Page 1 of A Curvy Carol

1

CAROLYNN

It’s theleastwonderful time of the year.

Unfortunately, my parents didn’t get that memo. My mom’s place was entirely decked out in holiday decor from bottle-brush Christmas trees on every spare surface to the spray snow stuck on the windows and the smell of tree-shaped sugar cookies baking so we could decorate them later.

There was no escaping Christmas. Not when you had my parents. And not when you lived in Garland, Maine, a place renowned for its holiday celebrations.

In fact, my only “safe” territories were my bedrooms at my mom and dad’s places, where I refused to have any Christmas decor. No red, green, gold or blue touched this space. But I could still smell the sugar cookies baking as I worked on my latest embroidery project–a black cat sitting atop a stack of books.

A few knocks sounded on my bedroom door. “Carolynn, don’t forget we have plans tonight, okay?” Mom said.

“Okay, Mom,” I said halfheartedly with a sigh. I gathered my cross-stitch project into my favorite tote bag.

The door opened, and Mom peeked her head in, Rudolph antlers nestled amongst her curls. “You’re going to look so cute in that sweater I got you. Did you see it in your closet?”

I nodded. “I saw it.” Mom liked to order me Christmas clothes each year and laid them out in my closet to make sure I wore them. She was obsessed with creating a picture-perfect family and making me feel normal despite the divorce.

The truth was, I hated all the holiday activities she and Dad planned for me every year. Making each year a Christmas to remember was such a big deal to them, especially since the big D, meaning I couldn’t really relax or have fun. All I wanted was to spend time with my friends and work on my crafting projects while school was out.

I picked up my tote bag and walked to the bedroom door where she waited. “I’ll see you later.”

“Tell the girls I said merry Christmas!”

“I will,” I mumbled. Before she could say much else, I went out the front door and made my way to Cider Center.

Belle and the rest of my friends were probably already there. The lighting of the tree was one of their favorite things about Garland. I liked going with my friends, even if I wasn’t crazy about the holidays anymore.

Several minutes later, I found Belle, Bethany, Holly, and Sera in the crowd.

They hugged me hello, and we found a good spot near the front to watch the star being put on the tree and lit up.

All around us, kids screamed to be put on their dad’s shoulders, and moms held fussy toddlers and babies. A small tug of jealousy hit my chest at seeing the intact families.

To shake the feeling, I stared up at the Christmas tree. It stood well over thirty feet tall, covered in so many lights and ornaments that it took your breath away. Even for someone like me, who wished I could fast-forward through December every year.

I had to admit, something about the tree was special. Legend said that this tree had been crafted at the North Pole itself. Some people liked to make a wish when the star was set atop the tree, believing that there was actual magic in Garland that made wishes come true. But I stopped making wishes a few years back. Not even the Garland tree could stop my parents’ separation.

The firetruck beeped as the ladder raised next to the tree. The mayor of Garland always did the honors of placing the star atop the tree, so once the ladder stalled, he made his way up, up, up toward the very tip of the tree. Little kids cheered and laughed and pointed.

“Here we go,” Belle said excitedly under her breath.

I lifted my lips at her excitement. At least she still enjoyed the season.

When the mayor reached the top of the tree, he pulled out a megaphone, the large star in his other hand. “It’s the most wonderful time of the year,” he said, echoing the familiar song. “Today, it’s my honor as your mayor to place the star on the tree and light up Garland, knowing that the holiday spirit of the people of Garland shines brighter than any light on this tree.”

Carefully, he placed the star at the very top. Whispers sounded around me, hundreds of people making their wishes. Each of my friends had their eyes closed, lips silently moving.

Out of nowhere, I made a quick wish, keeping my eyes on the star.I just wish toenjoyChristmas this year,I thought to myself.

A second later, the star lit up. Its bright light made the crowd gasp and clap. And even though I forced a smile on my face so my friends wouldn’t worry, I could hardly remember the last time I looked forward to Christmas, much less truly enjoyed it.

The last few years, it had transformed from a fun time of year in Garland to activity after activity and photo after photo split between my two parents. It was like they’d forgotten what Christmas was really about and turned it into a competition or a big, long list of things to cross off.

After the mayor came down and thanked everyone for coming, my friends and I gathered around to talk. “Wish on anything special this year?” I asked the group, rubbing my hands together for warmth.

“Just that we remain friends like this forever. No matter what,” Sera said. She always said something sweet.

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