Love, Peace & Joy: 3 Short Stories Read online

  LOVE, PEACE & JOY

  3 Short Stories

  Stephany Tullis

  Copyright @ STEPHANY TULLIS 2015

  The right of STEPHANY TULLIS to be identified as the Author of the Work has been asserted by her in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act[DT1] , 1988.

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  The information in this book is distributed on an “as is” basis, without warranty. Although every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this work, neither the author not the publisher shall have any liability to any person or entity with respect to any loss or damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by the information contained in this book.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used factiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

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  STEPHANY TULLIS –LOVE, PEACE & JOY

  Published by: DIAMOND TK PUBLISHING

  This book is dedicated to my son Channing who made it happen.

  Contents[DT2]

  A HOLLY SPRIGGS' JOLLY CHRISTMAS

  CHOCOLATE COVERED KISSES

  JOYEAUX NOELLE

  Did you like these short stories?

  A HOLLY SPRIGGS' JOLLY CHRISTMAS

  With less than two weeks to go before her big event, Holly pooh poohed the headache coming on and the pain in her back. They were sure signs of the stress her body refused to ignore. She loosened the rubber band that held her shoulder length naturally curly hair away from her face hoping the intense wave of pain would dissipate.

  Thankful her boss granted her October request for two weeks off at Christmas and despite forewarnings and today's forebodings, she clicked on her holiday playlist moving her head to Michael Buble's reminder that Christmas is indeed the best time of the year. The music lifted her spirits morphing her still quite lengthy to do list into her personalized version of a child's wish list to Santa.

  Dear Santa, I have been so good all year. All I want for Christmas is:

  1. To host my first Christmas Eve party: one where everyone will have a wonderful time and enjoy being together (you know, like the one's we had when I was a little girl?).

  2. To show Chad just how much I love and appreciate him.

  3. To share my new home with everyone and show my thanks for all the years I lived in that cramped tiny studio that was so small I had to give away most of my clothes.

  4. A holiday overflowing with love, peace and joy!

  Quite satisfied with her mental reverie, she thought, “Now this is what Christmas is all about it!”

  **********

  Chad's right hand man, Bobby, dismissed his homie's latest brainstorm like he released his high school homeroom students every morning when the bell rang announcing the formal start of the school day. He nodded his head followed by a mumbled "Peace out.”

  "Nah, man. I love myself some Holly but no way am I spending Sunday afternoon shopping with you for her engagement ring. The Cowboys are playing and we're on at Lyle and Lisa's this Sunday. Don't forget you and Holly are bringing wings; the triple hot ones. Man, I told you Holly will love anything you give her. She loves you Man. You could give her a crackerjack box ring and still need a chalice to catch the watershed of tears. Stop worrying, G. Just do what you do. Gotta go. See you Sunday. Peace out."

  Chad fist bumped Bobby. Wings and Sunday's football game were the last things on his mind. Besides his team, the Saints, wasn't playing so he planned to skip Sunday's football game. With Bobby's reminder, he had no excuse. No time to shop on Sunday and most importantly, one less day to shop for Holly's ring.

  *********

  Holly promised herself that this would be her last white glove check of the day. Paranoia set in as soon as she returned from her morning run. Her parents were due in eight days.

  Holly's prep schedule allowed only three days to complete remaining housecleaning chores and decorating. Christmas Eve would not re-schedule itself to accommodate her time constraints.

  Today, she scrubbed the kitchen; cleaned the fridge and stove; and re-organized her freezer and pantry to make room for her cooking and baking supplies.

  She tackled the second level of her new condo yesterday. Boughs and containers of fresh pine and scented candles were strategically scattered throughout each room. Gold embossed wire-winged angels of various sizes complimented the natural elegance of the pine and candles. A gold angel topped the fully decorated tree in the entertainment loft. It was simply decorated like the rest of the upstairs area with burgundy and gold glass ornaments and ribbons.

  Holly hummed, never tiring of her favorite Christmas song, “Have a holly jolly Christmas.” She rewarded herself with a white mocha peppermint latte and a break from housework and decided to wrap a few gifts instead.

  ********

  No one had to tell Chad he'd just made a bad move. No sooner than the movie star-like Tiffany security guard greeted him: "Good afternoon, Sir. Welcome to Tiffany's."

  He felt like he'd just been elbowed by OKC Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook and was barely able to speak: "Thank you."

  Before the security guard could finish his sentence: "How can we--," Chad nodded at the guard, "Have a great day, Sir."

  No word could describe how Chad felt: disappointed, disenchanted, and distraught, if one were to settle for more than one. How could finding the perfect ring for the perfect woman be so difficult?

  He grabbed a sandwich and headed back to his office. Listening to his holiday theme song on his iPod, “All I want for Christmas is you,” teed him off. He pressed pause before Trey Songz could croon, “I just want you for my own...” needing to hear Holly's, “Hey Chad.”

  Holly swiped her cell phone in response to Chad's ringtone, “I feel for you.” Before Chaka Khan could purr, “I think I love you,” Holly answered.

