Merry Christmas Darling, Won't You Take Me Home?

Myself from the perspective of someone else Part 1 of 2

It was 10 pm and my restless mind brought me outside

I figured a drive to the local store to browse would slow my thoughts

Sleep seemed harder to attain these past few weeks

The fact that Christmas was so soon was aiding in my growing anxiousness

No woman to share it with, nothing new, but pulled at my heart strings

Upon entering the first Christmas decor isle, I came across a young woman with auburn hair

She was holding an ornament in her hand, tracing along the glossy finish

She had yet to notice my watching eyes and she continued gazing at the other ornaments

Slowly, she continued down the isle, seeming as if she had all the time in the world

Her hair rested at her lower back at the longest strands

Her black pea coat hugged the small of her waist

She appeared to be familiar

Disoriented from my thoughts, I walked to the end of the isle, turning to the next

This time I found her feeling tinsel between her fingers

From what I could tell, her expression appeared bleak

I walked closer to her

"Hello, out Christmas shopping?" I asked her

"Yes, I love this time of year," she responded. 

I noticed when she turned to face me, her smile barely surfaced

Her eyes could move mountains with such sadness buried within

I could not even begin to wonder

"Why are you out so late all by yourself?" I asked politely

She pondered for a few seconds before answering: "That's a good question" and returned her gaze to the tinsel. "I am wondering the same thing myself"

Her eyes peered back to me once more as I said: "You said you love this time of year, however, your eyes appear to be filled with sorrow, not happiness"

She thought for a few seconds, trying to find an appropriate response, or so it appeared

"I can fake a smile, but I guess my eyes will not hide how I feel" She answered, as though it pained her to continue. "The truth is, I don't want to go home"

"Where is home for you?" I questioned

"About 10 minutes away" She answered. "The person I am living with seems like they could care less about my being there most of the time." 

I did not think her eyes could reveal anymore tragedy

"I know nothing about you, my darling, but you appear to be very kind hearted, why would someone not want you around?" I questioned her gently.

Her gaze went from my eyes to the floor as she answered "because they would rather drink"

I could sense the disappointment in her voice. 

"What is your name?" I asked her, watching her eyes slowly return back up to my own

"Emalie, what is yours?" she asked in return

"Felix" I replied, extending my hand 

She also extended hers, only flat, so I took her hand in my own and brought it to my lips, lightly kissing and then back down and release

"Pleasure to meet you, Emalie" I said to her, watching her eyes grow softer and a smile budding

"Pleasure is all mine" she responded