Holiday Fantasy

by Adrianne Byrd

  Terrence’s cute little laugh was music to her ears. He skipped across the room and leapt onto the chair beside her bed. Then he crawled onto the bed with her, planting kisses on her face.

  “Mummy, Mummy, Mummy!”

  “Oh, my sweet baby.” Andrea squeezed Terrence as hard as she could with her good arm.

  The door turned again. This time a nurse entered, a wide smile on her plump face. “So, you’re awake.”

  “Yes.” Andrea’s eyes flitted between her mother and the nurse. “I hate to ask this, but how long have I been here?”

  “You came in last night,” the nurse answered. “But you were trapped in your car for two days. You’re one lucky lady.”

  “The last few days are a blur to me.”

  “You were barely conscious when the paramedics got to you. And let me tell you, things could have been a lot worse. With the snow, the weather was actually fairly mild. You were dehydrated and your body temperature was low, but you escaped without even frostbite.”

  More memories came back to her. She remembered voices, and the feeling that she was being taken out of her car. It had seemed like a dream to her, but obviously it hadn’t been.

  Andrea watched as the nurse took her blood pressure and then her temperature. “Who…who found me?”

  “Sweetheart,” the nurse said, “it’s a miracle. The guy who found you said he dreamt that he knew where you were. Every news station has been covering this. They can’t wait to talk to you.”

  “You’re kidding.”

  The nurse shook her head. “Where this guy found you…it’s nothing short of a miracle. I hate to say it, but you could have been there until the spring thaw.”

  Andrea shivered. If she hadn’t been found until the spring, there was no way she would have survived.

  Thank you, God, she said silently, remembering now all the prayers she had uttered while in the car. She squeezed Terrence tighter.

  “You seem pretty healthy,” the nurse announced. “Your blood pressure’s a little low, but nothing to worry about.” She paused. “I’m sure you’re hungry. I’ll make sure a plate of food is sent up right away.”

  “That would be great, thanks,” Andrea said. Though she hadn’t eaten for so long, she’d passed the stage of hunger pangs.

  The nurse left the room.

  Her mother, Gretta, squeezed Andrea’s hand. “You gave us quite a scare, young lady.”

  “At least I probably lost ten pounds.”

  “Oh, don’t say that,” her mother scolded. “We were out of our minds with worry.”

  “I can’t believe you’re here.”

  “We’re all here.”

  “What do you mean, all?”

  “Your father. And your brother and his wife. Your nephew and niece.”

  “Wow.” The family hadn’t gotten together for Thanksgiving this year because everyone lived far apart and had been busy doing their own thing. It was sad that it took a near tragedy to bring everyone together.

  “We got word that you were missing about thirty-six hours ago when your babysitter called. We knew something had to have happened because there was no way you would have ever left Terrence. We got on a plane first thing the next morning.”

  And if she hadn’t been found, her family could have been mourning now instead of rejoicing. Tears filled Andrea’s eyes.

  “Everyone’s in the cafeteria. Terrence and I came to check on you. But now that you’re awake… Will you be okay while I go and get them?”

  “Of course.” Andrea stroked her son’s cheek. “Just leave Terrence with me.”

  Gretta was at the door when it occurred to Andrea that she hadn’t asked the most important question.

  “Mom,” she called.

  “Yes, honey?” Gretta replied, turning.

  “I didn’t ask this, but who found me?”

  “Oh,” her mother said, her face changing to an expression Andrea couldn’t quite read. “Mark Potter.”

  “M-M-Mark?”

  “Yes, honey. The same Mark Potter you used to know years ago.”

  Chapter 6

  Andrea’s mind was reeling as her mother left the room. Mark Potter. Everything came back to her now. Seeing him at the restaurant. Feeling distraught about his sudden reappearance in her life. Being distracted as she was driving and then skidding out of control.

  “Oh my God,” she said softly. Mark had found her?

  But how? How could he have found her where she was? Had he been following her?

