A time loop

“Alice, happy day!!!” shouted Olivia happily into the phone. And the girl couldn’t understand how they were still friends. Blonde Olivia was just a lump of happiness and luck, she had a lot of friends and acquaintances, and brunette Alice was her complete opposite. She hadn’t even had much contact with her relatives in years. Yes, she often called her younger sister Lucy, and her parents, fully occupied with work and upbringing of their youngest daughter, tried not to neglect her, but Alice didn’t even always respond to calls and messages, not to mention full conversations. Today wasn’t supposed to be any kind of unusual day for her. She just didn’t need to go to school today. It was fine to lie in bed and watch a few episodes of her favorite show. It was still morning, not the neighbors had already started celebrating.

“Glad tidings we bring

To you and your kin;

Glad tidings for Christmas

And a happy New Year!

We want some figgy pudding,

We want some figgy pudding,

We want some figgy pudding,

Please bring it right here!”

Oh, how Alice was so sick of that song! The neighbors had several children, and they not only made a lot of noise, but also sang terribly! The girl, of course, also could not boast a special talent, but at least she did not prevent the neighbors from living a normal life and enjoying the weekend! Unable to endure this horror any longer, Alice quickly pulled on a sweater, jeans, high boots and a jacket and went outside. The winter was incredibly cold this year, which didn’t stop the children from all the nearby houses from gathering on the same playground and having a snowball fight. Not wanting to get one by the collar, the girl hissed something unintelligible and walked quickly to the other side of the street. But even here an unpleasant event awaited her. The street was full of people! All of them happy, satisfied with their purchases and inspired by the approaching holiday, were scurrying back and forth along the main street of the city, looking with interest at the welcomingly open stores, so eager to go in and buy something else. Of course, the brunette couldn’t enjoy being alone in such a crowd. A family walks by, trying to calm their child who didn’t get a candy bar. Laughing loudly, moves a large group of teenagers wearing the same funny hats and carrying bags. A man passes by, laden with huge boxes… Oops. I think I accidentally stepped on his foot. But it’s his own fault! He didn’t see me behind those boxes and walked too close! And without remorse, Alice accelerated her step and proudly disappeared into the crowd under the indignant sounds.

“Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way!

O what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh.

Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way!

O what fun it is to ride in a one-horse open sleigh.”

Oh, not again! How many times could it be? Alice hated this song with all her soul, but it was worth guessing that it was the one that would be played all over the street from the biggest and funniest store in town. Why hasn’t everyone in this town gotten sick of it yet? She’s so childish and silly after all! When the girl was younger, every year the song was played in her house. Tired of the noise and nearly freezing cold, she hurried home, almost being the target of a nasty boy’s snowball. Once home again, the brunette was glad that the vocal lessons in the neighbor’s apartment were over for the day and she could rest in peace. She undressed and brewed herself a strong tea, laid down under a warm blanket and turned on the TV. Quickly flipping through the news channels, she found the right one and relaxed, not noticing neither the persistent calls from some of her relatives nor the sunset. The day flew by quickly and unnoticed. Even when the fireworks rumbled and the clock struck twelve, Alice did not take her eyes off the screen and did not go to the window. A few hours later the girl closed her eyes and fell asleep.

***

“Alice, happy holidays!!!” shouted Olivia happily into the phone. Oh well, why did she even answer her friend’s call? Yes, and hadn’t the blonde congratulated Alice yesterday. Although, in principle, for Olivia every day was a holiday. What’s this? A missed call from Lucy? Whatever. She had parents and classmates she’d be more interested in talking to.

“Glad tidings we bring

To you and your kin;

Glad tidings for Christmas

And a happy New Year!

We want some figgy pudding,

We want some figgy pudding,

We want some figgy pudding,

Please bring it right here!”

What, again? How many times? Wait… What time is it? Ten o’clock in the morning. As I recall, that’s the same time they sang yesterday. What day is today? December 31st. What? Is this some kind of joke? Or am I still dreaming? Alice tried to wake up, but she couldn’t. Well, at least I have one more day off! But Alice decided to spend it only at home.

***

“Alice, happy holidays!!!” shouted Olivia happily into the phone. Now that wasn’t funny anymore. Reluctant to end the call and put the phone away, Alice mustered up the courage to ask: “Olivia, what’s the date today?” “December 31st?” the blonde answered a little uncertainly, confused and surprised by the unexpected question. “I see, got it, thank you. Happy Holidays to you,” Alice said the last one automatically, but immediately heard the answer. “Thank you so much! You’re so cute today!” and it was said without sarcasm. “Okay, bye,” with those words Alice put the phone away and thought about it. This was definitely not a dream. But something had changed in herself.

***

“Hello, Grandma,” Alice began uncertainly. “Alice? Is that you?” “Yes, Grandma,” unable to continue the sentence, the girl cried. “What is this I hear? What’s wrong with you, sweetheart?” “I’m sorry… Forgive me!” she could not stand it. “For what? What’s wrong with you, sunshine?” “For not answering the phone… For being a bad granddaughter.” “Don’t. Don’t apologize. “I love you. I always will.”

***

“Alice?” a childish voice finally broke through the silence. “Hi, Lucy. How are you doing?” “Alice! You called! I'm so happy to hear from you! Happy holiday to you!” “Thank you. Happy New Year to you, too. How are you? How are mom and dad?” “Oh, yeah, that's right. We're doing fine. We even decorated the tree!” “That's great! How are your studies going?” “It's great! I'm the smartest in the class!” Another voice came through the phone. “Who are you talking to, Lucy? Did your sister call?” “Daddy! It's so good to hear from you again!” “Aha, you guessed it. How are you, you little rascal?” “I love you very much, too,” replied Alice. She knew her father had said it lovingly, but the unpleasant residue remained. “It got lonely. I wanted to come and see you.”

***

I don't want a lot for Christmas There is just one thing I need I don't care about the presents Underneath the Christmas tree I don't need to hang my stocking There upon the fireplace Santa Claus won't make me happy With a toy on Christmas Day I just want you for my own More than you could ever know Make my wish come true All I want for Christmas is you You baby

Alice was happy. This time, after congratulating her friends, she decided to spend time with her family. She thought: Why did I used to sit at home instead of having fun with all these beautiful people? Why did I forget them? This time she went to bed happy, hoping that she could repeat this day tomorrow.