Table of Contents

Christmas Remembered

A Christmas Fantasy

Wanted For Christmas

About the Author

Back of the Book

Christmas Remembered

A futuristic short story extolling the hope of goodwill to all at this special time of the year.

A Christmas Fantasy

If it were Dickens times she would be like a beggar woman unable to clothe and feed herself, fortunately it wasn't that bad. Merely swallowing ones pride and stepping into the job centre every two weeks to claim the allowance the government allowed.

Wanted for Christmas

The sudden death of Danielle Reed's brother and sister in-law puts Danny in a new role - guardian of her two nephews and a niece. As the first Christmas approaches without the children's parents, Dannielle needs a housekeeper for the holidays. Annabelle Farrow finds herself jobless after her former boss dies. Desperate for a job of any kind she applies for a position she finds in a newspaper ad. Sparks fly for all kinds of reasons can they adjust to give the orphaned children a Christmas to remember.

Christmas Remembered

A Christmas Fantasy

Wanted For Christmas

Copyright © by JM Dragon 2000, 2001, 2009

Affinity E-Book Press NZ LTD

Canterbury, New Zealand

All rights reserved.

No part of this e-Book may be reproduced in any form without the express permission of the author and publisher. Please note that piracy of copyrighted materials violate the author’s rights and is Illegal.

This is a work of fiction. Names, character, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously and any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, businesses, companies, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Cover Design: Helen Hayes

Christmas Remembered

“What exactly is Christmas Grandmother?” Leigh asked her grandmother quietly as she watched the older woman collect items together for the galactic review meeting she was due to give the opening speech to.

Saffron Canterbury sighed heavily; she loved the child as much as she had her own son who died tragically in the ‘Three Green Planet War’ ten years previously. The child did have this habit of being inquisitive at the most inopportune moments. ‘When would this child ever give up asking questions?’

That question she posed to herself brought a slight smile to her thin, stoically featured face as she pondered that she was very much like Leigh and if the truth be known still was. “Don’t know, where did you pick up that word?”

Leigh Canterbury stared out over the beautiful setting of a spring day. The grass was green, the birds were singing and the lambs in the field opposite had a double spring in their step. Or so Leigh thought, as she looked upon the daily routine of......the hologram program that her grandmother had set up for today.

“I’m not sure but I think I read the word in one of my father’s old journals.” The girl replied with a slight catch to her words as she recalled sitting reading some of the entries her father had taken the time to write down. For writing was a skill that had become a luxury that many had bypassed with technology over the years. Her grandmother however, had insisted that the family maintain the skill. She knew that her grandmother often made entries in her own personal journal as indeed she had begun to herself.

Saffron stopped her search for the speech she’d transcribed the evening before and gazed at the child standing at the portal. It was a tragedy that both her parents had died so young when Leigh was but a baby. The council had agreed on her upbringing and she had managed to convince them that under the circumstances the child was best left with her. That had angered Leigh’s mother’s parents who had never liked Saffron or her radical thoughts. Fortunately, the council had for once agreed to see it her way although she did have to conform in society these past ten years to keep the child with her. It had been difficult but she had done so and was now strangely enough classified as one of the elite on galactic external affairs.

“Your father did search out rather strange facts and traditions perhaps it was one of those, in what context did you read it?”

“I’m sorry grandmother you will be late, I always ask you questions at the worse possible times.” Leigh apologized as she saw the ice blue eyes glance at the chronometer on her desk.

Saffron once again smiled at the child and this time it was a warm loving smile. “Yes you do appear to have that talent don’t you Leigh? How about when I return we look into the situation? I’m sure someone must know, we haven’t lost all of our old records now have we?”

“Thank you grandmother, I’ll read some more of father’s journals he might have mentioned it again.” Leigh moved over and hugged the six-foot woman then reached up and kissed her smooth pale cheek.

“Yes Leigh you do that and I’ll be back as soon as I can.” Saffron was always a little embarrassed at the affection the child gave her and it reminded her of another lifetime or at least that was what it was now.

Disengaging herself from the child she gently cuffed her on the chin and went out of the room.

Leigh smiled at the retreating back of her grandmother, although she was only ten, they told her at the school she attended she was a child genius. She also knew how lucky she was that she could go home in the evening to her grandmother since the others in the school all stayed behind in dormitories. At one time she had thought that was great but having spent a week there when her grandmother was off world, had taught her that family was as important as friends! Then again her grandmother was her friend too and she was alone and she needed her.

Leigh went over to the desk console and disengaged the hologram image outside and the portal went black as night. They lived in an artificial environment as the planet could no longer sustain human life, hadn’t been able to for hundreds of years. Scrolling over the available scenes she selected one with a white, cold background. The trees had a smattering of white all over them and a small bird with a red chest puffed out in exaggerated display, hopped around the area leaving small three pronged images in the snow or that was what it was called on the selector program.

“Yes that’s the one.” She grinned at the antics of the cheerful bird and wondered what type he was, another question for grandmother when she returns.

†

The meeting had taken rather longer than she had hoped and it was now late in the evening. It was rare that she was late but Saffron hadn’t been able to do anything about it. To make matters worse she was needed off world at a galactic conference. That meant of course, leaving Leigh behind and she knew Leigh hadn’t enjoyed staying over at the school with her other friends. It had been embarrassing when she had called for her the evening upon her return to the planet. She had been overwhelmed in an emotional hug by her granddaughter, anyone would think she hadn’t seen her for years instead of a week. This had made her determined that separation wasn’t an option for, in her own way she knew she too had missed the child and her inquisitive questions. Actually she was sure that was why she was still ahead of the game with her compatriots…her ability to think with a similar agility of twenty years ago. That she had to put down to bringing up this wonderful child.

Ryan, her son, had been brilliant, as it had been hoped from his genetic background. He was an experiment that had gone right. Too many had berated her and the arrogance of her decision to bear the son of her deceased lover Lee, who had been a militant according to the council. A militant wasn’t the word for Lee; for that title was already firmly on her own shoulders… she had just brought Lee into the public eye that was all.

The Canterbury’s had been elite council personnel for their abilities in many ways and her parents had practically run the council and taken it out of the depths of despair as one war after another had sapped confidence and population. Had it not been for their influence in the council, Saffron would have been banished to another world. Her parents had pleaded and she had conformed for five years and then sent Ryan to school and began her own wayward campaigns, anything the council supported she didn’t. In some ways she was trying to join Lee in death but always there was a reason to not take that final step, but she wished that Lee had seen their son and now their granddaughter.

Entering her study she softly asked for dim light since it was late and she needed to sleep. Leigh would be up at the crack of dawn with more questions not to mention her original one of the day. The child wouldn’t forget anything, never had and never would. One day she was going to run the council her intelligence dictated it and each day her powers of deduction honed even more.

Saffron walked over to her desk and saw the blinking light of the hologram program, it had miscued over time and she looked over to the portal. As she did so she pressed exit and then smiled gently as she saw the sleeping form of her granddaughter. It brought a lump to her throat as she looked at the blonde hair cascade over the oval face and the peaceful expression on her face.

“Yes Lee, you would be happy to be in the company of your granddaughter my love, she’s so like you! Your hair coloring, your eyes those green orbs that could melt the darkest heart and your…your love of life.” Saffron whispered into the silent room not wanting to disturb the child.

Pulling up the seat closest to her granddaughter she tenderly touched the blonde tresses and recalled all those years ago threading her fingers in her lover’s hair. As she peered down on the child she saw the same expression her lover had in sleep, that small-satisfied smile, the innocent love of life.

“Is that you Grandmother?” a small voice asked.

Saffron pulled back immediately at the words had she disturbed the child she hadn’t wanted to in any way.

“Yes it’s me. Go back to sleep Leigh we can talk in the morning.”

“I know what Christmas is.” Leigh slurred in her tiredness.

“You do? Well that’s wonderful one less answer for me to find.” Saffron smiled as she watched the child try to wake properly but was struggling.

“It’s you Grandmother.” Leigh spoke the words distinctly.

“Me?” Saffron was surprised and suddenly her own inquisitive nature wanted to know what the child meant.

“Yes you, Father said it was the season of goodwill to all. Some old man said that and it changed his life. They celebrated that long ago and you create goodwill for me and others on the planet Grandmother, so you are Christmas.” Leigh smiled serenely up at her grandmother and saw a trail of tears over her cheeks.

“I didn’t want to make you unhappy for Christmas.”

“No, no Leigh you didn’t, far from it! I’m not Christmas but tomorrow we will track down Christmas together, what do you say?” Saffron pulled the child into her arms and held her close kissing the top of her head.

“I’d like that together.” Leigh smiled slightly and then fell into a deep sleep held safely in the arms of her grandmother.

“Yes tomorrow, Christmas, what a wonderful word that sounds like.” Saffron whispered into the now silent room again and looked at the hologram program for it she had obviously not exited correctly. There was the snow scene and the red-breasted bird, wasn’t that a Robin?

†

Saffron watched the child eat her way through the nutritious diet the school doctor had prescribed for Leigh. Although it was edible to her mind it was barely so. Still she would do as the council asked and conform to what they felt right for the child. Even if at times she had to grit her teeth and turn away as some supercilious person from the school asked for more control over Leigh’s life.

It was easy for them to breeze into their lives and lay down the rules and then breeze out again, expecting her to follow them in a regimented fashion. They didn’t have to put up with Leigh’s occasional tantrums, her allergies to various foods that made her sick for days or the simple child wanting to have fun instead of the regulated work that even out of school she had to master.

‘I do wonder sometimes Lee if I made a mistake in bringing our child into the world. When the only life that is now left to his child no longer holds fun anymore. But you would still have wanted our child born whatever the circumstances for you enjoyed life no matter how dark it became. There are times when I do miss you more than I want to live this lonely life I have. Then I look over there Lee and what do I see…the reason for life itself staring back at me with your eyes. She even laughs as you did and I swear she has your sense of humor, god help me, in later years.’

“Grandmother you are daydreaming again.” Leigh pointed out to the older woman who gave her a startled glance.

“Don’t be ridiculous child of course I’m not!” then regretted her sharp words as she saw the crestfallen face before her. “I’m sorry Leigh you were right I was daydreaming. Must be the Christmas question you posed, that has me thinking.” Smiling gently at the child to take away the sting of the words.

“I told you last night that you are Christmas or at least you sound like the man who had goodwill to others.” Leigh blinked her confusion at the explanation; it really wasn’t that clear now that she had time to think about it.

“Well, my little inquisitive darling you and I are going to the history archives at the council chambers to check it out. I have an old friend who works there that I called last evening who might be able to help.” Saffron saw the widest grin cross the child’s face. It was so easy to make her happy and that happiness helped to spark a warm glow in her also.

“Then we had better go hadn’t we, can’t have questions unanswered, not if our name is Canterbury.” Leigh giggled and rushed towards the door her exhilaration at the task before them catching.

“Okay, okay I’m right with you.” Saffron pressed the automatic house shutdown sequence and wondered what it must have been like centuries ago to not have technology and androids to take care of everything. Obviously hard and so time consuming, who in their right mind wanted to cook and clean when you could be putting that time to better use?

Like War!

†

The building they entered several micro-minutes later was made of indestructible Aliylum. After the last ‘War Of The Three Planets’ it had been used to house all Earth’s history archives or what was left of them along with a few special pieces that were actually so old no one was allowed to touch them for fear they would disintegrate. Not even new advances in technology were allowed! It had been a decree of the council and the storage room itself was named Canterbury after Saffron’s parents. She had never been allowed access, as her name had been one of those specifically denied entry years before because of her militant tendencies.

“I’m so excited Grandmother I’ve never been inside before. Always we have linked the archives from the terminals at school this is an honor to go inside.” Leigh chattered excitedly and hung onto her grandmother’s hand as she skipped along beside the longer gait of the older woman.

Saffron smiled at the girl and her pleasure once again at the slightest thing. “Then let’s get inside shall we. Danny will be waiting.”

Daniel Stracynsky watched the two figures approaching and he tugged on his gray short goatee beard. As he looked over to the taller figure he smiled as he recalled that she really hadn’t changed in the forty or so years he had known her.

Then his eyes turned to the child at her side and the face that looked out at him. So here was the child genius that the council was predicting would take over in the future. How could anyone know that she was going to be the one? Still they had ways he supposed and Saffy certainly must think it so or she surely wouldn’t have allowed them to control her only grandchild’s life to the extent she did.

The sealed door opened and the air leaked out with a whoosh that always made him jump although he’d been in this building since it’s completion over eight years ago. He was often called ‘The Curator of Earth’s Past’ and that was probably an apt description and one he didn’t mind in the slightest. At least it was better than his old title when he was young, ‘Demon Hacker’ but he had been good at that too.

“I see you made it Saffy.” Daniel quietly spoke from his chair at the main console in a room that looked rather bare and not very history like. At least to Leigh’s eyes anyway as she quickly surveyed the room and it’s contents.

“As always Danny a friendly face, how long has it been?” Saffron Canterbury went forward and hugged the old man in a warm embrace. She had always liked him and he was one of the few left from the old rebellious days.

“Saffy too long and how do you keep so young looking? I swear you don’t look a year older than the first day I met you.” Danny chuckled as he traded glance for glance with the woman he had followed with complete conviction and would today if she asked him.

“Danny really you always did flatter me so and I guess you can put it down to my granddaughter for keeping me so young. Leigh this is my old friend citizen Daniel Stracynsky, he is the curator.” Saffron released the embrace she had on her old friend and turned to her granddaughter who was looking at them with a question in her eyes, always a question with Leigh.

“Citizen Stracynsky I’m pleased to meet you.” Leigh held out her tiny hand and was instead engulfed in a bear hug from the large man and she giggled as his beard tickled her cheek.

“Danny to you young lady and it’s my pleasure to finally meet the famous Leigh Canterbury.” He chuckled and Leigh felt both surprised at his words but happy at the man’s obvious pleasure at meeting her.

“I’m not famous Danny, not yet anyway.” Leigh said with the arrogance of youth.

“You will be one day little lady just like your grandmother here and all your family that have gone before you.” Danny said solemnly.

“We want to know what Christmas is?” Leigh asked her question with a directness that stunned the old man and brought a slight smile to Saffron’s lips for those not familiar with Leigh were often stunned at her forthright attitude.

Recovering slightly he laughed and muttered. “Just like Lee, all that exuberance.”

Saffron heard the reference to her lover and it brought a smile to her lips that remained there despite her attempts to mask it.

“Then my dear young lady Christmas it is.” Danny sat down at his console and began tapping questions into the central memory banks with Leigh seated beside him.

Saffron walked over to the area marked restricted access and surmised it to be the lower vault that housed the last of the Earth’s treasures. Her fingers drifted gently over her parent’s names on the panel beside the door lock.

Her father had died in the hands of the Scralen when he had agreed to a peace conference twenty years ago. Her mother had refused to accept his death and traveled for five more years before freedom warriors from the planet Kaltian assassinated her. The death of her mother had decided her fate in many ways for she realized the only truth was she must use her talents for the good of Earth and not for causing friction within. In addition, her son had turned eighteen and joined a regiment whose main task was to defend the outer perimeter of the Earth. He had been so young and naïve and died far too early. Ryan never had the opportunity to see his daughter and Jenny’s death from a freak reaction to the medication she was given at the baby’s birth was a double tragedy. Later when the scanner had picked up the ‘potential’ of the baby and it’s ‘usefulness’ in society it was just another trial to live through.

“Press the picture panel Saffy.” Daniel said softly as he came up behind her. Leigh was busy scanning pages and pages of text about Christmas.

Saffron turned and glanced at her old friend. “Why?”

“Always questions Saffy, why not just do it and ask the questions later?” Daniel gave a resigned sigh.

“My granddaughter must be rubbing off on me.” Saffron shrugged her shoulders as she pressed the image.

“Nope, you were always full of questions, I often wondered how Lee put up with you.” Danny smiled, as he saw the flicker of emotion the comment caused within her.

“Lee loved me I guess, often said you put up with anything if you loved someone.” Saffron gently responded.

“Oh I know Lee loved you! It broke all our hearts when that went through the ranks. Such a blow to those of us who thought we might have a chance.” Danny smiled engagingly at her.

Then Saffron’s eyes were diverted as she saw the clear holograms of her parents appear before her and it was just like being in the room with them. The words they spoke not listened to by Saffron as she looked at the beloved faces of her parents. No words could describe her feelings. Tears that she normally held in check publicly came and refused to be ignored as they tracked down her cheeks.

“Why are you crying Grandmother?” Leigh had watched the two elders talk and then saw the holograms appear and was fascinated as to who they were.

“Crying…I’m not crying.” Saffron watched in fascination at the expressions that crossed her father’s face and it was like the day she had passed her first major test at school and he had been so pleased with her. In fact that was the day she was given her first pen to manually write for the first time. Her mother had furnished the first lesson and said it was an art long forgotten but always the Canterbury family had cherished its power.

“Your eyes are leaking then.” Leigh patiently pointed out and closed her small hand around her Grandmothers in a soothing gesture.

“Yes Leigh my eyes are leaking.” Saffron finally conceded.

“Why?” Daniel couldn’t help it he laughed at the question it was a family trait obviously.

“This is Peter and Diana Canterbury or to you young Leigh your Great Grandparents.” Daniel smiled as he saw the enchanted expression settle over the child’s face.

“I’ve seen them on the terminals but never as a hologram it’s like they are real.” Leigh whispered and wondered if her parents were here too?

“Are my parents here Grandmother will they come and talk to us too?” Leigh asked in earnest.

Saffron was brought out of her pre-occupation with the images of her parents as the simple question invaded her senses. What did you say when a child asked that fateful question?

“No, I’m sorry darling but your parents will not be coming to talk to us.” The apology, sounding hollow to her.

“That’s okay, one day when I’m older they will come and talk to me. What’s in here and can we see it?” Leigh turned to the curator for the answer.

Daniel was slightly disconcerted what should he say. “I thought we were looking up Christmas?”

“We are but I already know what Christmas is.” Leigh announced confidently.

“May I ask what that is?” both elders looked inquisitively at the child trying to divert her attention from her original question.

“The archives say that Christmas is a time for goodwill to all. People gave presents as a sign of affection and they had parties and were happy together. To some people a savior was born that helped people have a better life, but others who didn’t understand killed him. There was something called a donkey and a stable but I don’t know what they are. The message all the pages agreed upon was that it was a time for being good to people even those you don’t know. A time to tell people you love them even if you haven’t seen them for a long time.” Leigh explained to the two elders and was given a beaming smile from Daniel.

Saffron wiped away another tear that threatened to fall as she watched the animated face of this ten year old explain a long forgotten tradition. For it had certainly been forgotten…everything here was so selfish and fabricated. Who actually gave a damn about the total stranger or their own families even? Too often now it was the self that was the most important, all too important to many.

“That is a wonderful sentiment Leigh, so when is Christmas?” Daniel asked quietly.

“It is tomorrow on our calendar, the twenty-fifth of December in the old ancient calendar.”

“I guess we need to celebrate it then, don’t you think?” Saffron finally found her voice and croaked out.

Leigh grinned at her Grandmother and grasped her hands. “Yes we can, so what present will you get me?”

Saffron chucked the child under the chin gently in mild censure. “Thanks for letting us in today Danny, want to come over for dinner one evening?”

Daniel smiled warmly at his old friend. “Yeah one day perhaps I will. Take care my friend in all your endeavors.” He bent closer to her and whispered into her ear. “She is the image of Lee, I’m glad for you.”

Saffron was stopped from answering as Leigh pulled her forward towards the exit. “I’ll be back to see inside one day Danny count on it.”

Danny tipped his hand to his forehead in acknowledgement, wasn’t that the truth.

†

“They call it Christmas Eve Grandmother.” Leigh stated as they sat together on a comfortable sofa in the dimness of the shimmering lights in the room.

“They do? Well that sounds interesting. Another thing that you found out from Danny’s archives?” Saffron picked up her floral flavored tea she sipped from it as she checked the last entry in her journal.

“No, my father was going to ask you about Christmas, when he next saw you.” Leigh gently explained and saw the surprise pass over her grandmother’s face.

“He was? If he had I guess I would have an answer for you, now then wouldn’t I? This ‘Christmas Eve’ what does it mean?” Saffron was intrigued now with this question of Christmas and it had taken a child to pique her interest.

“Yes, he and my mother had heard something about it along the way and they had both been fascinated. They just never had the time to research it but we have, haven’t we?” Leigh smiled at the closed off look she received at the mention of her parents.

“No…no that’s true they never did have the time, such a waste.” Saffron replied softly her own mind drifted to the day that Ryan had brought home the much more confident Jennifer Reliance. Ryan’s mothers past exploits or her recent ones didn’t intimidate her either. It had to her been a match made for eternity as she considered hers had been with Lee.

“You don’t talk much about family do you?” Leigh challenged Saffron and saw the shock mirror for a fraction in the older woman’s eyes.

“I would rather not dwell in the past what satisfaction can be gained by that pastime. I have always believed in today and what can be achieved towards our future and the future generations still to come.” Saffron primly informed the girl at her side who was watching her with bright intelligent eyes taking in all that was said and things not said too.

