Barbara walked out of Chris’s line of sight. “Mama, I’m not interested in college. I want to be a housewife.”
Silence. Then a faint sound of crying.
“Mom, please don’t cry.”
“You sound like I did once.” She sniffed. “Barbara, you don’t want to end up like me.”
Chris never understood her sister in the past and her insanity of chasing boys. But the realization that her sister could actually love Tom touched her heart.
“What is so bad about your life? I love it. Don’t you?”
Her mother blew her nose. “Yes, yes. I love you girls more than anything and when your Dad was still here, it was good. But it’s a hard life. I’m only trying to protect you.”
“I know, Mom. I know.”
There was silence again and Chris assumed they were hugging.
“Well…” Their mother’s voice sounded more relaxed. “Please tell me the word love didn’t escape your lips.”
“I’m afraid so, Mom.”
She sighed. “I need to lie down.”
They laughed. Chris and Marty backed up the stairs and into Chris’s room. “Wow! Barbara’s engaged.” Chris giggled. “ And Mom didn’t kill her.”
Marty shook her head, a stunned expression on her face. “I know.”
Chris squeezed her shoulder and smiled. “Then maybe there is hope for all of us.”
A Girl Named Christmas
A Girl Named Christmas
Chapter Seven
Elijah started to talk, but Chris shooshed him. “If Mom knows you’re in here, she’ll skin me alive.”
He looked left, then right. “Then why am I in here?”
“Because,” she whispered, “I can’t lift this thing without your help.” She pointed to the three-level bookshelf at the end of her bed. “Now, help me out.”
He squatted at one end and readied himself to lift. “Why don’t you just tell your Mom that?”
She shook her head and stuck her fingers at the bottom of the shelf. “She doesn’t trust me now-a-days. She’s got me lumped with my other sisters.”
“And I assume I’m to blame?”
She met his eyes and smiled. “Just lift.”
He grinned and heaved his side. It was a bit heaver than she thought and she almost toppled backward.
“You okay?” he asked.
“Fine.”
They backed down the stairs and out to the covered porch behind the kitchen. The room smelt of turpentine and lacquer. She set her end down in the middle of the room and he followed suit. Chris slapped her hands together and grinned. “Thank you, sir.”
He stared at the shelves. “Tell me again why we brought all this stuff down here.”
“I’m tired of brown.” She reached down and grabbed a piece of sandpaper. “I saw some pretty white furniture the other day. I want that and since all it takes is a little elbow grease and paint, why not?”
He smiled his beautiful coy smile.
She was getting used to seeing that look. Though it might look condescending to some, to her, it was a look of endearment. “Want to help?”
He glanced out the screened window into the yard. The snow still hung heavy in some spots, but the dirt was beginning to show. “My dad isn’t working today, so I guess that would be okay.”
“Is he running the Christmas tree farm again this year?”
He nodded. “Yeah. It gives him some income during the winter when there are no gardens to hoe.”
“So, you’ll help me?”
He frowned. “I guess if I have too.”
She tossed a piece of sandpaper at him. “Come on. It’ll be fun.” The furniture refurbishing was just an excuse. Chris would be fine with wood-colored furniture for the rest of her life but any reason to have Elijah stay was okay with her. He’d come by with excuses of his own many times. Her favorite was when he needed to borrow a patch of dirt, so his dad would know what fertilizer to buy in the spring. Elijah didn’t know it, but Chris had helped his dad plant many times before. The man always bought the same brand. But she didn’t care. She was glad to play along.
“So, how’s your dad feeling?”
Elijah glanced up from the corner he was sanding. “Better. He’ll probably be up here Wednesday to prepare the rest of the property for the heavy snows. After that, he can rest.”
She frowned into the bottom shelf. “I guess you won’t be around as much then, huh?”
He lifted an eyebrow. “Why are you going to miss me?”
Adrenaline shot through her heart. “Well, it’s good to have someone to talk to.”
He laid his paper down and slid backwards to face her. “With a family full of girls, you don’t have anyone to talk to?”
