A Spark of Love For Christmas(Kanesha Andrews) Morning, NovaDyne City – It is Monday, December 17th, 2124. The time is 7:30am. Only seven shopping days until Christmas.

Karina’s eyes fluttered open at the sound of NovaDyne City’s holographic timekeeper, an invention she found increasingly irritating with each passing day. She rubbed her eyes and reluctantly sat up, gazing out the window at the holographic projection flickering in the early morning light. The automated voice droned on, reminding her of the countdown to Christmas and the oppressive silence of her apartment.

“That damn holographic timekeeper is so irritating,” she muttered, swinging her legs out of bed. She stumbled into the bathroom, where the sterile, cold light did nothing to improve her mood. After brushing her teeth and washing her face, she felt marginally more human.

She headed to the kitchen, the quietness of her unit weighing on her. She poured herself a bowl of cereal and slumped into a chair at the small round kitchen table. The silence was deafening. “Zana, turn on music….station….107.3 JZMUSC,” she said to the voice-activated system embedded in her apartment.

“Complying….107.3 JZMUSC now playing,” responded the automated voice. As the smooth jazz filled the room, Karina felt a pang of loneliness that was becoming all too familiar. Another holiday, another year of isolation.

She finished her breakfast in silence, the music unable to lift her spirits. She rinsed her bowl and spoon, placing them into the small dishwasher, then trudged back to her bedroom to get ready for work. The day ahead loomed large, another monotonous cycle in the seemingly endless loop of her life. She sighed deeply, bracing herself for another day in NovaDyne City.


Across town, in one of the upscale apartment buildings, Brian Lucas, one of the head honchos at NovaDyne Tech, was wide awake. He lay in bed, staring out the window of his spacious bedroom. The room, despite its luxury, felt cavernous and empty. He glanced to his left and sighed at the unoccupied space beside him. Turning back to the window, he watched the morning sky with a growing sense of resignation.

The sky, unfortunately, was overcast. As if on cue, thunder rumbled and the rain began to pour, streaking the glass with torrents of water. Brian knew he couldn’t stay in bed all day, no matter how much he wanted to. The responsibilities of his role demanded his presence at the office. With a reluctant groan, he threw off the covers and sat up.

“Antares, start the coffee, please,” he commanded the apartment's AI assistant.

“Starting coffee,” the automated voice responded promptly.

“Another day,” he muttered solemnly, dragging himself into the bathroom. He felt the weight of the routine pressing down on him as he went through the motions—brushing his teeth, shaving, and splashing cold water on his face in a bid to wake himself up. The mirror reflected back a face that looked more tired than it should have been.

As he walked into the kitchen, the smell of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, providing a small comfort. He poured himself a cup and took a long sip, savoring the warmth. The rain continued to lash against the windows, a stark contrast to the warmth of the coffee and the sterile, modern ambiance of his apartment. Today was just another day in the relentless march of his life, and as he stood there, Brian couldn't help but wonder if there was more to it all. He took another sip and steeled himself for the day ahead.


Back on the other side of town, Karina had just finished dressing. She took one last glance in the mirror and smiled at her reflection. She was a striking woman, with a light cafe au lait complexion, mid-length dark brown hair, and light brown eyes that sparkled with a blend of determination and warmth. Her shapely, curvy body was perfectly complemented by the dark gray NovaDyne Tech uniform, which consisted of a side-button high-collar blazer jacket over a crisp white blouse and a knee-length skirt. She adjusted her glasses and reached into her closet to retrieve her rain boots.

Sitting on her meticulously made bed, she slipped on the boots and carefully placed her 2-inch block-heeled pumps into her beige tote bag purse. Stepping out of her bedroom, she grabbed her raincoat from the coat rack in the living room of her small one-bedroom unit at the extended stay hotel she called home. She slipped on the raincoat, extracted her keys and umbrella from her purse, and stepped out of the unit.

As she made her way outside, the sound of pouring rain greeted her. She unfurled her umbrella, shielding herself from the downpour, and began her walk to the NovaDyne City Transport Train station. The rain beat rhythmically against her umbrella, a stark contrast to the steady hum of the city awakening around her. The streets were wet and glistening, illuminated by the soft glow of streetlights reflecting off the puddles.

