The Hollow

by Jessica Verday

  Maybe I would use an old claw-foot bathtub and mismatched armoires to display my wares. I could have a reading section, with a library of old books, featuring all of Washington living's works. Or perhaps there would be antique tables, and apothecary bottles. An old-fashioned beauty store of sorts. The possibilities were endless.

  My thoughts ran wild, but I reluctantly pulled myself away from the window. I didn't have very much time left before all of the shops would start to close, and I'd be seeing Uncle Bob tomorrow.

  I needed to find him a present, and I needed to find it fast.

  A tiny florist shop yielded me the perfect gift for Uncle Bob, and he was thrilled with the world's best boss mug that I presented to him at work on Saturday. He made sure to bring it in each time he came to check on me, holding it up so I could see he was using it. I barely got any work done at all.

  On Sunday he seemed content to let the mug sit on his desk, and I finally got to start a new project. When it was time for Mom to come pick me up that evening, I reminded Uncle Bob that I would see him in two weeks, and told him yet again that he was very welcome for the mug. I hurried out of there before he got the chance to go pick it up again.

  I was finally free for the holidays and ready for the relaxation to begin.

  Over the next three days I slept in till noon, made dozens and dozens of cookies with Mom, and drank hot chocolate by the gallon. It was completely blissful.

  Christmas Eve came before I knew it, and I spent most of the morning helping Mom box up cookies for all of our extended family members. Which probably explained why Mom always went a little cookie crazy every year. We had a lot of relatives.

  After we finished packaging the last of them up, I went to my room to wrap some presents of my own. The name-a-star certificatehad arrived just in time, and I was thrilled to see that it came in a beautiful black frame. I added a little bit of gift wrap and a red bow and had it finished in no time. Next up were Mom's and Dad's gifts, and they didn't take very long to wrap either.

  I dug deep into my creative side to find a unique way to wrap Caspian's gifts. After finding some dark blue wrapping paper, and adding some strategically placed tiny silver star stickers, I drew on a couple of swirling designs with a gray marker. The result was perfect.

  Trying to find a red pen to write his name with, I dug around in my perfume supply box. I stopped for a minute when my eyes landed on the sample I'd made for Kristen. Uncapping the blue glass bottle, I poured a tiny amount into a tester vial and added it to the present pile.

  I couldn't forget my best friend.

  Once that task was complete, and I had found the red pen, my thoughts wandered back to the cemetery. I struggled with the decision of whether or not to go there, while I absentmindedly wrote names on each present. It was Christmas, after all. And it didn't really matter who said what, as long as everything was okay between us.

  Indecision had me chewing my lip with worry, so I decided to distract myself with more cookies. Cookies had always worked before, and hopefully, they wouldn't let me down now.

  I went downstairs to the kitchen and threw myself into the process of making another batch, but soon realized that being arm-deep in cookie dough left my mind plenty of time to wander and worry. Utterly disgusted with myself, and feeling extremely dejected, I gave up on the cookies, put the dough in the refrigerator, and trudged back up to my room to think about what I should do.

  Then the perfect excuse hit me. Presents for Nikolas and Katy.

  I knew instinctively what Katy would love, and I dug through my perfumes, impatiently looking for a scent that I hadn't used before. I came to an older mix, and after a quick check on the description label, I unscrewed the lid and took a deep whiff.

  The scent, with hints of violet and honeysuckle, had been sitting for over a year and had aged very well. It was almost old-fashioned-smelling, and I knew right away that it was the perfect one to give to her. Then I sat back and pondered what to do for Nikolas.

  I wasn't entirely sure that he would enjoy getting perfume as a Christmas gift. Plus, I didn't want him to get the wrong idea and think that I was giving him the hint that he needed a new scent. The smell of fresh cookies still lingered on the air, and it distracted me as I inhaled appreciatively.

  Inspiration hit again, and I headed back downstairs. Just as I knew that Katy would love the perfume, I knew that Nikolas would love some freshly baked cookies. Choosing from the selection ofgingerbread, snickerdoodle, and Russian thumbprint cookies Mom and I had made earlier, I put them all into a brightly colored round tin. When it was stuffed full, I snapped the lid shut and added a bow.

