Nate's Gift (Small-Town Christmas Wishes Book 3)

by Jackie Castle

  Nate sat on the edge of his desk and cross his arm. They were right. The band performed the same songs year after year. The band director before him had said he focused on the music they’d have to play for the competition. Everything they did was aimed at winning that competition.

  Rubbing at his throbbing forehead, Nate said, “If anyone has a suggestion, I’ll be willing to hear it.”

  From the horn section, Matt stood, put his trumpet to his mouth and began playing a jazzy rendition of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. The percussion section joined in. Three of his violinists and a cellist also played along. The tempo was upbeat and he wanted to snap his fingers or tap his shoe along with the modern beat.

  Where had they learned this song?

  A couple of others started to grin and sing the words. Suddenly, Nate realized this must be a song from Ms. Shay’s play. He couldn’t let them perform this song. Could he? His thoughts sped up, considering how to work this in his favor. By the end of the song, a few others had tried to join in. A handful of his kids could play by ear.

  The singer’s voices rose and his heart soared right along with them. It was a beautiful take on the old song. Had Ms. Shay written this version, as well?

  When the piece finished, Nate clapped and the others who’d merely listened clapped along with him. “That was truly wonderful, Matt. I’m not sure if your drama teacher will appreciate us stealing her song though.”

  Matt shrugged. “Not stealing, sir. Borrowing. It sure would help me with practice if I could play this song for the band concert, too. Trying to keep up with both is…trying.”

  Nate moved closer to the horn section. “Then why are you doing both, Matt?”

  Looking around at some of the other kids that were also in drama, he finally said, “Because, she makes us feel…”

  “Important,” finished one of the violinists.

  “Ms. S if just cool,” added another from the percussions.

  Matt finished, “It’s more than just acting in a play, Mr. Cooper. I’m not sure how to explain it, really.”

  Nate took in the glowing smiles of those who were in her class and held up his hands in surrender. “I get it. So…let’s talk about what songs you’d like to play. Keep in mind, we are down to three weeks, so we need to keep it simple. What if I let you all vote on two new songs, in exchange of two of the old songs? But we keep the rest the same.”

  Nods of agreement went around the room. Of course, they all wanted to play the song Matt had shared. Nate promised to speak with Ms. Shay and see if she’d mind. It was her day to rehearse in the auditorium. He’d stop in after his own practice and pay her a little visit.

  * * * *

  When Nate finally made it to the auditorium, he was afraid that he’d missed Ms. Shay. But there stood three students belting out one of the songs that Matt had played for them that afternoon. The music came from a boom box.

  Taking a seat midway down the auditorium, Nate watched from the shadows, wanting to see what made this new teacher so endearing to her students. She wasn’t easy on them. They had to sing the song three times before she said it still needed more work.

  “Remember people, you are about to lose your jobs. The company you work for is failing. Think about a time in your life that you wanted something badly, but it was slipping from your grasps. We’ve all experienced disappointment at some time. Draw on those emotions you were feeling.”

  “Sounds depressing,” one of the girls said with a flippant roll of her eyes.

  Ms. Shay laughed and agreed with a nod of her head. “But that’s the beauty of acting. That’s the beauty of story. It puts those emotions on the line for everyone to see and relate to. Then the story finds a way at redemption, offers hope, offers encouragement to not give up. As I said, we’ve all been discouraged at some point at least once. What got you through that disappointment?”

  The girls seemed to understand and asked if she wanted them to sing it one more time.

  “Absolutely. Let’s do it!” She clapped her hands and the music started up again. This time, the girls seemed to put more passion in the song, as if they were truly experiencing the pain for themselves.

  Nate leaned forward, resting his arms on the seat in front of him. If only he was able to get such passion out of his students. But drama and orchestra were different games, weren’t they?

  Maybe.

  Maybe not, if he really thought about it. Both were performances meant to stir the listener, to engage and inspire. Huh.

