Page 19 of Home This Christmas

FIFTEEN

I finish my coffee and check my phone for train updates. Still nothing.

At least I am enjoying being here more now and feeling a little less stranded than I did initially – Will might be on a different side, but it’s been nice to get to know him, along with some of the younger residents in the village, such as Esme and Penny from the bakery.

I decide to head out off for a walk to pass some time, when from across the road, Esme waves at me.

‘Esme, hi, how are you?’ I ask, crossing the road to speak to her. She looks stylish in a black and white checked woollen coat, and a burnt orange satchel bag that matches her hair. ‘I was just thinking about you.’

‘Good thoughts I hope.’

‘Of course,’ I say as I fall into step with her. ‘I was just thinking how getting to know you and some of the other villagers has made my stay here more pleasant.’

‘Thanks, that’s good to hear.’ She grins. ‘I am surprised you are still here actually, although I guess the trains have been a bit hit and miss with the weather – and now the train strikes. Fancy doing that over Christmas?’ Esme shakes her head. ‘Although I guess it makes more impact.’

‘Is the train strike definitely going ahead?’ I ask.

‘Yes. Today. Let’s hope there are no further strikes planned in the future.’

‘Gosh, I hope not… I hope to be finally on my way back to London tomorrow.’

We chat for a while longer, before she glances at her watch.

‘Anyway, I must dash,’ she says. ‘I have to put the finishing touches on a wedding cake for a wedding on Saturday.’

‘That sounds nice. I didn’t realise you were a professional baker,’ I say, briefly wondering if she ought to have been awarded first prize for her gingerbread house.

‘Oh gosh, no nothing like that. It’s more of a hobby,’ she assures me. ‘The bride in question is a friend of mine, who asked me to make her cake. Wedding cakes cost a fortune these days, so it is my gift to the couple.’

‘How lovely. She is lucky to have a prize-winning baker as a friend.’

‘Thanks. And sorry, but I really must go. I want to get the cake sorted before hubby returns with Pippa. They have a nativity dress rehearsal this afternoon.’

‘Of course. See you later.’

‘Are you coming to the nativity?’ she asks, before heading off.

‘Yes, I’ll be there,’ I tell her, realising I am really looking forward to it. I also surprise myself by feeling unperturbed at the thought of staying here for another evening.

‘Great, see you there. Pippa has the part of an angel.’ She strides off, waving her hand above her head as she goes.

Pippa certainly has the face of an angel. It makes me think of when I first appeared as an angel, and I wonder how long it will take Pippa to reach the dizzying heights of playing Mary.

My past seems to be assaulting me from all sides the longer I stay here in the village. I remember walking onto the stage in the church and smiling at Mum and Dad when I played the part of Mary. I never had any lines, but the pride I felt was something I will never forget.

Then, my mind drifts to Nathan, and if he might pop into the church service this evening. Not that it matters. I’ll soon be heading back to the place I call home these days. It’s probably best not to become accustomed to these village traditions, however charming they might be.