Holidays at last
The last two weeks before holidays were intense for Albert, the classes were getting to an end, and it meant that in some subjects they needed to catch up with the program. Additionally, he had started rugby practice, which he had found to help him stay focused. He had also spent lots of time with Myriam, either trying to learn how to sing, with mixed results, or just walking around the campus.
It was their last day together until January, and, even though they should have been studying, they decided to spend the day together in the city. It was cold as it had been snowing those past days, Albert had never seen snow in his life, and was surprised to see it was so wet, and disappointed when he saw that it started turning grey in some places. In the old part of the city there were Christmas decorations everywhere you looked at, and on the cathedral’s square, there was a Christmas market where you could find almost everything you could imagine.
They walked around the market buying some presents for their families and friends, and tasting some local winter specialties. Before going for lunch they decided to climb to the castle as to have a last view of the city. The way up to the castle made Albert feel uneasy, he remembered the dream too well and, even if he wasn't running now, he still had the feeling that someone was watching him. In front of the castle they had set up this gigantic Christmas tree where people from the city would put up their homemade decorations, it was beautiful and it made Albert feel more relaxed.
After having a copious lunch at a little-known restaurant, they walked around the city a bit more, the sun had already set, and there were lights coming from out of all the windows. As they passed in front of the cathedral again a shiver went down Albert's spine, it looked on fire, exactly as in his dream. He knew it was only the thousands of candles that people had lit up, now that Christmas was approaching, but he couldn't help feeling afraid. Robert saw that his friend was distressed and hurried the pace. They were approaching the old city walls when Myriam stopped suddenly.
-Fancy a warm drink? I know a place really close where they have the best hot chocolate.
-Sorry sweetie, I can't I should go finish packing, after all, I'm leaving tomorrow and I still don't have my luggage ready.- replied Dalia.- But you three can go.
-I'll come with you, I don't want you to go alone.- said Robert.
-No, seriously it's not necessary.
-I insist.- and he took her by the arm.
Myriam and Albert looked at each other and laughed.
-Is Robert EVER going to do anything?- she pointed out as soon as they had left.
-Mmmm, I'm not sure, I think he's waiting for Dalia to do something...
They kept talking about the never-starting love story of their friends while walking under the shadow of the city walls. The place where they were headed was a hidden basement of an old house, that smelled of chocolate. They found a table in front of a sofa, and made themselves comfortable. Myriam wasn't lying, it was the best chocolate Albert ever had.
-Do you like it?-asked her.- They make it in the same way the Mexicans make it, with water instead of milk, it does potentiate the flavor a lot don't you think?
She looked so beautiful with her hair a bit messed up after taking off her woolen cap, and her cheeks rosy after the cold that he surprised himself wanting to kiss her. However, he refrained to, he promised her he would give her time, and so he would.
-I've got something for you.- he said to break his self-inflicted tension, producing a wrapped gift from a shopping bag. - Merry Christmas!
-Oh, you shouldn't! I didn't buy anything for you, now I feel awful.
-C'mon open it!
She unwrapped the package carefully without tearing up the paper. Inside there was a little black box, she opened it and took the necklace that was lying inside. It was a simple necklace with a leather strip as a chain and a large light blue stone set in a pendant.
-Seriously, you shouldn't! It's so beautiful.- she put it on.
-Consider it a payment for the patience you're having with me.
-I enjoy spending time with you! Anyway, I'll repay you for this, when you least expect it. - she replied winking her eye.
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