Winter's Warmth

by Ivy Ruthven

  “Everything’s ready with the TV and the movie,” I said. “Hurry up!”

  “Almost done here,” said Sarah, looking up.

  Once we’d all assembled in the living room, Mr. Brown started the movie. Even though I’d watched the movie a number of times before, it still gave me a feeling of joy and hope. I hummed through the songs and watched the romance unfold.

  From time to time, Ryan would hold my hand under the blanket that we’d placed over our legs. We were both sitting on the floor while Sarah and Mr. Brown were on the couch. James lounged nearby, sometimes typing away on his phone.

  Sometime in between, Sarah padded away from the room and returned with a tray. There were small plates with slices of pie and mounds of whipped cream on top. She handed one to each of us.

  With my stomach full and feeling more relaxed than ever, I leaned against Ryan. The warmth seeping through his shirt kept me glued to him. A hand came around my waist, holding me close to him.

  When the movie ended, there was a general feeling of the day being over. James excused himself to go to his bedroom. Mr. Brown asked for a round of night cap before calling a cab.

  Ryan walked up to my mother and said, “Thank you for such a wonderful day, Sarah.” Before he could say another word, she’d hugged him.

  “It was great having you here.”

  He walked up to me and said, “I’m ready to go home now.”

  I nodded. “Let me see you out,” I said.

  We gathered our coats in the hallway. Before stepping out of the door, he called for a cab.

  “What a day,” I remarked as we came to a stop beside the gate. “I’m surprised I can still walk.”

  He chuckled. “Thank you for everything, Olivia.” His voice sounded deep and sincere.

  “You’re welcome,” I said, squeezing his gloved hand.

  “Can I kiss you one more time?”

  I blushed but nodded and stepped close to him. His hands cupped my face on both sides and lifted it up. Then leaning down, he kissed me. It was a soft, sweet kiss as we moved our lips against each other. Delicious tingles travelled throughout my body, making me desire more of him.

  The sound of an approaching car made us step away from each other. Within seconds, it came to a stop in front of the house.

  “Good bye, then,” he said, giving me a kiss on my cheek.

  “Bye.”

  As the car drove away, I hung back in the deserted street. My heart was still racing from our kisses and I needed to cool the blush lingering on my cheeks.

  Before long, snow flurries began drifting down from the sky.

  Chapter 5

  I lay in bed on Sunday night with my phone buried under my pillow. Muted sounds from the kitchen came into the room. A sliver of light came through the gap under the door which meant that the light in the hallway was still ON. Both James and Sarah were awake.

  The phone buzzed. With a blossoming grin, I took it from under my pillow. Ryan was calling me. For the past three days, we’d talked over the phone at night. Swiping the screen, I whispered, “Hello.”

  “Hi, Olivia.” His voice was clear.

  “How does your hand feel today?” I asked.

  “It’s getting better. A few more weeks and I will be fine.”

  “Have your aunt and uncle returned yet?”

  “Yes but let’s not talk about them.” His voice was light but there was an underlying hesitation.

  “I’m excited to go to work tomorrow. Jeanne said they’d be changing the décor for Christmas.”

  “Wow!” he exclaimed with a chuckle. “Guess I should go for a visit too. After Halloween, it’s almost intriguing to imagine what Miss Woods will come up with for Christmas.”

  “I’m worried about the new uniforms,” I grumbled.

  He laughed. “You’ll look beautiful anyway. So don’t worry.”

  Warmth flooded my chest. Suppressing the urge to squeal at being called ‘beautiful’ by him, I said, “What if she dressed me in green tights and a brown tunic?”

  “I’d still kiss you under the mistletoe.”

  My heart hammered in my chest at the thought of kissing Ryan again. I was still hung over from our kissing a few days back. The feeling of his lips on mine still lingered. Every time I thought of it, my skin tingled pleasantly.

  “Olivia?”

  “Y-Yeah?” I stuttered, coming to the present reality.

  “I need to go now and finish off that essay for Mr. Goon.”

  A noise of disappointment escaped me. “You didn’t do it already?”