She concentrated on the grain of the wood. “It’s not the same. All they talk about is boys.”
“Do you talk about me?”
Her head shot up. “No!”
He laughed. “Admit it, Chris. You’ve finally fallen for me.”
Her stomach lurched. What can I say? Not the truth. Surely not that. Slowly, she allowed her eyes to meet his. A strong desire to kiss him lingered in her mind but a different emotion came out of her lips. “I thought we were past this, Elijah. We’re friends, remember? Isn’t that good enough?”
He glanced down at her hand that rested on the Astroturf. He cupped his hand over hers and said seriously, “I don’t think it is.”
Her pulse pounded in her neck. She couldn’t swallow. Any second her mom could come through the door. Mom. She inched back. “I’m sorry, Elijah. It has to be.”
A Girl Named Christmas
A Girl Named Christmas
Chapter Eight
Amy soared around the room with tinsel in her hand. Barbara and Chris sat on the couch stringing popcorn, making small talk. Marty and their mom unpacked decorations from several old trunks.
“I just love this time of year,” Amy said. “Decorating the tree, baking cookies, eating candy canes and popcorn.” She reached out and grabbed a handful of popcorn from the bowl and let it drop in her mouth.
Barbara smacked at her hand. “Amy! Stop eating the decorations.”
She giggled and spun away, munching on her prize.
Marty lined a bunch of their childhood decorations along the table. Chris picked them up one by one remembering each one. An old candy cane she had painted—it was her favorite. Her eye fell on a hand-size silver cross. “I don’t remember this.”
Her mom glanced over the trunk lid. “Oh, the Thompson’s gave us that as a Christmas gift.”
Chris admired the ornament. It was flat, but carved with intricate detail. A rose lay the full length of the cross and the year was carved in the foot.
“What’s wrong with you?” Barbara asked.
Chris peered up. “Nothing. Why?”
Barbara stared at her with furrowed eyebrows. “You haven’t stopped smiling since we sat down. It’s creeping me out.”
She touched her cheeks. They were indeed taut. Had she been smiling all morning? Maybe she had which made her smile more. “I don’t know. Can’t I be happy?”
Amy stopped tossing tinsel and glanced at her. “You’re not happy. You’re giddy.”
Think quick. “Maybe it is because it’s almost my birthday.”
That didn’t do it. Everyone knew the truth. “You’ve always hated your birthday,” Marty said, stepping around a box on the floor. “What else is going on, Chris?”
Next her mom looked up. Great, now I’ve made a spectacle of myself. “She only hates her birthday, because she has to share it with everyone else. When you were real young, we used to celebrate it in January.”
Marty nodded. “I remember that.”
Barbara cocked her head to the side. “I don’t.”
Her mother swiped at the air. “You were young.”
“Maybe we should skip Christmas some year and celebrate her birthday instead,” Amy said.
All eyes shifted thankfully off Chris’s
smile and onto Amy.
“That’s the most unselfish thing I’ve ever heard you say,” Marty said. “Well done.”
Amy smiled and lifted her chin in the air. “I’m maturing.”
They all laughed. Chris was grateful for that, too. She didn’t want to explain herself. Couldn’t explain that the thought of Elijah touching her hand gave her goosebumps all over again. That the admittance he liked her warmed her heart. Even if she didn’t say she liked him too, she knew he knew. It was an unsaid secret. Chris sighed, then realized all eyes were on her again. “Thank you, Amy. That’s very sweet. So, are we ready to decorate?”
Her mom pursed her lips and glared at the bare corner. “Well, we’re ready except for the most important ingredient.”
Her daughters followed her gaze.
Barbara tossed the popcorn string on the coffee table and sighed. “When is Reverend David getting here with the tree anyway?”
Their mom checked the grandfather clock on the far wall. “He should be here anytime.”
Amy rolled her eyes. “The Reverend. Figures.”
Her mom’s hands slid to hips. “What do you mean by that?”
“I may be young, Mom, but I’m not stupid.”
