Today is a chilly December day in New York, just like in any typical winter there is. I drum my fingers on my table, causing a soft audible noise. I pay no attention the words of the professor discussing about projects and tests. I stare at the white landscape from the window nearby, reflecting about the last few minutes before Christmas break.

          Staring at the white streets of Brooklyn causes me to remember what occurred exactly three years ago. I had a boyfriend, named Mitch. He is taller than me by a few inches and I might not help admitting that he is fit and handsome. He is very sympathetic and modest but he can be a prankster and romantic at the same time. He was my best friend, my partner in crime and my other half. He is a perfect man for the single ladies out there but he could be taken by now. However, there is something that troubles me all this time. Do I still love him?

          Three years ago on Christmas Day, I received a text from Mitch, stating that he wanted to meet me by the tree near the city's square. I spotted a blonde man waving at my direction and I knew it was him.

          "Alice!"

          "Hey, Mitch."

          I ran towards to the tree, which had no leaves and blanketed with pure white snow, where he was standing.

          "I have a gift for you."

          "Oh, I also have a gift for you too."

          I gave him a large box wrapped in gift paper with Christmas tree designs. He snatched the box from my hands, brought it right next to his ear and shook it, producing a soft yet an audible sound.

          "Thanks, Alice."

          He ripped off the wrapper and opened the lid of the box. There was a red checkered hoodie inside the box. A wide grin on his face was appeared when he witnessed the gift.

          "How did you know that I wanted this?"

          "I heard stories about you talking about that particular hoodie."

          "Okay, I think it is my turn to give my gift to you."

          He gave me a small box covered with red wrapping paper with some snowmen designs and a silver ribbon on top. I snatched it and took out the ribbon then tore the wrapper and opened the lid of the box. There was a silver heart-shaped necklace with a heart-shaped note stuck to it. 'I couldn't take it anymore. I love you, more than as a friend. I want our friendship to be a whole new level. Will you be my girlfriend?' was all I understood from that note. I felt something in my eyes and they were attempting to escape but I quickly wiped them away.

          "Seriously?" I said the first that came on my mind.

          "Yes, I'm serious. I'm not even joking."

          "Then, yes, I would love to love your girlfriend."

          He walked towards me and wrapped his arms around me. I embraced him back with tears flowing down on my face, not caring about the tear stains on Mitch's beige shirt. He caressed my straight, long jet black hair with his hand while we settled in each other's arms. That was how our friendship got to a whole new level.