This is the third part in a Georgia/Rube untitled series.
Please read and enjoy. Feedback of a constructive nature is appreciated, and will be taken into consideration in future endeavours (editing, storyline, etc.)
Disclaimer: Dead Like Me and its characters are the creation of Bryan Fuller et al. and are copy written under MGM/Showtime/etc. No infringement of their rights is intended. The stories written under the penname Gabigail, however, do belong to me. None are written for profit and are intended for entertainment purposes only.
Integrated within this piece are Gordon Lightfoot's Song for a Winter's Night as preformed by Sarah McLachlan and Michelle Branch's One of These Days. The same philosophy as the above is applied in this instance.
Georgia's First Undead Christmas
The holiday season is fast approaching and no one has said anything that leads me to believe that they do anything for it. Just thinking that reapers don't do the whole holiday thing depresses me. This will be my first Christmas as a reaper, I hope I don't have to spend it alone, but it seems that the mere mention of the over commercialised holiday has everyone having to be somewhere.
"This sucks!" I exclaim as I sit in the booth across from Rube this morning.
"Good morning to you too Peanut." He says with a smile I know is only reserved for me. I look at him for a long moment. "What is it this time?" he asks as he folds his newspaper and sits it upon the table. I sigh heavily, kind of put my head in my hands for a moment and look up at him.
"Christmas is coming. It's supposed to be a warm and fuzzy holiday in which families gather." I stop myself hurting even more because mine will be putting up the tree without me, making cookies, and singing carols. Why did I have to die? As if dying in itself had been my only awakening.
"Its just another day for us Peanut." He says simply, but I can see something soften in his usually rigid expression.
"You mean we have to work on Christmas Eve and day?" my eyes nearly bug out of their sockets. This totally sucks! I think with a wince. He sits back, tilting his head, as he seems to have a thought.
"I'll give you a few days off. You look as though you could use a break. But there is one condition." His tone matches the sudden stern look on his face.
"I won't go home and haunt my family." I say knowing that has to be the condition because with me, it is the one thing I know I'm not supposed to do, but continue to do anyways.
"Shake on it?" he says as he reaches out; I nod and take his hand in a firm shake, just as the others start to arrive. "Not a word to them." He says in a hushed tone with a wink. I smile and nod, our little secret. Lately we seem to be sharing quite a few of those.
Mason slips in beside me, Roxy beside him leaving the seat next to Rube empty. Daisy looks at me and I motion for the other two to let me out and I sit between Rube and Daisy as a buffer, I don't mind so much, it gives me an excuse to be near him. He puts his newspaper on the floor as we give Kiffany our orders. I cannot help but feel happy as I quietly eat my breakfast, adding a few words here and there in the conversation, and wait for the others to leave so I can have another word with Rube.
"You're not running off today?" he says as I move to sit across from him.
"Not today, it seems I have a later appointment." I smile. So we spend some time together. I suddenly have this newfound appreciation for the Waffle Haus. It allows us to spend time together without the others suspecting anything. I look at my watch and figure that I can get a few things done before my appointment.
"I'll catch you later?" I ask before taking off.
"Yeah, I'll be around." He says with a smile and I make my way out. I have Christmas shopping to do and an appointment to attend to. I know that Christmas won't be the same, but it will be what I make of it.
I make my way through the crowded mall. Don't people have to work? I wonder as I start my Christmas shopping. I find a really cool basket of beauty treatments for Daisy, the girl at the counter said that It's their most popular item right now. I also pickup a really sweet spa set for Roxy and a book. It didn't take me too long to find something for Mason, for him I found a really awesome poker set. As easy as they are to shop for, I can't seem to find anything for Rube. Great, I must as I weave through a group of guys. I want to get him something special.
I pause in mid thought as I see a specialty shop. I browse like the other potential customers and stop in my tracks when I see the pipe accessories. Somehow I recall seeing him smoking a pipe the night he busted Daisy for taking advantage of an appointments family. So I bought him a personalized case that I know will accompany the rest of his gift.
