Christmas Kiss is on Her List Page 6

  Mr. Bixby cleared his throat. “The turkey’s getting cold. I think we should eat.”

  “Yes. Let’s.” Dana agreed.

  Derek stood and picked up the carving knife, slicing into the turkey. When each plate was filled, Penelope raised her glass. “As Tiny Tim said, ‘God Bless Us Every One’. Merry Christmas to us all!”

  Christmas with Mr. Jeffers

  Julie Kavanagh

  Chapter One

  Christmas, Scotland

  Jane sat on the crowded bus with her best friend hidden in her large tote bag tucked under her feet. She wondered idly if she should have left him a little air to breathe and chuckled softly to herself, gaining some strange looks from the other passengers. The young woman ignored them and looked away to the bright twinkly lights of the shops as the double-decker bus passed them by.

  It was the Christmas season already - how quickly had the year passed and now it was the time to be merry. Glancing, at her fellow passengers it seemed to Jane - she was the only one feeling jolly

  Jane loved this time of year; she loved the bright faces of the children as they speculated on the surprises waiting under the tree. She enjoyed, the bustle of the shops as warmly wrapped - people trod through the snow-laden streets with parcels, bent on delivering their own kind of surprises. Jane had never lost the sense of magic this special time held for her and although she wasn’t greatly religious, she loved to hear children- singing the season’s special songs.

  She reached down, her gloved hand touching the softness of the bundle in her bag. Mr. Jeffers was just a worn raggle-taggle teddy but he was the closest thing to having a friend that Jane could remember having. One ear was slightly crooked due to regular repairs. It was a fault in the manufacture, her mother had told her every time she’d lovingly sewed the offending article back on the teddy’s head, but Jane knew it was like the scar she had down her left leg from falling off her bike. Mr. Jeffers had been there for that too.

  Jane sighed softly as memories she’d not visited for several years flooded into her head. He’d been part of her life since she was five, when the fabric of her childhood had begun to unravel. It was Christmas time when he’d arrived in her life -not as a Christmas present wrapped and lovingly placed under the tree, but almost as an accident. The dark- headed boy who had lived across the street had given him to her… what was his name ? Oh yes, Tommy. He’d been older by only a few years, but his height made him seem so grown up at the time.

  London-1992

  Everybody in the street knew about Jane’s parents’ break up. She was too young to put together all the pieces but she knew something was wrong and blamed herself.

  If only she could tie her shoelaces as well as Lyndsey Macgregor. If only she didn’t keep spilling her milk. There was an endless list of things she would do better to make it right between the two people she loved the most. Why wasn’t Daddy there when she woke up? And, where were the presents with his name on them waiting under the pretty tree. Mummy cried when she thought she wasn’t listening,

  Escaping the tense atmosphere, the hushed but fierce voices Mummy tried to hide whenever Daddy visited, Jane snuck out of the house despite the bitter cold of the winter’s day. Wrapped up in her thick school coat and hand- knit-mittens, Jane watched the activity on the opposite side of the street. A large lorry arrived; two big burly men opened the back doors, fastening them to the sides of the lorry with a loud clatter.

  Their neighbours were moving to new pastures, Jane heard Mrs. Grayson, who lived next door, told Mummy one morning on their way to school. Jane watched the commotion of the contents of the house being dismantled and lifted into the huge lorry. The man of the house and the two movers carried the household’s furniture and large crates, while children helped with bags, suitcases and other smaller items.

  When Daddy left, his face was red, Mummy looked as though she was about to cry again. Mummy tried to conceal her sadness. Jane sighed as her Daddy stomped down the road.

  The boy across the road was moving. He looked up and noticed her perched on the edge of the pavement. A teddy was in his hand. He marched across the street.

  He’d never spoke to her before - he was ten and she was ‘just a baby’.

  “What’s your name? ” he asked quickly before she guessed anyone spotted him on this side of the street. “I’m Tommy.”

