A Christmas Story

"Well?" Brian asked questioningly. "Are we going to go?"

"I suppose so. Mother doesn't seem to give me much of a choice."

Michaela answered. "Colleen, what day is it?"

"Um, December 1st."

"We better start packing."

'Yea!" Colleen and Brian exclaimed, hugging each other in joy.

"We're going to Boston for Christmas!"

After Michaela told Sully about the letter and he gave his approval, everyone began preparations for the trip. Brian went to tell Miss Dorothy and Matthew, while Colleen went out to the Springs Chateau Hotel to visit Andrew. Michaela stayed behind to organize medicines so they would be accessible to anyone who needed them. Sully came in to help her, but noticed she wasn't working with her usual enthusiasm. Breaking the silence, he asked, "Michaela, what's wrong? You do know I won't be able to come with you because of the Indians and the army."

"I know. And I'll miss you." She sighed. "I'm excited about this trip, but it seems that every time I visit Mother we get in a disagreement. Then the whole trip is ruined. I just don't want to have a bad Christmas with my family."

He kissed her forehead. "Michaela, don't worry. You and your mother have been getting along fine since Marjorie died. I'm sure things will be okay." He kissed her again.

"I hope you're right, Sully."

Colleen knocked on the door of Andrew's clinic. Andrew opened it and with a look of surprise he exclaimed, "Colleen! I mean, uh, hello. Please, come in." He gestured into the clinic. "So what brings you here today?" he asked, trying to seem casual.

"I just came to visit." Colleen said as he led her to a pair of chairs sitting in the corner by the fire.

"Well, I'm glad you're here." Andrew said, giving her his special, lopsided smile that was reserved especially for her.

" And that ma got a letter today from Boston."

"Oh? What did it say?"

"Grandma invited us to Boston for Christmas and we're going." She looked unhappily at him. "The only is, I wanted to stay here, in town, for Christmas. Now I won't be able to enjoy it with my friends. Or you." She looked at him and they both blushed. Andrew broke the silence.

"Actually, you're in luck. I was planning to visit my uncle for Christmas. I'm sure I could change the date of my departure to accommodate you and your family. I could be your escort." A smile came over Colleen's face like a beam of light. Without realizing what she was doing, she embraced Andrew. Then, she consciously remembered where she was and let go. Still, the moment their bodies had been close had sent shivers down Colleen's spine. Andrew longed to take in her in his arms again, just to hold her, protect her.

"Thank you so much for doing this, Andrew!" Colleen said as she was leaving the clinic. Andrew watched her depart from the door, and when she was out of range, whispered softly, "Not for them. For you." He said. "For you."

Four days later, the family was on the train departing from the depot. Only a few minutes into the and Brian, Matthew and Andrew were restless.

Thankfully they left to explore the train and left Michaela, Colleen and Katie in peace to talk. "It was very nice of Andrew to offer to escort us," Michaela said, bouncing Katie on her lap.

"Yes, it was," Colleen replied, speaking of Andrew with the utmost importance. "He said his uncle had invited him to come, but he wasn't sure about going until I told him we were going to Boston, too. That convinced him to go." At this Michaela smiled knowingly, thinking that the opportunity to escort them out of politeness had been much less a reason in making up his mind than spending Christmas with Colleen. "You two have been seeing a lot of each other lately," she continued, hoping to imply some seriousness in their relationship.

Colleen smiled, remembering the times they had shared. "Yes, we have." Micheala decided to breach her point. "Are you courting?"

Colleen looked at her, startled. "Courting? No. We aren't."

A burst of white steam emitted from the black engine of the train as it pulled into the station. Elizabeth and Rebecca Quinn waited anxiously on the platform for a glimpse of their family. Suddenly they all appeared, their faces shining with excitement. Elizabeth and Rebecca rushed to meet them and a flurry of hugs were exchanged. Andrew stood back a little from the rest of the family, feeling awkward in this emotional scene. Elizabeth noticed him and, not wanting to leave anyone out, said graciously, "Why hello, Andrew. How have you been?"

Andrew looked surprised at this greeting but recovered quickly to say, "Very well, ma'am. Thank you for asking." Elizabeth smiled at him, and then announced to the whole family, "Are we ready? Peter will get your bags. There's a carriage waiting outside for us. Let's go home."

"So, how have things been in Colorado Springs?" Elizabeth asked after they had gotten into the carriage. "Well, I hope."