  "Hey Chad! Boy did I need to hear from you. What a morning. How's your day, honey? Hope better than mine."

  "It just got a whole lot better, sweetheart!"

  Holly relaxed at her kitchen cubby workstation soothed by Chad's unexpected call.

  "How's the party planning coming?" Hearing the sigh, he interrupted before she continued.

  "Babe, this is supposed to be a fun thing. We're celebrating our first Christmas together. You don't have to do this by yourself. Let me help. Now what can I do? And don't tell me nothing."

  "This is fun. For me. I want to do this. I'm just flustered today. Can't quite figure out how my 'to do' list seems to get longer. Each time I cross off an item, I find myself adding three more. But I'm getting there. Besides you are
helping me. Did you forget we're shopping together tomorrow? And what about the tree? We still have to pick it up. I called the LishaKill's Tree Farm to make sure they had what I want. They do! A Noble Fir. They've tagged one with my name on it. My first real tree, Chad! And you're still down with the decorating, right? I can't trim my first tree without you, babe."

  "Of course. Just let me know please if there's something else I can do, okay?"

  "Sure. I will. I promise."

  "Umhmmm. I hear right through you Holly Jean Spriggs!"

  "Alright already." She giggled adding, "I'm just glad I can depend on you Chad Eugene [DT3] Tyler."

  "Oh Holly, I almost forgot. This will make your day for sure. My parents will be in town for a week instead of just the two to three days they originally planned. I told them we'd take them to Rockefeller Center in NYC Tuesday for dinner and sightseeing. I asked for the day off. Won't that be great?"

  One week before her Christmas Eve gathering. Where would she find time for a trip to NY? She wanted to cry but held her tears; glad they weren't Skyping.

  "Great honey! I can get my last minute shopping done."

  Able to disguise her muffled response but powerless against the escaping tears, she whispered, "Talk to you later." She disconnected the call pretending she hadn't heard, "Should we try to catch a show?"

  She was wiped out by the horrible revelation that a welcome reprieve resulted in the loss of two to three days from a jam packed no wiggle room calendar. Holly could only shake her head and moan, "Has everyone indeed been right? How can something that feels so good be so darn awful wrong?"

  Her mother, one of the best hostesses in the world--her immediate world as well as within her huge circle of friends-- advised her from the onset that she might want to rethink her Christmas party guest list. And her menu. As well as the timing of her Christmas fiesta.

  "Twenty five people Holly? We'll be stumbling all over each other. Your guests should be able to breathe and enjoy themselves; not worry about stepping on someone's new shoes or God forbid, bare feet."

  Holly heard her mother: in one ear and out the other. Holly envisioned guests who would enjoy the coziness of sitting close enough to communicate with each other and reach out to touch a hand in acknowledgment of a point made. Besides, she planned to make the most of her space. She had three separate gathering areas: her open kitchen design; her living/eating area; and her upstairs entertainment area. Twenty-five people? Little did her mother know, her condo could handle thirty or thirty five, if need be.

  As for her menu, she counted on it to re-charge and re-kindle the childhood memories of her guests and more importantly for the guests to share those special memories with each other. So Holly acknowledged that a cross-generational, multi-cultural menu would challenge her culinary skills and bank account in just about equal proportions. But so be it.

  As for her menu choices, no budging there either. How could she invite her guests to her home style Christmas Eve celebration if she didn't have the foods common to the people she was inviting? Her co-worker and her husband were from Mexico. How could she not serve tamales?

  Chad's stepfather was Italian. She planned to serve an antipasto[DT4] . Chad suggested she serve a traditional version as well as a fish based option. How could she not make a pasta dish and some of those wonderful iced ricotta cookies?

  Chad's best friend, Bobby and Mara, his wife, were from England. Bread pudding and pigs in a blanket were a must.

  And needless to say, she had to serve a full complement of soul food for her family and childhood friends: black eyed pea salad, fried chicken, potato salad, pound cake with caramel icing, buttermilk corn bread, and sweet tea to wash it all down.

  Holly cleared her workstation. She had just enough time to shower and dress. She planned to make favors for her guests and if she hurried she could beat the rush hour traffic to pick up her supplies. Images of goody filled mason jars replenished her spirit much like the latte had filled her tummy.

  *********

  "Ma, did you talk with Grandma about the ring?"

  "Chad, son of mine, I talked to your grandmother."

  "And what did she say? Ma, is she coming to the party?"

  "She's trying to decide Chad. She's not feeling well and it's cold."

  "Well, not to push but I am. I need the ring Ma. What am I going to do? I don't like anything I've seen."

  "I thought you told me you went to Tiffany's. Are you telling me you didn't see anything you wanted? Or liked, I should say. I'm sure you saw some rings Holly would want. Love. At least one?"

  Chad made his right turn into the town mall. He planned to stop at Holly's favorite boutique, hoping he could pick the brain of one of the sales persons for gift ideas.

  "Ma, stop playing games! Tiffany's is out of the question. I had no idea...and stop laughing at me."

