Page 8 of A Christmas Duet

“That’s true,” Hailey agreed. “It’s been difficult working full-time and taking classes in the summers, plus everything else.”

“What does that have to do with you not coming for Christmas?”

It was hard to keep the excitement out of her voice. “A wonderful friend offered me her family’s cabin. I’m going to submerge myself in my music and compose songs again.”

An awkward silence followed. “But what am I going to tell Zach when you don’t show up for Christmas?” her mother lamented.

“Tell him the truth. I’ve moved on and so should he.”

“Oh, Hailey, are you sure?”

“I’ve rarely been surer of anything.”

The line went silent before her mother released a tearful sigh. “You mean you won’t be in Portland? I thought…if you didn’t want to come to us that your father, Zach, and I could join you.”

“Sorry, Mom. I’m already on the road.”

Her mother made a last-ditch effort. “But what about all the cookies I baked, and Grandma’s bonbons? We were going to bake together the way we did when you were younger.”

“Daisy is the one who likes to cook, Mom. Not me.”

“But all these baked goods…”

“Zach will enjoy them,” she assured her mother. “Why don’t you ask Daisy for Christmas?”

Her younger sister loved to bake, although she never followed a recipe and many of her efforts ended up being disasters. Daisy enjoyed spending time in the kitchen, not Hailey, a fact her mother had conveniently forgotten.

“Daisy won’t be here for Christmas,” her mother whined, and sounded close to tears.

“I didn’t think she would be,” Hailey added. “But Zach will be, at your invitation.”

Again, the line went silent. “I’ll call him and explain,” her mother blurted out. “I’ll apologize and suggest he visit another time.”

“It’s too late. I’ve already made my decision and I’m on the road.”

“Oh Hailey, this is going to break your father’s heart.”

Guilt had worked in the past with Hailey, but not this time.

Not that long ago, Hailey might have fallen for this tactic, but not anymore.

Her mother sniffled loudly and paused to blow her nose. “At least tell me where you’re going.”

“Sorry, Mom, I’d rather keep the location a secret.”

Her mother’s desperate reply faded in and out withthe cell coverage. Hailey made one last comment. “I’ll connect with you after Christmas. Love you. Bye for now.” With that, she disconnected the call.

With a sense of freedom and adventure, Hailey headed to Podunk, Oregon.

Chapter Five

On the long drive to Podunk, Hailey cranked up the music and sang Christmas carols at the top of her lungs. The responsibilities to her family and the question about Zach’s sudden interest vanished the closer she got to the cabin. She was free, with no expectations and nearly two glorious weeks to write and compose her songs.

Every now and again a twinge of guilt assailed her. Hailey refused to entertain those thoughts and concentrated instead on all she hoped to accomplish. This freedom, this relief, made her giddy.

Hailey was about an hour away from Podunk when she got a call from Katherine.

“How’s the drive going?” her friend asked.

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