A Christmas to remember

Michael woke up to the smell of coffee and cinnamon. He glanced over and Maria wasn’t in bed. He knew it had to be her doing in the kitchen. His mom was never into breakfast in the morning. He quickly got dressed and went to check out what was going on. In the kitchen were his parents and Maria sitting around the table drinking coffee. She may have only been 16 but she was much more grown than her years.

Merry Christmas everyone.

They all seemed to smile but the only one he really saw was Maria’s. Dan wasn’t stupid. He noticed what was going on. These two kids of his were hopeless. He just hoped that things would work between them. Jenny knew what Michael had planned for Maria and what Maria planned for Michael. She smiled and thought to herself about time. They finished breakfast and went into the living room to open presents. Michael and Maria had hidden their parents gift behind the couch. It took Maria an entire roll of wrapping paper to wrap all but the bottom of the box. Carefully Michael moved it out and set it in front of them. They looked at the huge box in awe they couldn’t imagine how they got it in the house and kept it hidden. Dan let his wife do the unwrapping and gasped when she saw what it was.

How did you two pull this off?

Michael winked at Maria and said, “Santa left it for you.”

They all laughed. Presents were passed out and each one was opened. Michael on purpose saved his for last to give to Maria and she did the same. Maria got some very nice sweaters from her parents and some cds. Michael got new clothes and a gift certificate to the electronics store. Jenny noticing that there were two presents left nudged Don and went into the kitchen. Jenny filled him in when they were in the kitchen. Since she knew that the both got new jackets she was going to suggest the go outside and see how they were. She reached into the icebox and pulled out a small box. Inside it was a sprig of mistletoe. She crept out the kitchen door and hung it over the porch swing. She knew that is where they would end up eventually today.

Michael reached under the tree and placed his present in front of Maria. She did the same. Michael had her open his first. Opening the box she smiled. Inside it was a white goose down jacket. She had been wanting one now for the past month but they never seemed to get the one she wanted. It was perfect. She hugged him and thanked him for her gift not knowing what yet was to come. Hidden in the pocket was the small box with the locket. Michael opened his and was shocked to see the exact jacket that he wanted to get for himself.

Jenny and Dom came back into the living room with fresh cups of coffee in hand. She saw the coats in their boxes.

Why don’t the two of you put them on and go out side for awhile?

Michael and Maria looked at each other and shrugged. Taking the jackets out of the boxes they put them on and walked outside. On the way out the door Maria put her hands in the coat pockets. Michael knew this was the moment of truth. She felt the little box in the pocket and pulled it out. She looked up at Michael eyes questioning.

Is this for me too?

Yes open it.

She opened the little black velvet box and gasped. Inside was a small gold heart locket on a gold chain. Michael took the box from her and removed the chain and locket. He reached around her and put it on her. He looked at her and she could see the love in his eyes.

Maria I have loved you now for so long it hurts. Will you go out with me?

Hearing those words brought tears to her eyes. She flung herself in his arms holding him tightly.

Yes Michael Oh yes. I love you too.

They moved to sit on the swing when it caught their eyes. Maria blushed trying to turn her eyes away. Michael smiled.

I guess someone else here knew what was going on huh?

It looks that way.

Michael took her hand and led her to the swing. They sat down and looked into each other eyes. Maria moved into his arms and Michael held her close. He placed his hand under her chin and tipped her face up towards his. Their lips met in the softest of kisses. Maria wrapped her arms around his neck and the kiss deepened.

From the kitchen window Jenny and Don watched the two young people. Jenny smiled up at Don and kissed him. Their children were growing up right before their eyes.

Michael and Maria sat outside for awhile not saying anything. Maria looked up at Michael and smiled. Nothing felt so right as this did. She felt as if she belonged here forever. She looked at her watch and decided it wasn’t too early to call out to California. She wanted to wish her father a merry Christmas and to thank him again for letting her spend Christmas at home. She moved away slightly from Michael.

I want to go and call dad in California. He was nice enough to change his mind and I want to make sure he got there ok.

Ok I’m getting cold anyways lets go back inside.

Maria went in and grabbed the phone in the kitchen. She dialed the number for the foundation and knew she would get a recording. She punched in a few more numbers at the prerecorded message and was put through to her uncles suite. She knew if anyone would answer he would. After three rings it was answered.

Hello

Hi Uncle Wilton Merry Christmas

Wilton Knight hadn’t seen his niece since his sister’s funeral. He was looking forward to her visit but when she didn’t arrive with her father he knew there had to be something very important to her going on for her not to come. When he saw on caller id that she was calling from the Long residence he smiled to himself. He remembered how the young man who was her friend looked at her all through the funeral. How he doted on her and most of all on how he tired to protect her. He had hoped for the project he was working on with Dom that they would find someone with some of his qualities. He knew he wouldn’t have much longer and the project had to come to completion before he left this world and his work would be left to his niece. She had shown interest from the beginning of the project and worked with him online on a few of the problems. She grasped concepts quickly and was much smarter than she let on.

