Simply Having a Horrible Christmas Time 2

 

Chapter 2

“How ‘bout some Christmas karaoke?” I asked, turning up the radio. 

Maddie shot me her “I-would-rather-eat-a-toad” face but I was already belting out Jingle Bell Rock before she could protest.

“What a biiiiight time it’s the riiiiiight time-” I drummed the steering wheel to the beat.

“To rock the night away,” Jack sang happily only slightly off key.

Rufis howled, sticking his head into the cab.

“Jingle bell time, it’s a, swell time-”

Maddie turned the radio off.

“Hey!” Jack exclaimed. “Buzz killer.”

“Can’t we just like, talk or something? Do we have to listen to Christmas music the whole way there?” Maddie asked.

“Maddie choosing to talk face to face with her family!? I am shocked,” Jack said, who was still grumpy from having to stop.

“So mom, What’s our first stop?” Maddie asked, ignoring Jack.

“Candy Cane Lane Cocoa and Coffee!” I exclaimed. “And here we are now!”

We park next to a building which some might call, “blindingly cheery” (Some as in my daughter) others (more like myself) would call it magical.

Colorful lights strung from the roof to the door, decorative candy canes popping out every window, giant snowflakes and icicles, it was a Christmas lover's dream.

“Let's go inside!” I open the cab door and jump out.

“What about Rufis?” Jack asked, hugging him tightly. “Can he come too?”

“Yes he can! Candy Cane lane Coffee and Cocoa welcomes anyone hungry!” I explained. “Even dogs.”

“Yay!” Jack leashed Rufis and stepped out of the car.

“Gabby!? Is that you!?” a man sat up from one of the outdoor coffee tables.

“Oh no no no,” I sighed and dug into my purse. “Kids, here’s some money, get me a peppermint late and whatever you want.”

“Ummm ok-” Maddie started.

“Hurry! Go!” I pleaded as the man got up from his table.

With looks of bewilderment my kids ran into The Candy Cane Lane Coffee and Cocoa.

“Gabby! It is you!” the man grinned. “It has been too long!”

More like not long enough. “Hi, Jim!” I said, trying to sound equally excited. But when you’re talking with Jim, it’s harder than it sounds.

“There is so much to tell you!”

Here we go. I plastered on my best and most interesting smile and proceeded to Jim’s life story up til that moment.

“Mom! Got your coffee!” Maddie called, stepping out from the white cafe doors.

“Great thanks! Nice seeing you, Jim!” I hurried into the car.

“Ok, what was all that about?” Maddie asked, setting my drink in the cup holder.

“Old friend of mine. The… Chatty type,” I sighed again. 

“We get treats for Rufis!” exclaimed Jack thrusting out a bag of red-and-green doggie biscuits.

“Nice! What did you get to drink?” I started up the car.

“Hot cocoa for Jack and an iced coffee for me,” Maddie sipped her borning drink contentedly.

“Just iced coffee!? No sugar cookie surprise!? Or gingerbread supreme!?” I asked.

“I like iced coffee, is that-”

We hit a pothole in the road and maddie’s drink flew from her hands and spilled onto her shirt.

“Ahh! Noooo!” Maddie moaned. “Ug, this is my favorite shirt.”

“I’m so sorry! I-”

“It's fine! Just, drink your crazy Christmas coffee!” Maddie turned to face the window.

I sighed for what seemed the hundredth time that day. Where had my sweet Maddie gone? And how was I ever going to finish this trip!?