This morning, Brooke stands in front of Emma's bedroom door, hesitating for a second before knocking softly. It hurts her heart to see her anxiety, but she also knows that she has to overcome this stage to finally feel at home in Green Valley.
Brooke : Emma, my dear, it's time to get up.
She is still under the covers, her hair a mess, but her big hazel eyes are open, staring at her mother with some apprehension.
Emma : Mom, can we stay here today? Just you and me?
Brooke : I know it's hard, sweetheart. But it's important to go to school, to meet new friends. Do you remember Max? He'll be there too.
At the mention of Max, Emma seems to hesitate. Since they met, she has spoken of him with a shy smile, which is a good sign. Maybe knowing he'll be there will help her overcome her fear.
Emma : Okay, but only because Max will be there too.
Brooke helps her get dressed, handing her her favorite little blue dress. Once ready, Emma looks at herself in the mirror, still looking a little hesitant, but with a look of determination in her eyes. Brooke is proud of herself. Every day, she gets stronger, despite everything they're going through.
As they leave the house, fresh snow crunches under their feet. The fir trees lining their garden are covered in a white blanket, and the village is even more peaceful than usual. Brooke sees snowflakes sparkling in the air, adding a touch of magic to this winter morning.
Brooke and Emma arrive at the school, a small stone building nestled in the heart of the village. Christmas lights are already hung around the windows, and a large pine wreath adorns the front door. The other children and parents head toward the entrance, and Brooke can feel the tension in Emma's body as they approach.
Brooke : Look, Max is here.
Emma looks up, and her face lights up slightly when she sees Max. He's standing next to his father, a serious expression on his face, but when he sees Emma, he smiles and raises his hand to wave at her. That seems to be enough to make her relax a little, and she and her mother quickly join them.
Lucas : Hello. Ready for your big day?
Brooke nods with a smile, trying to hide her own nervousness. Lucas has such a calmness about him, a reassuring presence that makes her feel good.
Brooke : We're doing okay. I think the kids are a little stressed, but they'll be better once they're inside.
Lucas : Max is a little nervous too, but I'm sure they'll be fine. They'll support each other, I'm sure of it.
The kids exchange a few words, and Brooke and Lucas accompany them to the school gate. They shake hands one last time before entering, which makes Brooke smile. They are so small, but so brave. She wishes them a nice day, then she and Lucas stand there, watching the door close behind them.
Lucas : It always makes your heart ache, doesn't it?
Brooke : Yes, but they'll be fine.
They stand in the cold for a moment, enjoying the silence that follows. Then they each go their separate ways, returning to their respective days. Yet Brooke can't help but think about that shared moment, about how Lucas was able to ease her worries.
Tonight, the school is having a Christmas decoration party for parents and children. The idea is to create a fun time where everyone can help make the school more festive. Brooke thinks it's a cute idea, and Emma is excited to be a part of it, especially after her first day of school went so well. They head to school, bundled up in their coats to protect themselves from the bitter cold. When they arrive, Brooke is delighted to see that the school is already bustling with activity, with families settling into the main hall, ready to make decorations out of paper, cardboard, and even salt dough. Brooke spots Lucas and Max in the distance, sitting at a table. Lucas waves at her, and Emma immediately runs over to join Max, delighted to see him again. Brooke approaches Lucas, a little intimidated by all the activity, but happy to see a familiar face.
Lucas : Hey! Ready to create the most magnificent Christmas decorations in the village?
Brooke : I can't promise anything, but I'll try.
They sit down at the same table, the children already absorbed in their creations. Brooke watches them, amazed at how quickly they've become friends. She and Lucas work side by side, sharing scissors, glue sticks, and smiles. There's a kind of lightness in the air, a festive atmosphere that makes you forget all the worries of everyday life.
Brooke : Emma seems really happy here.
Lucas : Max too. It's good to see him adapt so quickly. I think their friendship helps a lot.
Brooke agrees. Seeing Emma so fulfilled reassures her. That's what she wanted when she came here: for her to find her place, to feel safe and surrounded. And she can't deny that sharing this moment with Lucas is nice. There's a simplicity, an ease between them that surprises her. The children, themselves, are totally absorbed by their project. They whisper among themselves, and Brooke can't help but observe them, fascinated by their complicity.
Emma : Do you think our parents are happy here?
Max : I think so. My dad, he smiles more since we got here.
Emma : Mom too. She laughs more. And I think she likes your dad.
Brooke freezes for a moment, surprised by her daughter's audacity. Luckily, Lucas doesn't seem to have heard. He's focused on a paper garland that he's trying not to drop.
Max : You know, I have an idea. What if we did something to make them even happier?
Emma : Like what?
Max : Like helping them be together, you know?
Emma stays silent for a moment. Max's idea makes its way through her mind, like a spark that grows little by little. She glances at her mother and Lucas, who are laughing together while trying to untangle a paper garland. They look happy, and it warms her heart.
Emma : Do you think we could really do that? Put them both together?
Max : Yeah, I think we can. We could... I don't know... find things they both like to do and encourage them to spend time together.
Emma : Like what?
Max thinks for a moment, playing with a paper star he just cut out.
Max : They definitely like Christmas. Maybe we could organize something, like an outing to choose a tree together or an evening baking Christmas cookies.
Emma finds herself smiling at the idea. Her mom loves to cook, and Lucas seems to really enjoy Christmas traditions.
Emma : And maybe we could write them cards or letters, saying nice things... like, "I like it when we're all together," or, "It was great spending time with you." It would make them want to see each other more often.
