Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: ARTIFICIAL (08/11/16)
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TITLE: The Battle of the Trees | Previous Challenge Entry
By Jennifer Liang
08/18/16 -
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Camille grabbed her new husband’s hand and pulled him toward the skating rink. She still couldn’t believe that she hadn’t yet spent a Christmas with her American sweetheart. It had definitely been a life changing year.
“Ah, yes. And I have never been ice skating before.”
Billy yanked hard on Camille’s arm as he toppled over landing on his face.
“Would you like to go? I have surprise for you,” Camille said in a sing-song sort of way as she awkwardly knelt next to her man.
“Yes, please. I also have a surprise for you. Can you help me up?”
“Yes. We will try again later. Second lesson always better.”
“My nose and I hope you are right.”
The elevator doors opened to their Penthouse apartment and Camille’s eyes were immediately drawn to a large tree still in the binding.
“What’s this?” she asked.
“Your surprise,” the answer came. “I had it delivered while we were out.”
“But, but . . .”
“But what, sweetheart?”
Walking into the foyer Billy understood. The entire apartment had been decorated for Christmas, lights and all. A large tree in the far corner, near the window, was the obvious centerpiece and it was unmistakably artificial.
Coming up behind him Camille lightly touched his elbow and tried to hide her nervousness. “Do you like it? I spend all day.”
“But what about my tree? I thought you wanted a real one for your first Christmas in the US!”
“I never said that. I grew up with not real trees. Nothing to buy.” Camille was on the verge of tears.
Confused, Billy quipped, “It was implied.”
“Well, I was happy and if you no like it . . . Oh, just forget. I’m going to the kitchen, bake cookies. The cookies that Samanta teach me.”
Camille hated how her English became more stilted when upset and she couldn’t think of the right word. It had never been a problem with Billy because they had never had a fight. And to have one now? Over Christmas trees? Why it was just ridiculous. Why couldn’t he just see that she had done something nice for him?
As she banged around in the kitchen mixing ingredients, her thoughts jumbled. What was it about real trees in the home? We could save money every year with the same decorations and tree. No need for delivery. It could stay up all year round if we wanted. We see real trees everywhere. Why could he not accept a fake one?
She put the cookies in the oven and set the timer. When it dinged she put on her glove just like Samantha had taught her and opened the oven. The cookies looked just the same as when she put them in. Eyes wide she realized the oven was not even hot. She had been so distracted she hadn’t even turned it on! Oh well. Billy would just have to wait a while longer. After turning on the oven Camille stepped out of the kitchen to confront her husband.
“Why do you want real tree?” she asked.
“I love the smell,” he answered matter-of-factly.
“Oh. Can we do that?”
“I’m afraid not, sweetheart. Why don’t you come over here to discuss?”
Settled in the crux of his arm Camille relaxed. She was so comfortable that when she heard the oven beep she ignored it until he asked about the cookies. Jumping up in alarm she rushed to the kitchen only to discover it meant the oven was preheated and the cookies were not burnt. Turning the timer again she re-inserted the cookies and returned to the couch.
“Let me tell you what we are going to do, Camille. I will find someone to donate the real tree to and we can keep the artificial one. I can see how much love you put into it for our first Christmas. It really is beautiful. I can always enjoy the seasonal scents outside our home. How does that sound to you?”
“Wonderful, Billy. Just wonderful. One question though. What does artificial mean?”
“Not real.”
“I knew that.”
“Of course you did, sweetheart. Now, what about those cookies?”
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