by S J Crabb
I almost think he is about to kiss me when there is a sharp thump on the door.
‘Are you decent in there? Mum wants a hand with stuffing the Turkey and Dad needs a hand splitting logs. The last thing I want, is to spend Christmas Eve with my hand up a Turkey's ass. You'd better come and save me so Dick and I can go to the pub.’
I look at Liam and groan. I now hate my sister. How could she selfishly ruin my finest hour to get herself off the hook? I almost shout back some choice words, but Liam grins.
‘Come on, let's go and do our bit.’
As I follow him out, I push down the wanton thoughts of what I would very much rather be.… doing!
Chapter Thirty-One
True to her word, Gina and Dick disappear to the pub with Gran and the Major, leaving Liam and me to do all the work. Liam disappears off outside with my father and I help mum in the kitchen.
Faced with a mountain of Brussels sprouts, I feel like Rapunzel on one of her tasks. Surely there's no need for this many sprouts? Is there even a pan big enough to hold them?
Mum takes on the unenviable task of stuffing the Turkey and dons some plastic surgical gloves for the task ahead.
Christmas carols are playing on the radio and we both have a festive glass of mulled cider to help with even more festive spirit.
Mum spends most of the time singing along to the tunes and soon I join in and just enjoy the moment. This is it, the night before christmas. Everything is prepped and prepared, in preparation for the perfect christmas.
The fire is burning and crackling in the grate. Fairy lights twinkle around the cottage, threatening the national grid with overload. Every surface is polished and clean and the cushions are plumped. The gifts look enticing under the tree, guarding their secrets within from prying eyes.
This is my favourite time of all. Mum looks over and smiles happily.
‘You know, darling, I love this time the most. All the hard work pays off and we can just relax and enjoy the moment.’
I nod in agreement. ‘Yes, mine too. You know, you have worked hard, mum. In fact, you always do. This place looks amazing. I don't know how you do it all, really.’
She laughs happily. ‘I love it, you know that. There's not a thing about it that I hate. I take great delight in the preparation; even more so than the actual event itself.’
I hug her warmly. ‘I love you, mum. You know, if ever there was anything wrong, you could tell me you know.’
She raises her eyes and laughs. ‘Whatever makes you think there's anything wrong, darling. Couldn’t be better in fact. Now that you and Gina are settled your father and I have more time for our own hobbies and pastimes. When there are just the two of you life gets a lot less complicated.’
She turns to the cupboard and pulls out some more vegetables.
‘Here you go, Annie, get started on these while I grab the stuff for the table settings. We should have everything done by the time the carol singers arrive.’
I watch her head off into the dining room thoughtfully. She seemed rather hasty to get away and I know my mum. She is hiding something and now I'm very worried.
It must be an hour later that Liam and my Dad come back from log splitting duty. They look frozen and I feel bad for Liam. He must really be regretting his recklessness now. He may even end up with pneumonia for christmas at this rate.
He smiles that sexy smile of his as he enters the kitchen and I grin at him.
‘Come into the warm and I'll make you both a hot chocolate. If you're good I'll even throw in some marshmallows.’
They laugh and my dad sits down at the table and nods to Liam.
‘Take a seat son, you've worked hard this afternoon. I must say your prowess with the axe was inspiring.’
Feeling slightly worried about Liam's apparent skill with an axe, I make them both a hot drink.
Mum comes in just as I finish and we all sit together in satisfied exhaustion. I don't miss that this is a perfect opportunity to grill them about what's going on and I look at my father sharply.
‘Is everything ok, Dad? I mean, you're not worried about anything, are you?’
He looks surprised and exchanges a look with my mum that I can't explain. He just smiles and shakes his head.
‘Everything's fine, poppet. Couldn't be better in fact. Now, what about you two? Got any plans for New Year?’
I look at Liam with exasperation, part of me suitably impressed with my father's avoidance tactics. Liam interrupts.
‘Not yet, but I was meaning to ask you, Annie, if you're free to come to a party with me at work.’