Karina made her way through the bustling city streets, her thoughts drifting to the tasks that awaited her at work. Today would be another day of challenges and opportunities, and she was ready to face them head-on. The journey to the train station was a familiar one, but each step in the rain felt like a small victory, a testament to her resilience and determination.


Back on the upper side of town, Brian savored the last bite of his croissant before heading back into his bedroom. He caught sight of himself in the mirror as he adjusted his tie: a tall, distinguished figure with blue eyes that seemed to hold a thousand stories. His warm beige complexion and clean-shaven head contrasted sharply with the blonde eyebrows and goatee that framed his features. Dressed impeccably in a crisp white button-down shirt, a tailored black vest, black slacks, and polished black shoes, he radiated confidence and charm.

Slipping on his black blazer, Brian left the comfort of his bedroom. Despite it being morning, the dark rain clouds made the day seem dreary. He approached his sleek glass desk that stood in front of the panoramic window, offering a breathtaking view of the cityscape, despite the rain. After gathering his briefcase and keys, he made his way to the door. Before stepping out, he reached for his black overcoat, feeling the smooth fabric between his fingers as he slipped it on and exited his apartment.

Descending to the parking garage in the elevator, Brian took a moment to reflect on the day's upcoming challenges. The doors slid open with a soft ding, revealing his driver waiting patiently beside the gleaming limo.

“Good morning, Sir,” greeted the driver, holding the door open with a respectful nod.

“Morning, Gordon,” Brian replied, his voice steady and calm as he settled into the plush interior of the limo.

Gordon closed the door with practiced ease, and Brian exhaled deeply, sinking into the leather seat.

“To work, sir?” Gordon inquired, his hands already poised on the steering wheel.

“Yes, please,” Brian affirmed, a hint of anticipation in his tone.

The engine hummed to life, and Gordon skillfully maneuvered the limo out of the parking garage and onto the bustling street. As the city buzzed with activity, Brian's thoughts drifted to the tasks awaiting him, his mind a blend of calculated strategies and fleeting moments of inspiration.


At precisely 8:07 a.m., Karina boarded the NovaDyne Transport Train, greeting the familiar faces of her fellow passengers. She took her usual seat up front and started a conversation with Barney, the long-time driver of the train.

“So, any plans for Christmas?” Barney asked, glancing at Karina in the rear-view mirror, his eyes crinkling in a kind smile.

“More than likely I’ll be with family and friends. Same as usual,” Karina replied, a hint of wistfulness in her voice.

“No one special?” Barney probed gently.

Karina shrugged, her shoulders rising and falling with a touch of resignation. “I haven’t found anyone special. Dating has always been more misses than hits for me,” she admitted, her tone matter-of-fact.

“Well, have faith. That special man will come into your life,” Barney said with a reassuring nod.

Karina smiled, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been told that. I’ve simply resigned myself to whatever will be, will be.”

Barney smiled back, his gaze warm with understanding. “Best thing to do,” he said simply.

As the transport train approached Karina’s stop, she felt a pang of impending change. “Anyway, Barney… I’m going to miss you when you retire,” she said, her voice tinged with genuine sadness.

“Yeah, I’ll admit that I will miss driving the transport train also. However, it’s time to move on and spend time with the wife and start doing the things that we’ve wanted to do,” Barney said, his tone both nostalgic and hopeful. “Oh, before you go, Karina. Sadie told me to give this to you,” he added, handing her a small bag.

“Oh, thank you,” Karina said, her curiosity piqued. She opened the bag and pulled out a bottle of perfume.

“Night Silk… this is very expensive,” Karina remarked, her eyes wide with surprise.

“I know, Sadie won it in a church raffle. However, she is not fond of perfume, but she remembered that you are and asked me to give it to you. Consider it an early Christmas present,” Barney explained, his eyes twinkling.

