A Merry Little Christmas: Chapter 1

They walked in silence as they neared the front yard, their arms full of plastic bags with toys hidden deep inside. Carmen had hoped a day of Christmas shopping would've been the perfect bonding experience with the her soon-to-be daughter. However, the 19-year-old co-ed clearly had other feelings.

More sullen than usual, Lillian Marie spent most of the day in a perpetual state of silence, uttering simple affirmatives here and there as they collected Christmas treasures for the rest of the family. Even as they neared the front walkway, already dusted with fine layer of snow, she kept her eyes locked listlessly to the sidewalk.

Suddenly, as they neared the house, they heard a loud giggle and a familiar voice echo from inside the house.

"C'mon!" Matthew cried, followed by the loud clatter chairs banging against the floor.

Carmen paused just before the first step and nervously asked,

"What's going on?"

"Nothing," Lillian replied. The corners of her mouth twitch as a small, knowing grin, crept across her face. "They're just getting ready."

"Getting ready for what?" Carmen asked. Without answering Lillian marched up the front porch stairs. Carmen anxiously followed, suddenly fearing that a prank of some sort was waiting for her just behind the front door. But as Lillian reached for the brass handle a loud "BANG!" from the piano resounded from the room inside.

A brief pause followed.

Then, just as suddenly, a playful piano rift filled the air, as if announcing their arrival.

Lillian's smile widen and she pushed the door open.

Carmen followed the music and found the younger two kids at the piano - Matthew playing so skillfully for a 12 year old, and Nora, their little performer at 10, dancing playfully and singing at the top of her lungs:

"'Meet me in St Lou-ie, Lou-ie! - Meet me at the Fair!...'"

Awestruck, Carmen softly shut the door behind her and marveled at the display. Matthew noticed her and quickly called over the music, "Hey Carmen!"

"Just what are you two up to?" Carmen softly laughed. But the children paid her no attention, and only went on with their song and dance. They were soon joined by Lillian, having suddenly reappeared from the kitchen (where she'd quickly hidden their new toys).

Soon, all three huddled over the piano where Matthew played, singing together in a loud and wondrous chorus. Carmen could only stand by and watch in silent admiration. Not just because they all sang so beautiful for children - but because of the sudden joy that had seemingly filled their faces.

Especially Lillian's.

"Hey, Hey! Are we at the fair already!" a voice called as the backdoor swung shut. Though Matthew didn't stop playing, he and Nora whirled around to exclaim, "Hello Daddy!" as their father entered through the garage with baby Owen in his arms. Lillian was the only one who stopped singing, and turned to greet her father.

"Hey Dad," she smiled as she reached for the three-year-old.

"Hey Baby-doll," he answered, placing a kiss on her cheek and her brother in her arms. Owen bounced playfully to the music and wrapped his arms around her neck as he smiled and cooed at his siblings at the piano.

"Did you two have a good time?" her father asked Carmen still standing by the front door.

"We did," Carmen answered hesitantly. Her fiancee gave her a quick, suspicious look as he took the shopping bags from her.

"We did, really!" and Carmen insisted as she planted a kiss on his lips.

"We had a good time, Dad," Lillian insisted, bouncing Owen in time with the music. Suddenly, having heard Carmen's voice, Owen twisted in Lillian's arms and reached desperately for her. Carmen pretended not to notice Lillian's faltering smile as she scooped the baby into an embrace, and went on about their Christmas shopping.

"We managed to find everything we needed," Carmen explained. "With a little bit of hunting for just a few things, of course!"

"Oh really!" Mr. Ryfe laughed.

"Oh yes, they'd moved some things around in Hamilton's! And then there was - oh, what was the fuss about at the corner of Maple Drive, Lil?"

"Sorry, I didn't get a good look," Lillian answered flatly.

Then, she ruffled Matthew's hair and excused herself to wrap the presents before storming out of the room. Though the playing didn't stop, the music quieted slightly as Matthew and Nora shared a worried glance. Their father looked seriously at Carmen.

"You're sure you everything's alright?"

"Yes, honey," Carmen insisted with a small smile. "Everything's fine."

Baby Owen, oblivious to the tension, giggled happily in Carmen's arms.

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