Christmas Pie

Excitement filled the air as our carriage neared The Victoria Palace giving me butterflies. ‘You look beautiful’, said my sister. ‘Yes, Laura looks radiant in crimson,’ mother replied. ‘I’m glad I was able to persuade her to wear my gown, for it had always brought me good luck, and it was the gown that I wore to my very first Skater’s Ball’. Beautiful memories are tightly woven into that crimson fabric, Laura, and I wish you the same on this auspicious evening’. ‘Auspicious? Mother, you never use that word unless you’ve had your hand in something and you’re sure of the outcome. Do you know something that I don’t – and you’re not telling me? Maybe that’s why I have butterflies. What if this gown doesn’t prove to be lucky for me as it was for you’? I retorted. Mother, in her most reassuring voice, replied: ‘Nonsense Laura, I just have a strong feeling that this is not only going to be the most elaborate - but also the best Skater’s Ball you have ever attended. So, relax my little angel and enjoy the evening – for it is young and full of joyous festivities. As for ‘having butterflies’ – butterflies are harmless. Remember, you always loved chasing them when you were a little girl. When one would fly onto your hand, you would squeal with delight and then release it, exclaiming how beautiful the delicate little creature was. Butterflies today are still the same as they were when you were little - delicate and beautiful – so, just gently blow them into the wind and be happy’! Giving mother a big hug I exclaimed, ‘Thanks, mom you always say the right words. I do feel more relaxed’. The carriage drew to a halt and my little sister got out and joined her friends who were skating on the lake. As mother and I entered the palace, we marveled at the decorations. Thousands of tiny crimson lights twinkled from the ceiling and encircled the orchestra pit. I looked at mother and laughed. ‘Really mother, you have a strange sense of fashion! Now I see why you wanted me to wear your crimson gown - - so I would match the ceiling’! Whatever apprehension I felt earlier melted in the lilt of mother’s laughter, and the warm glow of the room. I quickly laced my skates and glided across the ice. As I began skating, I noticed my sister at the window beckoning me to come outside. ‘What is it’, I asked, as she ran toward me. ‘A photographer asked me to give this to you’, and handed me a note. It read: ‘Hello, Lady in Red, I would be honored if you would save a waltz for me’. I was showing mother the mysterious message when a tall, attractive man across the room caught my glance and smiled. Even though he held an air of familiarity, I was sure I had never seen him before. He skated toward me and greeted me in European fashion, kissing both sides of my cheek. ‘Do I know you’? I queried. ‘We knew each other a long time ago’ was his reply.