Chapter 11—A Blythe Christmas
Kelly Blythe had been home in Charlottetown for two weeks since finals were over. She had been glad to get away from the all the drama, except whenever her cell phone would ring—then she would cringe hoping it was someone she wanted to hear from. Since hearing about Will and Beth Harrison, Kelly stubbornly refused to speak to him, or even answer or return his calls. Having confided to her younger sister, she resolved to move on and make a new start in the new semester. But first, she had to make it through Christmas.
Anastasia Blythe, better known as Stacie, was slipping on a pair of black flare pants underneath a black and taupe diamond patterned dress, when she heard a familiar ringing sound—Kelly's cell phone. Jumping up to check the caller id, she grabbed her sister's phone off the stereo console, which was playing Christmas music, on the landing. Recognizing the caller, Stacie smiled while shaking her head back and forth slowly, letting it ring and go into Kelly's voicemail. After all, she was following strict instructions laid down by her older sister. Walking back into her own room, Stacie continued to get ready for church wondering why her sister was being so stubborn.
Meanwhile, Kelly had just finished showering and was pulling on a mid-calf length blue-burgundy skirt with small matching sequins. Snaking her arms through the sleeves of a lavender crewneck knit shirt, she pulled it down over her head and straightened the bottom hem. Tousling her hair to finish air drying it, she left the bathroom to find her wide mushroom suede belt. As she passed Stacie's room, she asked, "Do you have my suede belt?"
"No," answered Stacie as she slipped on a pair of black heels before applying her make-up. "I haven't touched it. And by the way, your phone rang while you were in the shower."
"Alright thanks," Kelly vaguely replied as she headed to her room and opened her closet door to look for said belt. Quickly finding it, she wrapped it around her hips and buckled it before closing the closet doors and opening her small shoe closet. Pulling out a long shoebox, Kelly opened it to take out a pair of burgundy suede boots. Sitting down on her bed to pull them on, Stacie entered Kelly's room buckling her antique gold and silver filigree belt, wondering if her sister checked her phone. "So Kel, who called?" she asked as she checked her belt.
"I don't know," Kelly replied while pulling on her left boot. "I haven't checked my phone yet."
"Oh," Stacie airily sighed as she looked herself over in her sister's full length mirror, running her fingers through her blonde hair. But before Kelly could ask why, Kyle, Stacie's twin, was standing in the doorway observing his two sisters for a moment. Kyle and Stacie were two years younger than Kelly and were fraternal twins who only shared the same eye color and birth date, nothing else. Stacie was blonde with blue eyes and a golden complexion while Kyle resembled a mix of his cousin Gilbert and his sister Kelly. Taking note of his sisters as he buttoned his cuffs, he interjected, "Are you two about ready? It's 9:30 and mom and dad want to leave in fifteen minutes for church."
"We'll be ready, Kyle," answered Kelly as she stood up and headed to her dresser to apply foundation to her face.
"Wait, we're leaving in fifteen minutes?" asked an astonished Stacie as she looked at her twin. "Church doesn't start till eleven."
"Well, it's going to be packed inside so the sooner we leave the better seats we'll have," answered Kyle matter o' factly. "And with the snow and ice on the roads, it's going to take a while."
"Great," muttered Stacie as she brushed passed Kyle and headed to her room to check her make-up and hair.
"Kel, are you almost ready?" asked Kyle mischievously as he straightened out his shirt.
"Kyle, are you finished getting ready or are you going to continue micro-managing me?" Kelly returned as she applied some blush on her cheeks.
"Just about ready," answered Kyle as he turned to head out and paused for a moment, "but I'll always be micro-managing you, dear sis."
Kelly merely rolled her eyes before applying eye shadow, wondering why her siblings had to be so trying at times.
By 9:45, all members of the Blythe household were assembled in the blue Explorer and were leaving Charlottetown on their way to the candlelight service in Avonlea. The roads were passable, but just as Kyle described. Within forty minutes, they arrived at the small bricked church in Avonlea--the Blythe family church for generations. Walking from the car to the church, Kelly remembered to turn her cell phone on vibrate so as not to disrupt the service. Looking at her opened phone, she noticed she had a voicemail. Pausing to listen to it, she was startled to hear it was from Will.
"Hey Kel, I know you probably won't get this since you delete my voicemails before listening to them, but I thought it's Christmas, why not?" (Pause) "Anyway, merry Christmas! I hope Santa brings you everything you want." (Pause) "Cheers!"
