Legend – as in the North Pole, the home of Christmas? But this was a personal gift. Could it mean her? Legend was her last name. She pondered the message – keys, past, present, and future. Pam hated riddles. Her father, the stuffy Alexander Legend, had stripped her of those inclinations long ago with his practical, no-nonsense worldview. She sighed. It was a worthless clue! Old stories and modern myths were a dime a dozen. She packed it away. Picking up the snack dishes, she walked to the counter.
Pam transferred the uneaten pastries into a sealed container and dumped the rest of the coffee into the sink. From the open window, she could hear the festive music winding up. Crowds would soon line the streets. She hurried to head downtown and get in a quiet stroll before all the chaos began.
It was warm again, but not humid. A gentle breeze blew from the north, and Pam savored it as she window-shopped. Pam loved to discover the details hidden in displays. The advertising element, meant to draw you in, was a ploy to open your wallet. This weekend she would not mind spoiling herself. She particularly relished the festive decorations, feeling drawn to them by a strange compulsion she could never satisfy. Since moving to Cedar Springs, Christmas brought new freedom for Pam. Her father had died the year she finished her formal education, and with him, she’d buried all his strict misgivings concerning the holidays. He’d been a Grinch and had caused the little girl in her much grief. No one sat on the sidelines now to hold her back. And with two celebrations a year, she’d soon make up for the many years of abstinence.
“Hello. What is the good doctor thinking about this fine morning? You seem miles away.”
John moved in beside her, his bare arm brushing hers. Pam glanced at him – initially annoyed at being disturbed from her reverie – but then gratefully swept into his fun-loving mood. He’d expanded on his wardrobe and wore a pair of khaki shorts, and a shirt that had Santa, sleighs, and reindeer, sliding all over it from multiple angles. His slightly wind-blown hair staggered her good sense while his smile dazzled what little remained of her composure.
“And you look pretty amazing yourself,” he said, grinning from ear to ear.
Pam felt the heat rising into her cheeks. “Oh, so you can read other people’s minds but not your own?”
“Appears to be my fate, but at this moment it’s serving me well.” He laughed playfully at her awkwardness. “Don’t worry. Nothing mystical here – just noticed the twice-over scan you gave me. I guess I clean up all right, Doc.”
“You are no longer my patient. Formalities are unnecessary on the streets of Cedar Springs. My name is Pamela Legend.”
John whistled. “Legend. Now, where have I heard that name before?”
“You are probably thinking legends – folklores, old stories, and myths. I inherited the surname from my father.”
“Does your father live in town?” John asked.
“My father died with liver cancer. Had a drinking problem – among other things.”
“I sense that is not the place you want this conversation to go on this festive, July, Christmas Eve day?”
“You assume right. I’m just strolling. Care to walk with me?”
“Thought you’d never ask, Pamela Legend.” A huge smile covered his face, but he voiced one last misgiving. “Can’t seem to get past that surname.”
“Call me Pam then. Only the special chosen few have taken on the short form.”
“It’s an honor to join their ranks, Pam.” John looked at the pamphlet he held in his hand. “Looks like a full schedule this weekend. You planning on taking it all in?”
“Definitely! Would not miss a thing.”
“What’s your favorite?” John asked.
“That’s like asking me to choose between the dozens of ice cream flavors at Jake’s Parlor. I am free to sample them all.”
He gazed at her with avid interest. “You must have a favorite.”
“Are you talking events on the schedule or ice-cream flavors?”
“Both,” he said.
Pam chuckled. “Let’s discuss it while we indulge.”
“I’ve just finished breakfast.” John objected half-heartedly.
“Fiddle-E-Dee. My friends are always saying this weekend is about cutting loose and living life spontaneous, the way it was meant to be lived.” Without warning, the fun of that statement hit her with a new force. Yes, she was ready for whatever the day held. Definitely beyond her comfort zone, but without a doubt the character she longed to grow into.
“I’m in! Let’s give it a go,” John said.
Pam chose a waffle cone, and the server mounted on two flavors, one heap of cherry cheesecake and one of cookies and cream.
“Really? That is not even a good combination,” John said.
“Didn’t know ice cream was your expertize,” Pam said as she bit the pinnacle off the top.
“I will have chocolate chip and deep turtle delight,” John said to the girl behind the counter.
“Another glimpse into the real you,” Pam said. “You are a chocolate monster.”
“It would appear so. I’m thinking it will go with the banana I had with breakfast.”
The couple strolled to a sectioned off area just outside the door of the café and sat on cozy chairs at a small table. Between licks, Pam laughed. “Passers-by are giving us a questioning look?”
“What? Questioning our healthy breakfast choice, Doctor Legend?”
“I see your point. How will I face my patients and coworkers next week?”
“With all the professionalism I know you have
