Holly's Jolly Christmas (A WINTERS' ROMANCE), page 16
Copyright © 2021 by Heidi Harris
All rights reserved.
No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, Steampunk Rock Press LLC, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law. For permission requests, contact Heidi Harris, heidiharriswrites@gmail.com.
The story, all names, characters, and incidents portrayed in this production are fictitious. No identification with actual persons (living or deceased), places, buildings, and products is intended or should be inferred.
Book Cover by Heidi Harris
Illustrations by Heidi Harris
Contents
For my Mother,
Scripture
1. 1
2. 2
3. 3
4. 4
5. 5
6. 6
7. 7
8. 8
9. 9
10. 10
11. 11
12. 12
13. 13
14. 14
15. 15
16. 16
17. 17
18. 18
19. 19
20. 20
21. 21
22. 22
23. 23
24. 24
25. 25
26. 26
27. 27
28. 28
29. 29
30. 30
31. 31
32. 32
33. 33
34. 34
35. 35
36. EPILOGUE
Heidi Harris
For my Mother,
a book she might actually read.
Scripture
“But Mary kept all these things and
pondered them in her heart.”
(Luke 2:19) KJV
one
1
“Holly, I think I finally finished them?” My teaching assistant came over with a pile of papers.
“You are the best!” I took the pile.
“It took long enough!” Chelsea laughed. “I love helping kindergartners learn, but the testing isn't nearly as fun.”
“Preaching to the choir.” I laughed. “Are you coming to the staff Christmas party tomorrow night?”
“Yes, and I'm bringing my boyfriend. I had to tell him there was going to be a desert table, but he agreed to come.” Chelsea flashed me a smile.
“Right, that reminds me... I'm supposed to make chocolate covered pretzel sticks that say naughty and nice.” I made a face.
Chelsea laughed. “I loved your pilgrim ones you brought in for Thanksgiving. They were the best.”
“They are until you eat a ‘naughty’ one.” I grinned.
“Save one for me if you get here before I do. I know they will disappear first.” Chelsea nodded.
My timer went off. “Kids are done with music class.” I sighed.
“One more day and we get to recover.” Chelsea put a hand on my shoulder.
“Thank you for everything you do. Work would be a lot less fun without you.” I made a sad face.
“I still have two years until I graduate, and I'm planning on staying on until then.” Chelsea and I walked out of the door.
“Mrs. Web is retiring in two years.” I smiled.
“I know.” Chelsea wiggled her eyebrows. “And I am planning on taking her spot.”
I laughed. “If you need help studying for your license to be a teacher, I'd be happy to step in.”
“I might take you up on that. I'm going to finish this year and then start studying for it. I hear it's hard.” Chelsea told me as we walked down the hallway.
“I passed my first time around, but I do know a few that never did.”
“I would hate to do all this work for nothing.” Chelsea made a face.
“Not nothing. You can be my assistant forever if you want.” I laughed.
Chelsea laughed and shook her head. We both knew she had other plans. I would miss her when she graduated.
two
2
Iplaced the naughty and nice pretzel sticks on the dessert table. I hoped I made enough. I thought about my teaching assistant and slipped sealed pretzel sticks in my purse, just in case.
The speakers started playing music. The Christmas music was a nice touch. It made the season feel a little more real. Today was the last day for the kiddos. I would miss them, but I was ready for the break.
I sat down at an empty table with my drink. I watched the fourth grade teachers’ two kids run around the stage together. She yelled at them and I fought a giggle. I was off duty. Blissful peace covered me.
A few minutes later, Chelsea sat down beside of me. “Ted is scoping out the desert table. I told him I didn't know if we were supposed to eat yet, but he said it was better to ask forgiveness.”
“Than permission.” I finished.
“Exactly.” Chelsea laughed.
Ted sat down. “I got you three of those pretzel rods you said you wanted.” Ted pushed them over.
“Sh...” She hissed.
“What? They're not contraband.” Ted rolled his eyes. “Hey, I'm Ted, since Chelsea is too rude to introduce us.” He held out his hand.
I laughed. “Holly.” I shook his hand.
“He only came for the food.” Chelsea whispered.
Ted took a bite and nodded. “These are really good.” He held up the pretzel stick to Chelsea. “See, it says I'm nice.”
Chelsea rolled over her pretzel sticks. “And I'm naughty?” Her eyebrows went up.
“They have more chocolate.” He pointed at the pretzel. “See Chels, I'm always thinking of you.” He flashed her a grin.
Chelsea laughed. “I'd be mad, but... you're right, I'd rather have more chocolate.”
I grinned. “Good, because I got you reinforcements. I handed her the two I saved in my purse.”
Chelsea held up five pretzel sticks. “At least Holly gave me one that said I'm nice.”
