Surprise Secret Santa

holiday story! hope you enjoy!

Chapter 1: The Present

Betty walked into her office and sat at her desk, letting out a sigh after finally having a moment to herself. She had been so busy non-stop for the past few weeks trying to get this special issue of her magazine.

It was still so surreal. She was the Editor in Chief of a new best-selling magazine in the UK. She was actually living her dream.

As exciting as it all was, she missed her family like crazy. Especially so close to Christmas. It was less than a week to Christmas and the closer it got to the holiday the sadder and lonelier she felt.

This would be the first ever Christmas where she wouldn't get to be with her family. If she could have she would be on the next flight back, but her circumstances didn't allow for that. She knew they all had their reasons for not being able to visit her, as well.

Hilda was due any day now for her first baby with Bobby together, so they were hesitant about flying. Her nephew would have loved to visit her but he got a major role in a holiday show. Her Papi and Elena were visiting her family in California this year.

She would have been happy to even get a visit from a friend, but Marc and Amanda both had work or prior engagements, Christina had other family festivities, Claire said she would try to stop by but wasn't sure, and Daniel…

Well, she hadn't seen him in months.

She felt her eyes become glossy. She missed him so much. They hardly talked as much anymore. There were a few calls or texts or emails from time to time, but they both had gotten busy in their own lives.

When Daniel had shown up to see her in Trafalgar Square several months ago it had taken her completely by surprise, but she was so happy to have her friend back. They had dinner that first night. It was very pleasant and she loved that they still had such a great friendship, talking about everything in between their short but somehow lengthy time apart.

During the course of their evening together she got a lot of lingering looks and smiles from Daniel that had her heart racing every now and then but when he dropped her off at home he simply hugged her goodbye.

She wasn't sure what she expected. Perhaps Claire's words at her going away party had affected her more than she thought, wondering if Daniel showing up with this grand gesture would reveal some unknown feelings he might have had about her.

Of course, she was crazy to ever think Daniel would have feelings for her other than friendship.

She sighed in annoyance with herself. Whenever she had a moment alone to herself, her mind drifted to her incredibly handsome blue-eyed friend…

Distant friend, it seemed, these days.

She wasn't sure what happened. He stayed in London for a month and surprisingly took her up on her offer of filling in as her assistant to help her get things started, but then said he had to go back to New York to take care of things.

She had been a bit disappointed, but she couldn't hold it against him. His life was in New York. Did she really think he would stay with her forever?

She frowned as she looked at the Calendar on her desk with the red drawn heart around Christmas. She looked at the note underneath that said the Christmas party was now two days before.

She decided she was going to keep herself as busy as possible until the Christmas party, so she worked for the next few days like her life depended on it being done by the Christmas party.

Betty's eyes shone when she walked into the office to see it had been magically transformed into a Christmas wonderland. It was beautiful. The theme was elegant but had a whimsical touch which she knew was Marissa's doing.

She smiled as she greeted some of her coworkers and beamed when she saw Marissa.

"Marissa, wow, this is so magical! I can't believe you arranged this in such a short time. It's amazing! And you look just as gorgeous" Betty said as she took in her assistant and friend in her sparkly emerald green dress with cute little black and silver buckles at the hem and sleeves.

The color looked great with her bold red hair. She looked like a magical Christmas fairy, especially with the gold and silver shimmery makeup.

Marissa beamed back at her, "Aren't you a charmer, Betty! Thank you! You look equally radiant! I can't believe a handsome Brit hasn't snatched you up yet"

Betty blushed, "Marissa"

Marissa smirked, "of course, if you didn't work 24/7, that is!" She teased.

Betty blushed further, her cheeks turning a shade lighter than her dress.

Marissa laughed, "I hope you have fun, Betty. If anyone deserves it, it is you"

Betty smiled and hugged her friend "thank you."

For the next few hours Betty surprisingly had a lot of fun, especially with Marissa around to boost her spirits. She was a blast to be around, and reminded her of Daniel in some ways, who always seemed to make her forget about the rest of the world and enjoy the moment.

She laughed when Marissa collapsed in a chair in her office once the party had died down a bit. There were still a few people enjoying the festive atmosphere, but Betty was grateful to step away, too.

"I think I'm done working for the next year!" Marissa stated as she took a sip from her champagne. Betty laughed, "I would say you earned that"

When Betty walked over to her desk her eyes grew bright when she saw a small present on top. "Huh, Marissa, you really shouldn't haven't gotten me anything. You're so sweet!" Betty said as she picked up the beautifully wrapped present. There were gold swirls on the red shimmery paper making it look so magical.

Marissa looked at her in surprise "what? I didn't get you anything, Betty! Ok, I did, even though you said not too, but it's in my bag. Oo! Is it a Secret Santa gift?" She got up excitedly.

Betty looked at her friend in confusion, "No, it couldn't be. I knew I wasn't going to have time to get anyone gifts, so I didn't participate"

Marissa's eyes lit up "Oo! Well, open it up, Betty! Maybe you have a surprise secret Santa"

Betty giggled at her excitement, and started to tear the wrapping paper gently, not wanting to rip it, since the paper was so pretty.

Once she removed the paper, she opened the box and another box was revealed. She pulled it out and their eyes grew bright seeing how beautiful it was. It was wooden and had intricate Christmas scenes etched into all of its sides. "Wow!" They both exclaimed.

"that is beautiful, Betty! Are you sure you don't have any idea of who it's from?"

Betty shook her head, "No. if it's not from you… "

Marissa shook her head staring at the box, transfixed. "Oh, look, it looks like you need a key to open it!"

Betty gave Marissa the wooden box and picked up the gift box. "Aha!" Betty found a gold key on a red ribbon inside and held it up. Marissa's eyes lit up even more "Oh, let's open it! There must be a clue inside of who it's from!"

Betty agreed and placed the key into its place and turned it until there was a click. She opened it and their eyes grew in fascination as this melodious music started to play and the small figurine couple inside started to move in a circular dance.

"Aw, it's so beautiful. This can't be for me" Betty said, not understanding such a gift and who it could possibly be from. Marissa took the box from her and saw there was a tiny button on one of the sides. She pressed it and another compartment popped open revealing a note.

Betty gasped and Marissa squealed in excitement "Oh yes! Hopefully this will reveal your mystery gift giver."

Betty looked on as Marissa picked out the note and opened it. "On Christmas Eve,

you will see…

just how much you mean to me."

Betty's heart skipped a beat, while Marissa's eyes were wide in surprise. "O.o Betty are you hiding some secret lover that I don't know about!?"

Betty swatted her friend away "Marissa, what? Of course not, silly. I… don't have anyone… uh.. "

Her heart was racing, feeling beyond confused, her thoughts swirling.

Marissa smirked, "looks like you have a secret admirer, then."

Betty bit her lip. Marissa grinned, "oh. Betty, now I can't wait for it to be Christmas Eve! You will get to see your mystery love"

Betty stared at the note and music box in awe, fascination, wonder and confusion. This gift had to be a mistake. Perhaps for someone else. There was no name on it so she couldn't really be sure it was for her.

Now she was just as eager as her friend for it to be Christmas Eve!