“Welcome one and all to our Christmas Eve service,” Fred’s dad said when “Oh, Come All Ye Faithful” had ended.“Whether you are here in this room with us, listening over the airwaves, or watching on a live stream, we are so glad to have you here for this evening of celebration.Before I pray and get us started on our worship time, I want to let you know that after the service, there will be cupcakes in the fellowship hall to take home with you.Stop by and get yours.Children, you will not be allowed to take one without your parent standing right next to you.”
Everyone laughed.
“And those aren’t my orders, they come from Cari and Emma who are the bakers behind the special gift.Okay, now, shall we thank the Lord for the true gift of Christmas?”
Fred tried to listen to and join with the words his father was praying.But he couldn’t.Instead, his heart cried out to God.Not in words, but in a moan of unutterable longing as he allowed his eyes to surreptitiously seek out Esther.“Please, God,” he silently prayed, finding the only words that came to mind, “don’t let this be our last Christmas.”
Chapter 14
Esthertoreopenthewrapper on the Coffee Crisp bar that had been in her gift from Fred and snapped a pic as she took the first bite.Then, she opened her message app and attached it with the message:mmmm… my fav… thank you, I love the gift.
She stared at the message for a full half-minute before pressing send.
Steve hadn’t called last night.He had sent a message about Madison being too excited to sleep and that he’d try to call today at some point.It was nearly noon, and he still hadn’t called or messaged.Not that she had actually expected him to call on Christmas morning, but… her mind was a complete mess of conflicting thoughts since Fred’s conversation with her before the service last night.
Three dots danced on her screen, and she held her breath as she waited to see what Fred would say.
An image of an empty, but used, coffee cup – the one she had given him – popped up.The dots were dancing again.
I love it.
Some more dot dancing.
Best way to start the day and conclude a tradition.I’ll think of you whenever I use this mug.Thanks.
Tears gathered in her eyes.
So that’s it?We’re done?
She didn’t hesitate this time before sending, but she did hold her breath again as she waited for the reply.
That’s up to you and God.
She blew out a breath.
Another message popped up:But from where I’m sitting, yeah.This is how it has to be.
She rubbed a small circle over her heart as those dots danced again on her screen.
I respect you and Steve too much to do otherwise.
She wiped at the tears on her cheeks.
Still friends.Just from a distance.See ya on Sunday.
And that was it.
The dots stopped dancing.
The conversation was over.
The tradition of sharing a gift with Fred each year had ended.Her best friend had just walked out of her life.And she knew that her heart would never be the same.Part of it would be missing.
I’ve never loved anything as much as I’ve loved being your friend.She typed the words but then deleted them.Then, she typed them again.They sat there.Daring her to send them.She shook her head and just stared at them.Were they true?Was this cry of her heart just a response to someone leaving her?Or was it the truth she had been trying to ignore each time she was with Steve?
He was a great guy – sweet, kind, understanding.He was a wonderful father.Madison always came first.She loved all that about him.
And Madison?Well, she was the sweetest little girl, and she loved her.She had since the first day that little girl entered her classroom last school year.
