My What if Christmas Wish

Chapter 20

Patrice treasured her time with her family for Christmas. Her niece Leah leaped for joy upon her arrival. Patrice even reveled in spending time with her brother, Robert. A game of dominos with the men brought many laughs, which included her brother-in-law and her father. 

Getting out of bed on Christmas Eve was difficult, for she knew it was Adam's wedding day. Nonetheless, she ignored her own problems and enjoyed her last night with her family. Time went by so fast, and before Patrice knew it, her parents dropped her off at the airport. She promised to visit more often.

Once again, she slept on the plane. The announcement from the flight attendant that they were landing shortly, however, woke her. After landing, Patrice retrieved her luggage at baggage claim and had a cab escort her back home.

It didn't feel like home as she walked through the entrance. No one was there to greet her or tell her how much they'd missed her. Patrice spent most of the evening unpacking her things. She then decided to skip dinner and retire to bed early.

****

For the next few weeks, Patrice welcomed the New Year. She had gained two new patients and found her schedule becoming more demanding. It was the middle of January and she could hardly believe it. Adam crossed her mind often. She wondered if was happy. He had to since he and Danielle were married. She accepted his decision. If she's what he wants, then good for him.

After a hard day's work, Patrice left the office-bound for home. Usually, she would stay and plan for the following day, but she wanted to take down her Christmas decorations. She instructed Holly to lock up and headed for the elevators.

Listening to the radio on the way home irritated Patrice. Every station seemed to play a "love song." She turned to others but found no such luck. She chose to ride in silence, but her thoughts of Adam only shouted louder.

Finally, Patrice pulled into her driveway. When she spotted an unfamiliar car beside her, she spied out her window. Her eyes widened. Someone was sitting on her front porch. Fear gripped her chest. Was it a neighbor? She didn't know but grabbed her cell in case she needed to phone the police. Calm down; not everybody is a criminal.

She exited her Chevy Cruze. The lump in her throat increased but she pressed forward. As she got closer, she gasped. Adam? While he met her gaze, they didn't speak. Patrice passed him and unlocked her front door. He followed her inside.

They took off their coats and continued to her living room. Adam removed his gloves and placed them on the arm of her couch. Patrice then turned on her gas fireplace. The silence between them remained.

"Do you want something to drink? I can make some tea," Patrice suggested.

He nodded in apparent agreement. Patrice moseyed into her kitchen and prepared two cups of tea. Five minutes later, she rejoined Adam in her living room. He was twiddling his thumbs and noticeably staring into space. She handed him his cup and their fingers lightly brushed. Patrice denied the sensation but took her seat on the love seat opposite of Adam.

"What kind of tea is this?" he asked breaking the silence.

"Chamomile," Patrice informed him.

He nodded and took another sip. When he set his cup on the coffee table in front of him, Patrice did the same with hers.

"Did you have fun with your family?" he wondered.

"I did," she answered. "Thanks for asking."

Silence once again enveloped the room, but not for long.

"I've been doing some thinking," Adam said.

Patrice wondered. "About what?"

"About everything, about what you said especially," he responded. Patrice could feel the palms of her hands sweating.

"I'm sorry about that, Adam. I didn't mean—"

"Just stop Patrice," he interrupted. "You said what you had to say. It's time for me to say my piece, okay?"

"Okay," she agreed

He cleared his throat. "Patrice, that stunt you pulled a few weeks ago wasn't cool at all. I haven't seen or heard from you in seven years. We meet up. I introduced you to Danielle, and you leave. Then all of a sudden you tell me you're still in love with me. What am I supposed to think? You hurt me in college, but I decided to let you go because I thought it was what you wanted."

Patrice didn't respond. She didn't want to rock the boat, but she wondered why he came. Just listen.

"Do you know how long it took for me to get over you? My friends would set me up with women constantly, but all I could do was compare them to... you," he declared.

Patrice's feelings were on the brink of spilling over. In times like these, she would advise a patient to listen. However, on the other side of the spectrum, she wrestled to keep quiet. She was on the edge of her seat, literally.