“Christmas year next could be mine.” A tree in his apartment. Twisting to look at the one in the dining room, he tilted his head like Charity did sometimes. “Not big.” Swinging back to Pops, he grinned, right and good again. “Mine.”
“You got it, if Mom’s good with the idea. Christmas at your place next year. Small tree doesn’t mean small celebration.” Pops grinned back at him, lips lifting the beard framing his mouth, round glasses perched on his nose because he’d been reading. “Sounds like a plan.”
Later that night Kitt sat on the stairs in what had become his favorite perch, staring through the railing at his mom and a fulfilled promise. A promise Pops fulfilled every year when he did this. The scratching sounds came from the record player, then music filled the air, soft and sweet, soothing. Christmastime wouldn’t be scary, not even in the city, not according to these words. There’d be people, but Mom and Pops wouldn’t let him be alone to be afraid. Heat radiating from beside him, he reached out to lay a hand on Charity’s back, feeling the rumble of her groaning approval.
In the living room, the parents he loved more than he could ever say swayed together, moving to the music as they had so often since Pops knocked on their door. These were the good things he had seen that long ago night, the promise of love and a family. Charity leaned into him and he gave her a hug. Big and solid, she made things better. Another promise fulfilled.
From the kitchen he heard the brief crow of a rooster, signaling midnight. With a grin, he watched as Pops’ head dipped down, kissing Mom. He had to wait a long time before they were done. Before he saw them looking at each other like they always did, as if the joy and love they found there were a pleasant surprise. He waited another minute, letting the song wind down to quiet before he did what he always did.
“PRESENTS!”
Merry Christmas to all of you!
About the Author
Raised in the south, MariaLisa learned about the magic of books at an early age. Every summer, with the help of a gracious librarian who did not believe in age-restricted stacks, she would spend hours in the local library, devouring books of every genre. Self-described as a book-a-holic, she says “I always loved to read, then I discovered writing, and I adored that, too. For reading … if nothing else is available, I’ve been known to read the back of the cereal box.” She still reads voraciously, and always has a few books going in paperback, hardback, or on devices.
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Website: http://www.mldemora.com
Rules in Life
Vera Quinn
Prologue
Katie
Have you ever seen something coming and not been able to stop it? Then you know your life will never be the same, ever again…but when has life ever made sense anyway? That’s how I felt that rainy night. I felt it in my bones. Life has always had a way of knocking me down when things are getting easier.
I’m twenty and have been working hard at improving my life. Things have been going too good and I have this terrible feeling, as if something is going to happen. I have been on my own for two years, since my Grammy passed away. She was the only constant in my life for years, until she died in her sleep. Thank goodness she looked peaceful when I found her.
My mom was taken at child birth and my dad four years later in a construction accident. Things just don’t turn out very well in my life. My Grammy worked two jobs raising me and I have worked since I was big enough to do odd jobs for people. I’ve almost finished my first semester of college and I actually have a good job in insurance. I’m living in a small apartment that’s clean, but not in a very nice part of town. It’s not much, but I don’t need much. It’s not long before Christmas, but I have a nagging feeling my life is going to change. Again….
I’ve just left Texarkana after visiting my friend. I’ll be going back through Mt. Pleasant to eat, and then I’ll continue to Tyler. I’m in my old truck and it is pouring down rain. I’m heading west on Interstate 30. I’m going below the speed limit because my visibility is limited. There’s only the headlights from vehicles to light the gloomy night. I’m on edge.
Then I hear it before I see it. Crunching metal, then headlights are in my eyes. No, there should be no headlights over here. I have no time to think or even brace myself. I’m hit. I feel my truck jolt and the air bag explodes out and then there is nothing but black and quiet…….
Chapter 1
Katie