After Thanksgiving, the Salvadores family found themselves quite busy. Craig spent his time getting his family's passports and paperwork together. Bertha started packing their belongings little by little—beginning with the things they really didn't need at the moment and saving the essentials for last. By this time, Annabelle already received her parent's blessing to marry Miguel and to go with him to America. She was so excited by all of this that she decided to move in with them right away. Her parents had the splendid idea of having a bridal shower for Annabelle before she moved; just in case they wouldn't be able to attend their wedding (for Miguel and Annabelle have not yet decided when and where it would take place). And Eva, the most excited of them all, spent her time daydreaming in class and calming her mind by walking the dogs everyday after school. Eva just couldn't wait to move! Even though she knew that she would miss Spain. Though, at the same time, she almost felt like there wouldn't be much to miss. She had no real friends, no relatives nearby to visit and on top of it all, she's been living in this same old village since the day she was born. She was ready to live a different sort of life than the one she has always lived.
The day was December 1st and the Salvadores family would be moving January 1st. Seeing as how celebrating New Year's would be impractical since it was just the day before the move, they mutually decided that they would simply celebrate Christmas and the bridal shower on the same day at Annabelle's house. (They were sorry that they would have to miss celebrating New Year's; but they almost didn't mind seeing as how moving seemed to be the ultimate way to celebrate not only a New Year, but a new life as well).
Today is also the first day they had snow; that fell gracefully and landed like powder on this quaint, little village. Children were playing in the snow: making snowmen and having snowball fights. Eva felt snug in her nice, warm bed and was too lazy to get out of it. Annabelle tapped on Eva's door. "Hey Eva, it's snowing outside! Why don't you go out and play?" Eva smiled lethargically. "I can't…Lily might be out the door waiting for me with a paddle."Annabelle just glared at her. "Eva!" Bertha interrupted. "What…?" Eva said, burying her face under her pillow. "Lily's on the phone. She's wondering if you want to go over for some tea and cookies." "Really?" Eva asked in a perplexing tone. "You should go!" Annabelle said, urging her on. "Well, okay. Tell her I'll be right over." "Very well, dear!" Eva grabbed her coat and went on her way.
As Eva trudged through the snow, she looked longingly at it; wishing she could play instead of being cooped up all day. Suddenly, the aroma of fresh baked cookies caught her attention, she she decided to get some breakfast. "I think I'll have a pastry!" Eva thought. A chimy bell rang as she walked through the door of a bakery. "Eva? Is that you, dearie?" Asked an old, hunch-backed lady. "Hello, Ms. Rosie! Lovely day, isn't it?" Eva asked. "Only if you like the bitter cold, I tell you! My, my, what can I do for you today?" "I would like one chocolate-filled pastry roll, please!" Eva said cheerfully. "One scrumptious roll, coming right up!" Ms. Rosie said with a bubbly tone as she put on her gloves to put the roll in a small, thin paper bag. "That'll be 50 cents, dear!" "Here you go!" Eva said as she handed her the coins. "Why, thank you! Enjoy your breakfast!" Ms. Rosie said as she put the coins away in the register. "Oh, by the way." Ms. Rosie began. "When you go to America, be sure to keep an eye out for that special someone!" "Ms. Rosie!" Eva said, blushing. "I must have told you a hundred times already that I'm never getting married." "Heh heh. Well, this old lady just doesn't believe you." She said with a wink. "Heh, okay. Well, I better get going. I have a friend waiting for me. Have a nice day!" Eva said as she laughed nervously. Ms. Rosie just giggled.
"Why doesn't anyone ever believe me?" Eva mumbled, still blushing as she took a bite out of her roll. Eva walked on as she enjoyed the scenery of the snow-covered cars, roofs and treetops. Before she knew it, Eva finally arrived at Lily's house. And before she could knock, the door flung open. "Eva!" "Hi, Lily!" Eva said, a bit startled. "I've been eagerly waiting for you! Do come in!" Eva removed her coat and hung it on the wall as Lily closed the door behind her. She guided Eva to the living room where Amanda and Susan were daintily sipping on some tea, as they held their heads high with a perfectly straight posture.
