Howdy everybody! Here's my Christmas special for this year and I hope y'all like it!

She never knew what it was like to have the entire world freeze in time. She never knew what it was like to feel numb. She never knew what it was like to be overwhelmed by emotion. She never knew what it felt like to hear the dreaded words, "Your parents passed away due to a car wreck involving a drunk driver." One cold night of November 30, she learned it all.

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"Jovey! Aunt Pam and I are going to the tree farm to pick out a Christmas tree! Can you come with us! It will be so much fun!" Caroline bounced around the room, her red, curly pigtails flying in all directions.

"No Caroline," Jovey told her eight year old sister. "I have to study for finals."

"That's what you say every time," Caroline whined, sitting next to her sixteen year old sister on the bed.

"Listen, after finals week I promise I will do anything you want."

"Anything I want?"

"Anything."

"You promise?"

"Pinky swear."

They linked pinkies and shook.

"Now you can't break your promise," Caroline beamed. "We'll pick out the biggest and beautifulest Christmas tree yet!"

"I'm sure you will."

Caroline skipped out of the room, forgetting to close the door behind her.

Jovey stared at the door, hoping it would close itself. She finally groaned and got up to shut the door. Despite the door being closed, she heard her sister's voice all the way from the kitchen. She continued on with her school, using her ability to block out all distractions.

Caroline had always been joyful after an entire two weeks of morning their parent's death. She had many friends in church's homeschool group. Her twinkling hazel eyes held happiness that encouraged others to be happy. Aunt Pam homeschooled her, just like she did with her own three kids who have grown into successful adults. Caroline's brilliance was special, and she forgave everybody. She did not deserve losing her parents.

In contrast, Jovey spent most of her days in her room, studying and doing homework. She was also homeschooled, and went to co-ops twice a week. Though there was a group of girls in the church's homeschool group her age, Jovey felt left out and awkward around them. The feelings were mutual at any social event. Her old friends in school were states away, she had nobody to talk to, and she liked to keep it that way. She did not want to be reminded about her old life, and with Christmas around the corner, only made the hurt of losing her parents worse. Sure, they were happy in Heaven, but she could not see them ever again. They were not here to celebrate Christmas.

Jovey did her best to make her sister happy and not let her know about the depression she was experiencing. She wanted the best Christmas for Caroline. They both were innocent victims of a crime no child should know of. Their parents were stolen from them, by a sinful drunk driver, and Jovey could never forgive that person.

Several hours later, she heard Aunt Pam call, "Jovey, dinner's ready!"

Jovey pulled on her hoodie, tied her tangled brown locks into a messy ponytail and ran down the stairs, still wearing her sweat pants and fuzzy socks. She was surprised to see her sister sitting on the shoulders of Javier, the son of the neighbors next door. He was a good two years older than her, and a good few inches taller too. Though he looked like a tanned white person with dark eyes and hair, his accent gave away his origin of having lived in Spain.

"Move me closer," Caroline demanded. She held a beautiful angel with white robes and and golden hair.

"Is this good enough?" Javier asked.

Caroline reached with all her might and placed the angel on the tree. "Perfect."

"Alright then, down you go," he lifted her off his shoulders with ease and lowered her to the ground.

"Now lets see what Aunt Pam made for dinner."

"I really should be getting home," Javier spotted Jovey, who was secretly making her way back up the stairs. "Ahola Jovey."

Jovey straitened, "Hi," she waved awkwardly.

"Javier helped Aunt Pam with the tree because her back hurts."

"What?" Jovey hurried down the stairs and saw her aunt trying to reach into the oven to pull out rolls that were begging to turn dark. Jovey quickly grabbed oven mitts. "I'll do it," she told her aunt as she pulled out the tray.

"Thank you Jovey, I strained my back yesterday and haven't been as useful."

"No problem. Just ask me next time," Jovey set down the tray and they stared at the darkened rolls.

"I'm sure they still taste good," Jovey told her. "What you need to do is rest."

"But who's going to get the chores done?" Aunt Pam asked as she slowly sat on a chair at the table.

"I can," Jovey told her without thinking.

"I can help too," Caroline grinned.

"If there is anything extra I can do, I'll be more than happy to help," Javier told her.

"I've been blessed having such wonderful children around to help," Aunt Pam smiled.

"Caroline, can you help me set the table?" Jovey asked.

"Sure," Caroline bounced over to the drawer holding the silverware.

"I should be going. Thank you for letting me help you," Javier patted Aunt Pam's shoulder.

"No no, stay for dinner, if that's okay with your parents of course."

"No, I don't want to cause you any trouble."

