A Girl Named Christmas

by Kimberlee R. Mendoza

  A Girl Named Christmas

  A Girl Named Christmas

  Chapter Three

  Chris helped set the table in a daze. She didn’t know why, but she felt sick. Her stomached turned at the thought of eating chicken casserole, her favorite food.

  “Are you alright, dear?” her mother asked.

  “Huh?” Chris glanced up. “Oh, yes. Fine.”

  “I just asked you if you could get some vegetables from Pete.”

  Amy slammed down the breadbasket on the table. “I’ll get the vegetables.”

  “No dear, I asked Chris.”

  Amy’s lip protruded out. “Why can’t I go?”

  “Because my dear, sweet Amy, I don’t trust you.” She patted her arm, then reached to fold another napkin.

  Amy raised an eyebrow. “Why not?”

  Her mother tugged on the leaf of the table and connected the sides. “Because Pete has an adorable son.”

  “Oh, that.” Amy diverted her eyes, smiling. “I hadn’t noticed.”

  Chris dropped the napkins on the end of the table and went toward the door.

  “Wear a coat. It’s getting colder,” her mom said.

  Chris grabbed her father’s old Pea Coat and pushed the screen door open. The night air nipped at her skin. She wrapped in the jacket and bundled it close. The moon hung high in the night, lighting her walk across the yard to the gardener’s shed. The Blevins’ property wasn’t that big and they weren’t exactly rich, but their dad had hired Pete as a gift to their mother. He was to maintain her rose garden and surround her with beauty. At least, that’s how she explained it. He also produced all their vegetables.

  “Hello, Pete?” Chris peeked around the metal door. The light was on, but the shed was empty. “Hmm?”

  “He went to the store.”

  Chris spun around. “You scared me.”

  “Sorry.” Elijah stepped out of the shadows and smiled.

  She shifted uncomfortably. “Um, do you know when he’ll be back?”

  He leaned a hoe against the door and stepped into the lighted doorway. His hand grazed her wrist and she flinched. He must have noticed, because he gazed at her. “Sorry, didn’t mean to bump you.”

  “No, problem. Um, do you think you could help us get some vegetables for dinner?”

  He nodded. “Yeah, my dad already pulled some carrots and peas this afternoon. Give me a second and I’ll grab them.” He disappeared into the darkness of the garden.

  Chris stepped inside the shed. It was a bit warmer. She glanced around the tight space. A few pictures were taped to the side of the wall. One of them must have been Elijah as a kid fishing with his dad. His broad smile and blue eyes undeniable.

  “We caught an amazing fish that day,” he said, entering with a small wooden box.

  “Oh.” She looked to the box and reached for it.

  He pulled back. “No, I’ll carry it for you.”

  She nodded, stepped past him through the opening and up the stairs that led into the house. He trailed her into the kitchen. “Where would you like them?”

  Her mother wiped her hands on a dishtowel and nodded to the countertop. “There would be lovely. Thank you.”

  He set them down, then wiped his pants and looked to each eye in the room. Amy and Barbara were giddy. He nodded and backed out. “Night then.”

  “Good night, Mr. Thompson.”

  Amy hopped up on a stool after he had left and grabbed for the carrots. “I’ll skin them.”

  Her mother raised an eyebrow. “Since when do you want to help?”

  “They’re filled with his cooties.” Smiling, Amy reached in the box and pulled a bouquet of carrots to her chest. “And I intend on collecting them all.”

  Her mother snatched the carrots and tossed them in the box. “Go wash your hands and stop your nonsense now.”

  Her smile turned to a pout. “Yes, Mother.”

  Chris watched her sister leave, none to soon. She didn’t want to think about Elijah any more. He made her feel uneasy. It distracted her. She sighed and reached for the carrots. “How do you want them prepared?”

  A Girl Named Christmas

  A Girl Named Christmas

  Chapter Four

  Chris sat on the couch surrounded by books. She had a test on Friday in American Literature and she intended on getting a perfect score. After a few squabbles, and useless bantering, her sisters finally left her in peace. She opened her book and read, “ The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is a coming of age story not so much about a young boy, but about the United States and its attitude towards...” A knock at the door crashed against her tunnel vision. Why can’t they just leave me be? “Who is it?”