"Why, Eva. It's so good to see you again." Susan said smirking. "It's good to see you too!" Eva replied; knowing full well that she was obviously lying. Eva and Lily sat down to join them. Lily, Susan and Amanda had the longest conversation about the newest, frilly dresses that just arrived in the shops and they did carry on about the handsome new boy that joined their school just before winter break. Eva just twirled her spoon in her tea. "Oh Eva, by the way." Amanda began. "We did want to apologize about how we treated you at the festival." "Oh-really. There's no need to apologize! I'm sure you meant well. After all, I-" "I mean…" Amanda said as she smiled at Susan. "If you want to be a creepy five-year-old woman that jumps around in bounce houses, then be our guest!" Amanda said as she and Susan bursted out laughing. Eva's eyes started filling up with tears. Even Lily was trying to hold back her laughter.
"That does it!" Eva exclaimed furiously as she got up from her chair. "Eva, sit down. You're embarrassing me." Lily said nonchalantly. "Oh, really? Well then, allow me to spare you from any more disgrace. I'm not your friend anymore! And I never will be again you-you two-faced little hussy!" The room fell silent as they were utterly shocked by her words. "E-Eva!" "No, Lily! All you care about is being popular now! So much so, that you would actually sacrifice your friendship with your very best friend! You're even embarrassed to be seen with me! No wonder you're always trying to change me. And that is not what a true friendship is. True friendship is accepting your friends for who they really are…never speak to me again!" Eva shouted as she slammed the door. "Eva, no!" Lily cried out.
Eva ran as fast as her feet could carry her—with her heart pounding in her chest. She ran very deep in the forest, to a part where she's never been to before. It was a small field covered in mist that was surrounded by very old trees. There were deer walking about and owls flying from one tree to another. Eva fell to her knees and wept. "Why are you crying?" A voice asked from behind her. She slowly turned to see the same cloaked man as she saw before. Only this time, she could see part of his face. All that she could tell was that he was a young man with the most beautiful blue eyes. "O-oh, it's nothing." Eva said, wiping her face. "If it were nothing, would you be weeping so deep in the forest, alone?" He asked, kneeling down next to her as he looked contently in her eyes. "It's just-my best friend isn't my friend anymore. She no longer cares for me." "Now, I'm sure that's not true." He said, gently pulling her hair back from her face. "Wait, what are you doing?" She asked as she quickly got up; her face turning red. "And why am I speaking to a stranger? I better go!" She said as she briskly walked away. "Before you go." The stranger said as he got back up. "Give your friend just one more chance. She may just be confused as to who her real friends are." Eva stopped and looked back. She paused, then said, "Maybe you're right…thank you, mister!" She said with a smile as she headed back home. "Why does my heart feel.…so warm?" She wondered as she walked on. Eva was clearly lost, but somehow managed to make it back home. "Eva, you're home!" Bertha said pleasantly. "How did it go?" Eva paused for a bit, then said, "It went well!"
Days turned into weeks. Though the Salvadores' seemed to have been counting down time by the hour. And before they knew it, it was Christmas Eve! It was the night before Christmas and the family gathered around the fireplace; with stockings hung and a beautiful Christmas tree gloriously decorated. They were drinking eggnog spiced with cinnamon as they talked and laughed together. The house was otherwise virtually empty, as they were nearly finished packing. "So, tomorrow's Christmas!" Eva exclaimed enthusiastically. "And, Annabelle's bridal shower." Bertha said with her cup of nog close to her lips. "Lily and her family will be there, so you'll have someone to talk to." Bertha continued as she took a long sip. "Yeah…" Eva said as she curled up, looking into the fire. "We also board the plane in less than a week!" Craig added. "I'm siked! I can't wait!" Miguel said as he put his arm around Annabelle. "So! Would you guys like me to read you the story of Papa Noel?" Bertha asked as she pulled a large, colorful book from a box. "Well, uh-don't you think we're a little too old for that, Mom?" Miguel asked. "Oh, but it's our tradition…" Bertha said sadly. "I feel too old for that story too. Let's just enjoy the eggnog!" Eva said gulping hers down. Everyone just laughed.