Retuning home with my package, I smile with the realisation that I have time to wrap them. Heading straight upstairs with bags full of gifts, I make my way to one of the spare rooms and hum as I unpack my treasures. My smile brightens as I am filled with something amazing, something that I can only attribute to the Christmas spirit. The other day I had been rummaging up in the attic and found the occupants Christmas box, I had put it at the moth of the attic to bring down. Can't wait to put the tree up and decorate, I think as I take out the new Christmas CDs and play them while I wrap myself up in wrapping, which nearly poses a problem. I don't notice Daisy knocking on the door.
"What are you doing in there?" I can hear her muffled voice.
"Nothing!" I yell back through the door. She continues to tap on the closed door. "Hang on a minute." I manage to get everything hidden so she can't spoil the surprise.
"Seriously Georgia. What gives?" she asks and I can't help but smile like a guilty child. She can see the paper I'm sure. "Ah I see." She says. "Well, let me know when you're done. I have some wrapping to do as well. Would it be okay if I use some of that cute paper?" she asks. 'Tis the season, I think to myself with a smile at how I'm changing into a better person and not just because its Christmas.
"Sure Daisy." I reply.
"Thanks sweetie. You found that box up in the attic didn't you?"
"Yeah, I thought I'd put up the tree when I was finished wrapping."
"Can I give you a hand?" she asks.
"Sure that would be nice. When I've finished my appointment, I'll pick up some eggnog or apple cider or something if you'd like."
"That sounds wonderful." She smiles. "It's been such a long time since I've felt so festive. Thank you."
"I really didn't do anything." I stammer. She actually hugs me and leaves me to wrap my gifts in peace. Something is up with Daisy and I'm going to get to the bottom of it. Well not this second, but I shall.
I put the music back on and continue wrapping. As I wrap, I sing along with the carols amazed that I haven't forgotten the words, as I measure the paper, cut it to size and wrap, securing the paper with pieces of that clear satin tape. I even add a few ribbons and bows for appearance. After I finish wrapping, I get to the task of writing each of my new family members a personal letter. I get through Daisy's fairly quickly and think its great that I'm on a roll. A few hours later, I check the time and realize that I have to get going for my appointment.
I clean my mess so Daisy won't have to, collect my wrapped gifts and put them in a special place in my bedroom so she doesn't snoop. I look out the window quickly, snow is still falling, it has been all day, but that doesn't dampen my mood. Going downstairs, I see Daisy sitting in front of the fireplace on one of the comfy chairs reading a magazine. I grab my coat from the closet, slip my arms in and zip it up to my chin, get my scarf, gloves, and put on my hat.
"I'll see you in a little bit. I've cleared the spare room for you."
"Thanks Georgia." She says letting the magazine drop so I can see the smile on her raspberry painted lips. I nod and head out the door.
I take a deep breath and make my way to the location of my appointment and double check my watch. I stop in front of a beautiful home that no doubt holds a happy family. I try to think of how I'm going to speak with M. A. Walters. I wonder if she's someone who would subscribe to a magazine or something, but then I see her. She's outside with her family shovelling the driveway. That would be a heart attack or something, wouldn't it? How could she possibly need my help? I ponder, but the tell tail wisp of a Graveling catches my eye.
"Lovely evening for a walk." She says to me as I make my way to the driveway.
"Mary Anne. I'm almost done with the firewood. The kids are going to help me take it inside."
"Okay dear!" she calls back.
"It is, isn't it?" I answer with a smile. I have already removed my gloves so I will be able to take her soul. "Happy holidays." I say and reach out, she removes her glove from her hand and we shake hands. I remove her soul in that moment.
"Happy holidays." She replies, as I walk away I can hear the commotion. I'm not sure what happened I don't really like to watch if I can help it. I stand beside a snow-covered bush and wait for her soul to appear. "Who's going to make the dinner?" she asks.
"Don't worry. Where you're going everything is wonderful." I smile, hoping to offer her some comfort.
"You're probably right." She says as the colourful lights appear.
"Those are for you." I say.
"Really? Thank you. Happy holidays." She says before stepping in.
I look at my watch quickly before heading towards the store to pick up a few things. I not only get apple cider and eggnog; I also pick up a few packages of those cookies you make in twenty minutes or whatever. I carry my bags past Der Waffle Haus and find myself looking in the window. I can see Rube sitting at our usual table and wonder if he's okay. He doesn't seem to be his usual self, or at least that's what I can tell from his posture.