"Everything has been fine. The town has recovered quite well from the losses of the epidemic. And, of course, we're happy to have Colleen back home to visit. It seems like we see less and less of her all the time," Michaela answered.

"Ah, that's right! How is college going?" Elizabeth asked Colleen, who was sitting next to Andrew.

"I love it! Learning all those new things is fascinating. Andrew's been helping me, too, at his clinic," Colleen replied enthusiastically, looking at Andrew. At this, Elizabeth looked pointedly at Michaela and raised her eyebrows. Michaela shook her head and mouthed the words not now, later. "And working at ma's clinic has really helped me advance my studies."

Elizabeth smiled at her. "That's wonderful, my dear. And how about you, Brian?"

Brian grinned. "Well, I'm doing real good helping out Miss Dorothy, and I really like working for the paper."

"You know, I think we could arrange for you to visit one of the newspapers here in Boston. Then you could see how things happen in journalism." A lull followed this as the line of topics ran out. Andrew broke the silence with a suggestion.

"I was hoping that maybe Colleen and Michaela would like to accompany me to my uncle's clinic. I was planning on helping him out during my stay here. He's also been anxious to meet the lady doctor who stole me away from his practice."

"I'd love to! What a wonderful way to help out. What do you say, ma?" Colleen said exuberantly.

"That would be nice. Thank you for asking, Andrew."

"Here's the house," Elizabeth said as they pulled up in front of the Quinn house. Andrew helped Colleen out of the carriage. Elizabeth said to him, "Andrew, would you like to stay for dinner? It would be our pleasure."

Andrew looked at Colleen. "If it's not a problem….."

"No! None at all."

"Well then, I'll just help Colleen carry her bags to her room and then go get ready." He dutifully picked up her bags and the two of the walked up the stairs. When they reached Colleen's room, she helped him put the luggage down. While reaching for a bag, Colleen accidentally grabbed his hand instead. The bag dropped but their hands stayed clasped. She stared at their hands.

"Sorry," she said quietly. Neither of them let go. Andrew gazed at Colleen, her rosy face framed by the soft lamplight. A rise of emotions flooded over him as he resisted the urge to embrace her. She looked up at him and they both blushed.

"No. My fault." Slowly, their hands broke apart and Colleen looked down at the floor, embarrassed.

After dinner, all of the family except Michaela, Elizabeth and Rebecca, who stayed back to talk and rest in the parlor, went for a walk in the park. Sitting down in an overstuffed easy chair, Elizabeth exclaimed, "I have never seen a couple more in love. The problem is, do they realize it?"

"I don't know, Mother. Colleen thinks very highly of Andrew, though."

"Are they courting?"

"No. At least from what Colleen tells me. You know Andrew, Mother. He's so shy around women. Sometimes he doesn't stand up for himself, either. From what I'm seeing, though, I think he's beginning to come around."

Elizabeth thought for a moment. "You know, Michaela, I think I've decided to play matchmaker for those two. We've got to give them every chance together, and----" Michaela cut her off.

"Mother, please, no! Don't intervene with their relationship. Let it run its course." She looked at Rebecca for support. "Don't you agree, Rebecca?"

She replied hesitantly. " I'm not sure. Maybe we should leave them alone. Then again, if we just helped a little…"

"There! You see, she agrees with me!"

"Mother, please! I don't want to argue about this!"

"Michaela, I'm simply trying to help them out. Won't you please let me? Just a little?" Elizabeth pleaded.

Michaela finally gave in to her demands and sighed. "This is not worth arguing about. Yes, I suppose you can help them out."

"Wonderful! Come Rebecca. We're going to a ball this Friday. And what do you think about a visit to the theatre after that?……" Her voice faded as she and Rebecca left, leaving Michaela alone in the parlor.

"A ball? On Friday? How wonderful! I can't wait! Thank you so much, Grandma!" Colleen exclaimed as she embraced Elizabeth.

"It was nothing, my dear. Of course, your mother and Matthew, and Rebecca and John will also be going. And Andrew will escort you." At this Colleen blushed and looked at Andrew. "This will be an excellent experience for you, Colleen. Some of Boston's top society will be attending." Colleen smile vanished.

"Society? I have absolutely nothing fancy enough to wear!"

Matthew snickered when she said this and announced loudly, "Always thinking about clothes first, just like a woman."