  It was time to play Santa.

  I navigated the streets outside carefully, trying to avoid any patches of hidden ice. The snow was still falling, and a fine film stuck wetly to the ground. I slipped and slid every now and then, but I successfully managed not to drop my bag of loot along the way. It didn't take me long to get across town, and the Maxwells' house soon came into sight.

  I stepped cautiously up the narrow stairs and stomped my feet once I'd reached the landing. There had always been a slight gap in the sheer white curtains that covered the front window overlooking the porch, and I peeked through it as I sat my bag down on a dry spot.

  Both of the Maxwells were sitting on a small couch, and they appeared to be in deep conversation. I watched as Mr. M. gestured wildly with his hands while Mrs. M. shook her head. When I peered closer, I could see that her eyes were red, and she had a bunched-up tissue in her hand. Obviously this was not the best time to interrupt.

  Quietly I dug into my present bag and withdrew their gift. Fluffing out the edges of the slightly crushed bow, I looked aroundfor the safest spot to put it. The door frame caught my eye. It was large, deep, and dry.

  I wedged the present in so that it sat propped at an angle, and readjusted it once or twice before knocking softly on the door. Even if they didn't answer right away, I knew they would find it sooner or later. Picking up my bag and giving a final glance over my shoulder, I crept off the porch and headed toward the cemetery. On to my next destination.

  I pulled my coat tighter around me as I walked, feeling the sting of the biting snow. I didn't realize how much of a difference it had made standing under a covered porch for those couple of minutes. It was freezing out here.

  Instead of turning back, though, I trudged on, gripping my bag tightly. When I came to the large cemetery gates, I picked up my pace. I still had quite a walk in front of me, and the weather was getting worse. Taking the main path, I made my way past the Irving grave site and went farther on to the other side of the cemetery. The route was still fresh in my mind, and I followed the winding road, making several turns when I needed to.

  With the cold breath of winter in the air, the forest around me was gray and ominous. There weren't any birds out this time, and most of the plants had withered away. It all looked so barren and empty; it was a vast difference from the last time I'd been here.

  I turned my eyes ahead, continuing down the path in front ofme. I couldn't afford to stop now. Stuck in a snowstorm was not somewhere I wanted to be.

  Spotting the large stone chimney, I ran the rest of the way and knocked loudly when I reached the front door. It swung open immediately, and Nikolas stood there looking concerned, with Katy by his side.

  Their eyes lit up when they saw it was me, and they tried to wave me in, but I put up a hand. "I can't stay long. I just wanted to wish you guys a Merry Christmas and give you these." I pulled their gifts from my bag and thrust them into their hands.

  A huge grin broke out on Nikolas's face as he passed the perfume back to Katy. She held the bottle up to the faint light behind her and examined it eagerly.

  "It's perfume," I explained. "Remember I told you that I make perfume? This scent is for you, Katy. You just unscrew the top and hold your finger over it while tilting it upside down. That's how you get some out."

  She unscrewed the lid and did as I'd instructed,
then held her finger up to her nose to smell. "It's wonderful!" she exclaimed, a look of pure delight on her face. "I smell honeysuckle vines and wild violets. Two of my favorite things. You have quite a talent, Abbey. Thank you very much for my beautiful gift."

  I nodded, impressed with her ability to pick out the individual scents.

  Nikolas quickly turned the attention to his gift, by loudly popping off the tin top. Katy and I laughed at the expression of glee on his face when he saw what was inside. "Cookies! Did you, by chance, happen to make any of these, Abbey?"

  I nodded again, in response to his question. "Yeah, I helped make them."

  "They look delicious. Thank you, Abbey. It means even more to me knowing that you have put your time and attention into them."

  I blushed, overcome by their words of praise. "It was nothing. Really. You've both been so nice to me that I just wanted to give you a small token of my thanks."

