tree - anger management
written for The OC Advent Word Challenge
Prompt- #7: Tree & Anger Management
Author - viper209n
Fandom - The O.C.
Lindsay drove through the small town on the outskirts of Chicago. She had always thought one day she'd be able to enjoy this time of year. But as she passed a Christmas tree lot, all the bad memories of past Christmases plus the memories of that one Chrismukkah caused all the anger and sadness to reappear.
It had been four years since that fateful Newport Chrismukkah. She talked to Kirsten about twice a year. Now that she had Sophie to chase around, it was harder for them to chat. Kirsten always mentioned flying Lindsay out to California so at the very least she could meet her new niece. But Lindsay wasn't sure if she could do that.
Sure, her bastard of a father was dead (there was her anger again) but there was also Ryan.
Lindsay shook her head. That had been such a complicated time in her life. Ryan had been great and tried to help but it just hadn't worked.
She received the Cohen Chrismukkah card every year and saw how Ryan had only become more handsome. From what Kirsten told her, Lindsay surmised Ryan's good looks were merely emphasized by him finally becoming truly happy. College and a new town seemed to have given him an actual chance at youth. Although he had aged in years, his appearance, his eyes, his smile, his skin, it all seemed youthful.
Lindsay allowed a small smile at the thought of a happy Ryan. And as she passed a waving Santa Claus, flecks of snow began to catch on her windshield.
She suddenly couldn't wait to get home and check her mail, perhaps this year's Chrismukkah card was waiting there.