ISAAC MACALLISTER'S life revolves around building his business and doing his best to give his daughter Sara a strong sense of family. Over the years he's had to learn how to keep their little family together on his own, but this Christmas Isaac is g...
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The Christmas concert at the elementary school was clearly a highlight for the town. The gym was buzzing with excitement, but Jenna had a hard time concentrating on the kids.
"I'm sorry, Jenna. I promised not to drag you into our Christmas stuff, and here we are." She could feel Isaac's breath on her cheek as he leaned over to whisper into her ear. She wasn't finding she minded all that much. The Christmas-ness of the event was overrun by the proximity of Isaac. The seats were so close together, her leg was brushing up against his, and she could feel his hand almost resting on her leg. He looked nervous as they waited for Sara's class to take the stage and sing their song. She reached over to give his hand a quick squeeze of reassurance, and he grabbed onto it. When she would have taken it back, he held it more firmly in both of his.
"I think I'm more nervous than she is." Isaac gave a little laugh. "We've been practicing, but she's never been willing to sing when anyone else was in the room. I hope she doesn't freeze up on stage."
But when the group filed on, Sara didn't look nervous. She waved from the stage, and took her place next to the other angel girls and boys.
They sang their song as beautifully as a grade one class full of enthusiastic kids could. Which was mostly off-key and at full volume.
Strings of street lights, even stop lights Blink a bright red and green, As the shoppers rush home with their treasures.
Hear the snow crunch, see the kids bunch, This is Santa's big scene, And above all this bustle you hear ...
There was something about Christmas songs that went straight to Jenna's heart, and "Silver Bells" had always been one of her favourites.
Jenna didn't notice the sideways glances people were throwing their way as Sara came running up and hugged them both after the show. "Daddy said you helped make my angel costume. It was the nicest one anyone had. Did you hear me sing? I wasn't even scared or anything because angels are brave." And then she turned her never-ending energy to more important things. "Daddy, can we get cookies from the bake sale?" Sara pointed at a table surrounded by people at the edge of the room.
Isaac handed over a five-dollar bill and said, "Why don't you go pick out three of the nicest ones and we'll all have a treat."
When Sara darted off, Isaac turned to Jenna. "I just wanted to say thank you, too. Sara's costume was beautiful, and it really meant a lot to her that you came to see her sing today."
"Well, I think my heart would have to be made of stone to say no to a little girl's invitation."
"Yes, but you didn't have to do it. I just wanted you to know how much I appreciate it."
Jenna realized that although she had intended to avoid Christmas completely, she'd actually had fun doing things with Sara and Isaac over the past couple of days. Not for the sake of writing about things for her blog, but just for the sake of enjoying whatever was going on.