"Hush, Matthew," Elizabeth said. Turning to Colleen she put all of her fears to rest. "Don't worry, there's plenty of time to shop for suitable clothes." Colleen's smile returned. "How about we go look for a dress in a little while? I know of a store that keeps up with the latest styles from Paris."

" That would be fine," Colleen replied. "Andrew, would you like to come with us?" Matthew made a snorting noise in the back of his throat and had to restrain himself from laughing out loud. Andrew answered, trying to keep from smiling, yet still a gentleman.

"My apologies, but I must go to my uncle's. He knew I was arriving today and is probably waiting for me."

"You'll join us for supper, though, won't you?" Elizabeth asked on Colleen's behalf.

"Why, yes! I would be happy to join you," he grinned at them. "So, if you'll excuse me, I'll leave for my uncle's." Elizabeth nodded and Andrew made a slight bow as he turned and left. Then she slipped her arm through Colleen's and led her down the hall. "Now, Colleen, I want to make this trip very special. You wouldn't believe the list of things I have planned for us to do! Now, what do you say about a night at the theatre?"

On Friday the house was alive with preparations for the ball. Andrew arrived in late afternoon amidst the scurry. Trying to be helpful, he asked, "Is there anything I can do?"

"No!" Elizabeth said as she rushed by him, juggling the bouncing form of Katie. "Just sit in the parlor and wait. Colleen. Michaela and Rebecca are almost done." Then with a swish of skirts she was gone. Andrew went over to the parlor and found Matthew, Brian and John, Rebecca's beau, waiting there also.

"Hey Dr. Cook," Brian greeted him cheerfully.

"I take it you've been ordered here by the lady of the house also?" Andrew asked grinning.

"Brian and I just needed a little quiet. You know women," Matthew replied, stretching out in a chair by the fire. "Make yourself comfortable." Andrew sat next to Matthew, and they began to talk. A short while later a soft knock sounded on the door.

Elizabeth entered and said, "They're ready."

All four men rose as the ladies came in, like angels entering Heaven. Michaela was dressed in a rosy silk, while Rebecca was in a shade of blue. Colleen had a dress of deep green that set of the color of her hair as if it were on fire. Andrew almost had to sit back down in his chair when he saw Colleen. Her auburn hair framed her small face and the dress contributed to her tiny figure. He swallowed hard and walked over to her. In a shaky voice he said, "Colleen. You look beautiful."

"Thank you, Andrew," she replied as he took her arm. Elizabeth nodded discreetly to Michaela, who had Matthew by her side.

"I think you're ready to go. Have a lovely time and don't worry about anything," she said as they walked out the door. "Goodbye dears!" *

The ball was more than any of them could have imagined. All of Boston's top society was there. Upon entering they were swept away by the explosion of life and music. Hothouse flowers filled the air with a sweet perfume and adorned the room from ceiling to floor. There were people dressed in cheerful colors, a sharp contrast to the dull winter outside. All three couples were immediately caught up in the mood and began to dance, shaking off their shyness. After a few songs Michaela and Matthew, and Rebecca and John took a break to catch their breath and meet some new people and old friends. Andrew and Colleen kept on, though, each enjoying the time in each others arms. Colleen hardly felt her feet touch the floor, and Andrew couldn't take his eyes off the beautiful angel held close in his arms before him. Silence reigned for a few more songs until Colleen said, "It must be wonderful to be back in society. Colorado Springs isn't anything like Boston. You must miss it. I know I would."

Grinning at her, Andrew replied, "Actually, I wasn't one for parties. My studies consumed most of my time."

"Oh. Well, you're here now at a party. Are you enjoying it?"

"Of course. How could I not?" Especially with you in my arms, he wanted to add, but said nothing. They continued on, not saying a word, their eyes speaking for themselves. Colleen moved closer to him, his large hand holding her small one, their fingers entwined. They were in a trance-like state, moving gracefully around the room, causing people to smile and wonder if they themselves had looked like that when they were young and in love, until Matthew politely tapped Andrew's shoulder.

"May I cut in? I'd like to dance with my sister."

"Of course! Be my guest!" Andrew said, trying to hide his disappointment. "I'll go over and talk to Michaela."

"Are you enjoying yourself?" Matthew asked as Andrew left.

"I'm having a wonderful time. How about you?" Colleen asked as they began a waltz.