“Thank you, Barney, and tell Sadie that I said thank you,” Karina said as the transport train pulled up to her stop. She stood up, ready to disembark. “By the way, Merry Christmas to you and Sadie and many blessings.”

“Thank you, Karina, and Merry Christmas to you also,” Barney replied warmly.

Karina carefully stepped off the train, the cool morning air hitting her as she opened her umbrella and walked the short distance to NovaDyne Tech where she worked in Division One as a Code Filer. As she neared the building, she paused to watch a sleek black limo pulling into the parking garage. Once the way was clear, she crossed the entrance and made her way inside. Closing her umbrella, she headed toward the elevator, her mind a swirl of thoughts about the day ahead and the comforting familiarity of her routine.


Brian stepped out of the limo, his polished shoes echoing against the sleek pavement as he approached the side doors of NovaDyne Tech. He took the private elevator reserved for the upper echelons of the company. As the elevator glided upward, heading to the 20th floor where the executive offices were nestled, Brian's thoughts drifted. Another Christmas loomed on the horizon, one more holiday spent in the company of success but the solitude of an empty heart. He had family and friends, sure, but no one special to share these moments with.

The elevator chimed softly, announcing its arrival. Brian stepped out into the hushed corridors, greeted his assistant with a polite nod, and made his way to his office. He placed his briefcase on his desk, methodically removed his overcoat, and hung it on the rack. Settling into his leather chair, he tapped a few buttons on the glass desk, summoning his computer screen to life.

“Morning, Mr. Lucas,” greeted the automated voice, clear and efficient.

“Morning. Bring up the daily market share reports and the latest on NovaDyne Tech’s stock developments,” Brian responded, his tone steady and commanding.

“Complying… bringing up daily market share reports and stock developments,” the voice confirmed.

Across the office floor, Karina trudged to her kiosk and plopped down heavily. With a sigh, she logged into the NovaDyne Tech system, fingers tapping out codes on the keypad.

“Hey, Karina,” called Jayne, her co-worker, a note of concern in her voice.

“Hey, Jayne,” Karina replied, her tone laced with exhaustion and a hint of irritation.

“Let me guess, Mary—the dress code cop—wrote you up for something trivial again?” Jayne inquired, rolling her eyes.

Karina nodded, frustration evident. “It's pouring outside… I had on my rain boots and was swapping them for my pumps when she zeroed in on me.”

Jayne shook her head in disbelief. “That woman must have nothing better to do than be a thorn in everyone's side.”

“Tell me about it. Luckily, I went to Regina and explained. She logged into the system and canceled the write-up,” Karina said, relief washing over her.

Jayne chuckled. “You know Mary’s going to have a meltdown when she finds out it’s been canceled.”

Karina shrugged, a faint smile tugging at her lips. “I’m sure, but life goes on.”

“Amen to that,” Jayne nodding her head in agreement.


As the day progressed, both Brian and Karina were deeply immersed in their tasks. Yet, destiny had a way of weaving their paths together.

It was precisely 11:39 AM when Karina made her way to one of the scattered code terminals throughout the building. Her footsteps echoed softly in the hallway as she approached her destination, an air of determination about her. Meanwhile, Brian, on the second floor, was engaged in a conversation with a Division Manager. Mid-discussion, his gaze was inexplicably drawn to Karina as she passed by. It was as if time itself had paused and the bustling world around him faded into obscurity. His eyes followed her, captivated.

Karina soon arrived at the code terminal, her earpiece snug in place and a tablet gripped firmly in her hand. With practiced precision, she began inputting the necessary codes into the terminal, her focus unwavering. The quiet hum of technology filled the space, a stark contrast to the storm of thoughts swirling in Brian’s mind as he watched her from afar.

“Mr. Lucas” said the Division Manager.

“Yes” said Brian as he snapped back to reality and looked at the Division Manager.

“Did you want to overlook the reports for Division Two?” she asked.

“Yes, please” he said and the Division Manager showed him the report on her tablet.

Karina was so engrossed in her task that she didn't even notice the world around her. As a Code Filer in Division Two, her job required meticulous attention to detail, especially when inputting codes into the terminals. Her concentration was so intense that she didn't even look up until she had finished her task.