Kelly closed her phone and then adjusted its volume still surprised by Will's message. Not watching where she was walking, Kelly just about bumped into her cousin who grabbed her shoulders to halt her.
"Kel, you better watch where you're walking," Gilbert reproached Kelly as she nearly jumped out of her skin. Gilbert chuckled, "You okay?"
"Blimey Gil! You scared the begeezus out of me!" cried Kelly as Gil let go of her shoulders.
"I'm sorry," Gilbert replied, now trying to hide his laughter while his shoulders shook, giving away his action. "You nearly ran me down, though."
"Sorry," Kelly returned meekly, blushing from embarrassment as she noted that her cousin was indeed laughing at her. Feeling the need to explain her lack of sight, she quickly explained. "I was adjusting my volume on my phone when I noticed I had a voicemail."
"Oh yeah? Who from?" Gilbert questioned.
"Will, of all people," answered Kelly lightly.
"I thought you didn't listen to his voicemails?" prodded Gilbert.
"I couldn't see who it was so I had to listen," explained Kelly who felt the temperature of her cheeks rise.
"So what did he want?" asked Gilbert curious as a cat.
"He wished me a merry Christmas," Kelly replied thoughtfully.
"Well, that was thoughtful of him," Gil replied just as thoughtfully. "I mean especially since he's suppose to be seeing Beth Harrison."
"Yeah, it was," Kelly remarked distractedly. "And I know."
But before Kelly could continue with her thought, Gilbert interrupted her. "C'mon, if we don't get in soon, our seats will be gone. You know how packed this old church gets at the candlelight service," he said as they walked towards the church steps and entered it.
The small Avonlea church was in its Christmas finery; evergreen wreaths hung on the outside of the solid oak doors while red bows with berries and holly adorned each pew. A Christmas tree—decorated with white crocheted snowflakes, clear Christmas tree lights, small red glass balls, gold ribbon, small silver bells, candy canes, and an angel dressed in a long white gown trimmed in silver and gold with a golden halo and silver wings—stood on the right side of the pulpit while on the left side stood a miniature nativity set and a tall advent candle holder standing behind it, all five candles now burning. The altar bore evergreen swags twisted with red and gold ribbons which twinkled from the candles that burned on either side.
Few pews were empty as most of the Avonlea congregation filled them. Gilbert and Kelly found the family pew and took their seats, taking in the Christmas finery of the church, deeming it the prettiest church they've ever seen. Within fifteen minutes the small church was busting at the seams as the minister started the service. An hour later, the church was dark except for the alighted candles which made a warm and heavenly glow in the building as the congregation quietly sang, "Silent Night."
Through the many bodies and the bright candlelight, Gilbert spied Anne standing in the Cuthbert pew, which was three rows in front of the Blythe pew on the opposite side of the aisle, holding her candle as she sang. A small sigh escaped his lips, yet just as it did, Anne turned her head and spied Gilbert standing in his family pew. Meeting his eyes, Anne gave him a genuine smile before mouthing, "Merry Christmas," to him; Gilbert bowed his head slightly and returned the greeting. As Anne nodded her thanks in return, she slowly turned her attention back to the song. Gilbert's smile was embedded across his face until he fell asleep that night in his bed.
Standing outside in a small circle waiting for the others to exit the church after the service, Kyle leaned in to his twin and commented, "Is it just me or does Gil and Kel look rather blithe?"
Knowing what her brother meant, and smirking at the pun he unintentionally made, Stacie teased, "For once, it's not just you, Kyle. But, perhaps we'll have a blithe Christmas after all. At least they won't be melancholy."
As both Gilbert and Kelly left the little church that night, thoughts of Anne and Will danced through their minds. Gilbert couldn't help but wonder why Anne seemed so cheery. Had Roy already proposed and she had gladly accepted? Or was she glad to see him and hadn't been asked yet. Not really wanting an answer to either question, Gilbert fell asleep with one thing on his mind—Anne's smile. Christmas, Gilbert reflected, really is a magical hopeful time.
While Gilbert contemplated Anne on his way home, Kelly contemplated her decision about Will. Perhaps he was giving her a peace offering in order to explain things, or perhaps he was just being nice before he was off to see Beth. Opting for option number one, Kelly smiled as she thought about giving him a chance to explain things before moving on. Maybe Christmas really is a time of giving and renewing, she thought as her family headed home.
