Restoring Christmas

by Kate Kasch

  “Uh oh,” Adrienne said. “We have a problem.”

  “Another one? What now?”

  “The refrigerator doesn’t work; the lights won’t switch on. We have no power.”

  “Oh no. We can’t stay here if there’s no power – that means no heat,” Gretchen walked into the kitchen. She opened the refrigerator and quickly slammed it back shut, “Oh wow, that’s disgusting.”

  “Yeah, it’s pretty bad. I’ll call the power company. What else do we need to do?”

  “Oh just come up with $25,000 in twelve days,” Gretchen said nonchalantly.

  As Adrienne grabbed her cell phone to start the process of getting their power turned back on, Gretchen started to unload the groceries onto the counter. She noticed a Gazette in one of the bags and couldn’t help but want to glance through it – for old times’ sake. She thought it might be interesting to see what was going on in Chestnut Ridge these days.

  Adrienne came back into the kitchen about ten minutes later and announced that the power company would be sending someone out to turn the power back on within the next few hours.

  “Well that’s good news.

  “Yeah, well, it’s amazing what paying your bills can do. But I don’t know how much longer I can keep this up. It’s just so expensive!”

  “Well, no worries. I also have good news,” Gretchen said with a mischievous smile.

  “What?”

  “I’ve figured out how we’re going to get the $25,000.”

  “If you say rob a bank, I’m going to kill you,” Adrienne told her.

  “No, although the thought did cross my mind. Look at this,” Gretchen held up the front page of the Gazette.

  Adrienne walked over and took the paper from Gretchen, scanning it. “You’re kidding, right? The Chestnut Ridge Christmas Home Contest?”

  “The winner gets $25,000!”

  “Gretchen, have you looked around? The only contest our house could win right now is the spookiest Halloween house. Not to mention they are judging the houses on Christmas Eve, which is five days away. Do you know some sort of angel that can wave her magic wand and turn this dump of a house into a Christmas wonderland?”

  “Well, no. I don’t. But do you have a better idea? We have all the Christmas decorations that Mom used for the Christmas Home Tour that year – remember how beautiful this house used to look during the holidays? We just need to spruce things up a little.”

  “Well if that’s not the understatement of the year, I don’t know what is. We don’t even have any money to put into it. I mean, the house needs to be painted, the shutters re-hung, the lawn mowed, the bushes trimmed . . . and that’s just the exterior.”

  “Okay, so it’ll be a challenge. But I think we can do it. We’re Harkins, remember? We can do anything we set our minds to,” Gretchen bumped hips with Adrienne and put her arm around her shoulders.

  Adrienne can’t help but smile at Gretchen’s enthusiasm and positive attitude. It reminds her of the Gretchen she knew long ago.

  “I guess we have nothing to lose . . .” Adrienne started to come around to the idea. “If we don’t win, we’re just right back where we started, and we’ll lose the house anyway.”

  “Now that’s the spirit!”

  “Okay, let’s make a list of everything we need to do.” Adrienne loved lists.

  The two girls sat down in front of the fire and started their list, both excited about having a plan and bringing 22 Oak Street back to life.

  Harkins Christmas List:

  Mow lawn

  Trim bushes

  Paint house

  Clean gutters

  Fix roof

  Paint front door

  Fix front porch/pillars

  Paint and Re-hang shutters

  Rake leaves

  Dust

  Wash floors

  Clean refrigerator

  Buy Christmas tree

  Decorate interior

  Exterior Christmas lights, Wreaths

  Sitting back, the girls took a long look at their Christmas List, and the reality set in. There was a lot of work to do. A lot. And where to begin?

  “Okay, so what should we start with?” Gretchen asked.

  “Let’s see. Well, we can’t decorate a dirty house. I say we start with cleaning inside – I bought a bunch of cleaning supplies at Peas & Pickles. Oh, my goodness! I forgot to tell you! You’ll never guess who I ran into in town?”

  “Who?” Gretchen asked, wide-eyed.

  “Gabe.”

