The Christmas Gift - The Complete Series Collection by Summers Hayley

Author:Summers, Hayley
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-12-02T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 2

Polar Bear continued to look west, oblivious of the tormenting cold. The man wasn't wearing a ski mask to protect his face from the winds and white snow was stuck to his gray beard and eyebrows. It seemed to Noel that Polar Bear’s heart was somehow part of the snow and that's why the cold didn't bother the man. Noel decided that if the cold didn't bother Polar Bear, then she wouldn't let the cold bother her, either. She tore off the ski mask covering her beautifully determined face in order for Polar Beat to be able to see her. “What happened many years ago when an earthquake struck and caused water to enter this village?”

“Water is dangerous,” was all Polar Bear said.

“I'm going to ask you a question...” Noel stepped closer to Polar Bear, desperately wanting to kick off the snowshoes she was wearing. The old man seemed right at home in the snowshoes attached to his boots. “My mother and grandfather are buried outside of this village in a small cemetery. December told me you have lived in this area for most of your life. Did you know my mother and grandfather?”

Polar Bear didn't answer.

“You listen to me,” Noel strengthened her voice. “My mother died when I was eight months old, right here in this village. My grandmother informed me that my mother became pregnant without having a husband. My grandfather became furious at my mother and forced her to stay here.”

Polar Bear just stood very still and very silent.

Noel drew in a cold breath. “Please, if you know anything about what I'm talking about...about my family...my mother...please tell me.” When Polar Bear didn't answer, Noel reached out and touched his gloved hand. “Mrs. White said you are terrified of water. Whatever happened in the past crept back up on you today. I saw your eyes. You were terrified. Did...something happen long ago that hurt you...something that might have involved my family?” I'm not even sure what I'm trying to say. Somehow, I just feel deep inside of my heart there is a connection to this man's fear of water and my family. I can't explain what I'm feeling and I'm not entirely sure how to put it into words what I'm searching for.

“Water can be dangerous. I'll be taking a walk now—”

“Wait!” Noel grabbed Polar Bear's hand. “Please, just give me a few more minutes of your time. I...you must have known my family. My mother's name was Noel...Noel Rachel Peters. My grandfather was Robert Matthew Peters. My grandmother was Rachel Betty Peters. Do any of those names ring a bell?”

“I need to take a walk.”

“You would be about my mother's age...please, think!” Noel begged.

Polar Bear gently pulled his hand away from Noel. “What's done is done. The years can't bring back...” Polar Bear stopped talking, looked deeply into Noel's eyes, and then walked off.

For some reason Noel couldn't explain...she felt a tear slip from her eyes as Polar Bear walked off. “I need answers!” she yelled.

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