Charlotte lost contact with Tiana when they alighted from the plane. She had thought she would meet her at the waiting hall, hoping to exchange contacts so as to keep in touch. She was hesitant about it back on the plane.

After she had cleared her luggage, she quickly found herself in a cab in front of the airport. She was glad she didn’t have to spend hours here waiting for a ride because she knew absolutely no one here that could pick her up.

The pilot was either a very fast one or her calculations about the flight time were wrong; they had arrived at Rovaniemi airport sixteen hours after they departed, it was a few hours past noon by the time she arrived there.

Charlotte was amazed by the sight, she couldn’t believe she was really here; the official airport of Santa Claus, this was the busiest airport she had ever seen, or maybe it was because of the festive season. People were right to suggest Rovaniemi as the home of Santa Claus, everything here smelled like Christmas; the winter was way more active here than Australia where she had just come from.

This city really had the spirit of Christmas. Charlotte wished her best friend was here to witness these with her. She was no stranger to heavy snow, but what she saw here was special, it was different and she could feel the excitement bubbling within her. She was right to come here, this place was too magical to be real.

She took pictures from the cab as it headed for a hotel she had booked online before her arrival. It was difficult getting a good space by that time of the year because the hotels were already packed with guests and tourists. Yes, Rovaniemi was indeed a tourist attraction. What better place to spend Christmas than the village of Santa Claus himself.

Charlotte’s face brightened with a smile and her lovely cat eyes glowed when she saw a reindeer on the way. That was the first time she had seen one life, and it had just showed up randomly on the way like it was nothing special. Maybe that was just the way it was here, the road had just been plowed as she noticed, possibly the third or fourth time today, guessing from the rate of the snow fall.

Seeing that beautiful reindeer reminded Charlotte of the last Christmas she had spent with Josh, they had watched Christmas movies together and that was the first time she paid attention to the creature when it came up on the screen. She had discussed it with Josh and he had promised her that he would bring her to see a live one this year, but now she was here all alone, she had seen the reindeer but without Josh.

Charlotte’s mood was once again ruined when she thought about it, when she remembered all the fake promises he made to her during sex. She hated him for doing this to her, he betrayed her, he used her and he broke her trust.

“Asshole!!” she cursed out loud, as she had heard Tiana say all that time back in the flight. Seems like half a day was all the elegant lady needed to influence her, she was already repeating her swear words.

“Sorry ma’am, is everything alright back there?” the concerned cab driver asked from the front.

“Oh… yeah, yeah I am fine,” she replied and forced a convincing smile.

She switched between staring at the map on her phone and looking out of the window every few seconds. Well, just as much as she wanted to enjoy the view and get as many pictures as possible, she also didn’t want to get lost on her first day here in Finland. She had chosen a hotel here in Rovaniemi itself because she could easily take a cab to the airport if there was a need for it, but the hotel seemed to be a bit closer to the village than she thought.

It seemed so close to the airport on the map, but they had been driving for almost twenty minutes now. Of course, how could she trust the distance and time put down on the google map, it wasn’t completely accurate.

“Are we getting any closer?” she asked the cab driver curiously.

“Don’t worry ma’am, it is not too far away, and I would like to add that you chose a very good hotel. It is close to the big town and also the smaller city in the kingdom.” The chubby and happy looking driver replied.

it was either everyone in this city knew how to smile wide and be happy or the fat man was just having a really good day, either way he seemed really happy.

“Kingdom, you just said kingdom… So Finland practices a monarchy system of government?” she asked curiously, she was hearing that for the first time.

“Not entirely, but yes… some parts of the country still practice Monarchy, we have our royal families and they are just as recognized as the president and prime ministers,” he replied.

“Wow, cool…” Charlotte muttered and then she looked out of the window again.

The cab soon arrived at the hotel she had booked, she settled him and by the time her luggage was out of the car, there was someone there to welcome her already. A nicely dressed man who didn’t seem to be affected by the winter cold, he just wore this bright smile on his face that looked good on him, even better than the amazing tux he had on him.