  “Gabe Perkins? Oh my – those eyes! Are they still so dreamy blue? How did he look? What’s he doing now?”

  “Whoa, slow down!” Adrienne laughed. “He’s an attorney now – he opened a practice in town next to the bank.”

  “And my other questions?”

  “And yes, he looked good. Really good,” Adrienne said and both girls burst into giggles. “And the even better news, he said I should stop by his office later today to see if he can help us with any legal recourse we might have to save the house.”

  “That’s amazing news! You have a date!”

  “Gretchen! It’s not a date! I have a boyfriend in the city, you know. This meeting with Gabe is strictly professional.”

  “Right. Of course it is. And this boyfriend in the city – is he the one you had dinner with the other night?”

  “Yes. Jason.”

  “From what I remember, dinner with Jason ended preettttyy early. I’m just saying . . ..”

  “Okay then, let’s get going on the cleaning. Why don’t you start with the refrigerator,” Adrienne quickly changed the subject.

  “No way. That’s all you.”

  “Okay – let’s settle it like we used to. Ready?”

  The two girls did three games of “Rock, Paper, Scissors,” and as per usual, Adrienne won. “That refrigerator has your name all over it,” Adrienne teased Gretchen. “Have fun!”

  CHAPTER TEN

  The afternoon was filled with scrubbing, sweeping, mopping and dusting. Gretchen tackled the kitchen and Adrienne worked everywhere else. It was amazing what letting in some light could do, Adrienne thought as she pulled open the floor length drapes in the living room and dining room. It was as if the house opened its eyes after years of having them shut tight. Adrienne started dusting all the furniture, followed by polishing the wood to make it shine. She then swept and mopped all the wood floors on the main level and vacuumed the area rugs. There was a renewed sense of energy fueling both girls - the work gave them a sense of purpose. The feeling that they could do something about what once felt like a hopeless situation had replaced their feelings of desperation.

  They stopped only to allow themselves a quick bite to eat for lunch, and then they continued with their work. Sometime during their cleaning, a representative from the electric company came and turned on the gas and electric. With electricity, the house warmed up and out of nowhere, Gretchen blasted some Christmas music on the surround sound. She braced herself thinking Adrienne was going to come yell at her to turn it off. But Adrienne never asked to switch the music, and if Gretchen could have seen her, she would have seen a small smile cross her sister’s face.

  At about 3:30 p.m., Adrienne walked into the kitchen to see the progress that Gretchen made. The marble countertops were sparkling, the appliances and cabinets had all been scrubbed down and the floor was glistening. In the rear of the kitchen there was an eat-in kitchen area with floor-to-ceiling windows and a large chandelier. The windows had all been wiped clean and the room was aglow.

  “Wow! Gretch – this is incredible! I wasn’t sure the kitchen could look like this again,” Adrienne said, in awe.

  “I’m not done yet, but it’s quite a transformation, isn’t it?”

  “Aside from the family room, this has always been my favorite room in the house.”

  “Well, it’s where we spent most of our time. Our family has always liked to eat,” Gretchen laughed.

  The girls are quiet for a minute
as they recalled the happy times sitting around the kitchen island eating, drinking and laughing.

  “I’m going to go see Gabe now. You should take a break while I’m gone. It’s already been an exhausting day.”

  “Honestly, I’m fine. This is the most energy I’ve had in a long time.”

  “Why don’t you see if you can find some of the Christmas decorations? I think Mom kept them all in the attic.”

  “Great idea - I’ll do that. And good luck at your ‘meeting’ with Gabe,” Gretchen winked.

  Adrienne freshened up quickly in the powder room, where she made a mental note to come back and scrub . . . all of it, and then rushed out the door. As she pulled the rental car up to the front of Gabe’s office, she couldn’t quite calm the buzzing occurring in the pit of her stomach. She took a few deep breaths and reminded herself that this was business. Pretend it’s something for work. Be professional.

  The door chimed when she opened it, and an older woman in her mid-60’s sat at the receptionist desk. Christmas music was playing softly, and there were a few tasteful holiday decorations creating an inviting office space. Is it strange that Adrienne no longer wanted to tear up Christmas decorations and throw them in the garbage?

