Christmas Eve Eve

Second Thoughts

Oliver and Shane were readying themselves for what was the last workday before the Christmas break. Shane was standing before the mirror, curling her locks. Oliver stood beside her, combing his hair. Her face wore an expression of contemplation. Task completed, Shane turned off the straightener and began to speak.

'I wonder if I shouldn't go.' Experience had taught Oliver that he often joined a conversation well after it had actually started.

'To work?' he questioned.

'No, the Ball.'

Oliver looked shocked. What had caused this (as he thought) awful idea.

'Really Oliver, there is so much to do. I need to check the menu, and finish wrapping presents … and maybe I shouldn't be going out and leaving Mom alone…'

Oliver thought this monstrous thought needed a strenuous argument.

'Shane, I can't tell you to go, but I can ask you.'

Oliver moved behind Shane, placing his hands on her shoulders.

'Dancing with you is one of my favourite things. Dancing with you at the Postal Ball is a highlight of my year. Please?'

Shane looked torn. Her own desire to attend the Ball was at war with her stress levels.

Oliver continued. 'You know, I am sure you could ask your mother for help.'

Shane leaned into Oliver a little.

'I guess I could, but that still doesn't fix leaving her alone,' Shane replied with a sigh.

'I happen to know,' was Oliver's reply, 'That Dad is taking Sharon out to dinner and then they are going to check out the Lights at Union Station.'

'Oh.'

'Should we …'

'No, we should not join them.'

Oliver leaned in and kissed her cheek. 'Why don't you go and check with your mother if she can help with your Christmas preparation?'

Shane turned and patted her husband's cheek.

'Thank you for putting up with me.' Shane dragged her bottom lip through her teeth.

'I seem to remember at our wedding, you asked me to do just that.'

With a small bounce, Oliver continued. 'And if you could perhaps convince your mother to not cook such large and delicious breakfasts? I may need new suits if she stays much longer.'

With a giggle, Shane was gone.

The Beginnings of Shane's Cunning Plan

'Morning Mom,' Shane called a greeting as she sneaked past Sharon to steal a cooked bacon rasher from the piled plate. Shane received a slap on the hand from the spatula.

'Morning. Go and sit down to eat.'

Shane rolled her eyes but made her way to the table. Sharon brought the bacon and a latte for her daughter to the table, then sat down to join her.

Once Shane had pancakes, bacon and maple syrup stacked on her plate (Oliver was definitely right about the amount of food they were consuming) she alternated eating and chatting.

'Mom, do you have any plans for today?'

'Well, I am going to dinner with Joe, but before then nothing really.'

'Can I ask you to do me a couple of jobs?'

Sharon looked beyond pleased.

'Of course! What do you need?'

'Well,' Shane spoke hesitantly, 'I have a few presents that I haven't wrapped yet,' but also I was wondering … do you think you could find an ugly, artificial tree?'

Sharon looked confused.

'What on earth for?'

Shane quickly shared her plan.

Oliver entered just as Shane finished outlining her idea.

Shane looked up. 'Ooh, Oliver, could you please get the box of your left-over ornaments?'

It was Oliver's turn to look confused. 'The terrifying ones?' he asked.

Shane grinned, nodding.

Shall We Dance

Sharon had waited up for Shane and Oliver, keen to hear about their night out. Seeing the lights of Oliver's car, Sharon moved from her position on the couch, and went to the door of the living room, ready to greet them. Before she could reach the doorway, she stopped, delighted by what she saw. Oliver helped Shane with her coat, and when he had finished, removed his own. Sharon looked fondly at her children, Oliver very dapper in his tuxedo, and Shane looking sophisticated and beautiful in a stunning black ball gown. Shane had told her mother about the dress, but she hadn't seen it. Wow! One arm was covered with a chiffon sleeve that ended in a bell at her wrist, but the other shoulder was bare. The bodice was fitted to the waist, then flared into a full skirt. Shane walked past her husband, and as Oliver spun her back towards him, Sharon noticed that Shane's dress was also slit to above her knee. Although she was biased, Sharon was sure that Oliver and Shane would not have looked out of place on one of those dance competition shows. Sharon's eyes misted as she watched the couple dance one final dance before making their way upstairs.

Ruminations

Sharon waited a little before making her way upstairs. Once inside the beautiful guest room, Sharon readied herself for sleep, but spent the time reflecting on how this visit was unfolding. Almost in despair at how strained her relationship with Shane had become, Sharon looked at the luggage she had packed yesterday in preparation for removing herself to a local hotel. Yet here she was, still with her children, and she had real hope for their future relationship. Sharon took herself to bed, already looking forward to tomorrow.