Christmas Camp

by Karen Schaler

  “Haley, it’s me, Laura.”

  Haley hurried over and opened the door. “Sorry about that. Hi, come in . . .”

  Laura held up a neat pile of clothes. “I brought you a little something Jeff thought you might need. Some winter clothes.” She held up a pair of boots. “And some snow boots.” She handed the pile to Haley. “He said you didn’t have a lot of winter gear with you and that this might help.”

  Haley looked surprised and touched. She held up a cute red hat and gloves. There was definitely a red theme going on. “Where did you get all this?”

  Laura gave her a gentle smile. “They were his mom’s . . .”

  Haley’s eyes flew to Laura. She tried to hand everything back. “I couldn’t . . .”

  “Please, he wants you to have them. So does Ben. You can borrow them while you’re here.”

  “But it doesn’t feel right wearing her things . . .”

  Laura smiled. “Grace would have loved it. She was one of the most generous people I’ve ever known. We also have a coat downstairs for you. I put it in the closet. It’s the red one.”

  “Red again.” Haley laughed a little.

  “It was Grace’s favorite color.”

  “For Christmas?” Haley asked.

  “Exactly.” Laura smiled.

  Haley held up the boots. “This is all because I borrowed Jeff’s boots this morning to take Max for a walk.”

  “Ah, you’re the one Max conned into another walk, huh? I heard him barking this morning.”

  “Yeah, he got me. But he’s not going to fool me again. I’m onto him now.”

  Laura laughed. “Well, with all this, you should be set for the rest of the week. The boots are a size eight. Will that work? I think Grace also had some nines . . .”

  “I’m actually an eight, so these should be perfect. Thank you again.”

  “You can thank Jeff. It was his idea. I’ll see you downstairs for breakfast.”

  After Laura disappeared down the hall, Haley looked at all the clothes. She was touched by Jeff’s thoughtfulness, and grateful, because she really had come unprepared.

  When her phone rang, she ran over to where it was lying on her bed and saw it was her mom calling on FaceTime. Her mom rarely called this early in the morning, so she answered quickly. “Mom, is everything okay?”

  Haley’s mom didn’t look like things were okay at all. “Not exactly,” she said. “Honey, we need your help.”

  Chapter 13

  Haley sat down on her bed. “Mom, what is it? Is it Dad? Are you okay?”

  Haley’s mom looked guilty. “Honey, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you. Your dad and I . . . we’re fine. It’s the house . . .”

  Haley groaned. “The Money Pit?”

  “The Victorian,” her mother corrected her. “We had some pipes freeze and burst and now we’re trying to find a plumber because we already have some flooding that’s freezing. We need to get someone out here right away, and our usual guy is out of town and so is our backup guy. Then your dad remembered that friend of yours, that helped us last summer . . .”

  “Michael?”

  “Yes! Michael, that was his name. Do you think you could call him and see if he’s available to help us. We need to get someone out here right away. It’s supposed to get even colder tonight, and we don’t want any more pipes to burst.”

  Haley started pacing around her room, “Michael’s in Florida right now, but I’ll see if he can recommend someone else.”

  Haley’s mom looked relieved. “Honey, that would be wonderful. I hate to bother you when I know how busy you are with work. We just didn’t know what else to do . . .”

  “It’s okay, Mom. I’ll get on it right now, and I’ll call you back as soon as I find someone. You have the keys to my place, right? You can just stay there if you need to.”

  “We have them. Thank you. So, maybe we’ll see you tonight . . .”

  “I’m actually not there right now. I’m up in the mountains . . .”

  “With a client?”

  Haley looked at the angel picture hanging over her dresser. “Not exactly, but I’m here hoping to land a new client. I’ll tell you all about it when I get back. I gotta go make some calls for you. I’ll call you back as soon as I can.”

  “Thank you, honey. I love you.”

  “I love you, too, Mom.”

  As soon as Haley hung up, she called her friend Michael, praying he could help.

