Midnight Mistletoe

Katherine Bennett

Maybe it’s a weird thing to say, but Dereck seemed distant from me after we had our breakfast this morning. If that’s the case, I wonder why?

“Katherine, have I told you how happy I am that you finally found a great guy like Derek?” My mother holds onto my hand with delight.

I press my lips together as I don’t know what to say to her. Guilt fills my stomach.

This is all because of me. I’m the one who started this little lie just because I wanted my mother to back off from my personal life. Derek seemed to be the perfect choice since both our mothers had the same dream for us to be together.

When I started this, I didn’t know I would feel this way, seeing our mothers so happy.

It’s too late to back down now.

I clear my throat. “Yes, mother. You already did.” I say, my patience wears thin.

“Darling, are you alright?” My mother keeps nagging me with questions I don’t know how to answer.

I look outside through the window, seeing Derek speaking with his father. “Yes, mom. I’m okay.”

“Where is your head right now?” She stands beside me, looking outside as well. “Derek is going into town, and his father is asking him if he could go to the grocery store to buy the things we need for Christmas Eve tomorrow.”

I need to get out of here ASAP.

Perhaps Derek needs some help. Perhaps I can give him some assistance.

“I think I’m going to go outside to see if Derek would like some help with that list,” I say, grabbing my winter coat.

“Okay. See you later.” My mother closes the door behind me while I step outside.

Waving, I greet Mr. Sawyer as he walks past me to enter the house.

“Derek?” I call his name as I see him ready to leave.

When he didn’t respond, I made the decision to move closer to him.

Derek lets out a sigh. “What can I do for you, freckles?”

Have I upset him for some reason? He doesn’t seem to be happy that I’m in his presence.

I’m going to act as if I didn’t notice anything strange toward him.

“I heard that you were going to the village. Do you mind if I join you? My mother is driving me crazy.”

He shakes his head. “Don’t take this the wrong way, but I don’t need your help.”

Ouch! I can’t say that didn’t sting.

Let’s try this again, shall we?

“It will be quicker if we do this together.”

“What part that I want to be left alone, don’t you understand?” His voice conveys bitterness.

My eyes widen. I wasn’t expecting him to speak to me that way.

What did I do?

“I’m sorry to have bothered you then. I’ll give you space as you desire.” I don’t wait as I walk away from him.

Something definitely bothers him, and it’s because of me.

He’s not the only one being upset because, as of this moment, I feel the same way about him. All I wanted was to help him, and it backfired in my face.

Hmph!

Screw him.

If Derek’s going to get stuck in a ditch, I wouldn’t care less.

Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire.

Ugh! Now it’s not the time to argue with my inner self.

“What are you doing here? I thought you were going with Derek to the village.” My mother wonders.

I’m about to reply to her comment when someone else beats me to it.

“Amy, leave her alone.” Jenna, Derek’s mother, comes to my rescue. “Kate, darling, would you mind making your Greek salad to go with the meal for tonight?”

“Sure I can, Mme. Sawyer.” I smile to hide my true feelings.

I walk to the kitchen and open the fridge. I take the tomatoes, cucumbers and feta cheese. From the cupboard, I grab a metal bowl, and from the drawer, I take a knife.

After peeling the cucumbers, I cut them into pieces and put them in the bowl. After that, it’s time for the tomatoes.

Before I continue my task, I receive a message through my phone. I wash my hands before I grab my phone from my back pocket.

I arch my brows as I see the message is from Derek.

‘Freckles, I’m sorry for the way I spoke to you. Don’t take this personally. I just need to be alone right now. I promise you when I get back. I will apologize in person.’

You better.

I didn’t write that.

Instead.

‘I’ll wait for you then. Be careful.’

Why on earth did I write that? Now it’s too late. He has already seen my message.

I clear my throat. I won’t let it bother me. I said I’m going to wait for him to apologize, and that’s what I’m going to do.

Where was I?

Ah, yes! The Greek salad.

Salt and peppers are the following ingredients. Let’s add Italian herbs. I mix everything with two spoons and add the feta cheese sliced into little cubes. Now the last ingredient is Greek olive oil.

Mmhmm, something is missing, but what?

I forgot to put the red onions.

Now that the salad is complete, my thoughts go back to Derek since my mind isn’t occupied with something else.

Ever since that kiss we shared, even if it was briefly, I can’t get it out of my head.

If I’m true to myself, I think I started to have feelings that should be there in the first place. I’m afraid that once this is over, I’ll be the one with a broken heart.

I can only blame myself if it’s come to that.