  When the girls finished their song, Ms. Shay danced and cheered for them. Those watching from the seats stood and applauded. Nate surged from his own seat, his hands held over his head as he clapped along with the rest. Pride at what they accomplished rose up in his heart. They were his kids, too.

  No wonder they loved Ms. Shay so much. She drew out their hidden abilities that were often skimmed over at home and in a regular classroom. The girl’s grins nearly split their shining faces in half as they blushed and ducked their heads over the praise the audience gave them.

  Yeah, no wonder they loved this class.

  And it was being cut from the curriculum.

  Was there any way to save this program? Without some kind of funding, even if she made it an after-school club, it wouldn’t get far. And most kids were only able to participate in school-related activities that did something for their grades. A club might require fees to join and keep it going. That would cut out the majority of these kids from participating. He knew that over half of them came from lower-income families.

  Did Ms. Shay purposefully seek out the marginal kids? Nate had a feeling that she most likely did. He returned to his seat, while Ms. Shay wrapped up her practice with a little pep-talk. They had all the materials for the set. She’d been given permission to use her landlord’s garage to make the props. Evidently, she lived in an apartment above a friend’s garage.

  The kids eagerly promised to show up. Ms. Shay promised to have donuts and hot chocolate ready for them.

  Nate’s foot knocked over his briefcase. He picked it up and placed it in the seat next to his. Some of the kids were leaving, each one giving her a quick hug or high-five as they left. A few lingered behind, one tall, lanky boy he knew played on the basketball team stood behind the others, his hands shoved deep into his baggy jeans.

  Checking his watch, Nate wondered how long they’d hang around? He needed to get home soon. Buster got grumpy when left alone for too long.

  Ms. Shay gave each remaining student her undivided attention. The three singers promised to keep practicing, though she gushed over how well that last try sounded. “I’m so proud of you ladies,” She cupped each one’s face in her hands. “Wait until your parents see what beautiful angelic voices you all have.”

  Giggling, they headed out the side entrance like one large unit.

  “What’s up, Damion? You’ve mastered your lines, buddy. I didn’t catch one mistake today. Do you feel ready to try it without the script in your hand?”

  He bobbed his head, causing his shoulders to bounce as well. “Ms. S, I don’t think Mama’s going to make it. She’s trying and all, but said her manager is being mean about letting her off on a Friday night.”

  Ms. Shay seemed sincerely devastated by this news. “Oh, I’m sorry. She’s such a good worker, I’m surprised that Mr. Hampton is being so stubborn.”

  “I really wanted her to be there.” Damion’s head hung even lower.

  Nate’s heart went out for the boy.

  Ms. Shay gathered her belongings, sliding her bag up onto her shoulder. “I wish we could have more than one performance, Damion, but we’re locked in for that one night. Maybe I can stop by the store on my way home and drop in a good word for your mom.”

  The boy’s smile lit up his whole face.

  Nate stood at that moment, making his presence known. “I’m good friends with Hampton. We golf together when the weather permits. I’ll talk to him, too. I’m sure he can get by one evening.”<
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  Ms. Shay gasped and spun around to face him. “Ms. Cooper, how long have you been there?”

  Nate grabbed his case and moved up toward the front. “I didn’t want to interrupt. I had a small request that I needed to ask you. Matt sent me.” Nate reached up to pat the boy’s shoulder. “Don’t worry about your mom. I’m sure if there’s a way, she’ll be there. She works in the bakery department, right?”

  He nodded. “Yes, Mr. Cooper. She does. I sure appreciate you having a talk with her boss. Just don’t get her fired. She’ll be really upset if that happens.”

  Ms. Shay held up her hand for a high-five. “Don’t you worry. We’re teachers. We know how to be persuasive when we need to be.” She winked. “Don’t forget to make sure the girls get home safe. I’m counting on you.”

  Throwing his narrow chest out, Damion strutted out the side door. “I’m on it, Ms. S.”

  She laughed with a tilt of her head. “I just love him. What a champion, he is. If we can keep him away from the gangs, he’ll make something special out of himself, I’m sure of it.”