  Sitting there and wondering wasn’t going to give her answers, so she concentrated on the here and now and gave Terrence a kiss on the temple. “Am I ever glad to see you, sweetheart.”

  “I’m glad to see you too, Mummy. I was so scared.”

  “Oh, sweetheart. You know your mommy would never leave you, right?” Though the awful reality was, many parents died and left children in need of care. Bad things happened in the world all the time. She was Terrence’s only parent, and the thought that she almost hadn’t come home to him had her throat swelling with emotion. He needed her more than anything, and she needed to be here more than anything.

  “I can’t believe I was so stupid.”

  “You’re not stupid, Mummy.”

  Andrea didn’t realize she had spoken out loud. She kissed Terrence again. He had his little arms wrapped around her waist like he didn’t want to ever let go.

  “I know I’m not stupid. I’m not sure why I said that. I guess I’m just upset with myself for being away from you for more than two days.”

  “But you’re here now, Mummy.”

  “You’re so smart,” Andrea said, smiling down at her son. Terrence was right. She was here now, and that was all that mattered.

  Holding a bouquet of white carnations, Mark entered the hospital and headed to Andrea’s room on the third floor. After last night’s press conference, he had checked on Andrea and found that she was still unconscious. Given that he wasn’t family, he wasn’t allowed to stay with her, so he’d decided to leave and head to his hotel for the night.

  He had briefly run into her parents and brother, all of whom had thanked him for saving Andrea’s life. He knew he shouldn’t judge them by their past actions, but that didn’t make him feel any more comfortable around them, not after knowing how much they had disliked him ten years ago. He had been friendly, but hadn’t hung around long. He did need rest after his very long day, and there was a part of him that didn’t want to be around when Andrea’s significant other showed up.

  As the elevator climbed, Mark’s stomach clenched with anxiety. Here he was, now a successful businessman, yet he was still uncertain about seeing people who had once considered him not good enough for their daughter. It was amazing that no matter how successful you became, you still had battle scars and insecurities.

  The truth was, Andrea’s family had opened their arms to him. After all, he had saved their daughter’s life.

  As the elevator doors opened, Mark wondered what Andrea’s boyfriend or husband looked like. He supposed it shouldn’t matter after all this time—they’d both gone on with their lives—but it did.

  Mark headed toward Andrea’s room. Mrs. Dawson was standing in the hallway, as well as Andrea’s sister-in-law, Melissa, whom he’d met last night. Melissa’s young daughter and son hung close to her side.

  Mark picked up his pace. As he neared them, he asked, “Is there a change?”

  Gretta’s smile was ear-to-ear. “Oh, Mark. She’s awake, and she’s doing so well.” She wrapped him in a warm hug. “God bless you for bringing our daughter back to us.”

  “Can I see her?” Mark asked as he pulled back.

  “Her father and brother are in there right now. And Terrence, of course. They only want two people in at a time, but Terrence won’t leave her side.”

  “I’ll bet,” Mark said, smiling. He had met the little boy last night.

  “I’ll just knock on the door,” Gretta said.

  Mark waited while
Gretta went to the door. Moments later, Andrea’s father, Stewart, exited the room, followed by her brother, Albert, who was carrying Terrence.

  Stewart Dawson was a much thinner version of the man he had once been, but he still had a smile that lit up a room. “Mark,” he said, “she’s all yours.”

  “Hi, Mr. Potter!” Terrence exclaimed happily.

  “Hey, little man.” Mark rubbed his head, then started for Andrea’s room.

  Gently pushing the door open, Mark peered inside. Andrea lay quietly on her side, facing the window. He suddenly had doubts about disturbing her.

  Stop making excuses, he told himself.

  “Mmm mmm.” He cleared his throat as he walked into the small room, and Andrea instantly turned her head in his direction.

  “Hey,” Mark said softly.

  “Hey,” Andrea echoed, her eyes lighting up as she looked at him.

  Mark hesitated, then said, “These are for you.”

  “From what I hear, I should be the one giving you flowers.”