Ted grinned. “She doesn't know you like I do.”
Chelsea backhanded him. “Ignore him. Are you all packed up?”
“Yep, but it's sitting on the couch at home. I'm running home and then I'm leaving as soon as this is over.” I grinned. “I've been promised hot chocolate when I arrive.”
“Maybe I should come too.” Chelsea wiggled her eyebrows.
I laughed. “We can have a hot chocolate day when we get back from break.”
“Even better.” Chelsea grinned.
“It can be our science project for the day.” I pointed at her.
“I'd buy that.” Chelsea nodded her head.
I laughed. The rest of the party flew by. The next thing I knew, I was walking to my car.
three
3
“Holly, please tell me you will be careful.” My mother's voice was full of concern.
“I'm always careful.” I put my bag in the backseat. “Mom, do you have an extra fan?”
“Uh...”
“So, that's a no.” I ran back in and grabbed my fan from my bedroom and stuffed it in the car with my blanket and pillow. “Look Mom, I love you, but I have to go so I can go.” I laughed.
“Sure Honey, love you.” She waved through the screen.
I flashed her the American Sign Language I love you sign. She flashed it back, and I ended the conversation and threw my phone on the passenger seat. It was already getting later than I liked, but I wanted to make it back tonight.
I closed the door and ran back in to double check I wasn't missing anything when I saw my phone charger. I pulled it out of the wall and got a water bottle out of the refrigerator. I scanned the house. Everything was fine. I locked the door behind me and made my way back to the car.
I tapped the garage button and pulled out. It was supposed to rain later tonight, but I couldn't remember when. I made a face in my rearview mirror. With the time change, it was already pitch black out.
I would need some music. I turned up the radio. I usually enjoyed road trips, but it wasn't as much fun by myself. I stopped at the stoplight. A few minutes later, I was on the highway pointed towards the little village of Amanda that no one has actually heard of.
four
4
It started to rain. I slowed down. I didn't want to wreck. I didn't have time to deal with that. That's when I saw a lot of lights ahead of me. I slowed down further. The lane on the left appeared to be closed, but I was stuck in that lane. I went through at a snail's pace.
I saw a car with its hazard lights on. It was being loaded onto a tow truck. I felt bad for whoever it was; they were probably trying to get home for Christmas too. That's when I noticed the car was cherry red and reminded me of something. I leaned over slightly. The license plate said Winters.
“No.” My mouth fell open.
I rolled down my window to get a better look. A familiar figure had a backpack on. He turned away from the road like he was confused.
“Bryan! Is that you?” I called.
The figure turned around. “Holly?” Surprise covered his face.
A horn started blaring behind me. I put on my caution lights and pulled over on the side of the road. Bryan leaned in the passenger side window.
“What happened?” I leaned towards him.
“Some kid side swiped me when he passed me. He wasn't paying attention. With the rain, my car l
“You're lucky to be alive.” I reminded him.
“If someone had been on the passenger side, they wouldn't have made it.” He shook his head. “The paramedics showed up and said I was fine. The problem is that I don't know how I'm getting home for Christmas.” He let out a deep breath. “I called an Uber, but they won't take me home. It's too far. They're taking me back to my apartment. At least that's the plan.” He paused. “What are you doing here?”
“Going home for Christmas.” I smiled.
“Seriously?” His jaw dropped. “Holly, I hate to ask, but is there any chance you would take pity on me and take me with you?”
I laughed and nodded. “Hop in unless you need to be here.”
“Nope, we already filed the police report and all that jazz.” Bryan opened the door, took off his backpack, and got in. He pulled my phone out from under him and handed it to me with a smile.
I put my phone in the cup-holder. “Buckle up.”
He fastened the seat belt. “If I get in another accident today, I give up.” He shook his head.
I laughed. “Well, I've never been in an accident, so the odds are really good or really bad.”
Bryan flashed me a grin. “I am glad you came along. How have you been?”
“Pretty good, actually. I bought a house last year. Well, I'm buying it.” I laughed.
“Way to grow up, Holls. I'm proud of you.” He grinned.
“Shouldn't you cancel your Uber?” I suggested.
“Yes!” He pulled out his phone. “Thank you.” He flashed a grin my way. “Done.”
five
5
Snowflakes began falling instead of rain. The ground was slushy. I wanted a white Christmas, but this weather wasn't the kind of weather I really wanted to travel in.
“Should we stop and see if it clears up?” Bryan moved around.
“You're just hungry.” I gave him the side eye.
Bryan laughed. “Guilty.”
“I guess we can swing by a drive through on our way. What's five more minutes in sleet and snow?” I rolled my eyes and pulled in the next place I saw.
“What can I get you?” The teenage voice came through the speaker.