“I don’t think you understand Grandmother.” Leigh replied quietly as she placed her small hand on top of the much larger one.

Saffron heard the words from this…whatever did you call a child genius who had the intelligence of a person three times older and the insight that would make her a great leader of men and women one day? As well as the innocence of youth to gain answers to every question the universe could throw at her. Here she was sixty years old and renowned by her peers for her quick thinking and intelligence, being counseled by a child. Albeit a rather superior child but one nonetheless, it made her smile at the thought.

“I’m all ears darling what don’t I understand?” Pulling the child onto her lap and stroking her fine blonde hair as she talked.

“We need to remember the past or people are forgotten and that wouldn’t be nice, especially for people that we love. Look at today Grandmother if someone hadn’t talked about Christmas and put it in the archives we would never have known about it would we? If we talk about the past then the people we love are still alive in our thoughts and never die do they?” Leigh logically pointed out.

Saffron stopped her soothing strokes over the child’s hair as she tried to concentrate on the words. ‘Yes people did get forgotten, so many had died in the wars that had plagued the planet in the last three centuries and so many stories would never be recalled, traditions lost forever not to mention the people who had created them.’

“Well, in that case Leigh it’s time I put that right and no better than this evening. Would you like me to tell you a story about the day your father brought your mother home to see me for the first time? She was quite something your mother and different in every way to your father.” Saffron smiled tenderly as she was given a blinding grin from the child who snuggled closer to hear the story.

“I would love to hear about them and I know you loved them Grandmother so it will be even better.” Leigh sighed contentedly as the older woman began her story.

†

“Citizen Canterbury I’m not sure I understand your request?” The merchant asked for clarification of her requirement.

“I want one of those.” Saffron resent her original image request.

“But…but Citizen I’m not sure that it’s possible and certainly not in so short a number of hours. Wouldn’t an android do as well?” The merchant never wanted to give up a sale especially when one as influential as a Canterbury was the potential buyer. It would go down on his records and be a coup. Few of the elite ever purchased outside the standard council listings.

Saffron tapped a well-manicured finger on her terminal in irritation. “You can’t help so I will go elsewhere. Thank you for your time.”

“No! Please no I have a friend, he has contacts and I will confirm within the next micro hour.” The merchant quickly ended the message before the Citizen could and rushed away to track down the unusual item.

Saffron had been emotionally drained when she had put Leigh to bed a little while ago. Certainly recalling the past had its happy moments but it also brought the people to mind so clearly, almost as if they hadn’t been gone for so many years and that hurt too.

Walking over to the hologram portal and watching the black inky night sky filled with stars a projected one as the planet now had a lethal layer of radiation over it, nothing existed outside of the special domes the population now lived in. The outside world was a glacially cold forbidding place where the light of the old sun never shone anymore. It was hard to recall how many years it had been since the last human had walked the planet without the aid of radiation suits or special terrain vehicles. She had often wondered if the planet had really looked like the special hologram programs that they could tap into at random. It must surely have been so, for who would have the imagination to conjure up such scenes and with such clarity of vision of not only the landscape but the creatures that inhabited the areas also.

‘You know Lee that grandchild of ours is so special she brought back into my life things I’ve long considered dead, giving them vibrant life again, the feeling was so wonderful. We are going to celebrate something called Christmas tomorrow morning. I must say darling you would have been in your element, just the kind of thing you always loved to participate in.’ Saffron shook her head and chuckled into the silent room, here she was talking to herself or at least in her head anyway. Her deceased lover would have been laughing at this turn of events that was a certainty.

Advising the house system she was going to retire for the evening the lights dimmed as the door closed behind her.

†

Leigh was munching on her breakfast waiting for her Grandmother to appear. Today they planned to celebrate Christmas. Well at least they would try, it was something original and she had to leave for school shortly.

“Good morning Leigh did you sleep well?” Saffron walked silently into the room and picked up her breakfast on the low table and sat opposite the child.

“Good morning Grandmother, yes I slept well thank you. I have a test today at school but I will be home early. Will you be home today?”

“Home all day, just waiting for you.” Saffron said solemnly and was pleased at the laughter that emitted for the girl at the statement.

“No, no you won’t for the council will have tasks for you they always do.” Leigh carried on eating her breakfast and drinking the supplement that always accompanied it.

“Ah, but I will still be waiting for you when you come home and then I have a surprise for you.” Blue eyes twinkled at the child.

“A surprise but what is it?” Leigh shouted excited at the prospect, she’d never had a surprise before.

“If I told you that Leigh it wouldn’t be a surprise would it? Now finish your breakfast go to school and complete the test and when you get home we will look into that surprise.”

Leigh rushed around the table and flung her arms around the older woman and kissed her cheek. “I love you Grandmother.”

Saffron colored at the remark and left it at that as the child went to school.

Leigh was right she probably never had had a surprise before in her life. Then again if Saffron thought about it when had she? Her thoughts shifted to a time and place long ago and it brought a smile to her face as she contemplated that very question. She’d had a surprise once in her life and what a wonderful surprise. The day Lee confessed love for her, was in love with her, and pledged that love forever.

“Can’t say your surprise will have quite the same effect on your life as mine did Leigh, but I hope it makes you happy.” Saffron whispered to the now empty room.

†

“Grandmother can’t I open my eyes yet?” Leigh pleaded her voice raised slightly with the impatience of youth.

“Soon Leigh have a little patience here. It will be worth it you wait and see.” Saffron replied as she struggled with the surprise for Leigh.

“That’s the point I can’t see.” Leigh pointed out and smiled as she heard the quiet laughter of her Grandmother at her remark.

“Okay Leigh open your arms out, I want to put something inside them but you have to be careful.” Saffron went closer with her cargo to the waiting child and finally settled the surprise in eager outstretched arms.

Leigh gave a delighted squeal as she felt some thing warm, soft and alive squirm in her arms. Her eyes popped open and she was confronted with the cutest creature she had ever seen.

It was white as the snow on the hologram program and with the brightest black eyes if you could call black bright. It had two ears one was pointed upwards the other flapped over and it had a black wet button nose. The creature settled into her arms with a short yelp as it nuzzled her hands.

“Grandmother what is it?” the child asked excited at this new life that had been given to her.

Saffron couldn’t help the big grin that crossed her face as she looked at her granddaughter and the surprise gift.

“That my darling Leigh is called a canine, virtually extinct outside of the new worlds and she’s all yours. Happy Christmas Leigh.”

“Is she mine to keep for all time?” Leigh was in awe at the creature and couldn’t believe that she was being given a live creature to care for.

“All yours to keep Leigh and you will have to look after her well as I know she will look after you. She needs a name though.” Saffron replied seriously.

Leigh considered the words and a name for the dog and looked up with tears in her eyes. “I’m going to call her Snow.”

“Then Snow it is Leigh, I received this as well with Snow. Tells us all about her and how to look after her.” Saffron handed over the information cube.

“Grandmother I haven’t got you a Christmas surprise.” Leigh raised tearful and apologetic eyes to her grandmother.

Saffron hugged the child briefly. “Oh you have Leigh, believe me you have. For everyday with you is like a Christmas surprise and that’s far more than anyone could expect in their lifetime.”

Leigh smiled as the tears fell unchecked and then she giggled as Snow placed a pink tongue on her wet cheek and licked away the marks.

Later both child and dog were curled up asleep after a series of enchanting hours of playtime. Saffron had watched the scene with a mixture of envy for youth and love for the child.

‘You know Lee I was right, that little girl is all the Christmas surprises I will ever want in my life. Thank you for loving me all those years ago so that I could experience the true meaning of the spirit of Christmas. A season for giving without thought of receipt and a happiness in the heart when you see how much your loved ones mean to you, all of our loved ones. I think I’ll mention this to the Council; it’s time we found something that all the people can relate to and participate in. Yes, Christmas sounds as good a place to start as anywhere in rebuilding our societies traditional values.’ Saffron sat down quietly in the armchair and recalled the image of Lee, almost forty years ago and the happiness that her lover had brought into her life and still managed to reach inside to touch her soul.

The hologram had blinked unexpectedly, the snow scene shimmered, and the scene looked as if the snow was falling fresh on the scene.

Pulling out her journal she began her evening entry.

Leigh and I celebrated a long lost tradition called Christmas today and it was wonderful.

A Christmas Fantasy

(Or follow the black powder path in fantasyland wearing a pink nightie!)

Christmas was coming! Yep like galloping reindeer herding them along for the short festive season.

Short for her anyway, she couldn’t afford to celebrate it as she would have liked. As she gazed at the shop window that always fascinated her from the first day she saw it after losing her job three months ago. Now living off benefit but not for much longer she hoped, as she stopped at the recessed bay storefront and contemplated what could have been.

If it were Dickens times she would be like a beggar woman unable to clothe and feed herself, fortunately it wasn’t that bad. Merely swallowing ones pride and stepping into the job centre every two weeks to claim the allowance the government allowed.

The only thing festive about her was her name, Noelle Mistletoe! Her mother had chosen it as she was born Christmas Eve. Not that she celebrated the event much, having left home for the big city several years ago, unable to admit to her parents that she had failed in her bid to make a fortune in the golden paved streets of London. Yeah fantasising again! Oh yes she’d seen an ad for Dick Whittington as she walked by the local theatre, funny how the imagination created havoc.

Starring into the shop window once more she saw a special edition photo print of her favourite show, those girls could certainly kick ass! Pity the series was coming to an end had in fact ended in reality but she was still trying to catch up.

Scanning the area around her she saw people scuttling by like ants busy with their everyday tasks and taking no notice of what was going on around them. At least that was one thing she had enjoyed having all this free time on her hands, the chance to take in her surroundings and talk with people again. Not that she did that much everyone in her apartment block had places to go but the odd retired person would stop and regale her with their news or simply moan as old people were apt to. Her in-built curiosity and compassion often let her in for some heavy moaning sessions from certain residents close by.

Moving away she snuggled into her muffler as the chill wind from the east made her think it was sub zero temperatures when the weather was relatively mild for the time of the year.

As she made to move away from the corner of the street that the shop straddled, she heard a gruff bark from the small dark alleyway to the left of the shop, another stray probably.

Watching the traffic left and right she was startled when she felt a tugging at her trousers, glancing down from her rather short height of five foot four, her blonde well cut hair swinging over her forehead, she spied who was at her feet calling for her attention.

“Grrrrr..grrrr.” the rather scruffy looking Heinz 57 variety dog repeatedly pulled at her trousers.

Noelle was perturbed it wasn’t large enough to cause her any trouble but it obviously wanted her attention.

“What scruff, what do you want?” She knelt closer to the dog and wasn’t exactly enamoured at it touching her, it looked like it needed a good bath and grooming. Poor creature probably had never had a decent meal in its life never mind someone to look after it.

“Grrrr…woof,woof.” Now the dog stopped it’s antics and trotted back to the alley but stood at the top waiting for her to follow.

Okay, okay this is another fantasy world, now it’s like Alice in Wonderland and instead of a rabbit I’m going to follow a dog. Yeah right! Shaking her head she softly waved her hands in a shooing motion convinced the dog would leave her alone and she could make it across the road and out of it’s way.

However, that wasn’t quite what happened as she did the waving around with her arms she didn’t realise that she was making a spectacle of herself as she swung round to cannon into the side of another person who had turned the corner at that moment.

Noelle’s flashing green eyes looked up at the tall figure and caught the laughter filled blue ones that caused her to gaze at the beautiful features of the woman smiling broadly at her antics.

“Is your dog running away from you or are you running away from it?” The twinkling blue eyes filled with merriment and Noelle was sure she was teasing.

“No! No of course not, I would never…that is, the dog isn’t mine.”

The woman who glanced at the dog thumping his rather straggly tail on the concrete, probably thinking if his first victim didn’t succumb there was always a chance of another.

“Really? Could have fooled me, he looks like he knows you pretty well.” The woman smiled at the red-faced woman who came up to her shoulders and then to the dog, who had a lop-sided kind of cute smile on its face.

“He doesn’t. Never seen him before today.” Noelle tried once more to explain and then looked at the dog who was giving her an adoring look…. sheesh how do you counter that expression?

The taller woman moved towards the dog that thumped his tail even more madly on the floor as she came closer. “He looks neglected, have you been feeding him?”

Noelle was exasperated now, how many more times did she have to explain this. “He’s not mine I tell you, he’s a stray I think.”

“Okay, hey fellow what’s your name? Mine’s Holly Claus.” The woman bent her tall frame and patted the dog sympathetically on the head, much to the dog’s delight.

“He doesn’t speak you know.” Noelle couldn’t help herself from mentally smacking her forehead as she realised how stupid a remark that was.

“Yep I know, always wise to be polite you never know in this world what will happen next.”

“I suppose, look I have to go…see you.” The shorter woman made towards her earlier destination the sidewalk and her attempt to go over the road.

“See you Blondie.”

Noelle once more stopped in her tracks as she momentary looked back around to decipher that odd comment. It was rather familiar for someone who had only met her little more than five minutes earlier. As she did so she was amazed to find that the woman and the dog were nowhere to be seen, having vanished into thin air.

Walking back to the top of the alleyway she shouted down expecting the woman to be there, the small dark alley was silent. Except for the blowing of wind in the recesses of the building, giving it an eerie aspect. Otherwise she couldn’t see anyone or hear anything else.

“Where had she gone?”

†

Noelle had wondered not for the first time in a week what had happened to her that day she stopped at the shop window, surely it must have been a figment of her fevered imagination. After all, the very next day she’d taken to her bed with a particularly vicious flu bug. Today as she left the job centre she thought perhaps it might be a good time to go home. Had it been six years since her last family Christmas visits with her parents? Yeah it must be, this year Danny was going to be home from University and he was bringing home his fiancée too! Her mother had tried to convince her that she should be there, but with her finances in disaster she’d told them she was busy…it was only a white lie, who knew she might get a job and be able to make it.

Three days to go before Christmas day it wasn’t looking good, not even a temporary job to help see her through the festive period. Her skills weren’t exactly in demand and she had to admit that maybe it was time to reconsider taking up the retraining programme offered to her in computers. At least then she might be in a position to get some kind of job in the New Year.

As she turned into the familiar street that lead to the shop window she loved to look into, not really understanding why it was so fascinating, it was only an antique bric-a-brac shop. Rubbish in many instances but on occasion it did have some unusual and rather interesting pieces.

The weather forecasters had remarked that it might snow and sure enough as she pulled her rather inadequate jacket closer to her body she felt the snow slowly drift down, her eyes looking at the skies which appeared to be full of heavy snow clouds. As she did so a rather large snowflake dropped onto her nose and the moisture trickled down over her lips.

“Damn I’m going to get wet.”

Deciding it was as well to carry on home as it looked like once the snow started it would carry on for sometime. Then she was accosted once more at her feet with the familiar sound of a small dog and it’s tugging at her trouser leg.

“Oh no not you again? What happened you lost tall blue eyes and now you’ve come to find a second best?”

Smiling as she recalled the woman from the previous week, she had indeed been very beautiful in fact she reminded her of one of her action heroines, wonder if anyone else had ever compared her to the superstar. Those blue eyes of hers Noelle would have gladly drowned in any day of the week.

The dog let go as she spoke and ran towards the alleyway; this time she didn’t hesitate she followed and stood looking down the small but dark alleyway.

“I know boy you’ve got a secret hiding place and it must be a weird place if tall dark and beautiful could disappear too. Want to show me?”

As she followed the dog who was now wagging his tail profusely, she felt the chill of the wet snow fall away as if she was leaving it behind in the street, and here in this dark alleyway she was in another land altogether. Oh god here she was being fanciful again, what did it mean was she hallucinating?

The dog stopped abruptly at the end of the alley, a red brick wall leading nowhere that she could gauge. In front of her the brickwork old and in someplaces the mortar no longer visible replaced instead with green mould, decaying would be the best description she could think of. What the hell was she doing here anyway?

“Okay Scruff here I am what next? Last time I heard walking through brick walls wasn’t in my resume. Unless I’ve suddenly died and become a phantom, at this rate getting chilled to the bone it might yet happen.”

Scruff the mongrel looked up at her with brightness in his eyes that made her wonder if he was enchanted, and then he turned and did exactly what she said couldn’t happen, he walked towards the wall and disappeared!

“Wow…what in the world!”

Glancing around her she felt sure that this was a piece of trickery that surely was being carried out and she was the willing victim here. As she turned back to the wall she was amazed to see the dog’s tail wagging inside the wall…or was it on one side and the rest of the other. Okay she was seeing things the meds she’d been taking for her flu bug must have some really strange side effects.

What was it that people said, in for a penny in for a pound, well this was sure some penny!

“I can do this, if the dog can do this I can. All that can happen is I’m going to hit the wall and break my bloody nose!” Pivoting on her heels once more to see if anyone else had decided this dark alleyway was the place to visit on a cold snowy December morning. No!

“Right Scruff here I come!”

Walking with her eyes closed towards the wall hoping against hope that she did hit it with a crash and she was back to reality….

†

“Tobias you could have warned us that your new friend was mute.”

“She wasn’t when I was on the other side—humans never know how to enjoy themselves when they come across a good thing.”

“Tobias, if the female opened her eyes maybe she could see what she’s missing, ask her?”

“Oh okay, there’s no time to lose if we want to get to the inn on time.”

The blue-sky overhead turned a pale grey with rapid speed soon it would be dark and they would have to make up a campfire.

“Time to open those pretty green eyes human.”

Noelle heard a rather gruff voice bringing her mind into focus, as she opened one eye to peek at her surroundings. When the wall didn’t hit her and she could feel the warmth of the sun on her face, she knew this was a dream, another fantasy of her overworked imagination, albeit about the only thing that was working in her life at the moment, ironic really.

Closing the eye quickly she really hadn’t ever dreamed like this before…had she been secretly drinking too?

“Come on pretty lady, it’s time to move along you can’t stay here forever, we have things to do.” The gruff voice again attracted her attention; although it wasn’t familiar it wasn’t frightening either.

I can do this, I know I keep saying the same things over and over again but I’m sure I can.

This time Noelle opened both eyes squinting at the sight before her. Definitely figments of her imagination, what the hell, she might as well go along for the ride, what else had she to do today.

Glancing around her the brusque voice asked her if she was okay.

Staggered at the possessor of the voice she weakly replied. “But you’re…you’re Scruff the scraggy dog from the alleyway, except you look different.”

“Aye, I had better young woman. Out in your world it helps to look like you need a helping hand. In my world I prefer to look my best, you never know who you might meet along the way.”

“Why Tobias you womaniser! I thought I was the only one for you?” A higher pitched voice responded emanating from a squid with a musical instrument held in two of its tentacles.

“You’re a squid? You can talk?”

Noelle’s eyes nearly popped out of her head as she was given a wide smile from the squid. Okay this was turning out to be a menagerie of animal antics.

Whatever next?

“Of course she talks, we all do. Here in fantasyland nothing is what it seems. Now to get to business, Sandy should be along shortly, its time to hear what the task ahead is.” The dog shook his black glossy coat and the odd hair shed itself into the air, causing the squid to sneeze and the instrument she held dropped to the floor.

For no other reason that she needed something to do, Noelle picked up the strange object and handed it back to the squid.

“I’ve never seen anything like that before, what do you call it?”

“Ah my dear it’s called a lyre. I was given it a long, long time ago by a dear friend that finally got himself together and didn’t need it anymore. Do you play?”

Noelle shook her head and smiled, this was weird. “I have many skills but unfortunately playing an instrument isn’t one of them. Will you play for me?”

“Why my dear yes but we must wait for Sandy she tells a fine tale and I usually help her out when she needs a break. Between you and I dear, Sandy can be a little over zealous in her tasks and she wouldn’t take kindly to me taking her limelight.”

Noelle wanted to laugh this was ridiculous but fun, a dog who talks, and a squid who talks and plays a lyre, in love with a dog. Yep, she was heading for the funny farm for sure.

“Sally come along we need to make up the campfire that will surely bring Sandy out of her web, time is a wasting.” Tobias the dog scratched his back with his left hind leg and a flea bounced out of the hair that fluffed up.

“Do you have to evict me so soon? I only found this residency this morning.” The flea spoke affronted at landing on the saddlebag that was lying to the left of Noelle.

“Sorry old chap, you know how it is got to keep clean for my girl over there.” The dog flicked his tail towards the squid, which was gathering firewood in all her tentacles and piling them up for a fire.

The flea gave a slighted snort and flew close to Noelle, “Hey not me old pal I’m sure my girl wouldn’t want to find me with a flea either.”

The flea buzzed closer and realising it wasn’t going to get a decent bed at this campfire flew off into the night, which had closed in suddenly.

Noelle felt a chill as she dragged her jacket and muffler closer only to find she was no longer wearing a muffler, in fact she wasn’t wearing anything but a pink nightie. Closing her eyes she couldn’t believe it, no proper clothes and insane too! Why ever not.

