Chapter 8: Christmas (1)

"Leb deinen Traum denn er wird wahr -"

Hearing the familar song playing, Connor opened his eyes slowly, trying to reach for his phone, which he had left on the ground next to him to charge the previous night.

After flalling his arm around for a bit, he finally felt the cold sensation of the screen touching his palm, he grabbed the phone, and after deactivating the alarm, his eyes fell on the time.

"09:35, 24. of December, 2026"

Seeing this, a huge smile formed on his face, and his previously pale face regained it's usual red tint. He quickly unlocked his phone, going onto the now familiar webside he had created, and looked at everything once more, double checking that there were no more bugs. Making sure everything was perfect for tonight.

"It is finally time. I really really hope that he will like his present."

Suddenly, he felt a buzz, followed by a "Bing!". Surprised, he looked at the top end of his phone, seeing a familiar name.

"Alice has sent you a message."

"Huh, the little sleepyhead is up early today. I bet it's because she is excited about Christmas."

Thinking this, he could't help but remember all the Christmas' he had spend at home when he was still younger. Back then he would always be woken up by his little sister storming into his room, proclaiming that it is Christmas, and that he must get up so that they can decorate the Christmas tree together.

Even though being suddenly woken up by the sound of the door being slammed open, together his little sisters high pitched voice was not the most comfortable of ways to wake up, he was never once mad at her.

In the beginning he couldn't help but to feel a little grumpy, but seeing his sisters innocent, excited smile washed all these feelings away in an instant. Instantly they were replaced only with joy, for seeing his beloved little sister being happy, was all he cared for.

He slowly clicked on the pop-up message, feeling the cold display under his warm fingertip. Whyapp quickly opened up, his eyes scanning over his sisters message.

"

Hey Connor!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I hope you you are feeling well. IT IS CHRISTMAS!!!!!! I am kinda sad that it hasn't snowed here yet. BUT I SHALL NOT LOOSE HOPE. :D Did it snow over at your place ? You did tell me a while ago that it was getting colder over there. You better not be hoarting all the snow for yourself mister! Think about your little sister, I am gonna be sad if you do!

Anyway, how are you ? How is uni going ? I have to admit that I am sad about not being able to see you this year, but I know it's not your fault. With everything going on traveling has gotten quite complicated and the plane prices have gone up exctremely. But pretty please do come visit me for my birthday okay ? Mom and Dad agreed to pay your ticket then, pretty pleaaaaaaaaase!

Also also! Your present arrived here today! I have been good and didnt open it yet. Mhm! Although I might or might not have shaken it a bit, BUT ONLY A TINY BIT. Also I have no clue whats inside. :c

Uh! Your present should be delivered at 12:00am your time! I really hope it will be there in time! Please let's call later okay ? I miss you big bro. <3 Take care! (Don't party too hard, jk I know you don't like parties too much, but you know what I mean. Please stay safe.)

Love you!

"

Seeing this message, a warm sensation started to envelop Connors body, at the same time he felt regret in his heart. He knew full well that he had to tell his sister and parents the truth some day, but he also knew that he wanted to be somewhere they could be proud of, when he tells them, so now was not the time yet.

He did miss his sister and parents a lot, and part of him wished that he could be with them. At the same time however, he knew this was not possible this Christmas. And even though he felt bad for it, part of him also thought that he did really want to spend this Christmas with Tim this year.

After replying to his sister, and promising her multiple times, that he would most definitely go visit her on her birthday, Connor got out of bed, and after a short workout followed by breakfast he went showered and got ready for the day.

Because he had no work today, and Tim and him had agreed to meet up in the evening around 6pm, Connor took his time getting through his usual routine.

Once done and ready, he once more set down infront of his computer to double check the webside he had created, just to make sure everything was ready for tonight. Looking through the webside, seeing all the people who were already very interested in Tim's work, Connor's heart sped up, and he couldn't help but to feel anticipation for tonight.

For many months he had thought about this, worked at it, all so that maybe, just maybe he could help Tim realise his dream. All he hoped now was, that Tim would like his present.

The hours went by quickly, and eventually the sky started to turn dark, as fluffy white snowflakes slowly started to decent from the sky once more.

Putting on his warm winter coat, and his thick fur boots, Connor got out of his flat, and went once more on this now very familiar path towards Tim's shop.

"Winter truly is the most beautiful season, especially when there is snow. Yes it's a little colder, but nothing can beat the satisfaction of stepping on a fresh layer of snow, feeling the crunching under your feet, whilst breathing in the fresh and cold winter air."

Whilst walking outside, Connor couldn't help but admire Winter. He had always liked this season the most. Although not special in and by itself, both his parents hated winter as they easily felt cold, however, this was not the case for either of their children, hence there had been many discussions throughout the years, about the best time of the year.

Once he arrived at the familar shop, he unlocked the door, took of his shoes and jacket, he walked inside, right past the counter, through the back door, and into the door at the end of the corridor, which led to the living room of the house.

In there Tim was quickly making his way towards the dinner table, a big plate in his hands, which held a beautifully cooked turkey.

Today Tim wore a very cliché Christmas sweater. The ones that were kinda ugly, but at the same time somehow really fit into the Christmas setting. In Tim's case the sweater was a mix of colors green, blue and white, and there was a big Santa face on the chest. Amusingly Tim somehow wore oven mittens that were matching his sweater.