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Blythe family tradition for Christmas called for a family dinner and gift exchange followed by an easy afternoon to catch up with one another. For supper, everyone ate leftovers before going caroling for an hour or so and then finally heading home after a long fulfilled day. So the next day all Blythe relations traveled to Charlottetown for Christmas dinner. Cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandma all merrily convened over dinner, clean up, and gift exchange. Snacking on the sweet desserts and engaging in different games and conversations, everyone enjoyed the day, especially since Aunt Mary Maria was unable to attend due to an aching back. Close to five o'clock, John Blythe and his siblings and their spouses began to prepare the leftovers and set the tables for supper while the "younger generation" (as Gilbert, Kelly and company were coined by their parents) helped pick up the mess from the games and snacks.
As the other cousins were putting things away and washing up for supper, Gilbert checked his watch and quickly and quietly slipped upstairs. Walking over to the stereo, he found the Christmas CD he was looking for, popped it into the player, and pushed play. Smiling to himself as he descended the stairs, he couldn't wait until his little surprise arrived. So far, in Gilbert's universe things were looking good; Anne had acknowledged his existence last night—the first time in a good two months, and he had recently been accepted to medical school. Coming down the last two steps he was almost startled to see Stacie peculiarly watching him. Wiping his smile off his face, trying to act innocent, he headed back over to the living room. Unfortunately, Stacie was on to him. "What were you doing?" she asked him as they headed for the kitchen.
"Nothing," Gilbert replied nonchalantly. "I just wanted to hear some Christmas music."
Not buying it, Stacie looked at him suspiciously again, letting it drop for now. Just as they were getting in line for food, the doorbell rang and Uncle George Fletcher answered it on his way back to the kitchen. Surprised to find a visitor on the doorstep on Christmas Day at suppertime, Uncle George asked what they wanted. Heading back to the kitchen, he searched for the one person the visitor requested to see. Finding his brunette niece in line for food, he calmly approached and told her someone was at the door looking for her. Taken quite by surprise, Kelly handed her plate to Stacie and quickly left the kitchen to find out who would be on her doorstep at such an hour and time. If Kelly would have spied her cousin's face, the answer to her question could have been revealed. Yet soon after she left, Stacie, who's eyes didn't miss a beat, nudged Gilbert demanding to know what was going on; for she had seen his face and knew that something was definitely up. But Gilbert merely replied rather lightly, with a small knowing smile, "Oh just a little Christmas present for Kel, that's all."
Unsatisfied with her answer, Stacie frowned and kept quiet knowing she would have to wait and see while Kyle snickered, knowing Gilbert had something up his sleeve and he wasn't about to tell anyone just yet. Meanwhile Kelly arrived at the front door where she was stunned to see the tall, wavy brunette haired young man standing on the front porch.
Standing outside on the doorstep, Will Rushton was overlooking the houses that were lighting up down the street, bringing his gloved hands up to his face and blowing into them before rubbing them together to stay warm. He had been in his truck for over two hours, leaving the warmth of it now to make his peace with Kelly. Jimenez it's cold out! Will thought to himself as he continued to stare at the lit up houses. Startled out of his trance, he heard Kelly say quietly, "Will? What are you doing here?" as he softly sighed, a small grin gracing his face. Turning slowly he faced her. Now nervously smiling at her, glad to see her and glad she was willing to see him, Will paused for a moment trying to find the right words. "I came here to wish you a merry Christmas, in case you didn't get my voicemail."
Surprised by his reply, Kelly smiled softly, still wondering what on earth he was really doing on her front step on Christmas Day. "No, I uh, I got your voicemail late last night." She paused for a moment, still confused by his presence, before asking the obvious. "Will, why are you here?"
"Isn't it obvious?" he asked in return.
Shaking her head no, Kelly still wanted an answer.
Nervously smiling again, he scratched his head not believing she couldn't think why he'd be at her house on Christmas Day. As he took a minute to collect his thoughts, the music from the CD Gilbert had put in the upstairs stereo now drifted down the foyer and outside the front door, temporarily breaking the silence.
Maybe this Christmas will mean something more,
Maybe this year, love will appear,
Deeper than ever before.
And maybe forgiveness will ask us to call,
Someone we love, someone we've lost,
For reasons we can't quite recall.
Mm Mm Mm, maybe this Christmas.
Maybe they'll be an open door.
Maybe the star that shone before,
Will shine once more.
