It Happened at Christmas

by Christen Krumm

Caviar, so that’s what that black stuff was. She was definitely glad she scraped it off. Murphy put her hands in her lap and finished swallowing before answering. “Oh, no, Mrs. Harrington, I’m sure it’s great. It’s…well… I don’t eat meat.”

  Tabitha looked blankly at Murphy. Eloise continued eating, spooning food into her mouth, head bobbing back and forth between her mother and Murphy. Hank sat back regarding the situation with a silly grin on his face, sipping coffee. Richard finally looked up from his phone. He placed it down beside his plate. “You’re a vegetarian?”

  “Yes, sir.” Murphy chewed on the inside of her lip. Feeling even more so like an outsider. Why did she feel like she could be a part of this world? Even for a couple hours? She was already messing things up. Maybe she should have just eaten the meat. The thought made her want to gag.

  Tabitha cocked her head. “I never thought… His last one wasn’t.…”

  Murphy looked to Hank for some help in the matter. He shook his head and winked. So strange.

  “We’ll get you a new plate,” Richard raised his hand.

  “Thank you, but really there is no need—” Before Murphy could make her full protest, her plate disappeared and reappeared sans the meat.

  “It’s perfectly fine. We were not aware of your preferences. Tripp has a tendency to bring in new girls with different likes. It’s hard to keep up with each one’s preferences. We know now.”

  So, now would probably be a good time to bring up the misunderstanding. She picked at her tater tot waffle. Forks clacked against plates as everyone returned to their meals. Say something. There was no point in waiting until this meal was over, it was too awkward to stick around. Racking her brain she tried to figure out how in the world to start that conversation. Hey, Harringtons, it’s fine you don’t know my preferences. I’m not actually Tripp’s girlfriend. Just your friendly Iverson resident Cinderella. Surprise!

  Looking at Tabitha’s pinched face, she was sure that confession wouldn’t be the best coming right at this moment.

  A throat cleared, and Murphy glanced over to see Eloise, eyebrows raised, motioning to Hank with her head toward Tabitha who had abandoned her food and was sipping her coffee. Murphy scrunched her forehead not understanding what Eloise was getting at, but Hank, taking the hint, launched into conversation.

  “So, Mother, how are the plans for the Christmas Ball coming? We are still hosting, correct?”

  Eloise groaned, putting her head in her hands. Hank raised his shoulders at her.

  Tabitha paused, tea cup half-way to her mouth. “Of course we’re still hosting. Why ever would we not?”

  “I don’t know, because my brother is in the hospital,” Hank mumbled.

  “Do stop mumbling. And Tripp isn’t going to be in the hospital for much longer.”

  Murphy sat up a little straighter in her chair. “Did he wake up?” her stomach felt like it was simultaneously soaring and plummeting. Had he woken up between Hank picking her up that morning and now? What were they still doing here? They should all be at the hospital!

  Dabbing at her mouth with her napkin, Tabitha shook her head. “Heavens, no, but I will not have my son up there wasting away.” She made it sound like Tripp was in a third world prison. “Especially this time of year.”

  “You’re moving him?” Hank voiced the question Murphy couldn’t quite ask. “Where?”

  “Here, of course,” Richard said from behind his phone, eyes never leaving his screen.

  “How is that going to work?” Eloise’s small voice asked, as confused by this announcement as Murphy.

  “We’re prepping the downstairs Oak room downstairs for him. He’ll have around the clock access to the best physicians and nurses. Plus, he’ll be home for the holidays. Home with his family.”

  Hank snorted causing his mother to shoot him another pointed look.

  “Hank, how was your drive this morning?” Tabitha asked, turning the conversation.

  “It was perfect mother,” Hank deadpanned around a mouth full of food. “I just drove over to Iverson to pick up Murphy.”

  Tabitha looked at her son, face conveying her displeasure in his tone. He stared back, chewing pointedly with his mouth open. Murphy had a feeling that may be an ongoing battle between mother and son. She finally broke eye contact and turned to Murphy. “And Murphy, how long have you been at Iverson?”

  Swallowing the too hot coffee and trying not to choke, Murphy answered, “Almost seven years.”

