My Red, White, & Blue Christmas

by Julie Christianson

  “Evelyn! It’s the carolers.” The fact that Hank is acting like this isn’t odd is one of the reasons Abieville’s one of the oddest places on earth. As soon as Evelyn joins Hank in the doorway, Natalie starts belting out O Come all Ye Faithful. Apparently, now that she’s all grown up, Nat Slater is plenty joyful and triumphant.

  After a few bars, the rest of us join in, achieving questionable pitches, tunes, and volumes. In the middle of the second verse, Beau moves in close to me. His voice is deep and he hits most of the correct notes. If I wasn’t still mad about how badly he burned me, I’d give him credit for being a good sport. When he bumps my shoulder, I turn to glare at him, but I’m struck by the scent of cinnamon and leather and something else that’s purely Beau. Purely delicious. O come let us adore him, indeed.

  Nope. Nopity nope.

  He bumps me again, which can’t be an accident, so I bump him back. Harder. Then I keep on singing extra terribly, exaggerating my Ohs and Ahs on purpose. I’m hoping Beau will think I’m weird and take a few steps back, but instead he winks at me. He actually WINKS! Before I can work up a decent scowl, Brady muscles his way in between us.

  My brother’s voice is even more off key than mine which is pretty hard to accomplish. When the song ends, Hank and Evelyn disappear into their house without even clapping. Yikes. Natalie turns back to the group. “I didn’t think we were that bad.”

  “Maybe my O Holy Night will go over better,” Brady says, right before the Millers reappear in the doorway. Evelyn’s carrying a tray of mini cupcakes with either red, white, or blue frosting. Hank’s holding a bunch of 4th of July sparklers and a Bic lighter.

  “That was wonderful,” Evelyn announces. “And a bit strange. But mostly wonderful.” Then she moves through our group offering cupcakes while Hank hands out sparklers and lights them one by one.

  My dad shrugs. “This is probably a fire hazard.”

  My mom shrugs back. “At least Ford’s with us tonight.”

  Over the next two hours we make our way up Main Street, past the cemetery, over to Bridge Street. Then we head down to the houses on the lake. Brady ends up leading us in O Holy Night at least half a dozen times. I do Jingle Bells only once because I don’t want Beau watching me more than necessary.

  Our group gets a few strange looks, but mostly smiles and honks and waves from Abievillians who appreciate weirdness. By the time we reach Auntie Mae and Uncle Cubby’s, most of us are pretty hoarse and all our sparklers are burned out.

  Dale shrugs. At least I think he shrugs, but it’s hard to see now that it’s gotten dark. “Did I hear someone say this would be our last stop?”

  “Oh, gosh yes,” Betty blurts out. “I mean, OH GOSH, this has been fun!” Mom gets the hint and suggests we figure out who’s going home with whom in which car.

  Nella offers to drive the old station wagon with Aunt Remy and her crew. Auntie Ann, Uncle Irv, Ford and Letty go with Three in his rebuilt Mustang. Auntie Mae says her two-door sedan fits four people comfortably, so she can take Betty, Dale and my parents. “I guess one of you has to be uncomfortable.”

  That leaves Nat and Brady—who claim the front of Uncle Cubby’s pickup—and Beau and me, who get the back of his truck. Great.

  Before we leave, Mom suggests we take the long way around the lake. “That way we can see the boats lit up for the 4th of July!”

  Why, universe? Why?

  I make a move to climb over the tailgate first, but Beau is right behind me. “I’ll give you a boost.”

  “I’m good,” I say. Then my dumb flip flop slips on the metal and I scrape my knee on the way down.

  Beau puts his hands around my waist. “Stop being stubborn and let me help.” I turn around to glare at him again, but my traitorous body zings under his touch.

  Why, body, why?

  After I’m up, he hops into the truck far more gracefully than I ever could. I settle into the corner, crouching awkwardly, as far from Beau as I can get. Uncle Cubby revs the engine and leans out the driver’s side window. “I’d like to get going someday,” he calls out to us. “Are you two about done making out back there?”

  My heart jolts. “Making out? Ha! We aren’t making out! Why would you say we’re making out?”

  Beau nods at a pile of something next to me. The only light is coming from the porch, but I think it’s a bunch of pillows and blankets. “Your uncle thinks we’re making out back here because that’s probably what he and your aunt do.”

