Chapter Seven

.oOo.

The weeks running up to Christmas flew by and before they knew it, it was Christmas Eve. Frankie wasn’t going to go to midnight mass but she saw that Vincent was putting in a lot of preparation for it and it sounded like it was going to be a lovely ceremony. At the last minute she decided to go and reached the church just in time for the carol service. The church was all lit up when she arrived. She found a seat about midway down the aisle, beside Michael Ryan and his wife Mary.

“Happy Christmas Frankie,” said Michael.

“Happy Christmas Michael, Mary,” she replied shaking their hands. “It’s freezing out there tonight, isn’t it?”

“We were just saying that. I think we might have a white Christmas,” said Mary. They chatted for a bit, acknowledging neighbours and friends as people filed into the church. The carol service was due to start at eleven with mass to follow. Frankie saw Brendan, Siobhan and Aisling sitting a few rows in front of her to the left. Aisling was all dressed up and normally would’ve been fast asleep at this hour but the lights and excitement had her wide-awake. She spotted Frankie and gave her a wave, who waved back.

“You’ve a real fan there,” said Michael. “Every time I see her, she always says she’s going to be a Garda just like Garda Snuffalin.”

“Oh God,” said Frankie, embarrassed. “I’m sure Siobhan loves that!”

“Ah sure, she doesn’t mind a bit,” said Mary. She was about to continue when an altar server rang the bell and the organ started to play. The congregation rose to their feet and began to sing the first carol along with the choir. Everyone enjoyed the carols and sang along heartily. The last carol was ‘O Come, All Ye Faithful,’ and at the last verse the procession began from the back of the church. Vincent was last with Angus carrying the pink candle to be placed in the centre of the advent wreath. Once the procession reached the front, the mass began. As was traditional in most churches for midnight mass one reading was in Irish and Angus did the honours. Vincent had tried to learn it but it was too long and he knew there was no point in him making a mess of it if Angus was going to be there. Mass drew to an end by one o’clock and with one final carol the people began to leave. Vincent and Angus were at the main door saying goodbye and shaking hands. Frankie was on her way out when she was stopped by Aisling, who had escaped from Siobhan’s watchful eye.

“Garda Snuffalin! Garda Snuffalin!” cried Ailing, tugging at Frankie’s coat.

“Hello Aisling, happy Christmas,” said Frankie, picking her up. “Are you all ready for Santa?”

“I sured am! Santy mights be getting me a brand new dolly and surprises!!”

“Wow! You must’ve been a good girl this year,” chuckled Frankie.

“Aisling! There you are,” said Siobhan as she walked over with Brendan. “Happy Christmas Frankie, sorry about this one!” she reached for Aisling but the little girl hung onto Frankie.

“Not at all Siobhan,” she said smiling. “Are you all set for tomorrow?”

“I wish. Every year I always say I won’t leave things until the last minute and every year I always do! Anyway, it’ll be nice, now that Aisling’s able to enjoy it with us.”

“I’s am Mammy!” said Aisling, reaching for her mother, yawning.

“We best be off home,” said Brendan with a smile.

“Happy Christmas guys and keep a lookout for Santa, Aisling!” replied Frankie.

“I will. Bye Garda Snuffalin!” said Aisling from Siobhan’s shoulder.

Frankie waved goodbye to them and walked out of the church. “Nice mass,” she said to Vincent as she passed.

“Glad you liked it,” he replied smiling at her. “Hey, if you’d stay for about five minutes I’ll walk back with you.”

“Okay. I’ll wait here,” she replied. The last of the people had left so he made his way to the top of the church and gathered some things to be put away.

“Hi Fr. Angus, how are you?” asked Frankie as the young priest pulled the door shut.

“Not too bad at all Guard. Good to see you. Are you off home tomorrow?” he asked, shaking Frankie’s hand.

“I am. I’ll head off early I think. I hear you have to go to Cilldargan.”

“Aye, indeed. Fr. Mac keeps a close watch on us – making sure we don’t partake of too much Christmas ‘cheer’,” he laughed. “I better go and change. I’ll see you around. Have a good Christmas now.”

“You too,” she replied sitting on the last bench to wait for Vincent. After about ten minutes, she heard Angus leave from the sacristy door and then one by one the lights went out in the church. Vincent closed the door behind him and walked down to meet her.