"I insist."

Javier's dark brown eyes looked from her into Jovey's nut brown eyes. She looked away, "There's plenty of food," she shrugged.

"Please can you stay," Caroline pleaded with her big hazel eyes.

"If you insist," Javier pulled out his phone to text his parents.

During the entire meal, Jovey avoided eye contact with anybody and went over her history flashcards in her head. Caroline rambled on and on and to Jovey's amazement, Javier actually listened. The politeness, respect, and eagerness to help made him different from the boys she met at her school. Of course, he was also homeschooled and went to the same church and same events in the homeschool group. Jovey did not attend many events and when she did, it was for her little sister. He even worked for her aunt and uncle on the farm, but she never had paid him any attention. The only reason why she knew him was because Caroline adored him.

"Now what is that interesting smell?" Uncle Martin commented as he entered the house.

"Uncle Martin!" Caroline lept from her seat and sprinted towards the front door.

"Hold on missy, I'm not even completely inside yet," Uncle Martin chuckled as he carried Caroline into the kitchen.

Uncle Martin was a strong, stocky man who worked harder than any man alive. His age was showing on his graying hair and beard, but his eyes still twinkled with his usual cheer.

Jovey stood, "Do you want me to make you a plate?"

"That's alright Jovey, I can manage," Uncle Martin gestured for her to sit back down. "Hey Javier."

"Hello Mr. Bailey," Javier smiled.

"You invited him over for dinner?" Uncle Martin asked, sitting down at the head of the table.

"Yes, he came and helped me with the Christmas tree and getting the decorations from the attic."

"I could've helped," Uncle Martin told Aunt Pam.

"I couldn't ask that of you," Aunt Pam placed her hand affectionately on Uncle Martin's arm.

Jovey shifted awkwardly in her chair. The meal continued on and Jovey found herself staring at her food.

"What grade are you in?" Javier asked Jovey, who looked up with a blank face.

"Huh - oh, I'm in 11th."

He nodded, "Do you go to any classes?"

"Yes."

He nodded again. "Might I ask where?"

"Same places you do I'm sure," Jovey shrugged.

Javier nodded, checked his phone, "Thank you for dinner Mrs. Bailey," he said standing up. "Do you need any help cleaning up?"

"You'd have to ask Jovey."

Jovey looked at the dishes and the many empty boxes that need to go in the attic. She considered accepting his offer, but changed her mind as quickly as she thought of it. "No, Caroline and I got it."

"Because we're strong," Caroline flexed her arms.

"I'm sure you two are," Javier chuckled. He made eye contact with Jovey again. This time, his eyes were smiling. Jovey felt her heartbeat quicken, and her face redden. "Thank you again, and see you tomorrow."

"See you tomorrow Javier," Aunt Pam smiled.

As soon as he left, Jovey realized she was holding her breath and her cheeks felt flushed.

"He's a good boy that Javier. Handsome too," Aunt Pam started.

Oh no, not this, Jovey thought, as she scrubbed a pot.

"I know right! I especially like his laugh," Caroline giggled.

"He's Catholic, strong, smart, and a real gentleman. You don't find many young men like him these days."

Jovey continued washing the dishes in silence.

"Well, I better go lay down for a little while. You have everything under control?"

"Yep," Jovey replied hastily, "All's good."

"Okay, good night girls."

"Good night Aunt Pam," Caroline hugged her.

"Good night," Jovey told her.

The girls finished the kitchen in no time, and stood in the living room, gaping at the sight of all the boxes.

"You should have let Javier help," Caroline crossed her arms.

"I thought you said we were strong?" Jovey asked, bending down to be eye level with her sister.

Caroline avoided eye contact.

"How about this, let's pretend we are maids in a big castle full of princes, princesses, kings, and queens. We need to get the living room ready for a ball tonight."

"And then we can dress up in pretty dress and dance?"

"Of course," Jovey shrugged. "But the living room has to be clean first.

"Okay," Caroline bounced up and down. "What's first?"

"Let's move all of these boxes to the garage before we move them to the attic."

It took them an hour and a half to clean up the living room, and just as Jovey promised, Caroline dressed up in her princess costumes and they danced the night away.

"Alright, time for bed little princess," Jovey tossed Caroline a pair of pajamas.

"But I want to dance more."

"But every princess needs her beauty sleep," Jovey placed her hands on her hips.

"Okay," she mumbled.

After Caroline had been tucked into bed and they had said their prayers, Caroline asked, "Jovey, do you not like Christmas anymore?"

Jovey sat on the edge of her bed, "Of course I don't, why would you ask such a question?"