  “Ewww.” I cringe as the truck starts to rumble away, plunging us into darkness. And thank goodness for that, because I’m probably turning as red as our front door. “Do not talk about Auntie Mae and Uncle Cubby making out!”

  “What’s the big deal?” Beau grins and his teeth flash in the moonlight. “They’re married. I think it’s kind of cute.”

  “They’re also kind of old. And they’re definitely my aunt and uncle.”

  “Maybe so,” Beau says. “But I kind of hope when I’m that old I’ll still be so in love with my wife that we take our truck to the lake to do a little kissing.”

  Now I bust out laughing. “A little kissing?”

  “Sure.” I catch the shadow of a head tilt. “A little of this and a little of that.”

  Oh no.

  Now my imagination’s off and running with a little of this and a little of that. Before I get to the other thing, my stomach fills with butterflies, every one of them flapping their wings. “What’s wrong, Kasey?” Beau leans forward as the truck bumps over the road. “Are you jealous?”

  “Ha! Of your future wife? Now that’s a laugh. I feel nothing but pity for that woman, whoever she may be.” Sinking back into the dark of the truck, I hope that Beau can’t see me blush.

  We’re quiet then for a while as my uncle takes the winding road around the lake. I have to admit the scene is lovely. In honor of the 4th of July, most of the boats are strung with lights in red, white, and blue. Too bad Beau Slater’s sitting next to me. He’s ruining the moment. I try not to look at his face, but I can’t help it. The glow from the lights make shadows along his jaw. Is he moving his lips? I can’t tell if he’s talking. Uncle Cubby’s truck sure is loud.

  “Did you say something?” I ask.

  He leans in closer. “Can you hear me now?”

  “Stop messing with me. What did you say?”

  “What do you want me to say, Kasey Graham?”

  Uncle Cubby takes a sharp turn, and out of nowhere I’m knocked off balance. Thanks to my

  extra-awkward crouching, I fall directly onto Beau Slater. He manages to catch me with one arm and hold us steady with the other. Our noses are practically touching. I taste peppermint on his breath.

  His lips part—just a sliver—and my heart begins to pound. The air is warm around us. The sky is filled with stars. Beau’s staring at me in the moonlight, his gaze roaming my face. When my whole body starts to tremble, he must feel the shaking. Maybe he’s waiting for my signal, letting me decide.

  Slowly, ever so slowly, I find myself inching toward him. Closer and closer until his lips brush against mine. Oh so soft. Oh so sweet. O Holy Night.

  I’m kissing Beauregard Slater.

  All too soon his mouth moves downward, gently tracing my jawline. Blazing a trail on my skin. When I suck in a breath, he suddenly breaks away. “Kasey.” His eyes go wide and he pulls back. What is happening? Is he messing with me again? Is Brady about to jump into the back of the truck with a bucket full of water balloons?

  A chill runs up my spine.

  Oh, Kasey. You’re playing a dangerous game.

  Haven’t I been hurt enough already? How could I fall for this again? Fall for him? I know better than anyone that Beau Slater doesn’t follow the rules. Heat floods my face and I’m about to shove him away.

  Then the gunshots start.

  6

  Beau

  Q

  uick as a flash I whip Kasey down and cover her whole body with mine. Not because I’m taking advan
tage of her. I’d never do that. My only goal is to is protect her from whatever’s shooting at us. So we’re pressed against each other and her heart is banging at my chest. But I don’t have time to get scared, because out of nowhere another round of fireworks explodes. That’s right. Fireworks. In the sky.

  Yeah. Good job, dummy.

  Kasey squirms underneath me. “Wait. Was that—what is happening?”

  “I’m so sorry.” I roll off her, shaking my head. “I thought for sure I heard bullets back there, but the village must be testing out the fireworks for the 4th.”

  Kasey props herself up on an elbow and stares at me. I can’t blame her. I just made a huge fool of myself trying to save her. From fireworks. What an idiot.

  “Are you all right?” I ask. “Did I crush you?”

  She opens her mouth—that cherry red mouth—but before she can answer, the truck slows to a stop. We’ve arrived at the Grahams’ house and the car our parents are in pulls up next to us. I look up just in time to see Brady and Natalie in the front seat of the truck. They’ve been watching us through the back window. Watching me kiss Kasey. Busted.