Only then did she become aware of a man standing before her and he was smiling at her.

“Hello,” Brian said.

“Uh, hello,” she replied, a bit unsure.

“Karina Lumaris,” he continued, reading her name off her employee badge that hung around her neck.

She eyed him strangely for a moment before realizing the source of his information. "Um, yeah... Is it okay to ask what your name is?"

“Brian... Brian Lucas,” he answered, a small smile playing on his lips.

“Um, is it safe to assume you're one of the higher-ups?” she ventured, trying to be polite yet curious.

Brian's smile widened. “Yes, it is. I am one of the heads of the company.”

Karina returned his smile, then glanced at his name badge pinned to his jacket lapel. “Brian Lucas – CEO,” she read aloud.

“One of them,” he corrected, a hint of humor in his voice.

“Well, it's nice to meet you, Mr. Lucas,” she said, extending her hand.

“And you, Karina. What Division are you in?” he asked, shaking her hand.

“Division One – Code Filer.”

“How long have you been with the company?” His tone was conversational, genuinely interested.

“Ten months,” she replied.

“Do you like it here?”

“It's good... decent pay, decent benefits... I can't complain.”

“Is there anything you don't like?”

“Not really... Well, there is Dress Code Management. Some of them take their job way too seriously. But, c'est la vie,” she said, shrugging her shoulders.

Brian chuckled. “What happened?”

“Long story short, it’s raining outside. I got written up for violating the dress code as I was changing out of my rain boots and into my pumps. I explained, but got written up anyway. Gotta love people who find any reason, be it an actual violation or not, to write someone up... NOT!” she added sarcastically.

Brian laughed. “Perhaps I should call a meeting to talk about that.”

Karina shrugged again, smiling. “Maybe.”

“I need to get back to work, Mr. Lucas. It was great to meet you.”

“It was great meeting you too, Karina,” he said, returning her smile.

Karina turned and walked away. As she headed to one of the elevators, she felt that Brian was looking at her. She didn’t look back, she simply stepped onto the elevator once the doors opened. Brian watched as she stepped onto the elevator, disappearing from his sight. He thought to himself, “She is beautiful”.

It was now 12:30 PM, and Karina was seated by the window in the lunch room, soaking in the midday light as it filtered through the glass. She absentmindedly twirled her fork in her salad, lost in thought. The hum of the room barely registered to her until the sound of a chair scraping the floor brought her back to reality.

A woman with shoulder-length blonde hair, striking gray-green eyes, and a fair complexion settled into the chair across from her. “What is it, Maxine?” Karina asked, a hint of curiosity lacing her tone.

“Whatcha doing tonight?” Maxine inquired, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

Karina sighed, “I am going to eat a microwavable dinner, watch a movie, and then likely surf the net or read a book before knocking out for the night.”

Maxine leaned in, her excitement palpable. “Do you want to come out with me, Christal, and Thomas to Reed’s tonight?” she asked.

“What time?” Karina asked, her interest piqued but guarded.

“7:30 PM,” said Maxine with a grin.

“Sure thing,” Karina said, attempting a smile.

“Awesome!” exclaimed Maxine.

Karina sighed again as she turned to look out the window, her mind drifting. “Something on your mind, Rina?” Maxine asked, noticing her friend's distant gaze.

“Just another holiday... with no one special,” Karina admitted, her voice tinged with melancholy.

“Aww! Cheer up! Santa will bring you someone special this year,” Maxine said, her voice full of warmth and hope.

Karina turned her attention back to Maxine, a small smile playing on her lips. “You said that last year and the year before,” she reminded her friend.

Maxine shrugged her shoulders, “Third times the charm” she said as she smiled.

Karina couldn’t help but laugh at Maxine. Maxine was outlandish due to her tendency to be loud and blunt. She also pulled pranks on people that she wasn’t fond of, which had gotten her written up a few times. Karina was amazed that Maxine hadn’t gotten fired.

“Anyway, I need to get back to work. I’ll see you at 7:30pm” said Karina.

