The Art of Starting Over

Chapter 42 - Jingles

Nanna's laugh rang melodiously around the room as Jeremy sang his off-tune and rude rendition of Jingle Bells. He'd had one too many shots of Double Black, I thought, but I knew he was also doing it for her sake... and maybe even mine. 

I stared at the glittery star in my hands.

"Would you like to put up the star, Nann?"

She looked questioningly at me, her hazel eyes bright in her pale, tired-looking face. "But you always hang up the star, honey."

"I know, I'm only offering," I shrugged, trying to sound off-hand.

She smiled warmly at me. Jeremy stopped singing and looked at his hands, thinking hard about how to get all the glitter off his palms.

"I want to see you do it," she said assuredly.

"Okay. I'll get a chair."

"You don't need a chair," Jeremy said, taking another sip of his whisky and settling down into a crouching position. "I'll give you a boost."

I gaped at him as he slapped his hands together in an attempt to get them clean. He had to be having a laugh.

"Come on, Jingles, let's go!" he urged, tapping his shoulders.

"Jingles? What happened to Sparky?" I asked, realising he hadn't called me that in forever.

"'Tis the season," he smiled wickedly.

I hung my head resignedly and walked around him. He smirked as I lifted one leg over his right shoulder and rested it on his thigh. The damn bastard knew he could get anything he wanted with that smile of his, and I had half a mind to slap the back of his head. But then he held on to my knee with one hand and gave me his other hand for support, and the fear of him dropping me outweighed my need to win this particular battle. I took hold of his hand and, shifting my body weight to keep my balance, swung the other leg over his left shoulder. He held me steadily, placing both hands on my thighs.

"Don't drop me!" I warned nervously.

"Of course, I won't," he muttered with obvious irritation.

He stood up easily and I leaned forward against the back of his head to keep myself balanced as he walked towards our humble Christmas tree. My lower legs wrapped around his torso for stability and I reached forward to grab the topmost branch. Just as my fingers grazed the bristly leaves, Jeremy lurched backwards and I grabbed wildly at the air, almost losing my balance and dropping the star.

"Wahey!" he shouted as he squeezed my thighs tighter to make sure I didn't fall.

"What the—?" I looked down and caught him grinning broadly in the mirror hanging on the wall by the door. "Jeremy James Cordina!" I gritted my teeth angrily.

Nanna started giggling again from her corner on the sofa. She covered her mouth, but I saw her bright eyes gleaming.

"Alright, alright! I'm sorry. Here we go," he said, his voice serious again. He took a step towards the tree. I reached forward and almost fitted the star in its rightful place when he leapt about a metre to the right.

"Whoppa!"

I felt his broad shoulders vibrating beneath me as he laughed heartily. "Jer, quit it!" I screamed, my heart beating fast as I again envisioned myself falling face down onto the floor.

Nanna couldn't help it anymore. She doubled up, howling with laughter. Encouraged by this, Jeremy pretended he was going to drop me again. I swayed precariously on top of him, but he held on to me firmly and adjusted me so that I was back in line with my centre of gravity.