I don't stop myself; I head in to talk to him.
"Hey Rube, why are you still here?" I ask as I rest my bags on the bench, a pea green coloured vinyl seat.
"Came in for a coffee." He says. I can't place his tone. All I know is that it's just not him.
"Why don't you come over to our place and help us with the tree or something?" I suggest. He tries to smile. Usually it's the other way around, Rube trying to cheer me up. He looks down at his hands. That's when it hits me. This time of year must have been in or around the time whoever's in the photograph in his wallet passed away. "Hey." I say reaching across the table to take his hand, which I give a gentle squeeze in an attempt to let him know that I will listen. I'm a tad more persistent than he.
"You're right. That sounds like a good idea." He says as he puts some money on the table. He puts on his coat and takes one of my bags; we head out into the chilly evening to Daisy and my place.
We arrive to find Christmas music playing loudly, Mason trying to figure out which lights are blown, which ones are good, while Daisy sits elegantly on the floor going through the ornaments, and Roxy pulls the tree out of the box. I put my bag down and shrug my coat off and hang it in the closet. I take Rube's and hang it beside mine. Together we take the bags to the kitchen and I unpack them. I put the eggnog in the fridge, but leave the cider out thinking we'll probably have that warmed up with cinnamon sticks or something.
"Cookies?"
"What? I felt like baking." I say taking the tube from his hand to read the instructions. I guess he didn't know that I am capable in the kitchen. I turn on the oven and get out a cookie sheet to put them on. He sits at the islands counter and watches me. I feel a bit nervous, but I try not to show it as I quickly grease the sheet, cut into the tube and cut the cookies before placing them on it.
"I'm sorry, I didn't expect everyone to be here." I say quietly.
"Don't worry about it. This is nice." He says smiling as Mason yells out that he got all the lights happening.
"You dumb ass!" Roxy yells at him as he nearly falls over her. He regains his balance and continues to help her assemble the tree.
"I was going to do all of that on my own, or at least with Daisy." I smile.
"I think this is a lovely evening." He says getting up. "Anyone for hot apple cider?" he asks.
"Yes please!" the four of us reply. He turns to me and gets things ready. I let him work on it while I check on my cookies.
There's just something special about the Christmas spirit. It doesn't matter how commercialised it gets, it's spending time with loved ones that makes it so special. I realize that my new family is just perfect.
I find a plate for the cookies and get the mugs for Rube's hot apple cider and we head in to the living room to help with tree assembly and decoration. I cannot help but wonder if my old family is having as wonderful time as I am. With the tree together, we let Rube put the lights on and then start decorating. When we are finished, there is a beautiful homemade angel. I carefully take her out of her box.
"When I was little, each of us would hold the angle and make a wish." I say as I think of something wish worthy. "I know it's corny, but it always made this special for me." I add smiling, then hand the angel to Daisy. She closes her eyes as if thinking about something then gives it to Roxy, who follows suit, handing it to Mason, I'm almost afraid of what he may wish for, but I know Rube will soon remedy that. He holds the angel for what seems like the longest.
"So Peanut, will you do the honour this year?"
"Actually, I thought all of us could place her upon the treetop." I say. So I get a small stool for Roxy and myself and the five of us top the tree.
With the music still playing, we dim the lights and sit around the tree. I remember that I have my gifts to place underneath. A Christmas tree is never a Christmas tree to me without gifts under it, but then I remember that I haven't finished my letter to Rube. I can add that later, I think as I stand and make my way up to my bedroom to collect my gifts. I return and place them under the tree, Mason's eyes light up like a little boys, I wonder if they've ever done this before, or if I'm starting a new tradition.
I wonder if Daisy had been thinking the same thing because no sooner have I placed the packages under the tree, she enters the room with arms full of her own. Roxy and Rube look at one and other for a moment, the exchange seems to infer that this is indeed a new thing. I'm glad that I can share something new with them. This is going to be a wonderful Christmas, I think to myself as I sit beside Rube and relax after a busy day.
The next morning I rise, get ready to meet everyone for breakfast so that I can get my appointment time, the rest of my shopping done, and finish Rube's letter. I'm slightly surprised to find Daisy already up and almost ready to go out.
