Chapter 9: Twas the Night before Christmas

It has been two days since Daniel last saw Elizabeth and it has been two days since Elizabeth's last performance which was filled with praise. Today was finally a day off. Off from practice, off from Broadway until the New Year. She would have to travel the majority of the Northeastern states including Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, New Jersey and Maine. After that, she was free. Free from the pressure of the audience, director and other cast members. But for now, she was grateful for the time off until then.

Lately, she has been thinking about Daniel. He was leaving in a few days and something inside her told her not to let him go. There was something unique about him that Elizabeth couldn't put her finger on. Something was also familiar about him as well. The way he acted and stood. Like a soldier. Elizabeth knows that he wasn't a soldier or in any kind of war. He was against it, and so was she. They were talking about it, especially about the Selective Service Act of 1917.

The Selective Service Act of 1917was passed by President Woodrow Wilson in 1917 to draft young men to the Great War. (World War One). At first, they were going to wait for volunteers to fight but that was impossible, so this came into effect. Elizabeth remembered Daniel mentioning that he was almost drafted, but was too young to get enough experience like a real soldier. He was saved. The age limit was 21 to 30. He was in the age limit. Daniel is now 24. By the end of the Great War, 24 million men have been registered and 8.2 million have been drafted. Daniel and Elizabeth didn't believe in forcing people to go fight for the country unless they wanted too. Many young men died in that war. Many didn't even make it to manhood nor have a family of their own. They left so many women who were either girlfriends or wives behind promising them that they would be back. They never made it back.

Daniel and Elizabeth both opposed to the act. It cost too many lives. Too many lives to count. Over 5 million to be exact.

Lazily, she had been thinking about the conversations they have had. She sat in the apartment building on the couch reflecting it all. The two of them had a lot in common.

They liked to read, except Daniel only liked one book; The Last of the Mohicans. Elizabeth liked it too, but not like a bible. They both are Italian, except Elizabeth's family was from Italy. Daniel's grandparents came to this country. They also have crazy friends as well as families. It was like they were meant to be in some way. One problem that could stop this was that they were from different backgrounds with different rules to follow.

Elizabeth's mind still wandered as she looked down at the window in her building. Betsy was working part time on Christmas Eve for extra money. Elizabeth can't blame her.

Tonight, she was going to Midnight Mass. She said she was going to go and Elizabeth was going to keep her word. She wondered if Daniel would go, although he was a Methodist. She did want to see him at least one more time before he left.

She was having an internal war against herself whether she should go invite him to Mass. Her mind said no. He's not even Catholic, he's a Methodist. Methodist and Catholic don't go together. He would probably deny the offer anyway. But her heart was saying other things. Go for it, what's the worst that could happen? He likes you. He probably would say yes any day. This was going on for at least an hour until she made her decision. She was going to go.

Elizabeth quickly went to get changed to something more decent and put on a little makeup. So far, he had enjoyed her outfits, but she never knew. He obviously liked exotic outfits, especially for a woman. Today, she was putting on a simple cotton blue dress, since it was Christmas Eve. She grabbed her purse and briskly walked to the hotel. It was only a mile away. Not so bad. Besides, Elizabeth enjoyed the walk.

She did what she usually did on the streets. There was commotion every which way. People shouting their items to sell, shouting out prices or calling for the police of some wrongdoing going about. There was the smell of food as well on the busy streets. She walked briskly ignoring all the distractions around her. She was on a mission, and she need to complete it with nothing in her way. Her adrenaline was racing. Her heart was pounding.

Elizabeth never felt like this for anyone before. Sure she had a boyfriend in high school that she really liked until she realized that all he cared about was he and he alone. Aside from that, he was also cheating on her. Her parents warned her. She didn't want to admit that they were right, but they were. But Daniel was different. He treated her like a lady. Like a person as well. She respected that. He listened to everything she had to say. It seemed that he loved all the conversations they had. Elizabeth knows that she did. She often wondered if he remembered all the conversations they had or if she felt the same way. She hoped so.

She was halfway to the hotel when she saw one of her friends walking and they stopped and chat.

