39. Chapter Thirty-Nine
While everyone else was occupied, Eddie helped Jane pick up the discarded wrapping paper. “It’s so pretty,” she said, smoothing it out on the table. “We can use it again next year.”
“Very resourceful,” he said. “At the Sheridans’, it goes right into the fireplace.”
Jane shook her head in dismay. “We’d never do that. We don’t throw out anything we can use.”
“I’ve been wondering . . .” He hesitated for only a moment, and then his words came out in a rush. "I mean I was hoping I could write to you once I’m back at school. Are you allowed to get letters?”
Jane laughed. “Yes, I’m allowed to get letters. We get letters here all the time. I mean, all of us do, not just me.” She hadn’t meant to imply that she got letters from other young men. “I almost never get mail, except from my aunt maybe once or twice a year.”
“I see.”
“I would love to get a letter from you.”
“Would you write me back?” He shifted nervously. “I know we haven’t known each other for very long, but I enjoy your company and I feel like we get along. And I’d like to get to know you better.”
“Of course I would write back.” She wanted to say so much more, to let him know that she’d felt a spark of connection as well, but she found herself tongue-tied. “I would enjoy that very much.”
“Can you have visitors?” he asked.
“Yes, I can have visitors on the weekend. I can even leave on outings as long as I get permission ahead of time.” She couldn’t remember the last time this had happened, though.
“You can leave?” His eyes widened in approval.
“Yes, I’m allowed to go anywhere I want as long as I’m back in time.”
“Well, then, I’ll write to you, and we’ll make plans for an outing sometime in the future.”
“I’d like that.”
“It’s a date,” he said with a warm smile.
Jane felt a wellspring of happiness bubble up inside her. Funny how she’d thought yesterday had been the best day of her life. She’d had no idea it could get better.
Maybe things like this did happen to girls like her.
** *
That evening, Jane finally had time to put away the clothing Mildred had so carefully mended and laundered for her. She hummed as she put it all away, and then she noticed a note card in the bottom of the bag.
Taking it out, she read:
Dear Jane,
I’m so glad we switched clothing yesterday. Doing so changed my life and opened my heart. As a wise little girl once said, Christmas truly is the best time of the year.
Gratefully,
Jacquelyn Sheridan
Jane read the message over and over again, running her fingers over the neat handwriting. She sent a thought out into the Christmas night: The same to you, Miss Sheridan. The same to you.
***
Thank you for reading A Switch Before Christmas! If you enjoyed the story, I'd be grateful if you 'd consider giving it a rating or review.
Merry Christmas! Karen
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