He apologised for keeping her waiting. “Sorry! Angus would talk non stop if I let him.”

“It’s okay,” she said as he ushered her out the door in front of him, locking it behind them. “It really was a nice mass, you know.”

“I can’t believe the numbers who turned up for it. Even the amount of kids there,” he replied, pleased.

“It’s becoming more popular I think. There’s something about midnight mass – it’s unique to Christmas.”

“Yeah, it’s always pretty special.” He wound his scarf tighter around him. “Wow, it’s gone so cold!”

“Uh huh,” chattered Frankie, shivering. It was biting cold, making it hard to talk.

“Race ya’ back!” he said.

“No way! Just look at that hill,” she pointed down the hill, which was glistening frost in the moonlight. She could see other people near the bottom of it who had obviously had a hard time in reaching level ground.

“Oh dear… that looks dicey…”

“At least you don’t have to negotiate it in heels,” she said, walking cautiously.

About half way down Vincent gave up the routine of clinging to walls and cars and decided to go with it. Balancing carefully he gave himself a gentle push-start and slid about two feet.

“Come on Frankie, give me your hand,” he encouraged and held out one gloved hand to her.

She shook her head at him, reluctant to let go of her street light. “I can’t slide in these shoes,” she lamented. “You go ahead.”

“This ice doesn’t discriminate between shoes. Try and see,” he encouraged. “You’re going to have to do it - you run out of things to grab on to after this car.”

Hesitatingly, she let go and sure enough slid about a foot. Vincent reached out for her and pulled her towards him, using her momentum to carry them a bit further down the path. With the end in sight they carefully took one sliding step after another until they reached the hall door, which Frankie leaned up against gratefully. The moonlight was beginning to fade and clouds scurried across the sky.

“That was good timing,” she said, opening the door. “I think it’s going to snow.”

“Really?” he asked, excitedly.

“Yes – you might even get the day off school!” she joked.

They hung up their coats and Frankie, having an early start in the morning, turned to go straight to bed.

“Well, I’m off. Goodnight Vin, happy Christmas.”

“Happy Christmas Fran, see you before you go in the morning.”

“You will,” she smiled at him and skipped happily up the stairs.

.oOo.

The morning dawned and Frankie opened back her curtains, not totally surprised at the sight before her eyes. Snow lay everywhere, and it had created some substantial drifts in places. She quickly got dressed and went out to see just how deep it was. Once she opened the front door and kicked out the snow that had fallen in, she stepped out onto the road. The snow in front of her car was about four or five inches deep and she tested it further by walking across to Fitzgerald’s and back. The road underneath the snow didn’t appear to be frozen so perhaps it would be okay to drive. She desperately wanted to make it to her parent’s home as her brother Jason, had flown in the previous day. She went back inside to ring home and see what the situation was on the other side of the mountains.

“Hi Mum! Happy Christmas.” she said, when Bríd picked up the phone.

“Frannie! Happy Christmas love! What’s it like down there?”

“It doesn’t appear to be too bad. I think I’ll manage it. What about on your side?”

“About four or five inches, but not frozen.”

“What do you think?”

“It’s up to you love, you’re the one who has to drive through it. Don’t even think about coming across the mountain – stick to the coast road.”

“I was going to do that anyway. Well, I think I’ll leave in half an hour. I’ll ring you on the way to let you know how I’m doing.”

“Okay love, take care and drive safely. We’ll see you later.”

“I will, say happy Christmas to everyone for me.”

Her mother once again told her to drive safely and she hung up the phone. She heard Vincent upstairs, walking about and put on the kettle. She was munching her way through some toast when he arrived in the kitchen.

“Happy Christmas Frankie – it snowed!!”

“Happy Christmas Vin and I noticed!”

“Are you still going to go?”

“Oh yes, I don’t think it’s too bad really. It didn’t freeze so the snow will be soft.”

“But it did last night.”

“Sometimes it thaws out a bit just before it snows. It’ll be fine. What about you?”

“I’ve only got to go to Cilldargan. I reckon I’m safe enough.”

“Take your time and if you do get stuck just leave the car and walk home.”

“I will – are you off now?”

“Yeah – the earlier I go the better. I’m just going to run upstairs and grab some stuff.” With that she left him to his breakfast and gathered her things. In case it snowed later on and she wouldn’t be able to drive back, she took an overnight bag too. Once everything was ready she returned to the kitchen to say goodbye and she had a packet in her hands.