  Her tone struck a memory from when he was a student here. Funny how the saying about a nut not falling far from the tree was true in his case. Even after his parents left Snowflake for warmer climates, Nate stayed and worked his way up to the lead band teacher. Not what he would have planned for his life, but he was…content.

  “What did you want to ask, Mr. Cooper?” Ms. Shay brought him back to the present.

  “We were looking for a couple of new holiday songs to perform this year. Matt suggested one from your play. I told him that we’d need to ask permission from you first.”

  Her mouth opened into a wide grin. “I think that’s a fantastic idea. Of course, yes, use whatever songs you want to. Matt loves that trumpet of his. Did you know he’ll be playing at the Christmas tree lighting event? You’ll be there, right? There are a few of your students who will be playing.”

  Why hadn’t he realized that? Sure, they talked about extra performances when he let them take a break, but he’d not realized they were playing before the whole town. Who was coaching them? Had they arranged this all on their own?

  He usually protected his weekends as much as possible. Was that why they’d not bothered to mention the tree lighting to him?

  “I will now.”

  Ms. Shay rested her hand on his arm. “Good. We need to encourage them as much as possible. Family praise is one thing, but they really do cherish our opinions. At least, that’s what I’ve found. I want to always be the teacher who boosted them up, not dragged them down.”

  She so reminded him of his old friend Charity. They were so alike, he wondered if there might be some kind of family connection. Except, he’d heard that Ms. Shay moved from the east coast.

  Her hand threaded around his arm as they headed toward the parking lot. He didn’t mind in the least, either.

  Maybe it was time he stopped avoiding Charity’s letter. Soon as he got home, he was going to get it out and read it. No more excuses.

  Chapter Six

  Kara made her way through the crowded park where the tree lighting was taking place. A cup of hot chocolate warmed her hands, the creamy chocolate smell brought a smile, despite the gloomy weather. At least it wasn’t raining…or snowing.

  She passed several kids from the high school, out with their families. A couple of them stopped her to introduce her to parents or siblings. Each week, Kara grew fonder of this small community and felt a little less alone. Her mother continued to hound her about dating, but right now, she was happy losing herself in work. Besides, she’d not met anyone interested in a high school drama teacher on the verge of losing her job.

  No, she still had teaching options. Just not any that made her heart sing as much as her current position did.

  Someone bumped into her, mumbling an excuse me. She tumbled into another spectator, almost spilling her cocoa on the poor man. Strong hands grasped her arms, steadying her. When Kara looked up, she was met by Mr. Cooper’s coffee brown eyes. His smile caused a little dimple to appear on his left cheek.

  “Oh my,” she gasped, quickly regaining her balance and brushing her hand over the front of his sweater. “Did I spill any on you? I’m so sorry.”

  Did he work out? She continued to brush her fingers over the cottony fabric, finding it soft like a pillow. There was no cocoa on him. She so needed to stop touching him.

  When she looked up again, his grin was full of amusement. Well, he’d not let go of her arms, either.

  “No, you missed,” He stepped back, looking down. His dog, Buster Brown, was with him this evening and was enjoying the spilled treat. “Most of your drink hit the sidewalk. Do you need another?”

  Kara shook her head. “No, there’s still over half a cup left. I’m good. So glad you were able to make it, Mr. Cooper.”

  He motioned for her to follow him as he made his way closer to the gazebo where the band was playing. “I think since we’re not at school we can use first names. Call me Nate.”

  “Nate.” She tried it out and liked how it tumbled over her lips. “Short for Nathan?”

  He nodded.

  “Are you from Snowflake, Nate?”

  “Why yes, Kara.” His grin widened. He’d still not let go of her elbow. “I’m actually a former student of Snowflake High. I didn’t even go very far away for college.”

  “It’s a wonderful town. I can see why you’d never want to leave.” They found a spot where they had a good view of the unlit tree and the band gathered under a pretty gazebo adorned in pine boughs and twinkling white lights.

