Chapter Sixteen
The Christmas lights switch on was at five o’clock and started with a small procession from the village hall.
Jessica had managed to grab an hour at home, to decompress from the intense bottle tombola experience earlier, while her parents went to the Rowan Bay Inn for a late lunch, early dinner or ‘linner’ as they liked to call it.
They had arranged to meet her at the hall just before five.
It was a cold night and as she left Thistle Cottage, Jessica was glad to be wearing her warmest clothes.
She still had her Christmas sweater on underneath her thick coat, tights under her jeans and a woollen scarf, gloves and hat on.
Her boots crunched against the thick frost on the pavement and she shivered as the chilly air nipped at her nose.
It was a clear night and the dark sky was scattered with twinkling stars.
As she reached the high street, she was surprised at how many people were bustling around.
Families were out, with children all wrapped up and babies cosy in their buggies.
Laughter and chatter filled the air, and seeing everyone enjoying themselves made her smile.
She hadn’t realised that the event was such a big deal.
She didn’t remember it being like this when she was younger.
Back then, people tended to congregate around the small square in high street to watch the Christmas tree lights be switched on.
But that was about as exciting as it got.
As she neared the hall, she spotted her parents in the crowd and made her way over, slipping into place beside them.
‘It’s about to start,’ said her mum excitedly pointing at the doors of the hall which had just opened.
There was a murmur of anticipation as the steady and low sound of bagpipes began.
Everyone quickly quietened down and turned their heads towards the hall as the piper stepped out.
Dressed in his kilt and a thick woollen coat he gave the event a sense of ceremony as he began playing “O Little Town of Bethlehem”.
Jessica felt goosebumps on her arms and she gave a small shiver, though she wasn’t sure if it was from the cold or the moment itself.
Then as the piper moved, leading the procession behind him, Jessica could see that children were following, holding lanterns that glowed like tiny stars.
Their excited faces made her smile. As the piper’s tune faded, the carol singers following behind the children began to sing.
Their voices were gentle and harmonious as they sang “Silent Night”, and Jessica watched and listened, letting it all sink in.
It felt as though the whole village had gone quiet as they listened to the familiar melodies which felt so comforting.
‘It’s so nice you’re here with us for this,’ said her dad gruffly.
She linked her arm through his and nodded. ‘It’s quite the event. I’m impressed.’ With a small flicker of guilt, she realised she couldn’t remember when she was last in the village in the run up to Christmas. She normally arrived on Christmas Eve and was only back for a couple of days.
‘Here comes the man himself,’ said her mum, pointing at Santa who was at the back of the procession on a large tricycle decorated with tinsel.
‘It’s a shame that Lexi isn’t here yet. She would love this.
’ He waved and grinned as he passed by. As the sound of the choir started to disappear, the piper struck up a lively version of “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” and the crowd started to follow the procession towards the high street.
Jessica felt a flutter of excitement in her stomach as she walked along with her parents, looking up at the lights draped from lamp post to lamp post ready to be switched on.
The procession stopped by the small square, beside the village clock, which had a large Christmas tree made entirely from strings of sparkling lights.
This was the moment everyone had been waiting for.
Jessica’s breath caught in her throat as there was a collective countdown from the crowd.
‘Ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one.’ Then Santa stepped forward and pressed a button.
There were loud gasps and cheers from everyone as the tree burst to life with all its twinkling lights and the brightly coloured Christmas lights flickered for a moment then lit up the street in shades of red, blue and green.
Jessica smiled, feeling as though Rowan Bay had been sprinkled with magic.
She looked around as she wondered if Reuben might be here.
She scanned the faces in the glow of the lights, hoping to see him.
She waved and smiled when she saw Gillian with Millie, but Reuben wasn’t there, at least not that she could see.
Her parents were now deep in conversation with Iris and another woman.
‘I’ll see you back at home,’ she said, lightly touching her mum’s arm.
She turned and slipped away, walking back up the high street towards Rowan Lane.
Now seemed like the perfect time to go and see the new and improved Primrose Cottage and have a look at what Reuben had done to it.
She was genuinely intrigued to see it free of dust sheets.
And if she was being honest with herself, it would be nice to see him.
The fact he had invited her over earlier was perfect.