How is everything at home dear?

Very good Uncle thanks. We have snow here for Christmas. Did you get the gift that I had packed in my suitcase?

Yes thank you dear. I am sending one back for you with your father. I wish you had come out with him.

I’m sorry but I had something really important to take care of here.

I understand dear. I will get your father for you now.

Thank you.

Dom came to the phone and was glad that his daughter remembered to call him.

Hi princess. Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas Daddy. How was your flight?

It was long and boring like usual. How are things there?

They are great dad thanks again for letting me stay.

Did you tell him?

Yes

And?

Things are good dad.

May I speak with Michael please. I want to wish him and his parents a merry Christmas.

Ok dad once minute.

Maria put the phone on the counter and went into the living room where everyone sat watching a movie.

Michael my dad wants to talk to you and mom and dad.

Ok no problem.

Michael walked into the kitchen and picked up the phone.

Hi dad Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas Michael. I hear you got a special present from my daughter.

Umm yeah I did dad the jacket is great thanks.

Do me a favor please Michael. I have a very special delivery coming out there in about an hour make sure that Maria gets it.

Sure no problem dad what is it?

Remember that truck that she had her eye on now for the past year?
Yeah she went by the dealer the other day and it was gone. She was pretty mad about that.

Well it was gone because I bought it for her and they had to put in the stuff that she wanted.

Your kidding right?

Nope that’s the delivery.

Ok I will make sure that she knows its here.

Will you do one more thing for me please?

Sure if I can I will.

Make it a surprise.

Not a problem. Her is mom and dad.

Michael gave the phone to his mom and walked back into the living room. He knew the dealer would just drop it off and there would be no card. He wanted to make sure that she was totally surprised and make it look good. He thought for a minute and went up to his room. In the drawer he knew he had some blank postcards and he knew where his mom kept her calligraphy set. While Maria was watching the movie he was going to work on making this something she would treasure from her dad.

Almost 20 minutes later Michael crept back downstairs he knew he had to slip out of the house without being noticed. He went into the kitchen and found his mother sitting at the table reading. She looked up at him with a puzzled look on her face.

What are you up to now?

Maria’s dad asked me to do something for him. He has a delivery coming in about half an hour and he wanted me to make sure Maria was surprised.

What kind of delivery?

Michael glanced out into the living room, Maria sat on the couch playing chess with his dad. He knew he could tell his mom and she would help.

He got her that truck she wanted. I know the dealer isn’t going to do anything but drop it off and I wanted to at least have a card to give her from him.

He showed her the card he made and was about ready to go out the door when she stopped him.

I have the perfect touch wait right here.

Jenny went into the hallway closet and off of the top shelf brought down a box. Inside were some Christmas decorations that weren’t used. Out of it she pulled a large red bow that had ties on the back of it. Placing the box back on the shelf she went back to her son at the kitchen door.

Here put this on it that will make it look right.

Its perfect mom thanks. Now I just have to find a way to keep her from coming looking for me.

Not a problem I will help keep her busy.

Michael went outside and over to Maria’s house he knew the delivery should be here very soon.

Jenny went back into the house and sat in the living room with her book. From the looks of it Maria would be finished with her game soon. She had to think of something fast before she would go out looking for Michael. Since it was getting late in the afternoon she figured they might start on dinner but she had to keep Maria away from the windows.

She had to find a way to stall that game.

Don can you give me a hand with something in the kitchen while its Maria’s move please?

Don looked up his wife and she made a motion to the kitchen. He knew she was up to something. Maria was deep in thought over her next move so he figured he would find out what was going on.

I’ll be right back I have to go help mom in the kitchen no cheating.

Maria nodded contemplating her next move she wanted to finish this game as soon as possible. She was good at it but it was getting boring.

Once in the kitchen he whispered, “What’s going on?”

We have to keep her busy for the next half an hour or so. Dom has a delivery coming for her and Michael is handling it. We have to keep her inside and away from the windows. Stall the game for as long as possible.

I will do my best. What kind of delivery?

You will see.

Don walked back out and saw that maria was getting antsy now this was going to be hard.

He dragged out his moves one by one acting like he was thinking about it. Maria started to fidget and was ready to resign he could tell. He had to keep her busy for at least another 10 minutes. He knew how she loved lighting the fireplace and hoped that would keep her busy for the next few minutes till Michael came back.

