Heart To Heart
Kelly and Tim thrash out some festive truths after many misunderstandings
Iwas wondering about a fairy – the one on top of the tree. What do you think?” “Uuummm.” “Not the right shape, am I?”
“There’s nothing wrong with your shape, Kelly, but …”
“The Sugar Plum Fairy must have been plump, don’t you think?”
“Maybe, but we’re talking Christmas and I for one don’t automatically associate it with fairies. Elves, angels, twinkling stars, yes. Fairies, not really.”
“That’s ’cos you’re male. We always have a fairy on the tree. Do you?”
“We don’t have a tree. My mother doesn’t like needles on the carpet but won’t have an artificial one. She does something with holly and green stuff. She’s pretty good at that sort of thing.” “Will she help with your costume?” “She would if I asked her.” “Are you going to? Ask her?” “No. I think I’m going to chicken out and call in sick.”
“You can’t do that! What about me? I can’t go on my own.” “You won’t be on your own.” “Oh, Tim – please, please don’t not come. You know how I hate going to places on my own.”
“You won’t be on your own for long. Half the guys here have got their eye on you, you know.”
“Don’t be stupid. The only one they’ve all got their eyes on is Amber. She’s so slim and her hair is just lovely.” “Bit of a strange colour.” “Do you think?” “I prefer the natural look.” “Well, it’s all right for you, with your thick black hair that stays in place all day.”
“And for you. By the way, it suits you, having it up like that. You’ve got a lovely long neck.” “What? Like a goose?” “No. Why do you always…?” “That’s what you could go as. A goose or a turkey. Or a Christmas pudding.” “Me? A pudding?” “Well, you’d need lots of padding, certainly, but your mum…”
“If I do end up going to the office Christmas party, it will definitely not be as anything edible.” “What, then?” “Well, maybe, if you’d like, we could go as something together.”
“OK. That’ll mean you definitely have to come, won’t it? What shall we go as?”
“It depends how much effort we want to make but something like a couple of crackers… presents… Rudolph and Dancer… Santa’s little helpers.” “Holly and Ivy.” “Oh Kelly, that is brilliant!” “Oooh, thank you, kind sir.” “Mum could definitely help us there.” “Well, you just make sure that everyone knows that it was my brilliant idea and not yours.” “No problem. Whatever you want.” “Sorry. I didn’t mean to sound nasty. It’s just that they all see me as their tea-maker and good for nothing else.” “That’s not true. They…” “It is. Nobody ever says anything about my telephone manner or my people skills on reception. All they comment on is the tea I make.”
“It’s not just about the tea, Kelly. It’s the fact that you remember how we each take it – weak, strong, whatever. It’s the same with the regular visitors and delivery people. You know exactly how they like their tea.” “It’s only a cup of tea, Tim, not a full-blown four-course dinner.”
“But it’s the trouble you take to get it right – the thought, the care – the fact you bother about each and every one of us. What we like about your tea, Kelly, is you.” “Really?” “Yes, really. It’s beautiful tea. Unique – and very special.” “Is it?” “Yes, it is.” “I’m really sorry this is your last Christmas here, Tim. Good luck with all your exams in the summer.”
“Thanks. I’m sorry too. Don’t know how I am going to survive without the tea of my dreams.” “You’ll find a way.” “Well, I was wondering if you’d mind if I went all old-fashioned and wrote to you. You know – a letter, with actual pen and paper.”
“That would be really nice. Haven’t had one of those since my gran died. Now – decision time. Which are you going to be? Holly or Ivy?” “Neither. It’s mistletoe or nothing.” “Mistletoe? Eh? Why mistletoe, all of a sudden?” “I can use it as an excuse to kiss you.” “Oh Tim, you don’t need an excuse. Not after all the nice things you’ve said about my tea-making skills.”
“Actually I THINK I’m going to CHICKEN OUT and CALL IN SICK...”