As the flea left the area, a loud crackle indicated the squid had lighted the campfire. Noelle and Tobias turning to the heat of the flame settled down beside it, Tobias with Sally and Noelle on the opposite side to them both.

“By the way my name’s Noelle.”

The dog was smiling she was damn sure of it, as he shook his head or was it nodded. “Why that’s a beautiful name and so fitting here in fantasyland, who would have thought it, don’t you think too Sally? As you have heard I’m Tobias, not Scruff as you originally delighted in calling me, although that was better than some who called me rather harsh names. This is my darling Sally, she plays the lyre as if born to it, and can swim like a fish.”

Looking into the depths of the fire rather than Tobias and Sally, who were in anyone’s fantasy a rather strange couple, to say she would swim like a fish…well wasn’t there a strong relationship there?

“Exactly where am I?”

“Why you’re in fantasyland, where all is not what it seems and Christmas dreams come true.”

“Dreams come true? How?” That was the answer she hadn’t woken up yet, everything was a dream so far.

“Ah, you will have to wait for Sandy to let us into that secret. She’ll be along soon, never could understand her longing to live in all that sand, but she loves it and old father time lets her have the odd vacation in his hourglass. Reminds her of a roller coaster she loves it, whatever she means by that I wouldn’t know of course sand isn’t my favourite habitat.” Sally squid remarked conversationally as she placed two tentacles around her beau and two around the lyre, picking out the odd note.

“Why me Tobias?”

“Noelle it was your time. Unfortunately you let the first time go to another, the second time you didn’t appear and today I was thinking you might not take up the final offer. I was wrong and here you are.”

“The first time?”

“Oh yes the first day we met, you let Holly take your place that day. She loves it here and didn’t want to go home again, however she knows humans can’t stay here in this land indefinitely. They have to go on and make their own way in this lifetime.”

“Tall dark and beautiful loved it here?” Noelle was sure the woman had been a trick of her imagination too, now she wasn’t so sure.

“Ha so you noticed her, not that I blame you she was kinda good looking for a human. Sandy was taken with her, though Holly wasn’t exactly happy about that arrangement. Must have been the sand rather than the six legs.”

Sally laughed at Tobias’s comment. “Why my love you simply adore numerous appendages.”

“That I do darling that I do.” The dog sniffed the tentacle close to him and licked it several times as the squid squealed in pleasure, the dog bit her neck (did she have a neck?) in the morning the squid was sure to have a hickey.

Should she be witnessing this? Placing a hand over her forehead she wondered if now might not be a good time to wake up. Come on girl lets open those eyes and see the bedroom’s comfortable if shabby décor.

Then the silence of the evening was broken, as they all listened to a shuffling of something coming from the hill to the left of them. Neither Tobias nor Sally seemed to be disturbed as they snuggled closer together giggling.

Suddenly out of the darkness, Noelle nearly shot out of her skin as she came face to face with a gigantic sand spider. Oh shit, what should she do now?

“Sandy, why I’m glad you finally decided to join us.” Tobias spoke amiably and Noelle bit back her need to scream in fear. Never exactly favouring spiders at home.

“As you should be, as you should be. Now who have we today?”

The spider spoke in a clear precise voice; it’s eyes taking Noelle in quickly as it found a place to sit beside the heat of the crackling fire.

“This is Noelle, she should have been here before but Holly came in her place. You remember Sandy?”

The sand spider swivelled towards the dog, “So this is the one that allowed me to meet Holly? Well in that case lets get to the heart of the matter shall we? Pass me the scroll from the saddlebag female.”

Noelle shot them all a surprised glance, before walking over to the saddlebag and rummaging inside for the requested object. The left compartment held a rustic red kite, obviously well used and loved but not a scroll. The right compartment was stuffed with various items, a whip, horseshoe and finally several scrolls.

“Which one?”

“Why anyone Noelle it’s your journey, not ours.”

Selecting the first that came to hand, she pulled it out and shut the other items back in the saddlebag passing it over to the sand spider.

“Thank you, now to tell the story of Noelle and how she can reach her Christmas dream.”

“Hey I don’t think my life is quite like that!” Noelle protested as she listened to the spider spin a tale that entranced and enticed you into its storytelling web.

“It is what is on the scroll and you brought it to me, it is your story is it not? Are any of the facts wrong?”

“Why no, but you have rather glorified things, I didn’t realise I came out looking quite Miss. Goody Two Shoes.”

“I speak only the truth of the scrolls, are they a forgery?” The spider’s multifaceted eyes glanced her way; at least she assumed that, not being very familiar with how a spider views life. In multiple visions she suspected from her TV understanding of the creature in real life. As it was in this rather strange dreamscape anything could happen, look at the dog and the squid!

“No! No of course not. I wouldn’t do such a thing.” Noelle replied quickly, she might be somewhat impoverished right now but she didn’t care for underhand dealings.

“Good. Now it is up to you what you want to see written, we are here to help you.”

Shaking her blonde head she smiled carefully at the three creatures. Under normal circumstances she could forgive herself for thinking she was going mad, however this all seemed plausible. What the hell why not, at least it was turning out to be enjoyable, weird but fun.

“Okay what do I do?” The sky above turned a bright orange and the sun began to meander across the horizon. Hadn’t they only just settled for the evening?

Tobias extricated himself from his ladylove and scratched his back with his back leg as he answered her.

“Noelle all you need do is follow the black powder path and it will take you to what your heart desires.”

“Black powder path? Come on Tobias how can it know what’s in my heart?”

“Yes the black powder path.” He lifted his right front paw and pointed in the direction immediately behind her left shoulder. Turning to observe where he was indicating she gasped as she saw a path of black glittering powder seemingly extending for miles and miles and miles.

Gasping slightly she swiftly asked, “and my heart?”

“Ah that is a little more complicated and you will need to see the Old Mother to explain that.”

Closing her eyes as yet another element dropped into the conversation. “Old Mother?”

Sandy the spider snorted and refused to do more as Sally the squid shuffled around on her tentacles also refusing to furnish further information.

“You have to find out about Old Mother in your own time Noelle, come lets put the scroll back in the saddle bag and continue onwards down the black powder path.

“Well I’m game if you are.” Noelle bantered back wondering if the pink nightie she wore would still be pink after a walk down this peculiar path.

It was a rather strange entourage that eventually approached a building appearing from out of the blue. After they had negotiated a particularly difficult part of the black powder path, so difficult that the squid had become trapped several times. Now instead of her pink flesh she was multi-coloured, pink face, red neck where the hickey stood out for all to see, and black on her tentacles, quite an interesting mix really.

Not that Noelle could really comment her pink pink nightie was covered in black smudges when she’d gone to the squid’s aid, and after battling with tentacles that thrashed around clinging to her in fear, she was as marked as Sally was. Tobias didn’t appear to have a problem and Sandy had merely attached herself to a web along the way to remove herself from the treacle substance the black powder became when the sun warmed it sufficiently. All in all they looked a rather motley group, thank goodness they were hitting civilisation!

As the building came closer it appeared to be a coaching inn, a place of rest for the weary traveller. Although Noelle guessed they had been travelling less than an hour, she felt as if it had been twenty-four!

“Old Mother isn’t here to greet us.” Tobias growled and proceeded to scout around the building for any evidence anyone was home.

Well, I don’t mind at all.” Sandy announced huffily, obviously she and the ‘Old Mother’ didn’t see eye to eye. Wonder what creature this mother was?

As they tried unsuccessfully to open the door of the inn, Sally grunted, she really had wanted to have a nice long soak in a salt-water bath and maybe Tobias would have scrubbed her back for her with one of those soft sponges. The very thought made her shiver in anticipation.

Noelle flicked back her hair and contemplated the door of the inn as she felt a stiff breeze of arctic proportions looking skywards she saw snow clouds mounting and they didn’t look very nice snow clouds either, very dark and un-welcoming.

†

“Tobias, Sally, Sandy I think we need to take shelter there’s a storm brewing.”

“Don’t be silly Noelle it isn’t the time of year.” Sally dismissed the comment and vainly looked at her rather black tentacles and the promise of a cold tub of water.

“I’m not Sally, it’s becoming colder and look at those snow clouds.” Noelle pointed to the sky, which now she had time to look closely speeded by, much faster than in her reality.

“Tobias, get the kite and lets see which way the wind is blowing.” Sandy shouted for the dog that returned and skidded to a halt at the saddlebag retrieving the kite from inside.

“Exactly why do we need a kite?”

“My dear Noelle everyone knows that a kite will tell you if it’s going to snow or not, where were you educated in a zoo?” Sandy informed her dismissing her question as if she were an idiot.

“Well…well that isn’t very nice and I don’t think I’m the one who could have been educated in a zoo!”

“Be quiet dear, Tobias needs to set the kite.” As they watched the dog run for a few seconds and then let go of the kite Noelle shook her head, what would this prove exactly?

What she hadn’t expected and she really should have in the circumstances, the kite froze in the sky and several snow flakes floated down from its position. Sandy tut tuted with her mandibles and Sally tucked her tentacles around herself.

“It would be a good time for Old Mother to come home.” Tobias remarked as he fluffed up his fur in reaction to the cold.

Noelle was freezing, a pink nightie wasn’t’ exactly the attire of a winter’s day, not in the open anyway.

“I’m freezing to death here, what do we do now?”

Sally placed a tentacle on either side of her round jolly face and smudged its pinkness with black spots, as she appeared to concentrate on the question.

Then suddenly as if a light bulb went off in her head she shouted in glee. “A lock pick!”

The spider, dog and human female all looked at their fishy friend as if she had lost her mind.

“A lock pick my love?” Tobias asked warily.

“Why yes Tobias a lock pick in the saddlebag, Noelle will have to do the honours of course but she can do it with a natural incentive.”

“A natural incentive?” Noelle squeaked out, she wasn’t a criminal! Merely out of work at the moment.

“Yes, you don’t want to freeze to death do you? Please hurry the snow is getting rather heavier.”

“I can see that, I really can.” As she wiped away several snowflakes from her face and realised that now she was soon going to be a great advert for a snow person. It might therefore be at least wise to try her hand at picking a lock.

Ten minutes later Noelle was still trying, as she looked around her all three of her companions were covered in at least two inches of snow. Oh well it was Christmas! It made a great snow scene as she turned back to her task and heaved a sigh of relief. She heard a snick, triumphantly looking back to her friends. Just as she was about to shout to them she heard a voice ask in a bored tone.

“If you had knocked harder I might have let you in rather than you try to pick my lock.”

Blue startling eyes pierced her green ones and she thought they looked familiar to her but the wizened features of the woman belied that.

“I’m sorry, really I am. The weather closed in on us and we needed shelter…we thought you were out.”

“That makes it alright?” as the woman waved her candle out of the door briefly to take in the spectacle of her companions.

“No, no of course not but….”

She stopped as a low attractive laugh came from the Old mother as they called her.

“Well if it isn’t the grotto threesome, how very attractive you look.”

“I knew she would be like this I told you I told.” Sandy remarked with a huff in her tone and tried to shake the steadily accumulating snow.

“Oh how can you call my love a grotto Old Mother?” Tobias replied affronted at the remark against his squid love.

“I think you should just let us in Old Mother.” Sally pushed past everyone including the old woman slipping her way into the inn.

Noelle wanted to laugh but she was freezing and her teeth were chattering. This really was getting beyond a dream; she could do with waking up to a nice hot cup of tea.

“Come in come in, I was only teasing you all.”

As they shuffled, walked and padded into the inn, Noelle was amazed to find that it held little but a wooden table with six chairs and the most gigantic fireplace with a gorgeous spitting fire welcoming them home. Now this was the Christmas spirit she had read about for years in books.

“It’s out of a fairy tale.” Noelle breathed out and was pushed aside by Sandy who was desperate to divest herself of the cold wet snow that covered her body.

“Fairy tale indeed! Noelle I do think that you humans need better educating.”

“Don’t mind her she’s always grumpy when she doesn’t look her best. You should have seen her last time she brought someone to me there had been this terrible storm and her mandibles were all array not a pretty sight, especially if you are trying to have someone notice you for your good looks.” Old Mother explained conspiratually as she motioned for Noelle to sit at the table.

“Who was she trying to flirt with?”

“Why my granddaughter of course! Not that she had much chance she’s taken that one.” Blue eyes smiled warmly at Noelle and she felt herself thawing out from the snow as it dripped into a puddle at her feet.

“Oh I see.” Noelle didn’t really and she wondered just for a moment who the granddaughter was and who she had been taken with.

“I’ll leave the candle for you as I see to those three, now their task is done they will rest for the night and then go on their way.”

Noelle turned up anxious eyes at the comment, where did that leave her? Oh yeah of course it was a dream she would wake up and wondered why she hadn’t already. Then again as a child she had always wanted to be Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, in a way this was her over imaginative mind’s attempt at an original take on the old story.

“They’re leaving me here?”

“Oh yes Noelle, your black powder path has ended it’s time to choose.” The Old Mother remarked obscurely and left her to think about that as she proceeded to make arrangements for her guests.

Shaking her blonde head of the water that was dribbling down her cheeks she pondered the remark but couldn’t come up with an answer, perhaps here there wasn’t one.

Ten minutes later the Old Mother came back into the room alone sitting opposite Noelle, placing her candle in the centre of the table.

“Time to choose Noelle.”

Startled green eyes widened as she sought the blue, familiar in some way, eyes of the old woman, choose what?

“I hope you don’t mind my ignorance Old Mother but choose?”

Laughing softly in a very attractive and spellbinding way the Old Mother answered.

“Why Noelle what wish do you choose for Christmas?”

“Oh you mean I get a wish?” Chuckling at the thought it really was like being in a fairytale.

“If that is what you call it, what do you wish for?”

“Hadn’t really thought about it before, it’s only in dreams that you wish for things isn’t it?”

“Perhaps, then again some dreams are others reality, choose Noelle time is running out and you need to go back.”

Glancing round the sparsely furnished room that although dark in many recesses didn’t make her feel uncomfortable, far from it, she felt decidedly comfortable and warm inside like a home from home.

“Actually there are two things, I’d like a chance at a job and… someone to share my life with.”

The old mother smiled in understanding at her predicament, both were needed in this young woman’s life but alas she had to choose.

“Choose Noelle or you will run out of time.”

Closing her eyes briefly she hoped and prayed that she made the right choice. “I’d like to share my life with someone.”

There it was out, after all it was a dream and why shouldn’t she dream of love in her life, this was her Christmas fantasy.

“So be it. Are you ready to return?” the Old mother smiled warmly at her nodding towards the fire that was spitting ferociously in the fireplace.

“I guess. How do I get home?” Noelle couldn’t see a door, not that there had been one to arrive here…perhaps the wall again?

“The fireplace, just walk through the flames and you will be back where you started.”

“You’re joking of course!” Noelle gave her a look that bordered, for the first time in arriving in this fantasyland, on fear. No way absolutely not! She’d burn to death before she got on the other side.

“I don’t joke! Come Noelle it’s time and you did want to share your life with someone if you don’t travel now you will miss the opportunity.”

“Won’t I get burnt?” she asked tentatively not wanting to sound as cowardly as she felt inside.

“Burnt? Why no! We respect our guests Noelle after all it’s Christmas time. Take this horseshoe for luck it will be your passport home.” Passing over the object to Noelle who looked at it with a degree of scepticism. Everything else had been fine so far guess it wouldn’t hurt to trust to luck with this as well, after all it was a dream wasn’t it?

“Do I get to say goodbye to the others?”

“Look up Noelle towards the stairway.” As she did so, Tobias with a paw around Sally squid were both waving at her madly. Sandy the sand spider was pruning herself and waved her mandibles a couple of times before she scuttled off to her new warm web and a well deserved rest from strange human creatures.

Noelle felt a lump form in her throat, it was a dream, admittedly a very vivid one and she knew it was all her own imagination, still they had become friends in a bizarre way. Smiling she lifted her hand to wave at them and then felt a hand on her shoulder.

“Time to go Noelle your wish awaits you.” With that she was pushed, with a force she wouldn’t have expected from one so frail looking, into the depths of the fireplace the flames licking at her heals.

†

Was she dead? As she was pushed she didn’t feel the heat of the flames but she did feel the impact of trashcans that echoed loudly in the alleyway where she had originally departed.

Looking around she saw that she had landed quite literally into a couple of cans, which were situated on the opposite side of the wall from where the adventure had begun. Now seated on the snow-covered ground amidst the packaging that had been placed in the trash. Other than her dignity she didn’t think anything else was injured.

As she considered moving off the cold damp ground the door to the back of the building opened and a dark head peered out. Familiar blue eyes glanced around capturing Noelle’s green ones, which had taken on a sheepish ambience with her current position.

“Are you okay?” The tall woman she had met a couple of weeks previously asked anxiously, as she ventured out of the building into the alleyway, helping Noelle to her feet.

“Yes, I’m fine. Thanks for asking I must have slipped in the snow. Sorry about the mess.” Noelle pointed at the debris on the ground.

“No worries, I’ll soon have that cleared away. You look cold; want to come inside and I’ll get you some tea? You can on occasion suffer mild shock after an unexpected fall.”

“Oh I wouldn’t want to put you to any bother.” Noelle couldn’t believe her luck, tall dark and gorgeous was asking her in for tea, WOW!

“No bother, I was struggling over an ad I want to put in the local paper. Maybe tea will help me to word it correctly. Aren’t you Noelle Mistletoe we met a couple of weeks ago?”

“Yes we did didn’t we, you’re Holly Claus. Thanks I’d love some tea. The weather turned bleak suddenly and I’m not exactly dressed for it.”

Laughing softly the taller woman nodded and glanced down at her attire smirking. “Yeah I can see that.”

Noelle closed her eyes unable to look down at her dress. Oh no, it wasn’t a dream and I’ve been sleep walking in my pink nightie. “Well, I …that is.”

“Yes I know those thin jackets aren’t much use in sleet and snow are they? Makes you look like you’re in a bathing costume.”

Looking down at her clothes, relief was overtaken with embarrassment as the weather had caused her clothes to stick to her like a second skin, which didn’t hide much at all. She really should have put her bra on this morning.

“Tea you said?”

“I did, this way. Maybe you can help me Noelle, any experience of writing an ad for a shop assistant?”

Gasping as she entered the backroom of the building, recognising some of the items in the small shop. This was her favourite place, the shop on the corner. How wonderful!

“Do you run this beautiful place?”

“Sure do, it’s been handed down from generation to generation for as long as I can remember. My dad wanted to sell but my mother wouldn’t let him and my brothers didn’t want to take it on so here I am. Decided to branch out a little so I need help here now, although it has to be someone special this is a real special place. I call it fantasyland for us adults who aren’t really supposed to act as kids anymore.”

Holly chuckled at her rather absurd admission; not exactly something you admitted to a complete stranger, except Noelle wasn’t was she…

Noelle blinked several times, could this be her chance at a job? What she wouldn’t give to work in this place. It was so quaint and old fashioned, time appeared to be standing still inside. This wasn’t what she wished for though but hell second best; perhaps she would have a great Christmas after all?

“How special?”

Holly smiled, her blue eyes pierced Noelle’s green ones. Reminding her of the Old mother. Yes! That was it, the familiarity she had seen it before, Holly’s eyes had starred out at her from the Old mother’s, how could that be?

“Someone who would love the place as I do. I guess it’s filled with treasures that only a person with a wandering imagination would appreciate. Haven’t met anyone like that in my life yet, when I do I’ll keep them in my life forever.” The tall woman grinned at her and walked towards the kettle, switching it on to make the tea.

“Everyday for three months, once I found this place, I’ve looked in the window and wondered what it would be like to work inside.” The wistful tone was not lost on Holly who turned and leaned against the counter where she was brewing the tea.

“I know.”

“You know? How?”

“Hey, I’m not blind Noelle. When a beautiful woman stares into my shop window everyday for weeks and weeks, I’d have to be blind not to notice.”

“Beautiful?” the word came out in a whisper; Holly appeared not to hear it, as the old style-whistling kettle demanded her attention.

“Make yourself comfortable, I have a wonderful leather armchair near the bookcase and I’ll bring your tea.”

Noelle did as she was bid, settling into the brown well-worn chair, which welcomed her as an old friend with a hug. Oh god here went her imagination again!

Maybe this is my chance? It might not be the choice I made but that was only a fantasy after all.

†

Holly smiled broadly as she made the tea, picking an object up off her paper-covered desk. Opening the back door into the alleyway, she whistled softly. Waiting only a few moments, before the scraggy looking dog that obviously made a home for itself in the boxes when it wasn’t in one of Noelle’s fantasies, came towards her wagging it’s tail profusely.

“Toby take this back to grandmother, tell her I don’t need it now. I’ve found what I’m looking for and thanks to everyone, I’ll see you all soon.” Patting the dog on the head she put a golden apple in its mouth, as he ran off towards the wall and disappeared without a trace.

Shaking the snowflakes that settled off her dark head turned back into the shop and picked up the cups of tea.

As she entered the part of the shop where Noelle was sitting like a small child. Perfectly comfortable, waiting for a story to be told like in the old days, when at this time of the year it was a common occurrence or had been for their family anyway.