"Good morning Georgia." She says with a sweet smile.
"Morning Daisy, this has got to be a first. What's up?"
"I have an early appointment before breakfast and then I have some last minute shopping to do. By the way, we are hosting a traditional Christmas dinner."
"You cook?"
"How hard can it be?" she looks up at me as if I know what the hell I'm doing.
"Well, if that be the case then I'll have to go shopping today and hope there's a fresh turkey left. What veggies do you want?" I ask taking a pen from the drawer and a piece of paper to jot a few things down.
"I already got the turkey a few days ago. Long enough for it to thaw. I was thinking potatoes, green beans, stuffing, cranberry sauce, ham, carrots." She pauses.
"Can we have yams?" I chime in, not wanting to take the wind from her sails.
"Sure." She says. "Do you want some help with the shopping? If our Post-its don't get in the way we can get all the veggies." She suggests.
"Sounds good. My mum and I used to always prepare them the night before, so that Christmas morning could be for opening gifts, and having the most amazing pancake breakfast." I cannot help, but smile at the memory.
"I wonder if Rube would be up for making breakfast and we could open presents here. Make a day of it." She declares happily. I cannot help but let my smile widen. "I'll meet you guys for breakfast when I get this appointment out of the way. Would you mind waiting till I arrive to let them in on our plans?"
"Of course." I say with a smile and put my coat on, zipping it snugly to my chin and head out into the winter wonderland.
"Good morning George." Mason says happily as I remove my coat and sit beside Rube.
"Morning. What's going on?" I ask looking at Roxy; she shrugs in reply.
"Not much. We will wait for Daisy this morning, so coffee is okay."
"Got it." I say happily, that gives me a few extra minutes with the menu.
When Daisy does arrive, she looks a bit worse for wear. I'm guessing her last reap wasn't very easy, or else she would look like the beautiful blond she knew herself to be. She sits beside me, pressing me into Rube – Again, but it doesn't faze me, or him because I think we're both used to it.
"Morning all." She says, trying to smile. She picks up her menu and skims its contents. Putting it down, she straightens herself and makes her suggestion. "Georgia and I have agreed to hold a Christmas day. I thought that it would be a nice way for all of us to spend some non-reaper time together. I'm not volunteering you Rube, but I was wondering if you could maybe do the breakfast thing at our place. We could open gifts and just hang out. I'll make a light lunch because you'll have to save room for the dinner Georgia and I will be making." She seems so happy that it's hard for anyone to answer right away.
"I'm in." Mason says with a smile. "Is there anything that I need to bring?" he asks.
"You could bring the wine." Daisy says sweetly. Roxy looks at her sternly.
"I'll bring the wine. Mason, you can bring desert." She suggests, saving us from a horrible wine choice, Rube even smiles at the save.
"Do you mean a pancake breakfast?" Rube inquires.
"Yes, I was thinking something like that." He nods his ascent. This is great, I think to myself. We have two extra bedrooms, so I figure Rube and Mason could share, or I could share my room with Roxy and we could make a happy Christmas Eve out of it too. I think the thought literally went through Daisy's head at the same time, because that's exactly what she suggests. Everyone agrees and in two days we're going to have Christmas together. This is going to be so great.
Everything goes according to schedule and I finish my last Post-it before everyone arrives at our place. I even have time to stop at the store to pick up a few things that I'm not too sure we have. I also figure that I should get a few things to snack on, mini egg rolls and sausage rolls, chips and that kind of stuff. I arrive home to Christmas music, Daisy in the kitchen making something, Mason, Roxy and Rube sitting in the living room talking and putting what appears to be packages under the tree.
"Hey George." Rube says helping me with my bags.
"Thanks, how's it going?" I ask just as I notice the mistletoe that I'm pretty sure Daisy hung the other night. So as tradition goes we kiss.
"Much better now." He says quietly in my ear as we make our way to the kitchen. "Daisy, what are you doing?" he asks, a huge smile on his lips.
"What does it look like I'm doing?" she replies as she washes the beans.
"Daisy I said that I would help you with that." I put my bags on the island counter. She smiles at us and continues to prepare tomorrows vegetables. "Besides, I want to get the oven warmed for dinner." I make a move towards the oven.
