Chapter 5: Ghosts of Christmas Eve
1014 Words
Christmas Eve in Snow Hollow had always been magical, but for Grace, the magic felt muted this year. The festive decorations, the snow-covered trees, and the cheerful hum of the townsfolk couldn’t quite erase the unease that had settled in her chest.
She busied herself with last-minute preparations, hoping to drown out her restless thoughts. Ella had insisted on baking cookies for Santa, and Grace couldn’t say no to the joy in her daughter’s eyes.
“Mom, do you think Santa will bring me the ice skates I asked for?” Ella asked as she carefully arranged the cookie dough on a tray.
“I think you’ve been a very good girl this year,” Grace replied with a smile.
Ella beamed, her cheeks flushed from excitement. “Maybe we can go skating together! You and me. And Uncle Michael too!”
Grace’s heart softened. “That sounds like a wonderful idea.”
The oven timer beeped, signaling that the first batch of cookies was ready. Grace pulled them out, the warm, sweet aroma filling the kitchen. Ella clapped her hands in delight, already reaching for the frosting and sprinkles.
By the time evening rolled around, the house was cozy and festive. The Christmas tree sparkled with lights, and the fireplace crackled warmly. Ella was curled up on the couch with a mug of hot chocolate, her favorite holiday movie playing on the TV.
Grace sank into the armchair, sipping her own cocoa. For a moment, she allowed herself to relax. The stress of the past few days seemed to melt away in the glow of the twinkling lights.
But the peace was short-lived.
A knock at the door startled her, and Ella looked up expectantly. “Who could that be?”
Grace frowned, setting down her mug. “Stay here, sweetie. I’ll check.”
She opened the door to find Ethan standing on the porch, a sheepish smile on his face. Snowflakes clung to his dark hair, and his cheeks were pink from the cold.
“Ethan,” she said, surprised. “What are you doing here?”
“I know it’s late,” he said quickly. “I didn’t mean to bother you, but Michael said you might have some extra firewood. My place is freezing.”
Grace hesitated, her first instinct to send him away. But then she glanced past him, noticing the snowstorm that had picked up outside. It wasn’t a night to leave anyone out in the cold.
“Come in,” she said, stepping aside.
Ethan entered, brushing snow off his coat. He looked around the living room, his gaze softening as he took in the festive decorations. “Your place looks great. Very...Christmassy.”
“Thanks,” Grace said, closing the door. “The firewood is out back. I’ll grab it for you.”
“Let me help,” Ethan offered.
Grace hesitated but nodded, grabbing her coat. Together, they stepped out into the snowy backyard.
The firewood shed was at the edge of the property, and the trek through the snow was quiet and tense. Grace kept her focus on the path, but she could feel Ethan’s eyes on her.
“You’ve done a great job with Ella,” he said finally, breaking the silence.
Grace glanced at him, startled. “What do you mean?”
“I mean...she’s a good kid. Smart, kind. That’s all you.”
Grace’s heart twisted. “Thanks,” she said softly.
They reached the shed, and Ethan helped her stack the firewood into a basket. As they worked, the conversation turned to lighter topics—the Christmas market, the town’s annual traditions. For a moment, it almost felt like old times, before everything had fallen apart.
But as they headed back to the house, the weight of the past settled over them again.
Inside, Ella had fallen asleep on the couch, her movie long finished. Ethan smiled as he looked at her, a hint of sadness in his expression.
“She reminds me of you,” he said quietly.
Grace swallowed hard, not sure how to respond.
Ethan set the firewood basket by the door, turning to face her. “Grace, I know I’m probably the last person you want to see right now. But I need to say this.”
She crossed her arms, her defenses going up. “What is it?”
“I’m sorry,” he said simply. “For everything. For leaving. For not fighting harder to stay. I made a lot of mistakes back then, and I’ve regretted them every day since.”
Grace stared at him, her emotions a whirlwind. “Ethan, it’s been years. Why are you saying this now?”
“Because I’ve realized something,” he said, his voice steady. “I came back to Snow Hollow thinking I could move on. But being here, seeing you...it’s made me realize that I don’t want to move on. I want a second chance.”
Grace felt like the wind had been knocked out of her. She opened her mouth to respond, but no words came.
Ethan took a step closer, his eyes searching hers. “I know I don’t deserve it. But I had to tell you how I feel. Even if you never want to see me again, at least I’ll know I tried.”
Grace’s heart pounded in her chest. She wanted to yell at him, to push him away, to protect herself from the pain she knew he could cause. But she also wanted to believe him, to hope that maybe—just maybe—things could be different this time.
“I need time,” she said finally, her voice barely above a whisper.
Ethan nodded, his expression somber but understanding. “Take all the time you need.”
He turned to leave, pausing at the door. “Merry Christmas, Grace.”
As the door closed behind him, Grace sank onto the couch, her thoughts spinning. She looked at Ella, peacefully asleep, and wondered if she could ever take the risk of letting Ethan back into their lives.
- Writer