“You bet, Thomas and I will come pick you up” said Maxine.


It is now 4:00pm and most of the employees of NovaDyne Tech were leaving for the day. Brian was also leaving at this hour as most of his work was done for the day.

“Have a safe trip home, Mr. Lucas” said his assistant, Marley.

“Thank you, Marley...you can leave also. Get home safely” he said.

“Thank you, sir” said Marley.

As Brian stepped into the private elevator and headed down to the parking garage. Thoughts of Karina came to mind. He liked the way she smiled, her friendliness and her curves. Once the elevator reached the first floor, he stepped out of the elevator and exited the building through the same doors that he came through that morning.

“Home, Mr. Lucas?” Gordon asked.

“Yes, please” said Brian as he got into the limo.

Outside the front doors of NovaDyne Tech, Karina opened her umbrella as it was still raining and quickly made her way across the parking garage entrance and proceed towards the NovaDyne City Transport Train station. As the limo pulled out of the parking garage and turned onto the street, Brian looked out the window. He soon spotted Karina and asked Gordon to stop as he moved closer to the window and rolled it down.

“Karina!”

Karina turned and saw it was Brian who had called her name.

“Hello, Mr. Lucas” said Karina.

“Where are you going?” Brian asked.

“Home...I catch the city transport train” she said.

“Where do you live?” he asked.

“Why?” she asked.

“I could give you a lift” said Brian.

“Um, that’s not necessary, Mr. Lucas” said Karina.

“Come on, it’s raining very heavily. Allow me to give you a lift” he said.

“I live on the Northeastern side of the city” said Karina.

“So, do I” said Brian.

Karina raised an eyebrow, “the low end of Northeastern side – Row Park. Eastern Sun Extended Stay Inn” she said.

“So, what?” said Brian. “Karina, allow me to give you a ride home. I cannot stand the thought of you using city transport in this weather” he added.

Karina sighed, “Okay” she said as she walked towards the limo.

Brian smiled as he opened the door and got out. He took a hold of Karina’s umbrella, briefly brushing his hand against hers. Karina smiled shyly as she got into the limo. Brian smiled as he closed the umbrella and got into the limo and closed the door.

“Gordon, Northeastern NovaDyne City – Row Park, Eastern Sun Extended Stay Inn” said Brian.

“Yes, sir” said Gordon and the limo took off.


Karina's silence was a stark contrast to the rhythmic patter of rain against the limo windows.

Brian, eager to break the ice, decided to initiate a conversation.

“So, tell me about yourself,” he began.

Karina met his gaze, her expression curious. "What would you like to know?"

“Do you have any family” he asked.

“My mother and stepfather, though I've called him Dad since I was ten. I also have an older cousin who's like an older brother. He's married to my best friend, Maxine. And my other best friend, Christal, is like a twin sister to me,” Karina replied.

Brian smiled. “I have a twin brother,” he said.

“Awesome,” Karina replied, her smile widening.

“Do you have any hobbies? Things you like to do?” Brian asked.

"I listen to music, I like to read and write, and sometimes I collect crystals. I just like crystals," Karina said.

“Anything else?” Brian prompted.

“Not that I can think of right now. Your turn,” Karina said.

Brian smiled. "I like to read too. I also paint, write, and play instruments," he said.

“Oh? What instruments?” Karina asked.

“Guitar and drums. I'm mostly a drummer,” Brian replied.

Karina raised an eyebrow. “I'm trying to picture you playing drums. But that fancy suit makes it hard,” she teased.

Brian chuckled. “A lot of people are surprised when I tell them I play the drums.”

Karina smiled. “I can imagine,” she said.

As their conversation continued, Karina found herself feeling increasingly comfortable in Brian's company. Soon, the limo pulled up to the Eastern Sun Extended Stay Inn. The rain had finally stopped.

“Here's my stop,” Karina said, gathering her things.

“Allow me,” Brian offered, opening the door on his side and stepping out. Karina slid across the seat and took his outstretched hand, stepping out of the limo.

“Well, thank you for the lift,” she said.

“Of course. It was my pleasure,” he replied.