In the backround the Christmas music was quietly playing, the smell of freshly cooked food filled the room, and right behind the dinner table, in the right back corner of the room, there stood a beautiful little christmas tree.

"Perfect timing Connor! The turkey is just done! Come on come on sit down!"

Tim carefully placed down the turkey on the table, and with a smile on his face, gestured Connor to sit down.

"The food smells delicious, I can't wait to taste it! But you should've told me that you were making such an effort! I could've helped you!"

With a slight pout on his face, Connor sat down in one of the chairs. Now that he was not just focusing on the beautifully cooked turkey, but observed the whole table, he saw that there were many more trays with food.

Seeing this, the pout on his face got more intense, and just as he was about to protest once more, Tim interrupted him.

"Hehe, oh Connor, I didn't tell you exactly because I didn't want you to work today as well. You have worked hard very hard over the last months, I may be old, but I am no fool, I know that you are doing way more than I have asked you to do. It may not be much, but the least I can do is to make you a Christmas dinner that you won't forget."

A scheming smile appeard on Tim's face and he continued:

"And if you don't get rid of that pout asap, then I will eat the food myself, take your pick."

Taking a deep breath, Connor dropped his head down.

"Fine, you beat me old man. I can't resist the turkey."

Although he tried his best to hold in his amusement, Connor couldn't help but laugh, and soon Tim followed him.

The two spent the next couple of hours enjoying the tasty food and soothing christmas music, chattting about their experiences, memories, and wishes for the future.

Outside the moon had risen high into the sky, illuminating the snow on the buildings and street with a beautiful white light which had a blue hue to it. If one were to listen closely, then he would be able to hear Christmas carols coming from all around, joined with laughter.

This usually very unhappy and dirty place had turned into a happy little part of town, even just for a Christmas night.

Eventually, Tim got up from his chair, and with a smile on his face, walked over to the Christmas tree, retreaving, what looked like a big red and rectangular box.

"Well well well, I think it is about time. I mean what is Christmas without at least a little present."

As Connor observed the wrapping of the box he noticed the care Tim had put into wrapping it. The edges were perfectly taped down, and the golden bow was tied perfectly.

"I absolutely agree, just give me a second though, I have your present in my backpack!"

Quickly, Connor rushed off, into the front of the stoor, where he had left his backpack and shoes, and retreived his laptop. When he stepped back into the small room, Tim was already sitting on the sofa by the fireside waiting for him, silently humming to the tune of some Christmas song.

Seeing this, Connor couldn't help but get excited for what was about to happen. Within an instant he once more made sure that everything had been prepared perfecly, and one he was certain, he walked over and sat down in a cozy chair next to Tim.

"Sooooooooooooooooooooo, who is gonna go first?" Connor said, anticipation filling his gaze.

"Someone seems really eager tonight. I didn't take you for someone who get's this excited over Christmas!"

Tim coulnd't help but chuckle, seeing Connor, who was a grown adult, having the demeanor of a child infront of a candy store. Amusement filling his deep voice, he continueted:

"How about you open my present first, I can see how eager you are."

Little did Tim know that Connor's excitement was largely due to the present he had prepared for him, and not the other way around.

"I would very much like that!"

Connor replied, taking the present and carefully sitting it down in his lap.

"Usually I would just rip open the wrapping to see whats inside, but I can tell how much work Tim put into this. I should better unwrap it carefully."

His hands moved swiftly but with a certain clumsiness to them, quickly opening the bow and putting it on the table infron of him.

"You dont need to be so careful about it, you can just rip it open if you want to."

Tim could tell that Connor was not the type of person who usually carefully unwrapped presents, and seeing his attempt at doing though, although it moved him, also made him feel a little bad.

Halting, Connor looked up at Tim, and shook his head.

"Nope, no ripping allowed tonight, this present shall be opened most precisely and perfectly, yes yes."

Nodding at his own words, Connor continued to unwrap the present.

"I really wonder whats in this, it is quite heavy. Maybe a book?"

Whilst trying to unravel the mistery of the present, he managed to carefully open the last layer of wrapping, but when he saw what was below, his eyes widened.

"Nononononono, Tim no. This is too much. Do you know how pricey these things are? You are already paying me enough money."

Words started flowing out of Connors mouth uncontrollably. Inside the present, there was a laptop of the newest GTY series, which he knew cost a fortune.

"Shush, accept your present already, I won't take it back anyway, so you gotta live with it."

As if he had already expected Connor to react this way, Tim quickly tried to stop him from protesting more.

"Also, there is a reason I am gifting you this, but you have to be patient until its 12pm, I can't tell you beforehand."

Tim said, a misterious spark in his eyes.

Knowing that Tim wouldn't let him protest any longer, tears started welling up in Connors eyes, and he said:

"I - I don't know what to say. Thank you. Thank you so much. I promise you I will put it to good use."

Putting his hand of Connors shoulder Tim looked into his eyes and replied:

"No need to cry, I know that your dream is to become a professional programmer. One has to be blind and deaf to not figure this out. And I know that you can achieve this dream of yours if you only get the chance. And if money is the only thing that is holding you back, then I am more than willing to help. But now hold onto your horses, the final surprise will come later."