21/12- Peace- What's The Difference?

Contemporary

I, honestly, don't know what to write about peace. It is what it is, and you've heard all about it before. Whether it's you who was craving it, or you were annoying so badly that they were begging for it.

Peace is silent. Peace is calm.

But there are two types of peace.

Victoria sat with the train station's bustle bouncing off her, as if she were immune. Maybe she was.

There was a baby crying behind her, delays being announced above her, rain falling all around her, and another train entering the station before her. Everyone was looking to go home for Christmas.

And so was she.

Her connecting train was running late, which should have made her panic. But all she felt was calm adrenaline in the anticipation of going home to see her family. A cool tranquillity washed off her in waves, into the station, and she relaxed back into her chair.

Train to Napra arriving at 4:42. Platform 2, station 4.

Victoria checked her watch. 2 more minutes left.

With a smile, she gave up her seat to an elderly gentleman, and she stood behind the yellow line. Her suitcase sat in her hands in front of her, and she tapped her foot as she hummed. It was the rhythm of Driving Home For Christmas.

On the train itself, everyone was fighting for better seats because of 'medical conditions' or 'rights'. Someone was even singing Feliz Navidad drunkenly.

But yet again, nothing bothered Victoria.

The first type of peace is staying calm and content, even if the whole world is chaos.

The second type is the one you might know better.

Lila and Jermain knew it well.

A dark winter's night, with only the stars lighting the sky. Beautiful, beautiful!

It was even more beautiful lying in the back of their Jeep, covered by blankets and surrounded by pillows. Holding hands on one side and licking candy canes with their free hands, the couple gazed upwards.

Their hearts were full, and even as they shivered in the cold, they felt warm with peace inside.

"Where will we spend Christmas?" she asked, tightening her grip. "My house, or yours?"

"Shhhh," he whispered, kissing her. "Don't worry."

"I'm not worried; it's something we need to figure out."

"Not now. It's going to be ok, no matter what we choose."

"Jermain." She turned to the side to look him in his green eyes.

"Lila," he responded, equally serious, looking in her baby blue eyes.

"We need a plan!"

At the same time, as if guided by some magic force, they both looked to the sky to find a shooting star. "We only need the Lord to guide us." Jermain decided.

"Jermain."

"Lila?"

She paused, pursing her lips and scrunching her nose. Then, she relaxed, snuggling against him. "You're right."

"So your mum's?" he murmured into her hair.

"You know it." Her grin spread to his.

Unfortunately for you, dear reader, I realised there's a third type of peace. This one never lasts, and it's a bit of a buzzkill, so skip if necessary.

World peace, where no one fights, is far too rare. Something I would write on my Christmas list if that would make it come true. Maybe if we all did it, it'd work.

Thank you for reading. I hope you got a little Christmas joy from this story. Here, for anyone who wants it, is the maintenance.

If you enjoyed this story, please, please, please (I can add a cherry if necessary) like, comment, rate and share. It really helps me out and allows others to see these (hopefully decent) stories. Thank you, and Merry Christmas.