Page 26 of Moonlight Over Mistletoe
She hit send and gripped the phone tightly, pacing back and forth as she waited for his reply. Minutes ticked by, each one an eternity. She checked the screen constantly, willing the “Read” receipt to appear under her message. But there was only silence. Deafening, soul-crushing silence.
Eleanor sank onto the couch, allowing her tears to flow. She had let herself believe. Let herself hope that maybe, just maybe, she could find love and happiness again after losing Carl. But those hopes had been dashed, leaving her alone and broken.
She squeezed her eyes shut, stopping the tears. “I should have known better,” Eleanor choked out. “I'm a foolish old woman.”
She remained still as a pin on the couch for a very long time. The pain of Christopher's rejection cut deep, more so than she would have thought. She had truly fallen for the man.
With trembling hands, Eleanor reached for the framed picture of Carl on the side table. She traced his beloved features with her fingertip.
“Oh, Carl, I've been so lost without you,” Eleanor confessed. “I’ve been lonely and sad for all these years, but recently I’ve tried to find happiness again. I put myself out there and now I am heartbroken and left looking like the town fool.”
Carl continued staring at her, and she remembered his warm eyes and how they lit up whenever he saw her. He was a wonderful man who loved her with all his heart, and if he'd never taken her for a fool, why should she? Or, for that matter, the people of Mistletoe?
Eleanor had opened up, letting others into her carefully guarded heart. And yes, she had gotten hurt, but she'd gain so much more. She'd gained friends and community. No, she wasn't a fool at all.
Eleanor Frost was brave.
Brushing Carl’s photo with a gentle kiss, Eleanor set it back on the table, her fingertips lingering on its edge. It was time to shower and get on with her day. The world didn't stop for a broken heart.
Her heartache would be a constant companion for the foreseeable future, she knew. A kaleidoscope of emotions would no doubt color her days. Yet, despite her weariness, Eleanor realized she harbored no regrets. Joy had finally found its way back into her life, and she refused to revert to her former, miserable self. Christopher had played a role in her newfound happiness, true. But while she could live without him, she refused to live without joy ever again.
Squaring her shoulders, Eleanor grabbed her purse and headed out into the crisp December air. Yesterday, a large team, including herself and Vivian, had removed the decorations and furniture from the dome. And apparently, the dome had disappeared overnight, as mysteriously as it had been erected, for as she turned into the town square, she could see it was gone.
Now that it was December, the town, which always had Christmas decorations up, was in full Christmas mode, and tourists packed the streets. But the twinkling lights and festive garlands adorning the storefronts did little to lift her spirits as she made her way to the Snowflake Sugar Shop.
The bell above the door jingled as Eleanor entered, the rich scent of chocolate and spices enveloping her. She barely noticed the other customers browsing the shelves, her mind consumed with thoughts of Christopher, trying as she might to focus on the task at hand.
“Welcome to the Snowflake Sugar Shop,” a familiar voice chirped. “What can I get for you today?”
Eleanor's head snapped up, her eyes widening as they met Nora's. The teenager stood behind the counter, an apron tied around her waist and a Santa hat perched jauntily on her head as if it belonged there.
“Oh, hello, Nora,” Eleanor said, trying to muster a smile. “I didn't expect to see you here. Don't you have school?”
“Not today. We got a bonus day off. I can't remember why. Not that it matters. I'm just happy not to be there. Although I didn't realize I'd be put to work,” Nora explained. Her brow furrowed as she took in Eleanor's red-rimmed eyes and slumped posture. “Are you okay, Ms. Frost? You seem upset.”
Eleanor waved a dismissive hand. “It's nothing, dear. I'm here to place an order for some Christmas gifts.”
But apparently, she couldn't fool Nora. The girl came to Eleanor, resting a hand on her arm.
“This has something to do with Great-grandpa, doesn't it?” she asked softly. “I can always tell when it's a matter of the heart.”
Regardless of her resolve, Eleanor's composure crumbled at the mention of Christopher. Tears welled in her eyes, spilling down her cheeks.
“He ended things,” she choked out. “Said he needed to focus on business.”
“And what did you say to that?” Nora asked.
“I asked if we could talk, but he's not replying to my text.”
Nora's mouth fell open into an ‘O.’ “Great-grandpa's ghosting you? I can't believe it.”
Without hesitation, Nora pulled Eleanor into a hug, rubbing soothing circles on her back as she cried. A few moments later, Nora pulled back, offering her a tissue. Eleanor accepted it gratefully, dabbing at her eyes and nose.
“Please excuse me, Nora. I'm sorry for falling apart like this,” she said, her voice thick with emotion. “I don't know what came over me.”
Nora shook her head, a tender smile on her lips. “Don't apologize, Ms. Frost. It's okay to be vulnerable, to let yourself feel. That's what makes us human.”
Eleanor studied the young girl. How was someone her age so wise and full of compassion? Nora already knew what had taken Eleanor a lifetime to learn.
