onechristmasmorning by: shelly

“Learn to appreciate people who’s in your life today because who knows, one Christmas morning you’ll wake up missing one special gift under a Christmas tree…”

            A week before Christmas, Jelle was so busy shopping for gifts. Since then, she can’t get rid of listing names of her friends in school who would surely give her gifts for Christmas. Jelle was a person who always wanted a return for what she does for others. It seems that she only buy gifts just for an exchange and not for an expression of appreciation towards a person. She’s not appreciative and more of being a materialistic person. Many hate her for that bad attitude but then, with the strong influence that she obtains in school, she’s a sure popular especially on money matters because she came from a rich family. Every time she earns friends, common to them we’re rich teenagers like her. She drains thoroughly her friends according to her standards.

            One day at the mall, Jelle saw her former classmate, Lennie. Jelle suddenly remembered, back in freshman year, she calls and teases this girl “freaky Lennie” and she loves to play bad jokes on this girl. But then, Lennie has been a kind batch mate to Jelle. Actually, when Jelle’s mom died 2 years ago, Lennie was present even though she just ignored Lennie’s attendance. She cares a lot for Jelle but she never pay attention to that.

            Later, Lennie approached Jelle and greeted her with one big smile. Jelle just stared at her for a while and went the other way. She didn’t appreciate that wonderful greeting from one person who had thought of her at that point of time. And still, Lennie didn’t mind the event happened. She stayed the same. She was quite anemic and drawn into sickness at all times, but she still shows an angelic face to everyone.

            3 days passed, an alarming news had spread to all who knew Jelle. She was absent in school and rumors meandered through all the rooms and walls of her school. Their business had fallen to bankruptcy. Their workers had been embargoing the doll factory for 2 months because Jelle’s dad became selfish to the laborers’ wages and as a result, a number of dolls had not been finished for the incoming Christmas doll export and selling in other countries. Jelle’s so called, “friends” caught much attention to it. They slowly distance away from Jelle instead of being with her in times of serious problem. Jelle became so upset to her friends. But then, she realized that it was her own fault too. She is a materialistic person and she picked unreliable friends.

That night of Christmas, she was so sad and went to their garden in tears. Alone. Soon, she felt that someone tapped her right shoulder then she heard a soft voice that whispers, “It’s Christmas Eve, happy holidays Jelle. Cheer up. Things would be alright. Believe in me. I’m a friend whom you never get along with everyday but surely considered you special each day.” Jelle saw Lennie’s smiling face that brought her much hope and faith to stand up from her burdens. Jelle hugged Lennie and felt her warm presence and acceptance. It was one of the nicest Christmas Eve she ever spent. She was with a friend who cared for her the most and too bad, it was then late for her to appreciate Lennie’s friendly company. They laughed a lot, enjoyed each other and somehow, Jelle had forgotten for a while all her problems. There were no gifts but surely, she felt the true essence of Christmas. Jelle realized, love and care of others is the best gift to receive among all. Jelle observed that Lennie coughed hard that night but she still appeared to be very happy. Jelle was a bit worried but she thought it was just nothing.

The next morning, she woke up with much happiness. Suddenly, Jelle received one call. The big smile turned into sadness. She cried hard. She was regretting a lot. She kept on asking herself, “Why at this time when I learned to appreciate things that a good friend of mine had left me? Why does she have to die so early? I could have take good care of my friend and spend more Christmas seasons with her. Lennie taught me so many things. I would surely miss her… ”  She wanted to say more and express more towards Lennie. It was too late. But then, at least she learned. The memories of Lennie would always remind of that significant thing she grasped.

One Christmas morning, Jelle woke up to rejuvenation.

(..this story is dedicated for the Lennie of my life..)