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“Yes. I’ll call you back next week, and we’ll talk about things,” I offer.
“Okay. Merry Christmas, Hannah,” she says, defeated.
“Merry Christmas to you too.”
She ends the call, and I turn my phone off.
I sit on the first step and try to clear my thoughts. A month ago, I knew exactly what I wanted and where I wanted to be, but that’s changed. It’s time to regroup and deal with my feelings because the world is never going to be exactly what I envisioned it to be. Life doesn’t work that way.
What’s gotten into you, Hannah?
Lake Mistletoe. Lake Mistletoe has gotten into me.
Uncle Bob comes from the side of the house and sits down beside me.
“I’m not going to the airport, Uncle Bob,” I say.
“I know. Trixie already told me.”
“I’m sorry I called you out here for nothing,” I say.
He wraps an arm around my shoulders and tucks me into his side. “I’d have been here eventually anyway. I always end up here. But here isn’t a bad place to be.”
“I blew it big time. Maybe I’m having a midlife crisis,” I tell him.
“You’re not old enough to have a midlife crisis.”
“When can I have one?” I ask.
“In about fifteen years, give or take.”
“Yay, something to look forward to,” I deadpan, and I can feel the chuckle building up in his chest.
“Get it all out,” he encourages.
“I’m not the same person I was when I left Vegas and came here,” I confess.
“What’s changed?”
“It’s hard to put into words. I tried all night. I just feel different on the inside.”
“Different isn’t a bad thing. Different could signify a new adventure. Instead of fighting it, why don’t you give embracing it a try and see how it turns out?”
“Thanks, Uncle Bob.”
He kisses the top of my head.
“You’re by far my favorite niece,” he says.
“I’m your only niece.”
“That has no bearing on the fact that you’re my favorite,” he assures me.
Bran
When I walk into the decorated garden, the sight takes my breath away.
A pianist is playing Christmas music as the guests mingle in their best black-tie attire.
