Words spread quickly. And I've certainly learned that the week before winter break.

Just a day after the incident, news of our fight took the school by storm. Without even knowing the full story, people quickly jumped to Jason's side, casting me aside completely like some sort of exile. The students of Celvire were just so caught up in our feud that they didn't even care about the actual photo itself, which I found pretty ironic. On top of that, my reputation took a turn for the worst as I went from a quiet nobody to a two-faced traitor. Everyone was convinced that I was the one who plastered Jason and Travis' photos all over the school, including Jason himself. He didn't even bother to talk to me  anymore, let alone spare a glance. 

And to be honest, I'd be lying if I said it hadn't bothered me.

Our entire situation seemed to be a giant knot of misunderstanding, and it stung knowing that we were so deep into the drama that no matter what I did or said would put into perspective my side of the story for anyone. Since no one had known me well enough at this school, of course any picture someone else painted of me would easily be taken as true. The minds of Celvire students were easily influenced in that way.

Fortunately, the last school day before the two week winter break had come to an end.

Through the blindness of frustration, I managed to find myself wandering back to the abandoned skate park, but then again, I had something to do there anyways.

I crossed the street, relying on the florescent rays of blinking white lights to illuminate the line of chalky stripes marking the street.

The thin layer of snow that was once blanketing the grounds of the skate park vanished without a trace, exposing the dull asphalt underneath.

The frigid air seemed to wrap around me, slowly overpowering any essence of heat.

Without hesitation I climbed up the rope ladder, pulling myself up the vert ramp with ease. The moment I swung my legs over the edge of the ramp, I let out a light breath. I slipped the little red sachet out of my jacket pocket, giving it a quick shake to the side just to make sure the ring was still inside.

Slowly and carefully, I placed it beside me, alongside a folded piece of plain white lined paper. Just to make sure neither of them would fall, I stuck two long pieces of tape over each, securing them firmly against the surface of the ramp.

Despite the fact that Christmas was only a day away, personally, today felt like any other normal day of the week. There just wasn't any more build-up of excitement or suspense like there used to be as a child, and it was sad knowing that little things like those could just fade away without me even realizing.

I fixed my attention over to the Christmas presents I brought for Wren, feeling a slight shiver run down my spine.

I spent an hour contemplating on what I wanted to say to her. I even had a whole argument with myself on whether I should address her as Wren through the letter or not, which after much debate, I finally decided not to.

For the millionth time, my eyes scanned over the slightly sloppy cursive letters printed between the gaps of pale blue lines in thick black ink.

It's been a while since we've talked and I hope you're doing well. You haven't been stopping by the skate park lately, so just to make sure you don't forget about it, I got you a little reminder that can be worn anytime, anywhere (look inside the sachet). I'll always be waiting for you here at the usual time, so feel free to stop by whenever you're ready.
Merry Christmas (Or happy Hanukkah, you choose),
Your wish-buddy, Vince

I sucked in a nervous breath, sub-consciously crossing my frostbitten fingers as I closed my eyes.

As I drifted far enough into the silence of the night, I could almost imagine Wren's reaction.

One of her beautifully genuine smiles perched over her lips, two tiny dimples forming in her cheeks, and the scarlet sparks of her cherry earrings catching limelight of the hazy moonlight as her head was tilted towards the sky, golden brown hair brushed lazily to the side to expose a pair of lively hazel eyes, staring off at the stars in amid a daydream.

I let out a long sigh of defeat.

Who knew I wanted to see her this badly?