Oleta hustled across the pedestrian walk from the City Hall Parking Lot with her tote bag dragging along the wet street, her hand bag sliding off her slouched shoulder. The fierce wind tossed her royal blue skirt wildly in the air and whipped her dark, unruly curls around her brown face enabling her to see. "Oh, excuse me!'' she humbly apologised to a lady whom she bombed into clumsily. The lady gave her a cold, half smile, and continued in the opposite direction. It was a nippy Monday morning, and the city streets of Hamilton, were frigid and bare. The gusty winds of winter whisked dry, chestnut coloured leaves a across the empty roads, that made continuous crackling dins. One could hear the faint sound of birds chirping in the Victoria Park, then, to signal that it was eight o'clock the sharp interruption of the chime from City Halls clock. Oleta took a quick look around at her typical, winter morning, in Hamilton, before pushing the door open to enter into the Cumberland House.

With an exhausted sigh, Oleta slumped into her chair, and her bags fell slovenly to her feet. She closed her wearied eyes and searched her mind for inner serenity, which she missed so much. There was so much to do, so many meetings, so many deadlines, so many commitments, and not enough time. God, give me strength! She thought as she pressed her eyes tighter. "Merry Christmas, Lee!'' a tiny, cheerful, aggravating voice said. Oleta slowly opened her tired eyes to a red bundle of annoying joy. It was Cherie Bernard, the happiest person on earth. Everyone in the office found her extremely pleasant and cheerful, but Cherie was also quite irritating. She was dressed in a knitted red dress with fury white cuffs, a Santa hat and jingling earrings. She held in her hands, a tray of Christmas decorated cookies. The aroma filled the room with a sweet, hypnotising smell. "Hi there, Mrs. Claus.

In early I see.'' Cherie ignored her remark. "Well, I wanted to surprise everyone, this morning, and greet them with a Christmas treat! You know, to add a little Christmas cheer in the air. Well, I knew I had to wake up really early in the morning to catch up with you, so that's just what I did. I've been here since seven o'clock this morning.'' Oleta Anderson was always the first one in the office. No one saw her arrive at work, and no one saw her leave. She worked outrageously, long hours, and all of her co-workers were amazed at how she was able to balance her career and her family, and still have her head on straight. They admired her for her strength and ambition, but Oleta often wondered if anyone understood, how it felt to be a wife, a mother and the Vice President of Marketing in a prestigious company. It was hard, but she never for one minute thought that life got too hard, or that she did too much. Everything was challenge, and if she succeeded, it was her way of proving herself convivial and a perfectionist. Oleta sat up straight in her chair and focused her attention on the computer in front of her. "Well, that's really nice of you, but I've had breakfast already.'' Cherie put two cookies, shaped like snowmen, on a napkin and placed them on Oleta's desk.

"That's O.K. I'll just leave them here and you can have them later.'' Oleta tripped her lip. Please leave me alone, she though as she tapped away on her keyboard. "So Lee, what's your holiday plans this year?'' Cherie asked as she rested the tray down and hoisted herself up on Oleta's desk. Oleta continued to type for a good thirty seconds before answering her. "I don't know. I have a presentation on Wednesday, a meeting at The Learning Center on Thursday and I've been `winning and dining' the Kripsen Partners all week. The only thing I've done so far, is pick out some toys for the children and put them on layaway.'' She stopped for a brief moment to look at Cherie. "But not to Woman learns importance of family at Christmastime away. You're not thinking of working yourself to the bone even at Christmas time, are you? Girlfriend, you better get a move on it! Or everyone will be celebrating this holiday, without you.'' Oleta rolled her eyes at her co-worker. "Cherie, do you mind, I really have a lot of work to do.'' "You'll be sorry,'' she said with a melody in her voice, and walked away.

Oleta folded her arms abruptly, thinking about what Cherie said. What did she know? She thought to herself, as she watched the red dress disappear around the corner. "I'll be ready for Christmas. I just need to settle a few things first.'' The day flew by fast, and by the time Oleta raised her eyes from her computer to look out the window, the sun was setting. She sighed with regret.

