The kettle sitting on the stove whistles loudly as steam torrents out of the small opening at the end of the pot. The high-pitched shrill notifies Ana that the water has reached its boiling point and is ready to use. Jumping on one foot, the girl, with chestnut-colored hair textured in waves and a light olive complexion, hobbles out of her room and over into the kitchen. She is trying to put on her other sock without falling flat onto her face. Fortunately for her, she succeeds and avoids a bloody nose.

God knows how many times she's done that before.

Her tiny one-bedroom apartment, despite its size, resembles a commercial freezer. It has to be at least forty degrees inside. None of the windows are open either! An army of goosebumps unfurls against her skin as she scurries over and turns the electric stove off. The hairs on the back of her neck are erected, and she reaches into the cupboard for her daily dose of blueberry tea. Cautious not to burn herself, due to her clumsy nature, Ana pours the water into the stainless steel thermal mug and stirs in a tablespoon of honey.

As she waits for the sweetener to dissolve, she rubs her left arm to create a little friction that would hopefully keep her warm. It doesn't do much, but at least she gave it a shot. The heating system in the building must have broken down... again. There's always something wrong with that thing, especially around this time of year and boy, is it starting to irritate her. Ana understands that repairs aren't cheap, but with the copious amount of money the landlord earns from his tenants (Ana included), one would expect the availability of gas not to be an issue.

Too bad it is.

The digital watch, adorning her wrist, beeps and Ana's eyes round. If she doesn't leave now, she'll miss her bus; and if she misses her bus, she'll end up late for her work. She can't afford to be tardy. She's already got two strikes next to her name! Another one and she'll be fired on the spot! After twisting the lid onto the mug and slipping into her boots, Ana hurries down the stairs and scrambles to the kiosk located nearly a block and a half away.

A couple of people shoot her apprehensive stares when she boards the bus, panting like a dog. The vehicle is already jam-packed as is and Ana has to wedge herself in between other passengers who groan and grunt, clearly agitated. She doesn't apologize to them, and instead droops her head down low. The bus pulls away from the curb, the shift causing everyone to fall to the side. In order to stabilize herself, Ana grips onto the metal bar above her head as she takes a sip of the tea. The concoction soothes her parched throat and she exhales in content.

Twenty minutes later she arrives at her stop. As Ana is powerwalking to the bookstore, weaving through the busy holiday shoppers, who are crowding the sidewalks, she starts to feel self-conscious. People's eyes stay on her a little too long for her liking, and Ana instinctively hugs her body. She doesn't want them to see. She doesn't want anyone to see the scars that'll never go away. The wounds that are a constant reminder of the horrors she barely managed to survive; the living nightmare she can never escape.

Once she is in the safety of the familiar building, Ana's lungs greedily suck in the oxygen. She can breathe at last. The imaginary weight that has been burdening her has vanished as her chest concaves in relief. Next she is greeted by Kyle Levesley, her coworker and the son of the owner of the dainty bookshop she is employed at. "You made it with a minute to spare, Belmonte. Consider yourself lucky." His signature smirk appears and Ana holds back a scoff. How could someone so arrogant exist in this world?

She doesn't utter a word to him and struts into the office, which can be found at the back of the building. Shrugging off her coat, Ana stuffs it into her assigned locker and shuts the door. She tugs at the sleeves of her oversized cashmere sweater and examines her appearance with the assistance of the small mirror mounted on the wall. Deeming herself as presentable, she returns to the front counter where she mans the register.

Today the bookstore is not as slow as it usually is and there is a decent amount of patrons inside. Ana assumes it is because Christmas is less than a week away and people are scavenging for last minute gifts. The street she works on is lined with local businesses, ranging from shops that make their own jewelry with polymer clay to boutiques that sell nightgowns and sleepwear they claim feels like a bed of clouds against your skin.

In the beginning, everything is going swell. Ana is in the middle of tending to a customer when the bundle of bells dangling over the entrance jingles. She looks up, like she always does. Her breath abruptly gets trapped in the back of her throat at the sight of the newcomer. It feels as though someone has just knocked the wind out of her and she takes a step back. The bottom of her lip begins to quiver while her hands tremble. This couldn't be real.