“You wouldn’t happen to be interested in being my shop assistant would you Noelle? I’m sure I could work out a decent package.”

Noelle’s green eyes almost fell out of their sockets, as she was captured in a gaze that told her this package would have some very wonderful personal side benefits.

“I’m your girl!”

“Oh I always knew that.” Holly said softly grinning as she settled on the arm of the chair. Both women sipped on their tea, contemplating what a wonderful Christmas this was; now they had someone to share it with.

End or was it……

Wanted For Christmas

Chapter One

Danielle Reed pursed her lips as she contemplated the up-coming festive season. In a little over two week’s time, she’d have to present a happy and stable family front or everything would change. It wasn’t so much the happy part that eluded her—it was the stable. “Darn it Greg. You didn’t have to die and leave me in this mess.”

Moving her slight body over to the window of the old farmhouse, she pulled back the drapes from the mist covered glass and peered out onto the scene. The outlook was the typical picture postcard scenario for this time of year—snow. Trailing a finger down the window pane, she traced a matchstick man through the moisture. A small smile tugged at her thin lips as she recalled doing this on many an occasion in the past when she was growing up here.

The Reed family had owned the farm for over two hundred years. In the beginning, it had been predominantly wheat and over the centuries had changed with the styles required to keep it in business. Now, the farm was a mix of organic crop farming as well as chickens, turkeys, and ducks.

Her twin brother Greg, had been the eldest by an hour. Although their parents had wanted more children it just hadn’t happened. When their father had a heart attack ten years ago, he retired from the farm and moved with their mother to a cottage by the sea two hundred miles away. The farm automatically passed to Greg. Fortunately, her brother had been their father’s understudy from…the first moment he could walk she supposed

“Yep, he loved living here, it was his life,” Danielle muttered softly. Memories of her brother chasing chickens and then chased back through the yard when he was barely able to run made her eyes tear up.

It had been a long time coming when Greg married Susan Lancaster, at the age of thirty. There was no surprise that the patter of tiny feet soon came along. Eventually that patter ended up as three.

Liam, at ten, looked like Greg from his curly brown hair to his bright blue eyes that seemed to be laughing all the time. He was bright and loved the farm—the apple hadn’t fallen very far from the tree when he was born.

Sally, at eight, was a slim child, with a snub nose and washed out grey eyes with a halo of blonde hair. She was studious, tending to shy with strangers although a very loving child lay beneath her rage over her parent’s death.

Jack, at five, was chubby tending to fat with a precocious smile and sea-green eyes and a mop of ginger hair. He definitely had some of the characteristics of his mother. At times, he tended to be fiery when confronted by something he really didn’t want to do—otherwise he was the most loving of the brood.

Moving away from the window, she turned to survey the main room of the house—the kitchen. The large AGA oven was keeping not only the bacon, sausages and hash browns warm but the room too. The enormous kitchen table, which could seat twelve with the extra leaf in, was set for the morning meal. The welsh dresser filled with both serviceable crockery and antiques from years gone by filled one wall. The doorway to the larder and the adjoining laundry/boot area had a basket nestled next to it where a dog the size of a small pony lay fast asleep. The kids had apparently fallen in love with the stray when Greg found it three years ago by the river that ran through their property. Little did they know that the cute mutt with the big feet was going to turn out to be such a monster. The kids called her Tiny—that was kid logic for you.

Molly, the tabby, purred as she twirled around Danielle’s legs for her five minutes of attention and most of all, food. “Morning, Molly. I guess the mice didn’t want to be caught this morning huh.” She reached down and stroked Molly’s ears and her purr increased in tempo at the action. Glancing at the clock on the whitewashed wall over the outer door, she sighed. “Time for the monsters to be woken,” Danielle said softly to Molly who was now washing her back oblivious to the comment.

Heading towards the doorway that led to the twisting stairs, Danielle took them two at a time and was soon on the hall landing. The first door to her left was Sally’s room. She knocked lightly and opened the door. Sure enough, Sally was doing exactly what she did most mornings—a tiny ray of light from a mini flashlight focused on a book as the girl read.

“Hey, Sally, did you sleep well?” Danielle asked with a smile as she headed towards the bed.

Sally blinked rapidly as she moved the covers to look directly at Danielle. “Yes, Danny.”

“Wonderful. It’s time for you to get up, have breakfast and then get ready for school. You can do it the other way around your call. First one up always gets the hottest water.” Danielle drew back the curtains in the room and allowed the light reflecting off the snow to stream into the room.

Sally climbed out of bed and collected her school clothes. “I’ll take the bathroom first.”

Danielle winked. “Good idea…see you soon.” She watched the little girl walk out of the room and did a cursory tidy up of the room. Fortunately, Sally wasn’t an untidy child. The boys…that was a different kettle of fish.

With a quick look around again, she left the room and headed for the next on her list, Liam. Knocking louder this time, she waited for a reply. At ten, the boy had requested his privacy first thing in the morning and she’d allowed it unless he was late getting out of bed for school. Smiling she heard a groaned reply.

“Liam, Sally’s in the bathroom why don’t you get Jack up for me and I’ll have your breakfast on the table when you get downstairs. See you both in five.”

There was another groaned reply of okay and Danielle headed back down the stairs to dish up the food.

Five minutes later, the two boys arrived, Liam clothed in gym shorts and a t-shirt with Spiderman on the front. Jack was dressed in his pj’s filled with animals of different kinds.

Danielle felt small arms wrap around her denim clad legs as Jack looked up at her. “Morning, Jack. Did you sleep well?” Ensuring the food wouldn’t burn she bent to pick up the small boy and kissed him good morning.

“Danny, can I play in the snow today?’

Danielle shook her head and gave him a mock stern look. “School, Jack. Maybe when you get home I can take you up the hill to toboggan until it gets dark.”

Liam then spoke, “Danny, it’s winter it will be dark when we get home. I’m glad Christmas is in ten days time.” The elder boy sat down, picked up a piece of toast, and liberally coated it with butter, then munched happily into it with butter dripping down his chin.

“Hmm, okay guys who wants what?” She gave Jack a hug and then placed him down on the floor, watching with a tender smile as his stubby legs waddled off towards his chair.

Ten minutes later, Sally arrived and she sat down. Her hair was tied in a ribbon, her school clothes were neat and tidy. “Morning again, Sally. What will it be today?”

The girl gave her aunt a considered look and then quietly said, “Egg and hash browns please, Danny.”

Danielle pushed her chair away from the table and got up. Then, quickly breaking an egg against the old skillet pan proceeded to produce the egg. A couple of minutes later they were all seated again.

“Okay guys, just five school days to go before the term ends. Are you looking forward to Christmas?”

Liam gave a nod but didn’t say anything.

Jack grinned. “Sure, I want that robot that walks and talks.”

Sally remained silent.

Danielle knew it was a difficult time—it would be their first year without their parents. God knew she too felt it keenly. Her life since her brother and sister-in-law’s death in a car accident had been traumatic on lots of levels. Finally breaking the melancholy silence that had suddenly descended on most of the table, Danielle attempted a little levity. “I’m looking forward to the school’s Christmas events on Friday.”

Liam looked up. “Can you make it for everything, Danny?”

The uncertainly in the boy’s expression tugged at Danielle’s heart. “Yeah, I’ll be there for it all.” I haven’t the faintest idea how I’m going to manage a half day away from here but I will…God help me, I will.

Sally blinked. “Oh, I told Mrs. Harris my teacher you probably wouldn’t make it.”

Danielle gazed at the child and blew out a small breath. “Don’t worry, Sally, I wouldn’t miss you at the carol singing, Jack in his play, and Liam playing the flute. That’s what an Aunty is for right?”

Jack and Liam grinned and nodded.

Sally gave Danielle a piercing glance and gave a small nod too.

“Hey guys, go get ready for school. Jack, when I say clean your teeth clean them and not just rise with water okay?” Danielle winked at the small boy as he followed his brother back up the stairs.

Danielle drew in a deep breath as she eyed Sally sitting quietly munching on her toast. “Why did you think I wouldn’t be there Friday, Sally?”

Sally stopped munching and replied, “Because you’re always way too busy.”

It was true she was. Her career as the partner in a graphic design business afforded her the ability to work from home on projects. That meant being able to pay a farm manager to look after the organic crop side of the business. Still, she had to look after the animals, the house, and the kids too. She couldn’t quite afford a housekeeper although that’s exactly what she needed. Her current workload had exploded and if she wanted to maintain her credibility, she had to make the deadlines or the company wouldn’t survive. With that in mind, she’d placed an ad in the town paper that might help out—assuming anyone answered. Turning her attention back to Sally, she replied, “You know why I’m busy though, Sally, don’t you?”

“Yes, to take care of us so that we don’t have to go live in town with Gran and Grandpa Lanacaster.”

Danielle nodded. “Yeah, that’s right. However, I promise you that I will be there Friday.” This time she moved closer to the child, bent her head, and kissed the blonde head. “Now go speed up your brothers or the bus will go without you.”

Sally smiled for the first time that morning and with a nod, disappeared back up the stairs.

Dragging a hand through her short chestnut hair, Danielle stacked up the lunch boxes she’d prepared earlier and waited to walk with the kids -to the farm entrance gate for the bus.

†

Annabelle Farrow rolled her eyes as she looked around the traditional house she’d lived in for eight years. The lack of work from the temp agency after the professor’s death three months ago had been another in a long line of problems that had beset her since then. Having graduated from Charlton university ten years ago with a minor in domestic science and English language, her parents had been supportive albeit from a distance. They had agreed to pay for her studies on the proviso once she graduated she was on her own. It had sounded a simple enough and easy plan to follow. Now on reflection, she wished she’d taken computer studies or something more technological—there were hundreds of vacancies in that area. Her cooking skills were good but no match for a decent chef’s position. Her ability to keep budgets etcetera had been passable, however hardly enough to demand a prestigious housekeeper’s job in a large establishment. From the first year, she’d managed short order cook jobs and several positions later had ended up as a cook/housekeeper for her old English professor at the university who had advertised for someone on a temporary basis.

That temp job lasted eight years until the professor had a heart attack and died in his sleep. Having loved the old man dearly, she’d been devastated. He was more of a father figure in her life than her own had ever been. Normally, at Christmas, they would have a quiet day together with a few of the professor’s friends and a couple of her cohorts from the art class she took on a weekly basis. This year was different. The professor’s only relative, a spinster cousin of indeterminable years, had, issued Annabelle with an ultimatum—pay the exorbitant rent or leave.

Scratching her auburn head of hair in frustration, Annabelle gazed half-heartedly at the vacant positions in the local paper. Dismissing the vast majority of jobs as way out of her league and moving along to the casual work column. They still wouldn’t pay the rent—barely enough to pay the utilities.

Sinking into the professor’s old armchair, Annabelle pondered what the professor’s advice would be in the circumstances. Her muddled mind didn’t come up with a darned thing.

Picking up the newspaper again, she decided that options were limited. There was a chance to be a pixie at the local mall for a couple of weeks, they might pay better than the never ending cleaning jobs .

Glancing at the next column, she frowned. In the column where people advertised for all kinds of things including work, she saw a particular ad and it made her smile.

Wanted: Housekeeper/cook/nanny for the period of Christmas until the New Year. Board, lodging, and a small allowance available. Immediate start to the right candidate. Interested parties apply to D. Reed, Box 111, Sheffield Street Post office.

Annabelle chuckled. “You don’t want much do you D. Reed. Why didn’t you just ask for a temporary wife? Some people place the strangest ads.” Tossing the paper aside, she stood up and walked towards the front door. As she did, she picked up her art bag and left the house for her class.

†

“You can’t be serious. Someone placed that in the wanted column. Talk about desperate.” Jody Allison remarked over coffee at the local café opposite where they took the art class.

Annabelle nodded. “See it’s here?” she said showing her friend the actual piece from the newspaper someone left on the table.

Jody laughed replying, “Definitely desperate.”

“Well, I’m sure they have a good reason,” Annabelle replied softly.

Jody glanced intently at her friend. “No, please don’t tell me you are considering the position?”

Annabelle frowned. “Not exactly…although it would solve my problems for a few weeks.” She shrugged. “Who knows, it might become permanent like with the professor.”

“Don’t go there, Belle. This could be a crazed maniac out to snare a hostage for all kinds of nefarious reasons. Besides, you can stay with me Christmas Eve and day…you know that right.”

“I know and thank you but it won’t solve my problems. I need a job and some place to live. You’re leaving town for the bright lights of Rayburn the day after Christmas and somehow arriving with you at Jamie’s wouldn’t quite go down well.” Annabelle placed a hand on her friend’s arm. “Thanks for the offer though.”

“You know I’m going to go crazy with worry if you take this job.”

“Ah, but they might not want me. I could always say to …,” she looked again at the name on the ad, “D. Reed that my friend needs to check him out first before I accept.”

Jody shook her head. “I think you need your head examined, however it’s your life.” Pulling at her lip, she added, “Hmm, that’s not such a bad suggestion…the checking out part.”

Annabelle chuckled. “I know.” The more she looked at the ad the more it appealed.

Later that day, she wrote a short letter to D. Reed as per the instructions and posted it an hour later. As she dropped the letter in the mailbox, she wondered if she’d done the right thing.

Chapter Two

Danielle had spent the morning chasing poultry around the yard that had minds of their own and didn’t want to play fair by laying eggs in accessible places. Eventually she’d managed to collect enough to deliver her normal number to a couple of small butcher shops in town. She hoped she could locate the Jeep keys that Jack had been playing with the night before. Her youngest nephew had a habit of playing hide and seek with some of the most essential items in the household. The car keys were usually on top of the list unless she hid them in a secure place first. Scouring the house she finally tracked them down to a hollow duck that stood on the welsh dresser. If her mother knew that he did that she’d have a fit—it was a family heirloom from the eighteen hundreds.

Glancing at her watch, she noted the time it was a quarter to eleven. “Darn, today isn’t going very well.”

Three-quarters of an hour later, she’d arrived on the outskirts of town and sped as fast as the snow and the traffic would allow to her destinations. At one-o-clock, she’d completed that side of the business and then rushed to the post office on Sheffield Street to collect her mail. The inaccessible route to the farm had always been a bone of contention to the rural mail service even in her parent’s day. When she’d come back to live at the farm she’d dispensed with the mail run and collected from a box number which the postal service had offered for free as compensation. Now, she collected the mail twice a week and fortunately, her work mail came over the internet.

Ten minutes later, she sank into the relative comfort of the old jeep that was at least as old as Liam and looked over the mail. There were a few bills, a couple of parcels that she’d sent for with presents for the kids. Then she looked at one envelope in particular—it was written in a neat script and not familiar at all. Curiously, Danielle opened the seal and took out a letter. The more she read of the letter, which was short and to the point, the more she re-read it, thinking it would suddenly disappear.

Her advertisement for help had been in the paper for two weeks and this was the only letter she’d received. With a satisfied expression, Danielle glanced at the name and contact details seconds later she pulled out her cell and called the number.

Several rings later a cheerful voice answered, “Hi.”

“Is this, Annabelle Farrow?”

“Yes, who’s calling?”

Danielle surmised by the voice that the woman was young maybe too young for what she needed. Since the kids needed protection, she decided to play it cagy. “You answered the ad for help over Christmas. I’m checking your credentials on behalf of the family requiring your help.” I need to be careful who I invite into our home.

“Oh, that’s fine. Exactly what do you need to know?”

Danielle considered the information criteria. “I assume you can cook and keep house. Do have you a reference I can check from previous employment.”

There was a distinct quiet from the other end of the line. “Is that a problem?”

“Actually, yes. My last employer who I worked for the last eight years passed away suddenly three months ago, which is why I need the work. I’m afraid it would be impossible to get a reference. I’m sorry.”

Working as remotely as she did professionally, Danielle had a keen sense of sizing someone up from the inflections in their voice. Nine times, out ten, she was right and this woman sounded genuinely upset about the person who had died. “I want someone to start immediately and when I mean immediate I mean exactly that. Does that pose a problem?”

“No, all I’d need to do is close up the house and tell the landlord I’m going away. I can be ready within a couple of hours.”

Danielle considered that comment and made a decision—one she hoped wasn’t too rash. “I’m in town at the moment. If you meant what you said, I can pick you up in two hours and take you to the farm. Where shall I pick you up?”

“Ah…well…I guess. Oh, that’s quick. Today huh? How about we meet outside the main office at the university. I’ll be the one with the suitcase.”

“Okay, I’ll pick you up at that location Ms Farrow, three sharp.” She ended the call and looked at the silent cell. “Did I just do something foolish that might hinder my position even more? Oh well, it has to be better than pressed meat for Christmas. That darn AGA isn’t the easiest object to manage.” Engaging the engine, Danielle drove off towards the center of town. She’d do some Christmas shopping while she waited to pick up Annabelle Farrow.

Annabelle replaced the receiver and contemplated what she’d just agreed to. “I’m such a dumb ass. Why don’t I think before engaging the mouth?” In two hours time she’d be heading for a post that frankly was as unknown as her future prospects. “Well, no time to lose. I need to pack and call the professor’s cousin…at least she’ll be happy to see the back of me.” Fortunately, over the past couple of months, her main belongings had been packed and were stored in an old friend’s garage until she was fixed up on a permanent basis.

“I’d better call Jody. She’s going to kill me.” With a light step to her feet, she headed for her bedroom and began the packing in earnest.

†

A muddy jeep, slowed as it moved down the road alongside the main university building. It stopped beside Annabelle, who stood with her suitcase and overstuffed gym bag by her side.

The window of the passenger side gradually descended and a woman’s voice she recognised from the phone conversation, asked, “Ms. Farrow?”

“That’s me. You must be the agent for Mr. Reed?” Annabelle picked up suitcase and then reached down for the second bag.

“You could call me that I suppose. I’ll open up the back for you.”

Annabelle rolled her eyes. She could have offered to help. Her thoughts were uncharitable as she heaved the bags towards the back of the vehicle. The snow fall of that morning made the ground particularly difficult to negotiate. At least if I fall on my ass I’ll have plenty of padding. Silently chuckling at what the doctors called obese when she considered it plump and homely.

A movement caught her attention as the woman in the vehicle opened her door and slid out. Annabelle’s breath caught in her throat as she came around the Jeep to open the door. Where she was plump the woman was like a thin stick—bones stuck out everywhere, her neck, shoulders, and the legs. One of mine would make two of hers. She’s probably anorexic. The woman’s short hair style wasn’t a fashion statement for her face—it looked slightly at odds. The cut was great, but it didn’t suit the woman, particularly with all burn scars that ran down the lower half of her left cheek down to her neckline. The scars weren’t fresh they looked quite old and had now simply become part of the features of the woman.

“You’re staring…is there a problem with putting your cases in the car?”

Annabelle went blood red. It was true that she had been staring. “I’m sorry, I was lost in thought. Anyway, it’s good to meet you. I’d shake your hand but as you can see…” Her hazel gaze moved to her belongings.

“Let me help you.”

Annabelle watched in silent fascination as her large suitcase which she considered heavy was virtually throw into the back with ease. Her second bag soon followed.

“Wow, you’re strong.”A dark-green gaze pierced Annabelle and she felt rooted to the spot.

“Appearances can be deceptive.”

From the tone, Annabelle knew there was more behind the woman’s words than strength. “I know. Take me for instance. You’d never think I don’t eat chocolate.” It was supposed to be a joke about her weight but the intense gaze she received made her think it backfired. Holding out her hand she continued, “Anyway, I’m looking forward to meeting the family.”

Another long stare and a thin hand took Annabelle’s in a bone crushing shake. “Wow, you even shake hands like a muscleman. Do you work out?”

“Farm work can do that to you. Let’s go or the kids will be home before we are and I’d rather they saw you in the house rather than we arrive and I have to dump you on them. They don’t take to strangers well.”

Annabelle’s eyes shot up at the last remark. Perhaps now isn’t a good time to explain that working with children wasn’t been part of my resume. Then again, how hard can it be? Climbing into the vehicle, she gave the woman a smile—there wasn’t one in return. Apparently, the kids aren’t the only ones who don’t like strangers.

The drive seemed never ending particularly as the woman driving was concentrating hard on the ice and snow. At times Annabelle wondered if they would ever reach civilization again once they’d left the town boundary. Then suddenly the Jeep took a 45 degree turn and she was certain they were going to topple over. The vehicle didn’t. Instead, it began a dramatic climb up a steep incline, ten minutes later they were at a farm gate. Though the snow was beginning to fall again, the woman, who had impolitely never given her name, stopped the Jeep and got out. She was back in seconds and she looked like a yeti. Her hair covered in white flecks and the black fleece she wore now looked grey. Obviously, it didn’t bother the woman as she quickly set off traveling through the gate before she stopped again, got out, and closed the gate. They moved gentle forward, as the icy seemed to be giving the wheels on the jeep a tug of war for dominance. Five minutes later, Annabelle saw lights from a building as they turned passed a snow covered barn towards a larger habitable dwelling. “Oh, it’s a traditional farmhouse! You even have the milk churns by the kitchen door.”

