“C’mon Cole. You're telling me, that Christmas is nothing to you?” Nya asked the black ninja who sat across from her in the Bounty's beautiful bridge. The pair had been tasked to steering the large vessel. The Ninja were on their way to a huge celebration being held at Valencia village square.
“Nya. Look.” Cole sighed. “Christmas was never that great for me. Dad would always stay out late preforming. And he would come back tired, hungry, and grumpy. He always expected me to have a dinner ready for him. But I can't cook. So rather than disappoint him. I'd run away to the local gas station that's where I'd always spend my Christmas.” Cole felt stinging tears of painful memories filling his eyes. So he turned away from Nya whose expression had softened.
“Cole. I should've known that you had a reason.” She sighed putting a hand over his clenched fist. “I'm sorry.” She said.
“It's fine Nya. Not many people know my story. And I don't normally open up. But for some reason. I always relax around you.” Cole smiled slightly.
“Jay says it's because I understand pain.” Nya sighed. “Kai says it's because I'm a girl. And Zane says it's because I'm a human.” She smiled as Cole cracked a grin.
“So. Are you still going to drag me to that party?” Cole asked.
“No. But me and the others sure would love to have you. “ Nya said.
“And I'd love to be there. But I think I'm going to Matis. It's a nice quiet village. “ Cole smiled.
“If you change your mind, you know where we'll be.” Nya grinned. “And you can go on. I'll cover for you. I've flown this bird by myself before. And I can do it now.” Nya laid a relaxed hand on the controls to the Bounty.
“Thanks Nya. I owe you.” Cole said going out onto the main deck of the Bounty. Then without a backwards look. He formed his dragon and flew off.
As he neared the quiet little village he lowered his brown and green dragon towards a peaceful creek that flowed lazily towards the town. Once his dragon landed he slowly walked towards the town. To find a good hotel. As he neared a two story building with a “Rooms for rent” sign in it's window. He ran into a young girl who fell to the ground beside the two plastic bags she had carried.
“I’m sorry miss, are you alright?” Cole asked helping her up.
“No broken bones!” The girl smiled stooping to pick up her bags. “You look familiar. Do I know you?” The girl had a strong southern accent. Bright red hair. A tanned body that went with the freckles that covered her smiling face.
“You may have seen me on TV.” Cole said helping pick up her scattered groceries.
“Ma and Pa won't let us get a TV. “ The girl said. “What's your name?” She asked.
“Cole.”
“Your name is Cole? No wonder I recognise you! I’m Marci Jax.” A broad grin covering her face
“Marci Jax? I haven't seen you since dad sent me to dance school.” Cole smiled at his childhood crush. The pair had met years before in grade school, when Mr. Jax was a poor farmer trying to support his family. He had come to Cole's father who was an old friend of Mr. jax. He asked for Cole's father to provide food and shelter for his two children. Marci, and his youngest, Tye. Cole's father agreed and took the pair in. Cole had to learn that there was more to this deal then met the eye. A few days after Marci and Tye arrived. Mrs. Jax got into a bad car accident. About a week later she passed on. Mr. Jax couldn't afford her funeral. And Marci and Tye were crushed. And had to stay for another six years. When Mr. Jax finally got out of debt. Cole's father had already sent him to Marty Oppenhighmers school a year before. At first Cole wrote to Marci. Then one day the letters stopped. Marci didn't know what happened. Nor if he had forgotten. But it had been ten years since then. And both had graduated from school.
“Goodness! What am I doing standing here blubbering. Pa would have my skin if I didn't invite you up for Christmas.” Marci smiled.
“I'll come if you're sure your parents won't mind.” Cole said.
“They'd have my head if I didn't invite you.” Marci said.
“Then let's go.” Cole grinned letting her lead him to a candy blue Jeep that stood nearby.
“So how’s your Pa been?” Marci asked once they were on the road.
“About the same. He had an accident a while back, but he's still kicking.” Cole smiled. “How's Tye?”
“Good. He's quite the strong little one. Well. He's not so little anymore. He’s thirteen now. And Pa's still got him Tending sheep.” Marci smiled.
“The youngest always get it soft .” Cole said.
“Yeah, I guess.” Marci's eyes never left the road. And there was only small talk between the pair until they reached the Jax farm.

To mai readers:
This was a story I wrote a little after Christmas. So it's set around that time. And please feel free to give me feedback. Positive, or negative. And thank yu so much. :-)