Thanks for the reviews, though they are a little lacking lately. I'm up for constructive criticism. I hope you enjoy my version of Christmas at the Gilmores.
Chapter 36: Christmas I
„So Lorelai and Rory will join us on Christmas Day after lunch," I inform Lilly. Lorelai just called to tell me that she doesn't have to work. "I guess we'll have a little snack before they get their presents," I continue, slowly approaching the reason for this conversation. Lilly nods. Becky, who is in her arms, grabs after her curls. It's funny to watch. Lilly is too absorbed into Becky's little play to listen to me decently – at least she's not getting any hints. "Lilly?"
"Yes, Mrs. Gilmore?" she asks, looking at me guiltily. I take a breath.
"Lorelai wasn't sure whether or not to have gifts for you and Becky," I say directly.
"Oh, she doesn't have to give us anything," Lilly replies quickly.
"That's what I told her. Just be sure not to have anything for them either – otherwise it would get awkward," I say.
"Of course. I wouldn't know what to get her anyway," she says.
"Exactly." So that's settled. „Is there anything else we have to discuss concerning Christmas?"
"The menu?"
"Ah – yes." And so we discuss when to buy the amount of food, we'll have.
It's Christmas Eve. Richard and I are in bed. I snuggle up to him. "What do you think Lilly will say about our present?" I ask him.
"I don't know. I hope she'll accept it," he replies.
"She has to. It's the only thing we have for her. Not accepting it would be rude," I say.
"Very clever move," he chuckles.
"Oh – you know me," I reply.
"Yes, I do," he says, kissing my hair. "I really wouldn't want you as my enemy," he continues. I look up at him, trying to figure out his look in the darkness.
"Well, it's not that we're doing anything bad. It will be good for her," I huff.
"I know. We're doing the right thing," he says soothingly, caressing my back. I put my cheek onto his chest again. It always calmed me to hear his heart-beat.
"Thank you for agreeing on giving her this as her Christmas present," I say.
"It's a reasonable gift," he answers.
"I hope she'll be happy," I say sleepily. But I need a long time before I finally drift off to sleep. I'm excited and anxious about tomorrow at the same time.
The tree looks beautifully. Decorating it was always a favourite activity of me, putting me into the right mood and I always insisted on a real one – it even smells good. Beneath it there are some presents – mostly for Becky. I carefully put them there yesterday before going to bed. Now I'm awake early and just checking if someone else is up yet. That's not the case, so I'm heading back to my bedroom. I'll get back into bed for a while, waiting for Richard to wake up. But when I open the door to our bedroom, I see a little package on my pillow. Richard pretends to be asleep. I have to smile. I sit down on his side of the bed.
"Hey, sleepy," I say, nudging him.
"Hmm," he grunts.
"I know you're awake," I say, nudging him harder.
"How do you know?" he asks innocently.
"Because of this?" I say, reaching across him to pick up my gift.
"And what has that to do with me?" he teases.
"Oh, I don't know – didn't you put it there?" I ask him, batting my eyelashes at him.
"Is my name Santa?" he replies.
"Maybe," I say. "So what do you say, should I open it?"
"Since it was on your pillow – I'd say yes." I carefully unpack it. It's jewellery – of course. I always get jewellery for Christmas. This time beautiful diamond earrings are in it. I gasp.
"Oh Richard. They're so beautiful," I say, examining them before bending down to kiss him.
"Merry Christmas, Emily," he says, sitting up.
"Merry Christmas, Richard," I reply.
"Will you wear them today?" he asks me.
"Have I ever not worn my present? Of course I will – and they'll fit to everything."
"I know."
"Yes, you do. You always had perfect taste in jewellery. Thank you," I say, kissing him again.
"You think you might thank me in another way?" he says, looking mischievously at me.
"Of course. I'll get your present, just give me a minute," I say innocently, trying to get up, but he holds me back.
"I don't care about my present," he growls.
"That's not a very nice thing to say, you know?" I tease.
"I care about my wife more. Come back to bed, Emily. It's still very early," he adds, when I glance at the clock.
"But you know how Lorelai always was awake early?" I ask him.
"And you think Lilly will just come inside here?" he asks me. Probably not. But you never know. I get up. "Emily," he groans.
"Shh," I admonish him. "You'll get what you want, just let me lock the door." He chuckles. "And don't make fun of me I don't want anyone to walk in here in the next 30 minutes and I don't think you want that either."