“Yes we do.” Danielle replied in quieter tone.

I’m going to like being here it has that homely feel about it.”

“You haven’t been inside yet.”

Annabelle turned to the woman who she was certain was amused at her statement. The only tell—a small muscle tweaking beside her lips. Otherwise, the expression was bland. “Have you ever simply been to a strange place and thought, yes this is it? A place you could call home?”

There was a distinctive blink of the eyes at the comment. “No, I can’t say I ever have.”

Annabelle grinned happily. “Ah, well maybe one day you will.”

The woman opened the Jeep’s door and stepped out then spun her head back and spoke. “I’ll get your bags, be careful getting out. It’s slippery on the cobbles.”

Annabelle smiled. “Thanks.” Gingerly she opened the passenger door and immediately engulfed in a cold draft. The snow instantly covering her like iron filings attracted to a magnet. She clutched the door handle as she almost lost her footing on the slippery path. “Crap, she wasn’t wrong…it is slippery.”

A voice spoke from just behind her. “I explained.”

Annabelle, muttered, “You sure did,” before following the woman towards a door that miraculously opened as they came within two feet of it. A man, Annabelle judged to be in his late twenties or maybe thirties, stood in the doorway.

“I was wondering if you were stuck someplace. The kids came home a little earlier than normal since their swimming lessons were cancelled.”

Annabelle drew in a breath, holding out her hand automatically to the man who took it with a slight smile. “Hi, I’m Annabelle Farrow, your new help.”

“Hello, Annabelle Farrow, I’m David, good to meet you.”

There was a slight sound at Annabelle’s side, which she could have sworn was a grunt of disapproval. Glancing at the woman at her side, she saw what she thought was a look of irritation cross her face. “After you.”

“David, take these bags upstairs for me will you? Ms. Farrow has the bedroom next to the loft conversion.”

The man grinned. “Sure thing.” Then took the bags and disappeared as they entered a warm room.

Annabelle’s shoulders moved as she relished the heat that invaded her body. “It’s so…you know.” A piercing look was all her reply. Then she heard voices excited voices.

“Leave your outer clothes here they will dry better,” Danielle said motioning to the coat hooks.

Annabelle removed her coat and shoes much as the other woman did before following her through another door—the kitchen. It was so traditional that she wanted to cry. This was just the setting she’d dreamed of living in since she’d been a child. She had no idea why—just always had.

Her musings stopped as a small child, a boy who stood no higher than the top of her thigh, almost bowled her over as he rushed passed her and flew at the legs of the woman alongside her. Annabelle surmised that anyone else would have cried out with the velocity hitting such thin legs but from the earlier experience, she knew this woman was stronger than she looked.

“Danny, Danny we thought you might end up a snowman they said they said,” the child wailed pointing at his siblings.

Then Annabelle watched as the woman’s features turned tender and she bent easily to pick up the child and hugged him tight. “They were wrong, Jack.”

Two older children arrived at that moment a sheepish looking boy and a girl who gave Annabelle an intense look.

“He’s such a scardy cat. Even Molly is braver than he is,” the older boy commented with a roll of the eyes.

Annabelle wondered if Molly was the girl standing stiffly next to whom she assumed was her brother.

“He’s no such thing, Liam! You will apologize to Jack for scaring him. As for you young lady…” There was distinct shake of the woman called Danny’s head in the direction of the girl.

The girl for her part looked down and then gave a tearful expression. Annabelle was sure she was about to cry. Deciding this was as good a time as any to introduce herself, she stepped forward.

“Hi, I’m Annabelle and you must be, Molly?”

There was a snort of laughter from the boy called Liam and a giggle from behind a child’s laugh, which logically meant it was the small boy Jack and not his aunt.

“I’m not Molly! That’s our cat,” Sally said with a mixture of indignation and laughter.

“Opps, sorry, guess the cat will be annoyed.” Annabelle grinned and then winked at the two children she faced.

The girl jutted out her small chin and replied, “my name is Sally, who are you?”

“Oh, I’m…the housekeeper for Christmas isn’t that right?” she turned to face Danny and could have sworn the woman had a smile on her face. Although it was the briefest of amused expressions and she wasn’t entirely sure that was what it was.

“Yes, kids, meet Ms. Annabelle Farrow. Ms. Farrow, meet my nephews Liam, Jack and as you now, know my niece, Sally.”

“Hi children, I’m sure over the next few days we’ll get to know each other. All I need do now is say a proper hello to my boss, Mr. Reed.” Annabelle didn’t know what she said but whatever it was there was a distinct darkening influence in the room. The small faces of the children seemed to go from surprise to sadness in the space of a few short words. Now, looking closely at the woman called Danny, she shrugged. “Did I say something wrong.”

Danny placed Jack on the floor and she whispered something to him and he ran off to his siblings, seconds later they left the room together.

“I think I forgot to mention something.”

“Oh, what? Isn’t D. Reed the guy who took my bags to my room?” Annabelle asked intrigued.

There was a distinct frown and the scars on the woman’s face pulled taunt. “My brother is dead, Ms. Farrow. The children are my responsibility now. I’m D. Reed…Danielle Reed.”

Annabelle felt her eyes bulge. God, why didn’t she just say that when we first met. “Oh.”

“My brother and his wife were killed in a car accident six months ago. It’s been a hard time for everyone, particularly the older kids. This will be their first Christmas without their parents. I at least want them to eat well and not have to put up with my inedible attempts at cooking for the holidays.”

Although the words were said in a factual manner, Annabelle could see that Danielle Reed was hurting. It was in the stiff way she carried her body and the tight lipped words she spoke. “I’m sorry for your loss.”

There was no response except for a slight movement of the head.

Then the man, called David, arrived back in the room. “Bags all stowed away. Do you need anything else, Danny? I promise Catriona I’d try to be home before the snows drifted.”

“Nothing else, David, thank you. I’ll see you in the morning weather permitting.”

He nodded and then smiled in Annabelle’s direction. “Good to see you Ms. Farrow.” He left the room and the two women were alone again.

“I’ll show you to your room. Take your time I’m not expecting you to start work until tomorrow.”

Annabelle frowned slightly as she followed Danielle up the first slightly wonky staircase and then up a shorter complete straight one. It led to two doors. They passed by the first on the landing and then Danielle opened the second. It was relatively small, but held a decent sized bed, dresser and fitted wardrobe.

“Unfortunately, there isn’t an en-suite facility…the bathroom is on the first floor.”

“That’s okay. What’s next door?”

Danielle looked at the door in question then remarked, “My temporary office. I’ll leave you to do whatever you want.”

“Thanks,” Annabelle said suddenly left alone. She sat on the bed and sighed heavily. “Hmm, I wonder now if this was the brightest move on my part. What the heck…it’s more exciting than being on my own for the season.”

†

Danielle closed the door to the new housekeeper’s room and deliberated what to do next. There wasn’t a choice—the children had to come first. Climbing staunchly back down the stairs, she gave a quick yearning glance towards the door of her office. “That will have to wait,” she murmured regretfully and then took the steps down the two levels two at a time.

A few moments later, she opened the old parlor door and saw the children watching TV. They all looked up with attentive faces. TV this early in the day was almost unheard of. One of the ups of having to work from home had been the upgrades she’d undertaken on the telecommunications at the farm. At best they had been serviceable, she needed more than that and had the bills to prove it. This of course meant that the TV reception was clear, unlike previously at this time of year and definitely with the weather, not only would it have been snow outside but in too—on the screen.

“Hey, look, I was going to tell you about the housekeeper person. I just wasn’t sure if we would get anyone.” Danielle said quietly.

Liam screwed up his eyes then replied, “She looks nice. Can she cook better than you, Danny? I’m starving.”

Danielle gave Liam a mock hurt look. “I hope so.”

Sally’s expression closed as she pointed out, “She looks like mom.”

The quiet observation had Danielle on the back foot. Does she? How the hell did I miss that? Must be the hair. “Yeah? Is that a problem, Sally?”

Jack spoke, “She’s all squashy like mom was. Can we still watch TV, Danny? Sponge Bob is looking for his best friend.”

Danielle watched the youngest child give her a beguiling smile before turning his attention back to the TV. “Sure,” she said glancing at Sally who now had her attention turned back to the TV too. Biting her bottom lip slightly, Danielle reluctantly left the room.

Her footsteps took her back to the kitchen and she wiped her hand across her lower face as her fingers touched the burn marks—the vivid memory of how she achieve such prodigious marks flew into her mind. Sighing heavily, she placed a full kettle of water she always had ready onto the AGA. She then went through the mudroom to retrieve her outdoor wear so she could go back outside and into the cold. The kids were engrossed, which meant bringing in packages of Christmas gifts would be a breeze. She knew it was going to take meal time to prize them from the screen.

Ten minutes later, she was rummaging around in the back of the Jeep collecting several brightly colored bags. Turning back towards the house, she glanced up at the sky. More snow would be the order of the day and who knew what it would be like tomorrow morning. The squawk of chickens and the crowing of a couple of roosters highlighted their predicament too. Moving the packages inside the house, Danielle stowed them in a tall locker away from prying eyes in the mudroom and then quickly stepped inside the kitchen and turned off the kettle. Her hot drink would have to wait—the animals needed to be protected from the weather front coming in. Whatever the conditions in the morning the temperature tonight was going to be bitterly cold with a strong northerly wind due. Normally the kids fed the flock in the evening but she wasn’t that cruel to allow them out of a warm house on an evening like this.

A couple of minutes later, she trudged back outside and felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand. She suspected that a cold blast of air was the cause until she instinctively glanced upwards and thought she saw the drapes twitch. However, there was no one there. With a shrug, she headed off to the barn and feeding time as her footsteps made deep indentations in the pristine snow.

†

Annabelle waved her wooden spoon in the direction of Jack who was adamant he was going to be first to taste the left over muffin mix. Liam was jostling at his side good-naturedly and Sally stood at the open doorway of the kitchen simply watching.

She had watched, for what she hoped was a discreet moment, Danielle Reed leave the house clothed in serviceable wet gear heading for the barn. Annabelle suspected the woman would need sustenance and a hot drink when she came back. I know I would. One of the few sage pieces of advice her mother had given her was that you could tell a person by the food they kept in the refrigerator. On peering inside, she could see eggs plenty of them, milk, which was good, butter along with a few other odds and ends that she expected to see. “Okay we can work with this.” She located more by what she liked to call careful deduction, when in fact she’d opening the three doors that led away from the kitchen to finally locate the room she needed. It was huge. Three sides had shelves of differing heights to accommodate pretty much anything. Cans and porcelain canisters, along with cereal boxes were stored here, with one side totally taken up by preserves. “Not so bad.” Although picking up a couple of cardboard packages, flour, and the other cornflower, she began to wonder, as they were out of date by several months. “We can fix this.”

Standing, contemplating the array of items with her hand holding her chin, she decided on making muffins for the kids. There were some blackberries preserved in a jar—she loved the fruit. If the kids didn’t eat, her treat then she would eventually, a major downside of her vocation in life—dessert dishes.

Selecting a few items, she quickly and easily made up a batch and then placed them in the AGA. Fortunately, her parents had been devotees of the old style cooking methods, which meant she learned at an early age how to handle the monster. In a farmhouse, she expected nothing less. The new types of oven simply would have looked out of place, especially here, she decided.

About to place the used bowl into the sink the door opened and she heard a small voice dramatically say, “Nooooooo.”

Stopping in mid-action Annabelle turned and saw three sets of eyes looking at her. “No?”

Jack nodded vigorously, his gaze never leaving the bowl.

“Is it muffins?” Liam asked with a wide grin.

“It sure is. Do you like muffins? I’ve put in some blueberries I found in the larder.” Annabelle grinned in response to the eager child’s question.

“Can we lick out the bowl? Mom used to let us …sometimes,” he supplemented quickly.

Annabelle had a feeling that wasn’t strictly true but she’d roll with the ball on that one tonight. “I can see how that would be a good idea, no waste right?”

Liam nodded rapidly and moved closer.

“I’m first,” Jack announced as he and his brother rushed forward.

“How about Jack has the spoon and Liam you have the bowl to share with Sally.”

Liam looked devastated and groaned giving his sister a look.

Annabelle also gave Sally a look but with a smile, the young girl hadn’t moved a muscle or said anything. “Is that okay with you, Sally?”

There was a slight frown on Sally’s face as it puckered up her forehead. A few seconds later she replied, “I don’t want any thanks. It will spoil dinner and Danny won’t approve.”

Opps, Annabelle had forgotten all about the aunt. With a shrug she smiled and said, “Maybe she won’t say anything tonight since it’s my first day.”

Sally didn’t reply immediately obviously digesting the remark. “What are we having for dinner? It’s usually noodles on a Monday.”

Annabelle had wondered why there several varieties of the two-minute noodle packages in the larder. Okay for a snack, I suppose if you were tight on time but dinner—not in my kitchen! That thought sent a tingle down her spine. How was it that she had become so comfortable that she was taking ownership of the heart of the house? In a matter of less than an hour.

“Actually, Sally, as the boys are otherwise engaged I wondered if you’d show me the freezer, maybe you can chose dinner tonight.”

For the first time since she’d conversed with the children, Sally’s lips pulled tight slightly into what could loosely be described as a smile. “Okay, follow me,” Sally said. “We have three—it’s a farm you know.”

Annabelle felt herself warm to this singular child as the girl moved with importance towards the mudroom where she’d left her wet clothes. “Yeah, a pretty wonderful farm too.”

Ten minutes later, with her hands freezing from delving into the large freezer, she discussed a few dishes she could make in a reasonably quick time with ground meat—chili-con-carne was the order of the day.

Sally had divulged in a conspiratorial way was that Danielle Reed wasn’t much of a cook. “It’s okay though Aunt Danny not being able to cook because one day I will and then she won’t have to worry about that anymore.”

“Well, that’s wonderful. Want me to share a few cooking tips with you while I’m here?”

“Yes please,” Sally said with her eyes bright as buttons.

“You got it, Sally. Maybe we can teach your aunt to cook too.”

“Oh, she’s way too busy. I sometimes think she doesn’t want to be here.”

The matter-of-fact way Sally spoke had Annabelle confused. “I’m sure she loves being with you, Sally.”

“She looks sad all the time…even more than we are. That’s what I think anyway,” Sally said as she headed back to the warmth of the kitchen. “Our mom preserved the blueberries.”

Annabelle was still pondering the sad remark from Sally with regard to her aunt Danny. In a way, that made her feel sad too. It also made her wonder if what Sally said were true. Maybe she’d find out in the short time she was here—maybe not.

Seconds later, she was back in the kitchen and thawing the mince under the cold water tap.

Chapter Three

Danielle was cold, bitterly cold. Her fingers felt like ice and she was sure she could take the place of any snowman in history and do justice to the fraternity. She wiped the snow from her eyes that was obscuring her view. Pausing for a moment and looking at the sky, she knew that as each minute passed the weather would become increasingly worse. The lights of the farmhouse welcomed her home as they always did or at least until Greg and Sue’s death. Even her father’s heart attack and her parent’s subsequent move to the coast hadn’t diminished the magic of the place—her sibling’s death had. Now, it was a place she where she needed to be right now. The glow the farm, which had once ignited in her heart, had been lost. Life was full of paradoxes, most of which she hadn’t a clue of how to deal with especially three young children. Sighing heavily, she saw, her breath visible like a mist in the cold air as she said, “I think we’re in for a worse weather.” As she spoke, a wind howled around her ears and even the jacket hood she wore didn’t prevent her ears from feeling its wrath.

Checking the yard once more just in case the odd stray chicken had decided that now was a good idea to find a nest and stay in it, she was ninety-nine percent sure that they were all tucked up in the barn. The sheep, all accounted for, had shelter from the lean of the barn and she knew the small herd of cattle were secure. Trudging through the yard leading to the mudroom off the kitchen she wondered what to do for dinner. They had a guest—at least for tonight anyway. “Noodles might not be the order of the day.”

Opening the door, she quickly entered and shut out the snow and the weather. Carefully extricating her outer gear so her shirt and jeans didn’t get wet, she scowled at her wet socks,—she really needed new galoshes. As s he pulled a sodden sock of her left foot she felt her nose twitch as she smelled an aroma she hadn’t for a while. Cooking—real cooking—not her usual packaged efforts. No way could you get that smell from a packet meal. Quickly dispensing with her gear, she opened the door leading to the kitchen and saw the children sitting with patient expressions at the kitchen table and Annabelle Farrow was busy at the AGA.

“Danny, chili,” Jack announced with a wide grin.

“Yeah, it is, Jack. It’s darned chilly out there.”

A burst of laughter from the children had her perplexed. “What? What did I say?”

Annabelle Farrow gave her a gentle amused glance. “Chili as in con-carne. Hope you like it.”

Danielle swallowed hard she loved the dish it was one of her favorites. “Sure, but you didn’t have to do this I would have…”

Annabelle didn’t answer immediately instead she reached for a mug and held it out.

Danielle took it gingerly at first then relished the heat from the liquid that warmed her through almost immediately.

“I figured you might need a hot drink. You had the kettle all set to go.”

“Thank you.” Danielle nodded and then walked over to the AGA. “You’ve used one before obviously.”

Annabelle grinned, “Brought up with one. They can be as temperamental as hell for a novice but she likes me.”

“That’s a relief.” Danny sighed thankfully. Although, she wasn’t so sure that the woman’s emotional response to an inanimate object was quite sane.

“Take a seat, I’m about to dish up.”

Danielle dutifully sat at the seat she normally associated with her father and Greg—the head of the table. Her eyes briefly looked to the seat opposite. There was no place setting, “Never will be while I’m here,” she said not realizing she spoke aloud.

“What never will be, Danny?” Liam asked with childish interest.

Danielle only stared at him and sipped some more of her coffee. “Nothing that would interest you young man. Have you washed your hands for dinner?”

He nodded.

Annabelle Farrow placed the rice and chili in large bowls on the table and announced, “Help yourself.”

†

Two hours later, the meal was over, the dishes washed and stacked away. Annabelle smiled in satisfaction. Wrapping her arms around her ample chest she looked at the kitchen and decided this was truly a home. One, if she was a child, she would want to live in—despite the underlying element of sadness due to the tragic loss of the children’s parents.

The two boys appeared to be dealing with the loss a little better than the young girl and she could see how that might happen. It was the aunt, Danielle, who fascinated her though. She hadn’t talked much during dinner. In fact, she was positively mute except to chastise the children if they rushed their food or began to argue about something trivial. However, she did appear to enjoy the meal. When the blueberry muffins arrived, there was a positive gleam in her eyes and she ate two of them. “Next time, I’ll make a batch just for her.”

Walking over to the kitchen window which looked onto the yard the snow was falling heavily now and she could barely discern the vehicle she’d arrived here in as it was covered with snow.

“I’ve just checked the forecast. We might have to keep the kids here tomorrow. The school bus isn’t likely to make the hill slope in the morning.”

Annabelle jump slightly as she switched her attention from the window view to Danielle who had snuck up on her. Probably not but it feels like it. “That’s not a problem is it?”

“Not for me. As of tomorrow morning you’re in charge…remember.” Annabelle saw no change of the solemn facial expression.

Smiling brightly, she said, “Works for me they can show me around.”

Danielle’s gaze swung to the snow falling outside, “I hope you brought some serviceable winter clothes with you. You’ll need them.”

Annabelle frowned slightly making the furrow deepen over the bridge of her nose. “Hmm, that could be tricky. I have a warm coat and some boots but I’m all out of gloves and a hat. I guess I might have to rethink that one.”

“Perhaps. Look, the kids have TV privileges for another hour and then it’s time for them to take a shower and go to bed. I’ll be in my office until then. You can pretty much do what you want in the house. Except for my office, you have the run of the place.” Danielle turned away heading towards the door leading to the hall.

“Do you think there’s a chance we can go shopping soon?”

Danielle switched her attention back and quietly replied, “What do you need?”

With a smile, Annabelle replied. “Provisions mainly, not that I mind noodles but…I thought I’d do some Christmas baking and get a head start on the menu for Christmas day. Will it just be the four of you?”

Danielle frowned and stroked her chin in what appeared to Annabelle as contemplation. “There will be three others, maybe four. The children’s Grandparents on their mother’s side and uncle.”

“Gotcha, the fourth might be the uncle’s friend I take it.”

A flaring of the nostrils told Annabelle that whoever this fourth party might be she wasn’t welcome.

“Their Aunt Julia… however she’s likely to be otherwise engaged.”

Annabelle was sure she heard Danielle mutter, “We can live in hope.”

With a bright smile, Annabelle nodded. “I’ll ensure that there will be enough food if extras arrived. Everyone makes too much for Christmas dinner right.”

Danielle merely nodded slightly and then with a quiet, “I need to work,” as she left the room.

Annabelle reflected on the conversation. The numbers to cook for weren’t insurmountable but she did wonder as she headed for the larder to make a list of things she needed, why the woman Julia was not on Danielle’s Christmas card list.

