A/N: Hey guys! Like I promised, here's the Christmas Special. It's not much, though. I just rushed it so that it will still be Christmas when I post this. I did this less than an hour ago and I'm posting it now. Forgive me for the errors, but I hope you like it! Please read and review! Thank you!

Along the Shore

By TheMaskedGirl

She stood by the seashore, the waves lapping her feet. She dug her toes into the sand, feeling its warmth. Her soft hair was gently flying with the wind, her dazzling eyes scanning the horizon. It was a late December night and the cool air was making her shiver.

"Ann?" a voice rich with accent called.

The girl now identified as Ann turned to the sound of the voice and looked at the intruder. Ann smiled and said, "James."

"What are you doing here alone? You're not even wearing a sweater," James said, his face contorting in worry.

Ann smiled miserably, "I want to calm my nerves. The waves have this effect on me."

"Why? Did something happen?" James asked, confused.

"I broke up with him…"

James didn't know what to feel. He was giddy with happiness for Ann is finally single. He can court her now! But Ann doesn't deserve to feel such sorrow.

He looked at Ann and saw her anger. Her feelings first, before mine, he thought.

"Ann, I'm sorry," he started, "Don't worry, that bastard will pay."

Ann laughed with mirth, "James, you're my knight in shining armor."

James raised a brow and asked, "I thought Kent was your knight?" He does not want to be compared to an idiot.

"Oh, he used to be. But he turned out to be a loser in aluminum foil," she said, the gleam back in her eyes.

She started walking and James followed. Ann continued talking, "You know, I thought he was this amazing guy who will save me from the dragon. I was wrong. He made me feel like I'm in heaven during our first few dates. And then after that, when I agreed to be his girlfriend, the sweetness evaporated. He became this arrogant guy who wants to go to the arcade all the time with his friends. He'll ask me out on a date, then ditch me or he'll make me hold his things while he play. It's irritating, you know."

"Why didn't you break up with him earlier then?" James asked, his anger for the baboon named Kent growing deeper.

"I thought I loved him," Ann said softly, "But it was just a silly crush. I'm in love with someone else."

James' heart skipped a beat. Please let it be me, please, he thought. Then, clearing his throat, he asked the question bugging him since she told him she and Kent are over, "What happened? Why did you break up with him?"

Ann looked at him cautiously and said slowly, "He slept with… Devon."

She closed her eyes, expecting him to explode with anger. Her ex slept with his girlfriend, she's sure he'll get mad. And James did, but for a different reason. "WHAT?" he shouted.

His eyes showed his fury, "That damn bastard! How dare he sleep with another woman while he's seeing you!"

Ann opened her eyes, blinking twice, not believing what she heard. She was dumb-founded. She said quietly, "You're mad because he cheated on me?"

James looked at Ann weirdly and said, "Why else would I be mad?"

Ann fidgeted with the end of her shirt, blushing cutely. Thank God it's dark, he can't see me blush, she thought. "Well, Kent-he and Devon-she," she stuttered, not knowing what to say.

"Oh," James said realizing the situation. "I don't really care. She can see anyone she wants. I broke up with her a few days ago," he explained.

Ann shrugged nonchalantly and said, "So that's why." But inside, she's grinning like a kid eating lollipop.

"Are you going to the Christmas Charity Ball tomorrow?" James asked, changing the subject.

"It's tomorrow already?" Ann asked, wide-eyed.

"Yeah. Today's December 24, 2010, Christmas Eve," James said.

"I forgot! Oh my God, I still don't have a date," she said, fidgeting with her shirt again. "But then again, I can always go alone… But I want to show everyone that I am not at all affected by me and Kent's break-up."

"Are you?"

"Pardon?"

"Are you affected by your break-up?" James asked.

"I'm angry and I fell betrayed. But other than that, I'm not. I was, after all, the one who decided to cut our ties," Ann said matter-of-factly.

"I see," James said, grinning.

They continued walking in silence, admiring the houses adorned with Christmas decorations. Then, James gathered up his courage and asked Ann, "Ann, will you be my date for the Christmas Charity Ball tomorrow?"

Ann stopped in her tracks and let the words sink in. He asked me to the ball. He asked me to the ball. HE ASKED ME TO THE BALL!, she thought happily. "I'd love to, Mr. Reid," she answered formally, letting a smile grace her face.

James let out the breath he didn't know he was holding. "I'll see you tomorrow then, milady. I'll pick you up at six. Now, I'll accompany you home so you can celebrate Christmas with your family," James said, offering his arm.

Ann laughed her melodic laugh and took hold of James' arm.

Together, they walked along the shore, dreaming of their future together, dreaming of the Christmases they will spend together.

A/N: Happy Christmas everyone! I hope you like it! Don't forget to review! It means the world to me! Again, have a Merry Christmas!