A sigh escapes my lips as I stare at the clock. Work has been unusually slow today and it’s around that time of year where we have to pick people for Secret Santa. While I love the holidays, the gift exchange just makes it that much harder. Thankfully everyone posts their wish lists in our break room ahead of time, but even so, it’s never that easy. Finding the gifts is only half the battle, hoping you got the right thing is the other half.
I sigh again as the clock ticks closer to the time we pick who we’re getting. “Who do you think you’ll get this year?” OA asks me with a bored gaze. “Honestly, maybe Elise or Kelly?” I shrug turning away from the report on my screen. “How about you?” He shrugs as well. “Maybe Scola or Ian?”
I sigh for the third time as I turn back to my report from today. A few minutes turn into hours as I continue my report before finally it’s time for us to draw names. “Everyone! Come to the JOC please!”I hear Jubal call from the doorway to where the JOC meets our work room.
My eyes catch Isobel’s office as a fourth sigh leaves my lips. An annoyed look plays on her face as she types away at her computer. “I’m going to go get Isobel.” I tell OA before walking up to her office door and knocking. “How can I help you Agent Bell?” She asks me as I open the door.
“It’s time to pull Secret Santa names,” I explain as I walk into her office, her lovely perfume filling my nose as I do. “Oh, thank you. I hadn’t even realized what time it was. Shall we walk together?” She says as she stands to close her laptop.
“Sure, why not.” I shrug, waiting for her, my heart racing at the thought of walking to the JOC with her. Once we arrive, I notice that we’re the last two to show up. “Alright! Now that everyone’s here!” Jubal says proudly. “It’s time for our annual Secret Santa name draw!” He smiles, holding up a small bowl. The idea had been his a couple years ago to boost morale in our office, so he always gets really excited to start it up every year.
“Who wants to go first?” He asks as he shakes the little bits of paper around in the bowl. “I guess I will,” Scola says with a shrug before dipping his hand into the bowl and pulling out a name. “Thank you, Scola,” Jubal smiles before Elise walks up and picks a name. Sidney goes next and then Isobel. After Kelly and Ian both go, it’s eventually my turn.
Two bits of paper shake around inside the bowl, begging to be picked as I reach my hand in and grab one. After heading back next to Isobel, I open it to see who I got before instantly going pale.
Isobel Castille it reads. My heart nearly leaps out of my chest as I quickly fold up the paper and stuff it into my pocket, hoping to god that my face isn’t bright red. “Are you alright, Maggie?” I have to choke back a groan as we walk back to our offices because of course she noticed something wrong.
“I’m fine, don’t worry about it, Isobel,” I lie horribly, but all she does is chuckle. “Did you get someone you like?” She asks with a small smile, making me nod. “Is it that obvious?”
“If it weren’t for your red face, I wouldn’t have even realized.” I internally curse at her observant nature as we walk into her office. “I guess that does kind of give me away.” I chuckle with a shrug. “Oh, it definitely does, Maggie.” She smirks before sitting down.
“Now, who is this mystery person that’s captured your heart?” She asks with intrigue, gesturing to the seats in front of her. “Wait, so you’re not upset that I like someone in the office?” She shakes her head as I take a seat. “Why would I be? It’s not like it’s against the rules.” She gestures outside of her office before speaking again, “I mean, look at Scola and Nina. They have a child together and they’re still here.”
“Yeah, I guess you’re right.” I follow her line of sight right to Scola who’s talking with Ortiz and OA. “Now, back to the question.” She smirks again, “who’s the name on your sheet?” I shake my head. “Isn’t that the whole thing of Secret Santa? It’s a secret?” I laugh as her face turns stern. “Who am I going to tell Maggie?”
“I know, but what if I want to keep it a secret?” My heart races as I hope she buys my lie. Her eyes narrow as my heart beats faster. “What about a hint?” She asks, making me slightly confused as to why she’s so interested. “Alright, what kind of a hint do you want?” I ask honestly, hoping she doesn’t pick the one I’m dreading.
