by Lisa Page
They took off their coats and started lining up at the table, waiting for Luke to ladle it into their bowls. Ellie helped by setting out napkins and water bottles at every spot before pulling up a chair next to Cori and Calvin.
She’d wanted to start engaging right away with Calvin, but some of the more outgoing kids at the table-Cori, Jasmine and Isaac, started chatting with her right away. It was obvious that they were glad to have Ellie back so she happily answered their questions as well as asking them a few questions about what they wanted for Christmas and what they thought of Mr. Williams’ soup. After a few minutes of discussion and giggles, they started talking amongst themselves, giving Ellie the chance to focus on Calvin for a few minutes before they started on their music.
Though he was sitting right next to her, Calvin had avoided any eye contact, silently eating his soup. Ellie noticed that his chair was in its normal position, unlike the day before when he had pulled it right up to Cori’s and had almost hid behind her while they ate. She thought that was a good sign.
“Hi Calvin, are you enjoying the soup?”
No answer or eye contact.
“I thought it was pretty tasty and believe me, I’ve had a lot of soup in my day.” She laughed to herself as she realized how old that made her sound. It was something that she might have heard her father say.
She noticed that he was wearing another superhero shirt today, but she wasn’t up on current superheroes and wasn’t sure which one it was.
“Calvin, I really like your shirt! I remember that you wore a shirt with Batman on it yesterday and now you have another superhero but I’m not sure who it is. Do you know his name?”
Again no answer. Not that Ellie had expected one to come.
She thought it was time to try something else. She reached into her bag to get out a storybook that she’d brought and was suddenly cognizant of the fact that the amount of money she spent on her Louis Vuitton handbag could buy a new winter coat for each of the kids in the choir. It made her feel guilty and gave her a lump in her throat but she pushed those thoughts out of her mind as she reached in for the book.
She pulled out a beautifully illustrated children’s book that had pictures to go along with the lyrics to O Holy Night. It had been hers when she was a little girl and probably one of the reasons why it was her favorite Christmas song. She had been worried that any one-sided conversation she’d have with the boy might become awkward as she rambled on and on, as she had a tendency to do, so she remembered how much she’d loved this story and thought she’d read it to him.
“Do you like storybooks?” she asked him with excitement in her voice.
He looked up at her. Eye contact. It was a start.
Cori jumped in, “He loves stories! Can I listen, too?”
“Of course you can,” Ellie answered. “I thought this would be a nice book to bring because it was the song that I sang to you yesterday. “
Ellie began the story and flipped through the pages as she kept an eye on Calvin. It definitely held his interest, she could see him looking at the pictures and he was listening to the story but she wished he would tell her that he liked it, or tell her anything for that matter. How alone he must feel, Ellie thought, with nobody to talk to, not even the people who love him.
When she finished the story, Ellie smiled warmly at Calvin. “Did you like this story? I’ve always loved the beautiful pictures, they’re like little paintings with so much detail.”
She waited for a minute in silence before continuing. “If you like stories, I can bring more. In fact, I have boxes full of books that my mother still has in our basement. I’d like to give them to you, Calvin. I really loved books when I was a little girl and I would love for you and your sister to have them. Books can take you places that you’ve never been before and sometimes the characters in books even seem like real friends.” Oh, dear, Ellie thought, I’m rambling again, aren’t I?
She didn’t have much time with him after the story because Luke called for the kids to clean up the tables and head to the piano for practice. He told Jasmine and Cori that they’d be working on their solos in an adjoining room with Ellie and Calvin followed along as well.
Ellie enjoyed working one on one with each of the girls. Their voices were unique but each of them were talented and Ellie couldn’t believe how much they’d improved after just one session with her. She’d used some tricks and techniques that she’d learned from private lessons through the years as well as from her classes at college.