My mum looks impressed, and I am filled with complete and utter terror. The last office party I went to didn't go down well at all and the thought of going to such a glamorous one is enough to give me anxiety.
I look at him with surprise as he grins and his eyes twinkle, destroying any defence I may have set in place in an instant. He appears to be taking this pretence into the New Year, despite not having discussed an extension with me first. However, there is a warm feeling spreading through me at the thought of it. It doesn't end here, apparently and now I have something very much to look forward to.
I just nod matter-of-factly. ‘Oh, if you like.’
My mum shakes her head. ‘Don't sound so enthusiastic, darling. If I was in your shoes, I would be super-excited. Hobnobbing with the rich and famous is not to be dismissed so lightly.’
Liam is struggling to stop laughing and I frown at him.
‘Um, Liam, how about we get ready for the carol singers? You can help me light the candles in the driveway and around the tree, if you've warmed up sufficiently.’
Liam grins and my mum nods happily.
‘Of course, they'll be here soon. Rose will be back with the boys shortly and we must make sure that everything is in place.’
I look at her with interest. ‘Where have they been?’
Dad says. ‘Panto in Dorchester. Apparently, there's some character from a programme they love in it that's got them all excited. I think they're having a MacDonald's after, which will make them even more hyper than normal.’
Mum laughs. ‘Isn't it lovely to see christmas through a child's eyes? We must make sure that we put out the brandy and mince pies for Santa, with a carrot for Rudolph. Oh, and Kevin, make sure you cut out a little footprint stencil and sprinkle talcum powder over it to resemble snowy footsteps by the fireplace. I always think it's a magical touch that will stay in their minds forever.’
Liam grins at me and raises his eyes. I know what he's thinking, it won't be Santa swigging that brandy with us around. I just smile at my parents sweetly and head off with Liam outside.
As we set about our task, I quiz Liam on his time with my father.
‘Hey, Liam, did you find anything out? Did my father divulge his deep, dark, secret?’
He shakes his head. ‘No, just some more strange questions. He tried to pass them off as some friend of his, but I have my doubts.’
My anxiety rushes to the fore and I lower my voice. ‘What did he ask you?’
‘He said that he was going to ask Dick if bondage was an arrestable offence. Apparently, he thinks it may constitute false imprisonment.’
I feel weak and lean back heavily on a neighbouring tree. ‘You are kidding me.’
He shakes his head. ‘He also wanted to know if you took photographs of children at a school play and posted them on a web page, could you be arrested for child pornography?’
There is a sudden rush of dizziness to my head and I feel sick. Liam looks at me with concern as I say weakly.
‘Ok, Liam, we can't brush all this to one side. These questions are not normal and either my father is into some sick stuff, or my mother is, or both. I don't buy that friends reference either. Dad's only friend is Malcolm Barnaby who he plays darts with. He is the most unlikely person to do anything other than play with his allotment. I am not leaving until this mystery is solved.’
Liam shifts closer and pulls me
towards him whispering, ‘Leave it until after christmas. It's too close now and wouldn't solve anything. Give it a couple more days and then if you still haven't worked it out, I'll back up everything you say. Ok?’
I nod weakly and just sink against his protective body. Thank God, I met Liam on that train. At least I'm not on my own and have him to sound off to.
We are interrupted by a car approaching and look up as the Range Rover skids to a halt in the drive.
The doors fly open and two little tornados rush out, brandishing flickering wands and singing the 'Time Warp,' at the top of their voices. My Aunt follows them looking tired and stressed.
As they dodge in and out of the strategically placed candles and run around the beautifully lit tree, she yells at the top of her voice.
‘Fall in soldiers. Santa's watching and wants you both in that house, sitting quietly, while awaiting further orders.’
Immediately, the twins fall into line and march inside. As she looks over my Aunt winks. ‘I love Santa. I use him a lot throughout the year. He gets results when all else fails.’
Laughing, we follow her inside.
