A Christmas Chance.

Chapter 3

Angel or no Angel? That's the question.

Alexa was now humming as she made her way down the sidewalk. Her mind had once again drifted to her conversation with Elizabeth as she looked around at the various houses and establishments that were boasting beautiful arrays of Christmas.

The traditions sure remain in the steadfastness of the residents. There was no dismissing it, and the realization of it, mixed with what Elizabeth had shared, left her with a bit of longing for something she knew was only wishful thinking.

She pushed it aside no need to dwell on dismal things. It was the most beautiful time of the year. It was Christmas!

Rudolf the rednosed reindeer was belting through the window of the Noels'. She thought of the two elderly persons and imagined they were probably sitting before their fireplace, just contently enjoying the calm serenity of the night, and she smiled.

Would she ever find love and someone to grow old with? She sighed, her smile faltering a bit; she tried not to let the gloomy feelings consume her. Christmas was coming and this was a time of hope and joy.

She was still pulling herself out of the dismal feelings that were threatening to engulf her when she felt rather than saw that she was no longer alone.

She grips her bag, ready to use it as a weapon, and screams her throat out if the presence turns out to be menacing.

Mistle was a close-knit community where safety was a number one priority, and even though the night was calm and homes and businesses were nearby, she could not be too complacent.

"I have a mace," she called out as the presence approached her when she reached the statue that stood in the centre of the town.

"I can assure you that won't be necessary," the presence said as it stood by the statue and stared at her.

Alexa, in return, stared at the shady figure. She was surprised to realize she felt no fear, only curiosity.

"Is there something I can do for you?" she asked wishing the night was clearer so she could see the shady figure.

"It's more what I can do for you Alexa," was the return reply that shocked her.

"Do I know you?" she asks, stepping back now somewhat apprehensive.

"Awww, just say you know of me," he replied, causing her to fill with interest but staying alert nonetheless.

Mistle was now accommodating people outside of town. Strangers flock here because of the holiday festivities that the town offers. However, she knows she cannot be carefree and trusting.

"Who are you?" she asked more outright but the figure just stared up at the Angel statue.

"There was a time when angels meant hope and preservation to Sheldon," he said sometime later as she stood waiting.

"Do you know my boss?" Alexa asked, stepping closer to see if the figure was someone she knew.

"Before he was even born," he replied and Alexa paused in shock as the reply played in her mind.

"I am not in the mood for any games, Mister!" she warned, "and besides, there is nothing that concerns my boss that is any of my business."

Alexa made to continue on her way home, but somehow, she was made motionless as the figure moved to stand in front of her.

She felt her breath catch in her throat as she stared at the figure who stood tall and ragged in an old trench coat, faded dirty jeans, and scruffy boots. His dark hair was long and matted with knots. His face was smeared with soot and his beard looked like it housed things she dared not imagine.

"Alexa, Mistle is the place where you can get that chance you so wish for, but it's up to you. All it takes is this stone."

She gasps as his cold grimey fingers clasp her wrist and press the most beautiful stone she has ever seen in her gloved palm.

As she stared down at the oblong sphere the size of a robin's egg, a kaleidoscope of colours played across its surface, and for a minute, she could have sworn she saw images of her life playing out in scenes familiar and unfamiliar.

He closed her fingers over the stone and she looked up into his eyes that she was amazed to see were clear as crystal.

Who was this man or more so, being? There was something unearthly and mystical about him.

"That stone holds the chance that you seek," he said as she gazed in awe into his eyes. "But that change can only come to pass one way. You have until Christmas Eve to return Sheldon's hope and renew his belief or the chance you seek in having the Angel's Cafe along with a new start will be lost to you forever."

Alexa swallowed and found herself blinking in disbelief from her closed palm to the stranger.

"Did Aretha put you up to this?" she questioned, trying to find the rationality behind what had happened. "How much did she pay you for this gimmicky?"

He smiled, displaying teeth that were white and perfectly formed, a clear contrast to his image. It increased her belief that her mother could be the instigator of this farce.

She stared at him, trying to read the truth on his face, but all she saw was a being that was appearing less and less real. It was as if he was slowly fading away. The darkness now appeared lighter, and the sounds of the night once again began to find their way through what had earlier been a quiet stillness. The Christmas lights that swayed above in arches from trees to various buildings seem to shun with higher brightness.

"Tell me," she snapped but all she heard was someone calling her name in concern.

Automatically she turned around to see who it was calling her and was surprised to see Sheldon sprinting towards her.

Alexa stares at him; the figure and Aretha momentarily forgotten. She found herself moving towards him and they almost collided when he stopped.

"Are you alright?" he asked with a concern that shocked her.

He looked her over with searching eyes as if seeking some reassurance, then as if satisfied, he turned his dark eyes to the place where the Shady figure had been.

Alexa turned too but frowned when she saw that the night held no other figures but her and Sheldon. The figure that had stood with her was now completely gone.

"Yes," she said as she looked back at him, her mind not sure what to believe.

As she stood there she found herself thinking one thought that shocked her.

Could the figure have been an angel?

************************************

So here we are at Chapter 3, a shady figure offering a second chance with a stone that glows...and Mr Grumpy running to the rescue... what is going on?

Who's the angel here the Shady figure or the grumpy cavalier? 🤔

Cast your vote and leave your comments 😊