Merry Little Christmas

13. The Great Big Building

December 18th, 1961

For once, Isabella got to eat a meal fit for a king. She got to take a shower for as long as she'd like. She had the ability to sleep in a comfortable area without worrying whether or not it would snow. It was the shortest stay of her life. But the best day in a long time. 

In truth, she forgot how it felt like to be selfish and greedy. In truth, she would never ever be that way again. She would never take a single shower for granted, nor a single crumb. Or even just a roof to take cover. Because in truth, it was all she needed. 

It was the great big building. The one Niall always talked about. The very same one where he attempted to sneak inside the place a couple months after they had lived on the streets. Now, they were inside. They were inside the great big building. After a year of hoping, now they were inside.

It was amazing; how a family could accomplish so much over a course of a year. It was incredible how lucky they were to have such a role model in their lives, to guide them every step of the way. To be the number one source for everything they needed. It was a blessing. 

And just to be there in his presence was such a blessing. The act of kindness was the most beautiful blessing anyone could ever ask for. They were in the great big building. And to both the McCarthy's and Mr. Knight, that was the best blessing they could ask for that Christmas. 

One hundred and fifteen dollars was not nearly equal to the price it was worth. It was far from fair. It was worth thousands in their mind, but it was perfect just the way it was. They wish they could stay forever if they could. But everything only lasts for so long. And when right after they finish eating breakfast the next morning, everything would be over.

Not entirely, but partially. The food in the fridge would no longer be theirs. The beds they had slept on would then be someone else's. And the great big building would once again too far for their living. Once again they would be lying down in the cold dreary outside of New York. And once again, they would continue their lives and start from the bottom, just like everyone else. But for now, they will enjoy it while they can. 

❆ 

Isabella set her red blanket on the floor of their hotel room. Room number 145, it read on the door. She would never forget it. She breathed in the clean aroma from inside the room, examining the intricate designs and furniture. There was the latest model television inside from the year prior. She wondered what the latest model was now. 

She heard laughter from her father. "It's a shower with warm water!" He cried. She heard the bathroom door close, afterwards hearing a louder splash of water. She walked over to the bed. She felt the soft touch of the fabric onto her still cold skin, from outside. She picked the blanket up and hugged it as if it were the softest thing she ever felt. 

"It's so soft." She whispered, putting the fabric back down onto the bed. "Everything here, it's luxury." She gasped. She went closer to the refrigerator, and opened it. "There's clean water in here! Mama, look!" She took the bottled water in her hand and opened it. She took a sip. Then another. Just enough to quench her thirst. It was delightful. "Here." She handed the bottle to mama who finished the rest of the water. 

Isabella moved over to the window, taking a look outside. "Is that how we look like to the people up here?" She said. "No wonder no one wants to help us." She could make out Crumbs and Bites, even smaller than it was in the different perspective. And right next to it, their home. The tiny little corner that was too small for a place to be called home. But in reality, it was all they could afford as a permanent place to stay. 

She could make out the big city, far away. Somewhere out in the horizon, someone else was suffering the same thing they were going through. Somewhere out there across the world, someone was going through worse. Somehow, despite all she was going through, she smiled. She smiled knowing that she had enough. 

"Mama, is papa almost finished in the bathroom? I want to take a bubble bath." Niall whined, tugging at Mrs. McCarthy's hands. 

"Let papa take his time, Niall." She shushed. Isabella was waiting for a turn in the shower as well. She couldn't wait to get rid of the caked dirt on her body, and finally feel fresh again. And she couldn't believe they had this room all to themselves for a day. It felt like a lot. But in fact, they had barely any time at all. 

And soon, it was Isabella's turn to go in the shower. She started the shower, and hopped into the tub. She watched as all the dirt fell onto the floor. It was nice to feel warm clean water fall against her back after a hard year. She took a shampoo bottle and squeezed a handful of the soap into her hands, scrubbing her hair as best as she can. She took the body wash and squeezed almost three whole times the amount as last time, and she made sure she was clean. 

When she was done, she stepped out of the shower looking like a whole new person. She also decided to give her jacket and clothes a wash since she had been wearing the same outfit the whole year. She was thankful she didn't grow at all so the clothes still fit her well. And when she was done doing that, she looked pretty again. She thought. She looked in the mirror and curled her hair back over her ears. She was full of color again.

She stepped out of the shower feeling brand new. "Hey guys." She giggled, twirling in her 'new' jacket. 

"Wow, look at you!" Papa clapped as she blushed. 

"Gorgeous girl." Mama smiled. 

"You look great!" Niall cheered. 

Isabella curtsied. 

"What do you say?" Papa asked. "Why don't we go down to get some dinner? It says breakfast and dinner included so take all you want!" 

"Yeah!" Niall giggled. "Come on let's go!" 

"Wait!" Isabella stopped him. "I'll race you."

"Sure!" He laughed.

"On your mark-"

"No, let papa do it. You always cheat!" He said.

"Fine!" She placed her feet.

"On your mark, get set, go!"

The children ran as fast as they could to the elevator happily, with a mother and father right after them. It was if they looked like a normal family with no secrets or anything outrageous with them. For once they looked and felt normal. It was a blessing they would never take for granted ever.