Naturally, Ana's heart thrashes against her chest cavity. The blood-pumping organ is palpitating thunderously as he inches closer, completely unaware of her presence. His gaze is soon fixated on the shelf of books in front of him and the girl's heart continues to pound. Petrified that everyone in the shop will be able to hear the buzzing, she quickly averts her eyes in hopes of pacifying her heart.

Stay calm, Ana. It's not a big deal. You knew you were bound to bump into him sooner or later. You're over him. Don't falter. You can do it. She motivates herself mentally.

It's been a year since she last saw him. A year since she ever so mercilessly ripped his heart out, threw it onto the ground (as if it had been worthless) and trampled all over it. All of this time Ana has been trying to forget about him, erase him from her memories. Make it so that there are no traces left of him in her life.

His laugh.

His smile.

The soft and tender look he had in his eyes whenever she would narrate one of her many stories to him.

The manner in which his lips molded perfectly against hers, as though they were made for each other.

A bittersweet taste lingers on the tip her tongue as her hands ball up into fists. Why now? Why does he have to come back now when she has nearly gotten over him? Oh right, it's Christmastime. Why wouldn't he return home?

After what seems like decades, he finally glances up, his gray eyes locking onto her chocolate orbs. Ana's knees suddenly buckle beneath her and she clutches onto the counter, using it to support her weight. The structure prevents her from collapsing. His expression is indecipherable and she swallows. Then, he flashes her a small smile. Jared O'Hare just smiled at her! What is she supposed to do? The corners of her lips curl upwards for a split second and she waves at him in return. She isn't going to ignore him. Even though that's what the rational part of her body is urging her to do, she blatantly disobeys.

The boy, whose dark hair is pushed up out of his face, manages to take one step in her direction before his phone reverberates in the palm of his hand. Halting in his tracks, Jared lifts the device up to see who's calling him. It's her. Not wanting to keep her waiting, he turns around and answers. Ana's chest aches and she can't help but feel disappointed. It's clear that she is no longer his first priority. Her shoulders deflate and she quietly scolds herself. She has no right to be sulking.

She is the one who terminated the relationship.

She is the one who decided that they weren't going to work out.

She is the one who broke his heart.

So how come she doesn't feel better recalling any of this? That's because the end of their eighteen-month relationship not only hurt Jared, it also wounded Ana just as much, if not more.

The girl continues to ring out the people in line since it is her job. She doesn't want to give Kyle another reason to kick her to the curb; she's treading on thin ice as is. Ana's mind is as blank as a white sheet of paper at the moment. She doesn't understand why she feels so lifeless and void. Like a robot, she absentmindedly wishes each customer she encounters a happy holidays paired with a strained smile.

The line is now gone and hesitantly, her eyes flit over to the spot she saw Jared at earlier. Her heart sinks because he is nowhere in sight. Had it been a hallucination of hers? Suddenly, someone clears their throat, capturing her attention. She turns to the left and is paralyzed. So she didn't imagine him.

He's really here. Jared O'Hare, in the flesh and blood, is actually standing less than three feet away from her. "It's been awhile, hasn't it?" His voice is just as dulcet as she remembers it to be.

No, that's not it! What is she thinking? She has to show him that she's unhindered by his presence. This is what she's been training for. Her lips pry apart and the stutters in her response betray her. "H-how have you been? Is B-Boston treating you well? I-I bumped into Nate at the market one day and he told me you made the Dean's List again. Congrats."

It's not like Ana had asked Jared's older brother to report his life to her; he just did it on his own. Nate was the one who approached her first while she was contemplating on what cereal she should get. What was supposed to do? Pretend like she didn't know the guy?

"I did; thanks. Transferring up there is different, but I'm getting used to it." Jared nods, not mentioning her stammer. He either chose to ignore it or simply didn't notice. Ana isn't sure which one she prefers out of the two. "What about you? Did anything interesting happen while I was away?"

"As you can see I landed myself a job here." She gestures to the bookstore and lets out a nervous chuckle. "Other than that my life's been a tad bit boring."

"I see. Well, I have to go. I have to pick someone up at the airport," Jared announces as he checks his watch.

Ana's interest is peaked at the mention of this mysterious someone. Who could it be? Wait, why does she care? "Yeah sure. I don't want to hold you up," she remarks, trying to sound nonchalant.

"It was really nice seeing you, Ana," he says gently.