“Welcome to the Supreme Presidential hotel, Rovaniemi. Do you already have a booking or would you like to make a fresh entry ma’am?” the man asked as he dragged her suitcase into the big building. The place was giving rural society vibes even with all the sophistication.

“Oh, I already booked a room online, I just haven’t printed the receipt yet.” Charlotte replied.

“That is not a problem ma’am, just give the receptionist your details and she will find your room information on the hotel website. Meanwhile, would you like any special services while you are here ma’am? We could get you almost anything you need; a private tour guide, a private cab, even a personal Santa Claus,” he added and Charlotte giggled.

** * * * *

Charlotte was now inside her hotel room, she loved the view from the large glass. She was on the first floor and the whole place was just wide and spectacular. She expected this place to be low-key, but not this calm and reserved.

Well, she thought it was too calm until she heard the voices of excited kids tobogganing outside the hotel on the sideway. A smile crawled up her face as she watched those adorable kids scream in excitement. Once again she thought of the one source of happiness she used to have, Josh!

It was at that point that she realized how dependent she really was on him. Yes, she never asked him for money because she could earn her own money, but most of her happy memories were tied to him, she had completely relied on him to be happy and now she was paying a heavy price for that. She had very few joyful memories that had nothing to do with him, so how can she move on? How can she forget about him when he was the reason for her smile?

Once again, she cursed the day she met him as sadness filled her being. She decided to take Tiana’s advice, she will go out there tonight and get drunk!! She would find a way to be happy without Josh because she didn’t damn need him in her life, she was a strong independent beautiful woman, she wouldn’t forget that!!

Charlotte let the water trail down on her slowly, she was fond of spending time under the shower, everything just felt alright whenever she had water rushing down her, washing through her skin and melting feelings in her. She loved the way it felt against the sensitive parts of her body, her tits to be precise. Having the shower rush down on them was an arousing experience, but today was different.

Yes, she still felt that lovely sensation as the cold water grazed her skin, she felt that arousal but then she remembered the only man who had taken the responsibility of quenching that desire for the past two years. Standing under that shower with her eyes closed reminded her of all the things they had done, the way he had treated her like an egg. So that was all for nothing, she still found it difficult to believe, how could someone who made her feel so special suddenly lose interest in her and want nothing to do with her anymore?

Did that even make any sense? Did he love her? Yes, did he care for her? Yes! So what the bloody hell happened? What happened to them? How did they lose what they had? It just didn’t check out. She knew there had to be an external factor that she wasn’t bringing into consideration, probably because she had no idea what the fuck it was.

Unable to relive those painful memories anymore, she turned off the shower and grabbed her freshly wrapped towel from the hanger in the bathroom. She stepped out of the bathtub and tied the towel around her chest. As much as she didn’t want to think about him, she just found herself doing that over and over again. Not like she expected this to be easy but it was just more difficult than she expected.

She couldn’t even remember how many times she had said the F word today, she cussed whenever she thought of him, whenever she remembered how they used to be, whenever she felt the pain he had caused her.

Just as she stepped out to the large bedroom, her phone rang and she hesitated before going to take it. She didn’t even want to take any calls, she was on a damn holiday, it was the 23rd day of December and she wasn’t expected back at the office until the 2nd of January, so they should let her utilize her free time.

She picked up the phone and realized it was Olivia. Holy shit! She promised she would call or text as soon as she reached Rovaniemi airport, but she was so occupied with the thought of her ex that she forgot.

Charlotte clicked the green button and answered the call before it would disconnect. “Hey, what’s up girl?” she said and forced a smile.

Yes, Olivia couldn’t see her but someone she would be able to decipher her mood, so it was best to fake a smile. Charlotte always called her a digital witch because of that ability.

“I have been trying to get through to you for the past thirty minutes. Are you alright? Have you checked in at the hotel, are you safe?” her best friend asked with a worried tone.