  “You certainly have a lot of them,” Mark commented, looking at the many gorgeous bouquets along the windowsill.

  “Let me tell you, it’s like a florist shop up in here. I’ve been getting flowers from people I don’t even know.”

  Mark frowned, confused, but then it hit him. “The news story.”

  “Uh-huh. I had no clue people would care so much.”

  “There’s a lot of bad in the world, but there’s also a lot of good.”

  Mark lowered himself onto the chair beside Andrea’s bed and handed her the carnations. She grinned as she took them, instantly bringing the bouquet to her nose for a good whiff.

  “So,” Mark began. “It’s been a long time.”

  Andrea couldn’t help but chuckle, it was such an odd thing to say under the circumstances, even if it was true.

  “Yeah, it has been,” she agreed. “With a lot more drama than I’d bargained for.”

  Mark offered Andrea a small smile. “What happened—”

  “How did you find me—”

  They both spoke at the same time.

  After a pause, Mark asked, “Have you seen the news?”

  “I did, yes. And it’s been crazy up in here, with all the reporters and cameras. They left about an hour ago.”

  “You heard what I said, right? That I had a dream that you were in trouble.” Andrea nodded. “Incredible, I know, but it’s true. It was like an angel spoke to me, told me you were in trouble. And showed me where to find you. I can’t really describe it any other way.”

  Andrea shook her head in amazement. “I could ask you a million more questions, but there’s only one answer to what happened. It was a miracle. The Lord works in mysterious ways. I’ve always known that, and this is just proof.”

  “Amen to that.”

  Andrea’s expression saddened a little as she looked at Mark. “I’m sorry,” she said. “Sorry I said no to meeting with you.”

  “Shh. That doesn’t matter. I’m here now, whether you like it or not.”

  Mark’s smile was contagious. “I do want you here. I hope you know that.”

  “Hey. We’re friends, right? Even if we haven’t been in touch over the years.”

  Friends. The word stung a little, because it made Andrea think of all the hopes she’d had for her relationship with Mark.

  “I guess we haven’t been great friends over the years, have we?” Andrea asked.

  “That’s not important. Not right now. What matters is where we go from here.”

  Andrea reached for Mark’s hand. “You’re right.”

  Mark lowered his gaze to their linked hands. It was shocking how good Andrea’s hand felt in his, after all this time.

  “I met your son,” Mark said after a moment. “He’s a cutie.”

  “Thank you. Oh, Mark. The thought that I might not make it back to him…”

  “But you did.”

  “Thanks to you.”

  A moment of silence passed between them, then Mark asked, “I’ve seen your parents and your brother, but what about…your husband, boyfriend…?”

  “Are you fishing?” Andrea teased.

  “I’m curious.”

  “I have neither. It’s just me and Terrence.”

  “Oh,” Mark said, hoping he didn’t sound too eager about her admission.

  “What can you do? That’s the way life goes sometimes. Terrence has been my biggest blessing, my greatest joy.”

  The door opened, and both Mark and Andrea looked in that direction. The nurse entered the room.

  “Time for me to do my thing,” she announced.

  Mark got to his feet. “I’m gonna get going.”

  “Will I see you later?” Andrea quickly asked.

  “Sure. Of course.”

  Mark started for the door, and the nurse began taking Andrea’s blood pressure.

  “Mark,” Andrea called just as he reached the door.

  Slowly, he turned to face her. “Yeah?”

  “How long are you staying in town?”

  He shrugged. “I figured I’d at least stick around for the weekend, make sure you’re okay.”

  “Well, my family and I figured that when I get out of here, we’ll have a post-Thanksgiving dinner since we didn’t get together then. Why don’t you stay in town and have dinner with me and my family? I mean, it’s only fitting. You should be there. Unless you have to get back home. Oh my God. I didn’t even think that you might have a wife, or children…” Andrea stopped talking when she realized she was rambling. In fact, when the nurse asked her to open wide to stick a thermometer in her mouth, she was grateful for the excuse to shut up.

