Mistletoe Magic

Cassie Blake stood outside Ivy House debating with herself. A mammoth task lay waiting for her inside and she just didn't want to face it.

"Hey Cass, you all set for tonight?"

Stephanie's cheery voice interrupted her thoughts and she jumped as she turned to see her friend making her way up the driveway.

Cassie shrugged her shoulders, "Still debating," she sighed.

"Oh no you don't Cassie Blake, the whole town is counting on you. It's tradition and it's your turn."

"I know Steph, but I just can't do it. I hate Christmas. You know that."

"That's bull and you know it." Stephanie snapped. "And besides, it's not Christmas you hate, it's Ben and you need to snap out of it. It's been two years Cass, and a good party is just what you need. Oh, and I did I mention Jake's coming home especially."

Cassie glared at her friend. She was in no mood for her matchmaking.

"He's bringing his new girlfriend," Stephanie added with a smirk. "I'll be back in an hour to help with the decorating, just got to pop into the office."

Cassie went to object but Stephanie turned and marched down the driveway.

"One hour and you better be ready," she called over her shoulder.

Cassie sighed and made her way into the house and the box of decorations waiting for her on the dining room table.

The Christmas party was something all the residents in Summerfield looked forward to and if she was honest she'd always enjoyed them too. Each year the party was held in a different house. The last time she'd been the host was five years ago.

"Well It's now or never," Cassie muttered pulling open the box and peering inside. She couldn't help but smile as she pulled garlands and lights out onto the table. The ornaments had been in her family for generations and she lined them up on the table ready to be placed in their appointed locations. Each had its own special place, just the way her grandmother and mother before her. Maybe it won't be so bad she thought. After all, Christmas used to be fun.

Reaching into the bottom of the box Cassie pulled out a small piece of velvet cloth. She dropped it immediately. She knew exactly what it was. The mistletoe, her grandmother's favourite piece and the cause of all her misery. You'll meet the man of your dreams under this mistletoe her grandmother had said. That's how she met grandpa and how mom met dad. Cassie smiled as she remembered her grandmother's tales of love and the magic mistletoe. They'd always been so special and real until she met Ben. She'd kissed him under that very same mistletoe five years ago and all she'd gotten was a broken heart and a mountain of debt.

"Not this year, grandma," she said as she closed the box. "No more magic for me."

The next hour flew by as Cassie placed ornaments and decorations around the house. True to her word Stephanie arrived to help and the day passed in laughter, music, and the odd glass of wine. When Stephanie asked about grandma's magic mistletoe Cassie lied and said she couldn't find it.

At 5pm the caterers arrived to set up the food. The decorating was almost complete and the house looked amazing. Cassie caught Stephanie looking at the blank space above the living room door where the mistletoe hung each year. She saw the disappointment on her face but refused to budge. There would be no mistletoe this year.

"I'm just going to put this box upstairs then I'm off to beautify myself," Stephanie called out as she grabbed the empty decorations box from the dining room.