Page 9 of Holly Jolly
Trees lined the walkways, overflowing with strands of twinkling Christmas lights, while a huge tree in the center served as the centerpiece of the square. Garlands of holly and ivy adorned the shops, and window displays were filled with an array of holiday decorations.
In the center of the square, a tall, sparkling Christmas tree stood proudly, its branches full of sparkling ornaments and beautiful baubles. The star at the top sparkled brightly in the evening light, as if it could be seen from miles away.
The sounds of carolers and laughter echoed throughout the square, and it seemed as if the entire town had come out to enjoy the festive atmosphere. Even the local animals were out in full force, darting around the square and enjoying the holiday cheer. It was a beautiful sight, and a reminder of the joy and magic of the Christmas season.
We strolled down the street singing Deck the Halls, and they sound great, but me, not so much. Holly kept gaining my attention with her beautiful voice. I could listen to her sing all day. The next song was Frosty the Snowman, which made me laugh. Holly had moved closer and took my hand in hers.
It had been a long night of caroling, and the crisp winter air had finally settled in. Holly and I were both ready for some rest and warmth.
"Let's go to the cafe," I said to Holly. "Get some hot chocolate to warm up."
She nodded and we walked over, hand in hand. When we reached the cafe, I opened the door and we stepped inside.
The cafe was cozy and inviting. The air was filled with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. We took a seat at a small table and I ordered our drinks.
When the hot chocolate arrived, Holly and I sipped our drinks in silence for a few moments. Finally, I couldn't resist the urge to ask her how she thought her release was going today.
"I'm nervous," she said. "It's been so long since I wrote something of this caliber, and I just don't know if I can pull it off. I know I shouldn't doubt myself, but it's hard not to feel that way when so much is at stake."
I smiled and gently squeezed her hand. "You have nothing to worry about," I said. "You're an incredibly talented writer. You have the skill to create something truly magnificent, and I know this release will be no exception."
Holly smiled, her eyes brightening with anticipation. "I do feel excited about it," she said. "I've spent so much time working on it and I can't wait for everyone to read it."
I nodded. "I'm sure it will be worth the wait," I said. "You have a gift for writing, Holly, and no one can take that away from you."
Coming back here had been a good decision, and running into Holly made it even better, but it also made me question some of my choices. No one liked to sit around and wonder what if, but that was all I found myself doing at that moment. If I hadn’t gone away for college, would we still be together? Be happy? I had been unhappy in Texas since before being left at the altar, but now might be the right time for the decision. The only thing holding me back was my job, but I could do it remotely.
Holly’s eyes were deadlocked on mine and everything in me wanted to scoop her up and kiss her, but without knowing how this would play out, she doesn’t deserve that. I wanted to be sure before starting anything. That was the right thing to do.
My mother walked into the café and took a chair beside me. “It’s so cold out there.” She grabbed my hot chocolate and put her hands around the cup. “You guys are smart coming in here.”
I got up from the table and ordered another one for my mother, and handed it to her. She smiled and took a sip, rolling her eyes like it was ten degrees outside.
“I’m going to go home and check on the ham. See you kids in a bit.”
My mother always loved Holly and now was no exception. My heart was still shattered from Veronica leaving me at the altar, but with Holly around, it hurt a little bit less. I hadn’t been dwelling on it because I had been keeping myself busy. Veronica shouldn’t affect my life anymore.
“So, not to be too forward but are you ever planning on coming back? Like for good?” Holly asked, taking a sip from her cup.
“My mom has been asking me to since last year, but a part of me is scared to give up my life out there. Right now, I would love move back. My mother isn’t getting any younger, and I would like to spend what time I have with her.”
Everything in me said that Holly still had feelings for me and that was mutual. However, I couldn’t make a big life change like that just because of a woman. Holly or not.
9
Ethan
December 24th
The evening air was crisp and still, but the snow that blanketed the small town was melting under the warmth of the Christmas lights. Inside our house, my mother had set the table with dinner plates and the aroma of freshly cooked turkey filled the room. She had purchased two bottles of wine for our meal and had poured each of us a glass.
My mother smiled as she looked across the table at me and Holly, her eyes twinkling in the light of the flickering candles. As we all sat down, the conversation shifted to our high school days, and my mother couldn't help but reminisce.
"Oh, it was such a wonderful time," she said with a faraway look in her eyes. "Do you remember the football games? The marching band always put on such a show!"
I smiled, feeling a rush of nostalgia. I had a lot of fond memories of High School, but my mind was still firmly planted in the present. Holly and I had just started dating, and I was filled with nervous energy. I still liked her, but was it too early to move on?
Holly smiled and nodded, seeming to understand the sentiment. "Yes, those were fun times. And the dances…"