Calvin didn’t sing, but just sat on a little stool, looking over and over at the picture book that Ellie had read to him. Even though she hadn’t brought him to speak yet, she could tell that he was becoming more comfortable around her. Maybe she’d try again tomorrow…
***
Though her days were filled with shopping with friends, spending time with her family and wrapping presents, the next two afternoons Ellie went back to St. Andrew’s. She couldn’t believe how right Luke was; sharing music with kids was more rewarding than she realized. She also realized something about herself. Though her parents loved her very much and gave her every material thing she’d ever wanted, there was something that they had denied her and that was the chance to serve others.
She had spent her life being the one served, her and her sister put on pedestals by their parents. She never saw poverty first hand, never helped out in a soup kitchen or homeless shelter. Though her parents were adamant about donating large sums of money to various charities, Ellie never got to experience firsthand where that money went to, never met the people that it helped. Her volunteer experiences had been limited to charity fundraisers at expensive country clubs. She wished she would have learned at an earlier age how rewarding it was to serve others, especially children.
Finally December 23 had arrived; the last day of practice before their big concert. The practice went great, they were as ready as they’d ever be. The group as a whole sounded beautiful, the soloists were prepared and Ellie even practiced her song a couple of times. She’d noticed that her voice was feeling a little bit strained so she made a mental note to do a tea, honey and lemon treatment when she got home.
After the kids got their coats on and were ready to go, they turned off the lights of the church basement and headed out into the parking lot. As they walked to the edge of the lot, Ellie started to think about how fast the week had gone and how she’d really looked forward to the practices every night. It was hard to believe that Christmas Eve would be there tomorrow and then it would be over. For her, anyways. Not for Luke, though. After break was over, he’d go back to days teaching at the high school and twice a week practices to prepare their new music, bring more soup and sandwich suppers, help with homework and more importantly, help them through the struggles of life.
The night was beautiful and mild with the absence of the bitter winter wind. It would have been a perfect night for an ice skating or sledding party, Ellie thought to herself. She wondered if any of the Lincoln Terrace kids had been ice skating before.
Before making sure they got across the street safely, Luke stopped the kids to remind them to arrive a bit early the next day as they’d be sitting together in the front of the church. Then he added, “I’m so proud of all of you and can’t wait for you to make your families and the congregation of St. Andrew’s proud of you as well. Look up in the sky, can you see the stars?”
They all looked up together at the night sky that was dotted with an endless sea of twinkling stars. Their mouths opened in amazement as if they had just noticed it for the first time.
“Those stars might be shining bright tonight, but tomorrow, you’ll be the ones shining; the stars of the night. And Ellie, thank you so much for your help this week, you and the kids are going to blow them away tomorrow. “
“Thank you, Miss Ellie!” The kids called out to her before crossing the street to head home for the night, leaving Ellie and Luke alone once again.
He turned to face her, his
back to the street, and he took her hands in his. “So, Miss Ellie, be honest with me. Do you still think that kids are annoying?”
Ellie laughed, feeling euphoric with a mixture of excitement for the kids and the fact that her hands were in his. His touch felt good and she was glad that she hadn’t put her gloves on yet.
“I know I told you that I’d take you to dinner after Christmas, but honestly, I don’t think I can wait that long to spend time alone with you. Do you have plans for tonight?”
Before Ellie even had time to say yes, she was distracted by a vision behind Luke. It was Calvin, leaving the group and heading back towards the street. She caught a glimpse of something in the street and realized it was the picture book she’d given him. He must have dropped it and was going back for it. He didn’t tell the others he was going and was by himself, heading straight for the book.
He wasn’t looking for cars because if he would have been, he would have seen the big red truck speeding towards him. But Ellie saw it. She was seized with terror and felt her heart stop. Calvin was going to be hit. She didn’t have time to reach him but had to get his attention.
“CALVIN, STOP!” Ellie screamed as loud as she could, her voice raw with fear. She felt like she was watching the sickening scene unfold in slow motion. Calvin had heard her piercing scream for him and as he looked up he saw the lights from the truck shine on his face. Ellie sensed Luke turning to run for him but she knew he wouldn’t get there on time.