"Where did the time go? I'm barely finished this report.'' She took a minute to gaze out at the streets. The car park was nearly empty, but the blend of lights that coloured the trees kept it lively. She could see a few people strolling along with Trimingham's and Smith's bags loaded with gifts. There was a man at the corner of the car park, selling Christmas trees. Beside him was a family of four picking out a tree. The two children, a girl and a boy, were leaping with excitement, as they pointed at the tree they fancied. And their parents stood hand-in-hand as they watched their delighted children. She envied them a little for having the time to enjoy the approaching occasion, while she sat in her office typing away at a keyboard. Oleta turned away from the window and tipped her chin with confidence. "I'm going to enjoy my Christmas too...'' she began, but then looked at the screen of she computer, "as soon as I tie up a few things.'' It was 7:45 pm. when the telephone's ring burst into the quiet office. Oleta picked it up instantly. "Hello?'' "Oleta, what are you doing still at work!?!'' It was her husband, Brian.

"Didn't you remember Denise's Christmas play!?!'' Oleta's heart sank as her husband's words triggered the memory of her engagement. "Oh Honey, I forgot! I was here finishing up this report and...'' "Don't bother making any excuses. I've heard them all before!'' Brian was clearly upset. Oleta tried to reassure him. "I'll meet you at the school in ten minutes.'' There was a hesitation on the other end. Brian said softly, with disappointment, "The play was over a half an hour ago. We waited all evening for you.'' And the phone went dead. When Oleta arrived at her home in Southampton, the children were in bed but not asleep. Brian was watching T.V. in the living room. He said nothing to his wife. He did not even look at her. "Brian, I am so sorry for missing the concert,'' Oleta apologised sincerely. "I don't blame you for being made. But you know how I get carried away with my work sometimes.'' Brian turned to her slowly. "I know how much your work means to you and I support you all the way. But at some point, you are going to decide what's more important to you, your job or us.'' Oleta knew that her husband was right, but she tried so hard to make both her family and her career equally important. She was even convinced that her working arrangements were not a problem for anyone. That is, until she noticed a changed in her family. Brian and the children started to make plans without her, and they seemed less enthusiastic when she did accompany them. It bothered her to know that her family was not happy. What could she do? "Nice tree,'' Oleta said, trying desperately to change the subject. But Brian only nodded. A beautifully lit tree stood in the corner. It was decorated with shiny gold bells, and red velvet bows. The stream of white lights twinkled in the darkened room, and a radiant angel was nestled at the top. Two handmade Santa ornaments hung in front of the tree. Oleta grinned as she remembered that Denise and Justin made them in preschool, and made it a point of hanging them on the tree every year since. The tree was ravishing. She must have been working when they decorated it. Oleta frowned and went to the childrens' room. Justin saw her first, "Hi Mommy!'' Oleta smiled at him, "Hi there, big man. How was the play?'' The little five-year-old gazed up at his mother with playful eyes, "It was great! Kids miss executive mom snuggled under her blanket, and made no attempts at speaking to her mother.

Still, Oleta walked over to her danger, and sat on the edge of her bed.

"Denise, how are ya?'' "Fine,'' the seven-year old answer ed. "Sorry I missed your play, Mommy was tied up at the office, "Oleta tried to explain, but she knew her daughter would not understand. What child could understand that her mother was too busy for her. "We waited for you to come.'' Oleta stroked Denise's hair. She searched her mind for something comforting to say.

But no words could overcome the lump of guilt in her throat. "I feel really bad about that too. But I'm going to make it up to you by taking you and Justin somewhere fun on Saturday.'' Denise searched her mother's face for a hint of truth. "No meetings?'' Oleta nodded her head to assure her. She hugged and kissed them both good might, and shut the door. For the next few morning s, Oleta was in the office extra early. She was looking forward to spending Saturday with the kids, and in order to do that, she had to push to finish her report. The previous night, she jut down a few things she wanted to do to prepare for the holiday; buy a turkey, a ham and some cassava, pick out a gift for Brian, buy little novelties to decorate the house, etc. She thought of all her Christmas plans with anticipation, while she worked. "Oleta!'' The President of Martin & Martin Enterprises was standing over her desk. "Mr.

