Page 8 of A Ferry Merry Christmas
This Christmas, however, both of her children would be away. Will had plans to spend the holidays with his in-laws. His family flew to the East Coast to be with Tamera’s parents. It was only fair, as they hadn’t seen her side of the family in nearly twoyears. They had dinner together a week earlier to celebrate and opened their gifts.
It came as a surprise when her daughter, Whitney, announced that her family had decided to take a ski trip to Whistler over Christmas. When Whitney realized Virginia would be alone, she invited her mother to join them. Virginia had no interest in skiing and even less in being away from home over the holidays.
It felt as if God was telling Virginia it was time for her to make peace with her twin. For days she struggled with how best to reach out to Veronica. A letter would be more personal, or even a phone call. She debated both and found fault with each. She feared Veronica might not answer if she knew Virginia was on the other end of the line. Nor would she know if her sister took the time to read a letter.
In the end, she decided on a simple text.
She toyed with the wording for days, looking for a subtle approach without exposing her heart.
Veronica, do you happen to have Mom’s recipe for her Christmas gingerbread cookies?
She already had the recipe; they both did. Her twin was sure to know this request had more to do with their relationship than with cookies.
Waiting for a response was nerve-racking. Two interminable days passed before Veronica replied. Virginia had to grit her teeth, knowing Veronica had taken the time to make her squirm. A dozen times she regretted making the effort when it was clear her sister, her identical twin, wasn’t interested in a reconciliation. She’d swallowed her pride, and this was what she got.
By the time Veronica responded, Virginia had decided she’d made a terrible mistake. Her sister’s answer was short and to the point.
Of course. Would you like it?
Please,she returned.
Within the hour her sister had supplied the list of ingredients and baking instructions.
Virginia took the next step, holding her breath the entire time she typed out the question.
I’ve been in a baking mood lately. I could make a double batch. Would you like some?
Veronica replied to her only a day later rather than two. Virginia took the faster response as promising. This was headway, however small.
I haven’t done any baking this season. I would enjoy a batch of Mom’s Christmas cookies.
That was all that was said. Virginia spent the better part of two days baking gingerbread cookies, frosting and decorating each one in the hopes that these cookies would work a miracle. A healing miracle between two sisters who had once been more than twins; they’d been best friends.
Once the cookies were prepared, Virginia sent another text. Again, she struggled with the wording.
I’m afraid the gingerbread cookies are too fragile to mail.
That left it open for Veronica to either collect the cookies or invite Virginia to deliver them. The choice would be hers.
Three days passed before she got a reply.
Could you deliver?
Okay.
She didn’t say how pleased she would be to see Veronica again or anything else to indicate she was looking to make peace. To her way of thinking, Veronica needed to give her an indication she was willing to let bygones be bygones.
Eventually they’d set the date for December 23. After checking the weather forecast for the day, Virginia chose to take the ferry. Temperatures were dipping and there was a chanceof black ice. Driving in the city was intimidating enough. She considered herself wise to hop on the ferry and take an Uber to her sister’s home on Capitol Hill.
Even though she’d caught the early ferry, giving herself plenty of time, it seemed unlikely she would be there at their agreed-upon time.
With some hesitancy, she felt it necessary to update Veronica on the possibility of a delay.
I might be a little late,she typed.
Veronica texted right back.
How late?