“Relax Ollie, I am perfectly fine. The flight arrived earlier than I planned, so I just got out of the shower now. Like I promised you, I haven’t committed suicide yet or tried to injure myself. Instead, I am going to have the best time of my life here. Also, we should totally come check this place out next year, it is such a beautiful place, but it won't be much fun without you, girl.” I replied.

“Awn, I am sorry I can't be there with you, cutie pie, but we will definitely visit there together next year, I have a gut feeling about that. I am glad that you are okay, please take care of yourself. What exactly do you plan to do tonight? You sound like you already have it planned out,” Olivia queried.

Charlotte chuckled softly. “Yes, actually I do. I am going out to a local bar in the outskirts of the city, I will get a drink there and drown my sorrows with them,” she announced and giggled.

“That is awesome, you know what? Dot just get a drink, take as much as your head can carry. You know, get drunk, find a handsome muscular Finnish guy and ride him to the moon girl, because you deserve happiness, especially on a freaking holiday, you hear me?” She encouraged me.

Charlotte laughed. “Aye Captain, I will do exactly that, nothing else can please me right now. I mean, except for one of those Olivia hugs, I miss those already.” Charlotte whined.

“Awn, don’t worry baby girl. Just have your fun, and don’t think about that useless douche bag, he doesn’t deserve your love or care. Make sure to take care of yourself, I will be waiting here for you when it is all over, and then you can get as many hugs as you want, sweetie.”

Charlotte nodded, once again she expected Olivia to know that she did, even without seeing her. “I will do everything you say. Also, if that asshole comes looking for me, or asks for me, tell him I left the country and I ain’t coming back.”

“Oh, I would do worse than that. Also, I have never heard you use the word asshole before, is there something I need to know??” Olivia teased.

Charlotte laughed; she didn’t even realize she had used that word. “Well, let’s just say I met a new kind of person. I will update you when I am back.”

“That is great; you should do more of that. Make new friends, have fun, but just make sure that my spot in your heart doesn’t get taken or there will be no home for you when you come back.” Olivia threatened. She damn meant what she said, if she wouldn’t be part of Charlotte’s life, then no one as well would.

“Hahaha!! Don’t worry girl, no one is taking your place in my life, it is a promise. I need to go now, I have to get ready before nightfall, I will call you tomorrow because I might be too drunk tonight to take your call.” She assured me and then they laughed.

Charlotte walked into one of the local bars; the cab driver said this was the most low-key bar in the city, so it was a good place to have fun without drawing attention, just the perfect spot for her. She noticed the young manly handsome bartender at the counter who smiled at her the moment she stepped in and she most certainly lost her breath.

She was frozen at the spot for a few seconds, her breath taken by his sparkling white teeth, his one sided dimple which she found oddly attractive and his Finnish black hair. She slowly took a seat with her eyes locked on him; Tiana was right, Rovaniemi had really sexy bartenders and men in general.

She wasn’t that kind of girl but she wouldn’t mind taking Olivia’s advice tonight, this charming bartender seemed to be prospective, she will keep an eye on him as the night progresses.

Charlotte tapped her neatly trimmed and polished fingers on the table, she had gone for manicure the very day her life fell apart. Well, she wanted to look good for Josh, but it didn't exactly go as planned. She even painted his favorite colors, she wasn’t a big fan of the lemon as she found it odd, but since it was his favorite color, she had it on her fingers.

Less than two minutes after Charlotte slipped into the chair, crossing her legs in the most feminine position with a beautiful smile. Her pouted pretty lips stuck out admirably and her gorgeous cat eyes looked adorable. The handsome waiter walked to her, Charlotte found the apron tied around his waist attractive and she wondered what he would look like without shirts.

He would definitely have a chiseled body that could make any lady wet, his large eyebrows were perfect and the way he smiled would melt any heart. Maybe this was her just trying to picture any other guy but Josh as perfect, perhaps as a strategy to make herself feel better, she was trying to prove to herself that there were guys better than her ex. But even then, she was still thinking of him in comparison.

“I didn’t know an angel would be visiting the village of Santa Claus this year, what brings you down from the heavens, my lady?” he spoke with such class and esteem.

