The Christmas Arrow

"What do you mean there's no gift for him, Hermey? Santa said every present was accounted for. It's not like I can fly back to his workshop and grab one. We're in... Oh fiddlesticks, wherein the Jack Frost are we?"

"Don't get your knickers in a bunch, Cupid. Santa always has spare gifts in his magic hat. You do have the hat, right?" Hermey asks, reminding me that I stuffed it into my pocket. Thankfully, one of us showed up for this last-minute excursion with our thinking cap on.

Santa found himself feeling a little less than jolly after a bad batch of eggnog rendered him sicker than his reindeer when they've snuck one too many carrot cookies. In the spirit of Christmas and sprinkling joy, I agreed to help him out in exchange for a favor. In case I ever need one from him someday.

"You bet your twinkle toes I do, Hermey."

Reaching into my pocket, I grab the red velvet accessory and fling out my arms with so much excitement. The sleigh simultaneously lands on the rooftop, causing Santa's hat to slip from my fingers and disappear into the blackened night.

"Oh, for the love of all things sweet, why me?"

"Way to go, Doctor Love. This was our last house of the night. You have to deliver something." Hermey reminds me even though my exhaustion is a significant indicator of that.

I don't know how Saint Nick does this every year!

Scrambling out of the sleigh, I pace back and forth on top of the powdered snow roof. Drumming my fingers against my forehead, I try to think of a gift that I can give this man they call Elliot.

Hearing a not so pleasant commotion coming from inside the house, I investigate. Maybe seeing Elliot will spark a brilliant idea.

Throwing off Santa's plush jacket, my wings spring free and fly me to where the sound is coming from.

Peeking through the frosted window, I see a dark-skinned woman with shoulder-length curly hair standing in a doorway.

"You're not my husband! I could never be with someone like you, Elliot! I can do better than some measly amateur artist." She shouts, slamming the door and storming off down the narrow hallway.

"Well, sprinkle me with pepper. That wasn't very cheerful," I say to myself, feeling a ping of bitterness strike my tender heart.

Gliding alongside the brick-paved house, I search for Elliot's window on the backside of the house. Spotting a man who looks like a droopy flower, dwindling on the wooden floor, I stop and land on his window sill.

Elliot folds his hands and looks straight towards me. His gingerbread-colored eyes wield so much tenderness before he closes them and bows his head.

"Please, God, if you're listening, can you help Holly? I need her... Please." A river of emotional tears paddle down his cheeks as his chin quivers.

Pressing my hand to my chest, I feel my heart slowly breaking, seeing the longing that's painfully etched on his face.

Elliot gets to his feet and runs his fingers through his russet beard, walking towards an easel. He flips a few of its pages and reveals a stunning portrait of a woman. His fingertips trace the outline of her face.

"Holy mistletoe! It's the woman from the hallway!" I shriek, eager to find out more about this captivating tale.

Leaning further into the window, I see a particular look glimmer across Elliot's face. The twinkle in his eye makes my weak heart crumble like the droppings from a sugar cookie.

Elliot loves her.

Feeling around on my shoulder, I reach for my bow and quiver filled with golden-tipped arrows.

"I know the perfect gift for you now, Elliot."

Feeling that little extra pep in my wings, knowing I get to bring the gift of love to someone on this Christmas Eve, I quickly fly back to the top of the roof.

"What do you think you're doing?" Hermey questions me.

"It seems there's only one thing Elliot wants for Christmas and I'm the perfect pixie for the job." I tap my bow on his shoulder and offer him a wink.

"Oh, no you don't, Cupid. You remember Santa's rules. You're supposed to refrain from any matchmaking and stick to the book." He warns me, flapping his pointer at me like I'm a child.

Everyone knows how hard it is for me to resist the magic of love. It's my toxic drug that feeds every romantic bone in my body. Some people search their entire lives for the one thing I can give them with a single shot from my lustrous arrows. One prick of my love remedy and it's happily ever after.

"This is what Elliot wants, Hermey. I'm sure of it." I reassure him and pat him on the shoulder.

Grinning from ear to ear, I fly down the chimney and reach the bottom, poking my head out. Not seeing anyone, I tiptoe around, searching for the woman from the hallway.

"I can't live like this anymore, Dad. That man is not my husband. I feel like I'm turning into the Grinch every second I'm stuck in this house. How am I ever supposed to remember who he is when I can't stand him?"

"Give it time, sweetheart. It's only been six months since your accident."

Awe, candy canes, she's lost her memory!? Well, this is about as tragic as Romeo and Juliet. Both were filled with so much passion for one another and unknowingly destined for heartache.

"Six months of living with a stranger, Dad! This is not how I want to spend Christmas. Please, can't you take me home with you and mom?"

"I'm sorry, Holly. Your mother and I agree that spending Christmas with Elliot is the best thing for you. The two of you are like Santa and Mrs. Clause when it comes to Christmas. I'm certain you'll find your way." Her father kisses her forehead and closes the front door behind him.

Alright, this is it, Cupid! This is your moment!

Directing my bow, I jerk my arm back and aim it toward Holly's backside. Squinting one eye, I prepare to fire the best Christmas present I could ever give.

Elliot suddenly catches my eye, appearing in the hallway. Quickly rushing behind one of their living room Christmas trees, I take notice of how much these two love this festive season. I've never seen so much garland, tinsel and evergreen pines. It's like Christmas exploded from one of those confetti shooters in every crevice of their home.

"Holly, I know you're angry with me, but since it's technically Christmas Day, I wanted to give you your gift." Elliot hands her a rolled-up page with a bright red bow wrapped around it.

"Oh, but I don't have anything for you." Holly hesitates before taking the gift.

"It's our tradition to give each other a present at the stroke of midnight on Christmas. I know you think my artwork is bleak, but you were always my muse." Elliot smiles with so much adoration in his eyes.

Holly glances at him before opening her present, revealing Elliot's beautiful drawing from the easel in his bedroom. Gleaming, I cross my fingers and toes, hoping this sentimental gift jogs her memory and she remembers Elliot.

My heart has never yearned for two people to bask in their affections so painfully before. You can feel the love in the air between them. Maybe I won't have to disobey Santa's orders after all and this will be all it takes to bless Elliot with his most precious gift.

"Is this me?" Holly asks, feathering her fingers across the artwork. Elliot nods and steps closer to her as a glint of hope shimmers in his eyes.

"I'm sorry. The woman in this photo doesn't exist anymore, Elliot."

He looks down at his toes before reaching for his jacket on the bench.

"I'm sorry too, Holly. I just can't do this anymore."

"No, Elliot! You can't give up!" I mutter, tempted to reveal myself.

I can't let this happen! I have to fix this!

Readying my bow, I shoot my arrow at Holly while I still have a chance. The tip pierces her flesh before it disintegrates into sparkling dust, filling her with its enchanted magic.

Holly reaches for Elliot's hand and holds it in hers.

"Elliot, wait..." She steps closer to him and cradles his cheek. "I have a gift for you."

Feeling my heart melt like a snowman, I watch them share a sweet kiss.

Elliot's eyes sparkle like the North Star as he beams at his wife.

"I missed you so much, Holly."

"I love you, Elliot."

Hearing her words my heart flutters like the wings of a dove and I realize my work here is done. Seeing their love twinkle around them like a string of fairy lights, I whisper, "Merry Christmas, Elliot."