Page 29 of A Baxter Family Christmas
Immediately Patrick was on his feet. “Hello.” He held out his hand. “Nice to meet you. Hayley says you’re her best friend in the whole world.”
“Yes.” Maddie fought to keep herself from bursting into tears. “She’s... she’s my best friend, too.”
“See?” Hayley giggled as she stood and hugged Maddie. Then in a voice not quite soft enough, she said, “Isn’t he cute?”
Maddie nodded. “Yes.” She smiled at Patrick and then at Hayley. “He’s very nice.”
“Hi, Maddie.” Her dad stood then and kissed her cheek. “We’re excited about the show. You all have worked so hard.”
“Yes.” Maddie felt dizzy from this revelation about Hayley. She forced a smile in her mother’s direction. “Could you talk to me for a minute in the lobby?”
“Of course.” Her mom motioned to the others. “I’ll be right back.”
When they were far enough away not to be heard, Maddie put her hands on her hips and paced one way and then the other. “Mom! You let Hayley bring a boy?”
“Of course.” Peace shone from her mother’s eyes. “They like each other. Why not bring him?”
“Theylikeeach other?” Maddie felt like she’d fallen into some unthinkable dream. “Are you serious? Hayley can’t... She’s...”
“She’s what?” Her mom’s expression grew deeper. “Do you think Hayley won’t fall in love someday, Maddie?”
“No. I thought...” People were streaming past them, finding their seats. Maddie was careful to keep her tone from sounding too shocked. “I thought she would never have... what other people have.”
Her mom looked back at their row of seats and then once more at Maddie. “Patrick suffered a brain injury at birth. He has strength where Maddie has weaknesses. And vice versa.” Her smile seemed as much for herself as for Hayley. “They’ve been friends for several weeks now.”
And Maddie had missed it. She’d been so caught up in punishing herself that more than a month had passed since she’d really talked to Hayley. Since she’d listened to how her sister was doing or whether she had made any new friends. Or whether she had a crush on a tall, handsome boy named Patrick.
“We can talk more later.” Her mother kissed her forehead. “For now... just be happy for your sister.”
“I will be.” Maddie blinked back tears. “I am.” She had to get backstage before the show started. She waved at her dad and Hayley and Patrick as she hurried down the aisle, through the door, and backstage with the others.
Connor Flanigan was one of the first people she spotted. And though they each had work to do, she went to him and took brief hold of his hand. “I’m sorry,” she whispered near his face. “I have to talk to you. After the show. If you have time.”
He searched her eyes, clearly confused. “Okay. I can do that.”
She smiled. “Good.”
And with that, the houselights went dark and the music began.
Maddie worked one side of the stage wings, while Connor worked the other. Between numbers, her eyes connected with his several times. How could she have treated him so badly? He was praying for her to have a Christmas miracle, and now God had given her one.
Hayley liked a boy!
The very thing Maddie expected would never be possible was happening. And if her mother’s reaction was any indication, this was only the beginning for Hayley. One day she might actually fall in love and get married. Something Maddie had never thought could happen.
But along the way, she had taken her guilt and shame out on Connor. The more she was around him, the more she liked him. And the more guilty she felt because she had promised herself she would avoid falling in love. At all costs.
For Hayley.
The third number was wrapping up and Maddie watched Connor motion for a group of kids to exit the stage in his direction. So far they had no major mess-ups, nothing but the most adorable show. Everything was turning out to be exactly what they had worked so hard for.
Maddie’s eyes met Connor’s again. He smiled, like last time. But his confusion was clear all the way across the stage. Even once she tried to explain herself to him, she wouldn’t blame him if he didn’t want to see her again. She had shut him out completely. Even when he took the time to ask her if he’d done anything wrong. After this he would probably lose all interest in her.
The audience was clapping wildly over a song by three of the littlest girls—including Maddie’s cousin Janessa. Out in the audience, Maddie spotted her aunt Ashley and uncle Landon as they cheered for their daughter. And between them another one of Maddie’s cousins—Amy Hogan—raised both her hands, clearly thrilled for Janessa’s performance.
Amy’s parents should be here, God. Maddie closed her eyes for a quick moment. Chloe and Heidi Jo would’ve probably been on the stage right next to Janessa. When the number ended Maddie blinked her eyes open, and motioned for the girls to exit toward her.
“You did so good!” Maddie whispered to the cousins, hugging each of them. She watched them bounce and link arms and celebrate the success of their song. As they walked away, a thought hit Maddie. The losses in the Baxter family were many, but maybe God really was still with them.