Her eyes narrowed. “It’s a good thing I’m in a descent mood, young lady, or that comment might deserve some attention.”
Barbara and Chris laughed nervously. Amy didn’t seem phased. “Admit it. You like him, Mom.”
“Well, I don’t not like him.”
Amy jumped up and threw her arms around her mom’s neck. “ How romantic .”
She untangled from Amy’s arms and stepped back. “Don’t be ridiculous. He’s very charming and we have a good time together, but…” Her face turned somber. “His wife just died a little over a year ago. He’s not ready to jump into another relationship and I respect that.” Her eyes bore into Amy’s. “I expect you to do the same.”
The gaiety of the season must have gone to Amy’s brain, because she still was undeterred. “Well, he better not wait forever. You’re quite the catch!”
A laugh burst from her mom’s mouth.
Barbara and Chris exchanged looks, then joined in laughing with the rest of them.
A sudden knock at the door stopped them.
Marty went to the door, trying to curtail her laughter. “I’ll get it.”
David entered and smiled. “Merry Christmas, everybody. Did somebody order a tree?”
Amy squealed. “Yes, please bring it in.”
He tugged on the trunk until the top came through the door. A cool breeze followed his entrance and the smell of fresh pine wafted through the air. He stood the Douglas fir in the red and green holder and clipped it in place. One snip of the rope and the branches spanned out to the sides.
All of them stood in awe staring at the tall tree. The top brushed the ceiling and the branches hung out ready to be decorated.
“This is a lovely tree, David,” Mother said. “Were you able to bring it by yourself?”
He collected the string from the floor and stood. “No, the young Thompson boy was working at the lot. He helped me get a good deal, then assisted me in bringing it home.”
Chris’s heart fluttered. She drifted back through her family, while everyone seemed to be focused on the tree. Without making a noise, she opened the door and walked outside. Elijah leaned against the truck warming his hands with his breath. “Hi.” He smiled.
“Hi.” Instantly the chill of the winter night burned her cheeks and arms. She’d forgotten a coat.
“Aren’t you cold?”
She rubbed at her arms. “Yeah, but if I go back in, I might not get the chance to come back out.”
He took off his jacket and handed it to her. “Here.”
“You’ll be cold.”
Elijah shook his head. “I’ve got two layers, plus gloves and a hat. You’re only wearing a shirt. Take it.”
She smiled, took his coat and pulled it on. The warm down swallowed her up and smelt of aftershave. “So, you were working at the tree lot?”
“Yeah, to earn a little Christmas money.” He reached in the truck and pulled out a small present. “I got you something.”
Her eyes went wide. “Really? But I didn’t…”
He shook his head. “No, think of it as a birthday present, not a Christmas gift.”
Her hands shook as she worked to unwrap it with frozen fingers. Inside laid a blue velvet box. She glanced up at him and he smiled. Cracking open the lid, she gasped. A silver band with a tiny heart shaped diamond lay against white satin. “I don’t…I’m not sure…what …?”
“It’s a promise ring.” He took her cold hands in his and pulled them to his chest. “I love you, Christmas. I know you’re scared to admit it, but I know you have feelings for me, too.”
She melted against his chest. Part of her wanted to run, the other part wanted to never leave his arms. “Elijah, I…”
He touched his finger to her lips. “I know you can’t be in a real relationship with me right now, and that’s okay.” He took a deep breath and said, “I’m leaving for the Air Force in a few months.”
What? Her chest heaved. “The Air Force?”
“I’ll be gone a year, but when I return, I promise to replace that ring for a bigger one.”
Her eyes welled with tears. Excitement, fear, sadness and joy—all mixed together in her heart. She pushed to say the words she felt for sometime. “Elijah, I love you. And I’ll wait.”
He leaned down and brushed her lips with hers. Every part of her body sensed that kiss. She breathed, stepped back, dizzy, slowly opening her eyes. He smiled at her.
“Well, I’d better go inside. They’re decorating the tree.”
He nodded, then kissed her nose. “Happy Birthday, Christmas.”