  “Jane,” she had looked up into eyes of the deepest chocolate, whose warmth belied his gruffness. His hair was scruffy, a mass of dark brown which screamed out for a comb, and there was a graze on his chin from a fall.

  He nodded quickly and held out the teddy. “Do you want it? I’m too old for it now. Its name is Mr. Jeffers.”

  Jane nodded enthusiastically, her hands held out to gather the cuddly creature to her chest. Its softness seemed to cuddle her back.

  “Got to go,” Tommy muttered as his mother’s voice called his name.

  She looked up as he backed away.“Thank you,” she said in a whisper.

  Christmas-Scotland

  Jane smiled to herself as she stood to leave the bus. She’d never forgotten that boy’s kindness and, how he and Mr. Jeffers had saved Christmas for the little girl she once was.

  She was still grinning as she moved carefully along the slush-covered streets, through the playground and into the warmth of the primary school where she taught. Bright coloured garlands hung from the stark white ceilings. Cotton wool snowmen were stuck to every available wall and the gentle tinkle of sleigh bells sounded as she passed the Principal’s office.

  “Jane,” Mr. Reynolds called as Jane stepped down the corridor, “could you pop back when you’ve hung up your coat?”

  “Two minutes,” Jane waved as she for the staff room to grab a hot drink from the machine. He waved her to a seat before sitting in front of her.

  “I need your help,” the rather plump man sighed deeply, his brow creased with the worry. “I know you’ve had your own problems recently, but we have a School Inspector popping in this morning and I feel you’re the best person for him to observe. You don’t mind, do you?”

  Jane smiled again; the Inspector had picked a good morning to visit. Crossed fingers- this was going to be a great lesson.

  “No, I don’t mind at all and please don’t worry about me,” Jane looked up into Jack Reynolds’ caring grey eyes. “It’s all sorted out between David and I. I won’t let it affect my work again.”

  The two weeks she’d spent sorting things out were a stark reminder of why it hadn’t worked out for her and David. She didn’t know what she’d seen in him in the first place, but least said, soonest forgotten, as far as she was concerned. She didn’t need anything from him, not even the memories.

  “That’s good to hear,” Jack Reynolds returned Jane’s warm grin; she was popular among the staff and children alike. He’d hate to lose her. “I didn’t mean that I worried about it affecting your work,” Jack quickly corrected himself. “I meant I’m glad that it’s all sorted out.”

  Jane reached to touch him gently on the arm before she turned away.

  “I know what you meant,” her smile was warmer as she trod past the multitude of oddly- shaped snowmen and snowflakes towards her classroom.

  Chapter Two

  The first part of the morning Jane spent in the large airy hall, practising Christmas carols for the school performance. Little Beth cried as she always did whenever they tried something new, but a quick cuddle and a few gentle words had her donning the cute sheep costume again.

  Jane sighed and lifted a hand to wipe the tear from the corner of her eye before anyone else noticed. She was so emotional at this time of the year but it was a good feeling of warmth that filled her.

  “Ok, Milton Class, you were wonderful. Beautiful! I’m so proud of you all.” Jane stood, her hands applauding her class’s effort.

  Okay, Brian couldn’t sing a not
e in tune and unfortunately he was the loudest of the lot, but no one else seemed to notice. Little Beth cheered up and everything was going good, but Jane had her fingers crossed. In her experience there was always something that went wrong on the day and there were still twenty-four hours before the school concert.

  “Have you seen him yet?” Louise McPherson, the school’s secretary caught Jane’s arm as she led her children back to class.

  “Seen who?” Jane asked, her eyes catching sight of Louise’s excited face.

  “The School Inspector. He’s gorgeous. All smouldering dark looks and come-to-bed eyes. You’ll like him and you should ask him out. I know he’ll jump at the chance. He’s not wearing a ring and I’m sure he hasn’t got a significant other,” Louise peered over her silver rimmed specs, speculation and a measure of anticipation lit her hazel eyes.

