Chapter 10: Gifts That Keep On Giving

Summary: Becky finds something special under the tree at the Foundation's Christmas party.

-December, 1987-

The weather outside the Phoenix Foundation was Southern California's version of early winter- mostly cloudy with temperatures in the mid 70s- but Becky took no notice. In two days it would be the second Christmas without her parents and brother. The blue funk she had been in all day had only intensified once it dawned on her it might also be the first without Uncle Mac present, as he was currently on assignment with no idea as to when he would return.

She hunched forward with an elbow on Pete's desk, glumly working at her homework without any real enthusiasm. The phone rang, and without thinking she picked it up. "Mr. Thornton's office. How may I help you?"

"That really you, Pete? Your voice sounds kinda high today."

"Hi, Uncle Mac. It's me, Becky. He let me borrow his desk so I could finish my schoolwork early, since the Foundation's annual Christmas party is tonight."

"Hey, sweetheart. Good to hear from you. I clean forgot about the party. Guess I won't make it in time, then."

"So you're not coming home today? Where are you calling from?"

"I'm still down in Central America. It's a real mess. Sorry, but I might not make it back 'til the day after Christmas, or even New Year's the way it's going. Hope you're okay with that."

"Not really, Unc. But I'll manage. I know your assignments keep you busy; I'm getting used to it. Just be safe, and come home when you can. Maybe we'll have own own belated holiday when you return."

"Sounds like a great idea, Beck. Pass the news along to Pete, would ya? Hey, I gotta go. Love you. See you when I get back."

"Will do, Unc. Love you too." She hung up the phone and heaved a long, heavy sigh. There's no chance of him being home in time for Christmas, then, she mused sadly. God, spending my first holiday all alone. What on earth am I gonna do?

With another sigh Becky got up from the desk, stuffed textbooks and papers into her backpack, then went into the outer office. It looked very festive for the holiday, with wreaths hung on the walls in place of the usual pictures, a garland draped across the large map dominating one wall, and a huge fir tree set up in one corner of the large room. Several Phoenix employees were busily engaged in hanging ornaments, and they warmly greeted her as she passed by; she nodded politely in return but declined to engage in further conversation.

"Becky," Pete called from across the room, wrestling with a large white box. "Come here and give me a hand. This suit's getting away from me!"

She couldn't help but smile as she joined the Director of Operations in keeping the familiar red-and-white costume tucked back inside its box. "I still can't believe you're playing Santa, Pete. How on earth did Helen manage to talk you into it this time?"

"You know what they say, Becky. If you have to ask..." He chuckled. "Anyway, help me get this to the office."

"Uncle Mac called," she informed him once they set the box on his desk. "He said to tell you he was still down in Central America, and might have to stay there a lot longer than expected."

"How long did he say?"

"Maybe not until after Christmas, or even New Year's." She sighed. "It's too bad. I really miss him."

"Well, if it's any consolation he was pretty reluctant to leave, knowing he might be leaving you alone over the holidays. When he gets back I'll make sure he has some free time to spend with you before the next semester starts at your school, I promise. Are you planning on staying for the party?"

"I suppose." She went over to the window, staring at the tall buildings in the distance to the east without really seeing them. "But I just can't get up much enthusiasm right now for anything in general, much less the holidays. I've been worrying about Uncle Mac all day. Feeling kinda blue, too."

"Sorry to hear that." Pete came over to her, laying a hand on her shoulder. "Take it from me, Becky. I know exactly what you're going through when it comes to MacGyver. He'll make it back to you. Trust me. And you can always call me for help when he's not around."

Becky smiled up at him, resting her hand briefly on his. He was fast becoming as good a friend to her as he was to her uncle, and she appreciated his support over the past year and a half. "I know that, Pete. Thanks. I just need to find something useful to keep from going crazy, though. Anything I can do to help out?"

"Well, there is one thing you can do." He patted the white box. "Help me try on this costume, because now I'm not sure I got the right size after all!"

Two hours later Becky found herself watching over a group of children while their parents socialized. She didn't mind it, since she was used to doing the odd babysitting job for neighbors at the apartment complex. It was even cheering her up a little as she joined in their games. Finally she noticed Helen giving her the signal and she managed to get the children's attention. "Okay, everyone. Santa will be here soon, but he needs some help from you guys to make his big entrance. How many of you know Santa Claus Is Coming to Town?" Little hands shot straight up into the air. "Great! Let's sing it together for your parents before he comes in. Ready?"

They had just finished the song when there was a loud "Ho, ho, ho!" Everyone turned their heads to see a familiar bearded man in red and white striding through the double doors. "Merry Christmas! Are there any good boys and girls here? I've got lots of presents in my bag." He moved to the base of the decorated tree, where he distributed wrapped packages to every child.

