The gamecock. (Columbia, S.C.) 1908-2006, December 11, 1989, HOLIDAY MAGAZINE, Page 4, Image 16
A Star at C
By Donn;
Snow blanketed houses and trees. In the house in
the center, the one with the smoke billowing from the
chimney, a Christmas tree glows in the picture win
dow, and a wreath hangs on the door. There you can
imagine little Jessamine, mommying an entourage of
stuffed animals on a rug in front of the tree. She hears
the clink of plates her mother takes for Dorothy, her
sister, to place on the table.
"Jessamine, come on," her mother calls to her.
Jessamine tells her animals to "stay right there" and
runs for her seat beside Mommy. Dorothy, a teenager,
sits across from Mommy beside Daddy.
Jessamine inhales the aroma of the food; but more,
she pays attention to what the grownups are saying.
It's Richmond they're talking about, and going on the
train Saturday. Jessamine lets it all sink in ? like the
food ? and feels content. Wait until she tells the animals
she's taking the train trip.
Jessamine was bundled into clothes before she went
to bed. Awakened for the trip to the train station in
the night. The unusual sight of the clerk with his visor
and gold watch at the station, and people ? soldiers,
famililes, old people, and young ? walking around
and sitting up, talking in the blinding light. Jessamine
rubbed her eyes and drowsed against her mother.
And on the trip on the train she saw black fields,
dim lights inside, pillows at the headrest, some people
sleeping, others talking. Occasional stops by covered
walkways at obscure train stations, always accompanied
by a sign. "Emporia" was the only one where Jessamine
awoke until "Petersburg." By then the sun was
up, and Dorothy was exclaiming, "We'll be at Richmond
soon." Mommy was telling Jessamine: "Here,
you can sit by the window so that you can get a good
view of the city."
And Jessamine was pressing her nose against the
glass, breathing a fog onto the window, trying to spot
Richmond across the fields until she sat back beside
Dollv.
In Thalheimer's the only thing familiar that Jessamine
was aware of was Mommy's hand pressing to
hers. As they walked down the aisle, she gazed into
glass displays of jewelry and perfume and purses and
scarves. In the center was an escalator. Nudged by her
mother, Jessamine gingerly stepped on and rode up,
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Columbia
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glancing beyond the garland trim to the lights and decorations
in the store.
The second floor held the lady's fashions ? wools
in tweeds and Dlaids. luxurious wpatw shimmprv
lingerie and bright party dresses. Party dresses ? that
was their destination. A red satin strapless gown for
Dorothy's Christmas dress. Dorothy would wear her
long dark hair pulled up. With her light skin and deep
blue eyes she would look enchanting in the dress.
Soon Mommy was paying for it at the cash register,
and Jessamine was staring at the assorted boxes on
shelves under the counter. Going to buy dresses for
Dorothy was always the same. Nothing to play with.
Only hems of dresses to look at. Grey-haired sales
clerks speaking kindly to her like Grandma. And always
buying something for Dorothy.
Mother and Daddy were talking about going to
Toyland. Toyland was where Santa Claus was, they
said. Dorothy got to carry her package. Having someone
hold onto your hand and walking among the
crowds in a department store is tiring. Jessamine was
tired of stepping in her black patent shoes.
Soon, though, they were standing in Toyland, and
Jessamine was staring at a plush brown bear with orange
eyes. They were in a line of people ? all with
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cuuuicu? uiai inovea ever so siowiy toward a big
chair.
But soon they were close and Jessamine was looking
at Santa Claus! Child after child sat in his lap and
told Santa what he or she wanted for Christmas.
Now it was Jessamine's turn, and Santa Claus was
lifting her up in his lap. She was sitting on his knee
and gazing at his wavy silver beard.
"Ho, ho, ho. And what would you like this year for
Christmas, little girl?"
Jessamine brushed her bangs from her forehead.
She didn't know! .. .She wanted a doll.
She told Santa: "... and a sled . . . and a
ball . . . and a scarf for my dog, Muffy, for
Christmas."
"Well, that's very nice," Santa said. "I'll see what I
can do about that," Santa assured her, and she was
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RENEE MEYER/The Gamecock
'Tis the season
The lanterns in front on Russell House have also been primped
for the holiday season. Bows were tied around the lamps last
week.
Mfficr CM
1 W JV f II
2111 G^^eSt. 5 Pts. ^ ^ I
Columbia, S.C. 29205