Merry Little Christmas

02. Promised

"But nothing in life is set in stone and nothing in life is promised us. Not happiness, not joy, not love. Everything was variable and mutable and inconstant." -Faith Hunter




December 2nd, 1961

"Good day to you Otto! Helena!" A man rushed towards the family, who was found huddled over their blankets and jackets trying to free themselves of the cold air. "Isabella, Niall! Looks like you two have grown a solid two feet there!"

Isabella giggled. "Thanks Mr. Knight!"

"Andrew! What a pleasant surprise to see you here in the morning!" Mrs. McCarthy said, delighted.

"Oh, no it's my pleasure!" He smiled. "Here, I brought you guys extra blankets, and food with drinks to last about a week."

Mama and Papa smiled. "Oh, Andrew you are such a gentleman! What can we do to repay you?" Papa said shakily, his hands out to grab the blankets and boxes of food from Andrew's arms.

"Mr. Knight, me and Niall appreciate your help tons." Isabella shivered. It was very cold.

"I'm happy to help!" He nodded, putting his hands inside his coat pocket.

The family shot Mr. Knight a smile, as he shot one back. For a moment they thanked him, as the cold breeze spun around them. They very much appreciated his help, as he never failed to leave them empty-handed each day.

"I better get going," He said after a time. "I'm heading down work early today, they need me for something important." He motioned to the building, the big building Niall hoped to go into some day.

"Oh, go ahead, dear!" Mama called, but right before he could say goodbye, Isabella interrupted.

"What do you want for Christmas?" She whispered, almost inaudibly.

For a time, Andrew didn't talk. He just looked into Isabella right into the eye. He shot her a smile. One no one could forget. He had a big heart. So did she.

"For Christmas? I wanna try getting someone else something."

Isabella grinned in response. Although he didn't want a Christmas present, he certainly did need one. From her especially.

"See you guys tomorrow, then!" And he was off to the great big building Niall had longed to go into, just to see the pretty little Christmas decorations that hung inside during the Christmas season. Just to view a glimpse of their past.

It felt so long ago; the stockings that hung on the fireplace and the Christmas tree that was promised never to be left bare. All was so out of reach. So far out into the ocean that one would get lost, never to be found again. And to sink, deep into the ocean where the only possible way to get out was to swim. But so many obstacles would confront them; so much for a little family.

They were grateful beyond words, so indebted of the deeds Andrew had given them, yet not even at all. He had a big heart, so full of selflessness. He didn't expect presents in return, but as opposed to he expected gratitude and respect. And that would be all he needed.

"Mr. Knight is a good man." Niall beamed with sympathy.

"He is, very much a good man." Mama agreed.

She opened the big box full of cozy blankets and food, giving each of them their own. She was breathless. She unwrapped the noodles he carefully put into nice container, giving them to the kids, then unwrapped some for themselves. He had been doing this for almost a year, yet they always were grateful for what they were given.

They took out the silverware from out of the packaging, and before they started eating, they mouthed a little prayer.

"Isabella, it's your turn to speak today." Papa reminded. She nodded, kneeling with her hands together to start the prayer.

"Today, we have been blessed. Andrew Knight, has given us this meal today, he'll surely come again tomorrow. God bless Andrew Knight, as his good has effected us everyday. Thank you for the food we have been served with, and the blankets to keep us warm during the winter. Amen."

"Amen." The family repeated in unison.

And even after that, savored the meal and made sure to smell it thoroughly before they could get a good taste. Carefully, with quivering hands, they put a spoonful into their mouths, chewing slowly, enjoying the warm deliciousness they had been given for the day. They were usually careful not to finish the whole thing, but this time they helped themselves with a bountiful meal, enough to satisfy their stomachs for a couple hours before they go numb with starvation once more.

"Mama, will we give Mr. Knight a Christmas present this year?" Isabella asked between mouthfuls of noodles.

"We'll see. He certainly deserves one." She agreed. "Now go finish your noodles before they get cold."

She nodded, finishing the last spoonfuls of her noodles like told.

❆

It was cold. But they were used to it, and along with their new dry comfy blankets it felt warmer to them than to most. They sat on the side of the sidewalk all day, watching busy New-Yorkers come and go as they watched their selfish faces look that them with neutral expressions. None dared to touch them. To them, they were nothing but repulsive human beings that looked poorly on the street.

They didn't know their story. Most people look at them, only criticizing their appearance. But Andrew went deeper. He was kind, and accepted the family for who they were. He didn't criticize nor hate them for who they appeared to be. There were two sides to every story, and he knew that.

They were gazing at the starry night, looking above and beyond, scrutinizing the stars and the images they could make out.

"It's the big dipper!" Isabella could articulate. The only thing Isabella believed stars would promise was- "It's a shooting star!" Isabella said, bewildered.

"Go on! Make a wish!" Papa encouraged.

She closed her eyes, and whispered the only thing her mind could recall on.

"Starlight, star bright," She stopped, giving an attempt to recollect the rest of the words to the rhyme. "the first star I see tonight. I wish I may, I wish I might... Have this wish I wish tonight." She stopped, pretending like she didn't know what to wish for. "I wish-" She was suddenly stopped.

"No! Isabella, say it in your head, silly!"

"Oh," She managed to laugh, and made the wish herself.

And whatever she may have wished for, it was sure to come true. Whether it be that night, or even a year from then, the stars above her held her a promise. One that was for her and the stars to know, and the rest to find out. And by the look of it, things would get so much better for the McCarthy family. That, was promised.