  “Do you get to go home much for the holidays?”

  Murphy lost what meager appetite she’d had, and the few bites she had managed turned to cardboard in her stomach. She hated talking about going home for Christmas. After her story came out, they would all look at her with pity. She hated the pity almost as much as she hated not belonging. She wiped her mouth on her napkin and put it on the table next to her plate. Placing her hands into her lap, shoulders squared, she readied herself for the onslaught of questions. “No, I haven’t gone home recently.” At least that wasn’t a lie.

  “Oh, that’s a shame. I’m sure your mother is disappointed not to have you home for Christmas.”

  She opened her mouth to answer, but before she could get anything out, Eloise jumped in with questions of her own. “So how long have you known Tripp? Was it love at first sight?”

  “Eloise Harrington,” Tabitha chided. “We don’t need to ask such personal questions.”

  Eloise shrunk into her chair and picked at the crumbs left on her plate. Murphy snuck her a smile, grateful for her interruption.

  A loud, shrill ring from the phone next to Richard’s plate pierced the dining hall causing the girls to jump. Richard grabbed his cell, glancing at the screen he looked toward his wife.

  “I’m sorry, dear, but I have to take this.” Standing, he bent and gave Tabitha a kiss on the crown of her head. “Murphy, it was a pleasure to meet you. Hello, Mick. Yes, about those shares…” His voice faded has he left the room.

  Tabitha Harrington’s face went to stone. Not happy at all that her husband had taken a call in the middle of brunch. Murphy was a little embarrassed to admit she was relieved. She’d thank the Harrington’s for a wonderful morning, go back home, and that would be that. She wouldn’t ever have to see them again. She had gotten her day away from Iverson and had a time playing like she belonged.

  Tabitha sniffed. “Yes, well, I suppose I need to get started on the luncheon plans for the Women’s Horticulture Society.” She took one last drink from her cup. Pushing her chair back, she paused as if realizing her rudeness at dismissing Murphy. “Murphy, dear, I do hope you’ll forgive the abruptness of this brunch. We do thank you for everything that you’ve done for Tripp. Perhaps we can have brunch or dinner once Tripp is home. Another day, then? Hank, Eloise, I trust that you will help Murphy find her way home.”

  “Yes, Ma’am,” the Harrington siblings said in unison.

  Tabitha nodded, and retreated from the table.

  The silence in the dining hall was palpable, but the room had relaxed with the exit of the Harrington parents. Even if the tension in the air had deflated, Murphy felt anything but at ease. She stared at the almost full plate of food in front of her a pang of guilt at wasting not only one plate, but two. Reaching for her coffee, she took a long sip to disguise her feelings of awkwardness.

  Hank clapped his hands together, startling Murphy. Coffee splashed on her jeans.

  “Right. I think we’re done here. Wheezy, mom said to show Cain home—”

  “But she didn’t say what time exactly,” Eloise corrected.

  “Yes, yes, this is true.” Hank leaned in and motioned for the girls to do the same. “Wheezy, should we introduce Murphy to Mario Kart?”

  “Oh, I couldn’t—” Murphy started.

  Hank waved off her protesting. “Sure you can. Come on, Cain, you scared you can’t keep up?”

  She narrowed her eyes at Hank’s challenge. A game of Mario Kart did sound like the perfect way to de-stress, a
nd she still had plenty of time to play a quick game and get back before Mrs. P’s curfew. After the game, she’d thank the Harringtons for such a wonderful time, and she’d go home and then not ever think of them again. “Fine. I call Yoshi.”

  Both Hank and Wheezy stared at Murphy.

  She shrugged. “What?”

  “You know how to play Mario Kart?” Eloise asked a smile brightening her face.

  “Know how to play Mario Kart? Wheezy, I cut my teeth on Mario Kart.” Murphy remembered when the twins introduced her to the game, bringing her out of her shell.

  Eloise clapped her hands together. “Hank, we are so going to cream you,”

  Hank feigned outrage. “I think not, dear sister.”

  Eloise rolled her eyes.

  Murphy pushed back from the table finally feeling there was an element to this world she could feel comfortable in. “Come on, Wheezy, let’s show Hank what we girls are made of.”

