Alice POV :

Two years have gone since I came in Philadelphia. It's Christmas tonight. I am sat on a bar stool, a water filled glass in front of me. I can see my own reflection in the mirror, behind the bartender.

"Hey honey, why so sulky, it's Christmas!!" says Jimmy.

Jimmy is the owner of this place. He is a bit rough but kind in its own way.

I come here every rainy day, always with my yellow sundress waiting for him.

Jasper.

I'm not sure how, why or when, but he's going to come. And I'm already in love with him.

"Still waiting for Prince Charming Little Alice?" whispers Jimmy

Oops, my eyes must have betrayed my thoughts.

"He will come, one day, I know it…" I reply seductively. Jimmy and I always flirt when he thinks I'm feeling lonely. It is his way to make me feel better.

"Of course, dear. But, would you like to have dinner with us tonight? No one should be alone on this night, especially, a sweet dear like you. My wife would be thrilled!"

"That's so nice of you, but I still got a lot of work to do…"

"You're too serious, Young Lady. Since you won't come.. here…humm…well, for you"

Jimmy is holding a package for me, deep green and a huge red bow flowing all around it.

If I could cried, I'ld be crying a river.

"Oh, Jimmy, you shouldn't have! That's so nice!!"

I reward him with the biggest smile I can muster. Delicately, I open it. It is an elegant Yellow hat, to go with my dress.

"It is perfect!"

"Mary chose it…" Jimmy grunts, embarrassed by my shaking hands…

"Tell her I LOVE it!!!" I put it on, spinning and laughing, making a show of putting it on in the little diner. The church bell starts ringing.

Midnight

"Jimmy, you should close and go back to your family. I'm going to the mass now, pray for all of you!"

Jimmy pretends not to care, but I can hear his sniffing. He smiles at me, and start closing.

I'm going back home. I'll pray for him but not at the church. I feel like it is not really my place, especially tonight.

I enter my small one room flat, dropping the now wet hat and cloak. I lit the fireplace and sit comfortably on the bed. I take the bible from my night stand and start praying. For Jimmy, Mary, and for Jasper…