Twin Souls

⚘28⚘

Sanaa ☯️

The local radio station played in the background as we drove towards the Tuileries Garden Christmas Market. Ama softly mumbled along to the preppy Christmas carol while Kai admired the lit up city of lights in awe.

We were following Mathéo's car, which had Abel's siblings as passengers. My eyes darted to Abel, whose eyes were directed at the road.

"Quoi de neuf?" he whispered, swiftly looking at me.

"I'm excited, that's all," I replied, which was the truth. Christmas was only a few days away and visiting Christmas markets was one of my favourite activities to do during the festive season.

Christmas was my favourite holiday. The thought of celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, giving and being with loved ones and fellow believers was enough to fill my heart with an immense amount of delight.

"I'm glad to hear that. You'll have an amazing time," he said as we entered the parking lot.

We met the others at the main entrance shortly after.

"Where should we go first?" Mathéo asked as his eyes flickered on us.

"Wait a minute, you speak English?" Ama asked as I facepalmed myself. She asks the most random questions at times.

"Of course I do. My mother's roots are from Gambia. Besides, we learn English in school."

Ama's mouth took an o shape before she nodded.

"We could go ice-skating," Alina suggested.

"That's a horrible idea," Kai said, shaking his head. "My sisters and I don't know how to ice skate and I wouldn't like for us to sustain an injury just before Christmas."

"I cannot believe I'm saying this but I actually agree with Kai," Ama agreed before turning to him. "Mom will appreciate it."

"I understand. Next month, perhaps?" Alina asked with an unsure tone. "My siblings and I are really good at it. We will be willing to teach you. Besides, there will be tools available for you to use to learn."

"Definitely," my siblings answered and she softly smiled.

"Let's head to the bumper cars for an adrenaline boost," Alexa insisted, which brought us to a conclusion.

We finally entered the decorated and lit up market which was filled with a variety of aromas and people who chattered in high octaves. Light snowflakes fell gently as well known Christmas songs played from every corner. My smile widened as we passed by the different stands.

Each one of us got into our respective cars and began to glide across the smooth, white floor. As I struggled to maneuver my way around the rink, I got repetitively hit by my group and strangers, which led to my car being stuck at an abandoned corner. My group's laughs rang against my ears as my continuous attempts to escape the corner failed. I groaned in annoyance while placing my head on the wheel.

"Do you need a ride?" Abel asked with a chuckle. I slightly nodded before lifting my head, stepping out of my car and sitting in the passenger's seat of his car.

"I'll be back. I just have to return yours," he said, stepping into my abandoned car.

"I'll try to catch up with you."

"Do you think that's a good idea?" he asked, uncertainty laced in his voice.

"I believe so."

"Okay, I'll trust your judgement," he nodded before effortlessly reversing and driving away.