Right as the truck was upon him, Calvin was jerked backwards onto the curb, as if by an invisible force. The truck swerved and honked at him as it sped by. After it had passed, Ellie could see that it hadn’t been an invisible force. It was Cori, who had also heard Ellie’s scream, and like a flash of lightning, jumped back to Calvin and was able to grab onto the hood of his jacket and pull him out of harm’s way.
Luke and Ellie ran to them to make sure Calvin was ok. Luckily, he hadn’t been hurt, but Ellie could tell he was scared by his wide eyes and shaking hands. She hugged him tightly and whispered, “Thank God you’re ok!” She realized that she was shaking, too. And she’d severely strained her vocal chords when she had screamed. Even whispering was excruciating on her raw throat. Calvin reached out his hand and pointed to the book still in the road. Luke walked over, looking both ways before he picked it up and handed it to Calvin.
“So this is what you were after.” Luke said. Then, turning to Cori, he added, “That was some fast thinking on your part. You really saved the day.”
“I wouldn’t have even noticed him if I hadn’t heard Miss Ellie yelling his name. She’s the one who saved the day.”
The other kids were standing around, stunned, looking at Calvin. Luke walked over and picked him up out of Ellie’s arms to carry him home. “He’s going to be ok, it was just a scare. Let this be a reminder to everyone to always, ALWAYS, look both ways before stepping out onto that street. We were very lucky this time, it was a close call.”
When they got to Cori and Calvin’s home, Cori opened the door with her key. Their aunt was still at work. Luke and Ellie made sure that they were settled before they left. They set out to walk back to the church parking lot together when Luke addressed Ellie. “You’ve been pretty quiet, are you ok?”
She couldn’t hold it in any more. She hadn’t wanted to upset the kids, but she wasn’t able to speak. Her eyes filled with tears as she looked helplessly into Luke’s eyes. He looked sympathetically at her and reached out to put his hand on her arm.
“Oh no, Ellie. Does it hurt when you try to talk?”
She nodded at him and blinked back the tears.
“You must have strained your voice when you yelled to get Calvin’s attention. It’ll be ok. Let’s take you to get some tea, would you like that? Wait, don’t answer, just nod.”
She smiled and nodded.
***
Sitting together once again at the Sit-n-Sip, Luke bought Ellie her tea with honey and lemon. She thought she must have looked a wreck with her tear-stained eyes. She had cried on the way there and could feel mascara runs on her cheeks.
“Don’t worry, you’ll be ok. I’ve strained my vocal chords many times, it comes with the territory. It’ll heal soon.” He saw her eyes tear up again and added, “Is it really bad? Do you think you should see a doctor?”
She shook her head no and tried to say something but the words stuck in her throat like knives trying to carve their way out. She put her hand quickly to her throat.
Luke reached out and grabbed her hand. “I know it’s hard but don’t even try to talk.” Then he looked around before adding, “Wait, I have an idea.”
He walked up to the counter and started talking with the girl working behind it. Ellie couldn’t hear exactly what he was saying but the girl nodded and walked over to the register while he turned to Ellie and gave her a thumbs up sign. The girl came back and handed him a notebook and a pen.
When she saw what his idea was she smiled and gave him a thumbs up sign back. He set the notebook and pen down in front of her and said, “This is how you’re going to talk to me. I don’t want you to be even tempted to try to use your voice, it’s not worth it. Now, write down what you were trying to say to me.”
She took the pen, opened the notebook to the first page, scribbled a message and then handed it back to him.
Luke read the message she’d written. “I don’t need to see a doctor, I know I’ll heal, but I’m sad that I won’t be able to sing for the Christmas program tomorrow. Sad face.”
Then he looked up at her, “That’s what you’re sad about? Don’t worry about that, it’s not a problem at all.”
