Christmas Behind Bars #simplychristmascontest

Chapter 17- The Christmas Festival

     It was time to start getting ready for the festival, and there was still no sign of Preston anywhere. The little bit of hope she grasped with both hands completely faded into oblivion leaving her plummeting into a cavern of despair. She walked up the stairs and entered her room. Her shoulders slumped and her heart ached as she lay face up on the bed unwilling to move. I don't know how I'll be able to face my family when he doesn't show up. She sighed. Well...I guess it's better than them finding out none of this is real while I'm getting hauled off to jail for kidnapping. Maybe this is his way of kindly letting me off the hook for a felony.

Even though she tried convincing herself his disappearance would be the easiest way to end this charade, her heart still ached. Why did I let myself fall for his act? Why did I have to fall in love with him? Tears built up in her eyes until they could go nowhere but down her cheeks and onto the pink quilt covering the bed.

After allowing herself the luxury of tears, she squared her shoulders and took a few healing breaths. I won't let this get me down. He doesn't love me, and how can I expect him to? I've had my head in the clouds this week. It's time to put on my big girl boots and face reality like an adult. Life is not some kind of romantic comedy, and the sooner I figure that out, the better.

Grabbing her clothes, she headed down the hall and turned up the shower as hot as she could tolerate. Wisps of steam curled and writhed in the air while she let the scorching water wash away her cares as best it could.

Everyone else was already at City Hall. The craft fair started early, and Gammy wanted to be out in time to make some big sales. Thankful for the solitude, Darcy took her time getting ready. Although she tried not to think of the disappointed looks on the faces of her parents and Gammy, images of what was to come forced their way into her thoughts. At least Jake knew her secret; one less person to let down.

This will hurt Gammy the worst. She really loved Preston, and she had such high hopes. How will she ever forgive me?

Slipping into her black, lace dress and red heels, she heaved a sigh as she looked at herself in the mirror. At least I can try and look good tonight. I can look either disheveled or sad, but I can't do both. After applying a respectable amount of makeup and pinning her curls to one side at the nape of her neck, she checked the time. Here goes nothing.

Bracing herself for the onslaught of emotions destined to rain down the moment she entered City Hall alone, she turned the doorknob and started her walk down the gauntlet of shame. Though she knew full well she was the author of her own misfortunes where Preston was concerned, the knowledge didn't make her heart ache any less as she reluctantly made her way down the stairs.

***

He stood at the bottom of the stairs...waiting. After a busy day in the city getting all of his plans set in motion, he barely had time to change into his suit and tie and get back to Darcy in time for the Christmas festival. Upon hearing her door open and close, his heartbeat picked up the pace. At the appearance of a pair of red stilettos, his breathing almost stopped. All day, his thoughts were occupied with Darcy, and still, he struggled to believe she really loved him.

The way she walked so slowly and deliberately down the stairs spoke of her hesitation, and he wondered if she doubted he would come back to her. As she reached the third step from the bottom, their eyes met. Her mouth fell open and her blue eyes glistened like freshly fallen snow.

Her red curls were pinned to the side with a few stray ringlets brushing her collarbone. Never before had she looked so beautiful. For a moment they stood staring at each other, and he was unsure how to proceed. Love for her stirred in his heart, and he filled the gap between them.