  “Hello there, dear. Can I help you with something?” the woman asked sweetly.

  “Hi. Yes, I have an appointment with Gabe . . . with Mr. Perkins.”

  “Of course, dear. I’m Louise, and your name is?”

  “Oh, sorry. Adrienne Harkins.”

  “Nice to meet you Ms. Harkins,” Louise said with a smile. “You aren’t Tom and Elizabeth’s daughter, are you?”

  Hearing her parents’ names spoken aloud for the first time in a long time, Adrienne stiffened. “Yes. Yes I am,” she finally managed to squeak out.

  “Your Dad was a loan officer at the Chestnut Ridge Bank, right?”

  Adrienne nodded her head.

  “Oh, they were such a lovely couple. I am so sorry for your loss, dear. Your Dad really helped my son out of a jam years back. My son wanted to start his own business so badly, but no banks were lending money at the time. Your Dad agreed to meet with him. Danny, that’s my son, Danny worked so hard putting a business plan together, and then presented it to your Dad. He was so nervous. Anyway, your Dad saw how hard Danny worked on the presentation, thought Danny had a solid plan and he gave him a small business loan. It changed Danny’s life. He has now been a successful business owner for ten years. All thanks to your Father.”

  “Thank you for telling me that,” Adrienne said. “It’s nice to hear stories about how my parents helped people.”

  “That’s only one of many. Your Dad helped make this town what it is today. Very few of these businesses you see here on Main Street would exist if not for your Dad’s help.”

  “He was a special guy,” Adrienne agreed.

  Louise picked up the phone and called back to Gabe’s office.

  “He’s expecting you, Ms. Harkins. You can go right in,” she pointed toward a closed office door.

  Gabe opened his office door before Adrienne could even knock. Adrienne smiled shyly. He really hadn’t changed much at all in the years since she last saw him. If anything, he looked better than ever – mature and confident.

  “Adrienne, it’s so great to see you again,” he pulled her into a quick hug.

  Suddenly feeling hot, Adrienne started to take off her coat and pulled at the scarf around her neck.

  “Is it hot in here, or is it just me?” She asked flustered.

  Gabe took her coat and scarf and hung it on a coat rack.

  “Come, have a seat, please,” he motioned toward a chair in front of his desk.

  Adrienne sat down and tried to calm her nerves. Why was she so nervous?

  “Okay, so tell me what’s going on,” Gabe sat across from Adrienne, his face turned serious and concerned.

  “Well, as I’m sure you know, no one has lived in the house on Oak Street for years. There is no mortgage on the house - thankfully that was settled with my parents’ estate after the accident. However, I was still responsible for paying the taxes on it. And I’m sure you also know, that taxes in Chestnut Ridge are, well, exorbitant. I fell behind, and then I fell even more behind, and then the amount I owed was just so much I guess I kind of gave up.”

  Gabe nodded his head. If he was judging Adrienne, he didn’t show it.

  “And now the tax collector wants to sell it at auction if we don’t pay what we owe by the end of the year.”

  “Ok, so that would mean there is a lien on your home. The tax collector is required to send you three written notices before it can get to the point of an auction – did you receive three letters?”

  “Weellll, I may have,” Adrienne said meekly.

  “What do you mean you may have?”

  “I vaguely remember getting some letters and seeing the Tax Collector on the return address. A while ago I opened one of them and it was just a reminder that I was past due a few months, from that point forward I sort of ignored all other letters from them.”

  “And by ignore I’m assuming you mean throw in the garbage?” Gabe lifted an eyebrow.

  “Yes.”

  “Okay then, let’s assume they sent you three official notices that you were delinquent and that they would be putting your house up for auction. The tax collector must also post the impending sale in the newspaper and file it with the county clerk’s office. I called the clerk’s office on your behalf, and it has indeed been posted. And I also saw it listed in the newspaper.”

  “Is there anything else we can do?”

