The Librarians And the Advent List

Dec 7

Jacob actually seemed in a really great mood that morning, Cassandra reflected as he walked in carrying two holiday themed cups from Starbucks. He set her holiday tea in front of her and grinned. He was even wearing a green sweater, she was a little taken aback.

"Stone?"

"I had an idea for today's outing, that is if you hadn't something already planned."

She cocked her head studying him, "well today's agenda was getting a tree."

He beamed, "that's what I was hoping you'd say."

She smiled, "well, there's a charming tree lot around the corner from my apartment, so I figured we could go after . . . ."

Stone scoffed. "Oh no, we ain't doin' that. Get your coat. Are you wearing warm boots?"

"Um yeah, why?"

"We're goin' to a tree farm."

She grinned, clapping her hands. "Through the Door?"

"Nah, it's more practical to just put it on my truck. I found a great place a little over an hour's drive from here. So go, get your coat and gloves, daylight's a wastin'."

Cassandra jumped up excitedly and very nearly hugged him. Only stepping back because she wasn't quite sure how he would react. He looked boyishly excited by the whole thing though. Then she did as he requested and dashed off to her locker.

She came back as quickly as she could in coat, hat, scarf and mittens. Stone had bundled up as well and was holding an axe.

"You're bringing your own axe?" Cassandra asked, looking confused.

He shrugged. "They have 'em but you don't know if they'll all been taken. Besides I like this one."

She looked a little skeptical. It was a smaller axe than she'd seen him wield before. "Isn't it a little small?"

"Don't insult the axe!"

Cassandra couldn't help her giggle and he continued, rolling his eyes. "It's better suited for cutting down Christmas trees. Ain't my first rodeo. Now like I said, come on light's a wasting!"

--

Cassandra had waited until she saw the trees on offer before she got an idea of what she was looking for. It was far easier for her to visualize when they were in front of her. Now she stood in the midst of hundreds of trees, getting a feel for what they looked like and offered. Stone stood next to her, letting her take it all in, there to offer help if needed. She visualized the trees, thought about the space she was going to put the tree in. Visualized the height and width. Then she zoomed in. There, she had the perfect tree in her head. Now to find it.

It actually didn't take her that long, which was probably an advantage of her gift. Then Stone got to have his fun, chopping down the tree. A couple of teenage farm workers helped them out after that and Cassandra soon realized she was in the way, not quite realizing all the steps that were now needed. They were giving away free hot chocolate and cookies in the barn where Stone found her later, sitting on a hay bale, one cat on her lap and another rubbing around her legs. He shook his head, went to get his own hot chocolate and cookies and joined her on the bale. The cat not on Cassandra's lap soon jumped on his.

"Hey, do not eat my cookie," Stone grumbled but once he had a free hand, petted the cat anyway.

"Thanks for today," Cassandra said softly. "This was even more fun than I'd planned on having." She nudged him. "Maybe someone is getting a bit over the Christmas grumps?"

He grinned, not being able to help himself. "I will admit I'm having fun. You're good company, Cassandra and you're being a good friend. Keeping busy . . .it helps keep my mind off of it. So thank you. Okay? Not sure I'm quite back into the Christmas spirit yet, but . . . ."

"Yeah, I get it. Well, we should get back. Decorating tomorrow?"

"Provided clippings book is quiet."

She nodded. "Alright, let's go."