chapter forty-four: have yourself a merry little christmas
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"next year, all our troubles will be out of sight." -have yourself a merry little christmas
•.¸¸.•'¨* •.¸¸.•*'¨•.¸¸.•'¨'
THE SNOW GLISTENED AS IT FELL IN VIENNA PRESCOTT'S HOMETOWN.
It was Christmas Eve, and Vienna was hoping for a white Christmas this year. There hadn't been a white Christmas in Connecticut since her father was alive.
This time of year was especially hard for her, because down every corner of the street, there was a reminder that her father was dead.
Children holding hands with their dads, families in the park taking Christmas card photos, families with mothers who get out of bed every day...
She knew her mother could not control her depression, but she just longed for how things were when she was young.
Her boots crunched through the slushy snow as more collected on her brunette hair, which was covered partially by a pink hat. It was freezing cold, so Vienna wore a matching scarf and hat, a coat, and winter boots.
She walked up the stairs to the old library that she loved dearly, a dark green box tucked under her arm, shielding it from getting wet. She was going to visit her favorite librarian, and the only current librarian that worked there.
Mabel supported her through the death of her father, and helped her discover some of her favorite books, and from the ages of twelve to fifteen, was her only friend. She would never forget Mabel, no matter where the Naturals program would take her.
She opened the doors of the library, and it closed gently behind her.
"Mabel, are you here?" She calls out, pulling her hat. Mabel had closed the library to the public because she figured that nobody is going to the library on Christmas Eve, but she and Vienna are still meeting.
"Vienna? Is that you?" The old woman hobbles from the back room, a sweet smile on her face.
"It's me!" She grins, picking up her speed as she reached Mabel. She hugged the old woman gently. She smelled like Christmas candles and peppermint.
"Vienna, I have missed you so much, my darling. It's been too long."
Vienna smiles. "I know. I'm sorry I don't come visit more than once a year. It's just hard." "I understand." Mabel gave an understanding nod and a warm smile. "Come on, Vienna. I have your gift in the back. I also made lunch, cookies, and hot chocolate."
Vienna grins. "Oh, Mabel, you didn't have to. But you know I can't turn down your lunch." She grins as she follows her to the back of the library.
Mabel made the most perfect turkey sandwiches. Although they are not hard to make, Vienna has never had one quite like Mabel's.
