THE CHRISTMAS WISH
by Kit Wylde
Alone during Christmas again, Lila seeks solace in
the stars. But when was the last time wishing on a star
had come true? Maybe this year would be different.
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Snow settled softly over the countryside, creating a world
of sparkling, w hite magic. With a sigh, Lila blinked away
the tears that gathered in her eyes. It reminded her of her
grandmother, Maryna. Maryna had raised her and would
have wanted her to celebrate the Christmas season, but
she found it difficult. Now that Maryna was gone, Lila no
longer had any family. And how could anyone celebrate
Christmas with no loved ones to share it?
Sunk in her self-pity, Lila nearly missed the single,
brilliant star shining high in the sky, piercing the gloom. At
the sight, she smiled through her tears. She could almost
hear her grandmother’s soft, loving voice admonishing
her: “Make your wish quickly, dear, before it disappears.
All wishes made on the Christmas star are granted.”
Closing her eyes, heart filled with longing, Lila whispered
the words required for the wish to work:
“Star light, star bright,
First star I see tonight.
I wish I may,?I wish I might
Have this Christmas wish tonight.”
In her mind’s eye, she pictured a room full of people,
laughter and love. For a brief moment, she felt part of the
scene, then she opened her eyes to reality. Snorting at
her naiveté, Lila shook her head. When was the last time
she believed that her Christmas wish would come true?
Probably about the same time she woke up and found
that her teeth were still crooked and she would have to
wear braces. For a twelve year old with zits and minimal
curves, braces signaled her decline into ugly duckling-
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hood with no hope of ever being noticed by cute Todd
Branson, the school heartthrob.
She sighed. A trip down depressing memory lane
certainly wouldn’t cheer her Christmas. Maybe if she put
on some Christmas music, it would lift her spirits. She
flipped the switch on the radio and cranked the volume.
“Let It Snow” poured cheerfully out of the speakers,
breaking the spell of melancholy. Singing along, Lila
turned off the lights, kicked off her shoes and danced in
the winking lights of her tree. Her movements changed
with each song that played.
“I hope you don’t mind, but I let myself in when you didn’t
answer.” A voice shouted over the music.
Startled, Lila whirled to face the intruder. Relief spread
through her when she saw that it was only her neighbor
Jason.
Handsome and solitary, Jason had always seemed a
little beyond Lila’s touch. Although they had spoken a few
words in passing, they’d never had a real conversation.
Lila turned the music down so she could talk to him, and
gather her composure.
When she finally faced him, although her pale skin was
slightly flushed from dancing and embarrassment, she
managed to look into his eyes... Such beautiful, smoky
gray eyes. A woman could fall in love with those eyes.
COMING DECEMBER 3rd!
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