Chapter Four

Sally wailed for the third time in the short space of time she’d been awake that she wanted to go to school.

Annabelle watched as Danielle patiently pointed out that the school bus wasn’t going to make the hill—today they would stay home.

“I want to go to school, Danny, you take us...it isn’t fair!”

Danielle sucked in what Annabelle thought was a calming breath before she replied in a voice that had the boys looking down at their feet and not in their aunt’s direction. “I’m busy this morning as is Dave. You’ll have today off…most kids would love the opportunity. I’ve already informed your school.”

Sally didn’t miss a beat as she rapidly turned in Annabelle’s direction pointing at her. “She can take us.”

Annabelle felt her eyebrows move upwards at the child’s demand. About to reply, she was forestalled by Danielle’s response.

“Sally, not only is it rude to point, Annabelle has a name, use it in future. Are we done here because I know I am?” Folding her arms across her chest, she stared at her niece.

“Maybe I can…maybe not.” The steely stare turned its direction on Annabelle as she tried to defuse the situation.

Then Sally with a shake of her head announcing angrily, “I hate you, Aunty Danny.” She flounced off through the door and her footsteps sounded up the stairs.

“Anyone else have a problem with staying home today?” Danny asked.

Both boys shook their heads and Liam with a shrug, moved towards the door leading to the outer area. “I’ll go feed the chickens, Danny.” He was gone with Danielle’s faint smile of thanks.

“Jack?”

Jack gave a solemn look and then ran the few steps towards his aunt and hugged her legs. “I’ll take care of, Belle,” Danielle picked up the boy, swung him in the air with a delighted squeal, and then hugged him tightly.

“That’s great, Jack thank you. I promise you will all be back at school for the Christmas concert,” Danielle announced with a marginally wider smile this time.

Placed back on the floor he rushed after his brother. “I’ll help with the chickens.” The door crashing shut behind his small body.

Annabelle remained silent wondering if she dare say anything. She thought the family dynamics were a little off.

“I’m going back to work. If I’m not down for lunch, please take care of the children. I’ll make a sandwich later.”

Biting down on her lip Annabelle replied quietly, “You could have handled that better in my opinion.”

A glacial stare was her initial payment and then came the icy blast. “Really? What makes you suddenly an expert? When I need your opinion, I’ll ask for it.”

Annabelle decided to cruise on. After all, she didn’t have much to lose, except maybe a home for a few weeks until she found another job and a place to call home. “You knew all along the reason why Sally was upset so why didn’t you reassure her as you did Jack?”

Danielle’s expression remained closed, except for the muscle that tightened the skin around the burn scars. Annabelle watched it in curiosity.

“She was impertinent. She needs to understand that not everything is about her.”

Softly Annabelle replied, “Is that because it’s all about you.”

A thundercloud seemed to invade the atmosphere in the room as Danielle angrily ground out, “If it wasn’t for the fact that the darned weather is so bad I’d throw you out of the house now. As it is, you leave tomorrow first thing. I’m going to work, don’t bother me.”

Annabelle watched as Danielle departed the room and she heaved a sigh of regret. “Damn I really should keep my thoughts to myself. Now what do I do?” With that sobering thought, she put down the tea towel she was holding and headed off to soothe Sally’s ruffled emotions if she could.

Danielle checked the time on her computer screen—two-thirty. No wonder her stomach had been rumbling for the last hour. She hadn’t had any lunch. Closing down the program she’d been working on, she gave the screen a cursory look, with a satisfied expression stood up, and stretched. Then she meandered across to the window and looked outside. The snow had stopped. Her eyes scanned the pristine ground of the far off fields and then a movement on the small hillock just beyond the drive caught her eyes. Watching closely, she deciphered several figures running around and a tender expression crossed her lips.

It was several minutes of watching the antics on the hillock, before she moved. Leaving the makeshift office, she quickly descending the two levels to the kitchen, and saw a note addressed to her propped up against a pile of delicious looking sandwiches. Snatching up the note, along with a sandwich, which she bit into with relish, she read the contents.

Danielle,

I fixed up a few sandwiches if you decide you’re hungry. The snow has stopped I’m taking the kids tobogganing.

Belle

Shaking her head in consternation, Danielle sighed deeply and took another sandwich. Annabelle Farrow was without doubt a mass of contradictions. Her initial hunger easing with the sandwiches she headed for the outer room and dragged on her warm weather gear. Five minutes later, she was heading towards the hillock and could hear cheerful banter and happy laughter.

As she arrived at the bottom of the hill, there was a squeal of delight and Sally came careering past her missing her legs by a whisker. The girl clearly unable to steer the makeshift wooden toboggan, so much so, when the object finally hit a snow bank the girl tumbled off and landed in a heap on the ground.

Danielle didn’t move at first as the transformation in the little girl mesmerized her. A shout from yards away asking if Sally was okay, drifted past her ears. Moving quickly, she bent over her niece and pulled her up. “Are you okay, Sally?”

Sally grinned widely as she nodded. “Did you see that? Did you see that, Danny? I was flying wasn’t I? The boys said I couldn’t do it…that a girl is too cowardly, but I did…I did.”

Danielle listened to the excitement in the child and she felt tears prick her eyes. This was the Sally of old before her parents died, spunky, good-natured and enjoying what life had to offer. “You sure did, Sally. Are you sure you didn’t hurt yourself?”

Sally proudly announced, “I didn’t. I am going to try it again. Belle said I could. Are you going to try it too, Danny?”

Danielle didn’t reply she was watching her niece run as fast as the snow would allow back up the hill with the wooden vehicle. “I guess I am.” Quickly catching up to Sally, Danielle took the cord that Sally was using to pull the toboggan and then Sally’s hand. “Come on; let’s show those boys what girls are made of shall we.”

Sally gave a whoop of joy and virtually skipped in the snow.

A few minutes later, they crested the hill and the two boys gave Danielle a surprised look. Then Liam spoke. “Are you going to give it a try, Danny? Belle won’t, we called her a scardy cat.”

All eyes turned to Annabelle who shrugged and gave them a cheery smile. “Hey, not everyone wants to land in the snow and be part snowman.”

Jack bounced forward announcing it was his turn. Taking the cord from Sally and settling on the toboggan. “Will you push really hard, Belle, please?”

Annabelle smiled warmly. “You got it, Jack.”

Danielle watched in fascination as Annabelle moved forward to push the child away from the edge. With a scream of delight, the boy was sliding fast down the small hill. “You’ve done this before I assume?”

Annabelle gave Danielle her attention as she chaffed her hands to keep warm and shrugged. “Not really. It was something I’d always wanted to do. I guess better late than never.”

For a few seconds Danielle considered the reply as her eyes constantly moved over the children. Then, she repeated the latter words, “Yes, better late than never.”

Liam and Sally began to argue about the person fastest down the hill and Annabelle moved over to break up the discussion. “Okay you two, I’ve an idea.”

“What?” Both children asked immediately, their expression expectant.

“Why not let me time you down the hill and we can say for sure who is the fastest,” Annabelle announced with a smile.

“Yeah,’ both children shouted and the pointed to Jack who was picking himself up from the snow covered ground. He looked like he was part of the white scenery as snow covered him head to toe.

“Do you have a stopwatch?” Danielle asked Annabelle directly.

“Well no, but my watch should be okay, we’re not exactly doing time trials for the winter Olympics are we.” Annabelle grinned and then her smile froze on her lips.

Danielle frowned at the remark and then wished she hadn’t seeing the younger woman’s reaction. Ah yes, I’ve sacked her for speaking her mind already. Think, Danny, think. “Give me a few minutes. I need to go back to the house. I’ll be back.”

“Okay.”

Danielle true to her word was back within five minutes and held up a stopwatch. With a self-conscious shrug she said, “Who knows we might have Olympic potential here.”

Annabelle laughed and the three children did to although it was clear from their expressions that they didn’t quite know for what. “Yeah, we can’t miss potential.”

Danielle smiled and it tightened the scars around her face but made her expression softer somehow. “Absolutely. Okay now, we draw straws or in our case carrots to find out who goes first.” Fishing in her pocket she found the three carrots she’d snatched from the vegetable rack on her way back out of the house.

Eagerly the children took turns to draw a carrot and the race was set.

“I brought these for you,” Danielle said handing a pair of thermal gloves to Annabelle.

Blinking rapidly, Annabelle and then took the offered gloves. “Thanks, one of the things I’d forgotten. Not that it matters much now…”

“Look I was going to say…” Pursing her lips, Danielle sucked in a breath and said, “I’m sorry for my attitude earlier. Will you stay? Please.”

There wasn’t an immediate reply and then Annabelle said, “I didn’t mean to interfere earlier. I’m sometimes outspoken. The worse thing is I can’t promise it won’t happen again.”

Danielle placed a hand on Annabelle’s shoulder. “It doesn’t matter and maybe it’s what I need. Will you stay for Christmas?”

With a chuckle and a shake of the head, Annabelle replied, “Yes I will. You do know we need to go shopping your idea of food in the larder isn’t mine.”

“I remembered.”

Liam who was sitting on the toboggan wailed, “Are we doing this or not? I’m freezing waiting here.”

Danielle turned to the children and smiled. “We are. Okay, Belle, push him off after my mark on three. One, two, three and away he goes.”

There were shrieks and moans and groans as the Liam took a tumble half away down.

Danielle looking at the two younger children grinned. “Well guys it’s between you two now.”

Chapter Five

Annabelle sat at the kitchen table contemplating the few days she’d spent at the Reed farm. After her initial fractious twenty-four hours with Danielle Reed, things had settled down relatively easily into a pattern. She cooked, cleaned, and generally helped with the children. The farm house was twice the size of the professor’s home but the chores didn’t bother her—she loved the place. Her initial feeling about the farm hadn’t wavered—she wished she could live here forever.

After the tobogganing episode, Danielle had thawed a little, she even spent her meager half hour lunch break in the kitchen. Not that she gave much away, except about the kids and their parents. Her own personal life seemed to be out of bounds.

Annabelle, on the other hand, had been more gregarious of her life as a child and adult. Although she was unsure that Danielle had been listening, there hadn’t been any appreciable comment about any aspect of her life. Still, today was going to be interesting. It was the last day of school for the children and the afternoon festivities of carol singing, a nativity play and other musical events made her feel nervous for the kids although she’d only known them less than a week.

Jack had been strutting about in a beige sheet for the last two evenings trying to remember his one line. Even his aunt had laughed last night when he’d totally jumbled his words. Annabelle had seen a fleeting look at the person hidden away behind a wall. She wasn’t sure if that was because of the scars on her face, or, the trauma of her brother’s death and what it had meant to her life. Either way, she wasn’t inclined to ask any deeply personal questions on the subject. Suffice to note that Danielle could laugh and it changed her completely.

Sally had woken with a frog in the throat and Annabelle had decided it was nervous rather than anything more threatening. A gargle with spearmint mouthwash seemed to bring about a change, when she’d explained that opera singers had this problem all the time. The young girl had gurgled away for a little longer than necessary and Annabelle decided Sally was a diva in the making—it made her smile.

Liam had been his usual self. Nothing seemed to faze the young man. He took everything in his stride and good-naturedly teased his siblings about their melodramatic antics.

Glancing at the clock on the wall, Annabelle stood up. She needed to change. Catriona Franks, the farm manager’s wife, would be along shortly to pick her up and take her to the school. Her own daughter, Aileen, was Jack’s age and in the play too. They’d met yesterday and she liked the woman immediately.

David, her husband, whom she’d thought her boss when she’d first arrived, was a quiet man. Just the opposite of Catriona who was an outspoken Irish girl with a warmth that shone through like a second skin.

With a satisfied look around the place, Annabelle moved towards the stairs, and then headed for her bedroom to change into decent clothes for the performance.

†

“Danielle it’s your project you have to deliver it.”

Danielle rolled her eyes towards the ceiling and wished she stayed home and sent the project over the internet instead of going into the office. Today of all days she needed to keep a promise to the kids.

“I can’t, I have other commitments this afternoon. If you can re-schedule I’ll be…”

“No, the client can only be here at one, he has a flight back to Houston at six. I don’t need to tell you how important this would be if he comes onboard. That salary hike you need would be in the bag, not to mention a huge bonus.”

Glancing at the woman who was being particularly belligerent in her attitude, who hadn’t been aware the project was complete until she’d arrived that morning. “What did you do? Call the client as soon as I walked in the door this morning?”

Wendy Brightman scowled and flung down the folder she was holding onto the desk between them. Her blonde hair hung loosely over her shoulders as she stared hard at Danielle her hazel eyes inflexible. She retorted, “When you reported that you’d completed the assignment ahead of time I was loath to keep it from the client. We need him on board, Danielle, you know that.”

Danielle couldn’t dispute Wendy’s argument. They did need James Faverolle or rather his conglomerate clout on their side. If he agreed to her design for his new logo and theme for his company’s image they would make millions. She would get a bonus equivalent to two years salary and the hike in salary she needed to take on her new responsibilities with more confidence.

“It’s just an hour of your time Danielle surely you can spare that. I’m not asking for the rest of the day only an hour.” Wendy walked around the desk and stood by her business partner. Her hand moved to caress Danielle’s shoulder. Her tone softened as she said, “Afterwards we could make it the rest of the day just the two of us like old times.”

Danielle sucked in a deep breath, her mind trying to solve the dilemma she was in. “Are you certain there’s no other way? Isn’t Faverolle in town next week? What can he possible do over the holidays with the information?”

Wendy sighed heavily and then gave Danielle a hard gaze. “He’s out of the country until February. He leaves Houston on Christmas Eve. I don’t want to wait until then to agree a deal…we might lose our advantage.”

“You say only an hour right? Well, how about half an hour and you ask if he can get here as early as possible. Now, would be good?” Danielle glanced at the clock it was twelve-forty six.

Wendy grinned, “You won’t regret this, Danielle, I promise you. I’ll call him now.”

Danielle watched Wendy leave the office she used when she actually did come into town to work and closed her eyes. “I’m doing this for you, kids, not that you’ll appreciate me being late today but sometimes promises have to be broken for the greater good. You might not understand it now, but you will…I promise you, you will.” Then she took out her cell phone and made a call.

†

Catriona shook her head as she half listened to Belle’s conversation. When it ended, she asked directly. “She’s not coming is she?”

Annabelle frowned, licking her lips she cagily replied, “Well, she’ll but late. Apparently, she’s needed at a meeting that can’t be postponed.”

“Yeah, and pigs might fly. I swear she doesn’t make half the effort she should for those kids.”

“Isn’t bringing them up, making their inheritance work, being there for them when they do mature, enough. She’s put her own life on hold from what I see.” Annabelle replied vigorously.

Shaking her head, Catriona replied, “Don’t be fooled Belle. Danielle Reed knows what she wants from life always has. If this wasn’t going to be beneficial for her she’d have never taken it on—she certainly doesn’t need too.”

“Have you known her a long time?”

“Vaguely, she attended the same high school as my eldest sister. There were a lot people willing to throw dirt at her. She’s not that social; we barely speak, even though Dave is doing the majority of the work on the farm. He needs to move on for better pay, but he won’t. He worked for Greg and feels a certain loyalty to the family I guess.” Catriona looked at the small stage n front of her. “The nativity play is first.”

Annabelle digested the comments Catriona had given freely, too freely she thought. However, it did beg the question why Catriona thought that Danielle must have an ulterior motive. From what she could see, there were only financial problems looming. Isn’t it strange how different people can see situations in so many ways.

“What dirt were they throwing?”

Catriona chuckled. “Oh, the usual stuff people say…she is a lesbo…women certainly didn’t want share the shower room with her. She always got top marks and that made her a teacher’s favorite.” Catriona’s voice lowered. “Then there was that time she left the area for two years came back when Sally was born.” She moved a little closer to Annabelle. “Mind you, I never could find out how she got those scars.”

Annabelle shook her head at the woman’s gossip regarding her employer. Although it might help in the long term if she found out a little more about Danielle, or she thought it might. “When did she get the scars?”

Catriona considered the question then replied, “High school prom night. No one knows who or what went on except for the two involved. It never went to the police for investigation. Everything was hush, hush. Of course there was speculation.”

Annabelle grimaced internally as with a smile she asked, “There was? What was it about?”

Catriona shrugged. “Drugs.”

Taken aback at the answer Annabelle didn’t know what to say initially then she gathered her thoughts. “Drugs? She doesn’t seem the type.”

“Well what else can you think when she was found in the chemistry lab. There wasn’t any criminal case brought. Some think it was self inflicted. Only Danielle knows the truth and she’s not letting anyone else in the secret.”

Annabelle thought about that for a few seconds then murmured, “Perhaps it wasn’t a criminal scenario.”

“Yeah, right. Hey, look, here they come.”

Annabelle smiled as Jack walked onto the stage. She pulled out her cell phone so she could video him saying his line, for Danielle. At least then, she could see the performance.

Fifteen minutes later the play was over and Jack executed his lines perfectly, Danielle would be proud of him she knew she was. As Annabelle looked at the clock, it was ten past two and the music performances were about to begin. “I hope I have enough battery life left in the phone to do this for Liam and Sally too,” Annabelle muttered as she checked the level.

“Why don’t you call her?” Catriona asked her eyes catching Annabelle’s in a direct stare that dared her to do just that.

Hesitantly, Annabelle considered the possibility then shrugged. “She said it was an important meeting I don’t want to disturb her.”

“Whatever,” Catriona replied sarcastically before she looked at the stage. “Here they come.”

Annabelle glanced at the stage and saw Liam striding purposefully towards his music stand, his hands holding the flute tightly. When he neared the stand, he looked out onto the audience and then saw her. He grinned and then glanced around in her vicinity. His expression, though only for a few seconds, changed significantly—Danny wasn’t there. When the kids get home, it is going to be one tough evening.

The music teacher tapped on her music stand and then the strains of music began—it was beautiful to Annabelle’s ears. Admittedly, with school kids, there was the odd out of tune note, but the rapt expressions on parent’s faces as they watched their children perform said it all. Annabelle managed to get two minutes of Liam’s solo and then decided to stop the recording. She’d have a few minutes left for Sally’s carols, at least a little anyway.

The carols as always the highlight of any Christmas show was lovely, a perfect ending to a stunning performance at least everyone in the hall thought so. Annabelle managed three minutes of the session before her phone went dead.

After the event, Annabelle waited in the foyer for the children to meet her. Catriona couldn’t offer her a lift home since she was going directly to her mother’s in town for dinner. “My mother isn’t feeling well and couldn’t come to the show. I promised to have dinner with her and tell her all about it.” It was a blow and now that her phone wasn’t working she couldn’t contact Danielle to pick them up. “I’m going to have to find out the timetable for the bus.”

Jack was the first to arrive. He rushed over to Annabelle with his small arms filled with his rucksack, a carrier bag of goodies and a large collage.

“Hey, Jack, did you make that yourself?” Annabelle grinned at the boy as he stopped in front of her.

“I sure did. Do you like it. It’s our family.” He proudly showed the collage with its cotton wool balls for snow and pieces of colored cardboard for figures. “It’s us tobogganing. I made it today.”

Annabelle smiled as she looked at the wonky figures and was touched that Jack thought her family as she noticed to large figures with three smaller ones on the sheet. “Your aunt is going to love this, Jack.” She bent down and kissed the boy’s cheek.

“Where is Danny, Belle? Did she see me in my play?” Jack said as he glanced around. and spied his brother and sister heading their way.

“hey there’s Liam and Sally. “It was a reprieve for Annabelle in answering Jack’s question about his aunt—there was time for that later.

When the two other kids arrived, Liam smiled slightly at Annabelle. “Did you like the performance, Belle?”

Annabelle smiled at the boy warmly. “I certainly did. I suspect you’ve all been keeping a secret.”

All eyes even Sally’s who had been looking around the foyer expectantly. “Secret? We have a secret. What is it, Belle?” Jack bounced on his feet as he asked eagerly.

“Hey, isn’t that for you to tell me.” Annabelle’s eyes flew open teasingly.

Sally remarked quietly, “I was right…she didn’t come did she.”

For a second Annabelle wanted to lie for some reason for Danielle. Then again, it could be for the children as she looked at their glum expressions in differing degrees. “I think she wanted desperately to be here, Sally. Something unexpected came up. I recorded some of it for her to see though.”

“It doesn’t matter,” Sally announced as she looked down at her feet.

Annabelle felt their disappointment keenly. “Hey guys, I know she didn’t mean to miss the performance. Look, how about we go and have something to celebrate, you decide where?”

Immediately to the two boys eyes lit up, Sally remained morose.

“Kentucky.” “Macdonald’s”

Annabelle laughed, “Okay Sally you have the final vote where do you want to go?”

The girl remained obstinately non-verbal.

Annabelle scratched at her ear. “How about I take you to a special place I know it has lots of great things to eat.”

“Cool,” the boys responded in unison.

Sally looked up and remarked. “Whatever.”

Under her breath Annabelle muttered, “You owe me big time boss.”

