AllFreeNovel
Share Us
‘Can’t see why. Look at all the stained glass.’
Jago had to admit the windows were superb. He’d come back at some point when the church was empty to have a proper look. The building and its purpose were separate for him, however. Whilst he could appreciate the craftsmanship that had created it, he was ambiguous about the religion it housed.
Avril huffed a bit and turned away. She was soon busy chatting to Mrs Carmichael on the other side. The two mothers had become friends. He was glad she’d made a friend. Groaning silently, he cursed himself for treating her like Merryn. Around him he was aware of a shushing and a call to attention. Merryn’s class were walking into the church from the vestry. He was impressed at how seriously they were taking it. At the same age, he’d have been convulsed with giggles and poking the pupil in front. They filed into the choir stalls. It had obviously been rehearsed as they all knew exactly where to sit and what to do. They held service programmes like the one he’d been given on entry, only the children’s were decorated in green and red with a glittery red tinsel bow. Merryn’s teacher stood at the side, making sure they were all in place. Her blonde hair caught the light and Jago could see her silently making gestures to a little boy who was peering out into the church, presumably to see if his parents were there.
The vicar took the pulpit. She was so tiny she could barely see above the impressive eagle-shaped lectern. She was a beige, nondescript person so when she spoke with a warm voice bubbling with humanity and humour, it took Jago by surprise.
‘As some of you probably know, I’m Verity Lincoln, your vicar. May I extend a very warm welcome to St Winifred’s Church on this most glorious of occasions,’ she said, and smiled at the full congregation. ‘I’m delighted to see so many of you here. You’ll be glad to know this is all you’ll hear from me. Because I’m an extremely lazy person,’ at this some laughed disbelievingly. ‘I’ve very happily handed over the church to Starfish Class who are going to lead the service this evening. I’m sure they’ll do a far better job! It just remains for me to repeat my warm welcome to you all, or as warm as I can make this old place. I have put on the heating and I can only apologise for its lack of efficiency. Please warm yourselves up by singing as loudly as you can. And now, over to you, Miss Martin and the children of Starfish Class.’
A tall red-haired girl came to the front of the choir stalls and spoke into a microphone. She wore an enormous pair of silver tinsel wings.‘Do not be afraid,’she began in a loud clear voice.‘For see – I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people…’
‘That’s Holly Carmichael,’ Avril explained in a whisper to Jago.
The other children stood as one and turned to their parents. Jago saw Miss Martin hold up her hands to focus their attention and then nod to a pianist at the side. They sang a song about it being a magical time of the year. It was simple but, even to Jago’s ears, the childish voices were uplifting.
A reading followed about how excited everyone became at Christmas, how everyone was impatiently waiting. One by one a child stood up holding a painting.
‘I can’t wait for roast turkey!’ one shouted, waving a picture of the bird.
‘I can’t wait for all my family to arrive,’ whispered a tiny girl in glasses, flapping a painting of several blobs Jago assumed were her relatives.
Another shouted out, ‘I can’t wait for Christmas pudding.’
‘And I want to see my granny!’ said the little boy who had been peering out into the congregation before the service started.
Everyone went, ‘Ah.’
Then Merryn bounced up. ‘I can’t wait to open all my presents,’ she yelled, making everyone laugh with her enthusiasm.
Another reading followed; this time read importantly by a serious-looking boy. ‘Even though it’s a busy, exciting time of the year,’ he read out, ponderously, ‘we’re really waiting for the best present of all. The present of a baby boy born in a manger who was God’s gift to the world.’
The congregation rose to sing ‘O Little Town of Bethlehem’. Several more readings and songs followed, with prayers, one read out by Merryn.
‘I didn’t know she was going to take part,’ Avril whispered to Jago. ‘I’m so proud of her.’ She sniffled a little and he put an arm around her shoulders. The service finished with Miss Martin guiding a pupil to light one candle on the advent display and then the parents shuffled out to collect their children.
The chilly damp air hit them hard. It was raining slightly. Even though the church had been cold, it felt colder out here. They’d been instructed to wait on the drive in front of the church so they could be reunited with their offspring.
Ciara Carmichael shivered next to them. ‘Well, that was super, wasn’t it?’ she said to Avril. ‘Oh here comes Holly. Running as usual. I’ll give you a ring. She’s been pestering me to have your Merryn over. I’d be delighted but I’ve just been so busy lately.’ Waving at one of the teachers, she called out, ‘I’ve got her!’ and then she grasped her daughter by the hand. ‘You did marvellously, darling, I could hear every word. Come on, let’s get home, it’s too cold to hang around. See you, Avril.’
Merryn was one of the last pupils to come out of church. Honor Martin brought her over. ‘My apologies for keeping you waiting,’ she said. ‘Merryn lost her painting and I promised them all they could take them home.’
Merryn ran into her mother’s arms.
‘I was so proud of you, my little mermaid,’ Avril said. ‘Is this the painting of your presents?’ she asked as Merryn thrust her painting into her face. ‘We’ll have to find a spot in the kitchen to hang it up. Fish and chips for tea as a treat?’
‘I’m starving.’
Jago laughed. He ruffled her hair. ‘Tell me something new.’ Turning to Honor, he said, ‘Thank you.’ He didn’t know what else to say, so settled for a lame, ‘It was a really… erm… interesting service.’
She grinned, appearing to enjoy his discomfort. ‘Glad you thought so.’
‘The children obviously worked very hard.’
‘They did. I’m very proud of my class.’
‘And thank you for including Merryn, especially as she hasn’t been with you for very long.’
‘My pleasure.’ Honor smiled with genuine warmth and Jago was taken aback. In the light spilling from the open church door, her golden hair glowed ethereally. She was wrapped up in a white wool coat and was holding Holly’s silver tinsel wings. He wouldn’t have been at all surprised had she sprouted angel’s wings of her own and flown away. An image of a simplified angel with glass wings and a halo flew into his imagination and his fingers itched to cut some glass again. He hadn’t had that urge for too long.