  “Hey, there’s Matt.” She waved when he glanced their way. The boy nudged his friend and pointed in their direction. For some reason, Matt held his thumb up toward Nate who quickly looked away, as if something else caught his interest.

  Finally, he released her elbow and folded his arms over his chest. Buster sat between them, leaning his weight against his master’s leg. “What brought you to Snowflake?” he asked.

  Kara sipped at her cooling drink. “They needed a drama teacher. I wish he would have told me the class might be cut, but…” she shrugged. “Then maybe I wouldn’t have stayed. Which would have been a mistake because I really like it here.”

  She told him about the offer for teaching English. “I probably should accept it, I suppose. I do like getting paid.”

  For a moment, he seemed lost in thought, his gaze growing distant and his lips pressed into a tight line. Away from school, he seemed like a different guy. More casual and easy-going. At school, he annoyed her with his constant nagging about keeping the noise level down. He didn’t act like he enjoyed his work.

  “How long have you taught band?” She finished her cocoa and tossed the cup into the nearest trash receptacle. “Is that what you’ve always wanted to do?”

  He blinked, then focused on her again. “Like you, they had an opening. I worked my way up. I do enjoy it, but I’ve been wanting to work into a vice-principal position eventually.”

  “It’s probably hard to find open positions in a town this size.”

  He shrugged in response. “Oh hey, Matt’s getting ready to play.”

  Excitement bubbled up in Kara. She so enjoyed watching her students perform away from school events. It was like being able to get a glimpse inside their heart. The small band played a few modern holiday tunes that got the crowd moving and singing along to “Jingle Bell Rock” and “All I Want For Christmas Is You.”

  Nate didn’t sing along at first, but after a few nudges of her elbow, he joined into the last song, his grin nearly breaking his face in half. She loved his smile. And he smelled good, too. A mixture of a woodsy scent and spice.

  Buster belted out a few barking howls.

  “Is he singing, or protesting?” Kara bent to pat his head and scratch behind his ear. His stubby tail thumped in the small piles of snow left from the last fall. “Do you like music, boy?”

  “Keep that up and he’ll be your frien
d forever,” Nate chuckled.

  “Can’t have too many friends,” Kara teased back. She did wish they could be friends. The tension between them over the holiday practice had been difficult. Sometimes she wondered if she’d ever fit in.

  “I suppose.” Nate checked his watch. “Thanks for mentioning Matt’s gig. I’m glad I came to see him play.” He patted his chest. “In a way, I feel like a proud parent.”

  “Matt needs someone to be proud of him. His father isn’t here and won’t come to his play either. That’s why I wanted to be here. He needs someone to clap and cheer from the audience for just him.”

  Nate grew still as he watched the band prepare for their last number. “Right, his dad is…difficult. He was injured at work a few years back. One night, Matt’s mother left them saying she couldn’t handle having another child to take care of anymore.”

  Matt never talked about his home life, except to state the obvious, such as he didn’t need extra tickets for his family. Nobody would come anyway. He didn’t want to see them wasted.

  “Sometimes, I’m torn,” Nate continued. “Not that I have to deal with him a lot, but I’ve sat in a couple of parental meetings with Matt’s father. He’s taking care of the kids, but it’s…mechanical. He’s lost his heart.” Nate shook his head, then waved his hand as if dismissing the discussion. “Anyway, it’s complicated.”

  Kara watched Matt with renewed respect. “I’m going to add his family to my prayer lists.”

  Nate’s smile wasn’t condescending, but there was something in it that troubled Kara. He asked, “Is that prayer list very long?”

  “Three pages, though I’ve been able to mark off a few answered prayers.”

  His head bobbed a couple of times. “God listens. I believe that.”

  “He does. You have a church that you belong to, Nate?” She’d been going to the Snowflake Chapel. The town only had a few options and she didn’t wish to travel very far. Besides, it provided more opportunities for her to meet people from the community. She’d considered starting a drama group at the church but hadn’t approached the pastor about it yet.