For the first time in forever

I bet you were expecting a sad story about a woman spending her first holiday alone. Well, spoiler alert: this isn’t that kind of story. This story is about Maya, a 24-year-old girl, who just moved out of her parents’ home last year and will be spending her first Christmas all alone. Emphasis on the alone part, because her sister just canceled on their Christmas plans last minute. But we’ll get back to that part later. Oh, and another spoiler: this all takes place back when video stores still existed. Yep, before everything was streaming. You know, the good old days.

With the new year approaching, Maya found herself reflecting on how far she’d come. She reminisces of the day she started packing up her stuff, and moving into her new apartment and making new memories. It was a big step, still she felt excited to start creating the life she wanted for herself.

This Christmas, as her first holiday without her family and a job, she needed that sense of magic more than ever. Maya and her sister had a Disney movie marathon planned with all the Classics. Frozen, Cinderella, Mulan, the Lion king. Cause Duhuh… ‘The Circle of Life’…Hakuna Matata! Nothing better than to get swept away in a beautiful Disney movie, where everything seems magical, yet in reality, there is always a secret message hidden in it. Maya had always found comfort in these movies. They offered an escape, a world where magic still existed, challenges were conquered even if they seemed impossible, courage was found and songs that carried life lessons.

As the older sister, Maya was born 2 years earlier than Amara.

Amara had canceled on her at the last minute, to go on a ski trip with her boyfriend. Since ‘They used to be best buddies, and now they’re not. Wonder if she even tried?’ So, to deny that Maya wasn’t angry and a little bit sad, let’s not even go there. Maya decided to give Amara the silent treatment, because it always works right? At least that’s how it went in her toxic parents’ household. Don’t talk about it, put it away and smile, even if you don’t feel like it. Though she knew it wasn’t the right way to treat her sister, she would eventually get over it, and make amends.

But Maya chose not to let her Christmas holiday go to waste because of this. Therefore, she agreed on a cozy day inside, decorating, blasting Christmas music and a Disney marathon with her favorite snacks; salty popcorn and peanut M&M’s. The snacks were already tucked away in her kitchen cabinets. The only missing element were the Disney movies. And so, she went to the nearest video store, her second favored place, besides her apartment, where she would often rent movies. A regular customer you could say, although she hadn’t rented in a while due to her crazy work schedule.

Upon entering, Maya noticed only two customers in the store. As she cruises down the aisles looking for the Disney section, the appearance of Christmas movies can’t be avoided. The grinch, Home alone 1 and 2, The Holiday, Elf, The Santa Clause. Finally, she arrives at the Disney section and it’s empty as can be. Luckily, they still have Frozen. To compromise for the Disney movies they don’t have, she grabs Home alone 1 and 2, just in case. She might get bored and need some inspiration to booby trap her sister, when she decides to come back.

Behind the counter hides a familiar face. It’s Luca. He started working there around the same time Maya moved in her new apartment. He has a slight crush on her, only Maya doesn’t mind because he is a sight for sore eyes. Brown curly hair, brown eyes and a smile that lights up his whole face.

However, Luca always gives Maya a discount, that’s how she knows.

As she puts the DVDs on the counter, Luca greets her with a smile.

“Hey, haven’t seen you in a while?”

Maya raises her eyebrows, showing a small grin on her face. “Wow, you keep track of when I’m here? Or are you just happy to see me?”

Luca cracks up a short but loud laugh. “No, I can see it in the computer. Don’t flatter yourself.” Unexpectedly, his attention shifts to the DVDs on the counter.

“No way, Frozen again?” as he looks surprised.

 “What’s wrong with Frozen?” Maya asks confused.  

Luca rolls his eyes. “You’ve seen it like a hundred times already!”

“A Disney classic like ‘Frozen’ can never be seen too many times. Besides, I had plans for a Disney marathon with my sister. It looks like some Disney freaks wiped out the selection… there is barely anything left!”

Luca holds his hands in the air like a surrender. “Hey, don’t blame me, I’m just here to keep the place running, not to control the chaos.” He pauses with a grin, "But hey, I’ll talk to the manager and see what I can do about restocking that section for ya. So, plans with the sister, huh?”

Maya let’s out a disappointing sigh. “Yeah, but she canceled on me last minute”.

“Ouch…” Luca says, clenching his teeth together, clearly feeling the sting. “Can’t say that doesn’t sound familiar.”

“You got a sister too?” Maya asks.

“Yep, two younger sisters and one older brother,” Luca responds.

“Wow, that is quite a family you got there. At least you always have someone to talk to”.

“Yeah, but sometimes it feels like there’s never a quiet moment.”

Maya nods, understanding. “I know the feeling. Sometimes I’d trade the noise for some peace and quiet.”

“I get that,” Luca says, “That’s why I spend so much time here at the video store. Movies give me that escape, you know? There’s something about escaping into a different world for a while, just me and the film, no distractions. It’s the closest thing to peace I get."

They lock eyes for a brief moment, a silent understanding passing between them.

Luca gives a quick laugh, breaking the eye contact as he reaches for the DVD’S.

“That’ll be $7.99, but for you … Free”.

Maya looks at him surprised, though she could’ve seen it coming. “WHAT… You can’t do that! I’ve got money you know; I’m not broke.”