  AN HOUR LATER, when Haley walked into the kitchen, the only thing she was wearing that was her own was her designer jeans. Everything else, all of it red, was what Jeff had loaned her.

  When Laura saw her, she nodded her approval. “It looks like everything fits.”

  Haley quickly modeled her outfit. “It does. Thank you again. This is great. So much better than what I brought.” She looked around. “Where is everyone?”

  Laura pointed at a Santa clock on the wall. It said it was twenty minutes after nine.

  “Oh no! I forgot! We were all supposed to meet at nine out front. Did I miss everyone?”

  “Not everyone,” Laura said. “The rest of the group went ahead to stay on schedule, but Jeff waited for you.”

  Haley’s smile faded. “Oh boy. I’m in trouble, aren’t I?”

  Laura gave her a look that said she kind of was. “He doesn’t really like it when people are late.”

  Haley took a deep, calming breath. “Okay, wish me luck.”

  “Good luck,” Laura called after her.

  Flying out the front door, Haley immediately found Jeff leaning against his truck, looking impatient. Seeing her, he checked his watch.

  “I know, I’m late. I’m sorry . . .” She rushed up to him. But instead of responding, he just walked to the passenger side of his truck and opened the door. He wasn’t smiling.

  Haley hopped in. “I can explain, and thank you for all the clothes.” She pulled her borrowed coat’s collar closer around her neck. “These are really great.”

  As Jeff got into the truck, she continued.

  “I’m late because my parents called with an emergency.”

  Jeff’s expression instantly switched from annoyed to concerned. “Are they okay?”

  “Thankfully, they’re fine, but the Money Pit isn’t—”

  “The Victorian?”

  “Right. Apparently, a bunch of pipes burst, and they couldn’t find a plumber. I had a friend they were hoping could help, but I couldn’t get ahold of him, and I’ve been frantically calling around, trying to find someone who can get out there today.”

  “Don’t they have a general contractor who can find someone for them?”

  “No, that’s the problem. They’re doing a lot of the restoration themselves to keep costs down, and every time we’ve tried to find a contractor, it’s been a nightmare. They’ve either quit halfway through a job or just don’t show up at all. Right now we’re on our own. So when something like this happens, it’s all hands on deck. I finally found someone but had totally forgotten about the time. I really am sorry.”

  “Of course. I understand. Family first.”

  Haley gave him a grateful smile.

  “Where do your parents live?”

  “About an hour outside of Boston.”

  “I could give you the names of some good contractors I’ve worked with if that would help?”

  Haley gave him a grateful look. “That would be amazing. Thank you. I would feel so much better if they had someone they could trust, and once I get this new promotion, I’ll be able to afford to hire someone to work with them.” She stopped talking. She looked a little embarrassed. “I’m sorry. I don’t know why I’m telling you all this . . .”

  “Maybe because you know I can help. All this is in my wheelhouse.”

  Haley nodded. “That must be it.”

  “So, you’re good to go now?”

  Haley put on her seat belt. “Yes, I’m good to go. We’re heading to town to get a Christmas tree, right?”


  Jeff started the truck and gave her a smile. “The Christmas tree part is right.”

  AS JEFF’S TRUCK followed a pretty, winding mountain road Haley looked around, confused.

  “I thought we were going to get a tree?”

  “We are,” Jeff said, keeping his eyes on the road.

  “But isn’t town the other way?”

  “It is.” He slowed down and turned off onto a one-lane dirt road that was now covered with snow.

  “So, then what are we doing? I didn’t see four-wheeling on our activities list.”

  “You’ll see.” Jeff turned up the radio. It was playing the Christmas song “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.” He smiled at her. “Hey, listen, they’re playing your song.”

  Haley gave him a look. “Very funny.” But then it did get funny when he started to sing, or at least try to.

  “‘Hark! The Herald Angels Sing. Glory to the new-born King!’”

  Haley laughed and cringed a little.

  “What?” he asked with mock surprise. “You don’t like my singing?”

  “Um, let’s just say, don’t quit your day job.”

  “Okay, let’s hear you do better.” The look he gave her was a challenge.

