When Amy Preston sets up home in a little Welsh village with a funny sounding place name, all she really wants is to rebuild her life in solitude. Finding herself alone just a few days before Christmas, she couldn’t be happier with the arrangement.But the big-hearted Gloddfa Bont community has other ideasand between Christmas dinner and New Years Eve, they do all they can to win her round.

But with a few skeletons of its own, can this community really find a place in Amy’s heart or will she be alone for good?

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Forty-five minutes and thirteen matches later, I found an ancient looking fuse box under the stairs. I like to think I’m pretty resilient and what I lack in ability I make up for with stubbornness so, despite its Dickensian appearance, I opened the box and was rewarded, seconds later, as my cute little cottage was flooded with light. Feeling triumphant, I grabbed my phone and blasted Slade’s, I wish it could be Christmas at full volume, because sure, I may not know where the kettle is but my phone is never far away and with it, music for dancing. I threw myself around the room with wild abandon. I was hundreds of miles away from anyone who knew me, no friends or family with whom to celebrate the upcoming season and, right at that moment, it felt amazing.

After waltzing round the room to Fairytale of New York, I collapsed into a chair and took a look around me. Less amazing was the plethora of oversized boxes still waiting to be dealt with and I realised I had a choice. With Christmas just a few days away I could either work like a dog to get the boxes unpacked and hope that I had enough energy left to string up some decorations, or I could simply hide the boxes under a mountain of tinsel and deal with the cardboard in January. Lazy toad that I am, I opted for the latter, not that I had any tinsel or fairy lights yet, that would be a job for tomorrow. When moving to a new area one must pace oneself, stretch out the jobs so you don’t run out of things to keep you occupied. I’d read How To Win Friends And Influence People seven or eight times in the lead up to this move and that is the one tip Mr Carnage missed. If it wasn’t for the minor inconvenience of him being dead I’d have written and told him but, alas, it was not to be. Instead I had to content myself with the knowledge that I was as prepared as I possibly could be for this new adventure, get a good night’s sleep and see what tomorrow would bring. As I turned off the light I shivered. Please let this be it.

I woke to the sound of a dripping noise coming from somewhere suspiciously close to the end of my bed. I lay there for a minute, willing myself to get up and investigate but my feet, all cosy and warm, felt like lead. I wished I could stay tucked up and have someone else come and fix it all for me. When I could delay the inevitable no longer, I wrestled my feet into slippers and went to find the source of the drip. I didn’t have far to look. Water, presumably rain, although it had stopped now thankfully, was dripping through my bedroom ceiling. After I’d got a bowl from the kitchen to catch the drips and put a coat on over my PJs, I went outside to peer up at the roof. I’m not really sure what I was expecting to be able to see. Yes the cottage was small but it wasn’t so tiny that I could see on top of the roof. It was pretty windy though so I mumbled to myself something about dislodged roof slates and added “Find a builder” to the list in my head.

After a miserable breakfast of milk and bread, I decided that unpacking the kettle and toaster were also top of today’s list, but not before I fixed the roof and bought Christmas decorations. The little village I’d moved myself to was unlikely to have a supermarket so I knew I’d probably have to head out in the car for decorations. That immediately pushed the roof issue to the top of the agenda and so it was, some half an hour later, that I found myself walking through the village I hoped to soon call home. Gloddfa Bont. I said the words out loud a couple of times, letting the funny sounding Welshness of it amuse me. I knew from what little research I’d done that the village was built on two sides of a rather large hill. My cottage was on the sunny side, according to the estate agent, although I was yet to be convinced. I remembered a petrol station and shop I’d passed yesterday in the very bottom of the valley so, having decided that the village shop was almost certainly the heart of any self-respecting community, I pointed my feet in that direction and trudged down the hill.

Approximately forty-seven seconds later, the heavens opened again and I soon found myself drenched. This was my first visit to Wales since coming here on holiday as a kid but memories of suitcases packed to bursting with both summer dresses and wellington boots, and needing both within the same hour, forced me to smile, despite the cold. Spotting the garage and attached shop in the distance, I zipped up my coat and made a dash for it. I crashed through the door, gasping for breath, before my boots gave up their grip and I found myself landing with a thud next to a pair of muddy trainers.

“Well that was gracefully done. You must be Amy?”