  “No. I need to finish before going to bed.”

  “Fine,” I muttered. “Goodnight.”

  “Night. Sweet dreams!”

  The call went off. I slammed the phone on my bedside table a little harder than was necessary. Having already told James and Sarah that I was sleepy, there was no option to go downstairs and watch TV. Even opening my laptop wasn’t such a good idea. The light pouring from the screen could attract James’s attention.

  James knew there was something brewing between me and Ryan. He teased me mercilessly, making my cheeks flame in front of our mother. To my luck, Sarah had chosen to ignore it all and sometimes, scolding him. Things could definitely worse. At least, they liked the boy I was falling in love with.

  Perhaps it was the warmth of my bed and blankets or just laying there with my thoughts, I soon fell asleep.

  Next morning, I hurried to get dressed and finish with breakfast. The sooner I got to school, the sooner I’d see Ryan.

  “What’s with you today?” asked James with his eyebrows raised. That morning, I had woken earlier than him and was now racing him at breakfast. “Slow down, Oli!”

  Too late. I choked on a mouthful of toast. My chest exploded in pain as I struggled to breathe. James came behind me and began patting my back. Tears formed in my eyes. Finally, I was able to swallow down the stuck food. My breathing became regular and the ache in my chest receded.

  “Thanks,” I mumbled, taking a swig of orange juice.

  James swore under his breath. “Your boyfriend’s not going anywhere. Just relax.”

  Sarah was bleary eyed when she walked into the kitchen. Yawning wide, she took a seat at the table. “It was so difficult to wake up early after that long weekend.”

  “I’ll make you coffee,” I said, standing up to clear my plate.

  “Thanks, honey,” she said with a grateful smile. “I have the world’s best kids.”

  James snorted. “Remember that when our reports come in.”

  Sarah feigned confidence. “I’m not worried. You’re both my kids and that means you’ll grow up just as charming and intelligent as me.”

  I placed a mug in front of my mother. Just the steam wafting from the dark beverage’s surface seemed to revive her. Rubbing her eyes, she took a sip and sighed. “Do you have work this afternoon?”

  “Yes. Back to the old routine for me,” I said, shouldering my bag.

  “You’re leaving already?” she asked, sitting up straighter in her chair.

  “Let her go, Mother,” said James. “She can’t resist her boyfriend’s call.”

  The remark earned my brother a slap on the shoulder from me.

  “Ouch!”

  “Bye, Mother,” I said and quickly made my way to the front door.

  Putting on my coat and hat, I stepped out. All the pumpkins had disappeared from the neighbors’ porches. Most houses now exhibited strings of red and green lights. Figures of Father Christmases dotted the front lawns along with brightly painted reindeers. Large green wreaths decorated with dried fruit and spices were hung on some of the doors.

  Too bad the snow melted, I thought, walking through the street and admiring the decorations the neighbors had put up. It would have looked spectacular with the snow and twinkling lights. Christmas was definitely on everyone’s minds now.

  The usual crowd was gathered near the school gates. My eyes scanned the area for Ryan but he wasn’t there ye
t. Breathing out a long breath, I leaned against the wall that lined the school and kept my glance in the direction from where he’d come.

  “Olivia.”

  Turning to the sound of my name, I came face to face with Jenny. Her eyes looked darker because of the thick sweeps of black eyeliner around it. Her pursed lips matched the red coat she wore.

  “Hi,” I said. Uncertainty washed over me as I looked at her. The last time we’d spoken was at the Hawthorne Manor’s grounds on Halloween. She’d blamed me for causing the accident that had hurt Ryan. Guilt rose up inside me as I steeled myself for the cruel words she was about to hurl at me.

  “The competition is less than three weeks away. We’ve got to start practicing soon,” said Jenny.

  “Oh, yeah,” I said, fumbling for the right words. I had forgotten about the upcoming music competition. As I stared at the severe expression on her face, I felt some of the holiday cheer slipping away.

  “We’ll be practicing today at three P.M. You can run off to work after that.” She growled. “We should’ve started earlier but I’d been so mad at you.”