“Hope you like it,” she smiled at him, placing it on the table

His eyes twinkled at her and he handed her a wrapped box too. She opened hers first and with a shriek pulled out a boxed set of videos.

“The Star Wars Trilogy Special Edition! The one with the covers made here! Where did you get these? Oh, thank you!” she squeaked, delighted and gave him a hug which half strangled him. Another smaller packet fell out and she picked it up discovering a new Swiss Army knife. She had lost hers about a month ago and had been morning it’s loss ever since. “Oh Vincent, these are brilliant, thank you so much!”

“The knife is for your birthday next week. I figured you may as well have it now,” he smiled, happy that she liked the presents.

“Awww, thank you,” she blushed. “I can’t believe you found these videos. I looked everywhere for them.”

“I can’t claim credit for spotting them. Rob saw them and said you’d been looking.”

“I’ve seen the ones intended for the UK but the ones for the Irish market disappeared off the shelves when they came out. Open yours,” she said, nudging the parcel closer to him.

He did so and unwrapped two books. One was the recent prize winner, True History of the Kelly Gang and the second was a rare copy of the journals of Lewis and Clark. Vincent loved old travel literature and would really enjoy something like this.

“Wow! Frankie! This is amazing!” he said, flicking carefully through the book. He hugged her tightly. “Thank you!”

“Well, I figured a prize winner about an Australian hero couldn’t be too far off the mark and neither could that,” she tapped the journals. They examined their respective gifts again and with a final hug, she got ready to leave.

“I’ll be back later or if I can’t drive, I’ll be back as soon as I can. Will you be okay here?”

“Sure! No worries. Have a good time.”

“I will. Have a good day with Fr Mac.”

“Are you trying to rub it in?”

“Noooo. I’m sure he’ll be fine. After all – it’s Christmas!”

“Huh!” he snorted, images of Ebenezer Scrooge springing into his mind as he helped her to load up Sheelagh’s car. Frankie quickly cleared the snow off the car, flicking more than was strictly necessary in his direction.

“Don’t think I don’t notice what you’re doing, by the way,” he smiled at her.

“Don’t know what you mean,” she answered good-naturedly, getting into the car. “I’ll see you later. Enjoy yourself!”

“You too! Safe journey!” he called as she drove away.

.oOo.

Vincent made it to Father Mac’s without too much trouble, as did Angus. Much to his surprise they had a pleasant lunch together, without any moralising or preaching from Father Mac. He stayed until about two o’clock, when the sky overhead turned a threatening grey colour again. Fearing that he could be trapped in Cilldargan, he got up to leave.

“Thank you Father, it was a lovely lunch,” he said politely.

“I’m glad you enjoyed it Father,” replied the older man. “Take care driving home now.”

They all wished each other a happy Christmas and Angus and Vincent left. Angus didn’t mind driving in the snow so much but then, he did have a four wheel drive. Vincent could feel the car loosing traction and he drove up hills to get home. About two miles outside the village it began to snow heavily but much to his relief, he made it back. As he parked the car, another car pulled in front of him. Through the snow he saw the driver get out and hurry towards the station. Suddenly, he realised it was Frankie and he got out of his own car quickly.

“Frankie!” he called.

She turned around and looked towards him, holding her hand p to her forehead to keep the whirling snow out of her eyes. He hurried over to her and they stepped into the hall, shaking off the snow.

“I couldn’t make it, the road was impassable at Kilmacanogue,” she explained. “I doubled back and tried to get over the mountain by Enniskerry but that was worse.”

“Did you call home already?”

“Yeah, they’re disappointed but there was no way they’d let me try coming through the Wicklow Gap,” she sighed. “I should’ve left last night.”

“Maybe, although you might have gotten stuck in heavy snow.”

“I suppose. Well, we better eat this stuff then. It won’t keep,” she indicated some food she was intending to bring home and he helped her bring it into the kitchen. Once the oven was on there was a knock on the front door and Vincent went to open it. It had stopped snowing and Gráinne Dooley was there with her cousin.

“Happy Christmas Father Vin!” she said merrily. “We were wondering if you and Guard Sullivan would come out for a snowball fight. We’ve got teams!”

