Kate James - A Child's Christmas

“But Mom—”

“I know what you’re thinking. Don’t worry. I’m not letting him anywhere near power tools. They’re long gone. I bought him a balsa-wood kit that he can assemble. The pieces are precut, and all he needs is children’s glue.” She chuckled. “You should see him. He’s having a grand time! That’s what counts.”

Paige smiled through her tears. Her mother was sixty-eight now, her father eleven years her senior. Her father was the only man her mother had ever loved. They’d enjoyed a good life, and a long and loving marriage. In two years, they would be celebrating their fiftieth anniversary. But knowing that her strong, intelligent, capable father had been reduced to relying almost entirely on her mother tore Paige apart. She had enormous respect for the way her mother was coping.

“Are you still there, Paige?”

“Yes, Mom.” Paige realized she couldn’t break the news to her mother over the phone. She’d somehow have to find the time—and the money—to take the train. “Mom, I wanted to let you know I’m coming for a visit. I want to see you and Dad.”

Her mother’s voice brightened. “That’s wonderful! When are you coming?”

Paige felt remorseful hearing her mother sound so happy. Her heart would break when she learned the reason for Paige’s impromptu visit. Why hadn’t she thought of visiting her parents with Jason weeks ago, when they could’ve had a happy reunion? Jason loved his grandparents dearly and was so sweet with his Gramps—so patient and kind. “I’m not sure, Mom. I’ll have to check my work schedule. I’ll call you back and let you know. But it’ll be soon.”

“That’s wonderful,” her mother repeated. “Your father will be very happy to see you.”

Paige doubted it, since the last couple of times she’d visited, he hadn’t remembered her at all.

“We look forward to seeing Jason, too.”

Paige paused. She considered taking Jason with her. Under the circumstances, it wasn’t a good idea. She anticipated the discussion with her mother would be a difficult one, and she didn’t want Jason to see either of them break down. “No, Mom. Jason won’t be coming with me.” Paige pulled the elastic from her ponytail and shook her hair loose. “Um...he can’t miss school right now,” she improvised. “And I’m scheduled to work some hours over the next couple of weekends.”

She felt relief when she heard someone at her door. It gave her an excuse to end the conversation. “I need to get the door, Mom. I’ll call you again soon.” They said their good-byes, and Paige went to open the door.

Chelsea Owens, her upstairs neighbor, stood in the hallway, uncharacteristically subdued, her eyes rimmed in red, her lower lip quivering. “Chelsea, what’s—”

Before Paige could finish, she was smothered in a powerful embrace. To her shock, Chelsea started to cry, and Paige stroked her back reassuringly. “Hey, what’s up?”

Chelsea pushed away, ran her fingers through her spiky black hair and tried to speak through an attack of hiccups. “Me? What’s up with me ?” She began crying again. “Mrs. Bennett...” She clapped her hand over her mouth. Her eyes were huge. She bent forward to peer at Jason’s door. “He’s...he’s not...”

She pointed repeatedly toward his room.

Understanding, Paige sighed heavily. “No. He’s not home. He’s at school. Mrs. Bennett told you.”

Chelsea sniffled and swiped the back of her hand under her nose. “I’m sooooo sorry. I don’t know what to say.”

Paige gestured for her to come in and closed the door. Chelsea stepped into the small living room and collapsed on the sofa. “Jason is such a wonderful kid. This is so unfair.”

Paige dropped down beside her. She’d had the better part of a day to come to terms with it and simply couldn’t. “Yeah. It really is.”

“Is there anything I can do? Anything at all? Just say the word.”

“I appreciate it. All I ask is please don’t fall apart in front of Jason. He’s already been through this twice. As hard as it was on him, he’s coping, thinking he’ll be through it again in a few months.”

Chelsea flopped back on the sofa and stared up at the ceiling. “Poor kid. I mean, I didn’t know you back then, but I can’t imagine how he does it. How you both do it.” She turned to Paige. “And your folks. How did they take it?”

Paige rubbed her forehead where a throb was intensifying. “I haven’t told them yet. I was just on the phone with Mom. I was going to tell her, but then she went on about Dad, and I couldn’t.” She pressed her lips together. “I’m planning to go and see them instead.” She leaned forward to fidget with the decorative bowl on the coffee table. “If I can get the time off work. And put aside the train fare. I’m sure Mrs. Bennett won’t mind taking care of Jason for a few days.” Tears gathered in Paige’s eyes, and she reached for the box of tissues on the end table. “I couldn’t tell my mother on the phone. It’s not as if she can turn to Dad for comfort. I just couldn’t do it.”

Chelsea straightened. “Wait! I’ll drive you.”

“I appreciate the offer, but no, I couldn’t let you do that.”

“Then take my car.”

“I can’t do that, either. You need it to get to work.”

Chelsea shook her head. “Nah. I’ll schedule my shifts at the art gallery so they’re the same as Joel’s. You remember me telling you about Joel? He’s the cute events coordinator at work. I’ll have him pick me up. That way, I can manage without my car for a few days. You need it—so use it. It’ll be cheaper and easier for you.” Chelsea smiled. “Besides, that’ll give me a chance to spend time with Joel!”

Yes, it would be cheaper. More importantly, Paige could set her own schedule, reduce the travel time and get home to Jason faster. “Really? You don’t mind?”

“No, not at all. Honestly, it’s the least I can do.”

“It’s very generous of you, Chels. Thank you.”

* * *

THE NEXT FEW days passed quickly. Paige arranged for the time off, and she was working double shifts to make up for it. Jason also had a number of doctors’ appointments and tests in preparation for the start of his treatments, so he was missing school. Paige set up a journal—as she first had when Jason was three—to track his temperature, blood pressure and general well-being against his treatment schedule. She knew it would get progressively harder for Jason as his treatment cycle progressed, and she wanted to make sure she could accurately discuss his reaction to the drugs with his doctors.

The appointments weren’t easy for Jason, but he was very brave. The strain was wearing on Paige, though. She let herself into their apartment after a long day at work, thankful they were on the ground floor of the small three-story walk-up. She was tired and worried.

Mrs. Bennett greeted her excitedly. “Go say hello to Jason and hurry back, dear. I have good news for you.”

Paige thought she could use some good news as she checked on Jason doing his homework. She spent a few minutes chatting with him, then returned to the living room. “I’ve found an organization that should be able to help,” Mrs. Bennett announced.

“Sorry. What?”

“A charitable organization that can help you and Jason.”

With so much else on her mind, Paige had forgotten their conversation. Remembering now, she wasn’t sure she wanted to pursue it. Not only because she didn’t feel comfortable with charity, but because she knew there’d be an application process. It would mean more time and effort for her, with no guarantees. “What organization?”

“The Wish I May Foundation. It’s wonderful! They make Christmas dreams come true for sick kids. Their mission is to help families in situations like yours.”