  Brady raps on the glass, probably practicing to knock my teeth out. Nat hops out first and Brady follows her. They both come around to the back of the truck while I sit there next to Kasey, preparing to defend myself. Brady slaps the side of the truck. “Are you two staying in there all night?” Kasey scrambles to the edge of the tailgate and I climb out after her. I’m ready to take my lumps.

  “Hey, man,” Brady says. I cock my head searching for signs of rage. But there’s no stiff jaw. No murderous eyes. None of the warnings Brady sent when we were fifteen and he caught me smiling at his sister. “Did you catch those fireworks back there?” He grins. Just Brady being Brady.

  “Yep. Sure did,” I say. Plenty of fireworks.

  I glance at Kasey, expecting her to tell everyone I thought there were gunshots, but she’s not making eye contact. Oh man, kissing her was such a bad idea. Another round of fireworks goes off and I duck. Idiot. My throat’s still hot when my mom and Mrs. Graham approach.

  “Wasn’t that caroling so much fun?” asks Mrs. Graham. My mother shoots me a look that says do not answer honestly.

  “Fun.” I nod. “Totally.”

  “Isn’t that wonderful.” My mother beams. “And since you’re all in the holiday spirit now, tomorrow should be even more fun.” We stare at my mom. “Didn’t anyone tell you?” More staring from us. More beaming from my mom. “Elaine and I signed you kids up to judge the 4th of July floats. You know. For the actual holiday.”

  “Mrs. Slater.” Brady clears his throat. “When you say signed you kids up, which kids do you mean, exactly?”

  “Why all four of you, of course.” My mother and Mrs. Graham exchange a pointed look. What’s that about? “Elaine told me you’d all love to do it.”

  “Sorry.” Brady turns to his mom. “No can do, madre. I’ve got work at the clinic.”

  Mrs. Graham frowns. “But you said you wouldn’t have to work unless it was an emergency.”

  Brady’s mouth goes crooked. “Oh, this is an emergency. Believe me.”

  Natalie chimes in next. “Sorry, Mom, but I’ve got plans too.” She flashes a sugary sweet smile at me and Kasey. “Looks like you two out-of-towners will have to do the judging all by yourselves. Guess that’ll teach you to stay away so long next time.”

  Brady chuckles. “Sounds fair to me.” He and Natalie high five each other.

  Okay. Now I know for sure Brady didn’t see me kissing Kasey. He’s in way too good a mood. You got away with it this time, man. Don’t make that mistake again.

  My parents say their goodbyes then head toward their car. The Grahams thank us “young folk” for a great night and excuse themselves to go to bed. Brady turns to Nat, Kasey and me. “I think the old folk still have a bunch of eggnog inside. And that stuff won’t last until December. Someone’s got to get through it. Who’s in?”

  Natalie raises her hand. “I am! And don’t forget the brownies I made.”

  Brady turns to me “You coming with us, man?”

  I glance at Kasey who’s shuffling her feet. Keep away from her, Beau. Just start walking. You’ve got a job you love. An upcoming assignment others would kill for. You’re living the dream now. Sure you don’t have someone to share it with. That’s because you never wanted anyone but Kasey. So let the rest of your success be enough. It has to be enough.

  “I think I’ll probably take off,” I say. When Kasey doesn’t argue, I paste a smile on my face to prove I’m all good. To her. To them. To myself.

  Brady glances at the street. “Your parents left already. Need a ride?”

  “Nah. It’s a nice night.” I stuff my hands in my pockets. “I’ll walk, thanks.”

  He shrugs. “Suit yourself.”

  Kasey’s eyes are trained on me as I turn and walk away. I’m about two houses down the block when she calls out. “Hey, Beau. Wait up.”

  She’s not making this easy.

  Still, it’s Kasey, so I reverse course to meet her halfway. When we reach each other, she stands there looking up at me, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. Her hand is shaking. Did I do that to her? Of course you did, Beau. This has to stop now. Forever.

  “About what went on with us back there in the truck,” she says.

