Christmas Sparkle

'So, you think your boyfriend's going to propose then, Lucy?' My sister Kate began. 

I'd wrapped well up in boots, coat, scarf and gloves and made my way through the December sleet to pop round to hers for a catch- up coffee and chat. 

It was my day off work.

We were near in age - in our thirties, so we'd always been close.

I noticed that Kate was wearing her favourite cat top. 

A former professional textile designer, she'd embroidered the image of Bess, our ginger cat, onto a plain sweatshirt. Bess lived with me and my mum at home. We were all cat lovers.

It was such a pity that Kate's talent wasn't used to full potential... anyway, back to my fella, Adam and his mystery Christmas gift.

'Well, Adam's present is a small, wrapped, square box. He's given me strict instructions not to open it until Christmas morning,'  I replied. 

From the kitchen window, I saw that the sleet had morphed into dancing snowflakes. Some were hoping for a white Christmas.

'He's dropped hints, saying his present is a symbol of our future together,' I confessed.

'Oh, I hope it's an engagement ring!' she beamed.

I did, too. But was my Adam's gift really a sparkler, I mused.

Of course, I'd say yes to getting married. 

But we wouldn't be able to afford a huge, grand wedding like Kate and her husband's Jed's, I thought wistfully. 

While Mum (a widow) had contributed as much as she could to Kate's wedding, it was Jed and his parents who had covered most of the cost.

Adam and I aren't high earners. 

I'm a receptionist for the council and Adam's a librarian. When we begin living together, we plan to adopt a cat from the rescue centre. 

After Kate had married Jed, one of the first things she'd wanted to do was adopt a cat. 

A moggie would keep her company during the day when Jed was out at work.

But he'd put his foot down and said no. 

He didn't want a cat scratching the deep carpets and ruining the highly polished wooden furniture. I knew that had been difficult for Kate, as she really missed Bess.

Jed then stated that he didn't want any pets at all.

---

I reflected on our family's past as I sipped coffee in Kate's glossy, hi- tech kitchen. 

This was a far cry from our childhood home –Dad had died when Kate and I were under eight, so Christmas time was bitter sweet. 

Our puss then was a brown tabby called Chico, who offered us moments of calm and comfort when we missed Dad.

We'd helped Mum bake mince pies in the kitchen while Christmas songs belted out of the battered radio. We all sang along to The Wombles, Paul McCartney and Jona Lewie.

Our Christmas presents were low- cost - colouring books and crayons, plus fabric soft toys that Mum had made herself. We loved them!

Then there were her own knitted scarves, hats and mittens. She'd cleverly weaved an attractive feline image into them, which made them unique. 

To our surprise, Mum woollen products and soft toys attracted the envy of our school friends! 

---

When she was twenty one, Kate met (and quickly married) wealthy Jed, ten years older than her. They'd met via online dating.

She'd been a textile design student, in her last year. As she struggled for money, she'd worked at a supermarket, part- time. 

Jed was a charming, good- looking, highly successful company director who wore designer suits and expensive cologne. He also drove around in a red flashy car.

Kate quickly fell under his spell... but Mum and I didn't take to Jed. 

At first, he seemed friendly, charming and easy going, yet later, we discovered he had a sharp tongue, a sarcastic manner and an arrogant streak. 

When Kate graduated, her aims were put aside, and she threw herself into wedding plans. 

After the lavish wedding and honeymoon, Jed expected her give up her fledging freelance career as a textile designer. 

It was such a pity, as she was doing well, working with a company that she'd been involved in, from her uni course. She'd focused on kitty themed cushion covers, tea towels and oven gloves. The company had loved them.

So I was aghast when she announced her plans to walk away. 'You can't give it up!' 

She'd brushed away my concerns. 'Let's face it Lucy, I don't need to earn now.'

That was true – but textile design was her passion. 

Instead, she became involved in organising elaborate dinner parties and joined charity committees. I pondered - why had Kate stopped asserting herself?

When I heard Jed's car pull up the gravelled drive, the noise jolted me back to the present. It was time for me to go - well, the weather was getting worse.

'Don't mention this engagement ring business to Mum,' I whispered, as I pulled on my winter gear. 'After all, I might have got it wrong.'

'Don't worry, I won't. Give my love to mum and cuddle Bess for me.' Kate then fixed her face into the right expression to greet her breadwinner businessman husband.

