Winter Falls (Evergreen Lake: Under the Mistletoe)

Chapter 10

ten

I hated to admit I was waiting for a call, text, raven, or carrier pigeon to bring me a note from Amos.

I didn't wanna let Jo down on finding a replacement for that time period. Nor did I want to continue to bug Amos. I wasn't afraid of him. No, that wasn’t it at all, but I hesitated, calling or reaching out first. We'd had enough little conflicts recently and I didn't want to cause another. Maybe I’d just go myself.

I wouldn't mind spending couple of hours with those precious pets. So instead, I quickly sent a text to Jo and let her know not to fret, it was covered.

The Festival had really been going since the beginning of December. Just on the weekends and then starting this Friday, it would be daily until the day after Christmas. There would be limited events through to New Year's Eve, which then again would have a New Year's Eve bash.

I guess bash wasn't the right word, there'd be a countdown at midnight around the tree. Games for kids that parents kept up to ring in the New Year, vendors with food, drink, and who knew what all. It would be fun.

So far, this year's festival was on the mark! Feedback from the businesses has been good. Which obviously was something I would note in my report to the board of directors. My contract renewal was based on a number of objectives and one was the success of this event.

The pressure was on and if my contract wasn't renewed, I had no idea what I do. I liked it here, I wanted to stay here. I'd practically grown up here, visiting Nana every summer, and I got used to calling it home.

Did Amos play a role in that worry as well? Sure, we were testy together, but I kind of enjoyed it. He was a challenge and though I never saw it going anywhere--but did I secretly?--I enjoyed our little verbal warfare. And he was wonderful to look at.

I'd printed off some last-minute items on my list. I know, I know, I was obsessing. I sipped my tea and scanned the list with the tip of my pen. Everything had been checked off, and I highlighted a couple of items scheduled for New Year’s Eve. I was exhausted and it was long past my bedtime so I sipped the tea and gazed at the Christmas lights. The tree was decorated and nestled in the corner between the front window and the fireplace.

I could sit here all night and stare at those lights. I remembered doing that as a kid. Filled with wonderment at all the sparkles, shiny decorations, garland twinkling lights through the branches. I tended to overdo it with the lights, and outside they were along the eaves, in the gardens, spotlighted on to the house, and wrapped around the old tree trunks. I just loved it.

I sighed and rubbed my toes on my Cuddles’ fur. She gave a little mewl, and stretched her front paws, showing her impressive claws. I imagined myself cozy on the couch, under a quilt, resting against a muscled chest with a strong arm around me. Oh, to share Christmas with someone else with a dream. The first person that popped into my head was you know who, Amos.

The couch was empty, except for some throw pillows, and it begged to have a couple curled up on it.

Suddenly, I felt sad. Sad that I was alone. Sad that I was left this house by my beloved Nana, who was no longer with us. Sad that my parents were no longer here either. Sad that I had no siblings. Sad that I was alone in the world.

Tears pricked at my eyes as I was suddenly overcome with emotion. I let them trickle down my cheeks. Sometimes you had to let out the sadness or it bottled up and that wasn’t heathy.

Christmas should be full of joy. Magic. Spirit. Good will to men, and I wished all that out to the universe.

Right now, I got my joy from my darling Cuddles at my feet, my job and... I knew it wasn't enough.

"Right, let's go to bed." I gently moved my feet from under her and stood in the middle of the living room, bathed by the glow of lights.

I kept a jug of water on the floor and leaned down to fill the reservoir under the tree--yes, I had a real one and yes, it came from Winter Farms. Again, Amos found his way into my thoughts.

Switching the lights off, I left my phone charging in the kitchen and climbed the stairs to my bedroom. Cuddles was already on the bed waiting for me.

I crawled between the sheets with a happy sigh, leaving the drapes open so the lights could shine into my room. I didn't like it when I had melancholy moments. I mentally scolded myself and rolled over, telling myself I was going to have a good sleep, full of sweet dreams, and a restful night.

I slowly drifted off.