"30 minutes?" he asks a little disappointed.
"Do we think much of ourselves today," I mock him. "Besides I'm sure she'll be awake by then."
"Then we better start soon," he says, pulling me onto the bed. "So how do you plan to thank me for those sparkling diamonds?" he asks playfully.
"A kiss?" I tease.
"Where?"
"Richard!" I slap him. He rolls us over, hovers over me for a second before crushing his lips on mine. After a while we break apart.
"Yeah, that was a nice start," he comments.
"As long as you're satisfied," I say sincerely, looking up into his passionate eyes.
"Always," he replies, before kissing his way down.
I leave our bedroom again. Now is the time Lilly usually gets up and I'm right. She's leaving her room with Becky in her arms.
"Merry Christmas, Mrs. Gilmore," she greets me.
"Merry Christmas, Lilly. And Merry Christmas to you, too Becky," I coo at her. I stretch out my arms to take her. Lilly gives her away willingly.
"You're up early today Mrs. Gilmore. I'll hurry with breakfast," she says.
"Oh no. Breakfast can wait. First we'll take a look under the tree," I wink at her. "We just have to wait for Richard," I say.
"Not anymore," he says from behind me. I smile at him. "Merry Christmas, Lilly. Merry Christmas, little Becky," Richard greets them.
"Merry Christmas, Sir," Lilly replies. Before the situation will get awkward I speak up again.
"Let's go," I say, going downstairs, the baby still in my arms. "Oh – look at all the presents Becky," I say. Lilly and Richard are behind me. We're all looking at our tree and the presents.
"Mrs. Gilmore," Lilly wants to protest when she sees the pile of gifts.
"No, no – all complaints go directly to Santa. And now open them – since Becky is too young." And that she does. Some new clothes – she's growing so fast – a teddy, a doll, a soft blanket with Becky stitched on it and a buggy. When Lilly opens her mouth I remind her again. "No complaints." She smiles.
"Thank you. It's too much, but thank you." Richard and I nod pleased. "Look Becky, feel how soft it is," she says coming towards us with the blanket and touching Becky's cheek with it. She gurgles and we all have to laugh. "She'll love to play on it – thank you," she says again. "Well, I guess I'll go to the kitchen then. Will you take care of her?" she asks me.
"Not so fast," I hold her back. "You missed something." She looks confused. There are no gifts under the tree anymore.
"But… "
"Not under the tree…" She looks even more confused, but finally she finds the letter I put into the tree with her name on it. Carefully she takes it off the tree. I'm holding my breath when she opens it. I don't dare to repeat my no complaints again. Becky is squirming in my arms, feeling my tenseness. Lilly slowly puts the letter down after reading it. Finally she speaks up.
"Seriously – I can't accept that. It's too much. I know you meant well and I don't want to fight today, but I can't accept this," she states.
"Lilly, please. It's our only present. You can't deny it," I say.
"I admit I thought about going back to school after you mentioned it. And in a way I know you're right, but I can't leave Becky and Chilton – I don't even want to know what that costs," she starts.
"And you don't have to. It doesn't matter. Richard and I decided to pay for your education. It's our Christmas gift. Chilton is perfect concerning Becky as well. We know the headmaster. You even can have your lunch here that way you'll see Becky in your break if you want to. I don't mind taking care of my godchild and you can choose whomever you want to take care of her when I don't have the time," I say, but she's still shaking her head.
"Lilly," Richard says, causing both of us to look at him. "There won't be a time to complete your education where it fits perfectly in. Becky will always be there and always need your attention. But you have to think ahead. You're smart and a good education is important. Chilton can give you the best education and it's only five minutes from here. We know you don't want more help than you absolutely need and that you have your pride. Pride in moderation is a good thing, but there is also false pride. We decided to give it to you as your Christmas present – it may be a big one, but it's our only one. No clothes or other things – just this. You should think ahead and accept it. Think about if maybe the thing that wants you to decline is false pride," Richard ends.
Everyone except Becky is quiet for a while. "Will you excuse me, please?" Lilly finally says.
"Lilly, please," I start, but seeing her pleading look I only nod. She goes away. Suddenly she stops and reaches into her pocket.
"I haven't given you my presents yet," she says, handing each of us a letter. "I know it's not much, especially compared to – "
"Lilly. There was no need to get us anything. We're happy about everything you give us – it doesn't have to be expensive. Thank you," I say.
She takes Becky from my arms and leaves the room. Richard and I look at our letters.