Chapter Thirty-Two
The others return from the pub in a very merry mood and once again I frown at my sister. Typical, she gets to do all the fun stuff while leaving the work to me. Mind you, I have kind of enjoyed the preparations so far, so I will forgive her this once. What I won't forgive is her cheating on Dick with someone I don't even want to think about.
We all sit around with glasses of wine and the boys have juice. There is great excitement in the air and I laugh as I see the expectation and anticipation on the two little boys' faces.
Elliott grins over at me. ‘Not long now, Annie. What do you think Santa will bring you?’
I shake my head. ‘Not half as much as he will bring you, I'm sure.’
Barney looks nervous. ‘Does he know we're here? Usually he comes to Cornwall. How does he know we aren't there?’
Mum interrupts. ‘Because Santa is magic and knows everything. And just in case I emailed him to let him know.’
The boys are suitably impressed at my mum's hotline to Santa and Barney shouts.
‘Can I see it, Auntie Sandra? I want to see his email address.’
To her credit, my mum doesn't bat an eyelid. ‘Sorry little guy, it self-destructs on send. If everyone knew where to find him he wouldn't have time to make all those presents, would he?’
Elliott looks thoughtful. ‘But don't his elves make the toys? I thought Santa was just a supervisor.’
My aunt laughs and rolls her eyes. ‘So many questions guys. Just know that christmas and Santa is magic. There's no point questioning it because it can't be explained. Anyway, enough questions about Santa because if I'm not mistaken I can hear bells outside which can only mean one thing.’
We all jump up in excitement. The carollers are here. It's time to crank up the christmas festivities and what better way than a rousing chorus of, Hark the Herald Angel, followed by, Away in a Manger.
We all rush outside and see the horde of carollers wending their way down the path. They are singing as they go and are a splendid sight to behold.
They are all carrying lanterns with burning candles inside. One man has a guitar and their bright bobble hats dance in time to the music.
Granny claps her hands together in delight. ‘Oh, I love a good christmas carol. Come on Major, let's show them how it's done.’
She drags the Major off to stand by the tree and joins in, singing way too high, not caring how embarrassing it is.
The Major joins in with a deep rousing chorus of, Oh Come all Ye Faithful. I watch Dick grab Gina's hand and pull her against him. She looks up at him with adoration and I sigh inside. Lucky bitch. What I wouldn't give for someone to love me as much as he does her.
Liam grabs my hand and pulls me close to him. Leaning down he whispers. ‘Come on, girlfriend, let's get into the party spirit. I bet I can sing louder than you.’
Grinning, I fix him with a determined stare. ‘You do know I'll win, don't you?’
He just laughs and we join in with the singing.
Mum appears holding a tray of mince pies and my father follows with a tray of mulled wine.
We all help ourselves and sing our hearts out while warming our cold hands on the mulled nectar. The two boys sing loudly and out of tune which is the most adorable thing I have ever heard. In fact, the complete opposite of how I feel about Granny's singing. Maybe we did get that cat after all.
As we stand here, I feel happier than I have felt in a long time. Liam keeps on shooting me sexy looks and I imagine a time that we are indeed together. How amazing would that be?
It must be a good twenty minutes into the carol extravaganza when I see my Aunt tense up. I follow her gaze and see her looking at one of the singers in disbelief.
Screwing up my eyes to focus in on him, I look behind the Santa's hat and scarf pulled up high around his mouth. In fact, all I can see are his eyes. What is she looking at?
I look between them as they just stare at each other. I can see tears in my Aunt's eyes and look at Liam in shock. Nudging him, I nod towards my Aunt and he looks as mystified as I am.
As the song ends, my mum steps forwards and claps. ‘Bravo everyone. You all sang beautifully.’
She turns to the twins and smiles mysteriously. ‘Now boys, a little bird told me that you had a special wish this christmas. Do you want to tell the lovely singers what that was?’
Elliott shifts on his feet and looks furtive. Barney shouts, ‘The latest X-Box game. Todd Rivers has it and told me it wasn't available yet. His dad works for the company that makes them and he got one before everyone else. I told him that Santa would bring it if I asked.’
