Journey to Christmas Past #3

“I can’t believe that you would do something like that.”

The grandmotherly figure across the table from me looks sad as she studies me.

I search my mind for an answer.

“She said she didn’t want anything to do with politics. So, I…I…”

“So, you chose politics over her, is that it?” The elderly woman stares at me with contempt plain upon her wrinkled face.

“It wasn’t just me. We both made the decision.”

“Is that true?”

“Well, I…I…um.” I run my eyes over the empty tables of the bakery around me. I can see snow falling through the window looking out onto the main street.

Two coffee cups steam before us untouched.

“I’m right, aren’t I? You made the decision and forced my granddaughter Brenda to go along with it.”

I take a breath. “She wasn’t happy about it then but I’m sure she’s accepted it by now.”

“Why would you trade her for a seat on town council? On Christmas Eve no less.”

“I thought I could make a difference.”

“Patrick, this town has been the same for a hundred years. How exactly are you planning to make a difference?”

“Well, if good people don’t get involved, things will never change for the better.”

“Oh. And, you consider yourself a good person, do you?”

“Just think, if I’m elected tonight, I can work to change the system.”

“Do you honestly think that?”

“Of course, look at the other people who are running. They’re dishonest and unreliable.”

“Are you any different?”

“Well, I…” I pause for a moment.

“You don’t know me, but I know all about you and what you did. Brenda trusted you and betrayed her. How are you any different than the others?”

Memories flood through my mind. It was almost a year ago when we had sat beneath the Christmas tree together. There were tears when I told Brenda about what I wanted to do. Then, I was walking out the door into the cold air of freedom.

It seemed like the right decision at the time. Many people said I could help turn the town around. They had flattering things to say and I listened to them.

I had to serve a higher cause.

That’s what I told myself then.

“Why are you bringing this up now? It’s almost been a year since we broke up. I’m sure Brenda has moved on.”

“Patrick, do you really think that the system will change if the people in it stay the same?”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean simply this, you can’t change the system if you are the one who needs to change.”

“Now, just hold on a minute, I…”

“Brenda needs you.”

“Me? She always had a lot of friends. Why in the world does she need me?”

The grandmother blinks as she stares into my eyes. “Do you have a moment?”

“Well…“ I glance at the antique clock on the wall of this rustic room. “Not really, the election is today, so I have a few things to do.”

“Please, it’ll only take a moment.”

The door fills my gaze. I should be walking through it. But…but…

“What’s the problem?” I say as I survey the elderly woman across the table from me. How did my day take such a turn?

To be continued…