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since I’ve last had a Christmas like this one, filled with love and laughter. It makes me feel peaceful which is almost laughable, since trying to find a quiet corner is practically impossible. Throughout the day, Mark stays close to me. Making sure I’m okay and have anything I need. During the afternoon, he takes me for a walk, where we slip and slide on the ice, more than walk.
    Snow coats the surrounding area, thick and beautiful, dressing the trees, buildings, and shrubs in a sparkling blanket. It’s surprising how much beauty is around when you’re happy, yet under different circumstances, the same scene can make you feel isolated and alone.
    ****
    The four of us celebrate the New Year out on the town. A wonderful beginning to what I’m hoping will be a fabulous year ahead. January flies by and before I know it we’re into February. Mark and I have been dating for six months, and they have turned into the most wonderful months of my life.
    I’ve just signed a contract for my second story, and can’t wait to share the news with, well everyone, to be honest. Sally and I are going on another double date tonight with Mark and Jonathan, where we’ll all be celebrating our first Valentine’s Day as couples. I’m so happy it feels like my smile is glued to my mouth. I can’t wait to share my news with him. I know he’ll be just as happy for me, if not more so.
    My mind scoots forward, counting down the hours, until I see him again. I’ve never felt so excited about someone, or so sure of them, in years. Walking into the diner, I’m surprised to see Mrs. Hardy, sitting in a booth, waiting patiently and quietly. My smile shakes for a second. I wonder what she’s doing here. I decide she can’t ruin my happiness. I won’t allow her to.
    Ignoring her, I carry on through to deposit my coat and bag into the staffroom. Taking a deep breath, I head back into the diner to start my shift.
    “Beth, can I have a word please?” Mrs. Hardy asks me, when I arrive at her table to ask for her order.
    “I’m working Mrs. Hardy, and we don’t have anything to talk about.”
    She places her hand on mine to stop me from going. Looking down I’m surprised how wrinkled it is. I glance up from her hand. I notice lines grooving her face. The sag of her shoulders, she looks old and tired, something I never would have thought possible.
    “Let me sort these orders out then I can spare five minutes.” I inform her, before walking into the kitchen.
    Twenty minutes later, I slide into the seat opposite her. I don’t waste any time just bluntly ask what she wants.
    “Well there’s…”
    “Mrs. Hardy, I don’t have the time, or inclination, to beat around the bush. You want something, so just say it. I’m busy.”
    She looks at me, as if seeing me for the first time, giving a slight nod of her head. “You’ve changed, for the better. You’re stronger than you were before. Okay, James is up for a preliminary hearing. I want you to say that you support his early release,” she informs me, before standing, as if the discussion is over.
    “No.”
    “Excuse me?” confusion creases her wrinkled face, causing the lines to deepen.
    “I said no, I won’t do any such thing,” I feel anger race through me. How dare she demand such a thing!
    “It’s your fault my boy is in prison,” she hisses at me.
    “Actually it’s his fault he’s in prison. His bad choices got him there, so don’t blame me for his actions,” I growl at her.
    “My boy did nothing wrong!”
    “Your boy…your boy is a murderer. I think that’s called doing plenty wrong.” Standing up, I leave the booth to silence. I feel everyone’s eyes staring at me and don’t care. Instead, I walk toward the counter, grab the coffee pot, and see if anyone needs a refill.
    Mrs. Hardy is right about one thing though. I am stronger than I was before, stronger than I even realized. This simple thought brightens my day considerably, putting a bounce back in my