Max : Yeah, that's a great idea! We could even try leaving them alone for a while, like when they're having coffee or making something together.
Emma nods, already imagining the scenes Max describes. It's true that her mother and Lucas seem to get along well. Maybe if they spent more time together, they would realize that they could be happy together. Emma feels a gentle warmth in her heart, that of a little girl who just wants to see her mother smile more often.
Emma : Okay, let's do this. Let's put our plan into action.
Max and Emma exchange a knowing look, one of those silent moments when you know you agree on something important. Then, without wasting time, they start tinkering again, but this time, with one goal in mind; That of uniting their parents.
The evening goes better than Brooke could have imagined. She feels a growing connection between Lucas and her, a complicity that seems natural, easy. It's as if they've always been friends, even if they've only just met. Maybe it's the magic of Christmas, or simply the fact that they understand each other through their similar situations, their children being their priority. At one point, Emma and Max move away, pretending to want to go see another group's decorations. Lucas and Brooke then find themselves alone at the table, surrounded by colored papers, scissors and glue. The silence between them is comfortable, as if they don't need to speak to understand each other.
Lucas : They seem to get along well, our two little ones.
Brooke : Yeah, I do. I'm really glad they found each other. It makes everything so much easier for them.
Lucas : I think it does them both good. After everything they've been through... it's good to see them smiling and having fun.
Brooke can't help but agree. Since they arrived in Green Valley, she's seen Emma blossom in ways she never imagined possible so quickly. And she has to admit that Lucas and Max have a lot to do with it.
Lucas : And you, how do you find life here?
Brooke : It's different than I imagined, but in a good way. I wanted peace and quiet, simplicity, for me and for Emma, and I think that's exactly what we found here. Green Valley is... calming.
Lucas looks at her, his eyes searching for something in hers.
Lucas : I know what you mean. That's kind of what I was looking for when I came back here too. A place where Max and I could... start over.
There's something in his voice, an honesty that touches Brooke deeply. She realizes that they're both searching for something, maybe peace, maybe happiness. The kids come running back, their cheeks red with excitement, interrupting the moment they've been sharing. They proudly show off their new creations: paper stars and cotton snowmen.
Emma : Look what we made! Do you like it?
Emma proudly holds up her cotton snowman, her eyes shining with excitement. Brooke takes the creation in her hands, feigning serious inspection.
Brooke : Oh, but it's beautiful, my dear! It's perfect to decorate our tree.
Lucas : And you, Max, what did you make?
Max in turn shows a paper star, decorated with small gold glitter.
Max : I wanted to do something special for the top of the tree.
Lucas takes the star and looks up at Brooke, his fingers brushing hers as he places the star on the table.
Lucas : I think that's the most beautiful Christmas star I've ever seen.
Brooke feels a slight shiver run down her skin, a soft warmth, almost imperceptible, but real. Lucas has this gift of making every simple moment... special. The children return to their crafts, already discussing their next creation. Brooke turns to Lucas, ready to continue their conversation, but she is interrupted by the teacher's announcement.
Teacher : Ladies and gentlemen, children, thank you all for participating tonight! We did a wonderful job together, and the school will never have looked so beautiful for Christmas. Before you leave, don't forget to collect your decorations and take them home.
Parents and children begin to get up, gathering their things. The excitement grows in the room as the families prepare for the cold night. Emma and Max rush to wrap up their creations, already discussing how they will display them in their home. Lucas and Brooke help them gather their things, and as they leave the school, Brooke feels a light snow begin to fall. The flakes dance around them, illuminated by the streetlights, creating a magical atmosphere.
Brooke : It feels like Christmas is really here.
Lucas stands next to her, hands in his pockets, and for a moment, they are silent, just enjoying the magic of the moment. Brooke can feel Emma and Max, right in front of them, whispering and laughing together.
Lucas : I think this is the best Christmas I've had in a long time.
Brooke turns her head to him, surprised by his confession, but he continues to stare ahead, his eyes following the children.
Brooke : Me too.
They continue walking in silence until they arrive in front of Brooke's house. Brooke stops, hesitant at this moment of separation. Lucas and Max also seem hesitant, as if they don't want the evening to end.
Brooke : Thank you for this evening. It was really nice.
Emma : Yes, thank you. It was great!
Lucas : It was a pleasure. Maybe we could... meet up for coffee sometime? Just us, I mean, while the kids are at school?
Brooke feels her heart beat a little faster at the suggestion. It's a simple invitation, but it carries with it a hope, a possibility.
Brooke : Yes, I would be happy to.
Lucas smiles back at her, and Brooke can see a spark of excitement in his eyes, something subtle but promising. After one last glance, Lucas and Max wave goodbye before heading to their house.
Brooke and Emma return home, and once the door is closed, the little girl turns to her mother, a mischievous smile on her lips.
Emma : Mom, you know what?
Brooke : What, sweetheart?
Emma : I think you and Max's dad would be super happy together.
Brooke freezes, surprised by his remark. But before she can answer, Emma bursts out laughing and runs to the living room to put down her decorations. Brooke leans against the door, a smile playing on her lips. Maybe Emma is right after all. Maybe this new life in Green Valley still has a lot of surprises in store for their. The warmth of the house, the soft light of the Christmas lights and the innocence of her daughter's dreams form a comforting cocoon around her. She closes her eyes for a moment, letting hope settle gently in her heart. This Christmas, who knows? It could well mark a new beginning for them all.