Page 79 of Holly and Ivar
“I should have stayed at NED.This is why I don’t take vacations.”
Her broom fell over.“Don’t act all offended.You took us to the tree.If anyone should be mad, it’s me at you.”She leaned out of bed to prop up the broom.As soon as she touched it, she heard La Befana’s voice.“When the time comes, it will guide you to the truth your heart has forgotten.”She scoffed.“Why does everyone have to speak so cryptically?”
We don’t choose where the magic leads us.We choose whether to follow it.
The light sleeps beneath the roots.It wakes when the world forgets.
“I want answers!”
The fire flared up, the desk rattled, and her window burst open.She watched helplessly as her broom flew out of the room like it had somewhere better to be.And with a last gust of wind, her window shut, and the fire returned to normal.
“Now what?”she wondered, rubbing her temples.
Beside her, her phone pinged, and she didn’t have to look to know it was Ivar.She automatically reached for it, stopped, then picked it up anyway.
Ivar: So… the Carnival Dance.You coming?
She chuckled, wiping her tears away.
Holly: That depends.Are you asking as a chaperone or as a date?
Ivar: Definitely not a chaperone.
Holly: Then I’ll think about it.
Ivar: I’ll pick you up at seven.
Holly: You’re very confident.
Ivar: Not confidence.Faith.
(pause)
Holly: See you at seven, Ranger.
CHRISTMAS EVE COUNTDOWN
DAYS
39
holly not-so-jolly
Holly
Hollylayinbedlistening to the radiator pipes banging in the walls the way her heart banged against her chest.
Sleep had been restless.Every time she closed her eyes, she pictured the Yule Tree, felt the pulse that had connected them, and wondered if their bond was fate or choice.She’d yet to figure it out.
Eventually, she forced herself to get out of bed.Her body hurt from heartache.Never had she experienced such deep emotional pain.It would take everything she had to get through the day.So, she decided she would simply move through the world and see what happened.There was no job, no project, no plan, no mission, nothing.A completely unfamiliar way of being.
And as for Ivar and the dance?She would go.It meant something.She didn’t yet know what, but she hoped it wasn’t goodbye.
Downstairs, the inn was already alive with morning chatter.Liv spotted her immediately and hurried over, holding a comically large mug.
“I know how much you like your coffee,” Liv said, proudly presenting it.The mug read,Full of Holiday Spirit (and Coffee).
Holly attempted a laugh, hoping it sounded genuine.“You have no idea how perfect this is.”
