Christmas Day Part 2

Shane and Oliver made their way downstairs. Joe smiled as they entered the living room, tactfully refraining from mentioning the state of Oliver's hair. Someone had definitely run their hands through it, and Joe was pretty sure he knew who. He decided to abstain from giving his son a hard time, and instead, brought the conversation around to the one gift that had not yet been exchanged.

'Son,' Joe began, 'You know, there is one present that I haven't shared yet. I am hoping that you won't mind if I leave that until your Christmas guests go home.'

Oliver looked from Joe to Shane. She looked like she was trying not to laugh. 'Joe is right, Honey. You will be impossible to separate from it once you see it!'

Oliver looked confused.

'Right Team O'Toole,' Shane jumped to her fee, clapping her hands. 'Ten minutes for ablutions, then kitchen duty for everyone.'

She winked. 'I have some excellent Christmas aprons for us to wear. Let's go!'

Capturing the Day

Shane almost collapsed onto the couch. The past few hours with family had been wonderful, but she was frankly exhausted. Oliver finished wiping the counter tops then came over to her, settling beside her. Joe, who had yet to depart, also relaxed into the furniture. Shane grabbed her phone, then turned on the smart TV. It might seem strange that Oliver would even have a television in his living room, but Shane had convinced him with a very high-tech piece of gear that projected art works when it was not in use as a television. Oliver had no idea how it worked, and did not much care, but Shane loved it, and he did think that movie nights did have something to be said for them. He watched idly as Shane did something to her phone to make its screen appear on the TV screen.

Shane had spent the day snapping pictures, and was keen to scroll through them, reliving the happiness of the day. She delightedly slid from image to image.

There was Joe and Oliver, dressed in their fabulous Christmas aprons standing proudly with a glazed ham and enormous turkey.

There was Joe, sitting on an ottoman near the Christmas tree, playing Santa.

Baby Eleanor was completely ignoring the gift she had received, happily playing with a box.

Next was a cute photo of Dale and Marcus attempting to sneak a kiss under the mistletoe.

Everyone laughing at Ramon slicing the turkey, looking like a swashbuckling pirate.

Norman, laughing until he was almost hysterical over terrible jokes in the Christmas crackers.

Rita and Charlie wearing the matching ugly sweaters that Bill had given them.

Bill and Joe carolling for their supper, with Dale and Oliver providing harmonies.

Shane's beautiful table setting, sparkling crystal, hand decorated place cards and a beautiful centrepiece of greenery and candles.

Everyone sitting around the table after the main course looking slightly comatose from too much food.

Everyone suddenly finding a second stomach as Shane and Rita served the desserts – a massive trifle, plum pudding, and a red velvet cheesecake.

Baby Eleanor falling asleep on Oliver, and the look of resignation on his face as a river of baby drool cascaded down his shoulder.

Bill, giving Norman a hug so big that he was completely lifted off the floor.

Shane giggled at the last photo. It was not one she had taken herself, but rather was one that Rita had sent her. It was of Shane and Oliver dancing cheek to cheek.

The Final Gift

Joe handed what looked to be an archive box wrapped in Christmas paper.

'I guess I cheated Son,' Joe began. 'I mean I didn't buy you a gift, but I do have something for you that I think you will like. I cannot think of anyone who would like it more.'

Oliver looked puzzled, but began opening the box. He carefully removed the paper (Shane had to sit on her hands so she didn't grab the box and tear the wrapping) then slid the lid from the box. He still looked puzzled as he removed journals, bundles of letters and a scrapbook of cuttings. He held one of the journals and traced the gold letters embossed on the front. He noticed that J. L. O. was stamped on each of the books. Intrigued, he opened the stiff pages and began to read.

After turning a few pages, Oliver looked at his father, confusion on his face.

'Dad,' Oliver's voice held a question. 'I know all of your grandfather's poems, but I don't think I know a couple of these …' His voice trailed off as he continued to flick through pages.

'I found this in the stuff I got out of storage, Ollie. You're right, some of these are unpublished. Your very clever wife thought you might be the person to organise these, and maybe even edit them for publishing?'

Shane had contained her enthusiasm for long enough. 'I may have made a call to the professor of English literature at the University. You have an appointment in the New Year. Professor Hawkins is very much looking forward to seeing these, and perhaps even helping you to get the journals published.'

Oliver looked stunned. 'Dad. Shane, this is amazing!' He couldn't help his eyes returning to the pages.

Shane laughed. 'I think I need to call Dale.'

Oliver looked up, and Joe looked on in bewilderment, unsure how excited Dale would be with the literary treasure.

'I think I have lost my husband. He seems to be stuck in a book. I wonder if Dale can help organise a search party?'