Her heart hitches. It's been quite some time since she's heard her name slip from his lips. "You too, Jared."

Without another word, he swivels around on the heels of his feet and exits the facility. Ana glances down at the floor and bites back the tears brimming in her eyes. She almost topples over as her breathing becomes labored. Why does it still hurt so much? A minute later, Jared barges back in, his cheeks tinted crimson. His skin has always been hypersensitive to the frigid Virginia weather. She immediately fixes her posture and stands tall.

It takes him a mere six strides to reach her with his long legs. "Hey, Ana. Are you..." His voice trails off and he finds it rather arduous to complete the inquiry. He takes in a deep breath and resumes. "Are you doing anything on Christmas Eve?"

"I don't think so," she drawls.

"Well, I was wondering if you'd like to come over to my house for the annual Christmas party. My parents would be happy to see you again. It'll give us more time to catch up as well." The anxiety begins to build up as he waits for her answer.

Her heart is screaming yes, however, this time her brain succeeds in taking the lead. "No, it's okay. I don't want to intrude. I'll pass time reorganizing my pantry or something." She supplies lamely. Great, Ana. You made yourself sound like a total loser.

There is a glint of sadness that flickers behind his eyes which she fails to catch. "Are you sure?" Jared presses.

Ana nods and forces her mouth to contort into a smile. "Yeah. Thanks for the invite though."

"No problem. But if you change your mind, you can still come. You're always welcomed. You know that, right?"

She nods, her body feeling numb. This time Jared leaves, and doesn't return.

"Who was that?" Kyle strolls up to her with a quirked brow and his arms crossed up against his chest.

"Just someone I know," Ana answers meekly.

"Makes sense," he snorts. "If you said he was your boyfriend or something I would have laughed in your face and called bullshit right off the bat. That guy is way out of your league, Belmonte. I'm surprised he would even talk to you in public." His callous words cut her like a sharp knife because one part of her agrees with him.

Rage surges within Ana and her blood is boiling. There's only so much she could take before she loses it. "Oh would you just shut your piehole for once in your life already? Don't you ever get annoyed with hearing yourself talk because I sure as hell know we all do!" Those words did not come from Ana, but from Halle, another girl who also works at the bookstore. A girl Ana has become good friends with over the past few months.

"Excuse me?" the boy fumes as he glares at the petite blonde, who is a good five inches shorter than him. "Do you want to lose your job?" he threatens.

Halle squares her shoulders and puffs her chest out. It's her defensive stance. "I'd like to see you try. I'll tell the whole world about all of the emotional and mental abuse you put everyone who works here through. Just because your daddy owns the place, doesn't mean you can be an asshole. Why don't you just leave us alone?" Stupefied and severely humiliated, Kyle stomps off.

"Thanks," mutters Ana once he's gone.

"No problem." Next, Halle turns to her and leans in. "Be honest with me though, Ana. Who was he really? Because he looked like more than just someone you know."

Ana licks her lips and draws tiny circles with her foot. She's been caught. Where would she even begin?

Jared O'Hare was as perfect as a human could be. He was sweet, charismatic, thoughtful, understanding, handsome, patient and the list could literally go on forever. He was, in other words, everything a girl could ever want in a guy. He was everything Ana could ever dream of and so much more.

He remembered all of the significant dates, including her birthday. He could recite her likes and dislikes without an issue. And never did he fail to make her heart swoon. Yes, they had their arguments. It would have been strange if they didn't. What couple didn't quarrel every now and then? Nevertheless, the two of them had always been able to talk about the problems and resolve the matter.

Things were going great between them until one night when Jared almost discovered her dark past. A past Ana was (and still is) very ashamed of. It was their seventeenth-month anniversary, approximately a week prior to Thanksgiving. The pair had spent the entire day watching movies and cuddling. It was nothing fancy or spontaneous, but it was them and that was enough. Nightfall had cascaded over them before they knew it and what began as an innocent kiss evolved into something much more raw, something much more intense, more passionate than either one of them would have expected.

If Jared hadn't paused because he felt an elongated bump on her lower back, Ana would have forgotten why she had always steered clear of exploring the physical realm of their relationship. She was as pale as a ghost when she lied to him, saying she felt queasy. Being the considerate boyfriend he was, Jared had offered to stay over in case she needed him, but Ana assured him she would be fine on her own.

