Done. That had been easy enough. Some clever person must’ve known she was coming because the shelf-stackers had thoughtfully left packets containing three rolls of festive paper, matching ribbon and Sellotape beside the till. She scooped up two and flung everything onto the conveyor belt.
Fantastic. She’d no idea why anyone got in a flap over gift shopping. She paid, packed her shopping back into the trolley, went to the car park and put it into the boot. It was sleeting quite heavily so she felt it wasn’t worth schlepping across the car park to return the trolley for the sake of a euro coin.
‘Merry Christmas to someone who’s more diligent than I am,’ she announced, as she fitted the trolley neatly between two neighbouring cars. For a brief moment she felt a stab of guilt. That was a whole euro she’d just wasted. Then she shrugged her shoulders. She didn’t want to become too perfect.
The snow from the night before had melted slightly and the rapidly falling sleet made for treacherous driving conditions, but she was glad to be in her car and not at a bus stop.
Hailstones took over from the sleet as she turned into the car park at her apartment complex. She reversed as close to the main door as she could, propped the lift open with the piled-up games and proceeded to fire in the goodies.
Skye was out so she had the place to herself. She put on some music and set to work wrapping the things. She’d come up with a plan to wrap the games individually, then put them all into a black sack. The family and whoever turned up on Christmas morning could play lucky dip. That way she didn’t need to label them or spend unnecessary time wondering who’d prefer Twister to Guess Who?
Then she turned on the gas fire and poured herself a glass of wine, kicked off her shoes and turned on the television.
The Wizard of Oz was just starting! Could today get any better? Drenched in nostalgia and red wine, she curled up and enjoyed every moment of the movie. Their tiny Christmas tree winked festively at her. The heart-warming tones of the Munchkins singing made her sigh in delight.
She hadn’t intended to fall asleep, but the next thing she knew Skye was calling to her from the hallway.
‘Hi, honey, I’m home!’ Skye called, as she slammed the front door. ‘God, it’s seriously Baltic out there.’
‘Well, it’s warm and cosy in here,’ Pippa said, stretching. ‘I’ve had the best day,’ she said, and told Skye all about Briana.
‘That’s amazing, Pippa,’ said Skye. ‘I’m delighted for you.’
The phone rang and Pippa answered chirpily. ‘Hello, Santa’s workshop!’
‘Hello there!’ Holly said, with a giggle. ‘You sound like you’re full of Christmas cheer, darling!’
‘Oh, I am, Mum! I’ve had such a good day! I’ve seen Briana at House of Fashion …’ She filled in her mother on the deal. ‘So, new year, new start. I’m ready to make things work.’
‘I’m so proud of you, love,’ Holly said. ‘I always knew you’d sort yourself out when you were ready. While I have you there, who are you bringing and when are you coming?’
‘Definitely Skye and possibly Jay,’ she said. She hadn’t heard from him yet and was worried that he’d decided he didn’t want to get back with her. She was trying not to think about it too much.
‘Jay?’ Holly said. ‘Well, we’d all be thrilled to see him. But I thought you and he were finished?’
‘We were. But that was then and this is now.’ She sighed. ‘I’ve asked him to think about getting back with me. I’ll let you know when I know, okay?’
‘All right, love,’ Holly said, with a degree of resignation. ‘I can’t keep up with you kids and your love lives,’ she said. ‘I’m glad I’m old and married and your father’s still here. I wouldn’t have the energy for all this.’
‘’Bye, Mum.’ Pippa rolled her eyes.
Pippa and Skye spent the rest of the evening playing Who Am I?, in which they each stuck a famous person’s name to their forehead and asked questions to elicit information that would help them work out who they were. ‘You can only answer yes or no to the questions!’ Pippa instructed Skye, who had forgotten this rule.
When they went to bed, the snow was falling again.
‘I’m really looking forward to Christmas now. It’s going to be lovely to have a traditional day. It’ll be a first for me,’ Skye admitted. ‘I usually end up at my parents’ where they refuse to “conform” to the whole Christmas thing. Instead of being alternative, they’re just killjoys,’ she said.
‘It’ll be great craic,’ Pippa assured her. ‘If you enjoy it, maybe it’ll be the first of many you’ll spend at Huntersbrook.’