“I don’t know, gender, ethnicity, eye color, hair color?” She shrugs and my heart drops. ‘At least she gave me options.’ I sigh before thinking of a way to cleverly say it’s her without saying it’s her. “She’s got brown hair and brown eyes.” I relay honestly, making her eyes narrow once again.
“Interesting, and you’re sure you don’t want to tell me who it is?” I nod, hoping she’ll drop it. “I guess you’ll just have to wait and see who my Secret Santa is.” She nods as well. “I guess I will.” She smiles before wishing me a goodnight as I stand and walk out of her office.
——— ——— ———
The next day, after waking up and getting myself together, I head to a few different stores looking for something for Isobel. On the bright side, I didn’t have to go far, on the other side, her gifts were rather expensive. I sigh as I set down the items on my kitchen table. A bottle of her favorite wine, a new scarf since it’s cold out, a pair of fuzzy socks, and a necklace I got as a confessional gift. “There’s no proof that she likes me back, but now that she knows that I like my Secret Santa…” I let out a sigh instead of finishing my sentence.
“Hey, Maggie!” A small voice startles me out of my stupor as my fingers play with the engraved heart on the necklace. “Hey, Ella, what can I do for you?” The little girl shrugs before padding over to the table next to me. “Just wanted to say hi and see what you were doing.” She smiles before continuing, “what’re all these things for?”
“They’re for a Secret Santa exchange. My work does this every year.” I smile back, explaining our work tradition. “Who’d you get this year?” She asks with a curious glance around at the various objects. “I got my boss.” I sigh, closing the box to the necklace. “Which one? The crabby guy or the one you like?”
My face goes red at her comment, not expecting her to know about the stories I have about work. “T-The one I like.” I chuckle nervously. “Oh~! Well I hope she likes her gifts!” Ella smiles before giving me a hug and heading out of the kitchen. I sigh again, trying to get my face to cool down before I hear a knock at my apartment’s door. “Maggie? You home?” I look at the door quizzically before moving to open it for my friend.
“Hey, OA, what‘s up?” I ask as I move aside to let him into my apartment. “I just wanted to see how you were and ask how your Secret Santa shopping was going.” He replies honestly. “It’s going well, got everything I need, how about you?” He shrugs. “Not terrible. I got everything I need except for one thing.”
“Oh really? Who’d you get?” His eyebrow cocks. “What makes you think I’d tell you?” His question makes both of us break into a smile before he continues with, “Jubal, how about you?” I sigh, not ready to voice out who I got. “I got Isobel.” His eyes go wide as we walk into the kitchen and he sees what I got for her. “And you got all this for her? What’s that?” He asks pointing at the small black box her necklace is in.
“It’s just a little something I got for her as an added gift.” My face reddens as I speak vaguely. “Oh, now I’ve got to know.” He smirks as he moves to grab it. Thankfully I’m quicker than him and grab it first. “Fine, if I show you, you have to promise not to make any comments.” He nods with a smile. “I promise.”
I give him a skeptical look before I open the box to show him the engraved heart necklace I had purchased. “Holy shit, Mags! That must’ve cost a fortune!” He gasps as he takes it in his hands. “Yeah, it was the most expensive gift, but for her, it’s worth it.” I sigh, my heart breaking a little as I think about all the ‘what if’s’ that could arise after I give her this gift.
“Get out of your head, Mags. I’m sure she’ll love it.” He gives me a tight embrace once I put the box down. “I know, but what if she doesn’t like it? What if she doesn’t like me back? What if–“ he cuts me off before I can continue, “stop it, Maggie. She’ll love it.” He says confidently, hugging me tighter.
“I can’t speak on her feelings, but I know she’ll love the gifts. And even if she doesn’t like you back, she’ll definitely still want to be close with you.” He reassures with care. “Thanks, OA, I needed that.” I sigh again as he releases me from the hug.
“It’s my job, Mags.” He smiles brightly before resting a hand on my shoulder. His sincere tone makes my heart warm as a small smile grows on my lips. “Still, thank you,” it’s a simple sentence, but it gets my point across well, making him smile back.