She grabbed the pen and scribbled another message.
“I don’t want to let the kids down,” he read.
“Oh, Ellie, you’re not letting anybody down. Your voice saved Calvin’s life. Don’t worry about it. Join us at the service tomorrow night; the kids will be thrilled just to have you there. Let them sing for you. Ok?”
It didn’t really feel ok to Ellie but she wasn’t sure exactly how to explain it to him. She nodded and felt a hot tear drop on her cheek. He reached out and gently touched it. “Did anyone ever tell you how adorable you are when you cry? Usually crying is pretty unflattering, I mean, usually faces get red and puffy and everything. But not you. Everything you do is adorable, Ellie.”
She wrote another message and then held up the notebook.
“You are just saying that to make me feel good.” Luke laughed. “Is it working?”
They sat there awhile longer while Ellie finished her tea. Luke told her some stories about his Broadway days. He made her laugh, even if it hurt a little bit and by the time they left she was feeling better. He walked her to her car and before she got in, he stopped her, turning her around to face him.
He lifted her chin in his hands and leaned down to kiss her. She hadn’t been expecting it and was taken off guard at first, but soon it felt like the most natural thing in the world, like they’d kissed each other a hundred times before. Their lips fit together perfectly. She didn’t want the kiss to end.
But finally, he pulled away and looked at her. “I’m so glad I ran into you again and that we’ve gotten to know each other better. It’s going to be hard to see you leave again after break is over.”
She just shook her head no and put her finger on his lips. And then she kissed him again.
***
The following night, Christmas Eve, Ellie’s voice had showed no improvement. It was sore even when she wasn’t trying to speak. She left a few minutes early to the St. Andrew’s Christmas Eve service to make sure that she could find a good seat. She brought her parents along, too. After hearing the stories she’d been sharing with them about all the kids, they were excited to hear the choir sing.
She saw Luke waiting for the children in the front of the church and looked at her. She felt her body getting warm as she remembered their kiss the night before, under the winter’s night stars.
“I
s that Luke?” her mother asked, as if reading her mind, startling her. Ellie nodded and her mother waved at Luke. “Oh, Eleanore, he is a very attractive young man.”
The old church was beautiful all lit up for the service. On the altar were tall Christmas trees decorated with handmade ornaments and little gold crosses. The scent of pine and incense lingered in the air, filling the church.
More people began to arrive and Ellie watched as one by one the choir kids made their way to the front row to sit next to Luke. They were dressed up compared to how she’d usually see them, and even though they may have been wearing hand me downs, they looked so proud and glowing with Christmas spirit, it filled Ellie’s heart with joy to look at them.
The service got underway with a prayer. Then the kids took to the risers and sang their first song, Away in a Manger. They did a great job and Ellie caught the eyes of a few of them. She hoped that they knew how proud she was. Her mom leaned over and pointed to a little boy on the end of a row.
“That must be Calvin?” she whispered to Ellie, who nodded in response.
The service was wonderful and the kids did a great job with each of their songs. The solo parts sung by Jasmine and Cori were breathtaking. Even though she couldn’t speak, Ellie made sure that she clapped the loudest.
Just when she thought it was the end of the service, she was surprised to see Luke walk up to a microphone set up in front of the altar. Ellie thought that maybe he was going to say a few words and thank the choir kids, their families and the St. Andrew’s congregation and he did just that, but she got the feeling that something was up, something she wasn’t quite sure about. While Luke was talking she saw Max and Jasmine burst into a fit of giggles and Cori was looking at her and smiling like the cat who ate the canary.
As he concluded his speech, Luke looked right at Ellie and said, “and now, we have one last song, dedicated to someone very special to us, Ellie Morgan. She’s a talented singer who gave us a hand at our practices this week and had planned to sing a solo tonight but unfortunately, she has laryngitis so she won’t be able to. We know this song is special to her and we hope we can do it justice.”