"'Lizabeth? Elizabeth Quressimo, is that you?" The woman asked. They were close and the woman seemed to be inspecting Elizabeth like she was a soldier.

"Yea, Emily? How are you doing?" They gave each other a quick hug. Cherlyn was taller than Elizabeth by four inches or so. She was a tall lady. Cherlyn was a Native American; or 'half breed' as she put it. She had black long hair that reached up to her mid back, dark skin and almost black eyes. Cherlyn and Elizabeth's skin was almost the same but Cherlyn beat Elizabeth.

They stood in the middle of a New York City sidewalk catching up really quick. People walked beside them annoyed that they were in the middle of the sidewalk. The two women didn't even pay attention.

"Elizabeth, it has been ages since I've seen you. You look great. What have you been doing? Working out?"

"Actually, I'm on Broadway. I'm in the play Sally and I got the lead."

"Really? That's incredible. And everyone said you wouldn't make it!"

"Yea, and look at me now!" The two women laughed. "How about you?"

"Well, I'm married and have a son. I have a second one on the way." She patted her stomach.

"Oh, wow! Congratulations! When are you due?"

"August or September." She replied.

"Is your husband good to you?"

"Oh, yes, I couldn't ask for anyone more perfect. Are you in a relationship?"

"No." Elizabeth replied. Although I'm close going with a guy from the state of Maine. She wanted to say that but watched her tongue.

"That's too bad. An attractive woman like you should be able to find someone. Where are you headed?"

"Oh," Elizabeth was startled by the question and made up a lie. "To a... a friend's. Yea, I'm going to a friend's house that's what I'm doing." She laughed a little relieved that she made up something quick and simple. "Where are you going?"

"I gotta go to the store, buy a handful of groceries and go home to tend to my son."

"Good luck with that. I'm sorry I have to rush off, but I really need to get to my friend's place. It was nice to see you again, Cherlyn. Please, don't be a stranger come visit sometime. I live in the apartment development that way." She pointed to the direction she just came. "It's the only apartment building and it's not hard to find. I'm on the fourth floor. You'll find me."

"Ok, see you around, Elizabeth and Merry Christmas!"

"Merry Christmas, Cherlyn." The two women walked in their directions.

Elizabeth came up to a corner. Only a few more feet. There was a Salvation Army man ringing the bell looking for charity money. Elizabeth scrimmaged through her purse and found some loose change. She put it in the bucket. The man looked pleased. "Merry Christmas, Miss. God bless."

"Merry Christmas." She went across the street. The man still rang his bell.

Elizabeth finally made it to the Milford Plaza. She stood in front of the main doors before entering. "Lord, give me strength." she mumbled to herself. She took a deep breath and went on in.

The hotel was nice. She went to the main desk. "Excuse me, but do you know what room a Daniel Pierce and friend are?"

The receptionist looked through her book. "You said Pierce?"

"Yes, P-I-E-R-C-E," she spelled out.

"I have a Pierce and Chamberlain. Is that it?"

"Yes, what room is it."

The receptionist stood up and pointed. "Down this hall and the second door to the left."

"Thank you," Elizabeth started on her way. Second door to the left. Here I am. She once again stood in front of the door. Come on Elizabeth, pull yourself together. You can do this. Just knock on the door and ask Daniel to go to church with you. YOU can do this. When she got the courage, she knocked on the door. She was lucky that Daniel answered.

"Elizabeth!?" He said in shock and surprise. "Hi," He managed to get out.

"Hi," So far, so good. "I wanted to ask you something. May I come in?"

"Of course," He held the door wider. Thank you Jesus.

Elizabeth stood and looked around. "Nice room. It's very nice. Better than my place."

"Won't you sit down?" He motioned her to the bed.

She accepted. "Where's Robert?"

"Finding souvenirs for his wife."

"Oh."

"So, what can I do for you? What did you want to ask?"

"Well, since its Christmas Eve, I was wondering if you would like to come to Midnight Mass with me." That sounded wrong. "I mean, I know you're a Methodist and there isn't a Methodist church for an hour away so... I mean, you don't have to go. You must be lonely missing Christmas at home and I thought you know if you wanted to go to church." Shut up, Elizabeth. "Betsy hates going to Mass. Robert is invited to go too. But as I said you"

"I'd love too. Robert is not all that religious," Daniel interrupted. He put on a grin that grew wider.