  “I’d love to be there,” Mark said. “Dinner certainly beats my offer of coffee,” he added with a wink.

  Andrea watched him leave the room, a feeling of warmth growing deep in her soul.

  Chapter 7

  “Why don’t you let me do that?” Gretta asked, taking the oven mitt from Andrea’s hand.

  Andrea plucked the oven mitt from her mother’s fingers. “I’ve got it.”

  “You’re sure?”

  “Yes, I’m sure.”

  “You really should take it easy. Melissa can help me in the kitchen.”

  “I’m not an invalid, Mom.”

  “I know that,” Gretta said softly. “But you only have one good arm. Let us help.”

  Two days after Andrea had been released from the hospital, she, her mother, and Melissa were getting their family dinner ready. She was still a bit tired, and her left arm was pretty much useless because it had been fractured, but Andrea was surprisingly upbeat. She had a lot for which to be grateful, and she wasn’t taking a moment for granted.

  “Okay, Mom,” she said to her mother. “You take care of the turkey. I’ll make sure the table’s in order.”

  As Andrea made her way to the small dining room area in her apartment, she glanced at the wall clock. It was twenty after four, and she’d told Mark four-thirty. She was anxious for him to get here.

  She was recounting the silverware when there was a knock on her door. Her heart pounded hard in her chest.

  “I’ll get it,” Melissa said.

  “No,” Andrea said, quickly heading in the direction of the door. “Let me.”

  It had to be Mark. She couldn’t help smiling from ear-to-ear.

  Then she felt a moment of self-doubt, wondering if she looked good enough. Should she quickly reapply her lipstick?

  “Open the door,” she told herself.

  Inhaling a deep breath, Andrea did just that.

  There stood Mark, his hands pushed in the pockets of his slacks, his long leather jacket making him look like he’d just stepped off the cover of GQ magazine.

  “Hi,” she said softly. You look fine! she added silently.

  “Hello, Andrea.”

  “Come in,” Andrea said, stepping backward and opening the door wide.

  Mark stepped into the foyer, his masculine presenc
e seeming to fill the area entirely. It made Andrea think of how much she had missed a man in her life.

  It made her think of how much she had missed Mark.

  Oh, she had pushed away every memory of him over the years, but that didn’t mean he didn’t still have a special place in her heart.

  “I’m glad you came,” she told him.

  “It sure smells good in here,” Mark commented.

  “There’s turkey, candied yams, collard greens, sweet potato pie.” Andrea paused to grin up at Mark. “I hope you brought your appetite.”

  “I did.”

  Mark shrugged out of his coat.

  “Oh, let me take that.” She took the coat from him and placed it on the coat tree. Then she linked her arm through his. “Come on in and say hi to everybody.”

  She’s still so beautiful, Mark thought as he walked with Andrea. Her light brown skin looked good enough to eat. Her body had rounded to give her soft feminine curves that she didn’t have in high school. Her shoulder-length straight hair had a delicate floral scent, the kind that made him want to bury his nose deep in her raven tresses and inhale the essence of her.

  As they reached the living room, Mark’s heart started to race. He did a quick sweep of the room and adjoining kitchen, noting that the place was small, but cozy. Andrea’s brother and father were sitting on one sofa, while Terrence and his two cousins were on a second sofa, laughing.

  Andrea’s father instantly got to his feet, a warm smile lighting up his face. Stewart started toward him at the same time that Gretta floated toward him from the kitchen.

  “Mark,” Gretta said warmly, wrapping him in a strong hug. “It is so good to see you.”

  Then Stewart was hugging him, and then Andrea’s brother and her sister-in-law. And when the adults finally let go of him, Terrence practically threw himself into Mark’s arms.

  “Hey, little man,” Mark said. He ignored the slight pang in his heart. More than anything, Mark wanted a wife and some children.

  “I helped Mummy cook the turkey,” Terrence announced proudly.

  “You did?” Mark asked with encouragement in his voice.

  “Uh-huh.”

  “Then I bet it tastes real good.”