“You’re welcome, Mags., anything for my partner and friend.” He gives me one last hug before turning and walking to my door. “I’ve got a few more things to buy, I’ll see you tomorrow.” His smile grows as he says goodbye. “See you tomorrow!” I respond with a small wave before shutting the door behind him.
I take a second to look at the gifts one last time before I walk out of the room to grab my wrapping paper. As I do so, an idea pops in my head, ‘why don’t I just gradually give her gifts? Then give her the necklace in person on Christmas!’ A grin breaks on my face as I hurry and wrap the presents nicely.
“She’s going to be so surprised!”
——— ——— ———
There were no set rules, so my idea was perfect! I smile as I watch Isobel walk out of her office and to a meeting before I slip into her office and place my first present on her desk. The fuzzy socks and scarf were perfect as a first gift because with two days left until our Secret Santa trade day, it’s perfect as a starting present.
Once the gift is on her desk, I quickly slip out from her office and back to my own, hoping no one saw me. I smile triumphantly when I finally reach my desk, only to be scared by Scola, not even a second later. “What’s got you so giddy?” He asks quizzically. “Jesus, Scola!” I jump. “Warn me next time.” He laughs at me getting scared by him before he replies with, “sorry, I thought you saw me. Anyway, what’s got you so happy?” He asks again. “Oh, nothing in particular. Just gave my Secret Santa their first gift.” I smile again, thinking about Isobel opening the gift.
“Really? Who’s your Secret Santa?” He asks, moving to his desk and signing into his computer. I stay silent, not really wanting someone else to know, especially since Isobel might overhear me telling him. He looks at me confused. “Hello? Earth to Maggie,” he says waving a hand in front of my face. “Sorry, just in my thoughts.”
“It’s alright, I just asked who your Secret Santa was.” I freeze again. “You promise not to tell anyone?” I ask worriedly. He nods, “of course, why would I tell anyone?” He responds with a confused look. I get up close to his ear before whispering her name to him. “Oh, I see.” He says with a smirk. “What’s that look for, Scola?” I ask in a bit of offense. “No reason.” He shrugs, turning back to his desk.
I grumble a bit as the sound of heels catches my attention. “How could I have forgotten those documents.” I hear a familiar voice mumble as she walks past me and to her office. Her eyes go wide as soon as she sees the bag on her desk. She puts the bag on the floor before grabbing some papers and quickly heading out with a smile on her face.
“Looks like you made her day.” Scola says once Isobel had passed us. “Trust me, it’s one of many to come.” I smile thinking about the future gifts I’m going to give her.
——— ——— ———
The next day passes rather slow, but seeing the smile on her face when she opened the gift from me was worth it. Today she was in and out of meetings all day, so when she finally had the chance to step into her office for a break, she saw the wine bag with her favorite wine inside.
“Another happy day for your Secret Santa, I see?” Scola teases as he shuts off his monitor. “Yeah, she seemed to like whatever you gave her.” OA chimes in as Ortiz walks into our desk area. “Who liked what who gave who?” The younger girl questions as she logs into her computer.
“Maggie’s Secret Santa enjoyed her second gift.” Scola explains to Syd. “I see, and what did you get Isobel?” The younger asks with a sly smirk. “How’d you know?” The younger shrugs at my question, stating, “it was obvious,” as if it was the most blatant thing in the world.
I groan as I open my computer and start to work on my paperwork from today. I note every last detail as I lose track of time. Pretty soon, a tap on my shoulder startles me out of my work, so I turn only to notice the face of our SAC staring back at me. “Here awfully late, aren’t you, Maggie?”
My eyes trail to the clock as I notice the time. “Shit, I must’ve been so absorbed into the paperwork that I lost track of time.” I chuckle nervously. “It’s alright.” She smiles genuinely before continuing, “I’ll walk with you to your car.” Her voice like velvet as she smiles warmly at me.
“That would be nice, thank you.” My heart races as our eyes connect. She leans up against the divider between mine and OA’s desk as she waits for me to hit submit on my work. “Alright, all done.” I smile as I turn in the paperwork and log out from my computer.
