I woke up a little after 8 on December 20. Christmas was almost here. I was excited about today because my girlfriend Sammy, my big sister Mary, our friend Alyssa and I were planning on going to the German style Christmas market in town. The market had a cozy atmosphere and beautiful Christmas lights. 

We agreed to meet Angela there after her and I exchanged several texts. All my girls were super excited to finally meet the mysterious Italian dream girl. 

Sammy and I were walking along in the center of our beautiful little town. I loved holding hands with her which we did causally but often. I was a bit worried about people possibly staring or even verbally attacking Sammy and me but those thoughts disappeared quickly. The girls helped me pick a cute outfit which consisted of a light brownish skirt, brown tights, and a red sweater with white snowflakes on it. Sammy also styled my hair which turned out to be super cute. I looked like a real girl and felt confident about being myself. The incident at school taught me to stand up for myself. Besides, I am sure by now the entire school knows or at least heard rumors about the trans girl who kicked a football player in the nuts during lunch out in the hallway. If someone recognizes me, so what? I was here to enjoy myself and have a good time with my girlfriend, friends and family.

The market looked beautiful. I loved all the festive white lights and adorable decorations. I learned that Christmas markets were and still are a big thing in Germany. My town has a strong German heritage and therefore the Christmas market has been an exciting event for decades. One day I would love to travel to Europe and see France, Germany and Italy. By the way, where was my Italian dream?

"She didn't say where exactly we were going to meet. She just said at the Christmas market. I figured that would be enough since the market is not that big." I told Sammy who was right next to me, holding my hand.

"Well, it is rather crowded though." Mary pointed out. She and Alyssa were also holding hands and walking right in front of us.

"That is true. I'm sure we will find her soon." I tried to convince my girls.

"I hope so. Maybe this Italian dream girl really was just a dream." Alyssa commented while smiling at me.

"Very funny. If we don't find her soon, I will text her again." I assured my peeps.

Slowly, we made our way through the market. While I was trying to find Angela, I also wanted to take in all the market had to offer. The wonderful lights, the smells, the decorations and the little stands that sold candles, ornaments and all kinds of things. My parents would join us later and have dinner with us.

"Hey Riley. Over here." I could hear someone yell.

All four of us turned our heads and tried to find where the voice was coming from. There were still a lot of people in front of us, so it was hard to  see. A little while later, the crowds cleared a bit and there she was walking right up to me, giving me a big hug and a little kiss on each cheek.

"Hi Angela! I'm glad you could make it." I told her while slowly letting go of her hug. While she hugged me, I could see my sister, girlfriend and friend smiling. They also displayed looks of astonishment and surprise.

Since there were so many people on this market and our little welcome party was interrupting the flow, I signaled to everyone to find a quiet corner where we could be a bit by ourselves so that I could properly introduce Angela to my posse.

"Everyone, this is Angela from Florence, Italy. Angela, this is my girlfriend Sammy, my big sister Mary and our friend Alyssa." I introduced her. Angela gave everyone a hug and two kisses on their respective cheeks. Judging the reaction of my girls, they weren't hating it.

"It is so nice to meet all of you. Should we try to find a place to eat and talk?" Angela suggested. All four of us nodded and smiled.

After a short while, we found a food stand that had a few seats open. We picked up our food (Bratwursts) and settled down. I was so excited that I could introduce Angela to everyone. Of course, she was dressed in a very stylish manner. She wore a beautiful, beige colored skirt, brown tights and a very expensive looking coat. Her purse was also super chic.

"Seriously, we thought you were just a myth because how often do pretty and classy Italian girls hang out in our little town. On the other hand, my baby sister is not a liar so I thought maybe Riley was day dreaming or something like that." Mary said while giggling a bit.

"You think I am pretty and classy? Thank you, sweet heart." Angela said while putting her hand softly on Mary's arm.

"Riley told me that you are visiting your mom here. How long are you staying?" Sammy inquired.

"Until January 5. My mom just moved out here because it was getting too expensive in Boston. Fortunately, her company let's her work from home. She only has to go to the office twice a week at the most. How long have you been girlfriends?" Angela asked, while looking at Sammy and me.

