Yule Tidings Read Online Free PDF Page A

looking bewilderedly at Jason’s mother.  “I didn’t mean…”
    “It’s fine,” Anne interrupted crossly, “you didn’t know.”  Anne rose from the table, taking her plate to the dishwasher.  She returned, grabbing Alex and Jason’s unfinished food.  She’d be damned if she’d sit there being polite and cordial.  Alex started to offer to help, but Jason squeezed her hand in a silent signal that she shouldn’t bother.  Offering to help would probably just make things worse anyway.
    “We’re going to go see a movie, Mom,” Jason said after a minute. 
    Anne didn’t respond right away.  “Fine,” she said through clenched teeth.  “I’m going to bed, it’s been a long day.”  Anne couldn’t believe how Jason was treating her.  She hadn’t done anything wrong.  If she seemed a little surprised and taken aback because he’d brought a girl home, it was only because he didn’t tell her he was bringing a girl home.  In all the years, even throughout high school, he’d never brought a girl home.  Oh, he had girls that were friends that came over, but there was something different about the way he treated Alexia; something that worried Anne deeply.
    “Okay. We’ll see you in the morning then,” Jason said, standing up and leading Alex with him.  He was getting out while the getting was good.
    “What did you want to do tomorrow?” Anne asked, interrupting their escape before they made it through the kitchen.
    “Relax.  See a few sights.  Go to the mall maybe,”
    Anne nodded once.  “I’ll see you in the morning.  Your room and Rose’s room are both ready for company.”  Anne wanted to insist that Alexia sleep in Rose’s room, but after the little fight she’d had with Jason it didn’t seem like a good idea to push him.  Jason had his father’s temper and she knew he’d just as soon walk out the door than give in to her wishes.  As if he knew what she was thinking he took Alexia’s hand more firmly in his grasp.  Anne had noticed that Jason left their luggage in the car; he would leave without a second thought if she demanded something of him.  Anne looked at the clasped hands for a moment, noticing, for the first time, that Alexia wore a small golden ring on her left ring finger.  It looked plain, but Anne really couldn’t tell while they held hands. 
    “We’ll see you in the morning, Mom,” Jason said, pulling Alex behind him as he walked towards the door.  Alex followed obediently, unsure of what was really happening.  Anne looked ready to both throttle Jason and burst into tears, whichever one crossed her mind first, while Jason looked blatantly irate.  He didn’t stop walking until they’d reached the car, at which point he opened Alex’s door for her.  Alex had no idea what to do.  She knew Jason was upset, but she didn’t really know why or what would make it better.  Instead of climbing into the car, she wrapped her arms around Jason’s neck and hugged him tightly.  He hesitated a moment before hugging her back and she could feel the anger, which had welled up into a tight ball inside him, begin to disintegrate and fade.  He pulled away, kissing her softly on the lips.  “Thanks, you always know what I need.”  Alex smiled softly as she climbed into the car.
     
    Alex sat quietly while Jason drove into town.  His mother lived in a small farming community, so it was a bit of a ride.  She was burning with curiosity and anxiety.  What had set Jason off?  He was always so very patient and kind.  She’d never really seen his temper flare, except once, and it hadn’t lasted but a few seconds.  Yet he was sitting next to her, practically seething with rage.  The only time she’d seem him truly , violently angry had been at a bar when some drunken idiot sat down next to her and randomly started groping her.  It was actually how she’d met Jason.  He’d heard her yelling at the guy and stepped in to help.  Jason left with a sore