Jumping to Christmas

Christmas has finally come, friends and family gather and celebrate. Present under the tree, treats through the day and so much laughter. As the day goes on, dinner is wrapping up. The Christmas tree shines with so many beautiful colors. I look around at everyone and see them smiling and having fun. I think to myself “I hope next year is just as much fun”. Before I know it, the night has come to an end. Everyone heads home, I finally make my way back as well. After a long drive home, I feel so tired, my head hits the pillow and I’m out like a light. That night something very strange happened. Christmas was just about to begin again.

 As I woke up from a deep sleep, I notice something strange…a missed call from Dad. It said “ Can’t wait to see you guys”. I sat up to find someone laying next to me. They rolled over “honey, lay down for a bit, you have a long drive to your Dad’s house this morning” I was shocked and confused. “ Who was this person” I thought to myself. I picked up my phone and that’s when I saw 2024, across the screen. I panicked and ran out of the room. “How is this possible”! Looking around, I noticed things were a bit different. Some thing that were the same but different at the same time. I came back into the bedroom. “Honey, is everything okay”. She said. I wanted to be upfront with her but what would I say. Anything I would say, would sound crazy. The phone started to ring, as I reached for it, I couldn’t help but notice our photo on my phone. I looked happy but it seemed like a different person. It was me but not. As I answer the phone. It was Dad. “Hey Kiddo, when are you and the Misses coming over. The kids are dying to open their presents. Before I could answer, she spoke up and said “we’ll be there soon” Your son is taking his sweet time, acting a bit strange this morning”. My father replied “as to be expected” and chuckled. As I got dressed, I popped my head into the bedroom, trying my best to stay calm. I politely asked who I assumed was my girlfriend, still without a name to the face, if she was almost ready to go. She replied “All ready” as we walked out the front door, I grabbed my keys from the container but as I looked down, there were little things I’ve never seen. “This doesn’t feel real” I thought. I carried on my way. I walked right pass the car not knowing that some things have definitely changed. I looked over and said Josey, where’s the car. Just then, I got a splitting headache. My nose started to bleed a little, as I wiped off the blood onto my hand. I realized I knew this woman. It was like a foggy dream, that comes and goes. She was just laughing at me. “Someone, didn’t get a lot of sleep last night, too much stress over that new game you wanted so bad and couldn’t wait for Christmas”. I had no idea what she was talking about but she was standing right beside a black jeep. “Are you getting in or our you going to walk?” I walked back over and got in the drivers side. We started driving, I decided to turn on some music and every song that came on felt like it was brand new. The road trip was silent but nothing but smiles back and forth. I knew I couldn’t keep this up all day. I turned off the radio and took a deep breath, just as I was about to say something, the phone rang again. It was my mother this time. “Are you guys almost here?” I could hear the excited in her voice. We finally arrived and pulled in. To my surprise, everyone rushed over to Josey. They were whispering and chatting. I asked her what they were talking about and she simply replied “they’re just excited that’s all” We went in and enjoyed a fantastic breakfast, opened gifts and had some drinks through out the day. I wanted to say something but it just felt nice knowing everyone was happy and having a good time. It was getting late. Everyone was getting tired and exhausted. I pulled my Dad aside and wished him and Merry Christmas. He said “ I’m proud of you Kiddo, and congrats, you’re in for a treat” and smiled. Thinking about much changed in just a year, I couldn’t even imagine what next year had in store. I packed up the car and drove home. We finally got in the door and I was all ready to get some much needed sleep. We got all tucked in and I looked over at her and she was already asleep. I kissed her forehead and said “ I don’t know what I did to deserve you but I’m glad it happened” I rest my head on my pillow and fall sleep. 

The sun came shinning in the window. It was a little bit too much. As I opened my eyes I heard a baby crying. I sat up quicker this time than last. I looked around and nothing seemed right. This was not my room, and as I stood up, I came to find out that this was not were I layed my head. As I went to the window to look outside, I saw a big open space. Two cars in the drive way and a dog barking. I quickly grabbed my phone but dropped it. I heard footsteps walking up stairs. I went to reach for my phone and Josey walked in. “Honey, can you take Alex for a bit”? I’ve been up for a few hours now, I just want to make a pot of coffee. As I took a step forward, my eyes started to water, I knew exactly where and when I was. Another year forward. As I took my child in my arms, I felt a wave of emotions come flooding in. Another headache followed. No blood this time, thank goodness. I looked down at him and he smiled. Alex, my little boy, my little friend. I feel like I’ve known you since the day you were born but not a single memory comes to mind. Just as he grabbed my finger, memories come back. The birth, the love and moments in between. I start walking down the stairs and I feel like I want to say something to her but I can’t. It’s been two years to them but only two days for me. A thought came to my mind “ if this keeps happening, ill be dead before too long. Two days ago I was only 31 and now I’m already 33. I only have a couple months left and that’s it. I need to figure out a way to stop this time jumping. Stuck in my own world, Josey taps me on the shoulder and says “ are you okay”? This is starting to feel like last year. I spoke up and said “Christmas is always crazy, but I’m glad I have you guys” and smiled. She gave me the look and then smiled. We went on with our day. Went to see family and had dinner and came home a little earlier this time. “See I told you it was a crazy day” I said. “You’re right but we have eat other in this crazy time of year” she laughed while saying. The baby was finally sleeping and at a decent hour too. I looked up at the clock and it was 9:30, still pretty early but tomorrow should be a little crazier. “Maybe I’ll get some more sleep” I thought. As we layed our head down on the pillow. Josey once again was right out. I kissed her on the forehead and said I wish I didnt have to leave you. These days have been some of the best days of my life. As I closed my eyes, morning came around but with a little extra craziness. 

The light shined in and as I was opening my eyes, I hear a scream! “My baby” she said, running up the stairs. As she rushed in, I sat up. “What’s wrong” I asked. “Our son, he’s older” I was a bit shocked but not at Alex but at Josey this time. “What do you mean older?” Trying to play stupid but it didn’t seem to work. She said “ The last time I remember we were coming back from your dads house and it was Christmas. We finally had the baby to sleep and I passed out. When I woke up, it was Christmas again but now it’s 2026!” I had to cut her off at this point and say “ we need to talk about what’s going on here” we sat at the table all morning. I tried to explain everything I knew but that wasn’t much. Finally we came to terms with what’s going on but that didn’t help much. As we were moving though time, year by year. This time it’s different because both times I was alone and now Josey also jumped forward. I looked at her and noticed her nose was bleeding,  just like mine did the first time. “Josey, are you okay?” She replied with a small node “my head is killing me” she said. A phone rang, it was Dad. “Hey Kiddos, you bringing my grandson over for Christmas this year or am I going to have to wait until next year for you to get here” he chuckled while saying. I looked at her and with a smile I said “ let’s just get through today” she agreed. As the night grew closer and the day shortly coming to an end. We said our good byes and went to bed. “Everything will be alright” I said but I didn’t realize she had already fallen fast asleep. I kissed her forehead and said “ I’m glad you’re with me, I couldn’t imagine a world without you” I closed my eyes and with my final thought I rested a little more easy.