"You are always sad, and you never play or make friends. You also did not want to help decorate the Christmas tree."

Jovey sucked in a deep breath, "I'm just stressed out from schoolwork."

"Do you miss Mommy and Daddy?"

Jovey felt tears form water, "Yes. Very much."

"Me too," Caroline looked down at her sheets. "Do you think Mommy and Daddy are watching us from Heaven and smiling at us."

Jovey sniffed, "I'm sure they are."

"Can Christmas be happy even without Mommy and Daddy?"

Jovey sighed, "I'm sure they want us to have a happy Christmas. And yes, we can make it happy."

"I told God what my Christmas wish was."

"Now what was that?"

"I want Him to make you happy again."

Jovey hugged her little sister. Several tears dripped down her nose. "Thank you. Now go to sleep."

"Good night."

"Good night."

Finals week flew by and Jovey felt the weight of AP and high school classes lift off her shoulders. No school for three weeks. Aunt Pam's back was still not fully recovered and after visiting the doctor, they prescribed medication and more rest. This meant that the majority of the chores were given to Jovey. Caroline was thrilled to have her sister around to play, watch movies, and ride the horses. She would help Jovey the best she could with chores, her motivation being that once her sister was done with chores, they could play.

Despite the fun Jovey had with her sister and aunt, the joy ended as quickly as it came. All she could think of was not having parents to celebrate Christmas with. She dreaded Christmas and all the memories with Mom and Dad it would bring back. She knew God had a purpose for everything, but Jovey found it hard to not be angry at Him for allowing her parents to be taken away. The hatred for the person who ended her parents' life still existed, and she found herself trying to avoid going to the Christmas Mass and dance that the church hosted. When she had always dreamed of going to a dance. The yearning still thrived through her depression and little did she know that going to Christmas Mass, God would change her perspective for the better.

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"Hold still," Jovey told Caroline as she attempted to braid her sister's curly red hair. "Do you want to look like a princess or not?"

"Fine," Caroline crossed her arms and stilled herself long enough for Jovey to tie the two small braids together.

"There," Jovey brushed out the curls that were left down with her fingers. "A true princess."

"What about you?"

"Me?"

"You aren't dressed yet."

"Because I've been so busy dressing my princess," Jovey hugged her sister from behind.

Caroline wore a beautiful white dress with a many layered skirt and beads on the lining of the puffed sleeves. She truly looked like a princess. Jovey, on the other hand, still wore jeans and a graphic t-shirt.

"Can I help you?" Caroline asked.

"Just wait, I'll change and be right back," Jovey ran to her room and jerked open her closet doors. Searching hurriedly, she sighed with relief to see the red dress that Aunt Pam so generously bought her. It was simple and fitted until it reached her waist then spread out into a double layered skirt. She searched her jewelry box and found the beautiful emerald birthstone that attached to a silver chain. Her parents had given her this precious gift on her sweet sixteen. A tear ran down her cheek as she clipped it on and looked at herself in the mirror. Her hair was pin strait compared to her sister and she was lousy at doing her own hair. She pulled it back into a half updo and brushed out the hair left down. Not bothering to do makeup, she snatched lip gloss, her purse, and a pair of black flats and hurried down the stairs.

"You look pretty!" Caroline exclaimed, jumping off the couch.

Jovey smiled and saw Aunt Pam had already dressed herself for the party.

"Does it look bad?" Aunt Pam asked.

For an older, middle aged woman, Aunt Pam had managed to keep her hourglass figure in tip top shape do to hard work on the farm. The excellent makeup job and the curled hair made her look ten years younger.

"You look great," Jovey smiled.

"And so do you two beautiful girls," she scanned them admirably. "I wish your mom and dad could see you know."

The joy left. Jovey crossed her arms and looked down. The pain had hit again.

"Now who are these two young ladies?" Uncle Martin strode up, wrapping his arm around Aunt Pam's shoulders. "Do we know these two?"

Uncle Martin was also dressed up in a suit and tie.

"It's me Caroline! And this is Jovey!" Caroline giggled.

"My goodness, I almost didn't recognise you," he chuckled as Caroline tackled in in a hug.

"Isaiah! What's taking you so long?" Aunt Pam called to upstairs. "It's time to go."

Isaiah was the youngest child of Aunt Pam's and had come home from college for the holidays. He hustled down the stairs, his hair still wet and a loose tie hung about his shoulders.

Caroline talked excitedly the entire twenty minute car ride and bounced around in anticipation. Jovey stared out the window, deep in the rainy clouds of thought. It's going to be so boring. I won't know anybody, she thought as they entered the church.

