A Family For Mrs. Jones

Mrs. Jones had always been a scrouge. As long as Kris had been alive anyways. Especially, around the holidays. When Kris' mom would make her take cookies over to Mrs. Jones' house, she would take the cookies from her and slam the door in her face, muttering irritabley about children being killed. Kris had always thought that odd, but paid little attention to it, until this year... After most of the children in town had complained of food poisioning after Halloween.. and someone had said that it was odd that Mrs. Jones had actually handed out candy this year.. suspicion had arose. So the old bat was in a horrid state of rage this year, especially. So when it came time to take the cookies over to her house, Kris wasn't too happy to oblige her mother. "Mom! I don't want to take that mean old woman cookies! She slams the door in my face! She's evil! Plus, she steals our plates every year!" A few minutes later Kris was on her was on her way through the ankle deep snow, towards the house next door. Walking up the back steps she timidly knocked on the door. Praying she wouldn't open the door, she bit down on her bottom lip. No luck. The door opened and the gray haired, knarled figure stepped up to the screen. "What do you want?!"1

Kris' voice timid and shaky as she spoke, "M-my mother told me to bring you t-t-these c-c-c-cookies." Holding out the plate of sugar cookies decorated as trees and stars she shuddered in her rubber boots. The old woman eyed her mercilessly through cold blue eyes. "You cold? Come in and warm up for a moment before going home." Opening the screen door she moved back to let Kris in, watching her carefully. Kris couldn't move, she was rooted to the spot. She didn't know what to do. Was this a trick to lure her in and kill her? Slowly, timidly she moved inside. A warm fire was lit in a quaint little fireplace, stockings hung on it with garland and misletoe. A Christmas tree in one corner with homey decorations and presents underneath, a knit rug infront of the fireplace, the room looked ... comfortable. Like her own grandmother's house. Walking in she handed her the plate of cookies and moved over to the fireplace, holding out her hands to warm them. "So... how are things going over at your house this year, child?" Mrs. Jones sat the cookies down on a table and moved over to sit in a recliner next to the Christmas tree, near the fireplace. Kris turned to look at her. "Um.. fine. Yourself?" The old woman coughed, nearly laughing. "Oh, you could say alright, I suppose. My son said he was bringing the kids this Christmas.. so I have been getting the house ready. I hope they come. That would really make my year." She got a wistful look in her blue eyes and turned her head away. After a moment Kris moved towards the door. "I-I have to be going... mom'll be wondering where I am..  See you later. I hope your son brings your grandchildren for Christmas. Merry Christmas Mrs. Jones!" Slipping out the door she shut it behind her and rushed home. 2

All that week, Kris thought of Mrs. Jones and her holiday. When they went shopping, she bought her a small gift. It wasn't much.. but she paid with it with her own money, that she got from mowing lawns in the summer. Christmas Eve rolled around, and Kris wrapped Mrs. Jones present and slipped over to her house, setting it on the back porch, then knocking on the door, and running to hide behind a tree, shivering. Mrs. Jones came to the door, grumbling. Bending down she looked around, suspiciously. "Who's there?! You better answer me! I'll call the police!" Stepping timidly from behind the tree she lowered her head. "I-it's just me, Mrs. Jone's. I wanted to bring your present... i'm sorry for bothering you." The old woman glared at her a moment, then sighed heavily. "Come in for a few minutes, you didn't bother me.. just scared me a little." Kris moved up the stairs and into the house and over to the fireplace, sitting down next to the tree. Mrs. Jones came in after shutting the door and sat down in her recliner. Looking over at Kris she looked at the delicately wrapped box in her lap. "You got me a present for Christmas? I'm sorry. I didn't get you anything.." She slowly peeled off the wrapping paper to reveal a picture of a smiling little girl, Kris holding up a sign that said: Mrs. Jones' You'll Always Have Family Right Next Door! A smile slowly spread across those knarled, gray features, as a salty tear fell down her wrinkled cheek. She lifted a shaky hand to brush it away, then turned those blue eyes up to Kris. " Oh, sweet child, thank you. It's the best gift anyone could ever have given me!" Standing she moved over and bent down, hugging Kris tight. That Christmas Eve, a young girl made a friend, and an old woman found a family.3