  “Sorry,” I mumbled. “I never intended for anyone to get hurt.” I hoped she saw through my sincerity that I meant every word.

  “You better get your act together, Olivia,” she said, looking fierce. “I want to win that competition and you’ll be sorry if you make me lose.”

  Her threat sparked my anger. It was one thing to tell me she was upset about the whole incident at Hawthorne Manor, and another to bully me with the competition. “I’ll do my best to be a good partner, Jenny, but you need to watch your tone with me.”

  She scowled, but I stood my ground. “Fine!” she hissed. “Three P.M. Music room on second floor.”

  Turning away, she stormed away inside the school gates. I needed several deep breaths to calm myself. No matter how hard I tried to behave nicely with Jenny, she always brought out the worst in me.

  After ten minutes of waiting, Stacie showed up. Her cheerful smile helped ease some of the anger I still felt.

  “What’s wrong?” she asked.

  “Nothing.”

  “It’d be easier if you just tell me.”

  “It was Jenny,” I said shortly. “We’ll start practicing this afternoon.”

  “Oh joy!” she cried and clapped her gloved hands together. It made me smile a little.

  “How was Thanksgiving for you?” I asked.

  “The usual, you know. My brothers came to the house and there was hardly any space on the table with all the food mom cooked. Also, Gary, my eldest brother brought home his girlfriend.” She chattered away about her family until she checked her watch. “Almost time for the bell. Let’s go inside,” she said, wounding her arm around mine.

  I wanted to wait for Ryan but with only five minutes left on the watch, there was no point. We had English and we always sat together for it. It was a feeble consolation as there was no talking involved but we could at least pass notes to each other.

  “Lead the way,” I said and Stacie pulled me towards the gates.

  Ryan was late to class that day. He was out of breath by the time he reached his desk in the last row. Giving my shoulder a light squeeze, he took the seat next to mine.

  When class was in full swing, Ryan dropped a note on my table. Taking it, I hid behind the boy in front of me and opened it.

  Have lunch with me.

  Taking my pencil, I scribbled onto it.

  Sure! But at the school cafeteria.

  He raised his eyebrows as soon as he read my note. “Why?” he mouthed.

  I shrugged. There was no particular reason to refuse to eat at an outside restaurant but with the music practice later on today, I didn’t want to be too full. Also, after eating the leftover Thanksgiving meal over the weekend, my appetite had taken a hit.

  After class, Ryan demanded to know my answer.

  “I’ll see you at work and after,” I said, hurriedly outing my things in the bag. Both Stacie and I had another class without a minute to spare. “Come to the cafeteria today. Please? The food isn’t fine but it won’t kill you.” With that, I ran out of the class.

  Stacie and I met up with Ryan near the doors of the school cafeteria. Among the crowd of chattering students, he looked somber and unusually dull.

  “Come on,” I said, taking his hand in mine.

  Some of Stacie’s friends from other classes had already kept places for us. They waved at us as we entered the crowded hall but were soon surprised to see Ryan walking along with us. While we stood in line to collect our food, they stared.

  Once we’d all collected our lunch, we went to sit with them.

  Ryan kept his head down and pierced the juice box on his tray. I could see them all gaze at him curiously but no one said anything. Soon, they resumed eating and talking amongst themselves.

  “It’s not too bad, is it?” I whispered in Ryan’s ear.

  “It’s loud and hot in here,” he muttered, keeping his voice low. “Wish we’d just gone out to eat. Why didn’t we?”

  “I didn’t want to get too full at lunch. I have practice with Jenny in a few hours.”

  “When is the competition?”

  “On the 20th of December. So, we don’t have much time and knowing Jenny, she wouldn’t be satisfied unless we were perfect.”

  “It’s so difficult to spend time together with school and everything. Wish the holidays would come sooner.”

  “I know.”

  After lunch and two more classes, I headed to the second floor of the Franklin Building. Jenny was already in the room that housed the school piano. She leaned against a desk with a sheet of paper in her hand.