After that night, the girl became reserved and aloof. Jared assumed she must have been flustered since they were so close to having sex and decided not to pester her about the ordeal. It was an extremely close call on her part and Ana didn't want to take the risk. She was terrified that once Jared saw her, once he found out the truth, he would abandon her, toss her away as though she was trash. She didn't want to get hurt, especially by another person she cherished. The only solution she could come up with at the time was to breakup with him before he had the chance to do it. She wanted to spare herself from the heartache she presumed would ensue. The heartache she believed was inevitable.

The funny thing was, somewhere deep down in her heart, Ana knew very well that Jared would never cast her aside because of something she had no control over. It wasn't in his nature, yet she chose to let him go anyways. She was weak. She was scared. She was insecure. She let her fear get the best of her and foolishly, she used any excuse she could find to justify their breakup. Hell, she didn't even bother to give him a precise reason. She just pooled together a bunch of generic and vague explanations. As long as she would never have to talk about the unmentionable sufferings she had endured as a child aloud, she would be okay.

Besides, Ana never felt like she deserved someone so kind, someone so loving in the first place. Growing up she didn't receive a lot of affection, not even from the woman who gave birth to her. Then along came Jared O'Hare, the boy who knotted up her insides like no one else could. The boy who took her hand and showed her what the world was like with someone you loved standing by your side. But he was too good to be true. He was a dream she had to wake up from now, and like a spineless coward, Ana ran away from the one person who had the capability to light up her world with a single smile.

Even up until this very day she is still trying to hide from him... hide from her heart.

❄ ❄ ❄

It's one day before Christmas, commonly known as Christmas Eve to most. Ana has just clocked out of work; the shop was scheduled to close at five o'clock today. With her scarf concealing half of her face, she trudges through the brisk air. The icy wind whips at her exposed skin and forces her to pick up her pace. She makes it in time for the bus and climbs aboard. It is barren, which gives her the option to select any seat she desires. She settles on the seat all the way in the back.

Her phone chimes and she takes it out to see a text from a number that does not exist in her address book anymore. What's the point of deleting his number when her heart can cite it effortlessly? It's been four days since she met Jared and this is the first text he's sent her. The message reads: Hey. It's me, Jared. I don't know if you kept my number or not but yeah. I just wanted to remind you about the party. It's tonight at eight. I hope you come. You remember where I live, right?

Ana chews on the inside of her cheek while her fingers hover over the keyboard. She wants to tell him no, but she can't. She thinks about her conversation with Halle after Jared's random appearance, and sighs cavernously. Being around people during Christmas and indulging herself with eggnog and fresh gingerbread cookies would be far more pleasant than transforming into a human popsicle at her apartment. What could she lose?

This is a mistake. A severe mistake. She shouldn't have come. Ana has cold-feet, in both the literal and figurative sense. She is standing outside of the familiar, two-story colonial house that is painted a pale yellow. Warm Christmas lights are twisted around the railings and columns of the porch while a wreath, with a huge scarlet bow, hangs on the front door. Ana holds the tray of chocolate chip cookies she whipped up an hour ago and nibbles on the inside of her cheek, a habit she does when she is in the middle of making a decision. She could leave. No one knows she's here yet. It's not too late.

Just as Ana is about to spin around and skedaddle out of there, the wooden door swings open and renders her motionless. "Ana!" The woman's face brightens as she lunges forward and envelopes the young girl in her arms. "Jared told us you might be dropping by. It's been quite some time, hasn't it? Get on in here. It's freezing." Mrs O'Hare releases her and then ushers Ana inside. "Look who's here, everyone!" she exclaims jubilantly as she takes the baked goodies. The rest of the attendees turn their heads toward the guest and a pregnant pause ensues.

Ana's stomach clenches and she starts to feel self-conscious again with the stares directed at her. Talk about awkward. Why would anyone be glad to see her after she dumped their beloved Jared? A second later, she is welcomed with gaping arms and broad smiles as they chorus a jolly Merry Christmas. Relief floods her system as she reciprocates the action. The O'Hare family has always been a friendly bunch. How could Ana even think that they would ever ostracize her?

"Jared is playing with the children in the basement. Help yourself to anything you like," his mother beams, setting the cookies down alongside the other food people brought over.

"T-thank you, Mrs O'Hare," Ana stammers shyly.

