Jingle Bells

Chapter 2

When Lillybet opened her eyes they were standing in front of wrought iron gates. 'Treetops Orphan Home' stood in big bold letter on the gates.

"A children's home?"

"Yes! I love these children and spend every Christmas eve with them. Not always the same children. Some always leave because they are adopted and new children came during the year. I grew up in this orphanage. I hope you don't mind me bringing you here."

"This is great, Jingle Bells. No, of course I don't mind."

"Before I forget. My real name is Rimon. I only use my elf name in troubling situations, mostly to calm crying children."

One brow curled up, and her mouth opened into a perfect 'o'. But before she could speak, the gates opened. They met the housemother at the doors.

"Rimon! You made it back in time for our play and hot chocolate."

He introduced Lillybet to Mother Marion. Their arrival in the playroom was met with shrieks of joy and sweet, quiet voices whispering about the girl at Rimon's side. Some of the children couldn't keep their eyes off of her.

Lillybet was amazed at the amount of children in the home. She gave up trying to count them, they were running around the room and she couldn't keep up. There must be more than fifty children.

Rimon was good with the children. They loved him and couldn't keep away from him. She could understand them being attracted to him like that. That fateful night she immediately trusted him, she felt safe with him. A warmth radiated from him. For years she wished and prayed for him to come back her. If she only knew about the bells. But she guessed she hadn't needed him, she would have beckoned him because she had been selfish.

"You seem deep in thought, Miss Lillybet,” Mother Marion spoke next to her.

"I'm amazed at Rimon's love for the children."

"Yes, he does love them very much. He comes every year, bringing toys for each and every child. Even food, sweets and clothing. One year he brought some friends and they painted the whole building. Inside and out. I find it strange that he comes only once a year. He must be a busy man. But I'm sure glad he has finally found a girl he can share this with. He always seemed so lonely. I can see a big difference in his attitude tonight. He must be in love. Real joy glistens in his eyes."

"I'm sorry, but we..." Lillybet was interrupted when a little girl with red hair and blue eyes tugged at her shirt. With a freckled face she grinned showing a perfect set of white teeth.

She got pulled into the game some of the girls were playing and she forgot about Mother Marion's misconception. Playing with the kids gave her so much joy, and for the first time in years she understood the reason for the season.

The children's eyes each told a different story. A story of loss and despair. Each set of eyes reflected a haunted little soul beneath. At times she saw herself in their eyes.

Her decision to leave Chicago might just change. Maybe there could be something to keep her here. She didn’t have to take the promotion at her work and leave.

The night turned out to be so much fun. She felt wanted and needed. The way the children eagerly reached out to touch her, her arms and legs, craving affection. She never felt fulfilled like this. A burning desire inside her wanted their love. The gratitude they felt for small things was almost unbearable for her. At times she had to calm herself to stop the tears, other times it rolled down her cheeks before she could stop them.

The grand finale the children performed the Christmas Nativity and danced to a few songs for them. The children became quiet as hot chocolate was handed out, a sign that it was time for them to go to bed.