  "Why don't you come in and warm up for a while?" suggested Katy. "I'll make us some tea."

  I shook my head regretfully. "I'd love to, but I can't. I have one more stop to make, and then I have to get home for dinner. In fact, I'd better be on my way."

  Katy leaned forward to give me a quick hug. "All right, dear. But come see us again for a visit after Christmas, okay? We have much to talk about."

  "Okay." Nikolas stepped forward to give me a side hug, and I got lost for a moment in a memory of my grandfather and his bear hugs. I squeezed Nikolas tight, wishing even as I let him go that he was my grandpa. That would be a nice Christmas gift.

  Katy disappeared for a minute and then returned. She had a small bundle in her hands. "I almost forgot. This is for you, dear. We weren't sure when we would see you again, so we've been holding on to it. Merry Christmas."

  I accepted the bundle she held out to me and tucked it safely into my bag. "Thank you. Thank you both. And Merry Christmas to you, too. I'll definitely be back to see you after Christmas. Save some peppermint tea for me."

  They laughed and waved as I started down the path that led away from their house. I threw one last grin over my shoulder and called out "Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!" but the wind tore my words away and scattered them to the trees around me. Looking up at the ever darkening sky, I hunkered into my coat, and set off to find my way back to the cemetery.

  I was almost out of time.

  When I finally made it back to the trail, I followed it until it brought me to a familiar tombstone, and I stopped short, struck again by the vivid reminder that my best friend was dead.

  I grabbed Kristen's perfume vial, and then dropped my bag to the ground. Uncorking the vial, I held it carefully, trying not to spill any. Then I carried it over and knelt directly in front of the tombstone. I brushed away some snow caught in the etched lettering carved onto its surface before I spoke. "Hey, Kris, Merry Christmas Eve. I brought you a present." Dumping the perfumeonto the frozen ground, I watched it slowly eat through a thin layer of snow and ice.

  The sweet scent of grapefruit, ginger, and vanilla rose up around me. "I have to go now," I said, "but I wanted to let you know that your mom and dad won't be alone on Christmas. They've agreed to come over for dinner. Oh, and I gave them their gift already. I had a star named for you."

  I tucked the now empty vial near some fake flowers at the foot of her tombstone then stood up. "Bye, Kristen. See you tomorrow. I won't forget our tradition."

  The wind roared again, and I turned away, stooping to pick up my bag as I went. The fastest way out of the cemetery was to pass the Irving family plot, so I chose that way, sneaking a quick peek as I walked by.

  I noticed immediately that the metal gate was open, and wedged with a large rock to keep it in place. I climbed up the stairs, intrigued as to who would have left the gate that way. A quick scan of the enclosed area revealed that it hadn't been done by anyone intent on vandalizing the graves. Nothing was disturbed.

  Instead, it appeared to have been done for me…

  A long, flat box was propped up next to Washington living's grave, and my name was boldly scrawled on it. Or rather, as I could tell when I got closer, my nickname was scrawled on it.

  A bittersweet pang struck my heart while I gazed around me.

  The package had definitely not been here when I'd passed by earlier. It must have been dropped off while I was at the cottage. Apparently the giver had decided not to stick around, though, because he was nowhere in sight.

  Scooping it up, I shook off some snow and held it reverently. The words do not open till CHRISTMAS were written in big block letters under the name Astrid, with several stern exclamation points. I smiled and looked around me again before withdrawing Caspian's gifts from my bag.

  Unwinding the long black scarf from my neck, I used that as an extra layer of protection for Caspian's small pile. I had no idea how long it would be before he found them, but I hoped they wouldn't get too wet. Placing them in exactly the same spot as he'd placed mine, I kissed one fingertip and touched it to the pile. If I didn't get to see him at all for Christmas, then this would have to be my silent message to him.

  The cold snow started settling rapidly on my bare neck and quickly reminded me of where I was, so I tucked the gift from him into my bag and stepped away from the grave. "Merry Christmas, Caspian," I whispered to the wind. "I love you."

