Moi- YAY, Jimmy is making people happy! He is sweet. Loved your review! I am an RA so I am used to being woke up at night.
Darkdestiney2000- LOL, last time I got up 4AM and went out shopping.
Nascarchick- I promised he would.
Meadow567- Yes, Georgia is happy he finally said it! LOL
BellaLou- A shopping virgin? Men are wimps about the flu! LOL Yes, I really enjoy showing how Doc and Velta feel about Jim. Great review!
Rcaer38- Thank you for the review! I appreciate the support. I hope this update is soon enough. LOL
Nikkd03- He left once she fell asleep. I am so happy you like the story. I missed your reviews, LOL.
Killerkeanegirl- You died? So glad no one saw you jump! LOL McBlue Eyes? Awwwww, I am your favorite! (hug)
Strangexbutxtrue- Never get tired of hearing it! LOL So glad you like the story. You comment on things in the chapter that makes each review fun! LOL
Miraclegirl- Jimmy is very sweet! LOL Everyone is happy he finally said it! LOL
Emador- (BREATHE) Glad someone else out there likes the Oakridge Boys! LOL
Klinoa- Maybe you noticed Bo and Luke because they are so cute! LOL YAY, the crowd is back. I love the crowd! Loved your review! Thanks for letting the crowd make an appearance! LOL
Anmerie- Yes, I would have enjoyed seeing the McClanahan's reaction to OC. "Mom this is Jack O'Callahan, remember him we had a spat in 76!" LOL
Lia06- Jimmy is awesome isn't he? LOL I wish that like Pinocchio he could become a 'real boy' LOL.
Friday after Thanksgiving, 1979 Minneapolis
"Georgia, what are we looking for again?" Jim asked me as I pulled him through the store.
"Perfume for mom." I said.
"What are you getting Doc?" Jim asked.
"I have no idea." I said. "What are you sending your dad for Christmas?"
"Money, he really needs it. This way he can buy for my brothers." Jim said. I squeezed his hand to assure him that everything would be okay.
"While I am here I want to pick up some clothes." I said.
"For who?" Jim asked.
"Uhhh, for charity. I'll donate them to some charity for the holidays." I said. "Will you help me pick them out?"
"Sure, might as well be useful while I am stuck in this madhouse." Jim said good naturedly.
We made our way over to the men's clothing section of the store. I knew what I wanted to get, but getting it would be another trick entirely. I started looking through shirts, but I was unsure of what size to buy.
"Hey, Jim help me pick out the sizes?" I asked.
"What sizes should we get if you're going to donate them?" Jim asked.
"I dunno. What sizes are your younger brothers? I imagine anything that would fit them would fit the average teenager." I said.
Jim shrugged and started digging through the rack. He pulled out a green flannel shirt. "This would fit the 8th grade monster that last night told me he finally asked out Kathy Lambert." Jim said and I giggled. His love for his brothers was so special.
"That's a size medium. I'll pick out three more shirts in that size. Now find something to fit that 11th grade monster that doesn't have a girlfriend." I said with a wink.
"Maybe you should donate some girl's clothes?" Jim suggested.
"Nah, my mom and Patti Brooks will do that. Every year those two do something with the women's shelters." I said and was the truth. "When you're done with the shirt, pick out some jeans that would fit your brothers. They are average size right?"
"Not if what I got runs in the family." Jim said and I didn't understand right away. I looked up at him and he winked at me.
"James Craig that is horrible." I pretended to be indignant, but was laughing. "Go pick out some jeans. Three pairs in both sizes."
"Yes, dear." Jim said sarcastically and started looking for jeans.
I finished picking out shirts in the sizes that Jim had told me. Jim walked towards me carrying the six pairs of jeans I wanted.
"We should get some socks too." I said. "And two pairs of shoes."
Jim shrugged. "Guess so." He said. "What are we doing after we finish up here?"
"I have to stop at the bank and then we can head on home." I told him.
That night, after Jim went to bed I sat up in my room, putting the clothes Jim helped me pick out earlier in Christmas boxes. I marked each one as 'From-Santa' I had found a large box in the attic that was empty, so I put all the Christmas packages in it.
I then sat down at my desk and took out a Christmas card. On the cover was a scene of Santa Claus and his reindeer. I opened up the card and began to write.
Dear Mr. Craig,
Here are some presents for your two youngest sons, and some money for you to use as needed. I hope that your holidays are filled with love and joy. May you and your family have a very Merry Christmas and all the blessings in the world for the New Year.
Happy Holidays,
Santa
I took the cash from my purse that I had gotten out of the bank earlier in the day and placed it in the card. I put the card in an envelope and laid it in the box with the presents. I smiled. Now, Jim's family could have a good Christmas. I smiled to think of the surprise of an anonymous package on their front step, containing just what the family needed.
I wrote Jim's home address in North Easton, Massachusetts on the box after I taped it up. I hid it in my closet so that Jim wouldn't find it, and went to bed.
