And that was something I hadn't felt in a long time.
"Beth!"
Beth turned, and her face broke out into a grin. "Ellie!"
Beth let go of my hand to hug her friend. I ignored how cold my hand felt without her holding it.
"And who's this?" she asked, her eyes darting to me.
"This is Daryl," Beth said, glancing back at me. "He fixed my car. And now he’s fixing yours.”
"Must be good with his hands?" Ellie arched a brow.
"Something like that," I retorted.
Ellie smirked, clearly amused by my response.
Just then, an announcement boomed over the speakers, signaling the start of the ceremony. People around us started to cheer and gather closer to the tree.
Beth gave me a quick smile before turning her attention to the stage where the mayor began his speech. The crowd quieted down, their anticipation palpable as they waited for the lights to be switched on.
I stood there, feeling a strange mix of anticipation and discomfort, but with Beth…
I refused to finish that thought.
Chapter7
Beth
The square bustled with townsfolk, everyone huddled in their winter coats and scarves. The Christmas tree stood tall and proud, adorned with twinkling lights and ornaments that shimmered under the evening sky.
"Isn't this magical?" Ellie said, barely able to contain her joy.
"Absolutely," I replied, taking in the festive scene.
The mayor stepped up to the podium then, tapping the microphone to get everyone's attention.
"Good evening, everyone," he began, his voice booming over the speakers. "Thank you all for coming to our annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony."
A wave of cheers and applause followed his greeting. He waited for the noise to die down before continuing.
"As you all know, this tradition has been a part of Evergreen Hollow for many years," he said, his tone growing more passionate. "It’s a time when we come together as a community to celebrate the spirit of Christmas."
I felt a warm glow in my chest as I listened. There was something about these events that made everything seem right in the world.
The mayor went on. "This tree represents hope and unity, reminding us that no matter what challenges we face throughout the year, we always have each other."
I glanced at Ellie who nodded along with his words. The crowd murmured in agreement, their faces reflecting a shared sense of pride and belonging.
"And now," the mayor said with a flourish, "let’s light this tree and let its glow fill our hearts with joy."
The switch was flipped and the tree burst into a brilliant display of light. The crowd gasped collectively before breaking into cheers once more. Ellie hugged me tightly as we admired the spectacle together.
As the tree's lights flickered on, painting the town square in hues of gold and silver, I turned and impulsively pulled Daryl into a tight hug. He stood rigid at first, like a statue unwilling to yield. But I melted into him all the same, feeling the warmth of his body against the cold night air. After a moment that felt like an eternity, he hesitantly wrapped his arms around me.
"What do you think?" I asked him, turning to face the illuminated tree.
The Christmas tree stood resplendent in the middle of the square. Its branches were heavy with ornaments—red baubles, silver tinsel, and handmade decorations crafted by local children. Tiny white lights threaded through its needles, casting a soft glow that reflected off the glittering star perched at its peak. The entire tree seemed to shimmer, creating an ethereal effect against the backdrop of snow-dusted mountains.