  The screen opened and Elijah peeked around the door. “Hello.”

  Heat ran down her back. She forced a wobbly smile. “Hi.”

  He stepped around the door and stuffed his hands in his back pockets. “Do you think I could get a drink of water?”

  She eyed him. He did look thirsty. He wore a flannel shirt and jeans, both which were splotched with dirt. His firm jaw was soiled and his hairline wet with perspiration.

  “Can’t you use the hose?” Her mouth spoke out of turn. She heard herself say it; she just couldn’t believe she was so rude. How could she take it back?

  He furrowed his eyebrows. “Um, it’s pumped into the sprinklers right now.”

  She pushed the large book off her lap onto the couch and stood. “Fine, I’ll be right back.” Her eyes grazed his boots. They were clumped with soil from the garden. “Stay here. I can see you’re covered in mud and my mom will be angry if you go tracking that in here.”

  Elijah nodded and scooted back towards the door.

  Chris hurried from the room, chiding herself. Why am I being mean? It wasn’t in her to talk to people that way. Not even boys. She reached in the cupboard and withdrew a glass. Her hand shook slightly as she filled it from the tap. She squeezed her eyes shut, breathed deeply and walked to the door. Before walking back in the room, she snuck a peek at him. Elijah swayed from foot to foot, glancing around the room. What’s he looking for? She watched him for a second longer. She’d never really considered much about the way a boy looked before but this one was cute. She mentally slapped herself. Cute, please. He’s just a boy. She glanced down at her dad’s button-down shirt and suddenly felt subconscious about her appearance. It was a far cry from the pink poodle skirt and ruffled shirt Amy wore this morning. Pulling the flannel sleeve into her free hand, she entered with the water.

  He glanced up at her approach. “Thank you.” He took the glass and brought it to his lips.

  “You’re welcome.”

  He guzzled it down, then glanced around the room again. “Where are your sisters?”

  Aw, so you’re looking for them. Of course. Frills and curls. Well, you’re stuck with me. Sorry to disappoint you. “They went to the store with my mother.”

  He peered over the edge of his glass, then lowered it. “And you didn’t go?”

  “I have a test tomorrow.” Her eyes flew to her books. “I need to study.” She really did. And you should go.

  “Maybe I can help. What subject are you studying?”

  Her heart flipped in her chest. She swallowed. “Um, I don’t think that would be such a good idea.”

  He stepped forward. “Why not?”

  She mimicked his move backward. “Well, you’re a boy and…”

  “And that’s a problem?” The amused grin on his face did little to settle her nerves. She grabbed the hem of her shirt and backed up again. “Look, you’re a nice boy and I’m sure a great gardener, but I’m not really interested in liking anyone that way.”

  A slow grin spread across his face. “And what way is that?”

  A rush of heat invaded her face and her heart raced. “Maybe you should finish your water and go.”

  Elijah downed what was left of his drink and said, “For the record, I like you .”

  Her eyes shot to his. “You ca
n’t.”

  He tilted his head to the side. “I can’t like you?”

  “Are you finished with your water?”

  He held out the glass. His eyes lingered on hers as she took it from him. “You didn’t answer me. Why can’t I like you?”

  “I’m not really the dating type.” She stared at the floor, willing him to leave. “Besides, my mom doesn’t let us date.”

  He didn’t speak, just stared.

  Panicked, she blurted out, “Amy likes you.”

  He lifted an eyebrow. “I can respect that, but it’s too late. I like you.” He pushed on the screen door and winked. “Thanks for the water.”

  She watched him cross into the garden shed. Her mouth lay open, and her emotions angry at her heart for betraying her mind. She wasn’t sure how long she stood there staring at the shed.

  Marty opened the door and Chris blinked. “What are you doing?”

  Amy skipped past her.

  “Elijah wanted a glass of water,” Chris said, looking at the glass in her hand.

