tuesday, december 22nd

"Beth, we're leaving in an hour!"

"Okay!"

Beth took one last sweater from her closet, folding it into her tube bag. She zipped it up and dragged it downstairs with her.

"Mum?" She asked, peeking to the kitchen Where she found her mother making sandwiches.

They were leaving for christmas just like every year. Sandy had family in Minnesota, so that was the place to be. Beth wasn't delighted about these family gatherings, but they were tolerable. They were planning on staying there for the next week, coming back in time for new year's.

If Beth usually didn't enjoy the trip to another state, this year it was even worse. There was one new thing holding her back in Hawkins: Robin.

It was really a shame to leave her girlfriend for a week, especially since their relationship was still in the blooming -phase. They swore they would call as often as possible. After all, it was just a week. It's not that bad. The last few days they had spent as much time with eachother as possible: lie they were trying to make up for the days they were going to lose.

But Beth wasn't going to leave without a proper goodbye.

"I'm going to drop off some christmas presents."

Her mother packed one last sandwich and spoke to her daughter: "Okay.. you know that we could drop them off when we leave? It's quite a snowstorm out there."

Beth looked out of their kitchen window, raising an eyebrow. "You call that a snowstorm?" She asked, watching little flakes winding down on the street. "I've got only two presents. It's not like I'll freeze to death."

Sandy gave her a look, pouting her lip. "Yeah, go. But wear your better jacket, the warmer one."

"I will." Beth smiled, leaving the kitchen. She rushed back to her room, getting a postcard and a small wrapped box which she stuffed to her shoulderbag.

Soon enough Beth was on the road, biking trough the main street. Finally, it had snowed again -it did make her biking a tad more difficult, but the views were worth it. The snow created a bliss feeling, making all the houses look like they were covered in powdered sugar.

The town looked peaceful. Most of the families were already settling down for the holidays, staying inside and doing all those christmas -things. Only a few late-gift shoppers were out tonight.

She passed the central town, approaching a house she hadn't been to in quite a while.

Cassie's house.

It took Beth a minute, but she remembered the number and found the right house. She parked her bike to the sidewalk and took the little postcard from her bag. She dropped it into a bright red mailbox on the yard and quickly left.

Even if her and Cassie were having a truce right now, there was no way Beth would be brave enough to go and talk to her again.

She walked her bike a few blocks to the main destination of her trip: Robin's house. The little package on her bag was for her.

Beth walked up to Robin's porch and rang the doorbell. A moment later Robin's mother was the one to open the door.

"Beth, hi! Lovely to see you. Come on in." She greeted the girl.

"Oh, I was actually just dropping some things off, there's no need for that."

"You would freeze if you stand there! Come on in, it's no harm." The woman said, closing the door behind the girl. "Robin, Beth's here!" She shouted.

Beth heard footsteps coming from another room. "Beth? What do you mean Beth's he-" she cut off at the sight of the girl. Robin's eyes widened and a happy grin spred across her face as she softly hugged Beth. "What are you doing here?"

Robin's mother swiftly exited the scene, leaving the girls by themselves.

Beth pulled back from the hug and took the wrapped box from her bag. "I'm here for this." She said, shaking the box.

"Is that.."

"Yep. This is your present. Merry christmas!" She happily said, giving the gift to the girl.

Robin looked stunned as she took the box. "Wow. I-I don't have anything for you. I can't take this." She resumed, handing the package back.

"What?" Beth frowned. "No. Of course you're taking it. It doesn't matter if you don't have anything for me."

"Are you sure?"

"Absolutely."

Robin gave in and started investigating the gift.

"I'm gonna open it! There's no way I can wait until Christmas Day."

Beth's excitement grew. "Yeah, okay."

Robin gently ripped the paper off, making sure not to damage whatever was inside of it. Inside, she found a little box that looked a lot like...

"It's a cassette!" She gasped.

Beth smiled. "It's a mixtape." She added.

Robin dropped the papers and stared at the gift in awe. "It's a mixtape." She repeated. "So cheesy. I love it."

"I mean, I thought the idea was kinda dumb, but I still wanted to do it. It's got all types of love songs on it. And more!" Beth laughed.

Robin laughed. "You know what I think, right?"

"'Love songs are stupid'" Beth mimicked. "Yes, I know, and I disagree. Those songs in there -they're just some songs that made me think of you."

Robin was still admiring the tape. "I love it."

"You haven't even listened to it yet." The other girl noted.

"That is correct." Robin nodded. "But considering the fact that you have an amazing music taste, I'm sure I will love it."

"Hopefully."

"Thank you." Robin said, holding the tape to her chest.

"You're very welcome."

The girls talked for a while: much longer than what was intented. Starting from the songs on the tape, ending at their christmas plans, going trough the right phone numbers to call once more.

As much as Beth would've loved to stay, the clock was ticking. They were still leaving for Montana.

"God, I hope you would just be here. Christmas is a bummer without you." Robin said, playing with Beth's scarf.

She was going to miss her girlfriend.

"I know." Beth sighed. "But hey, we will call eachother. I'm not sure that I can get trough the family dinners if I don't hear your voice at least once a day."

"Exactly my thoughts." Robin laughed.

Beth pulled her gloves on and adjusted her bag.

"Well.."

"Yeah."

"I've got to go." She smiled. The girl hesitated for a second: her mind processing the thought of Robin's parents in the next room.

Beth ended up pressing a quick, soft kiss to Robin's cheek.

The girl went out, got her bike and prepared for the final goodbye.

Robin was standing on the doorstep; not wanting for Beth to go. She was cold, but didn't bother. The snow was beautiful, and so was the sight in front of her.

"Bye, Robin." Beth said, her voice weak.

"Bye, Beth." She answered. "And happy christmas."

"Happy christmas." Beth gave her her brightest smile.

She biked away, leaving a trail on the snow. Robin watched the girl go until her figure disappeared on the end of the road.

She held the cassette to her heart and whispered:

"I love you."