“Happy Christmas Gráinne,” he replied. “I’ll see if Frankie wants to come out and play.”

He went into the kitchen but she had already heard and was busily pulling on her boots.

“I’ll take that as a yes then,” he said. “Okay Gráinne, we’ll be there in about five minutes.”

“Cool!” she cried and ran off.

They were ready and wrapped up in record time and went out into the glistening snow. The ‘rules’ were hastily explained to him and the teams were separated into ‘girls’ and ‘boys’. Before he even realised it, the battle had begun. The girls hurriedly utilised what cover they could find on their side of the road. The boys went for firepower and quickly stockpiled snowball after snowball. Once their base was established (behind the Dooley’s car) the girls began making ammo. With a mighty roar, a barrage of snowballs flew towards them, sending them shrieking and diving for cover.

“Right!! Yiz are DEAD!” hollered Gráinne. They grabbed what they could and raced out into the fray, throwing snowballs at the boys. Gráinne naturally, honed in on Dermot determined to make her brother pay for various teasing over the year. Snowballs filled the air and Dermot, in his hurry to escape crashed into Frankie who grabbed him triumphantly.

“Aha - A prisoner!! Come with me young man,” and she marched him over to base where he had to wait until tagged by a team-mate of his. He didn’t have to wait long as his father had seen what was happening. Once Frankie’s back was turned he raced over and tipped Dermot.

“Run boy!! RUN.” He directed Dermot and made his own escape. “Some Guard…”

“Shut up!” replied Frankie playfully and tossed a snowball at him, which landed squarely on his head.

“Hurray!” she cried and ran off. Paul fired snowballs after her but she neatly dodged out of the way. The fast and furious fight continued, with shouts and screams as they tried to avoid capture or snow torture. Vincent spied Frankie with her back to him and with a running leap, he rugby tackled her into a snow bank, where she fell face down with a cushioned whump.

“Gotcha!” he yelled.

Frankie didn’t move.

“Frankie...?” he asked, scared that he’d hurt her. He turned her over carefully and leaned over to check she was okay. Suddenly he found himself flat on his back with Frankie sitting on his legs. “What the hell?!?”

“GIRLS! I GOT ONE!” she screamed.

“That’s not fair!” he cried. “I thought you were injured!”

“All’s fair in love and war, Vincent. Now are you going to cry mercy?”

“Never!”

“Okay then...” Gráinne and Sarah ran up. “Right girls, one arm each!” The two kids did as directed, grabbing an arm each. Vincent tried to pull away but Frankie had him pinned. “One last chance for mercy...”

“NEVER!”

With that, Frankie gathered a handful of snow and dropped it around his neck, making sure some of it worked its way underneath his jumper. He howled as the cold snow made contact.

“Ahhh!! No!! Three against one isn’t fair!”

“What did I say about love and war?” laughed Frankie, gathering another handful.

“Guys! Help me... urgggh” he spluttered as snow muffled out his cries. Frankie heaped more and more snow on him and between shouts, pleadings and laughter he still tried to work his way free. “Okay! Okay! Mercy. I plead mercy!”

“Mercy?”

“Yes! YES! Mercy!”

“Okay girls, let him go.” Just as she said this, she caught the mischievous look in his eyes. “No, no! No don’t! Don’t let go!” she cried, knowing she was doomed. The girls squealed and ran while she jumped up to made a run for it, scrambling frantically up the snow bank. However, she couldn’t find a grip and her feet kept slipping. Vincent grabbed at one booted foot and dragged her back. It was a cartoon moment, with Frankie’s fingers leaving little tracks in the snow as she struggled to hang on.

“Well, well, well - I think some payback is in order,” he said, smiling triumphantly and hauling her to her feet.

“You called mercy - you have to let me go!”

“I don’t think so.” He was tossing a large snowball in one hand.

