Chapter 9

He held out the box to her. "Happy Birthday," he said.

"Hugh! This really wasn't necessary. I can't take this." She gently pushed back his hand.

"It's your birthday, Iris. You deserve the best. You deserve to be showered with gifts and blessings. It's your night tonight. Take it. Please." He said without taking his eyes off her and held the gift forward again.

Iris's eyes were moist. She looked away quickly. 

"Iris? Are you okay?"

"Yes." She lied.

"Look at me."

She quickly wiped away the tear from her right eye before it rolled down to her cheek.

"You are not supposed to cry." He whispered and placed his palm on her right cheek.

"I'm sorry. This is all very overwhelming." She said in a shaky voice.

"I can understand." He placed the box in Iris's hand.

Iris smiled a wide smile. "You are the best. Thank you again." She said.

"My pleasure Madame." He said with a soft smile.

Goosebumps were raised on her skin. Her lips parted a bit and she sighed out a big gust of air.

"Open it," Hugh said.

Iris tore the paper and opened the box. She saw a silver bracelet with tiny red stones all around it.

Her eyes widened. "Jesus! This is gorgeous, Hugh." She exclaimed.

Hugh beamed. "Would you mind if I put it around your wrist?"

"Not at all," Iris said.

Hugh took out the bracelet from the box and put it around her wrist and locked the hook. 

“I can't wait for the day when my heart would stop pounding inside my chest every time Hugh touches me.” She said to herself.

"Goes with your dress. Which is really beautiful. You look amazing tonight." Hugh said. His intense chocolaty eyes glued to her face while she was staring at the bracelet.

Iris inhaled and started to wonder if this was all real. If she hadn't been dreaming. She was afraid that she will open her eyes and the dream will be over. Hugh won't be real. Or maybe someday he will disappear in a puff of smoke and leave her like everyone else. She shouldn't get too attached. But she also couldn't help falling for him harder every time he touched her.

Iris beamed and traced her fingers on the bracelet. "I will always keep this close to me." She said. 

"That would make me very happy." 

Iris looked at him and he was already staring.

"It's too late. I shall take my leave." He said without looking away from her.

Iris looked out the window. "Well, the snowfall has increased." She wanted to ask him to stay back. But she couldn't understand if that was appropriate. If Hugh would like it.

"I'll drive carefully." Said, Hugh.

Iris nodded. Failed to make him stay again.

"Happy Birthday once again." He said while unlocking the door.

"Thank You! And thank you for all your gifts." 

Hugh smiled. "Do not mention it." He stepped out of the house and Iris's face was suddenly gloomy.

"By the way." Hugh turned to look at her. 

Iris held the door. "Yes?"

"Are you working tomorrow?"

"Yes, I am. Christmas is a busy time." Iris said.

"Oh!" His eyes were thoughtful.

"What is it?" Iris asked.

Hugh shrugged his one shoulder softly and said, "I was wondering if you want to spend some time with me tomorrow. I am free till 1st January and not much to do over here. We could go out of the village. You know, for your birthday."

Her face suddenly lit up. Butterflies were back and she beamed. "I'd really love that. Let me see what I can do to leave early."

Hugh nodded. "Sure. But that means I'll have to show up at your cafe again because you don't use a cell phone." His lip curved into a side smile.

Iris chuckled. "Well, I never felt the need of having a phone. But if it's not too much trouble, you can come to the Cafe by five. I'm sure I'll be able to leave by then."

"Okay! I'll see you tomorrow then." Hugh said smiling.

"Good night, Hugh."

Hugh half-smiled. "Good night, Iris."

He drove away in his car and Iris cleaned up the kitchen and went to bed after changing into her nightclothes.

“So, what if he didn't stay. This was the best Christmas and the best birthday I could have asked for. I never needed too many people around. Just that one person by my side. Though Hugh is just a friend.

I don't know where this friendship is going to take us, or if we are just going to remain friends forever. But I don't wish to lose him. He's the best thing that has happened to me.”

She didn't realize when she fell asleep.