Shane, I didn't see you come in,'' she uttered with a shaky voice. "I noticed ,'' the gray haired man said with an aging raspy voice. "Listen, the Kripsen Partners would like to go golfing at Ocean View Golf Club on Saturday. I would like you to escort them. And while you're with them, push our deal. If you can get them to sign with us, it would bring a lot of business to Bermuda.'' Oleta gaped at her boss with astonishment. No, not Saturday! She thought to herself.

"Actually Mr. Shane, I do have other plans...'' "Oleta, I wouldn't ask you for this favour if it wasn't important.'' Douglas Shane spoke firmly. "We need Krispsen Partners to sign with us. You're the only person in this company who can persuade them to. They're considering signing with Cartrel Industries and I don't want that to happen!'' Oleta lowered her saddened eyes at the pencilled list on her desk. "No problem Mr. Shane. I'll be there.'' While driving along East Broadway in the five o'clock traffic, Oleta probed her mind, in search of something to tell her family. She knew that the kids especially Denise, were looking forward to Saturday. And she knew that the excuse of having to work was getting passe'. Of course, she did not want to break her promise. She had done that far too many times. But ever since she embarked on the major public relations project, a year ago, she found it more and more difficult to keep her work and her family on an equal level of priority. And since then, she had to confess to herself, her family was not as happy. "What is the answer?'' she said to herself as she gripped the steering wheel tight. "I love my family...but I love my job too.'' Oleta peered out of the tinted windows to take a quick glance at the Paget Plaza. In the early sunset, the kaleidoscopic and glimmering lights encircled the outer rims of the buildings with a radiant glow. At the vegetable stand, Christmas trees, bouquets of flowers, and potted poinsettias were gathered in dozens. There were toys and ornaments on the shelves and beautifully wrapped Christmas pudding too. The sight sent a tickling feeling of enthusiasm and joy, through her body. She loved the spectacles of Christmas. They always managed to make her feel like a kid. The excitement got the best of her. Oleta signalled left and pulled into the parking lot. As she walked over by the stand, Oleta took a deep, savouring breath of the fragrance of fresh pine. She scanned the Christmas goods, and smiled with approval. Everything looked so delightful. A handcrafted ornament caught her eye, and she took it from the shelf to examine it. It was a glass bell, filled with the coral pink sands of Bermuda. A green and red ribbon was tied around it, into a neat bow. Oleta admired it for its simplicity, yet ingeniousness. As she pulled out some money to pay for it, the man in front of her captured her attention. "Michelle, please don't argue with me! How can I be in two places at once, as busy as I am?'' The Golf reunites mom, kids that I can't be there this Christmas. They did last year!'' The man paused, then said. "Look, you're their mother, think of something to tell them. I have to fly to Boston in the morning for a meeting, and I won't be back until the twenty-ninth. I'm on my way now, to bring a bunch of gifts and a Christmas tree. They should appreciate that.'' How awful! Oleta could hear no more. She rested the bell back on the shelf and stormed off. How cruel! She thought as she started her car. "How dare that idiot put his job before his children! Doesn't he know what he's missing? Doesn't he know that he's throwing away precious time with the ones that love him most? Doesn't he understand...'' Tears welled in Oleta's eyes as she listened to what she was saying. She could almost hear her own voice as he spoke. It was not only that man's cruelty that angered her, but her own. He had been depriving her family and herself of happiness, and did not realise it. "How could I have been so blind?'' Oleta sat in the motionless car for a long while, thinking of how wrong she had been. She cried, then became furious with herself, then cried again. She asked herself countless questions that only she could answer. Then, after wiping away her last tear, she started the car and headed for home with surety. The answer was right in front of her the whole time. She finally realised what she had to do. That Saturday, Oleta met The Krispen Partners at The Mid Ocean Golf Course. However, much to their surprise, she was not alone. As she climbed a slight bank to meet the three men already playing, behind her was two gorgeous children with the look of pure fascination, and delight on their faces.