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My face was burning with embarrassment as I looked up at the body belonging to the feet. Tall, dark and handsome this one was not. Blonde and kinda boyish looking was my final assessment, not that it mattered in the slightest what he looked like. I was sworn off men. This is why you came here, remember? Ugh! I cannot believe you! Blondie offered me his hand but, stubborn mule that I am, I ignored his gesture and got to my feet under my own steam.

“I’m Oliver by the way.” The corner of Oliver's mouth twitched as he struggled not to smile. 

“Amy. Oh, but you knew that already?”

“Guilty as charged. This village is pretty small and news travels fast. Plus it helps that your estate agent Jenny lives on the other side of the hill.”

My brain rushed to process this new information and I couldn’t decide if I was relieved or furious. I’d told Jenny all about my desire for a quiet life, to be left alone, and instead it seemed she’d practically gone and announced my arrival to the whole village. But at least I was now saved from having to introduce myself.

I smiled at Oliver and decided it wasn’t his fault that Jenny had a big mouth. “Nice to meet you. Do you work here?” I gestured around me to the shop but Oliver shook his head.

“I teach in the school just up the road. Popped in for coke and a mars bar on my way in.”

“Breakfast of champions eh?”

Oliver smiled. “Something like that. How are you settling in?”

“Okay I guess. Although, my roof appears to have developed something of a leak overnight. Don’t suppose you know anyone around here who could take a look at it for me?”

“Ah, you want Josh. He’s great with stuff like that. I’d offer to help you out but I’m about as useful with a hammer as a five year old. That’s probably what makes me a good teacher, I really get to their level.”

I smiled despite myself. It was impossible not to like this man. He was probably about my age and given my previous propensity for older men, felt safely off limits as a result. Besides, what could be safer than a school teacher?

“Great, thanks. Do you have his number?”

“I’m afraid not. But if you ask next door in the garage, they’ll sort you out.” Oliver glanced at his watch. “I’d better run. Nice meeting you Amy. Hope to see you around.”

With that he dashed out the door. I watched as he took off up the hill at a terrific pace before heading out myself, hoping against hope that someone in the garage really could help me with my leaky roof situation. The rain might have stopped but the clouds were looking ominous.

About half an hour later I was the proud employer of my very own builder, not that Josh had done anything worthy of my employ yet, but after getting his number from Gareth in the garage, Josh had promised faithfully that he’d be round to mine just as soon as he’d got his van started. Apparently his prowess did not extend to mechanics but I took that as proof of his expertise in building work rather than a bad omen, thanked Gareth for his help, and headed back toward the cottage to await my new builder’s arrival. It was only after I got in that I remembered why I’d gone out in the first place. I had no sugar and still hadn’t found the kettle. Damn! Everyone knew that builders need at least three spoonfuls of sugar in their tea before they’ll even consider picking up so much as a tape measure. There was only one thing for it, I’d have to go back to the shop.

I glanced up at the sky again, crossing my fingers and whispering a silent prayer to whichever god was in charge of the storm clouds. The kettle and toaster weren’t the only things I’d not unpacked yet. Clean socks were still nowhere to be found. I could really do with keeping my one remaining pair dry so my wellies, already full of water as they were, weren’t an option. Flip-flops? Not likely! In the end I squeezed my toes into a pair of too small trainers, ready to walk back in the direction of the shop. Now where did I put my purse?

I glanced around my shambles of a cottage absentmindedly before finally settling upon some loose change. That would have to do, I decided. Remembering just in time that the front door was a little stiff, I pulled it open with a sharp yank and shrieked as a body fell into my living room! Oliver!

It was his turn to lie sprawling across the floor, his chin grazing the corner of my coffee table. A trail of blood soon appeared on his face. He looked up at me and smiled. “We really must stop meeting like this.”

I smiled but then rushed toward the bathroom to find some tissue for his chin. When I came back, Oliver was sitting up on the floor. He took the tissue and dabbed at his face.

“What are you doing here?” I knew I was sounding rude but I couldn’t help it. My heart was still thundering around my chest and I didn’t like the way my tummy was suddenly full of teeny tiny butterflies.

“I came to invite you for tea, over in the staff room. Josh phoned the school. He’s running late and it’s playtime so I thought you might like to escape the cold for a bit.”