My mum shakes her head, a trifle irritably. ‘No, that wasn't it. What else did you wish for?’
Elliott blurts out. ‘Bubblehead Barbie.’
I look at Liam and we try not to laugh. My mum looks at him in total astonishment and then recovers well.
‘No, there was something else, much more special than that.’
The twins look at each other and then Barney says in a small voice.
‘We wanted our daddy home, but mummy said Santa couldn't work miracles.’
My mum laughs with happy relief. ‘Then prepare to be amazed, because Santa can do anything, even that. He has delivered you your dearest christmas wish. Where are you, Steven? You can come out now.’
We all watch in shock as the man in the scarf whips it off and steps forward. He holds out his arms and with an ear-splitting squeal the two boys launch themselves at their father. My Aunt just stands watching, with tears streaming down her cheeks and I don't think there is a dry eye in the garden.
We watch as the father clings to his two little sons and makes their christmas dreams come true.
Then he pulls back and looks over to his wife. His eyes soften and a lump comes to my throat. He smiles and throws her such a look of love that I feel as if my heart will explode.
‘Hello, Rose.’
Just for a minute she stares at him in shock and then they are running towards each other as if they can't get there quickly enough. His arms reach for her and she jumps into them and they cling together.
Suddenly, two little voices ring out in the frosty air. ‘Do it! Do it! Do it!’
Liam bursts out laughing and I join him, as I look at the startled expressions around me.
Then, their parents give them what they want and the couple kiss each other as if their lives depended on it.
Then the singing starts again and I laugh when I hear, Halleluiah. Liam and I giggle throughout and then my heart lifts as I see my father with his arm around my mother, laughing at something she is saying. Surely there isn't anything wrong. It must just be my over active imagination.
Once the singing has stopped, we fill their buckets with change and they head off into the night, on to the next house. Mum claps her hands and orders everyone inside.
<
br /> ‘Just time for a quick bite to eat before Church. I hope you're all up for midnight Mass tonight.’
As we follow them inside, I take with me a warm feeling inside. This is what it's all about. Being with the people you love and just enjoying the simple things. No presents, no television, and no distractions. Just good old-fashioned christmas spirit and I'm so incredibly glad I came.
Chapter Thirty-Three
As it turns out, not many of us make it to the church. After the twins have hung up their stockings they disappear off for a bath and bed. Auntie Rose and Uncle Steven are staying to babysit, amongst other things and Granny and the Major want a game of Bridge instead.
So, just the six of us pile into Kirrin Cars to make the short journey to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.
I listen to Gina moaning in the back.
‘I could so do without this. I'm absolutely knackered and all I want is my bed. After all, who can be bothered to sit in a cold, damp, church, when a warm and cosy bed beckons.’
Mum shakes her head and says irritably.
‘Stop moaning, George. You know as well as I do that this is the real reason for celebrating Christmas. It's not all about the presents or eating and drinking until you're sick. There is a specific reason for Christmas and we must celebrate it in the correct manner. Anyway, don't you just love the romance of it all? There is something magical about celebrating Christmas surrounded by candles and singing hymns. It really feeds your soul.’
I grin, as Gina sighs heavily.
‘Whatever floats your boat, mum. I notice that gran and the Major managed to dip out. I would have thought they would feel the need to get in a few brownie points with the Almighty more than most.’
I stifle a laugh at my mum's horrified expression.
‘Georgina Anderson, I'm ashamed of you. If anyone needs to pray hard this evening it's you, young lady. Maybe you should just look deep inside yourself for the true meaning of Christmas and curb that sharp tongue of yours.’
Liam nudges me and I look out of the window. Gina can't help it. She's always been the same. Where the rest of us just go with the flow, she questions everything. She has never been one to do things she hates. I kind of admire her in a way. She knows what she wants and doesn't let anything stand in her way and to hell with the consequences. Me on the other hand, well, I just do anything to keep the peace. I don't like to rock the boat and just put up with whatever life throws at me.