"I was going to order in," she says, looking a bit confused. "No one really wants to cook on Christmas Eve, right?"
"I know, but I brought some frozen thingies, egg rolls, sausage rolls, bite sized things." I say looking at Rube with a smile. "It's something that my family used to do, but if everyone agrees, I can put my stuff in the freezer downstairs and we can have them on New Years Eve. Unless we have a group Post-it or something." I say looking at Rube.
"I won't know until that morning." He replies.
"Oh okay." I say quietly and pick up my bags to take downstairs. I return to the kitchen in time to help Daisy and Rube finish up with the vegetables.
"So Georgia, when did you learn to prep like this?" he asks.
"My mother and I always did it the night before because it makes it easier the next day to just pop them on the stove. There's enough going on during the holidays that it's nice to have things organised. Would you mind handing me the yams please?"
"So you and you're family weren't as dysfunctional as you let on then?" he says handing me the bag, which I cut open with the knife and start to peel.
"I suppose when I look at things from a different perspective, I'm finding that I have a far greater understanding than I did at the time. That's another reason why I wish I hadn't died, I really did have quite a bit to do. Too bad I didn't understand all of that when I was alive, I could have left things in better order." I can feel a few tears and wished I had been cutting an onion. Rube reaches out and places a comforting hand on the small of my back and I smile my thanks.
As the three of us work away in the kitchen, Roxy and Mason sit at the coffee table and play cribbage. The only reason I know that's what they are doing, is because of the language being tossed around.
"That's twenty one pegging points baby!" Roxy says happily, "and one for his knobs!" she adds. I then hear Mason grunt and cards being shuffled.
We finish in the kitchen and clean up. I gather some plates and cutlery for dinner and start to set the table while Daisy calls the take out place to order. Rats, I think to myself. I still have Rube's letter to write.
"I'm sorry to be a party pooper, but I have something I need to do before dinner. Daisy, can you shout up when its here please?" I ask as I finish putting the wine glasses out.
"Yeah sure, no problem Georgia." She says sweetly. Rube looks at me for a moment and opens his mouth as if to say something, but stops mid thought. I dash out of the kitchen and upstairs to the solitude of my bedroom. I pop in the Women and Songs Christmas album I bought the other day and put on the second track Song For A Winters Night. I know that it doesn't quite fit with what I want to say in my letter to Rube because we are spending Christmas together, but the words are beautiful and inspire me as I take pen to paper.
A gentle tap on my door brings me from my writing. I manage to put my writing aside under a piece of cardboard as the door opens and Rube enters.
"I know I'm not Daisy, but dinners here." He seems a bit shy. Welcome to my world I want to say to him, but instead I smile and stand to shoo him out. "This is a nice room." I catch him looking around quickly. I think it surprises him that I'm neat. I had a feeling he thought me an insane pack rat or something. We make our way back downstairs to the commotion in the kitchen. This is a sight I will never forget. Everyone is sitting around the table and enjoying good company, good food, and good wine. I only hope that tomorrow goes this smoothly.
"Get over here you two." Roxy says as she spoons some noodles onto her plate and Mason's as well. We join in and have a fantastic dinner.
"I think we need to do something like this more often." Daisy says with a sweet grin. I'm beginning think that she gets us now. That she's no longer this outsider who needs to stay away from the rest of us, she's now joined us. After dinner we clear the table, Rube and I do the dishes while Mason makes tea and Roxy and Daisy sit in the living room.
"When do we get to open presents?" Mason asks happily.
"Tomorrow morning, haven't you done the Christmas thing at home?" I ask laughing as I dry a plate and set it in the cabinet. He rolls his eyes and puts the needed cups and saucers on a tray with milk, cream, and a plate of the cookies I made then goes into the living room, leaving Rube and I alone for a moment. He's quick to take advantage of their not being in the same room and kisses my cheek.
"Careful." I say quietly.
"I am being careful." His smile is devilish.
As much I want to spend time with everyone after dinner, I still have to finish my letter to Rube, so I opt to take my tea to my bedroom and finish up. I put the CD back on as I look at what I've already written. Looking good, I think to myself as I begin a new paragraph. I'm amazed at the speed the words enter my mind and are committed to paper. Almost done, I think as I quickly read it one last time before folding it and placing it in the envelope.