When the words were finally all out he stopped and looked up at me, waiting for my answer.

“Well? What’ll it be, tea or coffee?”

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When I walked into the crowded staff room all the conversation seemed to stop. You know that feeling you get when it seems like everyone was talking about you seconds before you walk into a room, and you convince yourself that no, they couldn’t possibly have been, but really they were and they know it and you know it but everyone is too polite to say so? Well apparently no one had told the headteacher of Gloddfa Bont Primary School about this unwritten rule of etiquette. Mrs Jones was quick to confirm that yes, they had been talking about me. She said they’d heard all about me, and that they were absolutely delighted to meet me!

“I was saying to Tom just last week that it’d be nice to see that old cottage inhabited again. It just doesn’t look good, having it stand empty like that, and then here you are, ready to take it on. We are thrilled!”

“Uh, thanks.”

Mrs Jones smiled at me and gave me a hug. Her ample bosoms squidged up against me, leaving me feeling like I was being embraced by a warm marshmallow. She smelled of apple strudel and left me feeling strangely comforted. This was unlike anything I’d been expecting when I’d move into my little cottage.

“Milk? Sugar?” Oliver had taken control of the kitchen area, busying himself with the kettle. He’d even found a packet of chocolate digestives. Yummy, my favourite.

With coffee in hand and a plate of biscuits on the table I was led to a chair at the very end of the staff room opposite a mousy looking girl with large glasses. She glanced up at me, smiled, and then returned to her book. Oliver sat next to me and offered me a biscuit.

“That’s Louise. She’s a student.” As if this were explanation enough, I nodded and took two, suddenly aware of just how hungry I was. Breakfast felt like a long time ago now. Note to self: Must unpack kitchen.

“So tell us about you Amy. What’s your name and where’d you come from?” Mrs Jones’s booming Cilla Black impersonation came from across the other side of the staff room, startling me from my thoughts.

“Not a lot to tell really Mrs Jones.”

“Oh please, call me Stella.”

“OK, Stella.” I tried her name out for size. This was going to take some getting used to. I’d always been in awe of my teachers so just sitting here, in the inner sanctum, was enough to make my pulse race. Pull yourself together, you’re a grownup, she’s a grownup. Just talk to the woman!

“I’m Amy Preston, thirty five and a quarter, originally from Southampton …” My voice trailed off. I didn’t really want to go into the rest of it but before Mrs Jones, sorry, I mean Stella, could ask me any more questions I was, quite literally, saved by the bell. Playtime was over. I drained the last of my coffee before taking my mug over to the sink. There was a bright yellow sign with a cute little poem, reminding people about the joys of keeping the kitchen area clean but before I could wash my mug Oliver appeared alongside me and took it.

“Here, allow me.”

“Thank you. And thanks for the coffee. I really needed that, not unpacked the kettle yet.” I shrugged and smiled. “Anyway, I’d better be going. Got to see a man about a roof.” Got to see a man about a roof?!? Idiot!

Oliver doffed an imaginary hat. “My pleasure. Thanks for coming. And welcome to Gloddfa Bont.”

A young chap who I assumed was Josh was waiting for me outside the cottage when I arrived, out of breath from rushing up the hill. It might not be able to do much for my broken spirit but this village was going to do wonders for my fitness levels!

“Josh? Thanks so much for coming.”

“No probs. I was just getting my ladders from the van then I can take a look.”

I realised that this would be about the time one might be expected to make one’s builder a cup of tea. “Uh, I’d offer you a cuppa but I’ve not unpacked the kettle yet.”

“Oh it’s fine, I don’t drink tea anyway. I’ll have a glass of water when you’ve got a minute though.”

Water, hmm, okay, so all I’d need to do is find something to put it in and we’d be fine. It was as I was mentally unpacking the boxes, desperate to remember which one I’d put the glasses in, that a friendly looking woman popped her head around the door.

“Amy? Hello, I’m Judith, from across the road. I thought I’d call round and introduce myself, see if you needed anything?”

“Hello Judith from across the road, nice to meet you.” I was about to thank her and send her on her way when I realised that she might actually be the solution to my most pressing need. “Actually, I don’t suppose I could borrow a glass?”

Judith looked understandably puzzled but didn’t hesitate. “Of course, just the one?”

