Last Christmas.

It was the eve of Christmas. Everyone was in the mood for merry making and cheer.

The streets were filled with lights, sounds and happiness. You can feel it in the air, the love and laughter of everyone. It was a nostalgic feeling. It was infectious, It was priceless. You can hear Christmas songs blaring from the neighbor's radio, the nearby Church calling for the Dawn Mass, and the chatter of passersby. The cool wind was blowing softly and sweetly, it was a rare weather in the Philippines where it was usually hot and humid.

Everyone was busy doing their own thing; one was watching Christmas shows on TV, some were busy preparing the Midnight feast, and another was busy sending SMS messages, making last-minute business deals. He, on the other hand, was on a mission, staring at himself in the mirror, sighing deeply from the butterflies inside his stomach. He felt he was going to suffocate, the anxiety was killing him. He only had five minutes to fulfill the mission, only had five minutes to make this right.

4 Minutes and 30 Seconds left. He silently went down and scanned the area. The coast was clear. They were all engrossed with their own activities, completely oblivious of their surroundings. Now was the perfect chance to escape. His heart was pounding. He was sweating like it was 90 degrees. He heaved a sigh and nodded. Let's Go. He slowly made his way to the door, appearing as if he was just going to get something outside. The moment the door closed, he ran like hell.

He was out, he was free, for now. He knew perfectly well that he only had a small window of time that they wouldn't notice him gone. He had to move quick. He had to reach Paseo as fast as possible, and walking approximately 5 kilometers in a minute was like graduating from College in a week. And to find a ride at this ungodly hour was almost impossible. Everyone in town was at home waiting for 12am to strike. How in the world can I get there, he asked himself, running aimlessly, hoping to find an answer ahead.

Up ahead, down the street, there were flashing lights coming towards him. Lo and Behold, It was a Public Utility Tricycle. He waved wildly and blocked the Tricycle's path. The vehicle's brakes screeched, stopping at its tracks and almost running over him. He asked (rather commanded) the man to take him to Paseo quick, getting inside without even confirming the service. The drive gave him a confused look, and said that he was not for hire tonight for he was on his way home. He clasped his hands together and begged, "Please, It's an emergency". The Man agreed, but asked for a fare increase. "Yeah, sure, whatever. Just Go Go Go", prodding the man to put the pedal to the metal and drive.

3 minutes left. The tricycle was going so fast it could fly. The streets were clear, only a few vehicles were on the road. The Lights from houses and lampposts were making him dizzy, It felt like he was sucked into a vortex of endless light. He clutched a wrapped book, it was a gift he bought for her. It was a Photography book, something she was interested in. He wanted to buy her the best Christmas gift, but "I guess the best gifts aren't bought", he thought to himself. He gave the present a last look, checking for anything ripped or damaged at the seams.

30 seconds. He arrived, and just in the nick of time. He got off and told the driver to wait. She got off a Honda CR-V, wearing a simple shirt, black shorts, and the most beautiful smile. He sighed deeply as he ran towards her. He was going to have a heart attack from the pressure and the happiness. His heart wanted to cherish the moment, but his mind keeps telling him to hurry up. He might be a dead man when he gets home because of this, but he didn't care. He needed this. He stopped in front of her, handed her the gift, greeted her a Happy Christmas and just quickly turned his back and ran to the tricycle awaiting him. He wanted to say so many things to her, He wanted to hug and kiss her, hold her hand and just be with her. He wanted more time, but time wasn't on his side that night.

He got home. He paid and thanked the man and bid him a Happy Christmas. The guy looked at him with a smile, as if to tease him about the scene a while ago. He reciprocated the sentiments and drove off. He sighed, Here Goes, as he entered his home, prepared for the worst to come.

but It didn't matter. None of It ever did.

Just seeing her that night made his Christmas extra special.

Well, Of course, that was Last Christmas, back in 2008.

He didn't see her at all in 2009.

Based On A True Story.

Hello, 2010.