19) Surprise

A Chapter by Kelly M.

The sweet scent of pine filled the whole house that beautiful Christmas day. Drew had set out early with April to pick out the perfect Christmas tree.

And, after some difficulty, Drew had it standing upright. They smiled and laughed as they hung the priceless ornaments on the beautiful tree.

April loved Christmas. Everything about it. But this year it was even more special. It was her very first Christmas with Drew. She smiled at the thought of, soon, children circling around the tree, and opening gifts with delight. April hoped that someday that would become reality.

A knock at the door interrupted her thoughts, and she hastened to answer it.

"Package for you, ma'am," said the elderly man and handed a large package to her.

April looked down at the brown packaging in bewilderment. "But," she protested, "I didn't ask for anything."

"I was given strict orders to give this to you right away."

April then realized it was addressed to her. Her brow puckered in wonder, but, without further argument, excused the man with an appreciative thank-you, wishing him a merry Christmas.

She returned to the living room, quickly explaining it to Drew, shrugged her shoulders, and placed it under the tree. Though she wished to tear it open and discover the little secret, she told herself to remain patient.

April began the usual baking goods while Drew kissed her forehead, telling her he was off to find a turkey. April laughed and slapped him with her dishcloth, but smiled teasingly.

The pumpkin pie was still baking in the oven, and April decided it would be alright if she quickly visited the Carter's before she would have to take it out.

But instead of hurrying, she walked leisurely over the snow white hills, enjoying the fresh air. "This is going to be the best Christmas ever," she said softly to herself, and smiled up at the heavens. "Christmas surely wouldn't be special though if hadn't been for You." She smiled to herself, thanking God for all her blessings. She was almost disappointed when the large farmhouse came in view, but quickened her step, excited to see the Carter's as always.

She reached the door, not even think of knocking. No one usually did at the Carter's home. They gave strict orders that if they wanted to see them they didn't have to go pounding on the door, waking all the neighbors. April supposed it to be an exaggeration, but she had laughed and agreed.

"It's me," April called when she came inside. "Anybody home?"

April looked about, wondering where they had gone. They never went anywhere on Christmas day-- not unless it was an emergency. April immediately began to panic, but before she could even think things through, Mr. Carter entered the room. He looked like an unshaven beast. His clothes were a shambles, and his face worn and tired. But April didn't notice either of these things. It was when she looked into his eyes, she knew something was terribly wrong. His eyes were brimming with tears. A deep sadness and pain seemed to be eating away at his soul.

"She's gone," he whispered.

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© 2012 Kelly M.

Author's Note

:'(

I nearly cried writing this chapter.

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Reviews

JustaGurl

noo i want moree, thats awesome writing

Posted 7 Years Ago

Missy Moooooo

WHATT HAPPENED?????

Posted 12 Years Ago

halflives

OHNOES, it's Mrs. Carter, isn't it? SHE DIED?! That's terrible! I can see why you almost cried, I think I DID cry. This was a beautiful, yet terribly sad chapter, and I think I'm going to cry now... *cries in the corner of a circular room until she sees that there's one more chapter, then rises to read the last one before crying in the corner of the room again*
-Livs