“Yes please.” I decided she deserved an explanation. “It’s for Josh, the builder? He’s fixing my roof and wanted a glass of water but I haven’t unpacked yet.”

“Josh is here? Oh how lovely! I’ll be right back!”

Judith rushed off as quickly as she’d appeared but was back within minutes with not one but three glasses, a bottle of lemon squash and a plate of what looked like squashed fruit cake with butter on the top.

“Wow, thanks!”

“It’s bara brith, Josh’s favourite.”

Bara what now? “Pardon?”

“Bara brith. It’s really yummy. Try some …”

I remembered something a bit like this from one of my holidays in the valleys and pulled a face. “Isn’t that made with seaweed?”

“Ha! No, that would be laverbread, not like this at all. This is a bit like fruit cake. Go on, try it, it’s really nice.”

Not wanting to offend my new neighbour I reluctantly took half of the smallest slice on the plate but soon found myself reaching for the other half. It stuff was delicious!

“That’s really good cake Judith!”

Judith’s cheeks flushed with colour. “Thanks, I’m glad you like it. Shall I take some to Josh?”

Josh! I’d totally forgotten about him. “Of course, thank you.”

While Judith took the cake and squash out to Josh, I scanned the boxes in the kitchen, convinced that one of them had to be hiding my kettle. I really wanted to be able to offer Judith more than a glass of water and the kettle was key to that. Six boxes later I admitted defeat and decided we’d have to make do with squash. As I ran the cold tap butterflies returned to my tummy. It had been so nice to have someone else to talk to I’d forgotten why I was here. I had to be careful. I definitely couldn’t let that happen again.

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It wasn’t until several hours later that the rain started up again, this time even louder than before. Thankfully though, Josh had done a stellar job of fixing my roof. A couple of the tiles had shifted, thanks wind, so it hadn’t taken much for him to get them fixed back into place and I was no longer in danger of having soggy feet when I got into bed. It wasn’t quite the start to village life that I’d anticipated but at least it had got me out and I’d met some new people.

Speaking of people, Oliver had popped round after school. I’d been in the house getting more cake so I hadn’t heard his knock on the door at first. I turned to take the refreshments out to Josh and, caught by surprise, he’d made me jump and I’d practically thrown them at Oliver instead. Given how good Judith’s cake was that seemed like a terrible waste.

“Sorry, didn’t mean to startle you.”

“It’s okay, I was just taking some more cake out to Josh. Do you want a piece?”

“Is it Judith’s?” I nodded that it was. “Better not, she’s not my biggest fan.”

“Why, what did you do?”

“Oh it’s silly, nothing really.”

I waited for Oliver to go on but instead an awkward silence hung in the air. “Anyway, what can I do for you?”

“For me?” It was like Oliver had forgotten that he was the one who’d called round. “Oh, yeah, sorry, I just wondered if you fancied coming down the hall with me tonight? There’s a quiz on, it’s usually a bit of a giggle.”

“Tonight?” I glanced around at the cardboard boxes still littering my front room. “I should probably give it a miss. I’ve got all this unpacking to do.”

“Awww, come on, it’ll be a laugh. I’ll help you unpack after the quiz if you like?”

Something about his cheery attitude swayed me, not that I wanted him poking around my stuff, I’d do that myself later, but maybe an evening at home alone wasn’t the best idea. I’d gotten used to my own company over the last few months but I wasn’t a natural introvert and too much thinking sounded like a recipe for disaster.

“Okay, you’ve twisted my arm. I won’t hold you to the unpacking though, just the quiz will be fine.”

“Great! I have to set up the music so is it okay if I meet you down there, about seven?”

“It’s a date!” I felt my face flush. Why had I said that? Two new friends attending a quiz in the village hall did not constitute a date. I found myself searching for the right words to cover up my mistake, back-pedalling rapidly, but Oliver didn’t appear to notice. He was already out the door and striding up my little path, arms swinging and whistling tunelessly. I smiled to myself and shook my head. I really didn’t know what to make of him.