"Oh no need to thank me, dear." Her smile never falters. "I'm just happy to see you're doing well. I will catch up with you later, okay?"

Ana finds herself heading to the basement where she can hear boisterous laughter. She peeks inside and discovers eight children all huddled behind Jared who is stationed in front of the television. Quietly, she approaches them and smiles once she realizes they are playing Mario Kart. According to Jared, it's been a tradition in his family for as long as he could remember. The race comes to an end with the oldest boy in the room emerging victorious.

His competitor, an eleven year old boy, climbs to his feet and points an accusing finger at him. "Jared, you're too big! You can't play with us! You're too good!"

"That's not fair." Jared pouts as he stands up, looming over the child. He looks like giant in comparison.

"Then maybe you shouldn't have grown up," his baby cousin retorts, sticking his tongue at him. The rest of the children giggle; Ana lets out a silent chuckle as well.

Jared swoops up the boy with a cynical laugh. "Oh yeah, Benjamin? I'll show you." He is about to spin the boy when his eyes land on his guest. Immediately, he places Benjamin back on his feet and walks up to her, slightly embarrassed. "A-Ana, you came." He didn't think she was going to show up because she never replied to his text. However, he is beyond ecstatic that she is here, despite his startled expression.

"I did." She clears her throat. "Should I leave? You don't sound too happy to see me."

"No! Of course not!" Jared exclaims, his cheeks flushing red. "I'm just surprised. Did you eat anything yet? When did you get here? You should have called me. I would have picked you up from your place. It must have been awful walking here," he rambles like a kid on a sugar-rush.

"It's not a big deal," Ana assures.

"Oh, who's this?" A tall girl with maroon hair walks in. She blinks profusely and examines Ana from head to toe. Ana is just as curious about the identity of the green-eyed beauty.

"This is Ana," Jared informs.

Recognition flickers behind the girl's emerald eyes and she smirks knowingly. "Oooooh, so you're that Ana."

The tone she uses sounds mocking. It irritates Ana and she grits her teeth. "And you are?" she queries.

"Ana, this is Izzy. She goes to BU with me." Jared cuts in, oblivious to the thick tension in the air.

"Yeah, but I'm originally from California," Izzy says as she throws an arm around Jared's shoulders. "I've heard plenty of things about you. It's nice to finally meet you."

Ana doesn't know how to react. Her mind automatically jumps to conclusions. Izzy must have been the person Jared had fetched from the airport the other day. It all makes sense. How stupid of her. She shouldn't have come. "I'm sorry. I have to go," she declares before she hurries outside through the basement entrance.

Baffled, Jared chases after her. "Ana, wait. Why are you leaving?" He closes the door behind him and latches onto her wrist.

The girl rips away from his grasp and turns towards him, her eyes glossy. "Isn't it obvious? I don't belong here. What were you thinking, Jared? How could you invite both your ex-girlfriend and current girlfriend to your house for Christmas? Do you want me to die from embarrassment? Was this some kind of elaborate plan to get revenge on me for breaking up with you? Did you want to flaunt your new girl in my face?" she croaks, her lungs constricting. Why is it getting difficult for her to breathe? Is it because of the cold air or something else?

"What are you talking about?" Realization dawns on him as his brain comprehends what's going on. Although the situation is serious, Jared can't suppress the smile prowling onto his face as he places his hands on her shoulders and stares into her eyes. "Ana, Izzy isn't my girlfriend. She's dating Nate."

She resembles a deer in headlights as her thoughts run awry. "W-what?"

"Listen to me very carefully, Ana Belmonte. You are the only girl I will ever bring home for Christmas," Jared announces.

"Why?" she presses.

"Are you asking because you really don't know the reason?" he questions. "You might not see it, but I do. You're out of this world, Ana. You have always been, and always will be, the most beautiful girl to me, scars and all."

A gasp falls from Ana's lips as she stumbles back. Most girls would be touched by the compliment, but due to her selective hearing, she only hears the ending of his statement. "H-how do you know?"

Jared's countenance becomes one filled with contrite and guilt. "Let's go inside first. It's cold out here. I promise I'll explain myself."

The only place private enough for them to talk without being interrupted is in his room, which is where they are. "I didn't mean to find out," he mumbles softly. Ana doesn't utter a word and listens to him.

