A Christmas Journey

Chapter 2

As time passed, Sherri began to accept the separation and gradually returned to her old self. She only told her two closest friends about what was happening and made them promise to tell no one else. Otherwise, she settled into the new status quo for her life. She continued to live with her mom and would stay with her dad on weekends.

Days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months, and soon Christmas was around the corner.

10 days before Christmas, December 15, Elizabeth walked up to her daughter's room where Sherri was studying for finals.

"Sherri, I've got a surprise for you." Sherri's mother announced.

"What is it, Mom?" the girl asked.

"Well, I don't want you get your hopes up, but your father and I have been talking a lot. I know this has been hard on you and on us as well. That's why we've decided to try again. We've both been miserable without each other, so you and I are going to drive up to spend Christmas with him and see how it goes."

Sherri felt more happiness than she had felt in months. However, after what had happened, she was cautious. "Really? I can't believe it!" she exclaimed before changing her tone. "Just one question: you guys aren't gonna get together for a couple of weeks and then change your minds, are you?"

"I don't think so. We've been talking for over a month, now, and we honestly feel that we've worked a lot of things out and want to work through the rest. We really are getting back together. Monday, we're going to drive to Dad's house to tell him bye before we leave."

Not long after the family moved to South Carolina, Elizabeth's parents decided to follow suit. They had roots in Minot as well, but wanted to be near their granddaughter and fell in love with the state after a pair of visits.

The weekend flew by while they were getting ready for the trip. At school, Sherri's friends noticed a change in her.

"Okay, you've told us most everything so far, so what are you so happy about, now?" Caitlin asked.

"Yeah, you're happier than we've seen you in a few months!" Angela added. "What's up?"

"My mom and dad might getting back together!" Sherri said ecstatically.

"That's great!" Caitlin exclaimed. Seeing a hint of sadness in Sherri's face, she asked, "What's wrong, now?"

"We're..." Sherri paused, "If it works out, we'll be moving back to North Dakota. My dad has a better job there than he had here and found a new place we can easily afford."

"What's wrong with that?" Angela asked.

"I don't want to leave my friends, especially you two."

Angela said firmly, "Let me tell you something, if my mom and dad were gonna get back together, I would be willing to move almost anywhere. Besides, we can call, text, and keep up with each other online."

Sherri was reassured and the three reminisced throughout the next few days.

Friday, which came very quickly, found Sherri and Elizabeth preparing to visit Sherri's grandfather, John.

Elizabeth was standing impatiently by the door, looking at her watch. "Sherri!" she called upstairs, "Aren't you ready yet? We're supposed to be at Dad's house in an hour and a half. He lives toward the mountains and its starting to sleet."

"Coming, Mom!" Sherri replied as she raced down the stairs.

They calmly walked out to the small sedan and climbed in. After allowing the car to warm up, they were off.