Anna nodded in miserable agreement. “Nick’s sending his father’s plane,” she said morosely. “Tomorrow morning. And he thinks I’m going to get on it and come to Toronto.”
“A plane,” Maryam repeated. “Wow, he’s that rich.”
“His family is, yes. And he really wants me there with his family for Christmas.”
“What did you say when he asked?”
“He didn’t exactly ask, I guess. It’s just... happening. Should I be happy? It’s a grand gesture, right? He’s showing me how he really feels. And at least he’s being honest.”
“It’s a big thing to do. Very cinematic, actually. Someone in one of Dadu’s movies would probably send a plane. But... are you able to see through all that to how you really feel? Are you happy about this?”
Anna started to fiddle with the bedspread. “Yes,” she finally said. “Nick deserves another chance. He didn’t do anything wrong except get upset when our plans got ruined. How could I fault him for that? As you said, Snow Falls is not real life. I owe it to Nick to get on that plane and deal with things. I owe it tomyself.”
Maryam reached out and gently pulled the bedspread from Anna’s hands. “You’re going to rip that thing in two,” she said. “Take a deep breath. Look at me, Anna. You’re not as calm as you’re pretending. And that’s okay.” Anna did as her friend suggested and felt Maryam’s level gaze bring her chaotic thoughts back down to earth. “Take it from someone who’s been there and has the therapy bills to prove it,” Maryam continued. “When you’re trying to convince yourself that you’rehappy, all you’re doing is ignoring the part of you that knows things aren’t working.”
Anna knew Maryam was probably right, and it made her feel stricken. “I don’t know what to do,” she whispered.
“The last few days have been pretty crazy. Maybe the best thing to do is give it a little time,” Maryam suggested. “I think that’s what Dadu would suggest. But really think about all this carefully. A long time ago, I was caught up in a relationship that looked perfect from the outside, but it didn’t make me happy. I had to figure that out for myself.”
“Is that what you were upset about last night?”
“Yes,” Maryam said. “I was married once, but it fell apart. When he left, my world imploded, and I haven’t trusted anyone since. It still hurts, to this day.”
Impulsively, Anna leaned over to hug Maryam. “No matter what I decide to do, I know this: meeting you has been the best thing to happen to me in a very long time.” She felt a lump form in her throat when she said the words, and when she pulled away, Maryam’s eyes were shiny.
“Thank you,” Maryam managed, looking a bit flustered by the sudden outpouring of emotion—but Anna knew she felt the same.
Maryam stood and walked to the window.
“It stopped snowing,” she said, turning.
“A holiday miracle,” Anna said. She joined Maryam at the window to gaze out at the now clear night. It was strange not to see falling snow. “Maybe I need to do a pro-con list,” she said reflectively. “If I leave, I get to experience the Vandergrey family Christmas—”
“I predict sugarplums and fancy gifts,” Maryam said with a laugh.
“But then I also miss the Holiday Hoopla. I haven’t been to a real Christmas pageant since I was in school. Now that you’re writing the play, I know it will be something really special. And I’m not quite done with the set decor. I’d be letting you down.”
“I’m sure it will be fine, you’ve given the volunteers so much to work with—much more than we had before you came along. Don’t let the Hoopla influence your decision.”
They had been speaking so intently they hadn’t noticed the hotel room door had opened. Saima was standing in the doorframe, her face a dark thundercloud.
“You’re writing aChristmasplay?” Saima demanded. Her voice was loud and accusing, pink splotches high on her cheeks, her usually neat hair in disarray, as if she had been running her hands through it in frustration. “My wedding is falling apart, and you’re getting cozy with the locals and putting together a holiday pageant?”
Maryam crossed the room and tried to reach out a conciliatory arm toward her sister, but Saima jerked back. “Don’t touch me!”
Saima was normally so good-natured, if impetuous. It was a shock to Anna to see her livid. Maybe having a sister really wasn’t as wonderful as Anna had always dreamed.
“I’ve been on the phone for hours, calling the airline, calling cab companies, the weather bureau,” Saima said, heated. “I tried to book a helicopter today, Maryam. Ahelicopterto get me out of this godforsaken town and back to my fiancé so I can actually get married now that it has finally stopped snowing.”
“My boyfriend has a plane coming to get me tomorrow,” Anna said. “Maybe I can figure out a way to help you, too.”
Saima turned to her. “A plane?” she shrieked. “You get a plane and I get... to be stuck here?”
Anna took a nervous step back.
Saima’s eyes were wild, fists clenched tight at her side. “This is all your fault,” she hissed to Maryam. “We never should have left the airport. And now all you care about is... some sort of hoopla?!”
“Saima, calm down. The Holiday Hoopla is just a bit of fun,” Maryam said, conciliatory.