"Good," Way to go girl! "It's the big church two blocks down. You sure you don't mind going?"

"No, I don't mind at all. So, do you want me to meet you there, or pick you up?"

"You can meet me outside the church fifteen minutes till."

"Alright."

"That's it?"

"Yep."

"Ok, well I better go, and prepare myself. And I got get myself something to eat."

"I noticed that you're not wearing the flapper dresses," Daniel said.

Elizabeth laughed, "Oh, well its Christmas Eve and I wanted to look presentable even if I'm not at church." She got up and headed toward the door. Daniel was right behind her.

"I got you. I don't have to dress fancy, do I?" Daniel asked curiously.

"No, just presentable."

"Ok, I'll see you then," Kiss the woman. She's asking for it!

Elizabeth opened the door, "I'll see ya" Go for it! GO FOR IT!

They awkwardly stood in front of each other. Elizabeth finally backed away exciting. Daniel waved. That was your chance!! And you blew it!

Elizabeth walked out the door, into the lobby and exited the building. You should have kissed him! He wanted it!! HE WANTED IT!

She walked all the way home anticipating Midnight Mass.

--

11:15 that evening

"Ok, Betsy, I'm leaving now. I'll be back around one, depending on how long it will take." Elizabeth told her friend as she was looking herself over.

"Where are you going?" Betsy asked playing with the radio.

"I told you earlier, I'm going to Midnight Mass with Daniel."

"Ooooooooo, somebody's got a date in the chapel!"

"No, no one's got a date in the chapel," She responded to her friend mocking her.

"Oh yea, what do you call this?"

"Being friendly!" Elizabeth snapped back.

"Real friendly. You talk to the man for hours at a bar, spend the day with him and then ask him to go to church. Oh yea, really friendly!"

"Hey, shut up!"

"Just stating the facts. The facts conclude that you're in love. You told me you never felt this way with any other guy. Maybe this is your dream man. You never know."

"Are you done making the speech? I really have to get going." Elizabeth grabbed her coat since the temperature outside dropped to the 40s.

"I'll be back," She said to her friend who was still playing with the radio.

"Have fun!" Elizabeth exited and went to the church.

--

11:45 pm

"Hey, you beat me!" Elizabeth said as she went up the steps to the church.

"What can I say? I'm a fast walker!" Daniel said.

Elizabeth laughed at the remark. "Yea, I guess. It could be also be the fact that you are staying only two blocks away and don't have to walk a mile to get here!" She retorted.

"That too," The both of them laughed.

"Well, let's not stand here in the cold, let's go on in," Elizabeth said.

"After you, my lady," Daniel's hands were leading the way.

Elizabeth went in and Daniel was right behind her.

The church was huge and had many windows of the Savior and the disciples. It was also white and candlelit. Lights hung from the ceiling that looked like chandeliers. They were using them on dim.

The two had a candle and a program. They sat in the middle. The crowd started to come in.

"Thank you," Elizabeth said.

"For what?"

"For just being here. I hate coming here alone, especially on the holidays."

"No problem," Elizabeth's attention went back to the front and Daniel continued to look at her profile. I've got to make a move.

Just then, the sermon started. The Father started to talk about the Christmas seasons. Then there were songs. Elizabeth sang the loudest because she was the talented. Daniel admired it. They shared a hymn book since the second book was being used.

The sermon went pretty fast as well. It only lasted an hour and they were already on the last hymn "Silent Night." The candles were lit and the lights went out, followed they started to sing all four verses. It was beautiful. Although Daniel wasn't Catholic, he enjoyed it anyway.

The clock struck one. Everyone was cheering. It was already Christmas went they started but now, technically it was now officially Christmas. Everyone blew off the flames of the candles and the lights were turned back on. Everyone was clapping their hands and cheering.

"May it be a good year!" One person shouted.

"Glory to God in the highest and goodwill toward men!" Another one shouted.

Daniel and Elizabeth started talking. Out of nowhere, Daniel grabbed her waist and locked her lips with his.

Finally!