Finding you: A Christmas special

An old stranger

Elena POV:

I was on the train back home to Winchester Ville. A month before Christmas and I was in no mood for any of it. The train was already decorated with tinsel and the windows were frosted with snow men and snow flakes. I looked down at my son, it would be his first Christmas and I wasn't sure if it was going to be the best. I remembered my plans that I had for him for Christmas and being a newly divorced single mother was not one of them.

I unlocked my phone, staring at my mother's contact. I should call her... I was heading back home to the small town where I was voted most likely to succeed in high school, and where my family lived. My very wealthy family that owned the town. Yet, I hadn't called to tell them that I was coming. How could I? Their daughter, a newly divorced single mother... To say they would be mortified would be an understatement. My family were like families from most small towns, divorce was not something that was easily accepted, especially with a baby in the mix. I looked down at the bundle in my arms and watched his gentle face sleep, his mouth was open and occasionally he would smile and my heart would flutter.

The train finally stopped and I grabbed my suitcase, I had found a small furnished cottage to rent on the outskirts of town that was perfect for Mason and I and even better that it was away from nosy neighbours and town gossip. I was the only one to get off, not a lot of people took the train anymore, most people would prefer driving their car and it made total sense. I walked out the station and noticed the old yellow taxi cab and walked over to it. "Hello," the old man jumped himself awake, "I'm so sorry if I scared you," And said and he looked at me and then the baby in my arms, "I was just resting my ears dear," he smiled and got out of the cab, "why don't you go on in and I'll get your bags," he said, the wispy ends of his white moustache curling as he smiled.

I scooted into the warm car, winter was here alright because it was freezing outside but it wasn't snowing yet. I didn't care if it snowed. I just felt sad. I looked at my phone again, this time at my husband's number, I wish he would call. The old man got it and closed his door, rubbing his hands together, "it's quite cold, you and the baby should keep warm. Where can I take you to?" He asked, and I smiled, "the lonely cottage," I said and he smiled as started the engine and turned on the road. "What brings a city girl like yourself out here?" He asked, and I gave him a friendly smile, his question was making me nervous because I wasn't the best liar. "Just wanted a bit of a fresh start," that wasn't a complete lie. "Well, I hope you enjoy it here." He gave me another smile as he looked at me through his rear view mirror, "have we met before you?" He asked suddenly and I felt my face turn red, "no, I don't think so." I quickly looked out my window, not wanting to talk anymore. "Must be my mistake."

Arriving at my new cottage, I paid the old man and took Mason inside, while he brought my bags in. My feet were frozen, why I wore my Pierre Cardin heels, I'll never understand. I kicked them off and put Mason down in the cot in the living room while I went to find the thermostat. The cottage was beautiful. The kitchen had a modern finish and so did the lounge with a modern fire place and grey couches, it had french windows that let in so much natural light that it gave the place a warm finish, I could only imagine how this place might look in summer.

There was a knock on the door, momentarily distracting me from my thoughts. I pulled my jacket tighter against me and then pulled open the door to a familiar face. I could not believe what I was seeing. The six foot biker, with black curly hair and piercing blue eyes were staring at me with the same expression on my face, complete and utter surprise! "Ryan! Oh my God!" I exclaimed, "Elena!? Is that really you?" He asked, I felt self conscious of his question. I don't think I looked anything like the cheerleader that I used to be. "I heard you got married!" He exclaimed, my heart dropped at his question and my stomach started to churn. I nodded vehemently, "yes, I did!" "Congratulations! Where is the hubby?" He asked, peering inside, "still working," I lied with a smile, "he can be such a workaholic," I chuckled and Ryan followed suit, "may I come in?" "Oh yes! Of course!" I tried to keep my nerves under control. He stepped inside and breathed slowly, trying to not show my anxiety and nervousness. Ryan Jacobs did not need to see me as a sweaty hot mess!