"It happened the week before we broke up. You were in the shower when your phone rang. I picked up in case it was an emergency. I can't even describe the shock I felt when I realized it was from the Women's Correctional Facility. I was wary about connecting the call at first, but I did anyways. Curiosity got the best of me and I... I talked to your mother. She told me her name and how she was surprised that her call had been answered.

We didn't get to talk much since I heard you coming out. I told her I would tell her you called, and hung up. I obviously didn't. I actually didn't want you to know so I deleted the call from your log. I mean, there must have been a reason why you never picked up her calls, right? After, I looked her up and found a number of articles about her. She hurt you, didn't she? It's okay, Ana. You can trust me."

Although Ana should feel betrayed since Jared had deliberately gone behind her back and conversed with that woman, she doesn't. In fact, she is alleviated. The look he holds in his mystical gray eyes tells her that Jared is just as hurt as she is. And those last four words, the words she have been yearning to hear for the longest time, leads Ana to unravel everything she's been keeping to herself. Unintentionally, she purges her innermost thoughts and feelings without constraint.

There is no reason to lie, no reason to deny it.

There is no reason for her to run away anymore.

"She wasn't always like that. We were a happy family once. It was my sixth birthday when my dad decided he didn't love her anymore. He wanted to take me away from her, Jared. I refused to leave with him though. I remember kicking and screaming because I was so mad at him. I felt so betrayed. I thought he was the villain. After he was out of the picture, she started to drink a substantial amount of alcohol every night. The beatings didn't start until I was eight, when I complained about her not attending any of the parent-teacher conferences.

I thought it was my fault. I thought she was just disciplining me. I kept telling myself if I behaved, it wouldn't happen again. Then, it became a daily habit of hers. She'd find any reason to hit me, anything within her grasp became a weapon. From electrical cords to her heels. No one knew what was going on though. She always made sure to strike me in places that could be hidden by my clothes. When I was fifteen, I was at death's doorstep. If my neighbor hadn't walked in on her wielding a lamp with me on the carpet, laying in a pool of my own blood, I would've died. I was taken to the hospital where the doctors found signs of abuse dating back several years."

Her hands start to shake and Jared takes them up in his own. He squeezes them to reassure her that everything is okay. Ana relaxes and carries on.

"Children services showed up soon after and interrogated me. I didn't speak, but they had all of the evidence they needed to make their case. They had also contacted my father who didn't hesitate to take me in. He was all for pressing charges against her despite my protests. The jury was unanimous. They made their verdict in less than a day. They convicted her for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in the first degree. She's been in the state penitentiary ever since.

Even though my dad had been nothing but generous to me after he gained full-custody, I still couldn't keep myself from hating him. I felt like if he had just stayed with us none of this would have happened. When I turned eighteen, I moved out on my own. I still contact him just to let him know I'm alive and doing well. But why didn't you ask me about it if you already knew?"

"I couldn't," Jared states honestly. "I wanted you tell me, Ana. It's your secret. I knew you broke up with me because you weren't ready and I didn't want to force you to do anything you didn't want to do. That's why I was never mad at you. That's why I've been waiting for you to come to me first and here we are. Well, sort of. I promised myself I wouldn't initiate contact. It was hard and when Nate told me you were working at Monty's, I couldn't help myself. I just wanted to get a glimpse of you, make sure you were alright and before I knew it, I was standing in front of you. Can I... can I see them?"

"I don't want you to be disgusted with me," she remarks as she hangs her head down low.

"Oh Ana. I could never be disgusted with you," he whispers as he caresses her cheek and lifts her chin up. "I'm completely and utterly in love with you. Haven't you realized that by now? If you're not ready, I understand. No matter how long it takes, I'm going to wait for you. Just remember, those scars make you a survivor, not a victim." She opens her mouth to say something, but he shushes her by putting a finger against her lips. "Don't bother trying to convince me to move on. I won't. I can't. You're the only one for me." He refuses to let her go without a fight. Not this time. Proudly and publicly, Jared is determined to win her back. Little does he know that he never lost her in the first place. She has always been his.

The last bit of integrity Ana has disperses as she bursts into tears. Alarmed, Jared gets off the bed, kneels in front of her and tries to calm her down. He is astonished when the girl coils her arms around his neck and pulls him up, uniting their lips.