And as night turned to morning, it was Christmas Day! "Eva." Bertha said gently. "Mmm…let me sleep." Eva murmured as she pulled the covers over her head. Bertha smiled. "Now, don't tell me you're too old for presents, too." "Presents?" Eva gasped, suddenly coming to life. "It's Christmas!" Eva exclaimed as she rolled off her bed. "Careful, Eva!" Bertha said, laughing. "Merry Christmas, Mom!" Eva said as she gave her a big hug. "You too, dear." Bertha smiled. Eva ran out into the living room. "Merry Christmas, everyone!" "Merry Christmas!" They all replied. They were eating, "Chocolate' con Churros." (Their favorite traditional breakfast). After they finished eating, they gathered 'round the Christmas tree. "I'm very sorry everybody, but this year we could only afford one gift per person since our funds are being spent on moving." Craig said, rubbing the back of his head. "Oh, that's alright Dad! This is wonderful just the way it is!" Eva said as she rummaged around for her gift. Craig smiled. "Why don't you play Papa Noel this year, seeing as how you are already sorting through the gifts?" Craig asked. "Sure!" Said Eva, finding her gift at last. She set it aside to hand everyone their gifts. As Eva opened hers, she unwrapped a small box. Inside was a diamond, paw print necklace. "Oh my goodness! I love it!" Eva exclaimed. "Very fitting for an animal lover such as yourself!" Miguel commented. "I know, it's perfect!" Eva said, twirling it around to watch it glisten in the morning light. As everyone else opened their gifts, Eva put on her necklace and looked out the window to watch it snow. "Merry Christmas, Eva." She heard. "Merry Christmas to you as well!" Eva blurted out mindlessly. "Huh? We didn't say anything." Miguel said, looking rather confused. Eva was shocked, but maintained her composure. "I mean…Merry Christmas to you all! This is really the best Christmas ever!" She said as she gripped the edges of the window sill. "I know it is. And…it's the last one we'll ever spend here." Said Bertha. "Oh, no need for pessimism, dear. I'm sure there will be plenty of opportunities to spend Christmas in Spain in the future!" Craig said, admiring the handiwork of his new pipe. Miguel and Annabelle exchanged gifts of their own. Miguel got a locket with a picture of Annabelle and himself inside. "I will wear and treasure this always!" Miguel said as he kissed Annabelle on the cheek. Annabelle then opened her gift. It was a beautifully framed picture of them together on the very first day that they became a couple. "I love it, my dear!" Annabelle said with an embrace. "Remember we asked that stranger to take our picture?" Miguel asked with a smile. Annabelle giggled. "Yes, and he asked why your face was so red. He thought you've been out in the sun for too long!" "Heh, heh. No. I was just overwhelmed by love." Miguel said as he kissed her tenderly. "Well, Merry Christmas everybody! Salud!" Craig said as he lifted a glass. "Salud!" Everyone responded as their raised their glasses as well for a toast. "Now. It's time to clean up our mess and head over to Annabelle's house for the bridal shower!" Bertha announced as she began to tidy up. Everyone worked together to pick up the shreds of wrapping paper and to put away the dishes. After having celebrated Christmas, they started getting dressed for the shower.