Bryan leaned over me. “A number 2, Large Fry, and 2 vanilla shakes.” His eyes met mine. “Do you want anything else?”
I shook my head no. He remembered my old order. I can't count the times I would get a shake and fry, no sandwich.
Bryan pulled out his card from his wallet and handed me his card to pay. “My treat since I'm bumming a ride home.” He flashed me a smile.
“Thanks.” I handed the card to the kid.
“Same.” Bryan smirked. “Without you, I'd be stranded in the rain...” He stared out the window. “...now snow trying to explain to Mom why I couldn't make it for Christmas.”
“I'm sure you would have made it. Christmas Eve is tomorrow. You had time.” I handed him the card back with the bag of food.
He tucked his card in his wallet. “Time, yes, a spare car, no. I doubt most places want to work out a deal on Christmas Eve and even if they did, I wouldn't have had a way to get to them.”
“Point.” I checked the air towards him.
Bryan chuckled.
I took a drink of my shake. “Almost perfect.”
Bryan handed me the fries. I took one out and popped it in my mouth and wedged the container on my lap.
“Now it's perfect.” I grinned.
six
6
“Town sign.” Bryan pointed. “It's official.” He flashed me a smile. “We're home.”
I shook my head and laughed, but I was excited to be back. My phone started buzzing. I reached for it, but Bryan beat me to it and shook his finger no.
“You're driving, and I really don't want to be in two wrecks today. Both would have been someone else’s fault by the way.” He held up the phone.
“What's it say?” I demanded.
“Mom calling.” Bryan slid his finger and put it on speaker.
“Holly?” I heard my mother.
“Hi Mom!” I called.
“Hi Mom.” Bryan echoed.
“Who's with you? Are you okay? How are the roads? The news says it's getting bad.” Mom sounded concerned.
I glanced at Bryan, who was smiling.
“I'm fine, I promise.” I leaned over the steering wheel. It was getting worse.
“We just pulled into town.” Bryan told her.
I flashed him a glare. He wasn't helping the situation. He shrugged.
“Who is that?” My Mom demanded.
“It's just Bryan.” I answered.
“Just Bryan, I think I'm offended.” He put a hand to his chest.
I scoffed. “You've never been offended a day in your life.”
He laughed.
“Bryan Winters, two doors down Bryan Winters?” Mom's voice was skeptical.
“Yeah Mom, that one. You know, the only one I know.” I turned up my windshield wipers. The snow shifted back to rain.
“What's he doing in your car? Are you dating again?” Mom demanded.
I glanced at Bryan and he was staring at me with a confused look on his face.
“Oh, that's so great!” I heard a smile in the woman's voice, but it wasn't from my mother.
“Mom?” Bryan was dumbfounded. “What are you doing at Holly's house?”
“I wish you had told us!” Mom continued.
“There's nothing to...”
“Oh, maybe they will get married after all.” Bryan's Mom interjected.
“Moms. Moms.” I tried.
“And then we can be grandmothers together.” My Mom added.
“That would be wonderful.” Cynthia, Bryan's mother, laughed with excitement.
“Mom, I don't think that's...” Bryan tried.
“Well, we better let you two go so you can get here safely.” Mom ended the conversation and hung up before either of us could explain.
“What just happened?” I was floored.
“Our mothers are crazy. No offense to Georgia.” Bryan let out a deep breath.
“None taken. I'm with you.” I let out a deep breath.
“I think they already named our firstborn.” Bryan leaned back in his seat.
I would have laughed, but he was probably right.
“Holly Winters.” Bryan teased.
“Stop it Bryan.” I laughed.
“It's kind of cute.” He leaned towards me.
“We dated once when we were seven.” I rolled my eyes. “And I'm not sure if that even counts.”
“Oh, my mother counts it.” Bryan's voice went up. “It sounds like your mother does too.”
I laughed. “Why did we break up again?”
“Mom made cinnamon rolls and you wouldn't share the last one.” Bryan sulked.
“Those cinnamon rolls were homemade, Bryan.” I looked at him seriously. There was a slight pause, and we both started laughing.
“Yeah, they are the best in the state, no joke. Mom has a blue ribbon somewhere. I get to hear about that every time I'm home.” Bryan laughed again.
“I think I made the right decision.” I grinned.
“Hey, if we pretend we really are dating, I bet she'll make us both a batch.” Bryan suggested.
“Tempting.” I laughed.
“I've missed this.” Bryan's voice turned serious.
I glanced at him. “Me too.”
“Why did we stop talking?” Bryan unbuckled his seat belt.
I would have said something, but I had literally turned on our street. I put my car in park by the curb. The rain had turned to snow again. The slush was starting to disappear.
“We went to different colleges and... grew up.” I turned the car off.
“What if I don't want to grow up anymore?” Bryan's tone was serious.
