Chapter 11 : A lonely Christmas!

Ella:

As the clock struck 12 on Christmas Eve, I made a wish asking God to send me my saviour and bless my parent’s souls. After attending the midnight mass, we come out of the church to be welcomed by tiny little flakes of snow colouring the whole landscape of this city. There was something so magical about this season, it brought out the best in me!

We came home to a brightly decorated house which took me almost a month of planning and execution. The string lights and the star of Bethlehem sparkled amongst tiny balls of cotton resembling snow at the bottom of the tree.

Mary, Bridget and Beatrice exchanged their gifts with each other while I gave them each a handmade box of organic chocolates in classic stockings. My mother always told me to be kind and giving to everyone in the spirit of Christmas.

The following morning I got up super early all excited for the Christmas dinner tonight. Joe will finally meet my extended family and officially become a couple, maybe even my fiance by the time we celebrate our first anniversary which was less than a week away.

I hear clacking of heels as Bridget descends down the stairs wearing a dress so short and skimpy, it barely left anything to one’s imagination. “Oh baby, you look gorgeous!” swooned Mary. “Enjoy yourself and remember what I said”

“Don’t worry Momma, he won’t be able to resist me tonight” Bridget replies arrogantly. This was probably how Mary trapped my poor dad as well. For a moment I pitied Mr.Holt’s son; he had no idea what he was in for!

I quickly text Joe typing, “Come by 7 pm tonight munchkin, I cannot wait to see you! xoxo :* ”

I resume cooking up a storm in the kitchen. Freshly cut parsnips, turnips and carrots go in the topmost tray of the oven while a well marinated turkey is placed at the bottom so that it roasts slowly in its juices.

At 6 pm, I checked my phone to see if Joe had replied; no messages received; he’s probably busy doing chores for his family and getting ready. I continue glazing apples for the pie along with the eggnog to be served for dessert.

A while later, the doorbell rang and I rushed to open the door. We weren’t able to meet during the week due to my curfews, I couldn’t wait to see him!! Instead, I saw tiny little kids dressed as Santa’s elves singing Jingle Bells!!! They were singing in perfect chorus and were so cute that I couldn’t help smiling.

“Has Joe come with his Christmas troupe now?” Mary smirked as she saw the group performing.

I chose to ignore her comment, paid a few dollars to the kids and closed the door. It was way past 7 pm. He should have been here by now. I tried calling on his phone a couple of times, the network was not reachable. What the hell! Maybe there was a connection issue while travelling!

I start setting the table with cutlery for four people with my eyes locked on the door and the clock. It was 8 pm, where was he? I called him again and he finally picked the phone. “Where are you, everybody is waiting,” I hissed angrily at him.

"I’m sorry Ella, I won’t be able to come, there was an emergency; I was on my way to your place when I suffered a seizure. A passerby rushed me to the hospital."

“Oh my god!! Are you alright? I’m on my way as we speak,” grabbing my bag and heading towards the door.

“Ella, don’t, I got discharged from the hospital and have come to my parents now, will see you tomorrow. I’m so sorry love”

I burst into tears the very next moment. I couldn’t bear the thought of anything happening to him. This was not how I wanted my Christmas night to end.

I quietly walked up to Mary and Beatrice seated at the table to say, “Joe won’t be coming tonight, he wasn’t keeping well. I have laid all the food on the table. Enjoy your dinner and Merry Christmas!!”

I do not wait for their nasty jabs, turn my back and march up the stairs towards my room. I hide under the duvet, curl up onto a pillow and cry myself to sleep.