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When they arrived at her house, it was three-thirty. As Jacqueline’s parents welcomed Christian, he realized that he never been inside her house before. It was very nice—like his, but much smaller and cozier.
They had prepared for his arrival, too. When he was lead into the dining room, he saw four slices of cake set out.
‘Thank you for your kindness,’ said Christian softly, sitting down.
‘So, you’ve chosen to see the play with the Jacqueline tonight,” said Mrs. Hart, “Good choice. You’ll have lots of fun.’
‘I’m sure we will,” said Jacqueline as she took a bite of her cake.
‘Are you doing anything special for Christmas?’ asked Mrs. Hart.
‘No,’ Christian said with a sigh. “I’ll just be with my father.’
Soon everyone had finished their cake. Jacqueline bade Christian to go into her room with her. He agreed, because he figured that it would be the perfect time to speak to her about the plan.
Her room was just around the corner from the dining hall. It was simple, with gray carpet, bookcase and dresser. Her bed was covered in a green quilt with floral embroidery.
‘It’s not much, but. . .’
‘No,’ said Christian, ‘No, I love it.’
It was silent, as if Jacqueline didn’t believe him. After a while, Christian finally spoke. ‘Jacqueline,’ he said, ‘I don’t think I ever told you how much I enjoy your company.’
‘What’s that supposed to mean?’ said Jacqueline, backing up nervously.
‘It means that I would like you to help me with something.’
His voice was soft and pleading, and as such Jacqueline found him difficult to ignore. She gave Christian a signal that she was listening.
‘I would like to help out some children in need this Christmas.’
‘Why ,exactly do you need my help with that?’
‘I can’t do it alone. Please.’ As Christian waited for Jacqueline’s response, he thought back to the day before, when he was picking out the maple syrup for her. He had always liked Jacqueline—she was more than a friend to him.
‘I don’t know, Christian.’
Maybe this will change your mind, he thought to himself. Putting his arms on Jacqueline’s shoulders, he pulled her close and kissed her. The kiss went on and on; Christian wanted it never to stop, although it finally did.
‘I—’ Jacqueline’s voice was raspy and full of shock.
‘Help me, please.’
‘Alright,’ said Jacqueline with a sigh as she lay her head down on Christian’s chest.
Several hours passed. The two stayed in Jacqueline’s room, conversing and chatting—really getting to know each other. Soon Mr. Hart came knocking at the door, telling them that play was in thirty minutes and that they should start getting ready.
They soon did and were about to exit when Mr. Hart stopped Christian.
‘Son, you don’t have a hat.’
‘It was a warmer day today—I didn’t need one.’
Mr. Hart just laughed. ‘Well, it’s sure cold out tonight, and even though I’m not your father, I’m not letting you go outside without a hat. I’ll let you borrow one of mine.’
Mr. Hart soon darted out the foyer, and Jacqueline gave Christian a look.
‘I’m sorry,’ she said. ‘He’s . . . like that.’
Christian just laughed, and Mr. Hart soon returned with a ridiculous looking hat that looked more like a sleeping cap .It was red with white fur lining the edges, with a white puff hanging from the edge.
‘I thought it would go nicely with your red coat,’ said Mr. Hart.
‘Yes,’ said Christian, taking the hat and putting it on.
‘Goodbye kids,’ said Mr. Hart, ‘Have a fun time at the play.’
Jacqueline promised that they would, and she opened the door as they left into the snowy night.
‘So,’ said Jacqueline once they have left, ‘why exactly is helping out so important to you?’
‘Because,’ said Christian, ‘I saw a starving child on the streets just yesterday. I felt so terrible that I couldn’t help him. And . . . you know, well, the spirit of Christmas should always shine.’
‘I guess I sure can respect that,’ Jacqueline replied, ‘After all, Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year.’
Christian nodded, and then it was silent for a minute. Jacqueline began to smile. ‘I still don’t understand what prompted you to kiss me like that.’ Her voice was playful.
‘Jacqueline,’ said Christian slowly, his face reddening again. ‘I’m sorry If I was too bold or anything, but—well, you see, I’ve always liked you, and I felt that the message would sink through a little more. It would feel more urgent.’ Christian shook his head. He had no idea what he was even talking about. Why had he kissed her in the first place?
Jacqueline smiled smugly, and then changed the subject. ‘When do you plan to collect this material? I mean, after your father finds out you’ve been missing, he’s not going to let you around me again.’
‘I’ll sneak out of the house again. I’ll come find you tomorrow. We can do it together.’
‘Alright,’ said Jacqueline. ‘Whatever.’
‘You seem hesitant.’
‘I think you might be going too far,’ said Jacqueline, ‘I mean, no matter what people say, there are limits on what people can do to help a certain cause. And quite frankly, I’m not even sure why I’m helping you when you escaped from your house. Your father must be worried sick—’
Christian sighed, just wanting Jacqueline to shut up. To do this, he pulled her aside and kissed her. Once it was over, Jacqueline looked at Christian with sincere eyes.
‘I’m sorry for that,’ Christian said quickly.
The rest of the walk to the playhouse happened in silence. The two adolescents were happy to finally be in a warm building, and they enjoyed themselves at the play. However, in the back of Christian’s mind, he kept on thinking about the charity. He’d talk to Jacqueline afterward. Maybe she’d be in a better mood then.
As you wished, it's Fixed here! I'll try to pick some stuff out, but it's pretty great, really. I love it. The story is unraveling and I can see a little bit of the foreshadowing going on, you really have me hooked. 