---

Adam and I had been dating for six months. 

We'd met via friends and had fallen in love. As the festive season approached, he wanted to know what my plans were.

'I usually spend the day with Mum', I said. 'We unwrap prezzies and enjoy a three course lunch with wine. After that, we play board games, watch TV and stuff ourselves silly. You're very welcome to join us.'

'That's kind of you. I will, thanks. I thought you and your mum might be going to your sister's and brother in law's.'

I shook my head. 'No. We prefer to spend it at home.' 

Not after last year...Mum and I had spent part of Christmas day at Kate and Jed's. 

There was no big main lunch - instead they hosted a posh champagne buffet, provided by upmarket caterers.

While we rocked up in jeans, trainers and cheery sparkly Christmas jumpers, all the guests (Jed's family, friends and colleagues) were dressed up to the very glamorous nines. 

The men were in suits and the women were in shimmering dresses and heels.

Jed dragged Kate off into a corner.

'I told you to ask them to make an effort!' he hissed.

'Sorry darling, I forgot. It doesn't matter. Come in, you two!' she breezed.

But it clearly did matter.

Strange gazes were cast our way and then we discovered that everyone held high powered careers and liked bragging about them, we began to feel uncomfortable.

There was an official 'unwrapping gifts' ceremony to be held later, too. 

I hadn't known what to buy the couple (In the past, I'd bought Kate textile materials) so I'd settled on a big box of chocolates from a well- known store. I suspected that they wouldn't be a good enough standard  for Jed, though... 

After a couple of tense hours, we decided to skip the opening gifts bit and beat a hasty retreat. We had to get back to feed Bess, anyway. 

Kate was dismayed but Jed was hugely relieved when we bid farewell. 

The two of us enjoyed a lovely home- cooked meal at Mum's.

When I called in to see Kate in the New Year (when Jed was at work) her pale complexion and listless manner told me all I needed to know.

'Did he buy you that diamond bracelet for Christmas?' I asked.

An uneasy expression crossed her face. 'Yes and no. I bought my own Christmas gift from him.'

I stared at her 'What?'

'Jed asks me to buy something suitably impressive for the unwrapping gifts ceremony. I  choose it and wrap it. Then, when I unwrap it on Christmas day, I have to pretend that Jed selected it, and therefore it's a surprise for me.'

I was astounded. 'Why can't he buy you a genuine surprise gift?'

She simply shrugged. 

---

Christmas morning arrived. 

When I pulled back the curtains, I discovered it was snowing!

After a lie in, Adam arrived mid- morning, kicking the snow off his wellies.

The three of us gathered around the tree and unwrapped a pile of presents. All were fabulous - until there was only one left. Adam's small square.

When I revealed a red velvet box, my heart skipped a beat. 

I carefully lifted the lid... to find a shiny silver house key.

I looked up at Adam, puzzled.

'I've had a key cut to my flat. I want you to move in with me, Lucy,' he announced.

I was pleased but - well, I'd expected something more significant... 

Luckily, at that moment, the doorbell rang. It acted as a distraction for my disappointment.

Adam leaped up. 'I'll get it.'

'Judging by that box, I half expected Adam to propose,' Mum joked.

Before I could say 'So did I' a familiar figure appeared, clutching lots of snow covered luggage. 

'I've left him', Kate said. 'Will it be okay to stay with you, Mum?'

'Of course it is, love!' Mum hugged her. 

When Bess ran up to greet her, Kate fussed and petted her. 

My heart warmed...

Kate began her divorce proceedings and thankfully, she took up her career again. 

On Valentine's day, before I moved in with Adam, I had one condition. 

'We talked about adopting a kitty...' I began.

'Of course,' he grinned. 

After I'd settled into his place, we went out and bought cat food, bowls, toys, a soft bed, a scratching post, litter and a litter tray. 

Then we visited the rescue centre with a carry cart. 

Instead of us choosing a cat, a lovely light grey, green- eyed moggy called Misty seemed to choose us! She just longed to be petted and loved.

When Adam proposed on my birthday in the summer, I joyfully accepted.

However, there was no ring. 

'Let's spend the money on the wedding instead. How do you fancy a Christmas wedding?'  he asked.

I pictured lots of Christmas sparkle for our family.

'I fancy it a lot. Let's go for it!' I grinned. 

Misty purred in agreement!