  Usually Haley was up for any challenge, but not one that involved singing. She knew she could never win a singing competition unless it was for the worst voice. So she shook her head. “Trust me. No one wants to hear me sing.”

  Jeff grinned. “Oh, come on, you can’t be that bad.”

  “Oh yes, I can!”

  “Who cares how you sound. It’s Christmas. Everyone sings at Christmas.”

  “Clearly not everyone . . .”

  Jeff laughed. “Okay, but you’re missing out.” He continued to sing along. “‘Joyful, all ye nations rise. Join the triumph of the skies . . .’”

  As he continued singing, Haley looked out her window and tried not to laugh. But when she glanced around and all she saw were huge fir trees, she was confused.

  “Where are we?” she asked.

  “We’re almost there,” Jeff said. Then he started singing again.

  A few seconds later they’d come to the end of the road; several other cars were parked, but there were no people in sight. That’s when she spotted a sign that said FIR FOREST TRAILHEAD.

  Haley’s eyes grew huge. “We’re not going . . .”

  “Are you ready for some hiking?”

  “Hiking . . .”

  They both said “hiking” at the same time, but while Jeff was smiling, Haley was not.

  Chapter 14

  Haley watched Jeff jump out of the truck, but was in no hurry to follow him. Even after he came around and opened her door, she just sat there staring at him.

  “Is this really where we’re getting a Christmas tree?” she asked, looking around, noticing they were in the middle of nowhere.

  “It is! Come on, let’s go. We’re already running late.” He waited as Haley got out, then closed the door and happily grabbed a saw out of the back of the pickup.

  Haley’s jaw dropped. “We’re seriously cutting down our own tree?”

  “Is there any other way?”

  “Uh, yeah, how about buying one that’s already been cut down. That’s what most people do,” Haley answered.

  “Where’s the fun in that?” When Jeff started walking toward the trailhead, she rushed to catch up to him.

  “Let me guess, this is one of your Christmas traditions?”

  “Yup, every year we cut down our own tree. This was one of my favorite parts of Christmas when I was little.”

  “And now?”

  He grinned back at her with childlike enthusiasm. “Still a favorite part. You’ll see. Everyone at Christmas Camp loves it.”

  “So, everyone else is meeting us here?”

  “No, they’re actually about twenty miles farther up the road, but since we’re running behind, this spot will have to do.”

  “So, wait, they’re getting another tree? Why do we need two?”

  Jeff laughed. “Two? You’re all getting your own tree.”

  “What? That’s crazy,” Haley said. “Why does everyone need their own tree?”

  “For our next activity: decorating.”

  “We couldn’t all just share one tree?”

  Jeff shook his head. “This way everyone can decorate their trees the way they want and have them in their room. Then, when you leave at the end of the week, my dad always donates the trees to our local community center for people who need a little extra help and can’t afford to buy their own.”

  Haley looked surprised and impressed. “That’s really nice. I’m sure the families really appreciate that.”

  “They do, and they look forward to getting our trees, so let’s go find you a good one!” As he started down the trail, he slipped a little and instantly checked behind him to make sure Haley was okay. “Watch it right here. It’s a little slippery.”

  Haley treaded carefully. “Thanks for the heads-up. Now I see why you loaned me these boots. How far do we have to go?”

  “Not that far at all.”

  Ten minutes later she stopped to catch her breath. “How much farther do we have to go?”

  “You okay?” When Jeff turned around to check on her, he found her standing with both hands on her hips, but she wasn’t doing her superhero pose; she was doubled over catching her breath.

  “Apparently, I need to ramp up my cardio,” she said.

  “I’ve been walking pretty fast. I can slow down. My legs are a lot longer than yours.”

  Haley stood up straight again. “I’m good. I just needed a second. I’m not used to hiking in the snow.”

  “But it’s beautiful out here, isn’t it? And the smell, that’s my favorite part.” He inhaled deeply.

  Haley followed his lead and inhaled as well. “It smells like . . .”