"You know I'm not the greatest dancer. Actually, I can't wait for this to be over!" he chuckled. Then, changing the subject, he supplied his observation. "You and Andrew have been dancing all night."

"Yes, we have. Why do you say that?"

"Nothing really. All I have to do is look at you two and all my questions are answered."

"Matthew!" Colleen exclaimed, her face reddening as she blushed. "Are you trying to imply something?"

"No, nothing. Just forget I ever said anything," he replied catching her red cheeks as the dance ended. Andrew walked back over to her as Matthew bowed politely to Colleen and, with a smile on his face, walked back over to the wall. Andrew smiled at Colleen and took her hand as they began to dance again.

As the night progressed, the whole family became more comfortable with their situation. In fact, they almost felt as if they belonged here, as if they had never heard of a little town called Colorado Springs. All they met were fascinated with the woman doctor who had defied the odds against her and went on to be a successful physician. Everyone had a joyous time dancing and talking and drinking. It became so hot that the verandah doors had to be opened to bring in cool breezes from the dark night. Colleen and Andrew continued to dance together, never leaving each others gaze until Colleen exclaimed, "Andrew, I'm so hot! Can we go out on the verandah to cool off?"

"If you want to," Andrew said. He led her to the doors and pushed them open. Colleen shivered as a gush of wind engulfed them. "You're going to need a little more than that dress to keep you warm. Here, take my coat."

" Thank you." Colleen smiled up at him as he placed the coat on her shoulders, rubbing her arms for heat. The wind didn't seem as cold in his warm gaze. Letting go of her shoulders, Andrew led Colleen over to the edge of the balcony. "Isn't it beautiful? The city I mean. You can't even tell where the city ends and the sky begins," she said, glancing up at the stars.

"It is," Andrew replied, not even looking out at Boston, his eyes transfixed on the radiant angel before him.

"Colleen?" Andrew's voice was suddenly near and Colleen whirled around to find their faces only inches apart.

"Yes Andrew?" her voice was shaky from the surprise of him being so near to her. "I've been thinking about you and me. About everything," Andrew said seriously.

"Me, too," said Colleen, remembering Michaela's inquiry on the train.

"Colleen, I feel different around you," he said, taking her hands in his. "Different in a way I can't explain."

"You do? I mean, what are you saying?" she asked, their faces leaning closer together.

"I don't know what I mean," Andrew said frustratedly, unable to put into words the feelings of his heart.

"Oh, Andrew. You don't have to explain." She reached up and brushed away a stray curl from his forehead, smoothing the lines the marred his chiseled face, her fingers tracing the outline of his jaw, coming to rest on his soft lips. They moved closer together, only a breath apart, when suddenly Matthew burst out of the doors.

"Colleen!" Then he realized what he had interrupted. "Oh, um, I, uh, well, I'm sorry." Colleen quickly pulled away from Andrew and turned to let the cool breeze soothe her flushed cheeks.

"Yes, Matthew? What do you need?" she asked, not facing him.

"Dr. Mike sent me to find you. We're going to leave," Matthew replied, still abash at his findings.

"I suppose it's time to go," Colleen said as she rushed by Matthew and Andrew back into the ballroom. Andrew looked at Matthew and shrugged.

The days passed. The family stayed busy preparing for Christmas, buying gifts and guessing about their own presents. Michaela and Colleen also helped out at Andrew's uncle's clinic. Things were quiet between Colleen and Andrew after the passionate scene on the balcony. Quick looks were given, a smile, a glance, or slightly brushing the hand or the arm inconspicuously when no one was looking. A trip to the theatre was planned for the Saturday night before Christmas. Andrew, of course, was invited to go with them.

"How wonderful it was for you to get these seats, Grandma. How did you ever manage the balcony?" Colleen asked as they took their places just as the orchestra began to tune.

"Connections, my dear, connections. I have an acquaintance with one of the theatre benefactors." Elizabeth whispered to Colleen.

"Oh!" Colleen said, and then gave a kiss on the cheek to Elizabeth before she left to take her seat next to Andrew in the adjoining balcony, separate from the rest of the family. He smiled at her, his face never giving hint to the emotion tumult inside of him.

"Do you like operas?" He asked, his eyes never leaving her face.

"I think so. Actually, I never been to one before. I hope I do, though." Colleen replied.

"Trust me. You will," Andrew said as the curtains rose and the lights dimmed.