  Amy flipped around and huffed. “What? No way.” Her lower lip pushed out. “I should have been here.”

  Marty pulled off her coat and hung it on a hook by the door. “You better stop talking that way Amy. You know you’re not allowed to like him. Or any boy for that matter.”

  Amy stuck out her tongue and flopped to the couch. “You’re not Mom. Stop trying to act like her.”

  Chris set the glass on the table, crossed to the couch, piled her books in her arms and walked to the stairs. “I’m going to go study. Good night.” She opened the door to her room and sat against her headboard. Amy’s bed sat feet away covered in pink lace and dolls. The décor clashed with the brown and navy plaid Chris has chosen for her bedding. She dropped her books on the floor and sighed. It was only half-an-hour until Amy would be expected to return to her room for the night. Chris didn’t have much time to study. He made me miss my window . She pictured him staring at her with those blue eyes, his firm jaw smiling in a coy way, suggesting something she couldn’t comprehend. He likes me? What does that even mean?

  She laid back and stared at the vaulted wood ceiling. Playing with boys was much easier. She didn’t think about them much when she tossed them a ball. Elijah made her feel funny. As much as she begged him to go, she wanted him to come again.

  ****

  “Please, Mom. Don’t say, ‘no.’” Barbara yelled from the pantry. “It’s not a big deal. Promise.”

  Chris treaded lightly to the cabinet and pulled out a box of Corn Flakes. Her movement didn’t go undetected by her mother. She scowled at Chris, then looked back at Barbara. “I told you to wait, didn’t I?”

  Barbara’s eyes and nose were red like she’d been crying. “What if I just go with some friends? May I go then?”

  Her mom crossed her arms and let out a dramatic sigh. “I’ll think about it. But if you bug me again, my answer will be unchangeably no. Do I make myself clear, young lady?”

  Barbara nodded and stepped out of the food closet to the counter next to Chris. “Can I get a bowl full?”

  Chris swallowed her bite and slid the box across to her.

  “I’ve got to get to work,” their mom said, tying her hat on.

  “It’s Saturday. I thought we were going to the fair,” Barbara said, with a slight whine to her voice.

  “I need the extra hours.” Their mom grabbed the keys from inside a kitchen drawer. “Chris, go find your sister, Amy. I don’t want her hanging around that gardener boy.”

  “Yes, Mom.”

  She kissed her cheek, then Barbara’s and left out the back door.

  Chris studied her sister, Barbara. Her glasses lay flogged in front of her. The tip of her nose was still red and her eyes bloodshot and puffy. Her expression somber.

  “You really like him, don’t you?”

  Barbara glanced up slowly without a word and nodded. Fresh tears spilled down her face and into her bowl.

  Though Chris couldn’t fully comprehend her dilemma, she hated to see her sister hurt. She hugged her shoulders. “I’m sorry.”

  ****

  Later that afternoon, Chris walked out onto the patio with a book under arm and breathed in the cool fall air. Winter was close. A dry leaf drifted by and landed against the railing. She hugged her coat around her and walked around the two-story wood cottage to the swing in back. She wouldn’t be able to enjoy the outdoors much longer. Soon she’d be holed up with her strident family trying to locate some peace and quiet.

  She opened her book and began to read. Lifting her feet, she kicked off the ground and allowed the chair to swing beneath her.

  Amy skipped around the corner. “Hi, Elijah.”

  Chris glanced up, startled.

  Elijah sat a few feet away on the ground munching on a sandwich.

  When did he get there?

  Amy sat on the grass next to him and offered him a glass of lemonade. “Thought you might be thirsty.”

  He took the glass and grinned. “Thanks, Amy.”

  “What are you doing after lunch?” she asked.

  Elijah swallowed and turned the glass into the dirt. “My dad wants me to help him pick tomatoes.”

  “Ooh, I love tomatoes. Can I help?”

  He eyed her yellow skirt and white shirt. “You’re hardly dressed for tomato picking.” He glanced over at Chris and winked. “Maybe if you were dressed like her.”

