Page 11 of Holly Jolly
As I do the last button, the doorbell rang, and I raced downstairs to beat my mother to the door seeing Holly beautiful face on the other side.
"Good morning, come on in."
She stepped inside and took off her jacket, hanging it on the hook by the front door.
"Whatever that is, it smells divine."
My mother was going to love her even more if she kept complimenting her cooking. She doesn't get to do that much anymore with it just being her, so on holidays when she had company, she went all out.
"Good to see you, Holly. I made plenty. Hope your hungry."
She wasted no time sitting down at the table after making a cup of coffee. A girl that wasn't afraid to eat. A welcomed surprise.
"So anymore news on the release?" I asked, taking a seat next to her trying not to spill my coffee everywhere.
"I don't know any specific numbers but my publisher is happy with the response. So that means it's still going well."
My mother jumped into the conversation, asking if she could find her book at the nearest bookstore one town over.
"I asked them to stock some copies, but I'm not sure if there are any left. With it being such a small bookstore, they are careful about what they bring in."
We focused on eating before our food got cold, and in my mind, Holly and I were going to work out. We had too. There must be a reason why I ran into her the other night.
After breakfast, we headed into the living room and gathered around the Christmas tree on the sofas. My mother had bought gifts this year, and was so excited for me to open them.
The first box was a two tickets to go on a cruise. She shouldn't be spending her money like that. "Mom, you don't need to get me things like this. A sweater would've been just fine."
"Honey, you work so hard and barely take any time for yourself. You deserve a vacation."
The second box was from Holly and I hesitated opening it. She didn't have to get me anything.
"I think you are going to like it."
Inside was my letterman jacket that she wore most of our senior year. "You have been holding onto this? I haven't seen this since Prom!"
This right here was a sign that she was all in - if I was willing to take the initiative, Holly wanted to try again.
I slipped on the jacket, and it still fit perfectly. "Wow, I'm shocked you held onto this after so many years."
"I knew I would see you again, just didn't know when. Lots of memories in that jacket," she said, biting her nail.
"Ain't that the truth."
There was one box left, and I handed it to Holly. She wasn't expecting a gift.
"It's not much, but hope you like it."
She opened the box to find a copy of her book. She pulled it out, and opened it.
You have always had a way with words. Never let anyone dull your light. You deserve to shine for all of the world to see.
A tear fell and I moved over to swipe it away with my thumb. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you cry."
She started fanning herself. "These are happy tears."
I pulled her in for a hug, and then whispered in her ear. "I loved it and can't wait to see what else you have in that big beautiful brain of yours."
My mother gave us some privacy thankfully, and it was time to buck up. I scooted closer to her on the couch and took her hand in mine.