“Let’s get going then.” She smiles as I put on my coat. I nod before the two of us make our way to the elevators. As we enter, my eyes trail to the wine bag I had given her, a warm feeling flourishes in my chest as I do. “Is that from your Secret Santa or do you have an admirer?” I tease my boss jokingly.
“I’m not sure. I got a gift yesterday too, but neither had a card or anything to say who it was from or why I had received it.” She responds honestly. “Interesting, whoever it is, must be waiting for the right time.” I shrug.
The ounce of truth in my words is enough to hopefully convince her that it isn’t me, just yet.
“Well, I hope whoever it is shows their face tomorrow since it’s the day we’re giving gifts.” She sighs hopefully. “I bet they will.” I give her a small hug as the elevator stops on the lobby’s floor. “Thanks, Maggie, I needed that.” She smiles wearily at me.
“It’s no problem,” I respond, “I know you’d do the same for me, if I were in your shoes.” She smiles warmly at this before giving me a hug back. “You always know what to say.” My heart races as she hugs me, turning my face red in the process. Once we separate, I give her a kind smile before responding with, “I try my hardest.”
Her smile widens as we walk to our cars together. “Good night, Maggie!” She calls after dropping me off at my car. “And thanks again for the talk!” She continues as she walks to her own vehicle. “You’re welcome, Isobel!” I call back as I unlock my car. Her smile makes my heart flutter before she turns around and continues walking away.
After opening the door and stepping inside of my sedan, I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding. “God dammit, Isobel, you’re going to be the death of me,” I say to myself before starting my car and leaving to head home.
——— ——— ———
Today brings anxiety as I carry the small box into work with me. The small heart shaped necklace sits inside with the hope that she likes me back.
As I walk into the elevator, I bump into a rather cheery Isobel. “Hey, Maggie.” She smiles warmly at me. “Hey, Isobel. What’s got you so giddy today?” I ask with a slight inkling as to what’s making her so happy.
“Nothing really, just finding out what gift my Secret Santa got me today.” She shrugs nonchalantly, trying her best not to smile brightly at the fact. “That’s great! I see you ruled out that the person was an admirer?” I ask, already knowing the answer.
“Actually, I haven't, but assuming what time of year it is, one can only guess.” She says with a calm facade. “Well, you’ll have to tell me what it is.” I smile brightly as my heart beats louder in my chest.
“For sure. You’ll be the first to know.” She promises as if I don’t already know. As the elevator stops at our floor, we both step out to a chaotic scene before OA grabs my arm, tears me from Isobel’s side, and shoves me back in the elevator. I mouth the words “I’m sorry” to Isobel as the doors shut between us.
“What the hell!?” I ask once the doors are closed. He lets out a sigh of relief as the elevator begins its descent. “It was like hell trying to get out of there.” He groans before continuing with, “a bomb threat was just made at a local school up in Manhattan and we’re trying to diffuse the situation before it gets worse.”
A sigh escapes from my lips as the elevator doors open to the lobby as we run to get into one of our vehicles. ‘Great, just how I wanted my day to start.’
——— ——— ———
I let out a deep sigh of relief as we step out of the school unharmed. “That was close.” OA mumbles as we stumble to our coworkers who had helped escort people out of the building while we dealt with the bomb and the bomb maker.
Speaking of, OA shoves the young man responsible into the back of a squad car before joining Scola, Ortiz, and myself. “Good work today guys.” I say as he joins us. “You too, Maggie,” Scola responds with a tired glance.
“Yeah, if it wasn’t for you, we wouldn’t have diffused that situation,” Ortiz compliments. “It was nothing, plus I couldn’t have done it without OA’s help.” The younger gentleman shakes his head. “No, she’s right, Mags, you really did help tremendously in there.”
I laugh a bit as I playfully punch his arm. “C’mon, enough of the compliments, let’s get back to 26 Fed,” I say in a faux annoyed manner.
We all joke and laugh as we walk back to the SUVs and while it takes us a bit of time to get back to our office, it doesn’t feel long at all. The entire ride we were just talking about past missions and our Secret Santas to pass the time, but once we’re back, my anxiety hits me again at full force.
