Page 68 of Christmas at the Movies
Nora and Simon had added a manga section to their bookshop after Nick had told them how much he loved Japanese graphic novels. Now he visited the shop regularly to get his fix of manga and books about drawing.
‘I want a hot chocolate too,’ said Nick.
Sarah watched him go over to the concession stand, where Holly was helping Aaron serve festive refreshments. Aaron handed Holly a Santa hat, like the one he was wearing. Holly put it on, then giggled as Aaron adjusted it for her, tucking a stray lock of hair under the hat’s furry white band.
So that’s why she didn’t want to be late, thought Sarah.And why she’s wearing her new dress.
She went over to the table where her mum and James were sitting. Geraldine was watching Holly and Aaron too.
‘It’s so interesting how universal flirting is.’ Geraldine looked amused. ‘I’ve studied tribes all over the world and the behaviours are the same everywhere.’
‘What do you mean?’ asked James.
Sarah looked at her mother and they both shook their heads.How could someone so intelligent be so clueless?
Geraldine patted his arm. ‘Your daughter is clearly crazy about that boy. And he’s completely smitten with her.’
‘Really?’ James turned to Sarah for confirmation.
She nodded. ‘Really.’
Sarah watched as Holly took a sip of her hot chocolate. Some whipped cream got on her nose and Aaron wiped it off with his finger. Holly giggled and toyed with her necklace.
‘Well, well, well,’ said James. ‘I guess Holly really is growing up.’
‘You’re OK with this?’ asked Sarah.
James shrugged. ‘He’s a nice kid – polite, hard-working, bright. She could do a lot worse.’
‘She’s too young,’ said Sarah.
‘Oh, please. That didn’t stop you,’ said Geraldine. ‘I came home from work and caught you snogging Neil Butler on the sofa when you were only fourteen.’
‘Neil Butler, eh?’ teased James, raising his eyebrow.
‘Don’t worry. He had a mullet and rather unfortunate acne,’ said Geraldine.
Sarah wasn’t sure why she felt so uncomfortable about Holly having a boyfriend, if indeed that’s what Aaron was. James was right – he was a lovely boy. She just didn’t want her to get hurt when Aaron went off to uni. And she certainly didn’t want her daughter to sacrifice her dreams for the sake of a boy.
Stop making this about you,said a voice in her head.
‘Come on,’ said James, rounding up the family. ‘It’s time for the film.’
They settled into their seats. Sarah felt a shiver of anticipation as the curtains drew back. It was fun not to know what movie she was about to see, to experience the surprise along with the rest of the audience for a change.
Sleigh bells rang out and a black-and-white image of a storybook filled the screen.
Aaahhh!Sarah smiled knowingly before the title even appeared.It’s a Wonderful Lifehad a special place in herheart, not just because the Frank Capra classic was a masterpiece – which of course it was – but also because it was what they had chosen to launch their very first film festival.
It was a movie about thwarted ambitions and the weight of family obligations. It took a visit from an angel to show the main character, played by Jimmy Stewart, that those sacrifices were worthwhile.
As always, the film wove its heart-warming spell over her. It made her want to go ice skating and carol singing, to bake cookies and drink hot cocoa. Sarah hoped that the words she was writing would have the same effect on audiences.Ex-mas Eveprobably wouldn’t be a masterpiece – even with Noa at the helm and a starry cast – but hopefully it would fill viewers with a sense of warmth and wellbeing. At least, that’s what she was aiming for. And so far, Noa seemed happy with her work.
Noa washerChristmas angel. It felt like he’d been heaven-sent to give her a second chance at making something of her life. To finally revive her long-lost ambitions.
‘Did you enjoy that?’ asked James after the closing credits played and the house lights came back on.
‘Oh, yes,’ said Sarah, her eyes glowing with pleasure. ‘It was …wonderful.’