Pippa’s phone lit up with a text. ‘Oh, my God!’ she said. ‘It’s Jay.’
28
Driving Home
for Christmas
Lainey knew she wouldn’t be able to fit much on the motorbike so she’d arranged for Jules to meet her at her apartment. It was Christmas Eve and not yet nine a.m. ‘Try to make it to my place early so we can get there in good time,’ she’d told her friend.
As Lainey’s flat was slightly out of the way this was the first time Jules had been there. ‘It’s really nice, Lainz,’ she said. She paused in front of a large photo on the wall. ‘Is that Huntersbrook?’
‘Yeah, Grandma gave it to me when I moved.’ Her eyes misted. Grandma had called this area a real no man’s land.
‘The developers bought a field in the middle of nowhere and built on it without a thought about any community living,’ Maggie had complained.
‘It’s on the motorway, Grandma,’ Lainey had attempted to defend her choice.
‘Precisely,’ Grandma had snapped.
Recently Lainey had understood why her grandmother had been so against her living there. For years it had suited her to be within equal commuting distance of Huntersbrook and work, but since she’d started going out with Jules, she’d found her apartment a bit lonely. Maggie had been right: there was no community. It was anonymous. ‘I’m having second thoughts about living here,’ Lainey admitted now.
‘Why?’
‘It’s soulless. I’d like to either move into the city or back towards the country. I need a proper identity, if that makes any sense?’
‘Totally,’ Jules said. ‘It must get a bit lonely out here night after night.’
‘It’s probably the worst time to move, with a global recession when property’s taken a nose dive, but maybe I could rent for a while.’
‘Why don’t you look into it after Christmas? New year, fresh start?’
Lainey picked up her bags and took them to Jules’s car. The snow was falling steadily so they had decided it wasn’t safe to take the motorbike. ‘It’ll be more fun to travel together anyway,’ Jules said. ‘Besides,’ she laughed, ‘I’ve no sense of direction so I’d probably end up in Belfast and miss Christmas altogether.’
As they set off along the motorway, Lainey asked, ‘Have you spoken to your mum?’
‘I called her before I collected you. She made it clear that her feelings towards me haven’t changed.’
‘I’m sorry.’
‘Yeah, well, I’ve come to terms with it now,’ Jules said. ‘I can’t make her accept me and I can’t change to suit her. If she insists on being the way she is, then it’s better that we stay apart.’
‘That’s harsh of her.’
‘I have great friends and lots of people in my life who make me feel good. People who accept me for who I am. I don’t need a negative influence pecking away at me all the time. It’s like having a cancer eating away inside when she’s around. Some times it’s better to just leave people be. Keep away. Then we both have a chance to be happy.’
Lainey felt sad for Jules. Her mother should be protecting her and offering support when she was feeling vulnerable, not shunning her. She hoped her friend would enjoy Christmas at Huntersbrook. Her own relationship with Holly was sometimes fraught but she hoped that her mother would never push her away to the extent that Jules’s mum had her daughter.
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Soon they arrived at Huntersbrook and turned into the driveway. When the house came into view Jules stopped the car.
‘Oh, my! What a gorgeous place. No wonder you’re not happy living where you do. If I lived here I’d never want to go anywhere else.’
‘I do love it,’ Lainey said, ‘but there comes a time when we all have to move on and do our own thing. I think they call it growing up.’
‘That notion is highly overrated,’ Jules said, moving off again.
As they parked at the front of the house the door opened and Paddy came out to greet them, followed by Jess and Millie, barking and wagging their tails.
‘Hello there!’ Paddy raised a hand.
‘He’s no idea who we are,’ Lainey said. ‘The older he gets, the more short-sighted he is. And he isn’t wearing his glasses. Hi, Dad! It’s me and Jules.’
‘Ah, hello, love. I didn’t recognise the car. I’m glad you’re here now. The snow is coming down in sheets. I was a bit worried about you driving on the motorbike.’
‘That’s why we came together in Jules’s car,’ she explained.