She touched his cheek, then returned his coat. “Merry Christmas, Elijah.”
She walked back up the steps, into the house. As she shut the door, all eyes were on her.
“Thank you, David,” her mother said, her voice shaky. “We’ll see you tomorrow for Christmas dinner?”
He cleared his throat and moved to the door. “Yes, thank you. Goodnight, everyone.” He stepped around Chris and walked out the door.
The room was thicker than a vat of lard. No one spoke, just stared at Chris. She glanced over her shoulder, then at them sideways. “What?”
“As if you need to ask,” Marty said.
Chris’s heart raced.
Her mom stared at the floor, shaking her head.
“Please…someone tell me what’s going on.”
“We saw you, Chris. In the yard.”
Nausea swept over her. “You did?”
“How could you, Chris?” Her mother narrowed her eyes. “I trusted you most.”
“We didn’t do anything, Mom. He gave me a nice gift and…”
Her mom snatched up her hand. “You’re engaged?”
She shook her head violently. “No!”
Her mother turned her back, wringing her hand, mumbling. “I’m so disappointed. You do precisely what I tell you not to do, then you lie about it.” She faced back, her eyes on fire. “I trusted you, and you broke my…” She grasped at her chest and stumbled backwards, then crumpled to the ground. Sweat beaded her forehead and her face turned pale.
Chris wiped at her tears. “Mom?”
“Amy, grab a pillow from the couch!” Marty yelled, then kneeled to her side, shaking.
Amy handed out the pillow and Marty shifted it under her mom’s head. “What should we do?” Amy asked.
“Go fetch the Reverend,” she said to no one in particular. “He probably hasn’t gone far.” Amy scooted back, but Barbara was the one to grab her coat and go.
“Mom, I’m so sorry.” Chris knelt next to her, sobbing. “I won’t see him again. I promise.”
Marty glared at her. “Don’t bother her right now. You’ve already done enough.”
Chris couldn’t breathe. Her chest raised heav
y, wracked with sobs. She pushed back to her knees and folded against the wall, sobbing. The rest of the day was a blur. The only thing she remembered was that her mother never opened her eyes again.
A Girl Named Christmas
A Girl Named Christmas
Chapter Nine
Chris tossed her rose on the brown, closed casket. Her body numb, her nose raw. She couldn’t move. Her heart ached too much. It was obvious the Reverend worked to finish the benediction without breaking down in sobs himself. Every time his voice cracked, a new batch of tears lined Chris’s cheek. She couldn’t release the guilt of pushing her mother to a heart attack. How could she be so stupid? Her mother made it very clear. No boys. Chris played the “if onlys” over and over in her mind. It all came to one conclusion…
An arm came around her shoulders and pulled her to the side. It wasn’t until she cleared the canopy, that she realized it belonged to Elijah.
“How are you doing?” he asked, his eyes filled with concern.
She didn’t meet his gaze. Tears cascaded down her cheeks, her bottom lip trembled. She pulled a fresh tissue from her pocket and willed her voice to work. “I can’t see you anymore.”
“You don’t mean that.” He lifted her chin. “You’re just distraught. It’s understandable.”
She recoiled from his touch. “No! This won’t go away like some flu bug. It’s because of you that she died.”
He flinched. “Me? You can’t believe that, Chris. I know you’re angry which is totally understandable…”
“Stop it! Stop trying to patronize me.”
Elijah raised his hands in surrender. “Sorry, I’m not trying to make you upset.”
“It’s a bit to late for that.” She refolded her tissue and wiped her nose. “My mom and I were fighting about you and me when she had the heart attack. If you hadn’t…if we hadn’t…” She couldn’t talk anymore. Her muscles felt weak and her head pounded. “It’s my fault,” she rasped.
“Christmas, you can’t believe that.” He touched her elbow. “My dad said she’s had a heart condition for a long time.”
Chris met his eyes with fire and gritted teeth. “Yes, which is precisely why I had no business being with you. I knew it would upset her. It was a selfish thing to do.”
A Girl Named Christmas Page 4
