A christmas wish

 “Are you sure?” her teeth chattered making the words barely recognisable.

“Yes” her stare was so pitiful it was like looking at a homeless puppy.

We were staring so hard into each other’s eyes, I was sure we were trying to see who could go the longest with out blinking. Then again maybe that was just my imagination. With her head at this angle, Angel could truly have passed for a snow queen. Finally I let her win, hoping the small victory would lighten the mood.

My eight-year-old sister and me stood hand in hand on the honey coloured beach, the rain spitting down on us. The view from here was beautiful, the orange sunset just peaking over the ocean. 
This was our favourite spot to stand and stare, especially for my sister. She believes Santa flies across this part of the ocean every Christmas eve. Angel says she has seen him herself. He’ll fly over tonight if he does.

“I could sleep on the sand by myself, and wait for him” her blue eyes shone wildly with excitement, as if this were the best idea in the world. I focused on the bees playing hide and seek with the flowers as they buzzed from one another, a momentary pang of jealously at their simple life.

 “NO!” looking down at her I saw all hope fade from her face. “I’m sorry sis” I grabbed her hand again and turned towards the run down beach house, looking depressed as the wind howled at it. “Come on lets go home” I suggested attempting to avoid the thunder I heard clapping angrily behind me. She sulked the entire trip home, head towards the ground, blond hair a wild tempest in the wind, her white dress dragging along the path. She will forgive me Christmas day; this will be worth it tomorrow.

“If mum were here she would let me” that’s what she was going to say. She sounded like she was going to cry. “Hey” crouching down I cupped her face in an attempt to comfort her as a mother would do. “She’ll show up” pulling a smile on my face I blocked out the last images of my mother. “Anyway I have a better surprise than seeing a man fly over water.  You wait” I pulled Angel, forcing her to walk faster as the once clear sky, now full of thick clouds, stained the world a deadly shade of indigo.

The lounge was equipped for what was sure to be the longest and best night ever. The presents stacked, carrots out for the reindeer, milk and cookies on the counter and my secret organized. Angel and I settled ourselves on the couch to eat a bowl of freshly popped popcorn, listening to the windowpanes talk as the harsh winds blew against them.

“This is the last time I will ask” Angel’s voice came loudly over the growing storm, but the rest of the question was scared away by a yawn. 
She pushed her tiny body further into the couch.


“Do you think Santa will come?” she grabbed another cookie and we stared out the window looking at the hint of moonlight peaking through the stormy sky.


“I do” by the time she had finished the cookie she was asleep. Exhaustion settled over me as well.

My eyes opened to the first rays of morning sun tiptoeing through the backyard. I quietly sat up noticing my Christmas present to Angel was standing in the doorway with his back to us, staring at the flowers waltzing in the gentle breeze. With a smile on my face I pushed Angel off my knee waking her up, and indicated the figure by the door. Angel’s face lit up immediately.

“Ho Ho Ho Merry Christmas” Santa swung around and picked up Angel.


“Granddad, you’re Santa” Angel squealed, hugging him around the neck.

 “Can we open presents now?” she was yelling the questions; granddad lowered her to the ground.

“Did you bring the reindeer?” she ran over to the tree, the sun chasing her. I quickly mouthed Granddad a ‘thank you’ and slowly approached Angel attempting to open presents below the Christmas tree dancing in the light wind.
“I did but they had a long night and needed rest” she was looking under the tree and I almost wandered if she had run out of questions.


“Next year can I fly in your sleigh with you while you deliver the presents? I’II be very quiet, I promise”.