right?” One questioned, to which another shook her head. “Her 30th. The Louboutins pump devil has a winning streak in court, and it seems she will have a long one.” “Well, how about we toast to that?” My principal stepped in, grasping a bottle of red wine to himself, and heavens knew I needed that, but I could do without it right now. “Have you forgotten? She doesn't drink while at work.” Another tried to explain to him when he shook his hands, waving him off. “A cup or two, Lily, and that will be all. Why don't you relax? This should be the last case you will be handling for this year, and we will be glad to let you off early; you could use that much-needed leave.” “I don't really think I should take that.” I cackled at that. It wasn't clear to me why I should do that when I knew what it would be. “Why? You have been working your ass off, and it is only fitting that you take one off, so what do you say? A drink?” “The drink, yes, but the leave, how about I sleep over it?” “Lily will be the only one who thinks about a leave.” Elizabeth, a co-worker, chipped in. She had a smudged look on her face before she picked up the bottle of wine uncorked it before she turned just enough for me and handed me a glass. “Have a go at it, Lily. You will enjoy it. Who knows? This Christmas will be different from the others you have had, maybe you will finally be able to bring in a plus one to our end-of-year party. Hahaha.” My eyes fell on her at what she had just said as my fingers curled around the champagne flute I had on. “Hahaha,” I let out, trying to hide how uneasy her words made me feel. “Don't push that. Are you going to tell me the Louboutins pump devil hasn't brought in a plus one to any of our parties yet?” My principal questioned, possibly finding it so difficult to believe, but it was true. “Thank you for the drink.” I gulped it down, letting its sour, grapey taste hit the back of my throat before strutting down to my office while trying not to listen to the talks, which I knew would be centered on me. My eyes fell on the voucher, which sat on my desk staring back at me. “Who kept this here?” I asked loud enough for them to hear when Lizzy showed up at my door, leaning against the door frame. “I did.” She answered. “I am sorry about what I said earlier; I didn't mean it in that way you must be thinking.” “It's fine.” I brushed her off. “You shouldn't apologize for something you have done. That isn't how you ought to act in court, so how about I hand you back this voucher since I don't have a plus one?” “I didn't. The principal instructed that I place that there, and that is what I did, so if you have a problem with that, you have to go back to him and talk it out.” “Lizzy…. Perhaps did I do something wrong to you that I have no idea about?” “ No, you didn't. Why would you think so? All I am trying to do is get you out and stop being boring; there is a lot more out there aside from being in the courtroom. Use that, would you?” She gave off a smile, which came off as pretending, before she stepped off. Done with everything I knew I was to do here, I slipped the voucher into my bag, deciding to call it a day. “Goodnight, Lily.” I heard a voice whisper behind me as I made my way out, each eye set on me whispering as I made my way out. Maybe I should take that leave and go look for a life beyond the courtroom, like Lizzy had advised me. The cold winter air struck across my face so hard that it had me clenching the winter jacket closer to myself even tighter than I usually would have. The music that permeated the air lovers walking into rooms while sharing kisses and holding hands while at it pissed me off even more. My heels clicked against the pavement as I tried not to pay heed to them when it rang out. “Toss a coin in and make a wish, who knows? The universe might be watching.” I scoffed at that, glaring at the fountain as I traipsed past. It was just a means to get you to spend money, but on second thought, my feet came to a halt abruptly before I glanced at the fountain. It was simply a coin. What would hurt if I did that? Dipping my hands into the bag I had, I tossed in a coin before rubbing both hands together as I made a silent prayer to Santa Claus to give me a partner. “I need this Christmas to be different from all the others. I want a partner and someone who will be by my side for life.” I whispered with eyes shut before flicking them open before trudging away. What was the possibility that I would even get that? Chills ran down my skin while I walked into the apartment block I lived in. Maybe I should take my car along next time since walking in pumps this high wasn't so easy, not that I have ever had a problem with it . My apartment clicked open with a fingerprint when I stepped in, and when I placed a foot in, I knew something was wrong. Perhaps it was because the flower vase was moved or the window had been pulled open. I knew… I was so sure that I had pulled that down. My heart slammed so hard as I took another step in when my phone rang, blazing the air. “Hey Lizzy,” I listened as she panted, her words coming out raspy. “You have to calm down and speak.” I uttered, urging her to when she did. “Raymond…. Raymond is out and…. “My phone slipped out of my palm, dropping to the ground as I made my way toward the door when the shadow snuck out. “It took you long enough to get here.” He spoke.