Merry Little Christmas

10. Getting Worse

December 12, 1961

Everything was about to go bad. But the McCarthy's thought they didn't deserve any of it. The truth was, they didn't. The truth was if life was fair, they would have the best luxuries in the world. But it wasn't. That wasn't the case.

It was a typical day. Isabella and Niall weren't awake, despite the cold air around them. It did nothing to wake them up. Mr. and Mrs. McCarthy were wrapped around in the damp blankets they were given a couple days prior. It was already noon, but Andrew did not come yet. 

But he would. They thought.  He had been late before. Many times. However this was different. They couldn't explain how but it just was. It was if they already knew it was going to get worse because of what happened in previous days. 

"He will come." Papa assured Mama. But either way, both had some uncertainty. Some type of uncertainty that if they could, they would get rid of it. But they couldn't, and that was the bad thing to it all. 

Mama hugged her knees, the blanket doing it's best to preserve the little warmth. "I don't know this time." She had a gut feeling that if things didn't work out, then nothing would. And if that meant taking away the most resourceful thing to the McCarthy's, then that mean Andrew would be taken away from them. 

Of course, he wasn't an object. He was a friend. And they didn't care whether or not he had their supplies with him. He was a nice man and that was all that really mattered. "He will come." Papa repeated, but this time with less confidence. 

The two sleepy heads soon wallowed in their position, adjusting to the cold winter day. "Good morning." Isabella yawned, as she rubbed her hands together for warmth. She looked up at the sky. She couldn't tell if it was near night or still morning; the white snow reflected off and all she could reckon was the bright light of Christmas. Maybe it was telling them that everything was going to be okay. Maybe it was telling them that even if right now it was worse, it was going to get better sooner or later. That was what Isabella hoped for. 

"Did you sleep well?" Papa asked.

"I guess," She shrugged. "it was better than yesterday." The events of yesterday stuck to her head like glue. It took a toll on her, and unfortunately everyone could tell. Mama and Papa exchanged worried glances. 

"Did you sleep well, Niall?" 

He yawned, rubbing his eyes afterward. "Yes I had a dream that I got to see the big building!" He giggled. "I tried to look for Mr. Knight be he wasn't there." They looked at each other again, this time looking more scared than worried. 

"I'm sure its nothing." Papa mouthed, as he received a slight nod from Mama. 

Isabella was worried too. Andrew had been with them every step of the way, a little concern now and then popped up in her head wondering when he would stop. Now it was stronger. So strong it felt like it was about to come true. The dream Niall had was just a dream though, and surely dreams don't come true. 

"Did Mr. Knight stop by already?" Isabella asked, hoping for a yes. 

"No," Mr. and Mrs. McCarthy said in unison. "no he didn't. But don't worry he will come."

Isabella shook her head. "We can't depend on him all the time, mama." She whispered. "We are capable enough to do something about this without putting the lives of other people in danger." She spat. 

"No we can't."

"Yes! Yes we can! We can if we do something about it!" She retorted. She was tired of living this way. She was tired of living a life full of struggle and so full of consequences. She was tired of it all. "And whether he will or will not come, I don't care. He's done so much for us! We can't let him do this for the rest of our lives!" 

Niall looked horrified. Mama and Papa started in silence. And Isabella looked down to the ground, clearing her throat, attempting to make a calmer statement. "I don't care." She said, slumping back into the snow, putting her hands in her blue jacket pocket. 

For a while, everything was silent. There was no talking or chattering among themselves, but rather peace and quiet. Somehow New York took a part of it as well, for the city was quiet and all you could comprehend was the white snow still dripping on the floor. 

The band was not playing any songs today. Isabella looked forward to that type of day. Listening to the Christmas melodies she could recollect during the winter season where everything was fine. Now everything was going downhill, and exactly when she thought it had reached its maximum, it proved her wrong. 

She didn't understand why everything seemed to be realistic, even when it never even happened yet. She didn't understand why her gut was pounding harder than her heart, when her heart should be the one guiding her every day. She didn't understand why there had to be so much rain before a rainbow. For them especially. Waiting was the worst part of all. 

"You're right." Mama finally broke the silence. She shook her head. "You are right." 

Isabella finally looked up from her stop. "W-what?" She stuttered.

Mama breathed out a sigh. "Everything you have said was correct. All of it." She agreed. 

She didn't say a word. She smiled and shrugged, and Mr. and Mrs. McCarthy understood. She wasn't mad, she just needed to think. The past week was crazy. And Christmas is on the line, there's still so much to do. The family sat in the silent, the silent not bothering them, despite the fact that the city was never quiet. The family needed a break. Even little Niall who didn't like sitting in silence looked as if he needed the time as well. And it did them well.

A man came rushing down the street. He wore a black jacket with nothing in his arms.  When the figure came closer, it was clear to see who it was. 

"I am," the man panted, as he set him hands on his knees. "so sorry." He looked like he was on the verge of tears. "I-I don't, I can't bring you guys things anymore. I'm so, so sorry." He had wore a solemn face. 

Papa smiled. "It's okay Andrew. We really appreciate your help and there's no need to feel guilty about it." He assured. 

He still didn't buy it. "Are you sure?" 

"Yes of course."

Andrew smiled. He was delighted that they weren't mad at him. "Thank you, for being so understanding. Customers in the hotel are running low this year. I'm barely making enough money for one person." 

"It's quite alright," Mama smiled. "thank you for being so kind the past year. I'm sorry for what you're going through. I hope all goes well." 

"Thank you, Helena. I'll stop by again. Thank you so much." He waved to the family, and the family waved back. Once he was far enough, the family exchanged worried glances. 

"Oh dear."