What does one wear to a quiz in the village hall? I’d struggled with social etiquette over the years and with no girlfriends around to ask for advice, I found myself falling back on the jeans and shirt I’d been wearing all day, promising myself that tomorrow I would definitely unpack my clothes. The rain had stopped so I ditched the wellies for ballerina flats but soon regretted that decision, it was freezing! I marched at a swift pace down the hill toward the glow of the village hall, butterflies in my tummy. This was unfamiliar territory for me. Back in Southampton I’d known my neighbour on one side but otherwise had lived a fairly anonymous existence. I had friends of course, and colleagues in work would invite me out for drinks from time to time, but you could go quite easily from one day to the next without much in the way of conversation. The idea of getting together, the whole community, well that was just totally bonkers. Must remember not to say that out loud!

When I got closer to the hall I couldn’t see Oliver waiting for me outside and my toes were under threat of frost bite so I took a deep breath, pushed open the door, and went in. The door opened into a deserted corridor and having geared myself up, I felt momentarily let down. Noise was coming from a room ahead of me so I took another deep breath and tried again. Christmas music flooded my ear drums and I paused, allowing my eyes to adjust to the light. A large crowd was gathered at the bar and I could see more people scattered around six or seven tables. No one had noticed me, thank goodness, and I scanned the room looking for a familiar face. I’d hoped I might see Judith or one of the teachers but if this were a village quiz night, it seemed that someone had forgotten to invite my neighbours.

It was then that I spotted Oliver, on the side of the stage sporting a pair of flashing antlers. He looked up, saw me and waved, so I made my way towards him.

“You made it! Hello! Here, these are for you …”  He handed me a pair of antlers that neatly complimented his and I pulled a face. “Don’t worry, we’re all wearing them.” He pointed over to a table where three other people were sat in similarly matching head gear. “Let me introduce you.” I reluctantly put the antlers on my head and followed him toward our team.

“Amy, this is Gareth, from the garage, I think you met him this morning?” I nodded and smiled. “And this is his wife Diane.”

“Nice to meet you.” I smiled and gave the both of them a shy little wave.

“And this young gent is their son, Mark.” Diane nudged Mark and he looked up from his phone, nodded his head in my direction, and then promptly stuffed his earbuds back in.

“Sorry about him, he doesn’t mean to be rude. You know what teenagers are like. It was hard enough getting him to wear the antlers.”

I did know what teenagers were like and Diane had my utmost sympathy. I was about to say as much when Gareth interrupted my thoughts.

“So you’ve just moved into the village? Where you to?”

“I’m sorry …?”

Gareth looked at me as if I were an idiot and repeated his question. “Where you to?”

Oliver took pity on me. “Amy’s moved into the Peterson’s old place.”

“On the sunny side?” He gave me a look that made me shiver.

“Uh, yes, at least, that’s what the estate agent told me. Not seen much sun yet though.” I laughed too loudly and Oliver joined in. Gareth didn’t laugh.

“I think you’d better leave.”

I looked at him and laughed again. This had to be a joke.

“Do you see me laughing. I mean it, get out!” The room had suddenly fallen silent.

Oliver stood up and, taking my arm, we edged past the now staring faces and back out into the cold. I turned to Oliver, tears in my eyes.

“What was all that about?”

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“I’m sorry Amy, I didn’t think they’d react like that.”

“But why did that even happen? What’s going on?”

“It’s my fault, I should never have invited you tonight. It was a stupid thing to do. I just thought that because you were new …” His voice trailed off.

I was totally confused. “I don’t understand.”

“Let me walk you home and I can tell you about it on the way.” We started off up the hill and, as we did so, Oliver told me a story. It was completely unbelievable, like something out of fiction rather than real life, and if it hadn’t been for seeing the way people had looked at me back in the hall I would have thought he was making it up.

“So you’re telling me that neither side of the village talks to each other? Like, they’re at war or something?”

Oliver nodded.

“But what about the school? And the garage. Oh, and even the village hall. Surely people speak to each other there?”

“Nope, we have two schools, I’m surprised you didn’t see the other one yet, it’s further up from your place, and yes the garage serves both sides, but only because it must.”

“And the hall?”

“There’s a strict rota. It took thirteen meetings to agree a timetable and even then there are still some groups who aren’t happy and say that the other half is having special favours.”

“But that’s ridiculous!”

“I know, that’s what I said, I mean, after all those meetings, and with representatives from both sides present …”

“I meant this whole war thing is ridiculous! How can people live like that?”

