Page 21 of Jingle Bells in June
‘And stop answering back.’
‘But why can’twehave the Christmas tree up all thetime? Why did we have to take it down?’
‘Well, because –’ Ellie glances at me helplessly, and I cansee she was about to say the sensible thing – that most people wouldn’t dreamof keeping their decorations up all year round.
I smile ruefully. Ellie’s far too nice to make me feelawkward.
‘I like the Christmas decorations, Maisie,’ I say simply. ‘Ilove Christmas. And all the glitter and sparkle reminds me of happier times.When I knew a little girl just like you.’
Maisie frowns and I can see her processing this.
‘Where is she? The little girl?’
‘I’m not sure, Maisie.’ I swallow hard and try to smile.‘She’s called Poppy and she’s got lovely dark hair just like yours.’
‘Do you think she’ll come back?’
I look at her sadly. ‘I hope so. But mainly, I just hopethat she’s happy and is surrounded by love. Just like you are with your lovelyfamily.’ I smile, an actual physical pain in my heart. ‘You’re so lucky,Maisie. You’ve got a mummy and daddy who love you so much.’
Maisie looks at me, her eyes full of tears suddenly, herchin trembling.
‘You have indeed,’ murmurs Ellie. ‘Come here.’
Maisie hesitates for a moment, then she runs into herstepmum’s arms and Ellie hugs her fiercely.
Then, just as quickly, the little girl breaks away and runsout of the room.
‘Maisie?’ Ellie leaps up and follows her. ‘We’re goingsoon.’
There’s no reply and I join Ellie in the hallway.
‘Were you close to Poppy?’ she asks softly.
‘She calls me Auntie Enzie.’ I smile, a lump in my throat.‘Her mum Rachel is my best friend, but... I’ve lost touchwith them.’ I stare helplessly at Ellie, wanting to pour out the whole sadstory. But I’m not ready to tell anyone. It’s still too painful.
‘Do you want to talk about it?’ she murmurs, but I shake myhead and she presses my arm in understanding.
I smile ruefully. ‘Thank you for not commenting on the festivebling earlier.’
Ellie chuckles. ‘I love it. I can understand why it wouldcheer you up.’ She wanders into the living room, gazing around herappreciatively. ‘I have a feeling Maisie will be pestering me to do the samenow.’
‘Have a seat.’
‘Thank you.’ Ellie slumps down in the armchair with a sigh.‘I love that little girl to bits but it’s so hard at times.’
‘I think you do a brilliant job.’ I sit down on the sofa. ‘Andit’s obvious Maisie totally adores you.’
‘Do you think so?’
‘Of course! She’s just going through a cheeky phase, that’sall.’
‘Maybe.’
‘It happened with Poppy, too. That’s how I know.’ Suddenly,my eyes are burning with tears, and Ellie quickly crosses to the sofa and sitsdown beside me, putting an arm around me.
‘Hey, it’ll be fine. You don’t need to tell me about it ifyou’re not ready,’ she soothes. ‘But if you ever need someone to talk to, I’mright here, okay?’
I nod, resting my head on her shoulder for a moment as sherubs my arm. I miss Rachel and Poppy so much. It kills me that I wasn’t able tohelp them in the end...