  Notification Center

  Message from Eloise Harrington (01:19 PM)

  Murphy! (This is Murphy right?) We so showed Hank who rules the world (GIRLS!) Had so much fun. Can’t wait to do it again.

  Message from Hank Harrington (04:19 PM)

  Yeah. We’re going to need a rematch soon. Hope you got your report done.

  Message from Hank Harrington (05:22 PM)

  BTW can I get you phone number?

  Message from Hank Harrington (08:22 PM)

  FYI they moved Tripp to a private room at the hospital. Mom’s in full Operation Bring Tripp Home mode.

  Chapter Six

  Sunday. Murphy’s one day off to pretend she was like everyone else — not currently living the Cinderella life in a closet off the kitchen. During the school year, Murphy would hole up in the library getting ahead on homework, test play Floyd and Lloyd’s latest video game creation or binge on shows with Emmaline—Doctor Who (Murphy’s choice) or Grey’s Anatomy (Emmaline’s choice).

  This Sunday, Floyd and Lloyd had to run into town to pick up a new console and sustenance—otherwise known as Red Bull and Funyuns. After divulging her brunch fiasco to the boys and Mrs. Potts at breakfast, Floyd told her they could drop her off at the hospital to visit her boyfriend—not letting her live down the fact that there was someone out there that thought she was dating Tripp Harrington. The twins laughed at the idea, claiming Tripp was so not her type. Murphy rolled her eyes. Never having so much as a date, Murphy didn’t even know what her type was. The twins could suck eggs.

  Going back to the hospital to see Tripp was a terrible idea. Maybe her worst yet. But still she felt the need to see him. Felt bad that he could be there all alone since all his friends were out of town. And maybe a little piece of her thought admitting her lie by omission to someone in a coma was better than never admitting it? Never mind that she promised after the brunch, after her one day of make believe, she’d walk away. She ignored the fact that the more interaction she had with Tripp, in a coma or not, was one step closer to someone finding out—and telling Claire. Despite the fact her logic didn’t add up even in her own mind, she hadn’t answered any of Emmaline’s video chats. She didn’t need a lecture. Besides Emmaline should be sleeping at 3 AM, not playing Murphy’s Jiminy Cricket.

  The truth was, Murphy had had so much fun with Hank and Eloise that she’d forgotten who they thought she was. When they said they wanted to play Mario Kart, she expected awesome game chairs and a giant television not an entire room that looked more like a vintage arcade. They played a couple rounds of Mario Kart before moving to Pac Mac and Galaga. She almost missed her noon curfew and had to make up some lame excuse about needing to be back to work on a report. Hank rushed her home, driving the two point five miles way too fast, but she’d made it.

  She lost all track of time and the memory of how they’d laughed and had fun stuck with her. That’s what it was like to be around people who didn’t know to pity her. Didn’t know that she was the ward of Iverson Hall. Didn’t know that she scrubbed toilets and scraped gum off the walls for a chance at a good education. And dang it felt good.

  After double checking with Hank via messenger to see which room Tripp had been moved to, Murphy decided to catch a ride with the twins into town. What else did she have to do today? She’d convince herself she wasn’t scared spitless walking back into a hospital, ignoring the fact that her life was turned on its side seven years ago in one that was all too similar. Being a good friend trumped her fears.

  After a good ten minutes of trying to convince the twins that she was just wanting to be a good friend and not going because she was playing Tripp’s girlfriend, she found herself sandwiched in the back of the twins’ beat up Corolla. Candy wrappers, empty Red Bull cans, and pizza boxes that Murphy wasn’t even sure were from this year piled on either side of her and covering the floorboards.

  It was a miracle that the twins even had a car. Janice, they had lovingly dubbed her. Technically, only seniors were allowed cars — seniors and apparently juniors whose parents made a very convincing case to Mistress Hyde. Murphy was pretty sure the Headmistress wanted a break from the twins whenever she could get it. Which, currently, was only on weekends and holidays — the only approved time any student, junior or senior, was allowed to drive anywhere.

  Floyd pulled the car up to the curb in front of the hospital. Murphy pushed a hand to her stomach. She could do this.