  He held his arms up to the sky. “Christmas. It smells like Christmas.”

  She laughed. “Yeah, I guess it does. These are fir trees, right?”

  Jeff nodded. “Most of the ones you see here are Fraser firs. There are also some Douglas firs.”

  “Which one’s better?” Haley asked.

  “It’s not a matter of one being better than the other,” he answered. “They’re just different, but both make great Christmas trees. A Fraser fir is, botanically, a true fir tree, whereas a Douglas fir is more of a fir-tree cousin.”

  Haley laughed. “How do you know this?”

  Jeff smiled. “I worked for the Forest Service during college.” He walked over to a Fraser fir. “Here, let me show you something.”

  Haley joined him by the tree.

  “Take off your glove and feel how soft the needles are.” Jeff took off his own glove and lightly ran his fingers over a group of needles. Haley took off her glove and did the same.

  “It is soft,” she said. She ran her fingers over it again and was surprised.

  “This is a Fraser fir. See how the pinecones are sitting upright on the branches?”

  Haley nodded.

  “That’s one of the ways you know it’s a Fraser fir.” Jeff motioned for her to follow him as he walked past several trees and stopped in front of one. “See the pinecones on this tree, how they’re different?”

  Haley leaned in for a closer look. “They’re facing down, not up.”

  “Exactly.” He smiled. “And that’s one of the ways you know that this one is a Douglas fir. You can also tell by the way the needles are shaped and how they grow on all sides of the branches. Our Fraser fir over there has two-toned needles that are dark green on the top and almost silver underneath, and the branches are really sturdy, so they’re great for heavier ornaments. They both make great Christmas trees, because they can handle the heat inside a house.”

  “For how long?”

  “Sometimes up to a month if you make sure to keep giving them fresh water.”

  Haley looked impressed. “Wow, you’re like a Christmas-tree guru! I had no idea
about any of this.”

  Jeff started walking off, looking around. “And I haven’t even told you about the balsam fir or the blue spruce or—”

  Haley caught up to him and grabbed his arm. “Stop! I’m having a Christmas-tree overload here.”

  They both laughed.

  “Then we better get going so you can pick out your tree,” Jeff said as he continued walking toward a group of trees up ahead.

  Haley follow him. “Wait, did you say I have to pick out a tree?”

  “Of course. It’s your tree. So which one speaks to you?”

  She looked at him like he was crazy. “If any of these trees start speaking to me, I’m outta here!”

  “Okay, then do it your way. Pick however you like, but you’ll need this.” When he tried to hand her the saw, she backed away fast.

  “I don’t know how to cut down a tree. Do I look like a lumberjack?”

  When Jeff studied her from head to toe, Haley tried not to squirm.

  “You look more like a lumber jill. Now here, take the saw.”

  She stubbornly shook her head. “You know the activity list said we were getting a tree, it didn’t say anything about cutting down a tree.”

  “Surprise!”

  Haley wanted to hit him over the head with the saw.

  “But, hey, if you can’t handle it, that’s fine,” he said. “You just won’t get to mark this activity off your list.”

  Haley’s mouth dropped open. “And that would mean I wouldn’t get my certificate . . .”

  Jeff shrugged, clearly enjoying himself.

  Haley was not amused. She grabbed the saw out of his hands and marched off. When she was just a few feet ahead of him, she looked around. “Okay, what one do you want me to cut down?”

  Jeff chuckled. “Oh no, this is all you. Your tree, you decide.”

  “Seriously, I don’t care. Just pick one.” She was running out of patience fast.

  “That’s not how it works.”

  They stood staring at each other for several seconds. Neither of them was backing down. “Look, you’re making this harder than it has to be,” Jeff said. “Just pick any of the trees right here. Pick the one that reminds you of Christmas. They’re all perfect.”

  Haley looked around and frowned. “That’s the problem,” she said. “They’re all too perfect.” When she started zigzagging around a bunch of trees, Jeff followed her. Finally, she spotted a little tree tucked away in between two larger ones, and her eyes lit up. “That one! That’s the one I want!”