Stories

by Xavier F.Aguilar

 

ONE BRIGHT STAR

It didn't seem like the snow would ever stop.
The five of us could care less as we ran around the high evergreen. As far as I could see the snow was over the yard without a footprint except for the ones we made.

“Let's build a snowman,” said Julie as she tossed handfuls of snow into the air.

“You and Dave can do it while the rest of us decorate this tree. OK, Julie?”

School had been canceled due to the heavy snowfall and Washington County was transformed into a winter wonderland. Jimmy said it would snow right through until Christmas vacation began.

Strands of blonde hair had slipped out from under Julie's knit cap. “And a Happy Holiday to you too,” she responded in a playful manner.

Everyone laughed at her sarcasm and then we all began our task. Dave formed a snowball and began rolling it around the tree to build its size. Julie made her way to the coal shed to find some eyes for Mr. Snowman.

The ladder we used to lift our ornaments high wasn't in the best condition and it broke before we could put the star atop the conifer.

“Are you hurt?”

I stood to my feet and brushed the snow off, I looked at everyone with slow deliberation and said, “Nope.”
Christmas was my favorite holiday. Because I was only 10 years old I didn't really understand what it was all about. Nut rolls baking in the oven were significant enough a meaning to me.

I looked out the window to see the tree we had decorated. Its branches were slightly bent from the weight of the snow on them. Julie stood by the stove roasting marshmallows over the gas burners. “It's a shame the ladder broke,” I said, “We were almost finished.”

Julie's hair looked soft under the artificial light. It was no wonder that she was choosen as the prettiest girl in Castner School. She hummed a few lines from a Christmas song and then popped a burnt marshmallow into her mouth. The snow outside was still falling and dusk had begun to settle. “I wouldn't worry about the tree,” she said. “We did the best we could.”

I knew she was right.

“I've got to go, it's getting dark. I'll see you tomorrow.”

That night I watched as the one star you sometimes see on a cold, clear December night came to rest at the very tip of the evergreen. I know now that it was only the position of myself in relation to the star and tree that made it seem like something special, but, as I watched the star shimmer I thought, “This is the best Christmas I'll ever have.”

I never did see Julie the next day or ever again. I learned from my parents that she had been hit by a tractor-trailer which was out of control. I was told that such things happen and we must learn to accept them and go on.
Well, I did go on and live my life. I think of Julie often after that, and the others, and our tree, and the star. Some people might say that a sign was manifest that wintry night and others will say it's all coincidence, but, whatever it was I remember how special it was to me.

And now when I sit in front of the traditional tree I think of that day when we strung popcorn around the great tree, I remember the snowman who stood at the corner of our yard until the days grew warm. I can forever see the smiles we shared and the friendship we exchanged.
Now there is no Castner School; just apartments. And Washington County doesn't have many heavy snowfalls anymore. Today when I look up into the clear, cold sky of winter I recognize that same star of 40 years past and I see little Julie laughing and tossing snow into the air. Forever young . . . forever missed . . . forever loved.

© 2005 by Xavier F. Aguilar

Return to top


• Poetry