I return to the party and quickly stop at the tree to find Rube's gift and add the letter with smaller parcel that he will hopefully open in private. I look around and realize that the only thing that we are missing is a picture.
"Damn it." I cannot help but vocalize my feeling.
"What's the matter Peanut?" Rube asks sitting beside me on the floor.
"I don't have a camera to capture this moment." I say with a smile.
"We will remember." Rube says smiling. I lean against him and we look at the fire dancing in the fireplace for a moment. It's the most amazing thing, everyone together, talking, laughing, just getting along. The smile doesn't leave my lips. The funny thing is though, time seems to fly and eleven thirty rolls around.
"I'd say its time for bed." Rube announces before helping me to my feet.
"That's a good idea." I agree with a slight yawn, it's been a very busy day. I find this odd, brushing my teeth alongside Rube and Mason, fighting for spit room, but I cannot help the smile that has permanently etched itself on my lips
"Good night." I say and head to my bedroom, closing the door behind.
"Night George." I hear him say happily. He's sharing one of the guest rooms with Mason. I have to wonder how that's going to go? My last thought before falling asleep.
I awake the next morning to the clatter of frying pans and God only knows what else. Rube must be up and making breakfast. I head to the bathroom to wash the sleep from my eyes and brush my teeth. Padding downstairs in my pyjamas and housecoat, I go to the tree and plug in the lights, it was always the first thing I did when I got up Christmas morning. I wonder if Reggie, my younger sister, will do that this year? Then I make my way into the kitchen to help Rube make breakfast.
"Morning Rube." I'm still a bit groggy, but smiling nonetheless. "Can I just get a cup of coffee fist please? I'll gladly help you with breakfast, I just need to wake up." I rub my eyes quickly and dance around him to the coffee pot. I add cream and sit at the kitchen island and inhale the strong aroma, then take a much-needed sip. "That's much better." I smile and get off the stool. "So what can I do?" I ask.
"You can set the table. I've already gotten everything under control." He says proudly before kissing me softly.
"Oh, okay." I say and get the needed plates and utensils. I find the juice glasses and fill them with orange juice.
"Thanks George." He adds smiling, looks around then quickly kisses my cheek.
"No problem. Did you wake everyone else already?" I ask wondering why no one else is up and about.
"I did. But they wanted a few more zzz's, so now that I'm done making breakfast, they should surface." He says just as Daisy finds her way into the kitchen.
"Good morning. Something smells absolutely fantastic." She smiles and heads towards the table, Mason trailing in behind her, as does Roxy. I decide to help Rube set the plates of pancakes, bacon, eggs, and toast on the table for everyone to help themselves. This is really nice; I cannot help but beam as we eat breakfast together like a family.
After breakfast I help Roxy with the dishes, then everyone dresses and meets in the living room to open gifts. This really is a wonderful sight, the snow is falling outside the large windows, the fireplace is crackling, the tree lights are on and blinking to the music, the turkey is in the oven, and we're all together; who could ask for anything more.
"Thank you Peanut." Rube says all of a sudden after opening the main part of his gifts. I can tell he's left the letter and smaller parcel for another time and somehow I'm glad. He and I are sitting on the same sofa, so he slides over and gives me a tender hug. Not too long that the others suspect anything but long enough.
"You're welcome and thank you very much for the books." I say with a wide smile. No one else would understand, but that's okay.
"You're not quite done with opening my gift yet." He says quietly and I dig a little deeper in the bag. There is a small velvety box.
"Oh Rube, what have you done?" I ask very quietly so not to draw attention. "I'll open it later?"
"That may be a good idea." He winks.
"Thank you so much Georgia!" Daisy suddenly shrieks and grabs me in a very tight hug.
"You're welcome Daisy, I thought you might like it." I say smiling.
"And the basket is adorable." She goes back to her chair and continues to examine the many creams and facial scrubs; she even smells the fresh scents.
"How did you know?" that is Roxy who smiles widely before making her way to Rube to hug him.
"Hey Georgie Girl, thanks." Mason says making his way to me for a hug. "Are you a mind reader or something?"