Danielle glanced at the clock it was three- thirty. She groaned as she realized she’d missed the school event totally. Annabelle would have to get a lift back home with Catriona.

“Is there a problem, Danielle?” James Faverolle asked as he heard the groan.

“What? No, sorry I was just thinking that was all.” Danielle gave him a smile, chastising herself for groaning out loud.

Nodding his head, the man looked at the project folder again and then back to Danielle. “You look preoccupied. Am I keeping you from something more important?”

Wendy glanced in Danielle’s direction.

Danielle silently said yes. Shaking her head, she announced brightly, “Absolutely not. Do you have everything you need?”

“I do, thank you, Danielle, Wendy. I think at this juncture, it’s safe to say your proposal is the front runner. I’ll give you a call before I leave for Europe and let you know my decision.” He scraped back his chair and shook both their hands.

A few minutes later, Wendy almost skipped into the conference room and hugged Danielle tightly. “We did it…no you did it. Danny, we’ve got it in the bag. I can feel it.”

“Yeah, yeah well don’t go opening the champagne until you see a signature on the contract. I have to go.” Danielle replied extracting herself from Wendy’s arms.

“Oh, do you have to go. I thought that maybe we could go out on the town tonight. It’s been months since you let your hair down and had a good time.” Wendy pouted.

Danielle shook her head. “I can’t. I have responsibilities. I’m already in trouble for missing the school festive events today. If the contract comes through I promise in the new year we’ll celebrate.”

Wendy scowled slightly then replied, “New Year’s Eve, whatever happens.”

Rolling her eyes and deciding to agree to Wendy’s suggestion to get the woman of her back she answered, “Okay, I’ll pick you up at eight, where do you want to go?”

Wendy grinned. “Don’t worry about that. I have two tickets to the best New Year’s Eve dinner in town. Eight sharp and don’t forget me.”

Danielle smiled. It’s just like Wendy to have everything organized. Wendy was the administration guru of the firm while she was the creative—it worked. “It’s not likely is it? Have a great Christmas, Wendy. Say hi to your folks for me.”

Wendy nodded. “Hey, hold on a second…I have some presents for the kids.”

When Wendy left the room Danielle quickly texted Annabelle that shed need to catch a lift with Catriona.

When Wendy returned Danielle was amazed at her generosity. “I didn’t expect…” She trailed off as Wendy held two large shopping bags from Jackson toy company.

“Hey, I remember when I was a kid and we didn’t have any money for great presents. Call this an appeasement gift for keeping you here today.” Wendy explained as she gave Danielle the bags.

Danielle accepted the gifts cagily. “Dare I ask what’s in them?”

Wendy laughed. “You remember when you told me about some of the items on the kid’s wish lists? You said that there was no way you could afford the ones on the top of the list?”

Danielle’s eyes flew open in surprise. “You didn’t?”

“Yeah, I did. See you New Year’s Eve, Danny.” Wendy planted a kiss on Danielle’s cheek as she breezed out of the room.

Stunned at the generosity, Danielle just stood there fully expecting the bags to disappear—they didn’t. Blowing out a breath, she said, “Now, I remember why I’ve always liked you, Wendy.” Moving towards the door, she muttered, “Now, to make peace with the kids and hope they don’t hate me for not being there today. At least they had Annabelle.”

Chapter Six

Annabelle and the three children slowly made the walk from the bus stop at the top of the drive down to the house. It was five-thirty and dark. They held hands as they gingerly made their way towards the lights in the house. She hoped that Danielle wouldn’t be too mad at their late return.

Annabelle looked ahead thankful to see something more than pitch black.

“Hey kids, looks like your aunt’s home. Remember what I said okay.”

There was a chorus of, yes we remember.

†

The visit to her old café haunt near the university had done the trick. She had allowed the kids to indulge in whatever they wanted, within reason, culminating in Liam having a large sausage roll. Sally had a double chocolate muffin and Jack dithered about the choices before he chose a whipped Neapolitan ice cream. She’d cringed at that but what the hell the kids choose what they wanted. Ice cream in the middle of winter—who was she to say it was wrong. Her choice had been a large Latte.

The delicate subject of their aunt’s no show came up, primarily because she brought it up. Liam had taken a middle of the road attitude—what will be, will be. She expected as much. Jack had frowned and said he was upset—he then cheered up when she’d explained that his performance was on her phone for his aunt to watch. Sally was the tough nut to crack—her attitude bordered on something she’d rather not dwell on. In the end, two muffins later, they agreed that Danielle was much better to live with than with their grandmother. They agreed they wouldn’t give her a hard time—well maybe a little.

†

In their present cold condition the house looked inviting and to Annabelle it always had. Something drew her to the place and she didn’t have the foggiest idea what that might be. “Clothes, boots, and anything else that’s wet leave in the outer room, we don’t want wet footprints through the house…I’ve just cleaned up.”

There was a mumble of voices but they were all excited to be home. The kids all rushed to be first to enter the main part of the house leaving ahead of Annabelle for a good five minutes.

When she arrived in the kitchen, she smelled fresh coffee brewing and there was a delicious chocolate cake taking center stage on the kitchen table. The boy’s were talking at once explaining their part in the afternoon performance. Sally remained quiet, fidgeting as she looked at her aunt and then back at the cake.

“Hey, am I glad to see you home. I thought we were going to have to negotiate the drive in the dark. We had to take a bus.” Annabelle smiled as she breezed into the kitchen and popped the oven on.

Danielle’s voice taunt edgily replied, “Why didn’t Catriona bring you home?”

Annabelle turned form her oven preparations and shrugged. “Her mother was ill and she arranged last minute to have dinner with her mother in town. I figured that I wouldn’t need a lift as you… Anyway, I’ve prepared a tuna bake just need to heat it up and dinner will be in about an hour.”

Danielle’s eyes caught hers and Annabelle swallowed hard. The woman has a direct almost searing quality when she captures you with her gaze. At least that’s what Annabelle felt and was sure there was going to be an equally intense conversation to go with it—remarkably there wasn’t.

“Thank you. I’m sorry you had to get the bus and for not being there today, it was unavoidable. I did texted you and tried calling several times. “

Annabelle smiled. “My phone battery is dead, I’ll have to put it on charge. Besides you’re very welcome. How about you all go do your thing for an hour and leave me to do my thing.”

Danielle nodded, finally releasing Annabelle from the intensity of her gaze. “I have an idea…who wants to wrap some presents for your grandparents?”

There was a general squeal of approval and Danielle trooped them all out of the room towards the family room. Returning a few minutes later, she stood by the door.

Turning from checking the temperature on the oven, Annabelle was surprised to see Danielle. “Do you want something?”

Danielle didn’t reply immediately, there was a slight twitch of her lips and Annabelle wasn’t sure if that was a nervous tick or she was going to smile. “Scissors, we need a pair and there’s several in the utensil draw.” Pointing in the direction of the hutch that contained several plates not for use at dinner and crystal, she walked over to the object and opened the door.

“Do you like tuna bake? I’m afraid I’ve been cooking stuff that I like and maybe I should ask you if …” Annabelle spoke quickly.

Danielle turned and stared at Annabelle. “You’re a great cook. I for one, have no problem with food.” Self-depreciatingly she grimaced. “My cooking skills were left at the high school, not that they were anything to write home about anyway. Therefore, if you can do justice to food instead of incinerate it or not cook something properly I’m a devotee.”

Annabelle felt a glow deep inside not that it was much praise, in reality from someone who could burn a boiled egg. “Thanks, I guess you don’t want to run a menu by me for Christmas and the grandparents visit?”

Danielle shook her head and she gave a rueful smile. “I’m afraid that my menu would land me in hot water with the police.”

Annabelle chuckled turning back to the oven. “I guess you’d better leave that to me then.”

There wasn’t an immediate answer and Annabelle turned back and caught what she was sure was a guilty look on Danielle’s face. The woman, with a flick of her head, left the room.

Unsure what that was all about, Annabelle frowned, and then her glance caught the large chocolate cake on the table. “Looks like she bought a cake to appease the kids for not being there today…I forgot to tell her about the video on my phone. I’ll do that later.”

†

Three hours or so later the kid’s duly dispatched to bed, Annabelle yawned—it had been a busy day. Stretching her body, she wondered if she had the energy to stay awake for the Christmas Jamie Oliver special. It was due on at nine, which was in about ten minutes. Walking into the lounge, she looked at the silent TV. Danielle was in her office and the kids now in bed making the lower part of the house silent. There were quirky noises, which had first had scared her silly, but the more she heard them the more they became familiar background noises that made the house even more like a home to her.

Bending to switch on the TV, she wondered if she could record the program and go to bed. Her book was appealing even if she’d only be able to read a chapter if she was lucky before sleep called her name. Once she couldn’t see any discs to record on and she debated her options—go to bed or watch the show. The sound of the door opening had her spinning around. She thought it might be one of the children.

“Hi.”

“Hi, I’m going into town again in the morning. I have turkeys and eggs to deliver. I wondered if you needed anything.” Danielle asked, as she remained glued to her spot in the doorway.

Annabelle smiled slightly. “Thanks for asking, but no…I have everything we need for Christmas dinner. We spent a fortune earlier in the week remember.”

“As if I could forget.” There was a ghost of a smile on Danielle’s face as she replied dryly to the comment.

Chuckling, Annabelle moved towards the door. “Hey, you said I could buy whatever would be required to prepare the perfect Christmas dinner.”

“Hmm, but not fit for royalty…only the grandparents.”

“Isn’t that the same thing?” Annabelle waited for a reply knowing that Danielle wouldn’t agree. Whatever the animosity of that particular situation it wasn’t going to be Danielle who gave the game away. Besides, it wasn’t her business, although she was curious.

“Some might say that. Well, if you don’t need anything I’ll get away early before the kids get up. The weather forecast is improving we might actually see some sun tomorrow.”

Annabelle nodded. “I was wondering if it will be okay to record a program. It starts in a couple of minutes, and I’m bushed.”

“Of course, you can. You don’t need to ask,” Danielle replied in surprise.

“Oh, I did since I have no clue where you keep the discs.”

“Ah,” Danielle walked into the room and opened a large cupboard in the left corner filled with various movies, DVD’s and recording media. Taking a disc, Danielle walked over to the machine. “Let me show you how it works.”

Annabelle watched in fascination as bony fingers press various buttons and then blushed as Danielle caught her eyes.

“Which channel?”

“Oh, right it’s the food channel…number nine I think,” Annabelle choked out and moved her gaze to the curtain covered window in the room.

Danielle raised her eyebrows at the choice but didn’t say anything as she chose the selection and pressed record.

“Thank you,” Annabelle breathlessly replied.

“No problem. If you remind me, I’ll show you how the smart box works or better still ask Liam…he’s a whiz. He records all kinds of shows and preprograms some of mine for me.”

“A smart box?”

Moving from her crouched position by the TV, Danielle laughed. “It’s what we call it. One of those devices from the satellite company, high definition signal along with a tuner that has a hard drive and you can manipulate up to three programs at a time and do that live pause thing.”

Annabelle was amazed not at the content of the words but at the number of words. It must be the longest single conversation she’d ever had with the woman. “That sounds fantastic.”

“Not really, it’s just the leaps in technology. Well, I’ll wish you good night, Annabelle.”

“Goodnight, Danielle.” Annabelle watched the woman move towards the door before she turned back.

“Thank you for today. What you did for the kids and the video for me, it was…well thank you.”

Annabelle nodded at the simple sincerity in the thanks that made her want to cry for some reason. “Glad you reminded me. I need to take the phone off recharge before I go to bed.”

“Goodnight, Belle.” Danielle left the room.

Stunned for a few seconds, Annabelle stood in the center of the room. Her whole body was feeling that glowing sensation again. She called me Belle. Wow, we really are into breaking the ice.

Chapter Seven

Christmas Eve had always been a nonevent for Annabelle. The only good thing about it had been that in the morning, her mother’s parents would collect her and she’d spend the rest of the holidays with them. Over the years, she’d grown used to their lack of parental caring but that didn’t stop it hurting. Eventually, as she grew older, she realized exactly what the problem was—in a nutshell—her parents should never have had a child. They were too self centered and the world revolved around them—end of story.

Conversely, the Reed family was the opposite—even Danielle. They had a simple dinner of eggs, beans, and fries. The simplicity of the meal had Danielle smiling across the kitchen table as she playfully pointed her fork in Annabelle’s direction. “Even I can manage to prepare this. Tell me where is the brilliant cook I hired?”

Adroitly, Annabelle replied, “My skills are needed a rest for tomorrow’s main event.” Everyone around the table laughed—the meal was a pleasant enjoyable family occasion.

Annabelle, now seated in the lounge complete with a large mug of chocolate filled with toasted mallows, smiled. The children’s eyes were glued to the TV as they watched The Polar Express. It seemed to her that their rapt expressions indicated their entrancement by the boy’s progress. Casting a discreet glance in Danielle’s direction, she saw a tender scene. Ensconced in a large comfortable old chair, the fabric a checkered pattern that was fading certain places, the thin woman was holding her niece close while the child cuddled contently into her body. No matter how acrimonious the child felt about her aunt at times, it was abundantly clear there was a bond of love there that would never be broken.

“Danny, do you think he’ll be home in time?” When a commercial came on, Jack looked up from his prone position on the floor with a perplexed expression on his face.

Kissing the top of Sally’s head, she moved to stand, sliding the girl off her knee, and placing her on the chair. “Keep it warm for me, kiddo, I’ll be back soon.” Then she walked over to Jack and tousled his curly hair. “Ah, now we’ll see won’t we, Jack. But, if it was me, I’d sure want to be home with my family for Christmas day.”

Liam nodded. “Me too. I can’t wait until tomorrow to see what Santa brings me.”

Annabelle was listening to the gentle conversation and she sighed gently. Her presents amounted to the sum total of a small package from her grandparents on her mother’s side. She highly doubted that the phone call she’d made to her parent’s had even been checked on the voice mail, indicating her new address. So nothing from that quarter—not that she expected much. Her attention was diverted when Danielle spoke to her. “Sorry what was that?”

A slight smile curved Danielle’s lips as she gazed down at Annabelle in a chair, which was less faded twin of the one where Sally sat.”I asked if you wanted toast with lots of hot butter.”

Annabelle’s eyes flared open as she attempted to rise out of the chair. “Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t realize you were all still hungry…” A hand reached across her chest and brushed her breast for a split second and Annabelle heat flood her body at the touch.

“We’re not hungry, Belle, but it’s indulgence time and a tradition here at the Reed farmhouse. Isn’t that right kids?” There was a chorus of agreement as Danielle continued, “Indulge us please, Belle, how many do you want?”

Belle grinned, her eyes catching Danny’s eyes. A flicker from the log fire seemed to glow in the blue eyes that held hers expectantly. “I guess, in that case, I’d better not blow the tradition. Two please.”

“Two it is. Keep watching, Jack, I want to know what happens when I get back.” Danielle strode out of the room.

“Is it really a tradition?” Belle asked quietly not really expecting an answer.

“Oh, yes, Belle. Dad used to tell us stories about him and Aunty Danny at Christmas,” Sally replied in a solemn tone.

“That’s way cool. I wish I had a brother or sister,” Belle replied absently.

Sally’s eyes shot open. “You were all alone at Christmas, Belle? Were you an orphan?”

Belle almost said she was for it was how she felt most of her life. “No, not an orphan…my parents were busy people.”

The children all looked at her and Jack stood up, his small chubby frame moving quickly, as he jumped up on her lap. The hot chocolate thankfully was on the side table next to her.

“You can be our family now, Belle. You can be Danny’s sister.” The small boy placed his short arms around her neck and gave her a wet kiss on the cheek.

Overtaken with emotion, Belle was unable to answer as tears began welling up in her eyes. “Thank you, Jack, I’d like that.”

Liam who hadn’t said much returned his gaze to the TV screen. “It’s started again.”

Jack scooted off Belle’s knee and plunked himself on the floor again as his attention was now on the movie.

Ten minutes later, Danielle arrived back in the room with a tray laden with toast that literally dripped butter. “Have I missed much?”

Belle wanted to say, yeah you’ve just gained a sister, instead she accepted the toast quietly and watched the movie although her attention was on her feelings that she was right when she first came here—it did feel like home and now the younger occupants inside had offered it to her however innocently. It was the older occupant who held the key to her staying. As much as she wanted to ask Danny if she’d consider taking her on permanently, she knew it wasn’t possible. Placing yet another financial burden on the woman wasn’t fair, even though it would break her heart to leave them…all of them.

†

It was nine-thirty, Jack and Sally had gone to bed after the movie around eight, and Liam was allowed to stay up an extra hour. Now, he was in bed and that left Belle with Danny, who she suspected was half asleep in the chair. They’d agreed that neither one of them was going to see the movie scheduled around that time through so had decided on a comedy sketch, which had been funny but tiredness was taking its toll on Belle. She had a long day in front of her. Stretching slightly, she stood up as the closing credits of the show began. “I hope you don’t mind but I need some sleep. I want to be up earlier than usual tomorrow.”

She’d been right, Danny virtually shot out of the chair when she spoke and groggily replied, “What, oh right…yes early.”

Smiling in gentle amusement at the half dazed expression on Danny’s face, Belle nodded. “Yes, I’ve turkey to trim and all that goes with it. What time are your guests expected?”

Danny frowned then rubbed her eyes. “Probably around one. Jackie and Peter, that’s the grandparents, have a formal Christmas breakfast with friends at their place. Then, they deem it necessary to visit their grandchildren. We should be rid of them an hour after dinner.”

Belle nodded then ruefully remarked, “I guess I should make dinner for around two then.”

Danny’s eyes seemed to sparkle. “Any chance of that?”

“You’re the boss you tell me.” Belle chuckled silently at the delighted expression that comment made on Danny’s demeanor.

“I am, aren’t I? I keep forgetting that lately. Okay, Ms. Farrow, may we have dinner at two please?”

Laughing softly Belle curtsied. “Yes ma’am. Goodnight, Danny.”

“Goodnight, Belle, sleep well.”

Belle quietly replied, “Same to you.”

†

Danielle wandered around the lower floor of the house locking up. It was only a little after ten and they had a big day ahead of them in more ways than just the dinner itself. Her footsteps traced back to the lounge and the final check that all the electrical items were turned off. It was a legacy from her father…he insisted each night that every nonessential electrical item should be that way. He declared it was the old wiring in the house and you never knew but secretly she thought dad figured it would save money.

With a low chuckle she whispered, “You were right on all counts, Dad and a few you didn’t even think of. Like energy conservation that might one day save the planet. Who would have thought you were a progressive.” Shaking her head, she thought about her folks. It was times like this that she missed not having them close. However, the move to the coast had been the ideal choice that probably had saved her father’s life. He was now relatively robust after receiving a pacemaker two years ago. This year had been devastating not just for the children but the whole Reed family. Her mother had visibly aged in front of her at least ten years at the funeral and though they talked about Greg and Mary during their weekly phone calls, it was a brief conversation—neither wanting to open up the still raw wounds of their deaths.

“Roll on Easter,” Danielle whispered to the angel that had topped the Reed Christmas tree for over fifty years. Her mom had bought it the first year she and dad were married. It made her smile wistfully recalling happy Christmas times when she was a child.

With a heavy sigh, she touched a papier-mâché bauble Greg had made out of flour and water and some poster paints one cold evening prior to Christmas—they both had. His had survived the years, her effort hadn’t. He’d always been good with his hands anything he tried to make he succeeded. He should have been a carpenter since he loved carving things out of wood.

“I’m going to make it right by the kids, Greg, I promise you. The wicked witch of Templeton Square will not get her hands on your babies.” Danielle half smiled at the description she’d given of Mary’s mother. It was true, Mary had called her that the first Christmas she and Greg had been married and it stuck. From her point of view, it was as accurate as any description could be for the children’s grandmother.

“Yes, tomorrow is going to be tough.”

She glanced at the brightly colored wrapped presents under the tree and was satisfied that at least the children would have what they wanted object wise even if they couldn’t have what they wanted heart wise. If granted one wish, it would be that Greg and Mary were still alive and the kids hadn’t had to go through all the pain of their loss. Wishful thinking never was one of Danielle’s strong points—you had to go forward no matter the pain of what life brought you. Tracing a finger down her left cheek, she knew that all too well.

Closing the door of the lounge, she quietly made her way upstairs to her room.

Chapter Eight

“You can’t have Christmas without presents, Belle!” Liam exclaimed as he fingered the remote control of the foot high robotic dinosaur that he’d had on his Santa list. The expression on his face when he opened the present said never expected to receive it.

Belle grinned. “I have opened presents with you guys, lots of them,” she said waving a hand at the multitude of toys, books, and candy that surrounded each child.

Sally rolled her eyes and shook her head. “You need presents of your own, Belle, like this.” Sally picked up the MP3 player she had wanted. It was in a pink case with pink earphones.

Jack joined in waving around a stocking filled with candy. His face smeared with the remnants of the one chocolate bar Danny had allowed each child to consume.