  Louise was always trying to fix her up with one man or another. “That’s a School Inspector you’re talking about and you can’t know whether he has a girlfriend just by looking at him,” Jane gently scolded the older woman.

  “It helps if you know the secretary for all the borough’s Inspectors like I do. Martha’s a close friend and she tells me Mr. Andrews hasn’t had a steady girlfriend for ages. She says he’s a lovely man and you two would be really good together.”

  “Martha doesn’t know anything about me.” Jane laughed. The situation was ridiculous. Now she had two interfering biddies trying to sort out her love life, but she was more amused than angry. “We might hate each other on sight.”

  “Martha knows him and I know you, so what more do you need? Now promise me you’ll give him that lovely smile and he’ll fall into your open arms,” Louise sighed.

  “I promise,” Jane whispered but didn’t hold out much hope. She hadn’t been nicknamed ‘Plain Jane’ at school for nothing. She didn’t expect the man to fall in love with her; she’d settle for a good report on her lesson.

  Yes, that was all she could hope for.

  ****

  “Now then children, I’d like you to meet Mr. Andrews. He’s going to sit in with us this morning.”

  Jane introduced the school visitor to the class. Some of the children smiled, a couple called out hello and two waved. The children were so friendly and indicative of the town they lived in.

  She’d done the right thing when she moved back after the break-up of her short-lived marriage. In the heart of London she’d been lonely, but here she’d been accepted straight away - especially when they discovered she’d been born here, despite her strange Scottish accent. It hadn’t taken long for the delicate brogue of the region to filter back into her voice, making her feel settled and wanted.

  “Good morning, children.” Mr. Andrews sat on one of the little chair looking much like a giant in one of their story books. “I’m here just to watch and see what you do.”

  She couldn’t look at the man in the dark suit with the folder on his lap. She was nervous enough. This was her first year of teaching Reception. She was prepared for today - had written out her lesson plans, had made copious notes, but terrified she’d forget something.

  Louise was right; he was drop dead gorgeous and his voice was to die for. The silly old lady had been reading too many romance novels and she thought everyone had their soul mate waiting out there for them. But Jane tried that. She’d thought David was the only one for her, but three years of marriage taught her that the concept of people falling in love and living happily- ever- after was a myth. It was created by ladies like Louise who read silly love stories.

  No, it was time to do what she was good at and leave all the lovey-dovey stuff to other people. She glanced up at her teaching assistant, Mandy, who winked, nodding her head in support, her mouth full of a warm smile.

  Chapter Three

  “Did anyone bring a toy today?” Jane sat in her wooden chair, her tote bag sat on the floor by her knee.

  A little girl, Angel, with messy hair, put up her hand. Jane smiled. This girl was the shyest in the class. She was new and struggled to participate in any –class activities. She knew Angel coped better in small groups, and this was the first time she’d offered her hand for anything. She was making progress.

  Jane waited until Angel joined her at the front before asking her anything about the doll in her hand. Two little girls sat in the front row; they were always in the front row together and were always sniggering nastily at this shy child. They thought her name was silly but Jane thought it suited the delicate little thing. She had an ethereal feel about her with her beautiful blue eyes.

  “Janice, Michaela, would you like to sit at the back?” Jane’s voice had a tone of authority and both girls shook their heads. “I don’t want to hear your voices, do you understand?” The girls nodded. Jane noticed the man making notes and she sighed inwardly. Would he think she couldn’t control her class?

  Angel’s voice was clear as she told the class about her doll. It was obviously homemade but with skill. Laced with love.

  “My mummy made it for me and told me to name her after my most favourite thing in the world,” Angel hesitated probably because she thought they would laugh at her.

  Angle’s words captivated the children’s attention. Even Janice and Michaela craned their heads to listen.

  “Would you like to tell us her name?” Jane asked gently, her hand on the little girl’s arm.

  “I couldn’t call her Mummy‘’ so she’s called ‘Ice Cream.”’

