“What a Wonderful World”
Listen to this chapter, “Christmas Eve in Riverdale.”
Days passed, and before anyone knew it, it was almost Christmas Eve. As was the tradition, the kids met on Christmas Eve to go Christmas caroling. This year they met at the Emorys’ large estate, which they called The Rolling Hills Ranch. Dr. Emory was a Professor of Dentistry at the University of Riverdale, and Mrs. Emory was a real society lady. Steve was their only son, and some even said they spoiled him. The Emorys were pretty well to do, but they were generous and pretty nice people once you got to know them.
It was a tired but happy group who arrived back at Emorys’ about 11:30 for hot chocolate and gingerbread, as was the custom. Everyone gathered around the enormous fireplace in Emorys’ spacious living room to sing a few of the favorite old carols before departing to their various homes.
As Julie and Sandra were going home in the latter’s car through the crowded streets of Riverdale, soft white flakes fell from the sky. It was a cold, crisp night in the city. Store windows were gaily lighted and decorated, and cheery Christmas bells were jingling everywhere. Unlike in other cities, in Riverdale Christmas Eve was the only night of the year that the stores all stayed open all night long.
When the girls finally made their way out of the traffic jam, Sandra prepared to turn on Sunset Lane.
“Why don’t you keep on Main Street until we get to Seventh?” asked Julie. “It’s quicker than turning here.”
“I know,” said Sandra, “but we’d have to pass Marsha’s house.”
“What does that have to do with it?” asked Julie curiously.
“Well,” answered Sandra sheepishly, “I don’t want her to see us together. She’s probably still up.”
“But, why?” asked Julie, now more confused than ever.
“Well,” explained Sandra. “Just don’t say anything about it. Marsha doesn’t quite understand the way we’ve been friends since fourth grade. She thinks because you’re younger you should run around with kids your own age. Like Eddy. Marsha’s a real nice person and a good friend, but…well, she’s kind of sensitive about our friendship. Do you understand?”
Julie was silent for a moment. “Of course, Sandra,” she replied softly while still looking straight ahead. So that’s why all the mystery, Julie thought, why Sandra never invites Marsha and me over at the same time. Marsha had graduated last year and was now working in the Riverdale beauty shop. But she was so gay and seemed so young, as young as the kids in Sandra’s class. She often came to many of the sophomore class parties. But lately Marsha had not been coming to so many things because of her job, Julie had supposed. “Oh, well,” thought Julie, “here I am at home.”
“Goodbye, Sandra,” said Julie as she got out of the car. “Merry Christmas!”
“Merry Christmas!” returned Sandra.
Christmas day was a festive occasion for the people of Riverdale. Around four o’clock that day, Julie was washing the dishes from Christmas dinner when she saw a moving van pull up in the driveway of the empty house next door. As she watched, a man, a woman, and a girl whom Julie thought looked about her own age, emerged from the cab. When she looked again, she saw it was not really a moving van, only a large truck. The three people seemed to be dressed rather poorly. But, although their clothes were patched, they were neat and clean.
Julie resolved to herself to get better acquainted with the new family. However, she was very busy during the next week and did not have time to meet them. The next time she saw them was at church. They sat in the back row, looking very timid. Their best clothes, Julie saw, although clean and pressed, were faded and worn. But Julie bore no prejudice, and she greeted them with a warm smile. During the sermon, however, Julie could not keep her mind on the sermon for thinking of those people. She decided to talk to the pastor as soon as church was over.
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