MERRY CHIRSTMAS EVE EVE – YES YOU CAN ONLY SAY THAT TODAY.
Please read the end notes …. As you can see the plan has changed.
Standing outside of the church waiting for Caitlin to arrive after agreeing earlier that day that they would meet outside of the church so they can sit together Barry kept a tight hold on Evie's hand knowing she has suddenly taken a liking to wandering off on her own recently. Sharing a smile here and there with the other members of the public entering the church of a quick hello to the people he knows around town from friends, friends of his family or people he has met through his job. Most people around town know he is marine whether it be from seeing him in his uniform leaving for a mission or by word of mouth some of them stopping him on the street to talk to him, most just wanting to say thank you to him for the things he is doing for their country some others for the charity work he has done around town.
Two years before Emma dies he ran the marines toy drive with her – being seen out in the centre of town with his wife who looked in perfect health unaware of the fate she was going to face not long after that day; the couple doing their best to encourage me members of their town to buy extra toys to donate to the charity which help supply ever child in a toy on Christmas day, from the children at his marine base who have had a parent killed in action giving them the chance to have a perfect Christmas or the children at the orphanage and local hospital to wake up to a gift on Christmas morning. That year it had been a major success and they had planned on doing the same for the year after but with Emma's health decreasing by the day it wasn't possible and since then Barry hasn't had the heart to do it alone. It was something they both shared and he just can't face doing it alone.
Checking his watch then the clock on the front of the church Barry shoved his free hand back into his coat trying to keep as warm as possible while wondering where Caitlin could be, he had offered to pick her up but she insisted that she can drive herself and that there was no point in Barry going in the wrong direction from the church just to pick her up just to double back on himself again to the church. Feeling Evie tug on his arm Barry looked down at her only to see her staring straight ahead; following her line of sight he saw Caitlin walking down the path of the church towards him. Her hair fell around her face clearly having straightened it earlier that day, a red woollen coat wrapped around her body and black ankle boots on her feet the heel lightly clicking against the concrete floor.
"Sorry I'm late, had a small emergency involving a broken heel and icy sidewalks" she smiled at the both hoping they accept her apology while also hoping they haven't been stood her for too long. Tonight was a very cold night and having been stood around made her feel even more guilty about turning up late.
"It's fine, we have ten minutes before it starts – lets head inside" Barry motioned to the door with his head knowing if they stand out here any longer then they will freeze to death yet surprised they hadn't already while waiting for Caitlin to arrive.
"You look very pretty" Evie smiled up at Caitlin, her small hand taking Caitlin's as they walked into the church. To those who don't known either of them then they would look like the perfect little family with both Caitlin and Barry holding the little girls hand as they entered the church walking down to the row where Barry had saved them a seat each.
"You look beautiful as well, I like your silver sparkly shoes" Caitlin responded to Evie, dropping her hand to allow Barry and Evie to both slide into the pew together while she took the end seat.
"Caitlin this is Joe, Iris and Wally – my adopted family" Barry introduced her to the three other people sat with them. When Evie had invited her she thought it was just the three of them not a family outing that she was coming along with.
Barry had told her all about them that night when they began talking about his past, saying how he wouldn't be the man he is together if it wasn't for Joe and even if his mother passing was a sad time for him he also was grateful that within something sad it also gave him a new family including a brother and sister. He had always wanted a sibling but after his father's death his mother never really removed on from what he remembered so if she hadn't of passed away then he wouldn't have any siblings. If anything Barry only had high praises for them all; mentioning all the things he has been able to do because of them.
"It's very nice to meet you all, Barry has told me all about you" Caitlin smiled at the three pairs of eyes looking at her, offering a small nervous wave at them. If she had of known they were going to be here then she wouldn't have felt as nervous as she does now. What if they are all silently judging her? Thinking she is only friends with Barry in a way of getting a readymade family?
"I wish we could say the same but our Barry hasn't told us about you but it's nice to see that he is making new friends – we're happy you could join us" Joe responded with a friendly smile which settled her nerves a little knowing she wasn't being secretly judged by every move she made but a small portion of her nerves remained. What if this nice front is just to make her feel welcomed but they are secretly judging her?
As if god himself knew the mental torment she was silently going through the service started and never in her life has Caitlin concentrated on words being spoke so much; every single word, her eyes trained on the older man's mouth as he led the service watching his mouth form every word while trying to ignore the three people sat at the other end of the pew from her. All she has to do was make it through one carol service without making a complete fool out of herself then she is home free and everything will be fine. It's just a shame about her singing voice then again the church is packed so she could just mime the words.
With the service coming to an end and Caitlin making it through without making a fool of herself, the six of them remained in their seats until the church was almost empty. It quickly became clear that they had a routine for this night. It wasn't something they made along the way. Following Barry she stood up seconds after he did clearly a sign that the church was now empty enough for them. Stepping out into the middle of the aisle deciding to let everyone out and just follow them as right now she had no idea what the routine was.