Let’s light a fire sweetie its getting chilly in here.

Ok Dad.

Anything was better than staring at the chess board at this point. This game seemed to be dragging on. Don went and got the firewood as Maria arranged the kindling at the bottom of the fireplace. Don took his time placing a few logs on the grate. Something was going on Maria thought. Everyone is going so slow and where did Michael disappear to. Maria lit the long fireplace match and lit the kindling in a few places watching as the flames spread out and caught the logs. As it started crackling Michael walked in the kitchen door. Jenny was in the kitchen getting things ready for dinner.

Its done Mom.

Good she was getting restless in here Dad had to move at a snails pace to keep her occupied.

Michael went in the living room and smiled at Maria.

Hey where have you been hiding?

Oh nowhere just had something I had to do.

I’m getting bored staying inside can we go out and do something?

Sure want to take a walk through the woods?

Sounds good to me.

Maria hopped off the couch and grabbed her new jacket happy to be getting out of the house. Michael walked to the front door and opened it for her. It was starting to get dark and he knew she would want to go to her house and turn on the Christmas lights. Just out the door he turned and looked at her.

Do something for me?

Ok

Close your eyes and let me lead you somewhere.

Why cant I just walk myself?

It’s a surprise. Please

Maria sighed and shut her eyes.

Michael took her hand and slowly led her down the stairs and towards the driveway of her house.

No peeking

Maria laughed and said, “I know I know”.

Once down the driveway and in front of the truck Michael turned her so she was facing it head on. Tied to the grill was the red bow that his mom gave him and under the windshield wiper was the card he made.

Ok you can open your eyes.

Michael stepped back to see her reaction to the magnificent gift in front of her. Maria opened her eyes and rubbed them.

OH MY GOD!!!!!

She threw herself in his arms and kissed him.

Thank you so much but how did you do this?

I didn’t why don’t you look at the card that is on the windshield.

Princess,

I wanted this to be a special present for you this Christmas. I’m sorry I couldn’t be here with you.

Merry Christmas,

Maria knew her dad hadn’t written that note but knew it came from the heart. Tears were in her eyes. Michael smiled the keys dangling from his hand.

Well do you want to drive it or not?

Do I ever

Well lets go.

Not now I have a phone call to make first. She hugged Michael again and took the keys from him. She felt like the luckiest woman alive. When she walked inside Jenny was on the phone and handed it to her.

Do you like it Princess?

Thank you so much daddy I love it. I’m so sorry I was such a spoiled brat before you left.

No apology needed princess I understand nothing can stand in the way of love.

I love you daddy

I love you too princess.

Maria gave the phone back to Jenny and thanked her. Jenny finished her conversation with Dom and hung up the phone.

Mom do we have time before dinner?

Jenny smiled and reached into her pocket and handed Maria a $50 bill. Your dad asked me to give you this before you take it out for a real drive he figured there would be enough gas for you to make it to the gas station.

Thanks Mom

Maria took the bill, put it in her pocket and ran upstairs to get her purse. She needed to make sure she had her phone and her wallet with her brand new drivers license in it. She was proud of the fact that she passed the test the first time. It took Jody three times to pass it. Flying back down the stairs if she knew her father he took all the hints she dropped and it had a cd player in it. Heading for the door she grabbed Michaels hand and in the other she held one of her new cds.

She slowly walked around the truck looking it over it had vanity plates that said Knight 1. She hit the button on the key chain and stepped up on the running board. Michael climbed in the passenger seat and fastened his seat belt. Maria adjusted her seat and the mirrors. She looked around the interior of the truck and thought that she was still dreaming. She ran her hands over the steering wheel and then turned the key. She looked over at Michael and asked, “ Ready?” He nodded taking the cd from her and putting it in the slot in the stereo. Maria slowly backed out of the driveway getting used to the feel of such a large vehicle. They pulled into the local gas station and the attendant came over to pump the gas.

Well what do you think Michael?

Well it’s comfortable and there is plenty of room for everyone.

That’s not what I meant. I meant does it suit me?

I think so. I think you look good in it.

Wait till after dinner when I show you what it can do.

Michael looked at his watch and said, “We better get back it’s almost time for dinner.”

The attendant finished filling the gas tank and Maria paid for the gas. When she was handed back $10 she flinched.

Oh boy I better start saving my allowance for gas money. Hmm maybe its time I took my uncle’s offer.

What offer?

To work in his office here in the city after school. From the looks of this I’m going to need the money.

Well what kind of work would you be doing?

Mostly research and computer work.

Sounds like you can do it so go for it.

I think I will talk to him after the holidays about it.

They drove back to the house and went into have a huge dinner with their parents.