  Amy grimaced at Chris’ oversized t-shirt and jeans. “Why would I want to dress like a boy?”

  Chris pulled her book higher over her face.

  “Amy, come in now,” came Marty’s voice from the other side of the screen. “Mom’s on the phone and wants to talk to you.”

  “Do I have to?” She whined.

  “Yes!”

  Amy frowned, then let out an exaggerated sigh and jumped to her feet. “Bye, Elijah.”

  “Bye,” he said.

  Chris heard Amy’s complaining as she reached the door. “Why doesn’t Chris have to come in?”

  “Because she’s more interested in her book than the gardener’s son.”

  The screen banged shut.

  “Is that true?” Elijah asked, while crumpling his bag.

  Chris lowered her book and met his gaze. “I’m sorry. Is what true?”

  He rose off the ground and walked next to her. “That you like books more than boys?”

  “You shouldn’t be eavesdropping on my family.”

  He crossed his arms and leaned against the tree with that sly smile plastered across his face. “Don’t avoid the question.”

  She pushed her bookmark between the pages and set her book in her lap. “I thought I made it abundantly clear yesterday that I’m not interested in having a boyfriend.”

  Elijah scratched at the bark on the tree. “That’s too bad.”

  “You should be working. I don’t think your dad would want you wasting your time talking to me.”

  He tossed a loose piece of bark on the ground and moved next her on the swing. “I don’t find being with you a waste of time. I like you.”

  Adrenaline pumped through her veins. “Please stop saying that.”

  “Why? The Lord tells us to speak truth in love.”

  She lifted her book high in the air. “Well, I’m trying to read.”

  He leaned over and kissed her cheek. Goosebumps lined her arms.

  She jumped up and slapped him. “How dare you! I’m not just some girl you can kiss!”

  He stared down at his hands. “You’re right. You’re not just some girl.” He stood and retrieved his lunch sack from the ground. “You’re a beautiful woman and I’m sorry if I offended you.” Elijah walked away.

  Chris sat; numb, unable to process her emotions. She hated to admit it. I like him, too .

  A Girl Named Christmas

  A Girl Named Christmas

  Chapter Five

  Barbara and Chris circled the dining room table, smoothing out the crème tablecloth. The
smell of freshly roasted turkey, melted butter, and homemade French loaf bread wafted through air. Everyone had been up since dawn cooking the Thanksgiving meal. Well, everyone but Chris. She usually helped out, but had accidentally overslept this morning. Setting the table was about as good as she could do at this point.

  “Is that the only tablecloth you two could find?” Marty asked, entering with silverware.

  Barbara shrugged. “Yep.”

  Marty shook her head. “That’s not the one Mom uses. You better go find the other one.”

  “We couldn’t find it. This one is already laid on.”

  Marty set the silverware on the hutch by the wall and waved at the table. “Go ahead and take it off. I think I know where the other one is.” She walked down the hall and out of sight.

  “What’s the big deal anyway?” Barbara said, pulling the cover back off. “It’s just dinner.”

  “The Reverend is coming today,” Chris said. “Mom wants to make an impression.”

  Barbara rolled her eyes and folded the cloth into a small square. “I should have known.”

  Marty carried in the white linen and placed it on the table. “You should have known what?”

  “That mom is a widow trying to impress a widower.” Barbara smiled and dropped the rejected tablecloth to the floor.

  Marty fanned open the white tablecloth, then reached for the one on the floor. “Your imagination is running away with you again. Mom isn’t interested in him like that.”

  “If you say so.” Barbara and Chris both took the ends of the tablecloth and flipped it in the air. It floated down and settled in place. “But I say Mom is interested.”

  At that moment, their mom entered with a bowl of mashed potatoes. “Whom am I interested in?”

  Marty walked around the table arranging forks and knives at each place. “Barb thinks you have a crush on the Reverend.”

  Barbara gasped. “Marty! I was just wondering…”

  Their mother wasn’t deterred. “I’m simply showing Christian love and offering our pastor a free dinner. It isn’t right for anyone to eat alone on a family holiday.”