Once they were all back with their parents to show off the presents and goodies from Santa, Becky excused herself to go into Pete's office and collapse onto the couch. She reached for a tissue from a jeans pocket, dabbing at the tears sliding down her cheeks. All she wanted at that moment was to go home to the empty apartment and curl up under Mac's brown leather jacket for the night.

"Ho, ho, ho." She looked up to see Pete still in costume, white beard and all. "Hi, Becky. Are you enjoying yourself tonight?"

She smiled sadly. "Actually Pete, I'm really tired. I think I'll go home soon."

"I could drive you back to the apartment, if you don't mind waiting for a couple more hours."

"No, I know there's some paperwork you still need to finish. I think I'll call for a taxi. Thanks a lot for inviting me; I did have fun."

"You're welcome, but I hope you're not going without opening your present first. Santa knows you've been a very good girl this year. So you deserve a special gift, one that keeps on giving. Come with me."

"Sure, Pete." She reluctantly followed him back into the outer office and over to the tree. "It's not invisible, is it? Doesn't look like there's anything there."

He smiled through the beard and winked at her. "Oh, your present's here waiting for you, believe me. Go on, Becky. It's on the other side."

She followed his direction, curious despite herself. She rounded the corner, and her eyes went wide. "No way."

"Well there you are, Becky," her present drawled. "I was wonderin' if Santa would have to take me back to the North Pole with him if you didn't show up soon." He playfully wiggled his eyebrows.

"W-what are you doing... H-how did you get... B-but I thought you told me on the phone..."

Sitting cross-legged under the spreading branches was MacGyver with a large red bow perched on the top of his head, his handsome face crinkled in the widest, brightest grin she had ever seen. "You know, I seem to remember you stammered the last time you found me under a Christmas tree. Hope it isn't catching."

"Oh, Uncle Mac! I'm so glad to see you!" He stood up and she grabbed him in an enthusiastic embrace.

He chuckled, folding his arms around her in return. "Hey, Becky. Didn't think I'd make it back in time for Christmas, did you?"

"You know I didn't! Especially when you told me a couple hours ago you probably wouldn't even make it back until New Year's."

His eyes twinkled in pure mischief. "Sorry. Couldn't help it. I wanted to surprise you."

"You did, Unc. You really did. Of course, you realize now I'll have to come up with my own surprise for your birthday. So you better watch out."

"Oh, I'm counting on it. Now c'mon, let's go have some punch and cookies. Wish I brought my camera with me instead of leaving it back in my travel bag, though; Pete wearing that Santa suit would make for a terrific photo."

"A better one would be you right now, Unc," Becky laughed. "You still have that bow on top of your head!"

At the end of the party the lights were dimmed. A collective gasp filled the room as the tree suddenly took center stage, its bright strands and glittering ornaments scattering illumination to every corner of the room. Someone began to sing Silent Night, and gradually everyone joined in the simple, moving melody and a few other carols of the season until it was time to go home.

When they arrived back in the apartment Mac went into the kitchen while Becky headed for the living room, over to their own tree set up by the fireplace. She lit the fire and plugged in the lights then stepped back, gazing up into the branches at the ornaments, each one reminding her of past holidays with her family. I still miss them so much, but I'm glad I decided to move in with Mac so neither of us would be lonely, she thought. Especially at this time of the year.

Presently he returned to the living room with steaming mugs of hot chocolate in hand. "Tree looks great this year."

"It sure does." She sipped at the beverage. "To be honest I've been feeling down all day, thinking I'd have to spend the holidays all alone. I'm so glad you came home tonight. It wouldn't have been a real Christmas without you."

"It wouldn't have been for me, either. I figured you might be feelin' blue; that's why I set it up with Pete to surprise you the way I did."

When the drinks were finished MacGyver took their mugs and set them behind him on the coffee table, then leaned against it, drawing Becky back to relax against him in turn. "You know something, sweetheart?" he asked softly. "The best gift I could ever have for Christmas is you, knowing I'd come home and you'd be here. Thinking of you is what helps me get through the tough times."

"The feeling's mutual, Unc," she shyly admitted. "Thinking of you is what gets me through the bad times too. Twice I've found you under the Christmas tree, and both times you've been the best gift I could ever have. No matter what else happens, we have each other. Right?"

He chuckled, kissing the top of her head. "You bet. Merry Christmas, Becky."

"Merry Christmas, Mac." They sat together for a long time that winter night, basking in the warmth of the fire and the glow of the tree. They drew comfort from each other's presence, secure in the knowledge that their shared love and close family bond were truly the gifts that keep on giving.

Happy Holidays to everyone! May the joy, warmth and peace of the season stay with you and your loved ones throughout the coming year.