The Christmas Promise

 

Image: Bing Free Images 

The Christmas Promise                               

Jessica Dyer had never strapped on a pair of roller skates in her life, yet here she was, inching along the roller rink’s railing on the wall. Inside Skateland, scents of popcorn, people, and sugary cotton candy mingled with the sharp tang of the icy December night that seeped in every time the door swung open. The other girls zipped by her, their laughter and shouts blending with the popular song, Take It Easy sung by The Eagles as it blared from the overhead speakers, making the wooden floor beneath them rumble. Strobe lights cast sparkling orbs over the walls and ceiling, creating a mesmerizing, kaleidoscopic effect.

The rink was festooned with faux evergreen wreaths adorned with bright red bows, and mini-Christmas trees twinkled from every corner. Jessica’s breath came in fast, nervous puffs as she struggled to stay upright, her knuckles white from gripping the railing.

She was here for Cara Clark’s sixteenth birthday party. Cara’s friends glided effortlessly across the rink, their movements fluid and graceful, while Jessica felt like a baby deer on ice. But determination burned in her brown eyes; she was resolved to enjoy the night without breaking a bone.

Suddenly, Cara skated up to Jessica, her face flushed and eyes sparkling. "Jessie, follow me. There’s someone I want you to meet!" she called breathlessly before zipping off towards the benches.

"Um, give me a minute!" Jessica called after her, creeping along the railing. She finally reached Cara, who stood next to a blonde-haired young man. His eyes were bright blue, and his smile was warm and inviting.

"Here, let me help you," he said, extending his hand. His grip was firm and reassuring as he guided Jessica to the bench. Jessica flailed and stumbled but managed to reach the safety of the seat.

Fumbling with the skates, Jessica pulled at the laces and slipped them off, feeling the cold, rough surface of the floor under her feet. "Whew! That was close, but I managed not to fall!" Pride laced her voice.

Cara grinned and gestured to the young man. "Jessica, this is Sam Hilton. We’ve known each other for a long time. He wanted to meet you!"

Jessica looked up into Sam’s face, noticing how his hair swooped down over his forehead, reminding her of Hermey, the elf from Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. His smile caught her by surprise as he bent down and brushed her cheek with his lips. "Hello, Jessica, sweetheart."

Jessica’s face warmed, her heart bouncing. No one had ever greeted her like that; most boys at school were far less charming.

Cara explained, "Sam’s on leave from the Air Force. He just came to see who all was here. And here we are!" Cara laughed and skated away to join the other girls on the floor.

"I just got into town yesterday," Sam said, his voice easy and smooth. "My brother and cousin wanted to cruise around the square, then we decided to come here. Are you from Neosho?"

"No, I’m from Granby," Jessica replied, tying her sneakers tight, embarrassment creeping into her voice. She glanced at Sam’s military green fatigue jacket. "Are you from Neosho?"

"Born and raised here," Sam replied. "Hey, are you still in school, or are you on Christmas break?"

"Two days left before break."

"I’ll pick you up after school tomorrow, okay?" Sam’s smile was dazzling, his voice hopeful.

"Groovy, I won’t have to ride the bus!" Jessica beamed.

Sam waited for Jessica in the bustling high school lobby the next day. Teenagers spilled into the hallways, scurrying around with Christmas break on their minds. Freshly baked sugar cookies from the Home Ec class mingled with the musty smell of lockers, No. 2 yellow pencils, and textbooks. Jessica spotted Sam waving to catch her attention amidst the chaos. "Hi, Sam! You found me in this sea of bodies!"

"My eyes will find you wherever you are, Jessica. Here, let me take that for you." He eased the flower-power cloth book bag off her shoulder and led her outside to a gold 1966 Ford Mustang. The vintage door groaned as he opened it, and she slid onto the cold vinyl seat.

"Do you Want to cruise the square in Neosho before you go home?" he asked, turning the car onto the highway. Tommy James and the Shondells' Crystal Blue Persuasion song flowed from the eight-track player. 

Jessica bit her lower lip, torn between her desire to spend time with Sam and her responsibility to her family. "I’m sorry, but I need to get home. My brothers will be alone, and Mom expects me to have supper ready."

Sam nodded in understanding. He took her home, but he picked her up from high school the next day, and they made plans to go out on Friday night. When Friday came, they cruised the square a few times before heading to Joplin, where they bowled a couple of games. The bowling alley’s din of crashing pins and cheers echoed around them, mingling with the smell of waxed floors and the taste of greasy fries they shared.

After bowling, they walked two blocks on Main Street to a downtown park lit with thousands of twinkling lights. A vintage blow mold set of holiday choir singers stood near the water fountain, now shut off for winter. Some of the paint was peeling off the faces of the plastic singers, but Jessica loved the old set anyway. Sparkling golden lights bathed the evergreen trees, and lighted displays lined the sidewalks. The place was magical.

As they walked hand in hand amid the sparkling lights, Sam told her about his time in the military and that he was going to Iceland in the spring. He came from a big family—ten brothers and sisters—who lived on a farm outside Neosho. Jessica shared her story, the eldest and only girl among four brothers, her mom working long hours to support them. She loved writing and cherished her little transistor radio for the solace it provided when she was alone in her bedroom.

"Your hands are cold," Sam said, taking Jessica’s left hand and tucking it into his coat pocket with his own. Jessica felt warmth spread through her, not just from the physical contact but also from Sam's kindness and happiness.

They returned to the Mustang parked along Main Street. A few snowflakes dusted the windshield, and icy puffs of wind coughed over them. The car provided much-needed warmth.

The days that followed were filled with shared moments, laughter, and growing affection. Jessica met Sam’s large family, who welcomed her warmly, and Sam joined Jessica’s family for several dinners, fitting in seamlessly.

Two days before Sam returned to the Air Force base, they sat in his Mustang at the Dog ‘n Suds, waiting for their chili dogs and root beers. Sam reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a small jewelry box. "I got you something."

"Oh, I haven’t had time to get you anything, Sam!" Her heart quivered as she saw the box, surprise and embarrassment mingling through her. "You didn’t have to…"

Sam beamed, opening the lid to reveal a tiny gold ring shaped like the infinity symbol with a sparkling diamond chip in the center. "It’s a promise ring. Promise me you’ll wait for me. You said you like writing. Maybe we can write letters back and forth while I’m gone. You’ll be a senior next year. Maybe after graduation, we can see what happens next?"

Surprise hitched in her voice as the diamond winked at her in the dashboard lights. "I’ll wait for you, Sam. I promise."

A sweet kiss sealed their Christmas moment, promising a future filled with love and hope.

THE END

Author's Note: I dedicate this story to all of my sweet, silly, and wonderful girlfriends during our Junior year in high school. We had such a blast and I'll never forget all of you! With love & Merry Christmas! 

Image: Bing Free Images