One Last Goodbye -- Part 15: Christmas Day With Scott -screen_writer-

On Christmas Day Scott took a trip out to Cemetery Road. The snow was heavy, but the roads were just fine to drive on. Wet but not icy, the temperature rose to a nice 45 degree’s. There was a strong wind blowing through the woods, making the temperature feel like 35 degree’s; Scott didn’t mind, he had always liked cold weather. The trip took a little over two hours, and he arrived at sunset. Perfect.

He drove the long and winding Cemetery Road, taking his car, gracefully, through the wonderfully snow covered woods, to the dead end at the old factory. The woods were fantasy like. He parked his car at the bottom of Church Hill. The sound of the waterfall made the scene more fantasy like. Getting out of the car, he looked up at the church. The roof was covered with melting snow. Water, from the melting snow on the roof, streaked the old rock walls of the church, running its path down to the ground. This was the place Heather had embroidered on the pillow; the one she made with grandma Edith.

The last sliver of orange sun was on the horizon, when Scott began his trek up the hill. It wasn’t very steep, but the remaining snow made the trip more difficult then it normally would be. Once he was up top standing next to the church, he walked into a small nook where snow couldn’t reach; the sun was all but gone. It was going to be a clear night.

And as the wind picked up, blowing into the nook, Scott held the letter up in the air, let go, and the wind took the letter on its way – into the woods. He hoped it would reach Heaven someday soon. Sitting down on the wooden bench behind him, he let the cold air brush against his cheeks; he closed his eyes, and put his head back against the harsh rock, which made up church’s stonewalls. A moment past, and he opened his eyes up.

Sitting next to him was Heather, holding the letter in her hands; Scott sat upright, staring at her, tense. Heather returned his glance – her eyes were warm. He relaxed, and smiled (those magical eyes were at work on his soul yet again). “What are you doing here?” He asked.

There were no words, not yet, just a hug. He gladly returned the embrace. They both sat back, against the stonewall, enjoying the view of the small, snow-covered town below. The wind slowed to a breeze, blowing a few strands of Heather’s hair off her shoulder, and as the strands dangle in the breeze Scott’s breath was taken away. She was so beautiful… so young – too young – to be gone.

Heather said: “Thanks for the letter Scott.”

“How did you read it so fast?”

“I already know what it says… Silly Goose.” Heather said with a smile.

“I guess you do, huh.” Scott said with a stupid smile. What are you doing here? Why aren’t you… you know” – Scott pointed up towards the sky – “up there?”

Heather ran here hand through her hair, and said, “Everyone has a place… a place were they went in life to get away from it all when they were living. A place that made them feel good… their Heaven. This… this is my Heaven. My father’s Heaven is in his sons room, to look over him… protect him. This is my Heaven… this is where I belong.”

“Have you talked to him… your father?”

“Yes.”

“You’re grandmother too?” Heather shook her head up and down – yes.

Scott looked out over the snow-covered lawn, down the hill to the waterfall, then out over the town. “Heaven is gorgeous.” He paused, and then continued, “Are you lonely?”

“No.” Heather said, smiling. “I’m never lonely.” Heather paused for a moment, and then said, “Go see Kayla. Talk to her, and tell her it’s not her fault. She needs you.”

“I will.” Scott said.

“I Love You Scott.”

“I Love You Too Heather. That’s why it hurts so bad.”

“Scott… after my grandmother, and my father died, I hurt. Badly. But you know what I found out?”

Scott shook his head.

“I found out,” Heather continued, “that when you hurt so badly that… that you break out in tears if the wind hits you the wrong way… well… only then can you see, and feel the joys, and beauty of life much more vividly then anyone else, because you’ve felt enough pain to compare the joy to. Don’t hurt for me Scott… I’m fine. And you’re going to be just fine too. Live your life.”

“You think so?”

“I know so. I understand, now, why my father kept disappearing when I’d walk in to Timmy’s room… He didn’t want me to be sad anymore. He wanted me to experience the joys of life. Remember back at Thanksgiving dinner when you asked me what I wanted for Christmas, and I said nothing?”

Scott nodded.

“Well, I wasn’t completely honest with you. I wanted a lot of things. I think if you ask anyone what they want, they could rattle off a long list of things – just like me. But, I had everything I needed – you, Kay, my loving mother, and my little brother; also the memories of my grandmother, and father. I think that’s what this time of year is all about. Now-a-days Christmas is too much about what you want, and no one notices everything they have. Don’t hurt anymore.”

Scott nodded.

Heather got up off the bench, and walked to the far end of the nook, stopping at the snow line. She turned to Scott, who was standing up himself.

“Will I see you again?” Scott asked.

“You betcha.” She turned, and began walking to through the snow covered graveyard towards the woods, disappearing as she went.

Scott stood in the nook, listening to the melting snow drip from the roof, and hit against the cement floor of the nook. Eventually, he turned and walked, the opposite way, back down the hill to his car.

He took his time driving home, arriving back at his house at ten past eleven. To his surprise, Kayla was sitting on his bed. She had brought a small Christmas tree into his bedroom, and decorated it. She said to him, “I just needed to be with someone who cared about Heather too.” They embraced.

And as Christmas ended Scott and Kayla sat in the darkness of his room. The only light was coming from the decorations on the Christmas tree. “Come All Ye Faithful” played softly on the stereo. It was a perfect Christmas scene. After “Come All Ye Faithful” ended, “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” by Judy Garland began. Both Scott, and Kayla knew that was Heather’s favorite Christmas song. As Judy Garland’s angelic voice swept through the room, Scott and Kayla smiled at one another in the shadows. It was Heather’s final way of saying goodbye. She definitely made a difference in their lives.

The End.

Show all stories by   Author:  56359 ( Click here )