Page 2 of Sleigh Me Baby

Chapter One

Natalie Robbins

“Come on, you asshole, really! Can’t you see that I’m in this lane!” Celeste, my best friend, and roommate screams at the passing car and blares the horn. "And a TGIF to you too!" The sun beats down on her small Nissan Frontier.

“Celeste, really. You’ve got to calm down. You’re going to have a coronary if you let the traffic stress you out. “I say trying to calm her down.

“I am calm,” she grits through her teeth as another car tries to speed by.

“Here, let’s listen to some Christmas music. This should get you in a better mood,” I say turning the dial to a holiday channel on the satellite radio. I saw Mommy kissing Santa Claus fills the car and it seems to do the trick. Celeste loves the holiday season more than anyone I know. "So, what should we do for Christmas? I was thinking we can get a small tree this weekend and decorate it." I suggest.

"Sounds like a plan," Celeste nods then takes the exit to the elementary school we both teach second grade at. "Maybe you can make that buffalo chicken dip I love," she says with hope in her voice and a smile on her face.

"Only if you make your spinach artichoke dip," I counter

"Yum, of course. We can stop by the store after school and grab ingredients for spiked cider," She says pulling into the parking lot.

"Caller number five wins!" The radio announcer's voice booms from the radio. We both look at the screen and then each other. "The name of the game is Name That Tune. The caller who can name this song and the artist wins a romantic Christmas vacation to Helen, Georgia. Details include a five-day, four-night stay in a two-bedroom cabin with a hot tub for two. But that's not all, the package includes a romantic sleigh ride. So, folks let's get started." The intro fills the car. The music is a slow tune with a catchy beat.

"Hmm… it sounds so familiar," I say listening to the song.

"Oh my God, I know this!" Celeste shouts as she grabs her phone.

"What? Tell me." I demand.

"K95, your caller number five and live. Can you tell me the name of the song and artist?" The radio announcer asks.

"Last Christmas by Wham!" Celeste shouts through the phone. That’s when I realize she actually got on the air.

"You are...correct!" Shouts the DJ.

We both scream when we hear that.

"Well done. Hold for a minute and I'll get your info."

Celeste turns to me and says, "I can’t believe we won. I guess that changes our Christmas plans."

"I’d say so, wow. Thank God, we're off for the holiday break." I laugh with giddiness.

I shake my head remembering that morning from a few weeks ago. Now we’re headed to the mountains of Helen, Georgia for a Christmas vacation that neither of us would have been able to afford on our meager teacher salaries. I have been looking forward to this trip ever since she won. This morning we loaded up my SUV with everything we’d need for our five days, four nights stay up in a real log cabin. I’ve never stayed in a cabin before, hell, I’ve never been on a vacation.

Between my mom’s drinking and partying, she was pretty sucky and had a hard time holding down a job. There was never any extra money to take us on vacation. When I was eight, I got taken away from her because my teacher called child protective services on her one too many times. She promised she would get me back, but after a few supervised visits, I never saw her again. After that, I floated around from foster home to foster home until eventually, I ended up in a group home. That’s where I met Celeste. I had already lived at the group home for six months when she showed up. Even though she is two years older than me, we became fast friends. It has been just her and I, like Thelma and Louise.

I love Celeste, don’t get me wrong, but I’m coming to a point in my life where I’m ready to put my little introverted heart out there to see if true love exists. I’ve dated over the years, but there’s never been anyone serious. When I was in college, most of the guys were pretty much just looking to get laid. Since I graduated from college and started teaching, I’ve had less time to look for the right guy. I mean, where do you even go to find a good guy anymore? I’ve never been one to go out drinking or to hang out in bars. I think my mom soured me to that.

“Your exit is coming up,” Celeste tells me.

“Is it on the right or the left?” I ask.

“Why didn’t you let me drive again?” She teases.

I stick my tongue out at her. “Because you always drive.”

“At least we’re almost there. I’m ready to stretch my legs. What do you think about going for a hike after we get situated?” She asks eagerly.

“You do know me, right? Do you think I want to go hiking through the woods?”

“Oh, come on. It’s not going to be that bad. Plus, it’s freezing out and the bugs have gone into hiding. It will be beautiful.”

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