  “Okay. 6’clock. We’ll be back to pick you up at 6.” Lloyd’s said over his shoulder.

  “What?” Murphy spluttered out, visions of Tripp waking up and seeing that she could be a good doting girlfriend, vanishing like a popped bubble. That meant she’d be at the hospital for seven hours. She felt her breath tightening. Seven hours? That was a bit much. Maybe she could just visit Tripp for a little bit and then walk down to the bookstore. It was probably only a mile up the road. She’d just have to make sure she was back to the hospital before dark.

  Floyd chuckled, looking at his brother, replied. “We wanted to give you plenty of time with your boyfriend, and besides there’s that new movie playing at the theater.”

  “Tripp is not my boyfriend,” Murphy reminded them for at least the hundredth time, wishing she hadn’t told them to begin with. “And isn’t it the original Star Wars playing this week?” Ash Hollow had one theater and it only had one screen and never played any new releases.

  Lloyd rolled his eyes. “Whatever you say, Murph. And the original Star Wars was two weeks ago. This week it’s The Empire Strikes Back. Keep up. What time do you want to be picked up?”

  Murphy tried to think how long she actually wanted to hang out in the hospital. She chewed on her bottom lip. “Maybe…”

  “It would be so much easier if you just had a phone!” Floyd mumbled.

  “I know. I know.” Murphy was beginning to feel like she should probably purchase a cell phone with her next stipend check. Weren’t there ones you could pre-pay for minutes? She blew out a breath.

  There was loud sighing from the front. “Good grief, woman! We’ll pick you up at two, and just skip the movie this week.”

  Lloyd grunted something noncommittal.

  Murphy waited, staring both of them down through the rearview mirror. When she was certain their moanings were finished she confirmed. “Two will be perfect.” She wasn’t sure what she was going to do for three hours, but it sounded like a good decent visit time.

  “And—”

  Murphy slapped the back of the seat, holding up a finger, quieting Lloyd. “I promise I’ll be on time.”

  They both grinned at her.

  She smiled back and jumped out of the car before any more comments could be made. Standing on the sidewalk she looked up at the building; a weight settled on her chest. She had already given herself numerous pep talks this morning. She shouldn’t be feeling the pull of panic. This time was different. People visited friends in the hospital all the time. This was nothing more than that. It was fine. Everything was going to be fine.

  She jumped at t
he sound of a car honking behind her. “Oi, Murphy!”

  Looking over her shoulder, Murphy saw Floyd’s window rolled down despite the freezing temperature. Lloyd leaned over the seat to yell at her.

  “You’d better get up there before your boyfriend gives up waiting on you and picks another girl to suck face with.”

  Murphy waved them off, shaking her head, as Floyd revved the engine before pulling away and disappearing around the corner.

  She turned back to the hospital and squared her shoulders. She wasn’t going to give this fear of hospitals, of feeling like she was somewhere she wasn’t supposed to be, any more power. It was ridiculous. She pushed through the doors, a welcoming warmth meeting her.

  Biting the inside of her cheek, she opted to take the stairs instead of the elevator hoping to burn off the nervous energy pumping through her veins. Tripp was on the third floor, but even going at a snail’s pace, she was there in a blink.

  The nurses nodded their hellos as she made her way toward Tripp's room. She felt like she should have brought something, flowers or a picture or something, anything to brighten up his room, but when she walked in, she decided that would have been overkill. Flowers covered almost every surface, there was even a row started on the floor under the window. It looked and smelled like a florist shop threw up. So much for needing to brighten up the room.

  Listening to the beep beep of the machines, Murphy waited for the feeling of panic to wash over her again, but it didn't come. Maybe it was all the pep talks that she had given herself before coming. Maybe it was the fact that this was entirely different from when her father had been in the hospital. For one, her father’s room hadn't smelled like a flower bomb had gone off. Or maybe it was the warmth that washed over her when she saw Tripp. Walking over to his bed, she studied him. His coloring was good. She brushed a piece of hair that had fallen over the bandage and into his face. If it wasn’t for the bandage and wires it’d look as if he was just taking a nap. She touched his hand. It was cold. Before she could think about what she was doing, she grabbed it between both of hers.