‘Well, it’s very nice to meet you, love,’ Paddy said, moving around to the driver’s side of the car and holding out his arms. If Jules had thought of shaking his hand formally, he quickly dispelled that idea. ‘I’m Paddy! Merry Christmas, and you’re very welcome, pet.’
Welcome to Huntersbrook and a family who will accept you, Lainey thought.
‘Come on in and meet Holly, Lainey’s mum.’ Paddy was clearly enjoying himself. ‘We’re delighted you’re joining us for Christmas.’
‘Thank you, Paddy. I’m a bit in awe here. You’ve such a gorgeous home,’ Jules said. ‘It’s like visiting a Christmas card!’
Paddy roared laughing as he took the girls’ bags and shepherded them inside. ‘Oh, dear Lord, it’s freezing out there. Come in and see the fantastic fire I have blazing in the living room. Holly, Lainey and Jules are here!’ he shouted.
It was Sadie who appeared from the kitchen, clutching a dishcloth. ‘Hello, pet,’ she said to Lainey. ‘Hello, and delighted to meet you.’ She pumped Jules’s hand.
‘This,’ Lainey said, with a grin, ‘is Sadie. Huntersbrook would simply fall apart without her.’ She flung her arms round Sadie and hugged her.
‘Ah, I don’t know about that …’
‘Isn’t all this beautiful?’ Jules was taking in the decorations and twinkling lights.
‘Holly loves Christmas and all the décor,’ Paddy explained.
‘What were you saying about me?’ Holly asked, as she came down the stairs.
‘Mum!’ Lainey said. ‘You look great!’ Now that she knew about Jules’s mother, Lainey had a strong urge to improve relations with her own.
‘Thanks, Lainey. Hello, Jules,’ Holly said. ‘I’m Holly, and we’re delighted to have you here with us.’
‘Thank you.’
‘Hello?’ Joey’s voice floated to them from the living room.
‘Hi, Joey,’ Lainey called, and ran in to see him, pulling Jules with her. ‘How are you doing? This is Jules,’ she said.
‘Excuse the state of me,’ he said.
‘Lainey told me about your accident. How are you feeling?’
‘Better than I did yesterday,’ he said. ‘I got back here last night. I’ll soon be on the mend now, with Sadie’s cooking and Mum and Dad spoiling me.’
‘Sounds about right,’ Lainey said, smiling.
‘Well, if you have to be broken, I reckon you’re in the right spot to get fixed,’ Jules said.
‘Never a truer word was spoken,’ Joey said.
‘Let’s all have a cup of tea,’ Sadie said. ‘Have you girls had breakfast?’
‘Yes, thanks,’ Lainey said. ‘I’ll just show Jules her room.’
‘I thought we’d put her in the pink back room. Is that okay?’ Holly asked, as they went towards the stairs.
‘Perfect.’
Upstairs in her room, Lainey felt like she was back in school with her best friend coming for a sleepover. It was a long time since she’d felt so excited about having someone to stay. There was a knock on her door and Jules appeared. ‘Hiya,’ she said. ‘Can I come in?’
‘Of course! Do you have everything you need?’
‘Sure do. Your family are so lovely. Thanks for bringing me here.’
They went downstairs to sit by the fire with Joey and have a cup of tea. ‘It’s great to be here. Now we can just relax and kick back,’ Lainey said. ‘That was a long week. Work was just crazy. I know things close for a few days over Christmas but it’s not as if we’ll never open again.’
‘I reckon it was one of the longest weeks I’ve ever had,’ Joey said.
As they looked at him, wincing with pain, Lainey felt sorry for him. ‘You win,’ she said, grinning. ‘Any news from Sophia?’
‘Nah.’
‘We don’t have to talk about her if you don’t want to,’ Lainey said, ‘but I didn’t want you to think I don’t care.’
‘Always striving to do the right thing,’ Joey teased her. ‘Thanks for asking. I haven’t had so much as a text from her.’
‘Well, I’ve only recently come to this conclusion, but people who don’t make us feel good about ourselves are usually not worth having in our lives,’ Lainey said.
‘Does that include Seth?’ Joey asked, with a raised eyebrow.
‘Especially Seth,’ Lainey said. ‘Did you ever like him, as a matter of interest?’
