"Oh, I don't deserve such happiness!" Ebenezer Scrooge scowled grumpily before bursting into giggles again, "I can't help it. Why I just can't help it."
I yawned and picked up the remote. After surfing through the
channels for a few minutes and finding nothing I switched the TV off and rolled
onto my stomach to retrieve another cookie from the tin, which was no on the
coffee table in front of me. I brought it to my lips before tossing it back with
a groan. I suppose sitting at home alone with nothing to do but watch Christmas
specials was normal just like I wanted.
This was really disappointing. I had five precious days off
from SD-6 and so far it had only been about twenty minutes and I had come up with nothing better to do than stare at the
TV not really watching it while I drowned my sorrows in sugar cookies. As much
as I would have liked to avoid it I knew that I would pretty much spend the next
few days brooding about my mother, and my father,
and SD-6, and Vaughn. It was pretty much a given that he would show up in my
thoughts eventually.
"I'll bet he has a big family. With lots of traditions,"
I thought. Suddenly I got up off the couch and headed toward my room. This
was completely ridiculous! Just because my family was screwed up meant that I
had to spend the holidays alone and bored out of my mind? My friend had invited
me to spend Christmas with her and I said no. I had no reason to turn down her
offer other than because it hurt my pride. I don't answer to Francie or anyone
else. I shook my head and pulled my overnight bag down out of the closet.
After loading everything into the car and making a quick
stop to pick up some extra gifts for Francie's family I set out toward
Sacramento. The drive was pretty much a blur. Nat King Cole singing Christmas
Carols on the radio and numerous cups of coffee.
I made it about half way between Los Angeles and Sacramento.
I was stopped at a traffic light, it turned green and I started to go. Just as I
was pulling through the middle of the intersection a silver Dodge came barreling
around the corner ran the red light and slammed into the side of me.
My car spun sideways before it came to a stop against the
median and the air bag exploded into my face. Leaned back in my seat and shoved
it down. I rubbed the bridge of my nose briefly. It was sore but not broken. I
knew all about broken noses.
I glanced out the window and saw the passengers getting out
of the other car. They were dressed up in bright holiday garb. I didn't catch
all of what they were saying but part of a sentence reached my ear, "Jerry!
I told you, you were too drunk to drive!"
I clenched my fists tightly at my sides and reminded myself
over and over again not to use my combat skills against innocent civilians, even
if they were deserving of it.
"It's the most wonderful time of the year," I
muttered sarcastically as I opened my door and slid out of the car.