Jo and Laurie: A Re-telling of the Re-telling

Christmas Part II

Christmas Part Two

Jo's scraps of papers were starting to flood her floor, she tried and she tried. She couldn't think of anything. Jo threw herself out of her chair and started to pace the floor, Just write, Jo!

Jo stopped in the middle of her tracks, as the lovely aroma of ham wafted through the air, Marmee knew it was her favorite. Yet, even the smell of ham couldn't get Jo out of her funk, she continued her pacing.

Marmee stood outside and knocked on the attic door, "Jo? May I come in?"

"Yes." Jo bluntly replied.

Marmee slowly walked into the room and looked at her daughter, she looked frantic, sleep-deprived, and melancholy. She opened her arms and embraced Jo, "dinner is ready, my dear."

Jo enjoyed the hug from her mother, Marmee always knew what she needed. Jo remained silent and enjoyed the hug from her mother, "Marmee, I can't do it. I can't write another novel."

Marmee looked down at her daughter, "Josephine March, you can do anything you put your mind to. Something will come in time, be patient."

"I hope so Marmee, I sure hope so," Jo felt much better. Marmee always gave her the encouragement she needed.

Marmee gave her daughter a tight squeeze and grabbed her hand, "Let's go eat some ham."

Jo laughed and followed her mother down the stairs where the table was beautifully decorated, Amy was helping Hannah place beautiful flowers on the table, "Oh, it's absolutely gorgeous my dears!" Marmee exclaimed.

"We could've used some extra help," Amy glanced at Jo.

"As if I could have been of any use in decorating!" Jo guffawed.

"You could be and you know it, a lot much more help than Dario was" Amy rolled her eyes at her sister.

"Hey, I tried my best!" Dario playfully shoved Amy.

Hannah walked in with the fresh ham arranged delicately on the platter, "Your favorite, Josephine."

Jo laughed, "Thank you and Merry Christmas, Hannah."

Hannah had known Jo was feeling down and gave her a tight squeeze, "Merry Christmas, Jo."

A brisk wind was driven through the room as John and Meg walked through the door.

John, happier than ever, exclaimed, "Merry Christmas to my wonderful Marches!"

The family embraced one another and all sat down at the beautiful table, everyone (especially Jo) was so delighted with the feast in front of them. The ham's thick aroma wafted Jo's way and her mouth started to drool.

For one second, just one second, she forgot about Laurie. Food did that to her sometimes, but it was only temporary. She thought about what they were doing right now. She missed him.

Mr. March sat down at the head of the table and asked his family to join hands so they could pray, he surprised everyone when he asked, "Dario, would you mind leading us in thanks?"

"Of course, sir."

Everyone bowed their heads and Dario began, "Father, thank you for this family. Thank you for their wonderful daughters and their wonderfully kind care. I pray that you bless them in this upcoming year as I know they bless so many others. Thank you for blessing me with this family that will soon be mine, as we celebrate Christmas together today I pray we do not forget the real reason for this gathering: the birth of your son, our savior. Bless this food to our bodies and bless the wonderful hands that crafted it. In your name, we pray, amen."