Chapter 2

- Wishes -

Morning. The sun was shining brighter than in a summer day. It was so beautiful to see how the snowy trees and houses were outlined in golden sun rays as the birds were humming a wonderful wake-up song. It felt like spring and it could have been if it weren't for the pure white snow and bitter coldness.
"I hope the sun doesn't melt down the snow." said Tom while admiring the winter-spring view. Fudge was cuddling around his feet and he was enjoying the kitty's warm fluffiness. He put on his house clothes and went down stairs for breakfast. The cat rushed to the fire place and sat on the rug, as usual.
"Hey, aren't you hungry? I'd be surprised." The boy said raising an eye brown. He took her bowl and filled it with food.
"Mew! Mew! Mew! Mew!"
"Yes, yes, it's for you, calm down. Here you go!"
"Little Fudge not eating in the morning would have been a first!" said his mom laughing. "What do you want for breakfast, dear?"
"Um… the usual."
"Sorry, we ran out of milk. I can make you some omelets if you want."
"Oh, okay then."
"When you go outside don't forget to get some milk, I'll leave some money on the table."
"Why? Are you going somewhere?"
"Yes. I'm going shopping with one of my friends, Susan." She handed him a plate and a glass of freshly orange juice, his favorite.
"Thanks mom."
"You're welcome, dear. The omelets will be done in 5 minutes."

The clouds started to cover up the crystal blue sky Thomas saw in the morning and a few minutes later it started snowing again. Big white snowflakes were falling gently upon the quiet town as he was heading towards the park.
He didn't get near the kids this time. He knew they weren't going to play with him ever again. That's one more reason for him to greatly dislike his step-father.
Tom will always remember the day when John came very angry to the park. The boy was supposed to be home by 4 pm, that's what John told him, but what John didn't know was that Catherine told him he could stay out until 5 if he wanted and she'll be sure to tell his step-dad about it. Unfortunately, she went to the post office and didn't get the chance to tell him, but she wrote him a note "I told Tommy he can stay out until 5 pm if he wanted so don't worry if he's not home until then. I'm at the post office, I'll be home soon." Too bad John never saw it, because if he did he wouldn't have gone to the park to get Tom. When he got there Tom was playing with some kids he met that day.
"WHAT DID I TELL YOU?" He shouted so loud that the parents got up in case something happened.
"Wh-what do you mean?" the boy was obviously shaking.
"Didn't I tell you to be home by 4?? Get over here!!" he pushed the other kids around to get to him, the poor boy froze with fear. John violently grabbed his hand and dragged him out of there. All of the parents were shocked by what happened and never let their children get near Tom again.
"If his dad did that to him, imagine what he could to our kids." So thought the parents.
That happened two years ago and since then Thomas had to play by himself all the time. You could always see a veil of sadness wrapping his face if you looked carefully. And maybe everyone did see that, but never wondered if they were to blame just a little for it.
Tom was building a snowman when he remembered about "The Winter Melody" and his wish to know how to play it. He abandoned the snowman shortly and went home; it's a little boring to build it on your own and as days passed by he found it harder and harder to bear the other kids' laughter that were having fun without him…
"I hope Mr. Matthews's bakery is open today, I could use a little company…"

The bakery looked like a little mushroom covered in snow and the windows had written on them "Happy holidays!" with red paint, surrounded by different cookie stickers.
"Hey there, lad! Care to come inside?"
"Hello Mr. Matthews, sure. I thought you were closed for today, being Sunday and all."
"Yes, yes, but you see, since there are only three weeks until Christmas I'm open on Sundays too. There are a lot of people coming to order their sweets for parties."
"That's nice…"
"Had fun today at the park?"
"Sort of… I made a snowman…"
"Really? That's nice. I use to love making them when I was a little boy, but as I grew up I didn't have time anymore… oh well… So, anything else?"
"Nope, not really..."
"You seem a little buried in thoughts, is something wrong?"
"No, it's just that…"
"Is it the kids again?"
"No, not this time…"
"Then? What's wrong??"
"Well, you see… I was in my room the other day and I found a present that my dad gave to me, actually, composed for me for Christmas…"
"Composed?"
"Yes, it's a piano song called The Winter Melody "
"Oh that sounds nice, I bet it's very beautiful."
"Yeah… it is…"
"Hmm… so what about this song?"
"Well… I always wanted to learn to play it, but I don't know how to use a piano or read the notes…"
"Do you have a piano at home?"
"Yes, my dad's."
"You know… I always love to play the piano, maybe I could help although you are a little young, but we can try if you want!"
"You mean you would teach me?"
"Sure. Just bring me the notes and I'll try to lend a hand."
"Aw, that's awesome!! Thank you so much!!" he said and jumped in Mr. Matthews's arms and gave him a big hug. "I could bring you the notes tomorrow if you have some time."
"I guess that'll be alright. Same time tomorrow then?"
"Great!!"
"I'm glad I can help. If you try your best and if the song isn't too complicated, you'll probably get right by Christmas and then you could play it for your mom. Wouldn't that be fun?"
"Really? You really think so?"
"Everything depends on you."
"I'll do my best!"
"That's good to hear. Ok, run along now, I don't want your mom to be worried about you!"
"Yes, I'm going now. Thank you again, it means a lot!"
"My pleasure, champ. Oh and don't forget to grab a couple of fresh cookies on your way out!" he said whispering. He smiled and waved good-bye to little Tom who was bouncing happy towards the door.

The next day Thomas brought the notes to Mr. Matthews and he was very happy when he said "This isn't complicated at all! I'm sure you'll get it done way before Christmas!" Words cannot describe the boy's happiness. Finally, after all this time, he will get to play "The Winter Melody".
Mr. Matthews couldn't come over at his place to show him exactly how to use the piano, but he brought some photos with a piano and some detail shots. He explained to him how to find and play each note and also gave him some other simpler songs to practice before "The Winter Melody"
There was a week more until Christmas and Thomas could play most of the song without even having to look at the notes. He use to practice when he was home alone, he wanted to surprise his mom.

"Hi, Mr. Matthews! I just came by to tell you that I can now play the whole song and it sounds pretty good!"
"I'm so glad to hear that!"
"Me too, thank you for the millionth time! You can't imagine how happy I am. Every time I play the piano I can feel my dad right next to me! I know it sounds silly, but it's the truth!"
"No, no, no, don't worry; it doesn't sound silly at all! And I really do believe you."
"I was wondering if you are available on Christmas."
"I am, why?"
"Well I wanted to ask my mom if you can come over to our place and have dinner with us and I'll be playing the song for all of you. You know… spending a wonderful day with the people I care about the most."
"Aw, I'm flattered. I accept the invitation, that's if your mom agrees."
"I think she will, cause my step-father is away in a business trip and I think she'll enjoy some company."
"Okay then."
"Great!! This is going to be the best Christmas ever! Wee!!"
"You crazy little boy!" he said smiling and giving him a hug.

Things were going good for Thomas and he was really enjoying that. And why wouldn't he? His mom agreed with having Mr. Matthews over at dinner, he could play his favorite song in the whole wide world and a miracle happened… The Jefferson's who were living next door moved out and now he had new neighbors. Why would that be a miracle you wonder? Simple. The new neighbors also had an adorable daughter, Emma. Thomas thought this would be the perfect opportunity to finally make a new friend, someone who doesn't know about what happened two years ago.
"I'm really going to love this Christmas! Thanks dad, I know you're up there looking out for me!"
"Meow!" he took Fudge in his arms and went outside to admire the starry sky.