Chapter 4

Meanwhile, Darien was in the park with his guitar hoping to make a few tips while playing before the jewelry store closed. He went to his usual bench and kept the guitar case open as he began playing simple Christmas songs. Not many people were walking around the park and most people he did see ignored him. Some people gave him some loose change, but that was about it. Darien was not in a big rush to get home and tell Serena that he was fired so he stayed in the park a while longer. Even though he still wasn't making much money he found that playing the music calmed him down and helped him forget his worries. Darien decided to play his personal arrangement of 'O Holy Night' for his final performance before heading to the jewelry store.

A couple of children dressed like a Bible character and a shepherd suddenly appeared in front of Darien and listened intently to his playing. "Whatcha doin'?" the little boy asked as he and his sister sat on either side of him.

Darien smiled at him. "I'm playing Christmas music," he said as he continued playing.

"It's very pretty," the little girl said. She and her brother continued listening to the music contently before they caught on to the melody. "I know this song," the girl exclaimed.

"Me too!"

"Would you like to sing it with me?" Darien asked.

"Yeah!" they both said at the same time. Darien played the introduction and then they all started singing together.

*******

"Rachel, Jonathan, where are you?" a man yelled frantically.

"I see them, Andrew," a woman said. "They're sitting at a bench." The couple appeared and smiled at the scene before them. A black haired man the woman didn't recognize was helping her son play a few simple chords on the guitar while her daughter tried to sing along.

"I told you you're gonna be a great father someday, Darien," Andrew said happily. Darien, Rachel and Jonathan gasped in surprise and looked up to see who was talking to them. "I see you met my kids."

Darien smiled at his friend. "Not formally."

"My name's Rachel," the little girl said.

"And my name's Jon."

"This is my wife Mina," Andrew said. "Mina, this is my friend Darien from work that I've been telling you about."

"It's a pleasure to meet you," Mina said. "I want to personally thank you for helping my husband get to the children's play today."

"It wasn't a problem," Darien said modestly. "I needed the extra tips to buy my Serena's Christmas present anyway."

"Mommy, what are tips?" Jon asked.

"It's money that people give to hard workers for doing a good job," Mina explained.

"Is that why there's change in your guitar case, Mr. Darien?" Rachel asked.

"Yeah, but it wasn't a good day," Darien said sadly.

"Were the customers that bad at work after I left?" Andrew asked. "I was sure they would have been generous considering it's Christmas Eve and all."

"They were," Darien explained. "But Carson took all my tip money and fired me."

"Are you kidding me?" Andrew exclaimed. "What the heck happened?"

"I was helping the last customer, an elderly couple, and they didn't have enough money for all the repairs they needed. I did some services for them for free, but Carson saw what happened and fired me."

"That's awful," Mina said. "Is Serena your wife?" Darien nodded. "Does she happen to wrap presents at the department store?"

"Yeah," Darien said. "I didn't want her to because she's pregnant with our twins, but the little money she makes has helped us a lot."

"I'm the assistant manger there and I'm so glad to have her. She's one of the sweetest people I have ever met and she brings so much life to the place."

Darien smiled. "That's one of the many reasons why I love her so much." Mina sighed dreamily with hearts in her eyes as Andrew rolled his eyes and the children laughed.

"Darien, I feel awful about what happened," Andrew said digging through his pockets. "Take my tip money. You need it more than I do."

"I can't do that…"

"I insist," Andrew said stuffing it in his hands. "It's Christmas so don't try to give it back."

"Thank you," Darien said gratefully.

"We've gotta get going before my parents get home," Mina said. "Merry Christmas, Darien. Tell Serena I love her."

"Bye, Mr. Darien," Rachel and Jonathan said together as they walked away.

Darien waved and checked the time. He put his guitar away and rushed to the jewelry store. He got there as the manager was closing. "Please wait sir," Darien said frantically. "I have to buy my wife a Christmas present."

"I'm sorry," the manager said. "You can read the sign: I close at 6pm."

"I just want to get that necklace. I have cash money." Darien took the money from his pocket and frowned when he realized he still came up short. The manager started walking away. Darien thought quickly and an idea suddenly came to his head. "Wait what if I trade this in." He took out his late father's pocket watch and gave it to the manager. He loved the watch because it was a memory of his father, but Serena's happiness meant much more.

"Hmm," the man said examining the pocket watch. "It looks too ancient to be worth anything. Sorry." He handed it back to Darien.

Darien's shoulders slumped. "It was my father's," he said sadly. "I'm sorry to have bothered you. Merry Christmas." He started walking away dejectedly.

The manager had compassion on him and changed his mind. "Maybe this watch is worth something after all. Come on in and we can try to work something out."