"Morning, Gentlemen. I hope you don't mind the company of two more guests.

They have never played golf before, and I promised them that if they were good, that maybe, you'd show them now.'' Oleta said with a smile. "Well, I'm no pro, but I'd love to!'' the elder of them replied. "I need some young blood around me for a change!'' They had a wonderful time. Despite the cold air, the sun was warn and the day itself, was successful. The three men played with Denise and Justin as if they were their own. After failing miserably at golf, they played a game of tag, and hide-and-go-seek. They had lunch together, and the partners purchased the children Christmas candy and toys from the gift shop. At the end of a long, sportive day, Oleta and the kids started to pack their things into the blue station-wagon. "Mom, I had a really neat time today.'' Denise said to her mother with love. "I'm glad you brought us with you!'' Edward Kripsen overheard the child's praises. "You know Oleta, you've got some fine kids.'' "Thanks!'' "My colleagues and I enjoyed this day beyond words!'' he said. "Spending the day with you and your children, and seeing how much you enjoy spending time with one another, made me realise that I am missing the holidays with my own grand kids.'' "You have grandchildren?'' "Yep, three of them and they're adorable! You know, I think it would be a good idea to fly back home tonight to be with my grandchildren for Christmas.'' Edward grabbed Oleta's hands and gave them a warm squeeze.

"Thank you for making my time in Bermuda memorable.'' On Christmas morning, the Anderson kids nestled around the Christmas tree with prodigious glee. They shook the gifts with their names on them, trying to guess what was inside.

They would not dare open them without the presence of their parents, so they ran in their room to wake them. "Merry Christmas, Mom and Dad!'' First, the family had their traditional Christmas breakfast, pan fried ham, turkey and cassava pie, with a warm glass of egg nog. Afterward, they opened gifts, played Christmas records and sang carols for the rest of the morning.

Together, Brian and Oleta assembled a bicycle for Denise and a race track for Justin. Although he said nothing, the continuous smile on her husband's face revealed to Oleta just how much it meant to him, to have her near. Oleta was astounded with a feeling of irreplaceable reward as she watched her children play with content. After a phone call from Oleta's parents, the telephone rang again. "Merry Christmas!'' Oleta said with gaiety. "Merry Christmas to you, Oleta!'' It was her boss. "Just calling to congratulate you! They were so impressed with you, they couldn't say no. I am so proud of you, my dear. I knew you could do it! And, I've even decided to make you Head of the Kripsen Account. That is, if you accept.'' Oleta listened to her boss's words before Happy, at last whole lot this week about my family, and how I have been neglecting them because of work. I have realised that I'm missing out on, what should be, the happiest time of my life. I'm missing out on precious, quality time with my children, and as happy as I thought I was before, I really wasn't. From now on, I want to spend as much time with them as possible. "I want to be there when they're having problems, or a school play or when one of them gets an `A' on a test. I want to cook dinner for them, and read bedtime stories, play games and help them with their homework. I want to spend every Christmas, with my family, decorating the tree with them, and watching them open their gifts, and see those treasured looks on their faces when they smile. "I truly think that if I accepted your offer, I would miss a lot of these things,'' she said with tears welling in her eyes. "Thanks, Mr. Shane, but I think I'm going to have to turn your offer down. I want to be there for my family.'' Oleta felt good as she listened to the words. The more she spoke, the more she felt she was doing the right thing. "I understand, my dear. Enjoy you day.'' Oleta rested the phone down slowly. Her family was happy, she was happy and her mind was at peace. Finally, Oleta had all she ever wanted. PHOTO Kareen Richardson received special mention SHORT STORY CONTEST CPN