Whispers Under the Christmas Sky

Chapter 4: The Christmas Market

The air outside the mayor’s office was crisp and bright, the kind of winter morning where the sunlight glinted off the snow like tiny diamonds.

I tightened my scarf, the wool scratching against my neck, glancing sideways to Ethan. His face was unreadable, as always. How did he do that? How was he able to bottle up whatever storm brewed inside him while I felt like a tornado, barely contained?

“Nervous?” He broke the silence, startling me.

I hook my head too quickly. “Not really.” I lied.

Ethan’s lips quirked up in a half-smile. “You’re a terrible liar.”

She wanted to argue, but he wasn’t wrong. It wasn’t just about the idea or the funding; it was about Wintervale—my home, my family—and proving to Ethan, and myself that I was over him and that my decision to leave Wintervale wasn’t wrong.

And Victor…...wanting Wintervale made it personal.

Gladys greeted us warmly, her round face lit up with curiosity as she ushered us into her office. “Alright, you two, I’m intrigued. What’s this big idea that couldn’t wait?”

Taking a steady breath, I launched my pitch. I tried my best to portray the vivid painting I had in my head to them. Of the week-long celebration; a Christmas Market, bonfire storytelling, a lantern ceremony, a snow man competition, gingerbread house competition, an ice-skating tournament and finally the gala.

I felt my voice grow steadier as I spoke, my passion for the project bubbling up to replace my nerves.

“We need to remind people why Wintervale is special,” Ethan chirped in. “Why it’s worth fighting for.”

Gladys leaned back in her chair, her sharp eyes studying me. Then, he turned to Ethan, “You’re on board with this?” her question implied the financial bit and we both understood. I gazed at Ethan.

Ethan didn’t hesitate to nod his head. “The town needs this Gladys, and Claire’s idea might just be it.”

I didn’t know why, but my heart stuttered at his words but I pushed the feeling inside.

“Alright,” Gladys said, clapping her hands together. “Let’s do it. What’s the first thing on your list?”

My grin was bright and uncontrollable. “A Christmas Market in town square. Vendors, music, lights, the works. Since the gala is still two weeks away, we’ll have time to set up the vendors and booth, and I know someone that will make this market just a little more extra fun.”

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By the time the market opened, the square was a kaleidoscope of color and sound. String of twinkling lights crisscrossed above the stalls, casting a warm glow on the crowd below. The scent of roasted chestnuts and mulled cider wafted through the air, mingling with the sound of carolers singing a slight off-key rendition of “Deck the Halls”.

I stood by the entrance, taking it all in. Organizing this was harder than expected, especially that people at first didn’t see my vision for it. They looked at me puzzled when I told our small business owners, either stores, restaurants or bakeries to prepare what they would exhibit and sell in their booths.

They were skeptic at first about the idea, but by time, they got at it. And here it was. Our first ever Christmas market and Wintervale felt alive again.

The town’s people didn’t disappoint. They niched their merchandise to be mostly Christmas and winter themed and I could see how happy and alive it felt.

“Looks like your plan is working.” Ethan's voice came from behind me.

“So far.” I admitted. I still had something a little extra in mind. “And it’s only the first night.”

“You should give yourself more credit than that.” He said, his tone softer than I expected.

Our eyes met and for a moment, the noise of the market faded away. There it was again, that stupid salad of feelings mixing inside of me. I didn’t know if I was mad at him, hurt or just plain missed him like crazy. And his eyes were unreadable for me to decipher.

My tongue itched to say something. To scream at him and ask why he so easily let me go. But the words lodged in my throat. It was still my decision to leave and I had no face asking.

“Claire Winters.” A voice interrupted, sharp and cutting. “As I live and breathe.”

My stomach dropped as I turned to see Victor standing a few feet away, his tailored coat and polished smile a stark contrast to the cozy charm of the market.

“Victor.” I said, forcing my voice to remain steady.

He spread his arms wide, as if this were a joyous reunion. “What a surprise to find you here. I thought you’d traded this little town for the big city permanently.”

“It’s still my hometown Victor, and I’m here for the gala.” I replied, keeping a neutral tone.

“Ah, yes, the gala.” His gaze swept over the market, and I could see the calculation in his eyes. “Though I must say, this little market of yours is impressive. Did you come up with the idea all on your own?”

“She did.” Ethan said, stepping closer to me. His voice was calm, but there was an edge to it that made Victor’s smile falter for a split second. Ethan had been hot on Victor’s heels in attempt to prevent his buyout of Wintervale and it has been bothering Victor nonstop.

Victor’s gaze flicked between us, his smirk returning. “Well, I’m sure it’ll be…. charming. We could really do something great together Claire, think about it.” He re-offered.

It was his third attempt to offer a merger between our companies but I had no intention of holding hands with a dishonest and unethical man.

“Enjoy your time at the Market, Victor.” I replied with a flat face.

With that, Victor turned and disappeared into the crow, leaving a chill in his wake.

“He’s insufferable.” I muttered under my breath.

“He’s dangerous.” Ethan corrected back, his eyes still scanning the crowd through which Victor disappeared. “Be careful around him, Claire.”

I looked up at him, surprised by the intensity in hi voice. “I can take care of myself very well Ethan. It’s not like you care much.” My voice went below a whisper at the last bit, yet high enough to make its way to his ears.

Ethan’s gaze snapped back at me, and for a moment, I saw something raw and unguarded in his expression. But then it was gone, replaced by the stoic mask I knew too well.

“Of course you can.” He muttered under his breath before walking away.

I watched him go, my chest tightening strangely inside my chest. A nagging feeling inside of me itched that I was the one who left, that I was sure that Ethan was blaming me, placing me at fault for the ruin of our relationship. But this boat didn’t sink on its own, it wouldn’t have sunk if we both didn’t have a hand in it.

And I suddenly remembered our constant fights the last month before our breakup, him getting closer to Delilah, seeing them together several times, the communication between that just seemed to fade away.

It was all brining back emotions that I tried my best to bury and just forget. So, I just shook them away just as my phone started ringing.

I smiled as I saw the name I was waiting for pop on my screen.

“About time Grand Master.” I answered with a grin.

“You know I’d never disappoint you, my love.”

I chuckled at his familiar endearment.

“Now, look behind you.”

I turned to see the most colorful and bright caravan coming my way. The name Grand Master’s Big Circus shone brightly through the distant darkness and I could hear from a mile away the music they blasted.

Just we needed for this night to be perfect. The perfect circus!