Chapter 2: Threads of the Past
986 Words
Jessica awoke the next morning to the sound of Lily’s laughter drifting up from the living room. For a moment, she lay still, letting the warmth of the holiday morning wrap around her. But the memory of Ethan’s face the night before crept in, scattering her calm.
She sighed, throwing on a sweater and heading downstairs.
Lily was in the kitchen, perched on a stool as Mike poured pancake batter into festive molds shaped like snowflakes and Christmas trees.
“Morning, sleepyhead,” Mike teased without looking up.
Jessica grabbed a mug and poured herself some coffee. “You’re up early for someone who stayed out late.”
Mike smirked. “It was worth it. We finalized most of the festival plans last night. And Ethan volunteered to handle the skating rink setup. Remember how good he is at that?”
Jessica rolled her eyes. “Subtle, Mike. Very subtle.”
Her brother only grinned, unbothered.
As the morning unfolded, Jessica tried to focus on the familiar rhythms of home. She and Lily decorated the tree while Mike dug through the attic for boxes of ornaments. Yet, no matter how hard she tried to push him from her mind, Ethan’s face kept returning.
By mid-afternoon, Jessica decided she needed fresh air. “Lily, want to go for a walk to the village square?”
Lily, bundled in a bright red coat and scarf, eagerly grabbed her mother’s hand.
The village was alive with Christmas cheer. Carolers stood near the fountain, their voices harmonizing over the hum of shoppers darting between stalls selling handmade crafts and holiday treats. The aroma of cinnamon and roasted chestnuts filled the air, and snowflakes drifted lazily from the sky.
Lily tugged Jessica toward a booth selling cookies shaped like gingerbread men. As Jessica paid, a familiar voice behind her made her stiffen.
“Didn’t expect to see you here.”
She turned to find Ethan standing there, his hands tucked into his coat pockets, a half-smile on his face.
“Apparently, we keep running into each other,” Jessica said, trying to keep her tone light.
Lily beamed at him. “Hi, Mr. Ethan!”
He crouched to her level, holding out a mittened hand for a high-five. “Hi, Lily. Are you having fun?”
“She’s been begging to go skating,” Jessica said before Lily could answer.
Ethan looked up at her, his expression brightening. “You should come. I’m heading over to the rink now to check on the setup.”
Jessica hesitated, but Lily’s excited tugging on her sleeve made her relent. “Fine. Just for a little while.”
---
The skating rink was nestled in a clearing surrounded by fir trees, their branches dusted with snow. Strings of lights cast a warm glow over the ice, and families glided across it with varying levels of grace.
Lily was already chattering excitedly as Ethan helped her into a pair of skates. Jessica watched from the sidelines, her arms crossed as she tried to keep from fidgeting.
“You’re not skating?” Ethan asked as he returned from tying Lily’s laces.
“I haven’t skated in years,” Jessica admitted.
He tilted his head, a playful gleam in his eyes. “Scared you’ll fall?”
“No,” she said quickly, then added, “Maybe.”
Ethan chuckled and held out his hand. “Come on, Jess. I won’t let you fall.”
Jessica stared at his hand, memories tugging at her. Back in high school, Ethan had taught her to skate on this very rink. She remembered the way his fingers had laced through hers, steady and reassuring.
Shaking her head, she pushed the memory aside and took his hand.
---
The ice was slick underfoot, and Jessica wobbled as soon as her skates touched it. Ethan’s grip tightened.
“Relax,” he said. “You’re overthinking it.”
“Easy for you to say,” Jessica muttered, gripping his arm like a lifeline.
Ethan laughed, his deep, rich voice echoing around them. Slowly, he guided her onto the ice, their steps tentative at first. But as they moved, Jessica began to find her rhythm.
Lily zoomed past them, giggling as she skated in wide, wobbly loops.
“She’s fearless,” Ethan remarked, watching her with a smile.
Jessica nodded, her heart swelling with pride. “She’s my everything.”
Ethan’s expression softened. “You’re a good mom, Jess. Lily’s lucky to have you.”
His words caught her off guard, and she looked away, focusing on her feet. “I’m just doing my best.”
“I mean it,” Ethan said, his voice gentle. “You’ve been through a lot, but you’re still standing. That takes strength.”
Jessica met his gaze, and for a moment, the world around them seemed to fade. The years between them melted away, leaving only the connection they’d once shared.
But the moment was fleeting. Lily skated over, pulling on Ethan’s hand. “Come on, Mr. Ethan! Let’s go fast!”
He grinned and let her lead him, leaving Jessica to catch her breath.
---
Later, as they walked back to the village square, Ethan carried Lily on his shoulders, her laughter ringing out as she pointed at the twinkling lights.
When they reached the fountain, Ethan lowered Lily to the ground and turned to Jessica. “It was good seeing you today.”
Jessica nodded, her heart conflicted. “Yeah. Thanks for helping with Lily.”
“Anytime,” he said, his smile warm.
As he walked away, Jessica watched him go, her thoughts a tangle of emotions. She’d come home to escape the pain of her divorce, not to revisit the scars of her past.
But as she held Lily’s hand and started back toward their house, a part of her couldn’t help but wonder: had Ethan come back into her life for a reason?
- Writer
