The chill of the wind brushed against her sheer, skin-tone pantyhose covered legs, fluffy white rim of her red velvet dress fluttering above her knees. She shuddered, hugging herself, blowing into her palms.

    The very last thing she wanted to be today was Santa Clause or Mrs. Santa, for that matter. What made it even worst was that the taxi drove off with her coat still on the back seat. What a way to start the night! At least she still had her cellphone and dignity. Dignity she would like to protect, her guts telling her to bail on the party Dolores insisted on.

    She lifted her head, her hand holding onto the little stocking cap not to slip off, glancing at the square window on the second floor of the building, colorful laser lights circling through its glass. A sigh escaped her as soon as she felt the cellphone buzzing in her grip. She flipped it, the screen facing her.

    Where the hell are you? Fredric is waiting!!!

    I am on my way, the traffic is horrible!    

    You said that half an hour ago! Amy, are you outside?

     Amy lifted her head, looking at the window, walking backward, pressing her back against the building's cold stone covered wall, hiding under the shadow of the balcony above.

    Her stomach twisted. She hated this, hated everything about it. She did not want to see Fredric again, not after all those years. Where was he when she most needed him? Why come back now when she has convinced herself of moving on.

    She rested her head against the wall, watching the passing cars drive by, fairy lights hanged on the branchless trees across from her blinking, fighting the lump in her throat, angry at herself for giving in to her anxious heart.

    She did not hear the approaching footsteps coming from the poorly lit sidewalk to her right, noticing the figure standing close by too late.

    Her eyes welled as light cascaded upon Fredric's face, no longer able to control her eyebrow muscles from frowning, tears gliding down her cheeks. His smile warmed her heart, as did his opened arms that welcomed her rush to meet him, burying her face into his chest, absorbing his warmth, her nostrils relishing his scent.

    "Merry Christmas," he whispered, his shaking breath moving the hair against her ears.

    Her wrapped arms around him squeezed harder, unable to let go, her chest too swelled to give a reply.

    "Do you believe in second chances?"

    She nodded, lifting her head, meeting his passionate gaze, a tear escaping her eye.

    He smiled, dipping his head, his lips meeting hers, green, yellow, and red light softly blinking upon them.