  The children laughed, but they also clapped. They didn’t think the name was silly; they loved ice cream too. Jane glanced over at Mr. Andrews; the man’s head was bent over his folder as he wrote more notes.

  Daniel Jenkins waved his hand, calling out as he always did, “Miss, miss, did you bring a toy?”

  “I might have…” Jane grinned, leaned over and pulled the teddy from her tote. She sat the threadbare toy on her lap. “Milton class, I’d like you to meet …”

  The man cut her off, “Mr. Jeffers”.

  Jane turned to look at the man; his eyes were of the deepest chocolate and his mass of dark brown hair screamed out for a comb although it was obvious he’d tried his best with it.

  “Tommy?”

  “Jane.” Tom smiled, it lit his eyes with unexpected warmth.

  He waited at the back of the class until the children were dismissed for break.

  “I never thought I’d see him again,” Tom said as he held the tatty little bear in front of him.

  “I never thought …” Jane began but stopped. She wanted to tell him how much the teddy bear meant to her, how many secrets the much-loved toy kept, but this was about work, not her past. What she wanted to say wasn’t appropriate to say to a School Inspector. He was here to judge her work, not to relive childhood memories.

  “Mr. Andrews?” Jack Reynolds, the school Principal peered into the classroom, his eyes taking in the scene of the man holding the teddy and not understanding the situation. “Are you done here? There’s a call from your office.”

  Tom stood, a bright flush flooded his face as he handed the toy back

  “Yes, of course, Jane and I know each other from childhood, we were catching up. Thank you, Mrs. Stewart, it was a lovely lesson.” Tom nodded his head and followed the Principal out of the room.

  ****

  Jane was as pretty as he remembered her. He’d never forgotten and it wasn’t just because she had his precious toy. He’d written it off to a ten-year olds crush. What were the odds of him bumping into that little girl again and her having Mr. Jeffers with her?

  One in a ... billion?

  It was a small world. He’d been attracted to Jane, but noticed the telltale white mark on her left hand of a ring not long off her marriage finger.

  Chapter Four

  Jane watched Tom leave. He didn’t look back, but then what did she expect? They were strangers just a
s they had been that wintery day so many years ago. But, she’d watched his face when he held Mr Jeffers and a spur of the moment idea had her calling his name.

  “Tom- Mr. Andrews!” Jane stood, her hand extended. She caught up to him and stopped. “I believe this belongs to you.”

  He accepted the toy just as Mr. Reynolds called out his name and he left for another classroom.

  ****

  Jane sat in her living room, idly watching a soap opera. The coffee in her favourite mug was cold and she’d barely tasted the ready- prepared meal she’d eaten. Picking up her empty plate and cutlery, she carried them to the tiny kitchen to wash.

  Jane glanced into her small bedroom and at the empty space at the end of her bed where Mr. Jeffers usually sat. In the year she’d lived in this flat, he’d been there to comfort her. When David threatened all sorts of things, Mr. Jeffers had been there to cuddle and offer his own kind of reassurance, his soft fur scented with her perfume giving her the strength to carry on no matter what.

  Now he’s gone back to his owner.

  A quick shower and a set of comfy pyjamas and Jane was ready for bed.

  She couldn’t sleep, her mind turning over the events of the day. How odd was it that Tom should turn up and in her classroom? How strange that it should be the very day she’d brought Mr. Jeffers to school when she’d never done it before. Closing her eyes tightly to stop the tears which threatened to fall, she sighed softly.

  She wasn’t a child and didn’t need a toy to comfort her. Mr. Jeffers was back where he belonged. It wasn’t something to cry over, but it was a long time until she fell asleep.

  “How did it go?” Louise was waiting at the school gate the next morning, her cheeks red from the cold and her hands wrapped up in hand -knit- bright orange mittens. “Did you ask him out?”

  “It went ok,” Jane nodded but she didn’t really want to talk about it. Her day had started badly when her ex called and demanded the return of several CDs he claimed she had taken. “And no, I didn’t ask him out.”