“It’s not f-”

“Fair? I’ll show you fair!” With that he reached behind her and grabbed the back of her coat and jumper. She tried to twist away but it was no use. He dropped the snowball down her back and then gave her a hearty clap, just to make sure the snow had fully disintegrated. Frankie shrieked and danced about, slapping at her back and squirming. It was such a funny sight he couldn’t help laughing loudly, wiping tears from his eyes. Never one to know when she was beaten, she took another rush at him sending them both crashing down. They scrabbled about, each one trying to gain the upper hand while shoving snow at the other. Vincent thought he would win as he was physically stronger but he didn’t bet on Frankie being so quick. With a final effort he grabbed her around her waist and tried to mash some snow onto her head. She screeched with laughter loudly and tried twisting around onto her back to push him away with her feet. However, she just wasn't strong enough to manage it and only made her situation worse. Vincent gathered another massive handful of snow and was about to scatter it on her face when he looked down at her. All he saw was her eyes, full of laughter and fun, and he just couldn’t do it. He stared down at her beneath him and suddenly didn’t know what to say. She stared right back, her eyes never leaving his. One hand still held the snow and the other was right beside her head. The snow felt heavier and heavier and slowly his arm dropped. Whatever was going to happen next was interrupted by Gráinne and her cousin clambering back up the snow bank to look for Frankie. The girls automatically presumed that Frankie was in some sort of ‘trouble’ and heaved snowballs at Vincent. He scrambled to his feet in surrender and pleaded to be released from the game. The girls teased him and cajoled Frankie into rejoining but she too waved them off, as she really was all played out. He helped her to stand up and they went looking for Paul and Óonagh to say goodbye. They found them sitting on a bench outside Fitzgerald’s where they had cleared the snow away. The Dooley’s wished them a good Christmas and they walked slowly into the Garda station, tired out but happy.

“You go shower and change first,” said Frankie generously, as they took off coats, scarves and gloves.

“Oh no, that’s all right, you-”

“Just go! I’m not too bad anyway... ‘cept for the back of my jumper,” she glared at him.

“Well I wouldn’t be in this mess if it wasn’t for a certain someone either,” he replied smiling as he hurried up the stairs. “I won’t be long.”

“Okay!” She was shaking out her coat vigorously. She examined her boots which were also soaking wet. The best things to do would be to stuff them with newspapers and leave them next to the radiator. She tidied up the rest of the stuff and by the time she had finished, he came back down the stairs, much refreshed.

“Oh thanks for doing that,” he said, indicating the outdoor clothes she had put away and cleaned up. His boots too were stuffed and drying out also. “Your turn. I’ll get some grub going.” Frankie smiled and made her way up the stairs. She didn’t take too long either, as she was famished.

Once dinner was ready, not a traditional one but filling all the same, they went into the sitting room where Frankie was desperate to watch Star Wars… and The Empire Strikes Back. After that they watched The Muppet Show and towards the end of it Frankie felt her eyes beginning to droop so she got up and stretched.

“Yeouch! I’m going to be sore in the morning,” she said.

“Me too - but it was fun, huh?”

“It sure was. Well, goodnight Vin, happy Christmas.”

“It certainly was a happy Christmas. Thanks for the book again Frankie, it’s amazing you found a copy.”

“Glad you like it. The vids are brilliant and the knife is perfect. Thanks you so much for getting it for me. I’ve been lost without my old one.”

“I know - I might have heard the laments on a few occasions. Goodnight Fran, sleep well and I’m glad you had a happy Christmas too.”

“I did, truly. I’ll see the folks soon, maybe even tomorrow weather permitting. Either way, I had a great time today.” She hugged him and he returned it gladly.

“See you in the morning Frankie.” He looked at her for a moment. She looked different somehow, with rosy cheeks and her hair messy. He felt it again, that niggling sensation in the back of his mind. He didn’t want to think about what it meant, he was happy just the way things were and that was that.

“What?” she asked quizzically, at his intense look.

“Nothing – you just look different, is all.”

“Different?” she was in the hall and turned to look in the mirror. “Oh God! Would ya’ look at the state of my hair!”

“I think it looks nice.” He was standing behind her, looking over her shoulder.

“I look like a Muppet.”

“No you don’t!” He reached out and gave her hair a good ruffle. “Now you do.” Even she had to laugh at the reflection of all her hair standing on end.

“Which Muppet do you think? Animal?”

“No way – Miss Piggy!... oommppff” He jumped back as Frankie gave him a soft punch.

“I am going to bed now.” She pretended to be huffy as she walked to the stairs but she couldn’t hold the act for long. At the first step she turned around to him. “This has been a great Christmas. See you in the morning.” She leaned across and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek, then turned around and trotted up the stairs to her room. Vincent smiled up after her, taken aback but happy.

.oOo.

To be continued…