“I met Daniel on the same day. He was in the hospital because he had just lost both of his parents. A hate crime. Of course we bonded instantly and just a few weeks later he told me that he was in love with me. I loved him back. When my father met his. . .” she paused, “New wife Daniel and I moved here, to this town. I wanted to stay close to my family but I didn't want to see him so happy with another woman on a daily basis. Daniel got a job at the tailor. In the back, of course. And I worked at the diner.”
“What happened to Daniel?” John asked all of a sudden.
Clara took a deep breath. “I should probably check on the turkey. Don't want it to burn.”
She got up and headed towards the kitchen, shrugging off the memories she had just woken by talking about her past, reminding herself that all of that had happened a long time ago. Today was going to be a good day and the ghosts of Christmas past weren't going to ruin that for her.
Once the turkey was done Clara and John settled at the dining table, eating, talking about unimportant things, laughing, drinking the eggnog and eating the shortbread fingers she had made, listening to the Christmas songs on the radio. John complimented her on the food repeatedly, vowing that it was the best thing he had ever eaten.
“I can't believe I almost spent Christmas with my dad and the stepmonster,” Clara laughed, “This is a lot nicer.”
“It's nice indeed,” John replied, smiling at her, “I'm also looking forward to New Year's Eve. I'm curious how you celebrate it over here.”
“Uhm, just dancing, drinking and staring into the sky, waiting for fireworks. Why? Is it different in the UK?”
John laughed. “No, not really.”
Clara turned her head, her gaze dropping to the guitar he had brought. “Hey, how about some home made Christmas music now? Or did you bring the guitar for decoration?”
“I'll help you with the dishes first,” John said and rose from his seat, his hands already on the dirty plates.
“No,” Clara stopped him by grabbing his hand, “Leave them for later.”
She settled on her bed and John joined her after he had plugged in the amplifier and picked up his guitar. She rested her head on his shoulder as he began tuning his instrument.
“John?”
“Yes?”
“Merry Christmas,” Clara said softly.
“Merry Christmas,” he replied and although she couldn't see his face she knew that he was smiling. She closed her eyes and listened to him play, hoping that he wouldn't stop for a long while.