The Mass began with the beautiful voices of young children and the placing of baby Jesus in the manger, where statues of Mary and Joseph knelt, waiting. Goosebumps rose on her skin as the children's choir sang 'O Come All Ye Faithful.' Caroline sung her heart out while Jovey felt too light headed with the warmth from so many bodies in the church. Once Jesus was laid in the manger, the priest greeted everybody and Jovey groaned internally at the sight of the overly crowded church. Caroline tugged on her dress, whispering, "I can't see anything."

"Sorry," Jovey replied. She too had to stand on her tiptoes to see over the tall family in front of them.

The misery Jovey felt being shoulder to shoulder in the isle, the smell of someone forgetting to put on deodorant, and barely being able to see the altar frustrated Jovey, which added to her dizziness. Caroline seemed to have noticed her distress and asked several times if she was okay, Jovey only nodded and once the homily came around, she nearly collapsed into the pew. She stood and made her way to the lobby, where a few late comers sat on portable chairs as the screen in front displayed the Mass and the speakers boomed with the priest's voice. She sat in one of the chairs in an empty isle and sighed with relief at the feeling of the crisp, winter air that entered through small cracks in the doors. Finally, she could listen to the homily without worrying about black dots swimming in her vision.

The priest spoke of the nativity, and Jovey allowed her mind to wander because she already knew the story. The dreaded memory or her parents returned. She tried to focus on the homely to escape the thoughts, but they came and it was as if her skin had turned to ice and emptiness spread inside her.

They are dead. They are not here to celebrate Christmas with you. They are not here to comfort you. They are gone. This chant repeated itself in her head and no matter how hard she tried, she could not stop the taunting, evil voice. She looked up to see Jesus's limp form on the Crucifix in front of her. Burying her face in her hands, she prayed hardly for God's help as she cried. A sudden warmth began melting the ice from her skin, and an overwhelming sense of love filled the emptiness inside her. She continued crying, but now it was for a different reason. I love you, and your parents are watching you from My Kingdom of Heaven, a thought, no a voice spoke. As if it were planned, the priest announced, "May the peace of the Lord be with you always."

"And with your spirit," Joyce murmured between sobbs.

"Now let us grant each other, the sign of peace."

Joyce crumpled to her knees, overflowing with joy and peace. Thank you, she prayed. Thank you. Then she remembered the criminal and found forgiveness in her heart.

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"Are you okay Jovey?" Caroline asked.

Jovey had stood against the wall, waiting for them as the crowd filtered through the open doors. Her arms were crossed and her teeth chattered from the cold, but a new aurora of joy glowed about her.

"I'm sure she just needed some time between her and God," Aunt Pam smiled, handing Joyce her coat she had left on the pew.

"Thank you, and I've never felt better," Jovey replied, her voice still holding congestion from her emotional moment with God.

"But your eyes are all red and puffy," Caroline frowned. "Were you crying?"

"Yes, but I needed to," Jovey smiled.

"Do you need a hug?"

"Why not?" Jovey hold out her arms and Caroline tackled her in a hug.

"Alright silly gooses," Aunt Pam giggled at the sight of them jumping around, their arms still tightly wrapped around another, "ready to go to the ball? Isaiah and Uncle Martin are already there."

"Yay!" Caroline cheered, grabbing her sister's hand.

Jovey giggled and let her sister drag her all he way to the recreational building across the street from the little church. The massive room was decorated with beautiful lights, ornaments, holly, candles and more. Jovey's jaw dropped at the sight of the refreshment table, filled with cookies, punch, or what really caught her interest, chocolate. People already stood on the dancefloor while the DJ (a volunteer from the church) stood on a little stage. Caroline asked for permission to play with her friends and as soon as Aunt Pam granted it, she hurried off. Jovey found herself a spot near the many sweets and found herself snacking on a plate full of fancy chocolates. Her eyes caught sight of a group of teens around her age, but she could not stir up enough courage to introduce herself.

She started walking around the outskirts of the room admiring the many decorations. Her eyes glanced mistletoe hanging over one of the windows and made a note in her mind to avoid that window at all costs. She was fingering an ornament that hung on the tree when she heard a familiar voice, "Merry Christmas, Jovey."

She spun on her heel and saw Javier, looking more handsome than she remembered, standing in front of her. Her face felt red and her mind was screaming at her to run away.

"H-hi, Javier, Merry Christmas," she blushed even harder listening to herself stumble upon her words.

"This is my first time to attend this party. It is really nice," he clasped his hands behind his back. "I especially admire how much sweets they have."