Annabelle and Miguel decided that they wanted to have an all-inclusive version of the traditional women's only bridal shower. Mostly because they wanted to use the party as an opportunity to say goodbye to those closest to them. As Annabelle finished up; and put on beautiful, golden earrings, Miguel knocked on her slightly opened door. "May I come in?" "Of course you may, my dear." Annabelle said looking back as she smiled. She was wearing a white, satin dress with light pink laces, while Miguel was wearing a tuxedo. He wrapped her in his arms. "I'm sorry if this is all too sudden for you." "Don't worry about it, Miguel." Annabelle said as she closed her eyes, enjoying his embrace. "Change can happen suddenly, sometimes. But this change is for the better." Annabelle said softly. As everyone got in the car, it started to snow heavily. "Oh, no." Eva said as she looked up. "Don't worry. I'm a great driver." Craig said winking. They made it within ten minutes, though it would have usually only taken 3; but Craig drove ever so slowly.
They knocked on the door and were greeted by Annabelle's very excited mother. "Oh, here is the guest of honor! Come on in!" She exclaimed as she held out her hand towards the entry-way; warmly inviting them inside. Everyone clapped when they walked in. The guests included Annabelle's family and relatives, Miguel's family, their closest friends and Eva's "friends;" Lily, Susan and Amanda. There were gifts, balloons, a nicely set table placed with an enormous amount of food and a blazing fireplace. There were a lot of noise and excitement going on. Miguel was hanging out with his old pals one last time as they congratulated him and gave him some marital advice. Annabelle was showing off her engagement ring, which made her friends swoon at the sight of it. And Eva forced herself to sit with Lily and her friends. "Hi." Eva said as she looked down; not quite knowing what to say as she contemplated giving Lily another chance. "Eva." Lily said as she put her hand upon Eva's. "I'm so sorry for everything." "You are?" Eva asked, bewildered by Lily's sincerity. "Yes. And, you're right. I did jeopardize our friendship by trying to fit in. I hope you can forgive me." Eva smiled. "Of course." She said warmly. Eva glanced at Amanda and Susan. Their arms were crossed as if they were furious at Eva for stealing Lily away from them. Then she turned to Lily. "Lily, I want you to keep your new friends. I'm sure that they're good people deep, deep, deep…dee-" "Ahem!" Amanda said angrily. Eva smirked. "What I mean is; we can still be the best of friends! All we gotta do is learn to respect each other a little more, that's all." "Deal!" Lily said as they stood to hug. "I'm really going to miss you. Will you write me?" Lily asked again, as if to make sure. "Absolutely!" Eva smiled. "Great! Be sure to tell me all about America when you get there. I heard that's the place where dreams come true!" "Let's hope so! That's the whole reason my father wants to go." Eva said. "Hmm. But don't you want to go too?" Lily asked. "Well…it's just-I'm beginning to realize that I'm going to have to start over in literally every sense of the word. What if I don't like it there? Or what if I don't make any friends?" Lily sighed, then said, "I'm positive that you, being the person you are, will make plenty of friends!" "Thanks!" Eva said hopefully. "Wow, that stranger was right." Eva thought. "All I had to do was give her another chance. I wonder who he is, anyways…"
Within a few hours it came time for Annabelle to open up her gifts. They varied from new outfits, to jewelry; even to pacifiers as an inside joke. "Thank you very much!" Annabelle said as she raised a glass of champagne. "A toast, to love! Not only to the love between Miguel and I, but also to the love that we all share to one another!" "Salud!" Everyone replied as they lifted their glasses. As the shower ended and everyone began to leave, Lily started to cry. "What's wrong?" Eva asked, quite concerned. "This…may be the last time I ever see you again." "No." Eva said as she held her hands. "We'll meet again! I plan to visit as often as possible." Lily sniffled, then said, "Good. Because I'd be simply cross if you didn't!" She said as they both laughed. Eva and Lily said their goodbyes, then off the Salvadores' went to retire after a long day.
"Did everybody have a good time?" Bertha asked the group as they were driving home. "Yes!" They all exclaimed. "There was so much food…" Eva said dreamily. "And I got enough gifts to last me a year!" Annabelle laughed. "Just a few more days for my new life to begin…" Eva thought as she looked out the window. She watched the snow fall with heavy eyes, until the snow became a blur.