"Only for a few months. Sammy is in my math class but that is not how we got to know each other. It is kind of an unusual story." I told her.

Angela looked a bit confused.

"We will tell you some time in private." Sammy assured her.

"Wow, that sounds mysterious.  I can't wait to hear details." Angela said more to herself.

"You will. No worries!" I assured her.

"Tell us about Florence. I bet it is beautiful." Mary said while looking at Angela directly and full of anticipation.

"Oh, Florence is a great city. A lot of wonderful restaurants, beautiful narrow streets and alleys. I know every little corner there and the people are friendly." Angela said with a big smile on her face.

"That sounds great. Can I ask you if you have a boyfriend or a girlfriend?" Mary asked her while resting a hand on Angela's arm. I noticed that Mary took over the conversation. She was also very flirty.

"Oh no! Right now I don't have a boyfriend or girlfriend. A girlfriend would be nice for a change though." Angela stated while smiling at my big sister who seemed to blush a little bit.

"I might take you up on that, Angela." Mary said in a super flirty voice.

Alyssa, Sammy and I stared at the two of them with open mouths while they flirted away.

"Do you two want to be alone for a while?" Sammy inquired.

We were all silent for a few seconds and then we were howling with laughter which abruptly brought Angela and my big sis back to reality. Nevertheless, everyone was in good spirits and had an excellent time.

We chatted and laughed a bit more. Angela seemed to get along great with us giggly girls. We finished up our snacks and treats.  Angela asked if we can all meet a few more times before she had to go back to Florence. She wanted to spend a lot of time with her mom who still had to work throughout the holidays. Angela didn't know anyone else here so of course we agreed. Naturally, I had to ask my mom and Angela had to ask hers. When Angela's mom picked her up, we waited with her to say hi. Her mom seemed very nice and was okay with all of us girls hanging out again.

Later that night, we met up with my parents for dinner at a nearby restaurant. Sammy and Alyssa were also invited which they were excited about. All of us had a wonderful time chatting and eating. Alyssa agreed to to take Sammy home as it was getting late. Before we left, my mom had a request.

"I know it's late and cold. I would like the four of us to go back to the Christmas market and walk around one more time. I am aware that they are probably closing soon but I think it will be more enjoyable with fewer people." Mom asked us with a hint of sad puppy eyes.

Of course, we agreed. Even though I started feeling like Anna from Frozen. My mom was right, it was more enjoyable now that most people were gone. Mom and dad walked slowly in front of us, holding hands, talking. Mary and I were also holding hands and talking a bit.

"Look at them. They have been married for almost twenty years. Still in love like on the first day." Mary pointed out.

"I know. They are so cute. I love them both so much." I told the best sister in the world.

"Me too." Mary said, sounding dreamy.

"So you are also into Italian dream girls, huh?" I asked Mary trying to tease her.

"How did you get that idea?" Mary replied with a big grin on her face.

"That's it!" I yelled out while picking up some snow from the ground and stuffing it between her neck and jacket.

Mary yelled out a high pitched shout while trying to overcome the sudden coldness and the element of surprise. My big sister recovered quickly and before I knew it I had a bunch of snow in my face. I yelled out a similar sound and soon Mary and I were rolling on the ground trying to stuff snow into in each other's faces while laughing hysterically. From the corner of my eyes I could see our parents smiling at us. Eventually we had enough and just looked at each other peacefully. We brushed the snow off each others jackets and hugged and held each other tightly.

I decided to take a good look Christmas market before it will close up shop. I felt warm inside and peaceful.

Suddenly, a weird feeling came over me again. I stopped abruptly and turned around. Nobody was there. I felt like I was being watched. Just like in the mall.

Mary looked at me concerned. She hesitated a bit.

"What's the matter, babe? Everything okay?" Mary asked me gently.

"I am not sure. I feel like I am being watched again." I told my big sister.

Meanwhile my parents stopped because they realized that something was wrong.

"Come on, you coward. Show yourself!" I yelled out loud.

Nothing happened. Mary, mom and dad all stood there while looking at me seeming deeply concerned.