“It’s just how it’s always been. Things have eased up a little over the years. Most of the staff in the schools come from outside the village which has helped a lot, but these things run deep. Nothing’s going to change that. Never has, never will.”

“But why?”

Oliver shrugged. “Family stuff from years ago, I don’t remember the specifics. Anyway, no need to let it worry you, most people are pretty okay with it all.”

Remembering something Oliver had said earlier, I stopped and looked him straight in the eye. “Tell me the truth, is that why Judith doesn’t like you?”

“It’s not that she doesn’t like me, she just doesn’t really know me, and with things how they are it’s easier if I keep myself to myself, you know?”

With what I’d left behind in Southampton I most definitely did know, but I hadn’t expected to move from one drama slap bang into the middle of another one. All I’d wanted was a quiet life, cosy village life, maybe get a dog and a part time job, get fit with brisk walks. This was something else entirely and I wasn’t sure I was ready for more heartache.

“So now what?”

It was Oliver's turn to look confused. “What do you mean?”

“Well if you’re their golden boy and I’m public enemy number one from the sunny side, how’s this going to work?” I gestured to us. I didn’t even know what us was yet, it almost certainly wasn’t anything, but I liked Oliver, he seemed to have a good heart, and he’d made me feel really welcome, until now at least, and whatever us was or wasn’t, I knew I didn’t want him as an enemy. Damn it! There was those tears again.

The following morning dawned bright and crisp. After Oliver had walked me home I’d fallen asleep almost immediately and slept soundly. Lying in bed in that half asleep daze with the sun streaming through the curtains, I found myself marvelling at just how well I’d slept. Must be all that country air. I’d not taken Oliver up on his kind offer of helping me unpack so I was yet again faced with another caffeine-free start to the morning. But a glass of water was no way to start the day so I threw myself at the boxes in the kitchen with wild abandon and finally came up triumphant, kettle in hand. Hooray! With the kettle on I felt ready to take on anything so I took advantage of my new found energy and went in search of clothes.

Thirty minutes later, having found not just clothes but a towel as well, I was washed, dressed and ready to face the day. Maybe today would be the day I finally gave the house a little festive cheer. There was nothing like a little sparkle to distract yourself from your worries. Yes, when it came to last night’s events I was totally burying my head in the sand. I wondered if the little shop might have at least some tinsel and some lights plus, this was the countryside, there had to be a spare tree knocking around somewhere, didn’t there? Mission accepted I decided that first I needed to reunite Judith from across the road with her glasses. My tummy growled. Despite my mission, if she invited me in for another slice of her cake, I definitely wouldn’t say no.

As I walked across the road I realised that there was only one flaw in my plan, I didn’t know which was Judith’s house. I wracked my brain trying to remember if she’d told me a number or house name but came up blank. She’d said that she had a handful of kids though so I looked for a house that looked big enough to home all her tearaways. Barbarella Place? Hmmm, maybe. I walked up to the sturdy looking house and pressed the button for the bell. It was one of those buttons that makes no noise so you’re not sure if it’s even working, forcing me to wait, hand ready to go to work on the door knocker instead. I strained my ears, listening for movement inside but heard nothing.

Eventually, after what felt like an eternity, I saw a movement behind the glass door, the approaching silhouette growing larger as the occupant shuffled toward me. The door opened and a tiny lady with white hair appeared, smiling.

“Hello dear, can I help you?”

“Uh hi, I’m Amy, from over the road. I’m your new neighbour.”

“Amy? Oh how lovely to meet you! I’m Ella. Would you like to come in? Meet my sister? She’s just put the kettle on.”

This would ordinarily be music to my ears but this funny old lady was a stranger. I didn’t want to be rude though so I made an excuse. “I’d love to but I’m on a bit of an explore. I’m trying to find Judith.” I held up the two glasses by way of explanation.

“Judith? Ah yes, she lives two doors down, in the green house.”

“Three.” A voice came from somewhere behind the old lady and I looked over Ella’s shoulder and saw an equally small lady walking toward the door. “Judith’s three down, not two. I’m Barbara, nice to meet you.” Barbara shook my hand firmly.

“You too Barbara. And, thanks!”

I walked past a couple more houses before spotting what had to be Judith’s house. I was walking up the path when I heard shouting and then a door slammed at the side of the house. A teenage girl stomped down the path, ignoring me completely. When she got to the bottom of the path she turned in the direction of the garage and broke into a run.