"Kel, I've been trying all semester long to tell you this. I just can't believe I'm telling you this on Christmas," Will began as he gazed at her with his steadfast sapphire eyes. Something in his voice and gaze made Kelly's heart beat wildly as she stepped outside and closed the door, leaving a very minute crack open. Somewhat surprised that she was now joining him on the porch Will found the courage to say what he had to say next. "I think I love you," he softly told her while the corners of his mouth twitched upwards.
"You love me?" Kelly barely breathed out. "What about Beth?"
"What about her?" Will returned. "She means nothing to me; something I've tried over and over again to tell you."
For the first time since answering the door, a sigh of relief escaped her lips just as they were morphing into a relaxed smile. Slowly exhaling, she asked, "So, the rumors. . ."
"Were false," answered Will as he took a small step closer to her.
"And you really. . ."
"Love you like crazy," he finished, his eyes shining.
Shivering slightly from the shockwaves of the nearness of him during her moment of truth, Kelly started to rub her arms. Mistaking this as a sign that she was cold, Will took the last couple of steps towards her, closing the gap between them. "I'm fine," she muttered as she felt Will's hands rubbing her arms, delighting in the connection he was making with her.
"No you're not," he said quietly, looking into her eyes. Such beautiful eyes, he thought as he continued to rub her arms, like the ocean when a storm's blowing in. Exhaling before he spoke, Will felt he had one more thing he needed to say. "Look, I know an 'I'm sorry' won't quite make up for this past semester," he began as Kelly raised her eyes to meet his, "but," he continued slowly, gazing into her eyes while licking his bottom lip, "I hope this will."
Closing his eyes, Will leaned in to softly kiss Kelly on the lips. Somewhat surprised yet altogether thrilled, Kelly closed her eyes, wrapped her arms around his neck, and returned the kiss. Will's hands dropped to the sides as she moved her arms, but they quickly found her torso and encompassed it. For a moment, they stood there embracing each other until they slowly pulled away. Kelly opened her eyes first, a small delighted grin gracing her face; Will opened his eyes and matched her grin. "Merry Christmas," he whispered as he leaned in to rest his forehead on hers.
"Merry Christmas," she whispered back.
"Did Santa bring you everything you wanted?" he asked as he held her. Nodding her head in response, Will replied, "Good."
"But there's one more thing," she said as she pulled her head away from his, which now wore a confused look. "How did you know where I live? Cos I never told you."
Devilishly grinning, Will laughed. "I asked Santa Claus first, but he wouldn't tell, so then I went Yahoo Gil Maps dot com."
Furrowing her brows in disbelief and confusion, Kelly soon figured out he asked Gilbert and decided then and there she'd just have to have a little chat with her favorite cousin later. Shaking her head, she asked, "So Gilbert gave you directions? Since when are you two in cahoots?"
Will laughed heartily. "Since you started ignoring my phone calls," he answered truthfully. "I sought Gil out for advice, and he gave me your address in return."
"Squealer," Kelly teasingly breathed, a smile tickling her face.
Just then a hearty laugh sounded from the doorway. Both Will and Kelly were astonished to find out someone had been watching them. Turning to see who the spy was both were somewhat relieved to see Gilbert standing there. Grinning from ear to ear with twinkling eyes, he sweetly said, "Merry Christmas, Kel. Sorry I couldn't wrap your present, but I gather you like it just the same."
Kelly laughed, shaking her head at her cousin. "You do beat all," she exclaimed as she hugged him, wishing she could do the same for him. "I owe you," she whispered in Gilbert's ear before releasing him. Gilbert shook his head in response to her whispered promise, knowing that the impossible would be impossible. Slightly exhaling, he smiled again and invited them in. "C'mon in. Everyone's starting to wonder about you, Kel. Will, come in, warm up, eat some leftovers with us, and meet the crew."
So the new couple followed Gilbert into the bustling packed house full of good spirits and love. As they entered, a light snow began to christen the ground making the house appear to be a scene from a beautiful snow globe. Inside the full house, the lights glowed, laughter flowed, and love encompassed all on this blythe Christmas Day.
AN: Thanks to everyone for all the reviews and for being very patient with me. I hope you all enjoy this Christmas-y chapter. I know, just in time for the real deal! I hope everyone has a very merry Christmas and that Santa gets you what you wanted too! ;) Well, I guess I'll see you all in the New Year! ;) ;)