“Ok, give me a minute will you.” She walked out of the room and almost cannoned into Danny who was bringing in a tray of drinks. It was only seven and although Belle had been up since five, she hadn’t had the time to have a hot drink.

Danny moved back a pace or they would have collided and knocked the drinks over.

“Sorry, I’ll be back in a minute.”

Danny nodded and entered the room. “What’s going on guys?”

“Belle didn’t open any presents. She’s gone to get hers.”

“Ah, well that’s good because I haven’t opened my presents yet either. We can do it together.”

“Yeah,” was the positive chorus from the children settling down now to play with their presents.

A few minutes later, Belle arrived with a solitary gift and with a shrug sat back down in the chair, she’d vacated earlier. Then she began to untie the wrapping.

“Is that all you have, Belle?” Liam asked in surprise.

All eyes including Danny’s turned to Belle.

“Yeah, it’s from my grandparents.”

Suddenly, Sally gave Belle a thoughtful glance then she walked over and quietly asked, “Are you an orphan now like us, Belle?”

For a second the question didn’t quite register then Belle shook her head. “No, Sally, my parents are in Europe they only come back once a year. They must have given Santa the wrong address this year. “

Jack piped up, “Santa knows where everyone lives even if they move. Isn’t that right, Danny?”

Danny, caught in the innocent expression of trust in her nephew’s eye, replied, “Yes he does. In fact, he must have thought that Belle loved the kitchen so much he left her gift there.”

Jack grinned. “I’ll go fetch it.” Before anyone could say anything, he was gone. Arriving back breathlessly minutes later with a package that appeared quite heavy for a child of his size, he said, “Here you go, Belle. It’s from Santa. See it says so.” The boy pointed to the tag that clearly said to Belle from Santa.

Perplexed, Belle accepted the gift and frowned slightly.

Danny then spoke, “Okay guys, let’s open the adult presents now. Do you want to go first, Belle?”

Belle blinked rapidly—she didn’t know what to say. “I guess.” Her fingers dropped the present from Santa and she opened her grandparent’s present first. Perfume, a brand she loved but rarely could afford, appeared. Her grandmother knew her well.

“Can we smell it, Belle?” Jack asked moving closer to her knees in expectation.

“Sure you can.” She allowed each child to smell the fragrance.

“Danny too, “Jack insisted.

Embarrassed, Danny moved forward and smelled the perfume. “Very nice, it suits you.”

Belle, blushing slightly, murmured, “Thanks. Okay let’s see what Santa brought me.”

The children’s eyes glued to Belle’s fingers as they were opening the present. When they saw what it was, they all laughed.

“He brought us books too, Belle.” Liam grinned.

The book in question was a Jamie Oliver recipe hardback. As she flicked the pages, she was stunned. Not only was it the perfect gift, she knew it must have been expensive too.

“Do you like it?” Danny asked quietly.

Almost lost for words, Belle nodded. “It’s perfect, but you shouldn’t have.”

Danny shook her head and pointed to the tag. “I didn’t.”

“Danny it’s your turn…you have more presents than Belle.”

“I have too I wonder why.” Danny remarked good-naturedly and began to open her presents. Enthusing in particular over the presents the children had bought her with their pocket money.

When the present opening was complete, Belle announced she needed to make breakfast and begin the real preparation of the dinner. Leaving the family together, she entered the kitchen and felt the sting of tears prick at her eyelids.

“Why did she do that? How did she know it would be the perfect gift for me?” Wiping away the moisture that was building, she shrugged off the emotion and directed her mind to the day ahead. When it was all over, she could contemplate why Danielle Reed had gone to the trouble of buying her present.

†

Annabelle watched a Land Cruiser negotiate the drive and glide like a swan to park in front of the heavy polished black door with a large Christmas wreath adoring the center. As far as she knew in the days, since she’d arrived at Reed farm, no one ever used that particular door. Today, it looked like the formal entrance to the house would have a treat and be the star of the show. Fully expecting the door to stick she was surprised when it opened easily and Danny and the three children stood in the threshold.

Half expecting the children to rush forward, hug, and kiss their grandparents she was surprised and saddened when they remained at the door. Danny moved to welcome them into the house. Having the knowledge that Danny didn’t like the older woman in particular, she applauded the younger woman’s cordial smile and the hand shake she gave them. What was disturbing, the glower she gave a younger woman who, at that moment, stepped out of the rear passenger side door. She looked like a model—perfectly fitted clothes and a long lean body. The only fleshy part of her appeared to be her breasts. Then, a younger man stepped around the car and Danny embraced him warmly. He must be the uncle. Maybe there is a hidden romance there. She grinned inwardly. I just might find out as the day moves on.

Turning her attention away from the family gathering, she gave the food already prepared a once over with satisfaction and then began to baste the turkey. As she bent over the AGA, Liam walked into the room.

“Belle, Aunt Danielle asked if you had the punch ready.”

Aunt Danielle, huh…grandparents influence no doubt. Danielle’s the formal title had Belle smiling slightly as she straightened and then walked over to the table. “I’ll bring it in right this minute.”

“Can I help?” Liam asked looking with interested eyes over the delicious food on the table.

“Sure you can. Here, take this ladle and I’ll bring the bowl.” Belle handed the boy the ladle and then they walked into the lounge.

Danny was conversing with the young man as Annabelle walked over to the coffee table and placed the punch bowl there. Liam gave her the ladle.

Danny was at her shoulder in an instant. “Thanks, Belle, I’ll do that.”

With a smile she handed the ladle over and was about to leave the room when Danny placed a hand on her arm. “Stay and have a glass of punch, Belle. Believe me you deserve it.”

Annabelle felt there was an underlining whisper to the words that they all did or would by the end of the session. “Okay, thanks.”

“You’re not imbibing alcohol in front of the children I hope, Danielle.”

Danielle’s brow furrowed and she drew in a deep breath then turned with a false smile to face her accuser. “Would I do a thing like that, Jackie?”

Jackie Lancaster gave Danielle a hard stare from pale blue eyes. As she did, her head tilted slightly accentuating her long thin nose. It was perfectly balanced with the thin bone structure in a well made up face. “You’ve been known to indulge in the past and take several people unawares with the potency of concoctions you’ve made.”

“Well, for the record, I didn’t make the punch.” Swinging her gaze to Belle, she winked. “Have you met Belle, Jackie? She’s our housekeeper and is responsible for our upcoming feast today.”

Belle chewed down on her bottom lip as Jackie turned her attention to her. The look she gave was less than friendly. “You should have taken my advice and used caterers. Do you live in?”

For a second, Belle didn’t answer the forthright question then with a slight shrug, she equally replied, “Yes.” A glint in Jackie’s eye had Belle wondering what was coming next.

“I see.” Jackie’s pincer like stare took in Belle’s body and its generous proportions. “This meal it isn’t filled with too many calories I hope.”

“For god’s sake, Jackie, it’s Christmas!” Danielle replied in frustration. “Thanks for the punch, Belle, and here have a glass,” she said handing Belle a glass. “It’s delicious by the way.”

Belle took the glass and wanted to retreat to the kitchen where it was warm and friendly. Jackie Lancaster would be a good ally in the fight against global warming she figured. “Thank you, Danny.”

“Oh my goodness, you allow the help to call you by your name and a shortened version too…what is this world coming too. When dinner is over, you and I need to talk in private, Danielle.”

Danielle offered a glass of punch to Jackie who took it with caution, smelling the spicy contents first then taking a sip. “I’m not poisoning you.”

“Hmm, I wouldn’t put it past you. Peter, come here and take a glass of punch.” Jackie called over to her husband who was looking at the boy’s presents.

Belle watched as the wiry man shook his head and came dutifully to Jackie’s side. Peter Lancaster smiled expectantly at Danny. “I’d rather have something else. What about that scotch you have for special occasions, Danny.”

Danny quickly replied, “Sure thing, Peter. Colin, Julia what can I get you. I recommend Belle’s punch.”

Colin Lancaster strode up at that moment with his hands in his pockets, He was immaculately dressed in an Armani wool suit with a pale pink shirt and a silver silk tie. Glancing at each one of them as he neared closer, he said, “I’ll have the lovely Belle’s punch.”

“Okay. Julia?”

Julia was sitting with Sally they looked deep in conspiratorial conversation over several of the child’s presents. “I’ll try the punch thanks.”

Danny nodded poured the glasses and passed them to the relevant parties before leaving to locate the scotch.

“Belle, how did you find yourself holed up here in the back of beyond?” Colin asked with a smile. His features were warm and friendly in total contrast with his mother.

Belle returned the smile and replied, “Danny advertised and I was between jobs. My last employer died suddenly and …” The thought of the professor had tears beginning to form as she recalled the previous Christmas times with the old man and their friends. Last night, before she went to sleep, she had shed tears for what used to be. This was a new stage of her life and she had to move forward, he wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.

“Hey, did I say the wrong thing?” Colin asked concern in his voice as he moved closer.

Belle shook her head thankful that Jackie and Peter had moved to look at the grandchildren’s presents. “No, it isn’t you. I was remembering some previous Christmases that was all.”

“Ah, you were close to your employer?”

“Very, I worked for him for eight years. He was a sweet old man,” Belle responded before taking a drink of the punch.

Colin nodded, “Danny is something else isn’t she, to take on three kids when she could so easily have farmed them to my mother. Instead,, she has to put up with the vitriolic exchanges my mother aims in her direction, has no money, and probably even less of a social life.”

“Why thank you, Colin, for explaining that my personal life is in the toilet. I’ll have you know I’m going out New Years Eve.”

Belle and Colin turned at the same time to look at Danny who had silently returned to the room and was close enough to hear them.

Colin grinned. “Are you now…anyone I know?”

Danny tilted her head. “Yes, however it isn’t something I wish to discuss.”

Colin gave a belly laugh and replied, “Good for you. Julia will be pissed though. I think she was hoping…” He trailed off as their glances took in the woman in question.

“Yes, well enough of that. How’s business?” Danny remarked shortly.

Belle watched the exchange and wondered firstly about the mystery date her employer was going on and secondly what Julia would have to do with it. “Look. I need to get back to the kitchen. Dinner will be served in about twenty minutes if that’s okay?”

Danny looked at Belle and then for a split second shifted back to Julia before replying, “Perfect, Belle. If you need any help please don’t hesitate to ask.”

“I’m good. It was nice to meet you, Colin.”

“Likewise, Belle,” Colin replied softly as she turned to leave.

Once back in the kitchen, Belle heaved a sigh of relief. “Wow, am I glad my grandmother was lovely. I now understand why Danny doesn’t want the kids to go live with her.”

Belle returned to the AGA to take out the turkey and with a sniff of the air at the delicious aroma in the room, she felt her stomach grumble indicating eating was now a top priority.

†

Two hours later, the formal dinner was over and the family was ensconced in the lounge relaxing. The boys had high-jacked their uncle into a game of computer battleships. Peter Lancaster was half asleep in the chair a large brandy on the table beside him.

Jackie was having a one on one with her granddaughter Sally and Danny had disappeared as Belle brought in milkshakes for the children and coffee with mince pies for the adults. Belle placed the items in the room and left quickly having announced the refreshments had arrived.

Returning to the kitchen, she couldn’t help but over hear a loud whispered conversation. It was coming from the upper floor.

“This is totally the wrong time to have this conversation and you know it.” Danny’s voice sounded angry as Belle listened unable to stop herself.

“We could have worked it out, you didn’t give it time.” Julia Lancaster spoke them her tone that almost sounded desperate.

“Time? Time I gave you enough time to hang yourself you did a great job by the way. Why on God’s earth would I ever want to go through that again.”

“I’ve changed, Danielle.”

“Really? A leopard never changes its spots, Julia, and believe me you are one fine feline specimen.”

“Give me another chance, Danielle I’m begging you.”

There was silence and Belle was about to walk away in fear that someone might catch her eavesdropping. However, the conversation was rather interesting and the big question was…give Julia another chance for what?

The next words had Belle rooted to the spot.

“If I gave you another chance you’d have to share my life with the children.”

There was a tinkle of laughter apparently at that suggestion. “Don’t be silly, mother will be only too glad to take the little brats off your hands. Then we can explore all possibilities without any baggage,” Julia replied.

Belle cringed at the suggestions and wondered what Danny looked like at that point. Then she could guess as she heard the low angry reply.

“Exactly as I thought. You haven’t changed, Julia! You’re still as selfish as the day you were born. I’d rather be alone the rest of my life than spend any precious second of it with you. As for the kids, they are my life now and no one or thing will ever come between me and their happiness.”

Belle smiled as she walked away. She’d heard enough and there was movement at the top of the staircase. Quickly she returned to the kitchen and the stacking of the dishes and pans for cleaning. A chore she generally left to the dishwasher. Today, she was going to do them by hand at least then she could leave the family in peace or not as the case maybe.

Unexpectedly, the door to the kitchen opened and Danny walked in her face set in a glower.

“Was my cooking so bad you got indigestion?” Belle smiled gently as she looked towards Danny as her hands dexterously rubbing at a pan in the sink.

Flopping down on one of the kitchen chairs, Danny quickly replied, “Nothing to do with the cooking. The meal was excellent. Thank you.”

Taking a cloth, Belle wiped her hands and walked over to the table. “I took coffee into the lounge a few minutes ago it will still be hot.”

Danny snorted then replied, “I’m not looking forward to heading into the hornet’s nest again. But, I must I guess. Jackie will want her pound of flesh before she leaves.” Heaving herself out of the chair, her slim frame appeared burdened with a heavy load that stooped her shoulders slightly.

Unconsciously, Belle reached out and placed a gentle hand on Danny’s shoulder. “Perhaps it won’t be so bad.”

Danny’s gaze went from Belle’s encouraging look to the hand that was resting on her shoulders and she nodded. “Perhaps, at least I’ve probably received a stay of execution with your fine homemaking skills around here. No one can say I neglect the children and they do receive decent food nowadays.”

Belle grinned. “Why thank you, ma’am. I know it’s not my place, but can Mrs. Lancaster really take the children from you?”

Danny wet her lips with the tip of tongue before she wryly replied, “Truthfully, Belle, I’m not sure. I have legal guardianship of them at the moment but it’s fair to say that if my circumstances went into free fall then they would be better off with the Lancaster’s.”

“Then, it’s all about money and not who loves them. Is that right?”

Danny sighed then quietly said, “Put like that, yes it could be. Kind of crappy don’t you think.”

Belle muttered something under breath and shook her head as she emotionally replied, “That’s a travesty. These children love you and I know you love them.”

Danny intense gaze caught Belle’s breath then she smiled and answered, “Thank you, Belle, for reminding me. Now, I think I can see what the hydra has to say.”

Belle chuckled at the term. “Don’t say that to her or you will be in trouble.”

With a smile, that deeply grooved the side of Danny’s mouth, she headed toward the door. “Nope, I’ll keep that between you and I.”

Belle watched Danny leave the room and she sighed before returning to her washing of the dishes with lots of interesting thoughts floating around in her head. I wonder if Jackie knows her daughter has set her sights on Danny. I wonder if she even knows that her daughter is a lesbian. Wow, talk about a firecracker situation. Danny is nice and she doesn’t deserve to be alone the rest of her life.

Whatever went on in Danny’s office with Jackie wasn’t that successful as Belle watched from her window view in the kitchen the Lancaster’s leave an hour later. Jackie’s expression was a cross between a sour grapes and a bulldog while Danny’s was tight-lipped and barely polite.

Then, the phone rang and she answered it quickly. “Reed residence.”

“Hi, I’d like to speak with Danny.”

“May I ask who is calling?” Belle frowned unsure if she should have the woman call back or interrupt the leave taking.

“Wendy.”

“She’s currently busy, can I have her call you back?”

“Sure thing.”

Belle was about to ask for the number when the woman disconnected. “I guess she knows the number.”

A few minutes later, Belle heard the car drive away from the house and she heaved a sigh of relief when she heard the children laughing and shouting as they walked down the hallway. Unsure what to do, she decided to find Danny and pass on the message from the Wendy person.

As she entered the hall, she saw a preoccupied Danny standing and looking at the closed door. Hesitantly, Belle moved forward and quietly spoke her name. “Danny.”

Danny turned with a slight frown on her face. “Hi, Belle, is there a problem?”

Shaking her head, Belle smiled in return. “No, someone named Wendy phoned and asked that you could call her back.”

“Ah, right. I was waiting for that call,” Danny said absently. “A bit later than expected.” It was almost as if Danny were talking to herself as she stepped away from the door. “The children want to have Liam’s PS3 set up for the pop band software. They want to give us a concert later.” She looked at Belle. “Are you game?”

Belle’s eyes flew open in surprise. “A concert, why sure.” Then she laughed before she continued. “Exactly where is this machine going to be stationed?”

Danny grinned and pointed to the old parlor that no one ever used. “I figured it would be acoustically beneficial for both of us if they used that room.”

Belle laughed again and nodded. “Got it…no chance of you hearing from your office and the walls are thick between the kitchen and this room.”

Danny winked as her previous glowering expression was completely gone. “My thoughts precisely. I need to make that call to Wendy and then I’ll be back.”

Belle grinned. “Go for it. I’ll help the kids until you come back and I’ll have Christmas cake and a brandy waiting for you.”

Danny chuckled. “I’m glad you came to help me out, Belle. You’ve been my savoir. Will you join me? I hate to drink alone and it is Christmas?”

Belle nodded. “Yeah, I will.” Then she watched Danny as she ran up the stairs towards what Belle supposed would be her room or her office.

†

The evening had turned out to be enjoyable. The children had made it even more so with a hilarious concert or at least their version. At the end, there was applauds and Danny had indicated that she might have the next teen sensation on her hands.

Belle, with growing affection, watched the children as the long day took its toll as they gradually become tired and headed for bed exhausted.

When Danny had done her final check and goodnights with the kids she flopped down in her favorite chair and took a sip of the hot chocolate Belle had made while she was gone. “I’m completely stuffed, tired and I might say happy. Even Jackie wasn’t able to rain on my parade for long today and that’s all thanks to you, Belle.”

Belle blinked at the unexpected praise and replied, “I’m glad I was of help.”

“Yeah, you were more than you’ll probably know. Which is why I wanted to ask you about when you leave here?”

Belle felt her heart miss a beat at the comment. She hadn’t wanted to think about leaving the farm. In a short time she had been there, it felt like home to her and she cared for the children—she would miss them terribly. “What do you want to know?” Belle replied her mouth going dry.

“We discussed that the term was temporary and that after the New Year I’d no longer need you.” Danny looked down at her hands around the mug of chocolate.

In a voice Belle, thought wasn’t hers, she heard the reply reverberate around the room. “Yes, do you want me to leave earlier?”

Danny’s head moved upwards sharply as she shook it vigorously. “My God, no! I was going to ask if instead of a temporary position you might consider taking it permanently. The job, the children, and me I guess.”

Belle’s heart did a triple somersault as she stammered out, “I thought you couldn’t afford to have a full time housekeeper?”

Danny laughed. “Ah, I couldn’t at least not until I talked to Wendy.”

Belle wasn’t sure how this Wendy person could possibly have provided Danny with the means to make the job permanent. “I don’t understand.”

“You wouldn’t…I said that all wrong. Wendy is my business partner and she’s a good friend too. That meeting I had which stopped me from being at the school concert, came to fruition last night, the new work it will generate has given me a boost in pay and a bonus.”

“Don’t you want to think about what might be more useful than spending your new pay on a housekeeper?” Belle was jumping for joy inside but she wanted to be sure that Danny wasn’t making a bad decision based on the season’s events.

Danny stood up, and walked over to the drinks cabinet in the room and unlocked one of the compartments. “I know you might want to consider a better position and I still can’t pay much but until you find something better do you think you might consider staying with us?”

Belle was silent for a few moments and the she too stood up and quietly said, “I’d love to stay, Danny.”

Danny turned around from her contemplation of the drinks in the locked area. “Wonderful, I think that’s a cause for celebration don’t you? What can I get you?” She pointed to the array of drinks.

“Thanks, a small scotch please.”

Danny grinned and said, “My thoughts exactly,” before she poured the drinks and handed out to Belle.

“Merry Christmas, Belle.”

“Merry Christmas, Danny.”

They raised their glasses and toasted each other with a chink of crystal.

About the Author

JM Dragon

Born in England JM Dragon is and now a New Zealand citizen, living in the beautiful Canterbury countryside, JM Dragon loves to garden, travel and has a love of animals. Her animals, many of them strays, even the odd chicken, have proved a new focus in her life. Sharing her life with her family, two cats, two alpacas, and over forty bantam chickens in differing breeds; she’s found a totally different focus in her life than when she lived in England.

Her writing is a long cherished release for the characters that invade her mind on many an occasion. Always having written stories from a child, she found the internet a place she could share her creative world with other readers. Having stumbled across venues on the net for her writing, she found new subjects to explore. She currently loves the creative, readership and friendship genre she has comfortably taken residence in for the last twelve years. A keen reader of sci-fi, crime/mystery, classic, and romance of course.

JM Dragon is here to stay and loves to experiment with storylines-who knows what she will tease us with next. 

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