  "I'm sorry, son. You don't have to explain to me. Listen, I'll talk to your grandmother once more. If you must know, she can't find the ring. She'd love for you to give it to Holly; it makes her smile just to think that you want to pass the ring down the family line. She stopped wearing it after your grandfather passed away. She's praying we'll find it. There's one more set of boxes where it might be. I promise I'll help Mama look tomorrow."

  Chad parked feeling a little better now that his mother explained. He had begun to think that his grandmother did not want him to have the ring.

  "Alright, Ma. Please tell Grandma thanks and that I love her."

  "I will, honey. Now what do I need to bring? Holly says just myself but I can't come empty handed. You know me."

  "I know, Ma. But she wants to do this by herself. She won't even let me help. I'll tell you what, treat her to something when we go down to the City; she'll love that!"

  "That sounds good...I'm sure I can find something she'll like on Fifth Avenue-- or maybe one of those shops up in Tribeca. Can't wait to see you. Tony says hello. He's hoping Holly will let him make a pan of homemade Italian style lasagna when we get there."

  As Chad made his way into the boutique, he laughed, "Tell Tony good luck. Can't wait to see him. Love you, Ma. I've got to get into this shop. I'll call you tomorrow."

  "Okay, call me honey. I hope this works. Love you too!"

  *********

  Holly was off to the wholesale food market smiling despite the chilly but short walk from her building to the underground parking lot. She zipped her parka glad for the fur hood and checked her pockets for her car keys and shopping list. Her cell phone buzzed just as she grabbed her keys.

  “I'll be in town as scheduled. Don't forget our annual Spa Day. Appts made. We're all set! My treat, xoxox.”

  Holly sighed as she read Monica's (her best friend since childhood) message on her walk to the car. She'd forgotten all about the Spa Day. She noted her electronic calendar dismissing her initial thought: Why is my holiday treat feeling like a chore?

  Despite all the last minute adjustments to her holiday schedule, she was pumped: she'd have a [DT5] holly jolly Christmas this year. She and Santa were counting on it.

  *********

  Holly beamed; her smile competed with the flickering candlelight flames on the buffet table. The party was more special than she had hoped. She was right; her condo could definitely accommodate thirty-five people. In her planning, she had not anticipated the several uninvited but very much welcomed guests. Despite insisting that her guests just show up and have a good time, the party was on her; everyone brought their specialty dish. Chad's stepfather's spaghetti and clams was a hit. She'd made sure to save a bowl for later; she was too busy and excited to eat.

  Her Mom started cooking the day she arrived and didn't stop until an hour before the first guests rang the doorbell. Food was overflowing and joy and laughter were the magic formula for the evening. Chad's mom and her mother insisted she sit beside Chad and enjoy her guests while they prepared the dessert trays. She raised her gold trimmed holiday goblet in toast to Chad. The Jolly Holly [DT6] Sangria pu
nch, Chad's Christmas concoction, was a smash hit.

  "Hmmmm, honey this is good!" Holly tapped his glass again.

  "Salud! I thought you might like this. I've been making it for years."

  Their shoulders touched as they relaxed against the love seat. Their smiles signaled satisfaction and serenity. Just as Holly figured things could not get any better, Monica and Holly's co-worker, Marguerita, now stood front and center wearing matching outfits of white fur trimmed pine green velvet dresses with white elf hats tapping their forks against their goblets. They could pass for twins: Marguerita with her long silky black ringlets and Monica's natural curly black twisties.

  Marguerita and BFF Monica joined forces after the annual Spa Day and secretly agreed to lead this impromptu round of Christmas carols; their contributions in support of their friend's Christmas gathering. Of course, Monica, leadership guru in her own right came prepared to help her friend spread the good cheer. She knew how much Holly loved Christmas and she was so proud of her friend's unselfish efforts to make Christmas special for her friends and family.

  Marguerita agreed to the holiday event partnership working with Monica on the music and shopping for their Santa Elf outfits.

  "Chad, honey, can you grab my camera? Or my phone whichever is closer. Just look at those two! O-M-G, what are they doing?"

  The two Christmas Elves danced in three-step tempo to Frank Sinatra's “Christmas Waltz”, distributing crimson ribbon tied gold colored paper cylinders that opened to a mélange of Christmas carols.

  Monica dimmed the lights as Sinatra sang, “It's that time of year; Merry Christmas, May your New Year dreams come true..."

  As the beat quickened, Monica Elf's fork transformed to a conductor's baton as Marguerita Elf danced around to the upbeat tune “Felize Navidad.” When the party revelers followed Marguerita Elf’s lead with verse two--Spanish rendition, Holly lost it. Language--words--speech whether Spanish, Italian, or English failed to express her emotions. Tears freely flowed like the Jolly Holly [DT7] Sangria punch in the decorative three-tiered fountain on the buffet table. Chad shoved a few tissues in her hand; so embarrassed by the sudden misting of his eyes, he disguised his need for them with a swipe of his forehead.