Page 83 of Through the Snow Globe
One Enchanted Christmas
Diana opened her eyes and blinked up at the ceiling. She looked at the empty space beside her. Then she turned to look toward the bathroom. The door was open and the lights were off.
“Linus?” She sat up and looked around as if he might be hiding in the closet, looking for just the right tie. He wasn’t. “Linus?”
Reaching for her cell phone on the bedside table, she pressed the bottom button to bring up the home screen, where today’s date popped up.
December 25th.
It was Christmas. A mix of emotions swirled around inside her chest. Linus wasn’t here. December 4th was finally over, and she hadn’t saved him. She swallowed thickly and got up, shuffling to the bathroom. After she was done in there, she went to make herself a cup of coffee and looked at a few messages on her phone while it brewed.
She didn’t really know how all the versions of December 4th had altered, or not altered, the day she was in now. Did she get the promotion at work? Had Maria broken her ankle? Had Maria reconnected with Mrs. Pierce? What about Addy? Was the teen girl talking to Jay and Sierra again? There were so many unanswered questions. The only thing Diana knew for sure was that Linus was in a coma, and he might never wake up.
The coffeepot grumbled noisily to its finish. She grabbed a mug from the cabinet and poured herself a full cup. As she drank the nutty brew, the first Christmas text of the day came through.
Rochelle:Ho, ho, ho! Merry Christmas!
Diana smiled.
Diana:Same to you!
Rochelle:You okay?
Diana:Unfortunately, Santa didn’t come.
That was an understatement.
Diana:How are things with you and the new guy?
Rochelle:Actually . . . Brian is here.
Diana:Really? You’re spending Christmas Day together?
Rochelle:I am. I’m taking him home to meet my parents.
Diana blinked at her screen. The hot guy in the neighboring office had stuck! Diana wasn’t sure what had happened in the days since December 4th, but something had changed for Rochelle. At leastherlife had improved with the time loop.
Diana:That’s amazing, Ro! I’m so happy for you.
Rochelle:Your invitation to my parents’ house is still open. If your current plans fall through.
Diana nibbled at her lower lip. She had no idea what was lined up for her today.
Diana:What exactly are my current plans?
Her phone rang and Rochelle’s name flashed on the screen.
“Hey,” Diana answered.
“That was a weird text, so I’m making sure you aren’t drunk or being held hostage and sending me a cryptic message.”
Diana let out a small laugh. Even at her lowest point, her best friend could cheer her up. “Neither of those things. It’s a long story, but if you could tell me where I’m supposed to be today that would be helpful.”
“Linus’s parents’ house. They invited you and you actually said yes.”
“I did?”
“I know, right? I’m surprised too,” Rochelle said. “I’m so proud of you these days.”