  “Well, once the house goes to auction, it will go to the highest bidder. However, if no one bids on the house they will then sell it to the municipality. This can buy you some time, and if the municipality does purchase it, you have six months to make good on what you owe and get the house back. So right now, let’s just hope that most people in town know your story and no one will try and buy it at the auction.”

  “So, we’re hoping people feel bad for us and don’t make an offer?”

  “Yes.”

  “I’m okay with that,” Adrienne said, and she and Gabe started laughing. They looked at each other, surprised at how easily they could talk to each other after so much time had passed. The brief look turned into more of a stare. Feeling self-conscious, Adrienne stood up suddenly and walked to the door to get her coat and scarf.

  “I don’t want to take up too much of your time. I’m sure you have a busy schedule,” Adrienne fumbled to put her coat on.

  “I just wish I could be of more help – I was hoping to get them on a technicality. But it seems the tax collector has followed everything to the letter. Literally. Do you have any type of plan B?” Gabe asked.

  “You are not going to believe this, but Gretchen has thought of a plan. You know the town Christmas Home Decorating Contest?”

  Gabe nodded slowly, his face looking slightly confused.

  “Well, we’re going to enter Oak Street in the contest,” Adrienne said sheepishly.

  “Really?! I’m surprised . . . It’s just that, last I saw 22 Oak it seemed . . ..”

  “Like a dump?” Adrienne finished his sentence for him.

  “I don’t want to be rude, but yeah, it looked pretty rough.”

  “You won’t hurt my feelings. Honestly, Gretchen and I couldn’t believe how bad we let things get. We almost didn’t recognize the house when we pulled up to it this morning.”

  “And you know the contest gets judged on Christmas Eve?”

  “Five days. I know.”

  “So, what’s the plan?”

  “We’ve started cleaning the interior already, and we have a long to-do list. We’re just going to try our best. It seems like our only chance. And I have to admit, so far it has been fun sprucing the place up.”

  “Your parents would be so happy,” Gabe said softly.

  Adrienne nodded her head as the two of them walk to the receptionist area.

  �
��Okay, then I only have one more question. What can I do to help?”

  “Really? That would be amazing! Like I said, we have a huge to-do list. Want to come over later and take a look at it? See what you think you could help with?”

  “Absolutely. I’ll be there.”

  “Oh, and another thing - we have no budget.”

  “Right. I figured that.”

  Just as Adrienne was about to pull the door open, it was pushed in from the outside and almost hit her. She jumped back, startled.

  “Excuse me,” said a deep voice. “Didn’t mean to getcha there.”

  “Mayor Jessup, to what do we owe the pleasure?” Gabe asked.

  “Hello Gabe.” And then turning to Adrienne, “And who is this lovely lady?”

  Adrienne extended her hand for a handshake, “Adrienne Harkins. It’s a pleasure to meet you, sir.”

  “Harkins? As in the Harkins from Oak Street?”

  Nodding her head slowly, a dreadful feeling started to form in the pit of her stomach.

  “Well isn’t this fortuitous! I came down here to talk to Gabe about your house,” the Mayor turned toward Gabe. “I was wondering if you had any information on the tax auction. I have always loved that house, and I plan to make an offer when the sale starts. Any idea of the day of the sale?”

  “The house isn’t for sale,” Adrienne blurted out, louder than she had hoped.

  “Oh, I’m sorry, was I misinformed? Is there no longer a lien on the house?”

  “Technically, there is, but not for long. The house will not make it to auction.”

  Mayor Jessup smiled in a way that made Adrienne want to pop him right in the nose.

  “You have a plan to come up with $25,000?”

  “What Adrienne is saying, Mayor Jessup,” Gabe stepped in, “is that the Harkins girls love their home and plan to make every effort possible to keep it in their family.”

  “Well isn’t that too bad,” the Mayor said, although the smile didn’t leave his face. “I’m so sorry you girls don’t want to have to sell your home. But if you loved this home as much as you claim to, you probably should have paid your taxes, sweetheart.”

  Her face flushed and her hands clenched into tight fists, Adrienne mustered all the restraint in her body to control herself.