A Slice of Life Christmas by Margaret Lake

Author:Margaret Lake
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Christmas, A Slice of Life, novelette, short story, wedding, Christmas wedding
Publisher: Jobree Publishing
Published: 2013-10-19T00:00:00+00:00

When they got to the restaurant, everyone was indeed waiting for them, but Michael hung off to the side, afraid of what Rosalie had to say that was so important they all had to be there for the announcement. If it was an official announcement that the wedding was off, he’d just sneak out the side door and drive away until he ran out of gas. Then he guessed he’d just walk until he couldn’t walk anymore and they’d find his cold, stiff, body in the spring when the snow melted.

But Rosalie was searching the group, her eyes seeking until they found his.

Oh, Michael, what have I done to you?

He looked like a man about to walk the green mile, and she’d put that look on his face. Mandy was right. She’d been selfish. If she couldn’t share her problems with this wonderful man, she probably didn’t deserve him after all.

Taking a deep breath, she looked around her at the people who loved her and Gran and Michael and made them a part of their family, and she knew she’d let them down too.

“Okay, I guess you’re all wondering why I called you here,” she began, attempting a small smile.

They smiled back, letting her know they appreciated her feeble attempt to make a joke.

Mandy took her hand. “Just tell them, Rosalie.”

Rosalie nodded, then took another deep breath.

“Gran is sick, maybe dying, and she won’t tell me anything. Just says all the time that she’s fine and not to worry about her. Just to get myself married and live a good life.”

“Sounds like good advice to me,” Hank grinned, giving his wife a hug.

“She’s still going to work, isn’t she?” Keith asked.

“Oh, yes. She wouldn’t miss a day,” Rosalie agreed.

“Then why do you think she’s dying, if she’s still able to work?” Evie asked, confused. “What are her symptoms?”

“Well, she keeps to her room a lot, and when she comes out, she’s got her hand to her heart and this look on her face like she’s seeing the heavenly gates.”

“Rosalie, honey, those are hardly medical symptoms,” Grace pointed out as gently as she could.

“She disappears, too, sometimes all day, and I think she’s been going to the clinic for treatments or something.”

“Well, it’s obvious that something is going on,” Grace agreed. “Have you confronted her? Come right out and asked her, I mean.”

“Um, no, not really, but when I ask her if she’s feeling okay, she just says she’s fine and gives me this little smile and pats my arm and sighs as if it’s her last breath.”

“Rosalie, are you picking Gran up after work today?” Grace asked.

“Yes. Why?”

“Bring her straight here for dinner, then. I think Gran needs an intervention, and we’re just the people to do it. She’s got us all worried to death and we deserve an explanation.”

Grace looked around as everyone nodded their agreement.

Rosalie’s knees started to buckle, but Michael was right there to hold her up, and Rosalie knew he always would be there for her if she’d only give him the chance.

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