Jovey nodded in agreement, staring at her feet to avoid his intimidating gaze.

"Do you know anybody here?"

"No," she answered quietly.

"Is this your first time coming to this party too?"

"Yes."

"So I'm not the only one."

Jovey nodded.

Awkward silence rested between them.

"Do you want to dance?" Javier asked, holding out his hand.

Jovey felt herself becoming flustered again, "No-thanks but-"

"I can teach you."

Jovey looked into his dark eyes and saw friendliness. "I-I guess." She placed her shaking hand in his and let him lead her to the dance floor.

"Just flow with the music," Javier instructed.

Jovey found it easy to keep up with him as they glided across the dancefloor.

"There's some friends I would like to introduce you to if you don't mind," Javier told her. "Some of the girls would really like you."

"How do you know that?" Jovey stammered and winced when she stepped on his foot. "Sorry."

"It's okay, if you were wearing heels, that would be a different story," he smirked. "They're nice girls and good friends. Trust me."

"No offense," Jovey started, "but I don't know you that well."

"My bad. Caroline talks about you all the time."

Jovey blushed and looked down at their dancing feet, "Good stuff I hope."

"Of course," Javier smirked, "well, maybe a few complaints."

Jovey giggled, "She doesn't seem to know where to stop."

Javier chuckled, "No, she doesn't."

"She talks about you a lot too," Jovey looked at his face, feeling a little more at ease.

"Any complaints?" Javier raised an eyebrow.

"Just when you start speaking Spanish and she doesn't understand," Jovey shrugged.

Javier chuckled again and spun her, "You're learning fast."

"Thanks," Jovey smiled and felt herself blush for the millionth time.

"Well, it looks as if the song is over," Javier stepped back. "Want to come meet some of my friends?"

Jovey took in a deep breath and walked with him to where a group of three girls and five boys stood, all talking excitedly to one another.

"I'd like to introduce to you all, Jovey Bailey."

One of the girls walked up to her and held out a hand, "Nice to meet you! I'm Samantha, but you can call me Sammy or Sam."

Jovey shook her hand.

"Is this the girl you keep pointing out to us Javier?" on of the boys asked, holding a hand out to her while playfully socking Javier in the arm. "I'm Anthony."

Jovey shook it, blushing at his comment.

"You're welcome to join our youth group and activities if you'd like," another girl told Jovey. They exchanged emails then the group continued on with their chatter after introductions. Jovey found herself wandering off to the window and stared out into the dark streets. Caroline came bouncing by to give her a massive hug before running off to play with her friends again.

"Running away?" Samantha asked playfully as she leaned against the wall next to her.

"No, just a little tired."

"It's okay, I understand. Even I need a little break now and then," Samantha looked out the window. "It's sad that there's no snow."

"Yeah," Jovey agreed.

"I've been praying for snow on Christmas since the beginning of the month," Samantha pouted.

"Maybe God will grant your wish," Jovey shrugged, "He might just be waiting for the right time."

Samantha gave her a searching look and smiled brightly, "You know what, you and I are going to get along swell."

Jovey laughed.

"I'll leave you to your post. Just call me up if you need anything," Samantha skipped back to the group.

Jovey turned to look back out the window. God, I know I've already asked a lot from you today, but could you grant Samantha the snow she's been praying so hard for? After Jovey made the Sign of the Cross to close her prayer, she straightened her dress when she saw Javier approach.

"What do you think?" he asked searching outside the window.

"Of what?"

"Of the youth group?"

"Oh, they seem like a nice group of kids."

"Are you thinking of joining?"

Jovey flashed him a bright smile, "I'm positive."

"If you ever want to dance, just find me or one of my friends. I'll leave you to it," he looked up, smirked, and walked off.

Jovey looked up and found herself dying with embarrassment. She had somehow forgot the mental note about the mistletoe over the very window that she stood under. She scanned the hall and saw Javier look away from where he stood, a grin playing on his lips.

Later that evening, Caroline was falling asleep in Isaiah's arms as they walked to the car.

"Bye Jovey!" Samantha called from across the parking lot.

Jovey waved back.

With Caroline asleep, the car was quiet on the way back and Jovey had never had experienced so much fun until her first Christmas Eve ball. She smiled at the thought of her parents watching over them as they drove back to the farm. Arriving home, Jovey stepped out of the car and felt a cold, wet substance hit her nose. After changing into her pajamas, she sat on her bed upstairs, staring out into farm. A bright smile lit her face when the horizon was covered by beautiful snowflakes that danced from the sky. Happy Birthday Jesus.