“I better get inside. Thanks again,” Karina said.

“Of course,” Brian replied, taking her hand and kissing it.

Karina blushed as he released her hand.

“Have a safe trip home, Mr. Lucas,” she said.

“Please, call me Brian. We're not at the office,” he said, smiling.

Karina smiled as she went inside. Brian got back into the limo, and it pulled away.

“Are you taken with her, Mr. Lucas?” Gordon asked.

“Yes, I am,” Brian replied.

Karina entered her unit, closed the door, and leaned against it.

“What is happening?” she asked herself.

II

"Morning, NovaDyne City. Today is Thursday, December 20th, 2124, and the time is 7:30 AM.
Only four more shopping days until Christmas," announced the city's holographic timekeeper.

Karina groaned, narrowing her eyes at the overly cheerful hologram through the window. “That thing is way too chipper,” she muttered, “Of course, I'm just being cranky.”

She turned over, feeling achy and unwell. Reaching for her nightstand, she opened the drawer and pulled out a digital thermometer. After a quick reading, the thermometer beeped. She checked the display: 100.91 degrees. She had a slight fever.

“Okay, I'm not going in today,” she decided, grabbing her smartphone. She called her Division One Manager, Regina Starks, and informed her she was sick and wouldn't be in.

“Take it easy, Karina, and drink plenty of water,” Regina advised.

“I will,” Karina replied.

“Feel better,” Regina said.

“Thanks,” Karina said.

After hanging up, she called her friends, Christal and Maxine, for a three-way call.

“Do you want me to come by?” Christal asked, mirroring Karina's features with a slightly darker complexion and longer hair.

“Nah, I'll be fine,” Karina replied.

“Oh, by the way, Karina, please don't kill me. But I did something,” Maxine said nervously.

“Uh-oh,” Christal giggled.

“Maxie, what did you do?” Karina asked.

“I might have entered your name in the NovaDyne City Secret Santa Event,” Maxine grinned.

Karina palmed her face as Christal laughed.

“Maxine, be grateful I'm not feeling well,” Karina said sternly, though she couldn't help but laugh herself.

“Max, what in the name of Heaven possessed you to do that?” Christal asked.

“Well, Karina never gets anything special or unique for Christmas, and I thought it would be great if she got something wonderful from a secret Santa,” Maxine explained. “I put down all her favorite things, colors, and her size. Who knows, she might get something extraordinary.”

Christal laughed again, and Karina looked at Maxine, unable to do anything but laugh.

“Chick, you're too much,” Karina said.

Maxine smiled. "I know, but Thomas says I'm worth every penny," she joked.

Karina and Christal laughed.

“I'm going to take an aspirin and rest. I'll talk to you both later,” Karina said.

“Okay, feel better, Rina,” Christal said.

“Thanks,” Karina replied, ending the three-way call. She got out of bed, walked into the bathroom, and took an aspirin with water. Returning to bed, she turned off the light and settled in for some rest.


Brian noticed Karina's absence as he arrived at NovaDyne Tech.

He spotted her Division One Manager, Regina, and approached her.

“Hello, Mr. Lucas,” Regina greeted him.

“Hello, Ms. Starks. Where's Karina?” Brian asked.

“She called in sick today. A slight fever,” Regina replied.

“I hope she feels better,” Brian said.

“Me too,” Regina agreed. “Excuse me, Mr. Lucas, I need to enter these codes into the terminal. I'm short two people; Karina isn't the only one who called in,” she explained.

“Of course,” Brian said, allowing Regina to return to her work.

Back in his office, Brian pulled up Karina's employee file. As he did, his phone buzzed with a notification from the NovaDyne City Secret Santa Event. He opened the email and smiled when he saw he was assigned to be Karina's Secret Santa.

After obtaining her address, he made a phone call and decided to take the rest of the day off.

“Are you leaving early, Mr. Lucas?” Marley asked.

“Yes, I am. I have some errands to run. Have a good day, Marley,” Brian said.

“You too,” Marley replied.

Once he reached the parking garage, he entered his limo.

“Where to, Mr. Lucas?” Gordon asked.