What surprised Caitlin most was the fact that Iris linked her arm through hers, holding back from the rest of the group making Caitlin begin to panic; was she about to do the sister thing and tell her to back off her brother but she didn't want anyone else hearing her. Caitlin couldn't help the pounding in her chest wondering what was going on. "Thank you" Iris leant closer to her side when she spoke. Clearly noticing the confused look on Caitlin's face Iris decided to explain herself "Thank you for what you are doing for Barry, this time of year is always hard for him as it was Emma's favourite time of year and normally he is so down but puts on an act for Evie but this year he looks a lot happier than in recent years and I think you are the reason for that so thank you for bring some joy into my brother's life"
"I could say the same for them, I normally hate this time of year as I lost my parents around this time but spending these days with Barry and Evie has been something else – the holidays done seem so bad." Caitlin explained knowing if Iris can see she is making a difference to Barry's life then she deserves to know what Barry and Evie are doing to her life. Hell she has a Christmas tree in her apartment for the first time since she moved here if it wasn't for Barry more so Evie she still wouldn't have one. Christmas songs on the radio wouldn't be so bad and everyone running around doing last minute errands for Christmas day don't bother her as much as they used to in past years.
"Well if you don't have plans already we would love it if you could join us for Christmas dinner, I think it will cheer Barry up a lot and Evie clearly loves you"
"I would love to but I might volunteer to work yet" Caitlin told her knowing doing small holiday things with them is one thing but spending Christmas day with them is another. Sitting around their table as if she belongs there as part of their family when she doesn't.
"Well if you change your mind, here's my number" Iris dug around in her purse pulling out a small business card and handing it to Caitlin.
"Thank you" Caitlin smiled taking the card being held out to her and sliding it into her coat pocket. Deciding that she will ask Barry about it tomorrow before or after the ballet and if he ok with it then maybe she would accept the invitation after all she is slowly coming around to the idea of Christmas so maybe a change will do her some good – it might be time to change her routine and do something new instead of spending it alone and working.
"Caitlin come on" Evie ran over to where the two women spoke, taking Caitlin's hand in her small one and trying her best to pull her along. Taking off into a small almost none run with Evie she caught up to Barry, Joe and Wally with Iris trailing just a step or two behind them. "Can I go first?" Evie asked looking up at all the body's surrounding her.
"Of course youngest first" Joe smiled down at his adoptive Granddaughter but no doubt he is just her grandpa in Evie's eyes.
"Be careful not to burn yourself" Barry picked his daughter up, placing her onto his hip, every year since he can remember they come here after the carol service to light a candle for the people they have lost in their lives. Something he had done ever since his first Christmas with Joe, as Joe explained to him that it is a way of remember those who are no longer here but we still love and seeing Evie light the first candle for her mother – his deceased wife always makes him emotional.
"I know daddy I have done this before" Evie pressed her little lips to her father's cheek before carefully picking up a small tea light. "This is for my mommy" her tiny voice said as she carefully used one of the other tea lights to light her candle and placing it onto the bottom row where nothing currently sat while Joe placed a ten dollar bill into the collection box beside the candles.
"Your mommy would be so proud of you" Barry held his daughter close to his chest, kissing the top of her head. "She will be looking down on you now smiling at how beautiful and cleaver you are knowing that you know she loves you"
The next to step up was Wally, taking another candle and lighting it off Evie's. "I miss you mom" he looked upwards before placing it down beside Evie's candle before stepping back allowing Joe to place his arm around his sons shoulders. Next was Iris picking another candle and lighting it. "Grandma" she looked over her shoulder at her father who nodded at her before her to step back into her waiting arm of her father. The Barry stepped up with Evie still in his arm both of them now taking a candle and looking at each other. "Dad" Barry placed his candle down allowing Evie to light hers from his. "Grandma Nora" when Barry stepped back again Caitlin looked at Joe to who shook his head and motioned for her to go next.
Picking up two of the small candles and lit the first one from Evie's last candle. "Mom" she felt a small smile tug at the corner of her lips but also the tears building in her eyes. "And dad" she added light the candle from her mothers and placing them next to each other. Lastly Joe stepped up and took a candle lighting it off Caitlin's "Dad" the tall man smiled at the row of candles and paced his on the end of the row; with all eight candles lit the group stood and watched them. Barry thinking about his parents and his wife, Caitlin about her parents and could only guess that Joe, Iris and Wally were doing the same thing. It reminded Caitlin that even if her parents are gone, they are never complete gone if you remember them because they stay with you in memories and in your heart.
After a couple of minutes the group left the church to see that most people were long gone yet a couple of small groups scattered the surrounding areas. "Remember it is Christmas Eve tomorrow which means ice-skating at two o'clock don't be late" Joe spoke looking at his three children and granddaughter. "And Caitlin it would be nice if you would join us as well" he looked down at her.
"I will try my best" she smiled accepting his invitation. Christmas Eve is the one day she does take off to go visit her parents which she could do in the morning and make it back in time to join them for ice skating Caitlin thought to herself making a plan in her head to fit everything in, considering she was nervous when she first met them now she feels as if she wants to spend more time with them due to how welcoming they have been to her.