  Chapter Twenty-one

  A Tradition

  If ever I should wish for a retreat, whither I might steal from the world and its distractions… I know of none more promising than this little valley.

  "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow"

  The snow made a cold companion while I hurried home. Dinner was beef stew with freshly baked bread, and it smelled heavenly. Mom and Dad seemed to be just as distracted as I was, and we all shuffled along one by one into the kitchen, where we filled up a soup mug and then wandered off to our own little corners. It was obviously a buffet night.

  I carried my dinner and my bounty up to my room, eager to look at my gifts. The stew was still way too hot, so I set it down on the desk and put the bag of presents on my bed. I shrugged out of the wet jacket I still had on, hung it up on the back of my door, and kicked my soggy shoes off. After finding a warm pair of sweatpants and a long sleeve T-shirt, I was dry once again and quickly settled in.

  Picking up Caspian's gift, and then the one from Nikolas and Katy, I laid them side by side and sank down onto the bed to look them over. Caspian's was hard to inspect because all I could see from the outside was just a plain brown box. The warning to wait until Christmas ate at my conscience, and I glanced at the clock. Four and a half more hours to go until midnight…

  Technically, if I waited till then, it would be Christmas morning and I could open it without violating the rules. It was a minor technicality, but it worked for me. I pushed Caspian's gift off to the side and distracted myself with Nikolas and Katy's bundle. At least I could open one gift early.

  The bundle turned out to actually be some type of long red quilted material, and once I started unwinding it, the package inside got smaller and smaller. A beautiful china teacup was revealed when I pulled away the last of the fabric. It was small and dainty, with a fluted edge and handle, both rimmed in gold leafing. Tiny pink roses were scattered over the surface, and it looked like each one had been painted on by hand.

  I picked it up and admired it from every angle. There appeared to be something stuffed inside the cup, so I tipped it over onto the bed. A smaller bunch of red material, a piece of wood, and a sheet of paper all came fluttering out. I examined the paper first, grinning excitedly when I saw a recipe for peppermint tea was handwritten on it. It touched my heart that they had put so much evident thought into this gift. They couldn't have picked anything more perfect to give me.

  The small bundle of cloth was next, and I held it up and stretched it out a bit. I could tell immediately that it was a pair of knitted red gloves, and I turned back to the longer piece of cloth, belatedly realizing that it was a matching scarf.
They were lovely, and had been made in my favorite color. Katy was a good guesser.

  I donned the gloves and scarf and reached for the piece of wood. It fit into the palm of my hand and was an exact replica of the sign on the iron gates that read SLEEPY HOLLOW CEMETERY.

  The details were amazing. Obviously hand carved, each letter was bold, and stood out with a shadowed background. The word "Caretakers" had been etched onto the back. I could tell that Nikolas had spent many hours laboring over it. Touched again by their kindness and generosity, I reminded myself to stop over to see them as soon as I could. Maybe I'd even bring some more cookies with me.

  Getting up from the bed, I placed the teacup and wooden carving on my desk, and then reached for the stew. It was a bit awkward with the gloves on, but at that point I didn't really care. Exhaustion was setting in, and I just wanted to eat my dinner as quickly as I could.

  After finishing the last couple of bites, I set the empty mug on the desk again and went to lie down next to Caspian's presents. My stomach was pleasantly full, and I felt drowsiness hit me like a jackhammer. It would be okay if I took a little nap. After all, I had almost four hours to kill…

  When I woke up, the clock was blinking 12:48 and I was dangerously close to rolling over onto the box that Caspian had left me. I sat up groggily and pulled an extra blanket around my shoulders before peeling off the gloves I still wore. Glancing over at the clock again, I picked the cardboard box up. The time had finally come.

  A nervous feeling hit my stomach, but I forced it back and ripped one end of the box open.

  A thin spiral bound notebook and a tiny package wrapped in red paper were inside, and I slid out the tiny package first. It was similar in shape and size to the red fabric that my necklace had been wrapped in before, and I decided to open that one first. As I tore the paper off in one long strip, another necklace was revealed.