Sadly, this year was going to be different as the girl’s mother Bethany was unwell. She could barely walk and spent most of her time either sleeping or in her comfy pink chair.
Six months ago, the family were told the terrible news that Bethany had cancer. Life had suddenly changed for the family and now it was hard for Samuel to manage all the farm chores and looking after his sick wife.
The girls only went to school for half a day and did the rest of their school work at home so they could help their father and mother.
Bethany had always been a bubbly strong person and it was hard for the family to see her so unwell and struggling. Somehow, she still managed to laugh and joke with the family and try to make light of her situation.
This Christmas Bethany’s sister Margaret and her fiancée William were going to come for Christmas. Margaret offered to decorate and cook for the family. She wanted her sister to have a special Christmas and wanted the family to meet William, whom she planned to marry in the Spring.
Maryanne and Jasmine made decorations for the tree and little gifts for the family. They were excited their aunt was coming to stay and bringing her fiancée. They hoped this would bring joy to their beloved mother.
*
Two days before Christmas Margaret and William arrived. It was snowing lightly, and their cheeks looked red and ruddy as they walked in the door.
Bethany’s eyes lit up when her sister walked in. The sisters hugged and kissed and were happy to see each other. William stood back and observed, it was obvious how much the sisters meant to each other.
“Oh, I am so sorry everyone this is William, my fiancée”, said Margaret apologetically.
“It’s perfectly fine”, replied William, “you girls have a lot to catch up on,” he added with a warm smile.
Maryanne and Jasmine took their guests coats and showed them to their rooms.
Later in the evening the family all sat around a lovely warm fire and started singing Christmas Carols, Jasmine played the piano. Everyone could see how much Bethany was enjoying herself. She looked relaxed and happy.
The next day everyone pitched in to prepare for Christmas Day. The turkey was prepared along with Christmas Pudding. It was fun, and Bethany enjoyed watching her family, wishing she could join in. She was tired but happy.
*
On Christmas morning the girls were so excited, they were up early. They made hot chocolate and snuggled up on the couch. Soon their father came downstairs and lit the fire.
“It’s going to be a lovely day”, he said.
“It is Father”, said the girls together.
Christmas dinner was wonderful. The food was lovely, mostly prepared by Margaret and the girls. Everyone laughed as they patted their full tummies happily.
After dinner everyone sat down by the fire and passed around little gifts. The girls were excited, they both were given pretty, new dresses by their aunt, ribbons and gloves from their parents plus handmade sweets, dried fruit and nuts. It was blissful.
After awhile William went over to sit by Bethany, “I know you have been unwell for a few months Bethany. Margaret hasn’t told you that I am a doctor, I trained and graduated in London and now I am working at Mead hospital. Tomorrow if you are agreeable, I would like to talk to you about your cancer, I am not going to make you any promises, but I would like to try and help”, he said.
Bethany looked taken aback, Margaret could see this and blew her a kiss to reassure her.
“We will talk tomorrow, today has been a big day and we are here for a week”, he added patting her on the shoulder gently.
As they climbed into bed Samuel looked over at his wife, “It’s been a lovely day. I realise you were taken aback by what William said but he wants to talk to you, please give him a chance darling”, he said as he reached out for his wife’s hand to reassure her.
*
Look out for Part Two tomorrow.
I hope you all have an enjoyable festive season and may 2019 be amazing for you all.
KSR