"That's good enough for us – well we should be heading home" Iris looked at her father and brother who both nodded in agreement; with hugs shared all around, to Caitlin's surprise she received a hug from both Iris and Joe and a nod of the head from Wally which she took as a goodnight before the trio left leaving Barry, Caitlin and Evie stood outside the church alone.
One they were out of sight the sound of Evie's voice broke the silence they had fallen into "Hot chocolate, hot chocolate" she chanted in Barry's arms making him laugh while Caitlin turned to look at her to see her bouncing up and down in her father's arm.
"I should explain that after Joe, Iris and Wally have left us we normally go around the corner for some hot chocolate – our little tradition. Are you joining us?" Barry explained while both pairs of green eyes turned to look at her in anticipation of her answer.
"Who can say no to hot chocolate but I'm buying them because you both got me a lovely tree" she smiled at the pair, falling into step beside them as they headed towards Barry's favourite hot chocolate spot – Their Christmas tradition place.
The trio sat around a table by the window watching the fresh snow that had begun to fall outside settling on top if the snow that was already covering the ground and any other surface it could. The warm chocolatey drink in front of them Caitlin doing her best not to get the cream on the end of her nose this time to save from more awkward moments with Barry where she doesn't know what to do accept it or stand frozen in place until it is over. From the last few times they have been together little things keep happening between the two of them that leaves her confused it is just a habit for Barry or is it something more she doesn't know but up to this point they still haven't spoken about it and she has come to the conclusion that they're never going to be spoken about and are best off forgotten.
"She hasn't stopped talking about the ballet tomorrow night" Barry caught Caitlin's attention dragging her sight away from the falling snow to look at Barry who sat across the table from her, with Evie on his left closet to the window.
"I but tickets every year but never go, I used to do it with my parents every year before they died and now I buy the tickets but leave two on their graves and I keep the third. I think they would be happy that I have decided to use them. It was our tradition and now I get to share it with both of you" Caitlin smiled having made her mind up that her parents would be happy with her using them and that she has found someone to go with her.
"All she spoke about last night was taking ballet lessons but I have no idea where to send her" Barry laughed having spent his whole night listening to Evie go on and on and on about how she wants to be a ballet dancer but he doesn't know the first place on where to look for a ballet school in this city after all he's never had to look for one.
"There is a nurse who worked in the emergency department with me and her little girl goes to one dance school. I can ask her for the details if you want me to" she offered knowing being a single father isn't the easiest thing in the world; be a single parent full stop must be hard she has seen single parents time and time again in the hospital and she has to watch as they care for one child who is sick but also trying to make arrangements for their other children knowing they need to be there for all of their children not just the sick one and can only image what it is like so helping Barry feels like she is doing something to actually help him.
"That would be perfect, I'd be father of the year to this little one" in sync they both turned to look at Evie who was too busy watching the snow and sipping at her hot chocolate instead of listening to their conversation.
"It's nothing, I'll get it for you the next time we are both on shift together, should be before the New Year" she responded smiling around the rim of her mug .
"I hope you don't mind me asking but what was Iris talking to you about. I never know with her" Barry laughed nervously wondering if his sister was being nice to Caitlin or not when it comes to Iris he can never tell. He secretly hoped she was nice to Caitlin.
"She invited me to Christmas dinner which is very kind of her but I told her I'll probably volunteer to work"
"You should come, it's not very often Iris is offering a place at the table to someone she has just met so she must really like you"
"You don't mind? I don't want to intrude on your family Christmas" Caitlin asked a little unsure if it is the right thing to do. Maybe having people to spend this holiday with will make her look at it differently. It's not the mean season after all but a season of acceptance.
"Joe probably would have invited you himself tomorrow when we go ice skating, he loves being surrounded by people this time of year. He'll no doubt invite you to his New Year's Eve party as well" Barry told her with the most sincere look on his face which told Caitlin that he was being serious.
Barry wasn't lying when he told her that Joe loves being surrounded by people at Christmas time, he does live alone with all of his children having moved out some time ago so lives for the moment when he can get them all around one table for a meal which isn't as often as he would like. Not with Barry being called away at a moment's notice or Iris in and out of town all the time searching out her next story for the paper and Wally working most of the time so he grabs whatever time he can get with them all together and having Caitlin there is just someone else for him to care about.
"Then maybe I'll skip working this year and join you. I will tell Iris tomorrow" deciding that this is the year to try something new, maybe make some more friends in Iris and Wally after all she has been in this city for years and knows no one outside of her work apart from Barry and Evie so maybe making some girly friends will be good for her so Iris might become a good friend to her.
A silence fell over the trio again as they went back to drinking the chocolatey goodness in front of them that had gone from hot chocolate to warm chocolate but Caitlin could see the appeal of this place – the hot chocolate was delicious and unlike anything she had tasted before.
So as you can see I have changed the plan, this is the next chapter and I hope to post the Christmas Eve chapter tomorrow night.
Do you think Caitlin made the right decision to spend Christmas with Barry and the West's … not to mention little Evie?
Thank you for reading and hopefully I will have another chapter for you tomorrow.
