Page 2 of A Ferry Merry Christmas
“I recently transferred from the East Coast. It’s the first shore leave I’ve had in twelve weeks.”
Avery said what he likely heard often. “Thank you for your service.”
They entered the ferry, and she headed for the seating in the middle of the passenger deck. Hoping to signal that she had no interest and wasn’t keen to continue the conversation, she said, “I hope you have a good visit with your sister.”
“Ah, thanks . . .”
Avery took a seat in the front row. It looked like the sailor was about to ignore her parting shot and claim the seat next to her when someone called out for his attention.
“Harry, over here.”
So his name was Harry. She had to admit she was mildly interested and flattered by his attention; however, the timing wasn’t the best with the holidays upon them.
Harry paused and explained as if she needed this information. “Those are a few of my shipmates. Save a seat for me, will you?”
“Actually, I . . .” He was already out of earshot before she could suggest that he sit with his friends.
She had just taken her seat when a little girl of around five or six jumped into the chair next to her.
“Hello,” Avery said, surprise lifting her voice.
“Hello.” She had on a red coat, with her long pigtails hitting the top of her shoulders. She swung her legs, crossing her ankles, showing off her missing two front teeth. “I’m Olivia and my mom is taking me to visit Santa.”
“Are you going to tell him what you want for Christmas?” Avery asked, remembering her own visits to Santa as a child.
Olivia nodded eagerly. “I want an iPad like my friends have so I can play games and draw and learn stuff.”
“You must be a smart girl.”
“I am,” she returned with pride. “Both my teacher and my mommy tell me that all the time. But I could be even smarter if I had an iPad. Do you have one? Lots of people do. My mommy has one. She lets me play with hers sometimes, but it isn’t the same as having my own.”
The little girl chatted away as her mother took the seat beside her daughter. “Sorry,” she said. “Is Olivia talking your ear off?”
“Mommy, don’t be silly. No one can talk off anyone’s ear.”
“I know, love. That is a nice way of asking if you were pestering her.”
Olivia instantly looked offended. “Was I being a pest?” she asked Avery.
“Not in the least,” Avery assured both mother and daughter. “Olivia was telling me she’s visiting Santa this afternoon and wants to let him know what the biggest desire of her heart is for this Christmas.”
Olivia turned to look at Avery. “It’s all right to let my mommy know what it is. I’ve already told her.”
“Like a thousand times,” the mother murmured under her breath. “I’m Beth, by the way.”
“Avery,” she returned.
“That’s a pretty name,” Olivia said. “No one in my class has that name.”
“I like it, too,” Avery returned.
Olivia’s feet continued to sway as the ferry’s engine came to life and the boat started to pull away from the Bremerton dock.
After a few moments, Olivia said, “I really need to talk to Santa, though.”
“That’s why we’re visiting him,” her mother assured her.
“But I want more than an iPad.”
