Christmas Connection

The weekend showed without Bailey’s knowing. The amplified voice of her cousin, Kenya, came over the sound system as she spoke to her parents for their anniversary party. Thirty-four years of marriage and Bailey’s chest swelled. Dressed up friends and family gathered at the round tables decorated with floor length cloth and vases of tulip flowers.

She looked over to her mother, whose eyes watered. Bailey’s heart ached. Was her mother thinking about her father? Bailey missed him too. It had been two years since his fatal heart attack.

Bailey could still hear the heart monitor beeping. She had stood behind her mother and held her father’s hand. His skin lost its vibrancy, but his eyes shined still with love for her and her mother. Then her father had placed a hand to his chest and tapped it three times. It meant “I love you.”

Bailey blinked back tears, seeing her mother’s hand on her chest still. She looked back over to her cousin, who passed the mic to her sister, Mia. The waiter showed next to Bailey and poured more water in her glass. She nodded her thanks and sipped the chilled liquid. She then grabbed her mother’s free hand resting on the table.

“Are you okay?” she asked.

Her mother dabbed her eyes. “I’m okay, sweetie.”

“Are you sure?”

She tilted her head towards her. “I’m sure. This was a beautiful ceremony.”

Bailey fiddled with her earring “I'm happy for them.”

Her mother patted her hand. “I know they’re glad you could make it.”

After the speeches, Bailey would say goodnight to her aunt and uncle. Though she loved her family, she didn’t want to be cornered as usual and have to defend her singleness. Even Mia was a newlywed, and Kenya married three years earlier.

Bailey then applauded with the rest of the crowd as Mia returned her mic to the stand. That was her cue. She leaned over and kissed her mother’s cheek.

“You’re not leaving now, are you?” Her mother’s forehead wrinkled.

“I think I’ve made enough of an appearance. I’ll see you tomorrow at the salon,” Bailey said. She then walked to the head table. Her Aunt Celia stood, her smile glowing.

“I’m so glad you’re he

re,” her aunt said.

“Happy anniversary.” Her uncle then gave her a bear hug. “You two have a good night.”

“You’ll be with us for Christmas dinner, right? Your mother is already planning the menu,” her aunt said.

Bailey nodded. “I’ll be there.”

Her aunt hugged her one last time, and then Bailey headed for the door.

“You’re not leaving are you?” Kenya asked.

Bailey turned to face her cousin. “I have an early client tomorrow at the salon.”

Kenya folded her arms. “I see you didn't bring a date tonight.”

“Kenya—”

“I think Roger will be perfect for you.”

Bailey bit the inside of her cheek. “Not everyone needs a relationship.”

Kenya’s eyebrows shot up. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Nothing. Goodnight, cousin,” she said.

Kenya touched a hand to her chest. “I'm only trying—”

“To help I know.” Bailey hugged her.