  I scrub a hand over my face. I need to show Kasey I’m aware I blew it big time. That this can’t go anywhere. For everyone’s sake. “I know. Kissing you was a big mistake.” I have to grit my teeth to get the words out. “But don’t worry. It won’t happen again.”

  She swallows hard and looks at her feet. See, Beau? Kasey’s hurting because of you. This is exactly the kind of pain you’ve got to avoid from now on. You can’t have her and keep your friendship with Brady. When she lifts her head, her face is pale. “You’re darn right that was a mistake.” She tips her chin and her eyes flash. “And it definitely won’t happen again.”

  Okay. Wow. I was way off again. Kasey’s not in pain. She totally despises me. “Just keep those big old paws to yourself tomorrow,” she blurts out. “Or else.”

  Without thinking, I cock my head. “Or else what?”

  She takes a beat. Sputtering. “Or else...I don’t know. Just stay away from me.” She spins around and stalks back toward her house. I just stand there watching her go.

  My stomach’s churning now, but at least I know the truth. After all these years Kasey hasn’t forgiven me. And instead of respecting her, giving her space, I jumped at the first chance to kiss her behind Brady’s back. Literally. Behind my own sister’s back too. What was I thinking?

  I wasn’t thinking. That’s the quick answer. The longer one is I’ve been wanting to kiss Kasey like that since we were teenagers. But Brady had made it clear from the start he didn’t want me anywhere near his sister.

  By the time graduation rolled around, I’d almost gotten used to burying my feelings. I’d done it for years. I could make it through one more summer, right? After that, Kasey and I would be living on opposite sides of the country. Nothing left to hide and no reason for it, right? We couldn’t be together then even if we wanted to.

  That’s when I decided to apologize. To explain my pranks were just a disguise. That I’d only cooked up all the competition between us to keep her at a distance. I figured I had one last chance to be honest about my feelings. And more than anything, I hated thinking Kasey would leave for California hating me.

  Which is why I bought her a charm bracelet.

  Was it a corny gesture? Maybe. But I had zero game with girls, and only one girl that I wanted.

  I hid the bracelet in the pocket of my graduation robe hoping to steal a moment with Kasey afterward. But the bracelet fell out while Brady and I were climbing into his car before the ceremony. The chain clattered into the gutter. Brady grabbed it before I could. “What’s this, man? You wearing jewelry now?”

  “No way. I—” Heat flooded my face and I started thinkin
g fast. “I only brought that stupid thing to mess with your sister. For getting valedictorian over me.”

  Brady narrowed his eyes. Did he doubt my story? I had to up the ante, so I glanced around like this was some big secret between us. “Do you want to help me set her up?”

  A grin took over his face. Yeah. Brady was always onboard for pranking Kasey.

  I should’ve told him the truth. I should’ve punched him in his stupid grinning face. Kasey didn’t deserve this. She deserved better than me. Better than Brady. Why did he have to make it so hard?

  But I didn’t have the guts to ask him. I let him run back into the house for a bucket and balloons. I let him come up with the rest of our big plan. The surprise attack. Him in the tree. Her down below. All those jerk moves that left Kasey soaking wet and hating me. Man, we were the worst to her. No wonder she still can’t stand me.

  Looking back on that time now, I’ll bet Brady knew the bracelet meant something more. That I had a different purpose in mind. But we were both just dumb kids then. Two boys figuring out how to be men and failing miserably. Acting tough. Fighting the world. A couple of wrecking balls who needed to grow up. The world took care of that over the years. But Kasey was smart to get away from me before then. Thousands of miles away.

  She’s got a whole new life I can’t disrupt now.

  I wrecked her back then. I won’t do it again.

  7

  Kasey

  S

  tupid stupid stupid

  . How could I have been so incredibly stupid? I should’ve known from past experience—so much past experience—that I couldn’t trust my heart around Beau Slater. He made me believe he wanted to kiss me. He let me kiss him. I was kissing him. Then he snubbed me. He pulled away like I was a hot potato he needed to toss into someone else’s lap. In the back of my Uncle Cubby’s truck. Can a rejection get worse than that?

  And yet. After we got dropped off, I still held onto some small hope that Beau felt something back there too. Sure, I played it cool around Brady and Nat. I didn’t want them getting any ideas about Beau and me until the two of us could talk. But when we finally were alone, what did he say?