Charlotte blushed. “I am looking for something hot and strong, something to pass the night with, preferably with a happy ending, you know, leave me in ecstasy.” she replied and winked at him, she regretted the winking part the next moment.

Okay, maybe she wasn’t as good at this as she thought she was, she didn’t even have good pickup lines. Perhaps that is why her man left her.

“Alright, something hot and strong coming your way, my lady… if there is something else you want, just give the word. Your satisfaction is my concern,” the hot waiter said with a smirk and then he turned to leave.

Charlotte turned around awkwardly and groaned within her. Maybe she will get inspiration after a few bottles, with alcohol, she wouldn’t even need pickup lines; the words will come on their own. One thing was certain, she was taking a hot man home tonight.

** * * * * *

Charlotte had gulped down four full glasses of whatever alcohol the waiter had served her and it was already having its effect on her. She could still count five fingers as seven, which means there was still hope for her to go home sober if she changed her mind about getting drunk tonight.

She was already soliloquizing and laughing out loud, the bar had gotten noisier than when she first arrived but that didn’t seem to bother her. The bar had strippers performing and it took a lot of resistance to not join them on the dance floor. She wouldn’t mind getting rocked or smacked in the ass by those half naked hot men.

She felt so free and happy, she knew she was under the influence but that was the whole plan. She didn’t want to hold back, she wanted to let it all out, all the pent up emotions, her self-control, she wanted to do what she really desired, and it was to open up to someone, to confess how she really felt.

Just then, a man walked up to her. He wore casual outfits like he was a gardener or something, he seemed intoxicated as well, but he had better control over it.

“Hey,” she screamed out to him like he was kilometers away, but he was just on the other side of the table.

“Having a good time, huh? Who are you here with, my lady?” he asked back as he dropped the bottle of Budweiser on the table.

She giggled. “Gentleman huh? I am here all alone!!” she yelled again and laughed while dancing offbeat.

“I guessed so. You look like you can do with a little company, tell me why a pretty lady is out here drinking all alone, I am seeing you here for the first time so I guess you are not from around.” He uttered. “I am Williams by the way,” he added.

“Ughh!! Party pooper, boo!!” she groaned drunkenly. “What do you care about?” she asked.

“Oh, I don’t. I believe people only get drunk to escape from their painful reality, so tell me what you are running from?”

“It is no big deal, my asshole boyfriend dumped me, probably because I wasn’t fun, so this is me being fun, Hahaha!!” she laughed and filled her cup again.

“I see, so you are dealing with emotional trauma and pain and you thought getting drunk would help you escape from it. You are right, maybe the pain would go away for a few hours, but when you wake up in the morning, you will be back to square one, the pain will be back all over again. Is that what you really want?”

“Oh come on, don’t kill the fun… I thought you said you didn’t care, what do you want me to do, stay indoors and cry? I won't cry for no asshole!!” Charlotte retorted.

“Well, everyone has their way of dealing with grief and loss, but maybe you should talk about it. Tell me about this asshole ex of yours over another bottle.” Williams requested and then sent for the waiter.

“That sounds like a good deal, but let's talk about you, MR. Williams… you said people use alcohol to escape their painful reality, so what painful reality are you trying to escape, my handsome drink mate,” she uttered with a broad smile on her face.

She was literally spelling out her words, while her head bobbled from one end to the other. Her eyes closed more times than they were open.

“Hmm, let's just say… I have no control over my life, everyone expects me to behave in one way or the other, the want me to live my life with codes, rules and regulations that they make, they want me to be like one person or the other, but I don’t want to be that person, I just want to be me.” He complained.

“Oh, Williams… then just be you, why all the drama? You are a full grown man, you can choose to be whoever you want.” She said half soberly

He smiled and poured her a drink from his bottle, she had emptied hers. “Well, my dear… it is not as easy as you think. That is why I always come here, the only place I don’t need to act in the way they expect me to act, the only place I can be free to be whoever I want to be.”