  “Do you have the music sheet for the songs we’ll be performing?” she asked as I entered the classroom.

  “Yes. Mr. Varner gave them to me last week.”

  “Good. Let’s start.”

  Nodding, I sat on the stool beside the piano. After setting the music sheet in front of me, I began playing. To my dismay, my fingers felt slow and heavy. Ever since I came to Knightswood, I hardly got an opportunity to play. Now, the lack of practice was evident.

  “That’s awful playing,” said Jenny.

  “I know,” I muttered through gritted teeth. “I just need to practice. These songs are new to me. Give me some time.”

  “You’re going to have to work extra hard. On your own and with me.”

  I stayed quiet, fuming over myself. Jenny kept on talking but I put all my focus to familiarize myself with the notes of the song. Towards the end, however, my playing had improved and Jenny was able to sing along to some of the lines.

  “We’re meeting tomorrow as well,” said Jenny as I closed the lid over the piano’s keys.

  “How about I practice alone?”

  “No way!” said Jenny at once with her hands on her hip. “You need someone to monitor you. It will be good for you.”

  I doubted that very much. However, I did agree with her about my need to practice more.

  Disappointment weighed heavy in my belly as I made to Bramble’s teashop. Pretty lights twinkled in the darkening afternoon. Every shop was bedecked for Christmas. Even the bare trees that lined the avenues were decorated with small golden lights.

  I came to a stop near the teashop. Its vast windows were decorated with thick garlands of green holly and bright red ribbons. Strings of light were strung along the sides, giving the restaurant a magical feel. Walking up the stairs, I pushed open the doors and entered the crowded dining area.

  It was like walking into a Christmas wonderland. Clusters of mistletoe with streams of ribbons hung over each table. Shining streamers and lights adorned the ceiling.

  Each table was decorated with a centerpiece that had bunches of evergreens tied together with red ribbons. Thick red candles were lit near them. The small packets of sugar were now being kept in small red and green pots.

  It was very warm inside the restaurant, as if, mocking the cold weather outside. Along with th
e fragrance of tea, my nose picked hints of ginger, orange and cinnamon.

  Jeanne and Dorothy were serving tables. They both wore bright red knee-length dresses with black aprons. Relieved that Bramble hadn’t made us wear elf costumes, I walked towards the swinging steel doors that led into the kitchens and locker room.

  The door to Bramble’s office was slightly ajar. Peeking through it, I saw her at the desk, working on her laptop.

  “Hi,” I said with a short knock.

  “Hey, Olivia,” said Bramble, looking up. “Come in.”

  “I came for the new uniform,” I said. “And thank you for not giving us some kind of costumes to wear.”

  She giggled. Her hair was fashioned in the usual bob and she wore a bright green dress. Ducking below her desk, she brought out a cardboard box. “Here you go,” she said, pushing it towards me. Before I could turn to leave, she stopped me. “At the end of the day we’re playing Secret Santa. So write your name in this piece of paper and drop in the bowl.” She gestured at a blue ceramic bowl on the table.

  “What kind of gifts are we talking about?” I asked, taking a slip of paper from the desk.

  “Nothing too extravagant,” said Bramble. “But please make it more thoughtful than a scented candle.”

  I chuckled. “I’ll try.”

  “T’is the season to give.”

  After changing into my new uniform, I headed into the dining hall. Ryan was sitting at his favorite window seat and already had a tall glass of hot chocolate. He was absorbed in a book. Smiling a little, I started on my shift.

  A new Christmas menu had been launched for the month of December. Turkey sandwiches with cranberry sauce were listed as specials in the sandwich section. Hot chocolate and mulled tea was added to the tea section along with several other holiday-themed drinks.

  Most customers ordered the newly introduced drinks, though some stuck to their all-time favorite Yogi Chai. The most important thing that I noticed was that the tips were more generous than usual. After the bad rehearsal hour with Jenny, it cheered me up.

  The hours crawled by. When it was time to close shop, Bramble said it was all right for Ryan to hang around until I was done. After helping with the cleanup of the dining hall and kitchen area, we gathered in the locker room.