"I have always loved you. Never once did I stop," confesses Ana once they break away.

"I know. You're the type of person who doesn't love often, but when you do, you do it earnestly and sincerely. Your love is as pure as untouched snow." He smiles winsomely, pressing his forehead against hers. "It's the most innocent, the most genuine, the most powerful kind of love that exists in the world. Why do you think I can't stay away from you? I'd be an idiot to let you slip through my fingers a second time."

His word melts Ana's heart as she wipes her tears with the back of her hand. "You never cease to amaze me, Jared O'Hare. How did I manage to survive an entire year without you in my life?" 

"Because you're stronger than you think you are, Ana, and don't you dare forget that," he prompts, standing up. Ana follows suit. She gazes at him tenderly and this time, Jared moves in for another kiss. It is more chaste and gentle than the one from before. They pull apart and his smile lengthens. "Does this mean we're dating again? 'Cause I promised my mom that by the end of the night you'd be mine again. I think she missed you more than I did, and I missed you a lot," he chortles, curling a strand of stray hair around her ear.

"It depends," she teases. "Are you going to ask me out on a date first? I mean, just because I poured my heart out to you and we kissed, doesn't mean I don't want to be wooed."

"But I did ask you out. I invited you to come here, didn't I?" Jared quips.

"Fair enough. I'll give you that one," Ana laughs. Her chest feels much lighter now. She knows it's because she is no longer holding onto the treacherous memories alone anymore, and she has Jared to thank for that.

  ❄ ❄ ❄ 

On Christmas morning, Jared is lounging on the couch with the girl of his dreams resting on his lap, buried underneath a blanket. He had spent the night at her place. They didn't do anything inappropriate; get your mind out of the gutter. All they did was talk and catch up on lost time. Ah, but there was a lot of cuddling going on and to be honest, it was the best night of their lives, simply because they had each other.

Currently, they are watching the Christmas classic: Home Alone. Two empty cups stained with hot chocolate sit on the coffee table with a plate filled with cookie crumbs. Ana's favorite scene has arrived. It is towards the conclusion of the movie; the one where Kevin's mother finally makes it home, apologizes for accidentally leaving him alone and embraces him. The heartfelt and emotional moment leads Ana to think of something. Call it a spur of the moment, an epiphany, whatever you deem fit.

"I want to see her," she proclaims as she sits up.  "I want to see my mom."

Her boyfriend looks at her, perplexed. "Are you sure? You don't have to. You don't owe her anything."

Ana glances over to the television and finalizes her decision. "It's the only way I can get closure. It's the only way I can finally move on."

"All right. If this is what you want. I'll drive you."

After going through security, Ana is guided to the visitation room by a guard. Jared is waiting in the car for her. This is something she has to do on her own. Her right leg bounces up and down as her nerves begin to multiply. She is jittery and her blood runs cold when the door on the other side of the glass is opened.

A woman dressed in an orange suit comes in and her eyes widen when she sees the young girl. With steady and hesitant steps, she makes her way over and takes a seat. She picks the phone up and Ana does the same.

All of the hate the girl has been bottling up, all of the resentment she has towards the woman, dissipates in a matter of seconds as she presses a hand against the transparent barrier separating them. She is much thinner and paler than what the girl remembers. Ana's heart clenches as her eyes begin to water. "Merry Christmas, mom."

At the sound of her daughter's voice, tears begin to stream down the woman's face. Then she mirrors her actions. "M-merry Christmas, baby," she sobs, an authentic smile plastered on her face.

F I N

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First off, I would like to say thank you for reading! That concludes this oneshot! I guess I wanted to shed light on some issues here. 1) not all abusers are men. Sometimes women can engage in domestic abuse as well, 2) no one should ever be ashamed about a matter they had no control over, 3) letting go and talking about what's been bothering you is the way to go; it may be hard but it's worth it. 4) Forgiveness is important and 5) You should never give up on the person you love, no matter what they're going through.

I honestly love Jared's character. He's so understanding and perfect and sweet and hgddhdhgd. I don't know if this was rushed but yeah. You have to understand that Jared and Ana were and still are in love with each other which is why the process of getting back together wasn't difficult. If you liked this please comment and vote! I would love to hear your thoughts! Also a big thank you to the 7 authors who are hosting this contest!