“Vogue Charme Boutique and then to Premiere Jewelry,” Brian replied.

“Yes, sir,” Gordon said.


A knock at the door interrupted Karina's rest at 9:50 AM. Dragging herself out of bed, she walked over to the door and peered through the peephole.

“Yes, delivery for Karina Lumaris,” a voice said.

Karina opened the door slightly to find a delivery man from Jules Fine Foods and Wines.

“Are you Karina Lumaris?” he asked.

“Yes, I am,” she replied.

“This is for you,” the delivery man said, handing her a large basket.

Karina took the basket, thanking the delivery man who wished her a Merry Christmas before leaving.

Closing the door, Karina brought the basket into the kitchen and placed it on the table. Inside, she found a ham, a whole chicken, fruits, fine cheeses, brioche breads, and jams—all high-end items.

“Who in the world would send this to me?” she wondered.

Confused but grateful, she took the items out of the basket and placed them in the refrigerator. Realizing she was hungry, she made a breakfast sandwich using the ham, cheese, bread, and eggs she already had. After eating and cleaning up, she headed back to her bedroom and lay back down.

Twenty minutes later, there was another knock at her door.

“Who is this?” Karina asked, getting out of bed and walking to the door.

She looked through the peephole and saw Brian standing there with bags. She quickly opened the door.

“Mr. Lucas... I mean Brian. What are you doing here?” she asked.

“Your Division Manager said you weren't feeling well, and I decided to come and check in on you,” he explained.

Karina was surprised. “You didn't have to do that,” she said.

Brian smiled. “I wanted to,” he replied. “May I come in?”

“Of course,” Karina said, inviting him inside.

“What are those bags for?” she asked as she closed the door.

“These are for you,” Brian said.

“Me?” Karina asked.

“Yes, Merry Christmas,” Brian said, handing her the bags.

Karina took the bags, her confusion growing. She looked at the bags and saw they were from Vogue Charme and Premiere Jewelry, two of the most expensive high-end stores in NovaDyne City. She sat down on the sofa and offered Brian a seat, which he accepted. Reaching into the bag from Vogue Charme, she pulled out a strapless black velvet dress. Checking the tag, she saw it was her size.

“How did you know my size?” she asked.

Brian smiled. "Santa told me," he replied.

Karina was confused again but then remembered Maxine had put her name in the Secret Santa Event.

“Oh my god,” she exclaimed.

“What is it?” Brian asked.

“My friend, Maxine, put my name in the Secret Santa event. She told me this morning,” Karina said. Suddenly realizing the origin of the gift basket, she smiled as tears fell from her eyes.

“Thank you for the gift basket, too,” she said.

Brian smiled. “You're welcome,” he said.

Karina soon reached into the bag from Premiere Jewelry and pulled out a black velvet necklace case. She opened it to reveal a gold necklace with a moon-shaped diamond charm hanging from it. Karina was surprised and turned to Brian.

“What did I do to deserve such gifts?” she asked.

Brian moved closer to her and caressed her face.

“Do you believe in love at first sight?” he asked.

“Yes, but it doesn't happen for everyone,” Karina replied.

“From the moment I saw you, I fell in love with you. I look forward to talking to you every day at work and find that you're all I think about,” Brian said, gazing into her eyes.

Karina's eyes filled with tears. “I must confess, I feel the same way. But I felt it was better to keep my feelings to myself,” she said.

Brian smiled and pulled Karina closer to him.

“I want to spend Christmas and New Years with you. And not just those holidays, but every day of the week, months, and years with you,” he said, his eyes also brimming with tears.

“I want that too,” Karina replied.

Suddenly, Karina and Brian kissed.


Christmas Day

It is morning, Karina turned over and looked at Brian as he slept. She was spending the rest of the Holidays with him. She looked around his huge bedroom and then looked at him again. She cuddled up with him, laying her head on his chest. He opened his eyes and looked at her, kissing her forehead.

“Merry Christmas, Darling” said Karina as she looked up at him.

“Merry Christmas, Baby” he said and they kissed again.

---