Luca waves it off. “Don’t worry about it, it’s an early Christmas present”.

Maya touches her heart and smiles “That’s very sweet of you. I never turn down a gift. Thanks!

“You’re welcome! Luca says with a wink. “If you’re up for some company, you know where to find me. I may not be your sister, but it might require some of my Olaf impressions to convince you”.

Maya chuckles. “I might just have to see that. Any way you could do it now?”

Luca blushes. “What?... No way, not in front of the customers.”

Maya looks around the nearly empty store, glancing at the one remaining customer browsing the aisles.

"I’m sure Mr. Oaken over there wouldn't mind a little Olaf impersonation to spice up his shopping experience," Maya says with a mischievous grin.

"My Olaf impressions are only for special occasions," Luca replies proudly but still slightly flushed. "And I’m not sure this moment qualifies."

Maya giggles softly and shakes her head.

“Thanks for the offer, but I think I need some time to myself today.”

Luca holds up his shoulders. "Guess my Olaf impressions will have to wait then." He pauses. His face looks innocent, but he might actually be good Maya could imagine.

"Take care of yourself, Maya. Just think of me when Olaf comes on the screen."

Maya smirks, "I’ll make sure to do just that." She picks up the DVDs and sticks them into her tote bag. With a slight grin on her face, she heads for the exit.

“Happy Holidays Luca!”

“And a happy new year to you too” Luca says.

As Maya opens the door, the bell above the door rings softly, signaling her exit. She waves goodbye, catching Luca’s gaze as he watches her leave.

Strolling the pavement on her way home, she holds her tote bag tightly to her chest, bracing against the cold air that bites her face. The only time of year when breathing becomes visible in the air. Maya catches herself smiling, thinking about the fun interaction she just had. Even though she might not be interested in a relationship right now, it sure feels good to know that she is appreciated. Yet, she feels happy and proud to finally be able to do her own thing this Christmas. Free from all her family’s obligations taking each step further from her past and closer to the life she’s beginning to build.

Back at the apartment, she changes into some comfy clothes, throws on her fuzzy slippers, and makes herself some tea to warm up. While the water is boiling, she turns on the heat and lights a few candles around the apartment to set the mood for her movie night in. Meanwhile, snow began to fall outside. When the kettle whistles,

she pours herself a cup of hot jasmine tea and prepares a little snack platter with the snacks from her cabinets. Carrying everything to the coffee table, she sinks into a comfortable position on her white couch. As she walks over to the DVD player, she slides the Frozen DVD out of its case, pops it into the player and returns to the couch. With the remote in her hand and a quick press of the play button, the familiar Disney castle logo lights up the screen, hence the start of her cozy movie night.

Two minutes into the movie, a loud ring off a phone interrupts. She picks up her phone, lying next to her on the couch. When the screen reaches her eyes, she notices it’s her sister Amara who is calling. Pausing for a moment, as she hesitates to pick up. Eventually, she presses the green phone button and puts the phone on her ear.

“Hey, sissy! Merry Christmas!” Amara’s voice is upbeat, with a hint of guilt. "I know I totally bailed on you. Sorry I’m not there, but I swear I’ll make it up to you.”

For a moment, Maya considers holding on to her frustration. But as she hears her sister’s voice, something shifts. Maybe it’s the holiday spirit, or maybe it was listening to her familiar, comforting voice that made Maya feel warm inside. She knew her sister would be there for her, regardless. Staying mad suddenly felt pointless, forgiveness feels like the right choice.

“It’s fine, Amara” Maya says feeling a slight relief. “Just make sure to have fun out there, okay? You can make it up to me by, I don’t know, bumping into a tree on your way down the hill. Then we’ll call it even.” A teasing laugh escapes her.

Amara giggles on the other end. “You’ve got a deal my friend! I’ll text you from the ER.”

“You better” says Maya almost a little too serious. “Be safe, okay?”

“You too” Amara replies. “Love Ya” she adds in a chipper tone.

Maya rolls her eyes but can’t hide the little smile on her face. “Love you too.”

At last, saying their goodbyes followed by Maya hanging up the phone. She feels lighter. Amara may not be there, but that’s the thing with siblings, they can drive you crazy, despite that they will always be there in their own way. With a fulfilled feeling, Maya pulls her blanket over her body and presses play to continue the movie.

The familiar sound of "For the First Time in Forever" begins to play, and Maya sings along, her voice growing louder and freer with each word. Ignoring the fact that anyone might be listening, she’s lost in the moment dancing through the living room. She’s always loved this song, but tonight, the song resonates with her more than ever before.

“For the first time in forever,

I'm getting what I'm dreaming of,

A chance to change my lonely world,

A chance to find true love.”

As the song echoes through the room, Maya feels something shift inside her like the feelings of a new beginning. She realizes it’s not just about finding love with someone else. It’s about the love and peace she’s discovering within herself, healing from the baggage from her past, opening the door to whatever possibilities the future holds. A sense of calm and excitement flows within her, as she recognizes she’s carving her own path, and it feels enough. The song continues…

“I know it all ends tomorrow,

So, it has to be today.

Cause for the first time in forever...”

For the first time in forever,

Nothing’s in my way.”