‘No. I thought he was a dick,’ Joey said. ‘But I wasn’t shagging him so I figured it was none of my concern.’
‘Well, apply a similar logic to Sophia.’
‘Except you might want to use a different epithet, seeing as she’s a girl.’ Jules grinned.
By ten o’clock Pippa was falling out of bed to find out why there was so much noise in the apartment. As she staggered out of her room she was met by Skye. She had Christmas music pumping from the iPod docking station and was hopping from one foot to the other.
‘I was just about to wake you. The snow is starting to really lash down. I’m worried we mightn’t make it if we don’t get on the road soon.’
Pippa was yawning and stretching. ‘I’ll get my arse in gear. Are you moving to Wicklow for ever?’ she asked, looking at the pile of bags.
‘Have I too much stuff?’ Skye looked momentarily nervous.
‘Nah,’ Pippa said, flicking the kettle on. ‘We’ll be grand. Oh, by the way,’ she grinned wickedly, ‘we need to stop off at Jay’s to pick him up.’
‘He’s coming too?’
‘He texted last night to say he was finished torturing me and that he wants us to get back together.’
‘I’m so happy for you, Pippa. I always said he was a great guy.’
‘Lucky you didn’t tell me you thought he was a total shit and you were thrilled we’d split. It might have made things a little awkward in the car now!’
Knowing she was holding everyone up, Pippa threw some clothes into a bag, showered and dressed hurriedly. In the bathroom she pretty much swept her arm across her shelf and tipped all her stuff into a supermarket bag.
Moments later they were in the lift. ‘I can’t believe today is Christmas Eve!’ Pippa said, doing a little jog on the spot as they rode down towards the car.
She stuffed all their bags and presents into the boot. ‘It’s lucky I drive an estate car, isn’t it?’ she remarked, as they rammed the door shut. ‘It’s going to be so nice to have space for the next while. You’ll love the grounds at Huntersbrook, Skye,’ she said, as they drove out of the car park and onto the snowy roads. ‘Would you call Jay for me? I don’t want to mess with my phone. The road’s really slippery. Tell him we’ll be outside in less than a minute and he’s to come on out. Oh, I’m so excited!’
Seconds later Pippa was in his arms. As they stood kissing on the side of the road, she thanked her lucky stars she’d seen sense and begged for his forgiveness before it was too late.
‘Hi, Skye,’ he said, ruffling her hair as he slid into the back seat.
‘Hi, Jay,’ she said, smiling. ‘Good to see you again.’
‘I’m only really with her so I can have another Christmas at Huntersbrook,’ he joked. ‘Last year was amazing. Prepare to eat, drink and be very merry.’
They were soon at the start of the N11, hurtling along. ‘Look at that!’ Pippa said, as they travelled down the motorway. ‘Welcome to Wicklow, folks, the garden of Ireland!’
The blizzard only added to the beauty of the scene as the Sugar Loaf Mountain and surrounding patchwork of fields came into view.
‘Look at the huddles of sheep dotting the landscape!’ Skye said. ‘It’s like a picture on a linen tea towel in Dublin airport!’
‘You have the most left-of-centre way of looking at things.’ Pippa chuckled.
It wasn’t long before they were pulling in at the gate. The tree-lined avenue was serenely beautiful as the fat snowflakes fluttered down. As Huntersbrook House emerged through the trees, they all gasped.
‘Mum’s made an amazing job of the front door!’ Pippa squealed. Holly’s wreath, complete with thick red velvet ribbon, was glistening with frost.
‘Charles Dickens, eat your heart out,’ Jay said.
The box hedges at the front of the house twinkled with tiny white lights, but the show-stopper was the holly-studded swag of ivy, with more twinkling lights and tiny red bows, that had been attached to the doorframe. The Georgian house looked enchanting.
Beeping the horn, Pippa pulled up and ran to embrace her parents, who had appeared on the steps.
Holly pulled her younger daughter into her arms and ushered them all, with their bags, into the warmth. ‘I’ll show you to your room, Skye. Come and have lunch, and after that we’ll leave you to your own devices. For the record, the rules of this house are that there are no rules. Our home is your home and we’re thrilled to have you all here.’
Driving Home for Christmas Page 28