“Are you ready to give her your gift?” OA asks me as we enter the elevators. Of course I shake my head, definitely not ready for what’s about to come. “I’m confessing to Isobel that I like her as well as giving her a necklace that shows it too, of course I’m not ready.” I sigh as the elevator stops and the doors open.
“I think she’ll like it either way.” He smiles warmly before giving me a hug. “Thanks, but that doesn’t really calm my nerves.”
He pats me on the back before letting me go. “Listen to me, Mags,” he says, placing his hands on my shoulders. “She’s going to love it, and if she doesn’t, then that’s her loss.”
“What’s whose loss?” A familiar voice asks as they round the corner. “Hey Isobel, we were just talking about Maggie’s Secret Santa. She’s scared that her person won’t like her or her gift in the way she wants.”
The older woman looks saddened by this, even if OA doesn’t seem to notice. “I bet they’ll love it Maggie, and I bet they’ll love you too. What’s not to like about you anyway.” She smiles kindly before walking over and giving me a hug.
“Oh,” she says, breaking away from the hug, “before I forget, I have a gift for you two in my office, come see me once your reports are done and I’ll give them to you.” She says joyfully before walking away.
He gives me a knowing smirk right before I shove him away from me. “Well that was uncalled for.” He laughs as he does the same right back. “Your look was uncalled for.” I shove him again as we walk to our desks. “You know why I did it.”
“I do not and I don’t want to know,” I respond as I log into my computer to start my report. “Sure~.” He mocks as he logs into his. I roll my eyes at him before starting my work, ignoring most of what he says for the duration of my reports.
I stretch my arms as I finish my last line of writing and hit submit. OA had left a little while ago, but I had taken my time because of my little gift. So after gathering up the small box and all of my courage, I make my way to Isobel’s office, only to be caught off guard by a disappointed look written on her lovely face.
I knock twice before entering. “Hey, are you alright, Isobel?” She shakes her head before looking up at me. “My Secret Santa hasn’t given me my gift yet.” She sighs, making my heart break a little bit inside.
“Well, what if they were waiting for the right time?” I ask, hoping she’ll buy my answer. “I don’t know, Maggie. Maybe they got scared and didn’t want to own up to their gifts.” She sniffles, so I run over and envelope her in a hug, dropping the box on her desk before I do so.
I let out a small sigh before pulling away, a sad smile on my face as I see her glassy eyes staring back at me, that is, before they notice the box. “What’s the box for, Maggie?” She asks as I pick it up and hand it to her.
“Merry Christmas, from your Secret Santa.” I smile brightly at her whilst handing her the small, black, velvet box. “Maggie, it was you?” Her mouth gapes open as she comes to the realization.
“Yeah, I wanted to wait to give you this because it’s very special,” I reply as she opens the box. “‘To mi vida, I’ll love you always and forever.’” She reads after flipping the charm over. “M-Maggie, what does this–“ I cut her off with a tight embrace.
“I really like you Isobel. I like you in a way that I haven’t felt since Jason was alive.” I let out a sigh as I release her from the hug. “I thought I would never feel this way about anyone ever again, but you proved me wrong. Time and time again, it’s been you, it’s always been you.”
She gasps at my confession before she pulls me into a searing kiss, one that I wish would last forever.l, but sadly, all good things must come to an end.
She chuckles as we rest our foreheads against each other. “What’s so funny, Castille?” This only makes her chuckle more before she answers with, “well it’s a good thing I like you too then.”
My heart explodes with excitement at her confession which makes my stomach erupt full of butterflies all at the same time. “Really?” My voice squeaks as I speak which only makes her laugh more. “If I didn’t, would I do this?” She asks before kissing me one more time for good measure.
I chuckle as we pull apart, “you know, I don’t think I’m quite convinced.” The older woman shakes her head with a grin plastered on her face. “Just shut up and put the necklace on me, you dork.” And so I do. I take off her old necklace and replace it with the one I got for her, leaning back and smiling once I do.
“How do I look?” She wonders as she watches my gaze walk over her beautiful body. I chuckle with a warm smile etched into my lips before I say, “perfect, you look absolutely perfect."