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I was torn. Should I chase after her, or go and find her mum? Not even knowing for sure if she was Judith’s daughter I opted for the latter. I walked up to the door at the side of the house and knocked. The door was wrenched open and a wild looking Judith appeared.

“I thought I told you … “ Judith’s eyes were practically popping out of her face but when …

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Back in the safety of my own little cottage I got straight to work with the tinsel and fairy lights. I knew that in one of the boxes there had to be some baubles but since proper unpacking was on hold until after Christmas, they’d have to keep for next year. After heaving some of the larger boxes to one side of the room and stacking them to make somethi…

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I hadn’t been lying when I told Judith that I was still figuring out the details around Christmas. There were a number of very important decisions still to be made. Namely, which Christmas film I would watch first, and which of the seven boxes of chocolates under my bed I would enjoy whilst doing so. Okay, so maybe those weren’t quite the details Judith…

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I was so wound up by the time Oliver had driven us back to the village, my original dream of going straight to sleep felt impossible. Instead I made myself a cup of tea and raided the chocolate stash under my bed. After opting for a box of Celebrations and smiling at the irony, I settled in front of the telly to enjoy whatever Christmas Eve delight the …

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It was hours later before I was finally awoken again, this time by the sunlight streaming through my bedroom window. For a split second I forgot what day it was but then I remembered. I looked out the window, ever hopeful that we might have snow but alas, as cold as it felt out of the covers, there was no snow. I popped my feet into my slippers, pulled …

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I woke the next morning with a bit of a thick head so despite not remembering the walk home, I knew it must have been a good night. Judith, defying her earth mother appearance, was a real party girl underneath it all and a wonderful host to boot. I hadn’t had an empty glass all evening, which would explain why my skull felt like a family of woodpeckers …

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The rest of the dinner passed quite nicely. Even my mum softened thanks to the wine and my mushy declaration of love. All too soon it was time to pay up and lead them back to my cottage. I’d done a fairly decent job with the twenty minutes I’d had to tidy up but I knew it wouldn’t be anything like what they expected. It wasn’t that they were particularl…

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In the end you’ll be glad to hear that I totally chickened out and fobbed Oliver off with some story about a misspent youth and too much booze the night before my exams. It’s not like it was a total fabrication, and much safer than the whole story. After that I feigned tiredness, but not before hearing all about his Christmas Day. I told him about my ti…

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The next two days passed like a whirlwind. I’d offered to help Judith decorate the hall so the two of us enjoyed a giggling New Year’s Eve morning hanging balloons and streamers, interspersed with the occasional glass of wine to keep ourselves well hydrated. Simon had even managed to get the day off which meant she could leave the children at home with …

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I walked into my cottage, kicked off my heels and threw the mask onto the table with disgust. A look at the clock told me that it was nearly twelve so I turned on the telly ready to listen to the count down. Oliver had offered to come in with me but I could tell he wasn’t really keen. He blamed me for this whole mess and he was right of course, it was c…

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My insides were in tatters as I walked up the hill towards Oliver's house. He’d looked so pissed off when he’d skulked home early this morning and after a fitful few hours sleep, I wasn’t feeling very confident. Judith had talked herself round but Oliver was a guy and they could be stubborn. What if he refused to see things from my point of view? As I w…

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The rain was dripping down my neck as I stood on Judith’s doorstep, waiting for my friend to answer. I shivered. Hurry up Judith! After what felt like hours the door opened and she hurried me inside, urging me to get out of my wet things. 

“Silly girl! Why didn’t you wear a coat?”

“It wasn’t raining when I left mine.”

Judith shook her head at me. “It never…

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Two cups of tea, three biscuits and a set of freshly painted nails later and I finally found myself heading back up the hill towards home. Judith had to pick her little gang up from school so it was just me and my thoughts.

“Yoo-hoo!” I turned to see Ella waving at me from her front door step. I waved back and prepared to carry on walking but my neighbou…

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I woke up bright and early, determined to see Jenny and meet my landlord. I'd promised Judith that I'd get to the bottom of things and okay, I hadn't exactly been proactive but now, thanks to Ella, I was full of motivation once again. First though, I needed a quick cup of tea. It was best not to go into these things unprepared and the last thing I wante…

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