Colleen was overwhelmed by the beauty of the opera. From the minute the curtains lifted she was entranced. Andrew stayed close by, translating the Italian songs for her understanding. His soft voice, almost a whisper, rose and fell with emotions as he spoke. "Rosaline is a goddess who has been forbidden to love anyone, forever. Her lover, Luciano, though, refuses to acknowledge this, professing his undying love, saying he will wait forever for her acceptance."

"What's going to happen?" Colleen asked, turning to face him.

"The inevitable. Watch," Andrew said, pointing to the actors on stage.

The opera continued on. Colleen felt strangely connected to Rosaline, who seemed to face as many overwhelming emotions as she did. She also could not deny how near and how close she and Andrew were. "He declares how he aches for a love that burns inside his heart," Andrew said softly. "He says he dreams for her, longs for her, that his heart begs for a passion that is like a fire in his soul, and yet she will not have him." Colleen could feel his warm breath whispering around her ears, causing waves of pleasure to wash down her body. She turned to face him, barely restraining herself from kissing those soft lips that were so near to hers. She was breathless, her chest heaving up and down. "Yet love is an all-powerful force that overcomes anything," Andrew finished, his voice dwindling.

"Love conquers all. Does it burn in your heart?" Colleen said, their faces drifting closer together.

Colleen?" Andrew whispered, his finger tracing her profile, her full lips. "I never finished what I meant to say on the balcony that night."

Colleen's heart was pounding in her ears as she asked, "Yes, Andrew?"

Her voice was barely audible, waiting for those words she had longed to hear for so long.

"I love you so much, more than you can imagine," he said, searching her eyes for confirmation. He was not disappointed.

" I love you too, Andrew," murmured Colleen as he leaned towards her.

Her eyes gave him permission to kiss, not a word being said between them. Their lips met, softly at first, but then all dams of passion broke, flooding their souls with a love they shared. Colleen felt a rush of emotions as she reveled in Andrew's touch. She wanted him to feel her with all of heart and soul. She reached up and gently wrapped her arms around Andrew's neck as the kiss continued, neither willing to break the bond of their affection. At last the kiss ended, both their hearts beating a rapid frenzy. Unable to separate, they clung to each other. "Colleen," Andrew said, savoring each syllable as it rolled off his tongue. He burrowed his head against her neck, inhaling the sweet perfume that clung to her skin. "How I've longed for you. I loved you the moment I saw you." Colleen sighed and held him to her body. He looked up at her. "Promise you'll never leave."

"You know I could never do that. I love you too much."

Matthew, restless with boredom, got up to stretch his legs during the opera. Walking past the door to Colleen and Andrew's balcony, he stopped dead in his tracks. His eyes almost popped out of his head as he saw Colleen and Andrew kissing passionately. A pang of sadness sharply hit him as he remembered his tragic past lovers. The his heart filled with joy and happiness for Andrew and Colleen. He returned to his seat next to Michaela, a grin spreading across his face.

"What is it?" she asked.

"Nothing. Nothing at all." He paused. "Actually, how do you feel about another doctor in the family?"

"What?" Michaela asked, then realized what he was talking about. "You mean they're-"

"Yep. Saw it with my own eyes."

Michaela smiled and leaned back in her chair. "Well, it's about time."

Something was definitely different between Colleen and Andrew. They never left each other's side and there seemed to be a connection, a bond of love. It was hard not to notice a difference. As they came up the house, Michaela and Elizabeth stopped on the porch and looked back on the couple.

"Well, Mother, it seems as if you're plan has worked," she gestured to Andrew, who was helping Colleen out of the carriage and tenderly held her arm as they walked up to the house together, their eyes never leaving the other's face. Elizabeth just nodded and turned to go into the house with rest of the family, leaving Colleen and Andrew alone on the porch. A light snow began to fall, which made tiny drops of water clinging like tiny diamonds to their hair. Andrew reached for Colleen's hands and held them protectively against the cold. He brought 0 them up to his lips and slowly kissed each hand.

"I love you so much. I've stayed up nights thinking about you. And you're. We're here together,' Andrew brushed his hand down her face. He chuckled. "So, how has your Christmas been?"

"Wonderful, even though it's not even Christmas yet," Colleen answered, reaching up to put her arms around his neck. "Especially with you. I love you." She pressed her lips on his warm ones, a contrast to the cold around them. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her closer to him. Nothing could reach them, nothing except the power of love.