Chapter Eight
Virginia spent an entire hour seething after her last text from her twin.
She should have known that despite her effort to build a bridge, Veronica was determined to make this as uncomfortable as possible.
Regret filled her. She was sorry she’d even tried to make peace.
It was more than apparent that her sister had no regrets and didn’t feel a need for reconciliation.
Even in the season of goodwill and peace for mankind, her twin had turned her back on Virginia.
Fine and well. This would be the last time Virginia made the attempt to heal their differences.
The next effort, if there was one, would need to come from Veronica.
Virginia was finished. She’d had enough. Christmas or not.
It demanded every iota of common sense she possessed to resist the urge to throw the entire tin of cookies overboard.
It struck her then that rather than toss the double batch of gingerbread men, she should share them with the others.
The cafeteria was out of food and there were sure to be hungry people who would appreciate all the love and care that had gone into baking these cookies.
Opening the tin, she noticed Olivia closely watching her. When the little girl spied the cookies, her eyes lit up with delight.
“Would you like one?” Virginia asked, lifting the tin for Olivia to get a better view.
She nodded eagerly and looked to her mother for permission. Beth smiled and agreed that Olivia could help herself.
The little girl jumped down from her seat and stared inside the tin box as if having a hard time deciding which one to take. “They’re all so pretty.”
“They taste even better than they look,” Virginia told her, noting the youngster’s appreciation.
Olivia reached for the top one. She broke off the head and ate. “They are so good. Thank you.”
“You’re most welcome. Would you like to do me a favor?”
“Yes,” Olivia agreed eagerly.
“Would you go around and offer a cookie to each passenger?” she asked. “That is, if your mom says it’s all right.”
“Olivia would enjoy that,” Beth said. “But are you sure you want to give all your cookies away?” Beth looked astonished at Virginia’s generosity.
“People are hungry” was all she said. Virginia handed the tin over to Olivia, who immediately headed in the direction of the group of musicians. Each one claimed a cookie and Olivia pointed back to Virginia. The men waved their gratitude.
Olivia went from group to group and the grumbling gradually turned to calls of appreciation.
What Virginia didn’t expect was that her act of defiance against her sister would have such a positive effect.
Soon others brought out and shared their own supply of goods.
There were popcorn balls, chocolates, and even dill pickles passed around.
The mood shifted from discontent to a camaraderie that had been missing earlier.
The band brought up their instruments and started to play, which helped to lighten the mood tremendously.
Virginia couldn’t believe the change. It was as if the delay, as miserable as it was, had now brought everyone together. No one was happy, but there was acceptance that they were all together in this and needed to make the best of the situation.
Her own mood lightened until Virginia’s thoughts returned to her twin.
Being trapped on this ferry made it impossible for Virginia to return to the Kitsap Peninsula. Her only option was to continue to Seattle.
Her phone dinged, indicating she had another text. Before she read the note, she sensed it was from her twin.
I’m still waiting to hear how long you will be delayed.
Virginia fumed and nearly tossed her phone back inside her purse. After a few uncomfortable moments while she fussed in her chair, she decided to answer.
You didn’t answer my question.
The response was immediate.
What question? I don’t recall you asking me a question.
Blowing out an irritated sigh, Virginia shook her head. How convenient for Veronica to pretend she didn’t know what she was talking about.
I asked if you wanted me to come or not, Virginia reminded her. She hesitated, her finger lingering over the phone, before deciding not to add that she regretted the entire effort she’d made. In the end, she left it unsaid.
Yes.
Yes, what?
Yes, I still want you to come.
She did? Virginia read the note three times, uncertain how she should feel. In her own way, Veronica was reaching out to her, she supposed, although she wasn’t completely sure. Some of the anger she’d experienced minutes earlier dissipated.
You’re still delayed?
I didn’t want to drive in this weather and decided to take the ferry. It broke down and now we’re stuck in the middle of Puget Sound.
Once again, the reply was fast in coming, almost instantaneous.
You’re on THAT ferry? It’s been on the news. The reporter said no one knows how long the wait will be.
Just my luck. Trust me, no one on board is happy about this. We’re making the best of it, though.
I can only imagine.
If there’s an update about our situation, the television stations might get to hear about it before we do. I’d appreciate it if you’d let me know.
Of course. I’m relieved.
Relieved? That was odd.
Never mind. It was nothing.
Hmm, Virginia found that to be an interesting comment.
Without knowing how long this is going to take, will it interrupt your plans for later? she asked.
Plans?
Earlier you mentioned you had a commitment later and if I couldn’t tell you how long it would be that it would be best if I didn’t come. Remember?
It still hurt, and she hoped her twin could read between the lines and know how offended she’d been.
Veronica took several moments before she responded. Virginia held on to her phone so tightly her fingers ached as she awaited another text.
I was afraid telling me you were delayed was because you’d changed your mind.
No, I was being completely honest.
I see that now.
What about your commitment?
Not being able to give her sister a timeline for her visit made her situation difficult.
Another lengthy delay.
There isn’t one.
That Veronica was willing to admit to the lie was promising. She smiled and the stiffness left her shoulders and her neck as she relaxed.
Then I’ll take an Uber directly to your house as soon as we dock.
With Mom’s gingerbread cookies?
About those cookies, I handed them out when the cafeteria ran out of food. I hope you don’t mind.
Of course I don’t mind. That was a thoughtful thing to do.
Virginia had to smile. If only her sister knew what had prompted her generosity.
The cookies were a hit, she typed.
No doubt. Mom’s gingerbread always is. I can’t wait to see you. Later, then, Veronica texted.
Later, Virginia texted back, smiling the entire time.