Hot Cocoa Hearts by Suzanne Nelson

Author:Suzanne Nelson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
Published: 2016-11-08T05:00:00+00:00

“ ‘Pathetic,’ ” Dad repeated as soon as Jez shut the car door and hurried inside her house. She’d shot me a look of sympathy as she got out, since I’d managed to whisper a rundown of what had happened to her as we left the Teen Center.

“You called the Holly Jolly House ‘pathetic,’ ” he said again, shaking his head in disbelief.

I sighed at the woeful way he spoke the word, like I’d said the worst thing imaginable. I hugged my arms against the sudden chill I felt settling over the car, turning toward the window so I wouldn’t have to see Dad’s downcast face.

“Dad, the Holly Jolly House is your thing. Not mine. I thought you knew how I felt.”

“I had no idea,” Dad said shortly. He pulled into our driveway, where the blaze of twinkling lights in the front yard made the inside of the car as bright as day. He turned off the ignition but didn’t move to get out. “It’s true, you haven’t been as enthusiastic about it this year, but I kept hoping it was some phase you were going through.”

I huffed, tightening my shoulders. “It’s not a phase!” I cried in frustration. “This is who I am!”

Silence stretched between us as Dad stared out at the lawn, where the lit-up penguins were doing their caroling act to “Deck the Halls.” When he finally spoke again, his voice was tired and wavering, almost old-sounding.

“When you were a little girl, you couldn’t wait for Christmas to come.” He smiled sadly. “You were the reason we started the Holly Jolly House in the first place. Me and your grandma. She told me she hoped you’d never lose your sense of wonder, and that the Holly Jolly House would help you remember—”

“Things are different than they used to be!” I cried, fighting the sudden urge I had to cover my ears with my hands. I didn’t want to think about Grandma. Not tonight. “I’m different!”

“I see that now,” Dad said, nodding slowly. He frowned over the steering wheel, as if debating, then reached into the pocket of his jacket. “Look, there’s something I’ve been wanting to give you. I’ve been carrying it around with me for weeks.” He set a worn red velvet jewelry box in my hands. “Grandma asked me to save this for you. You’ve never asked about it, and you might have forgotten, but it’s her Christmas locket. She was sure you’d change your mind someday and want it. She said I’d know when the time was right.” He sighed. “This may not be the perfect time, but I’m hoping this might change the way you feel.”

I stared at the box, fingers trembling. I felt the weight of it in my hands, the weight of what was inside. “It won’t change anything,” I whispered.

Dad nodded. “I’m sorry to hear that. I didn’t think you’d ever get too old for Christmas. Your mom and I haven’t. Your Grandma never did, either. But I guess …” He sighed.

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