"Oh I just thought it looked cool." I say smiling. This definitely is the best Christmas of recent memory. I'm so happy that I have found a place that is home with people who are warm and caring. We clean up our mess of paper, after which; Daisy and I head to the kitchen to get things going. Making dinner is a chinch when you have Rube to help. He nearly chases us out, but I manage to get the table set and a few other things done before perching myself on the island stool and watch him cook.
"You didn't have to take over." I say with a giggle.
"I know, but I enjoy it." He smiles as he pokes the potatoes for doneness.
Dinner is just as amazing as breakfast and after we all help with the dishes, we enjoy the desert Mason brought, a beautiful cake, and tea and coffee. After a few more hours of conversation, our guests leave and Daisy and I finish cleaning up the living room.
"Thank you again Georgia." Daisy says as she fluffs the last pillow.
"I didn't really do anything." I reply casually.
"No really, you put together a wonderful holiday. It's been a very long time since I have had such a wonderful Christmas, so long that I had nearly written the whole thing off." I cannot help but freeze in my tracks and stare at her.
"Why?"
"Things were never as great as I make them sound." She says with a far off gaze. I sit beside her on the sofa and put my arm around her.
"You have us now. Forget about all that crap." I say, it's the only thing I know to say and she smiles. "It's getting late and I need to get some sleep."
"When do you have to go back to work?" she asks quietly.
"I have until after the New Year before I'm Happy Time bound."
"Any plans to get away?"
"No. To me this has been far more important." I say over my shoulder as I head upstairs with my bag.
In the privacy of my bedroom, I pull out the velvety box. I cannot help myself; I stare at it for a long moment and try to guess what's inside. I guess this gift is to say everything that I did in that letter to him. Carefully tucked upon the cushion is a delicate white gold locket. I open the locket; inside is a picture of Rube and I that Roxy had taken a few months ago. I feel the tears make their way down my cheeks. It's the prefect way for us to always be together, even when apart. Forget sleep, I need to see him. I dash to the bathroom to wash my face, brush my teeth, and fix my hair.
"Daisy, I have something I need to do." I say as I make my way downstairs to get my coat from the closet.
"At this time of the evening?" she asks.
"Yeah, this can't wait." I reply with a bright smile. It's strange, but I get the funny feeling that she knows something. She's a lot deeper than any of the others give her credit for. "I'll see you later?" I add before closing the door behind me. I walk quickly to Rube's. The air is crisp upon my exposed skin. My warm breath looks like smoke as it hits the chilled air. It's odd, but when I arrive at Rube's I stand outside his door for what seems like forever before I knock.
I hear him walking around his flat to the door he seems to pause as if debating whether or not he should open it. It is after all very late in the evening.
"Georgia, what are you doing here?" he seems a bit surprised to see me. I smile and without thought kiss him tenderly. I can tell that I've completely taken him off guard.
"That's quite the greeting." He says catching his breath as I catch mine. He gestures for me to cross the threshold and I do with a bright smile.
"I wanted to thank you for the gift. It's beautiful." I say holding the velvety box. He looks at me quizzically for a moment his expression reads you're not wearing it. As if he knows what I'm thinking. He gently takes the box from my hands and removes the locket. I think his fingers tremble a little as I lift my hair out of the way and he places the locket around my neck, fastens it carefully and kisses the back of my neck, like I've seen so many times in the movies. I turn to face him and cannot help, but cup his cheek with a trembling hand and kiss him again.
It's the most amazing sensation, being able to kiss the one that you love without having to make sure the coast is clear. Breaking the kiss, he smiles.
"Thank you for your lovely letter. Georgia it means so much to me to know that you feel the same." He says and I know that these words are very hard for him to say. I suddenly doubt that he's said them to anyone in a very long time. "How did you get here?" he asks suddenly.
"I walked." I reply sheepishly.
"What time is it?"
"Around midnight."
"I'll drive you home."
"I don't want to go home." I say simply. I can see he's fairly shocked by my sudden display of courage, seeing that the last time we kissed in his flat, I had a total freak out. I know that I'm supposed to be here, that I am safe no matter what.
"Georgia." My name leaves his lips and I hug him tightly. It's a wonderful feeling, to be alive if you will pardon the pun, for the fist time.
And one of these days
I won't be afraid of staying with you