After a manicure and a pedicure at the spa, and being lovingly kicked out of Cook’s kitchen, she sauntered without purpose around the resort. Trevor and Angie were off doing the sweetheart thing, and she was as restless as a fly trapped in a jar. In her room, she grabbed a book she’d wanted to read. It was romance, and she immediately thrust it aside. She’d read everyone’s love story in paperback for an entire year but suddenly realized she wanted more than anything to live her own adventure.
Her eyes scanned the room and landed on the box mailed from the North Pole. Smiling, she pulled out the ornament to view it again. On the back of the tag where Mrs. Claus had scribbled her message, she found the name of the store – The Christmas Cave. It resembled a cave with only the entrance in view and the rest hidden behind a mountain of trees. A sudden thought popped into her head. Hurrying to her computer, she googled the place. It popped up immediately and she sat back in her chair and grinned. The location was a short drive from Pineville and boredom won the debate. Maybe she’d find an ornament to give the kids for a Christmas present. And maybe she’d find the answer to the clue – somewhere where the past finds the future. Sounded vague but she’d concentrate on the past. Maybe Braxton would meet her there and release her to explore a future with another man. She laughed out loud. Magic from the North Pole played havoc with her common sense. Lifting her eyes heavenward, she petitioned the Miracle Maker for his guidance in matters of the heart.
She wrote a note and pinned it to the corkboard in Angie’s apartment. Gone to investigate Mrs. Claus’ gift. Took the company car. See you when I get back.
After claiming the keys from Charles, who assured her no one needed the vehicle today, she hurried toward the spare mini-van parked in the garage that the resort used for quick runs. The overcast sky provided ample warmth, but she tossed a light sweater onto the passenger seat. If she remembered correctly, the trip to the Cave was mostly uphill, tucked away in a small mountain town. If lucky, she might even get to see some snow. Pushing the knob for the radio, she settled back and allowed the GPS to lead her northward. Country tunes filled the car, and she sang along to all her favorite music while tapping her fingers on the steering wheel. The car climbed up the steady slope and wound in behind a mountain range.
Arriving at your destination, came the audible voice from her cell phone. She wheeled the car into the parking lot. She killed the engine and allowed her mind to drift as she stared at the unique store. Two wrought-iron gates stood swung open to invite visitors to enter. The entrance peaked in a V-shaped roof and beyond the glass doors adorned with a Christmas wreath, she could see nothing. Years ago, Trevor had called it a bear’s cave and grew annoyed when he found none hibernating inside. Thick foliage surrounded the area, displaying colorfully decorated trees and bushes. She recalled being told that if old-man winter did not provide the real thing then the store used an artificial brand of snow to sustain the mood of the season.
Slamming the car door shut, she moved forward, scanning the area for traces of Braxton. She only found him in her heart as she approached the gates. When the door opened, a jolly rendition of, We Wish You a Merry Christmas, filled the air. She closed it and locked herself inside a field of distant memories. In her mind, she saw the toddler, Trevor, dancing from display to display, and Braxton beckoning her toward the largest tree she’d ever seen in an underground store – which wasn’t saying much – she’d only ever been in this one magical space years ago.
When the song ended, Sandra heard voices raised in anger at the back. The building was rightly called a cave, for it stretched deep and wide under the roof of a forested hill. It appeared no customers were in the store and the couple in the back were going at the verbal battle full force – but mostly the man. The emotional woman sobbed while a loud male voice pierced the air. Sandra felt inclined to leave before they spotted her, but instead slipped to a side display and distracted herself by reading catchy sayings on wooden plagues. One timely piece stated that men should have the final words in a discussion – Yes dear. The message reverted her attention to the confrontation that now reached a climax.
“Why would I care about you? You were a pawn – easy to win over. The object of my vengeance is Cindy, and now she won’t only be losing a husband but a sister – one who betrayed her trust.”
His laugh mocked the sobbing woman and Sandra’s heart broke for the victim he’d leave suffocating under the ashes of his hostility. When footsteps headed her way, Sandra hid behind a card display and watched the well-dressed man leave the store, slamming the door behind him.
She continued to browse while bombarding the heavens with prayers for this family situation. When she noticed the woman return to a craft work station, she felt a nudge to move in her direction. The storekeeper stood with her back to Sandra, oblivious to her presence. Sandra cleared her throat as she approached the sniffling lady attempting to dry her tears.
Once spotted, the worker inhaled sharply, then spoke in a cracked voice. “Merry Christmas. Feel free to browse and if you have
