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Under The Mistletoe

"One of the nice things about Christmas is that you can make people forget the past with a present" - Author unknown

Chap 2: Family Book & Italian Ring

Penelope took her phone out of her pockets and et dialed a number she knew by heart for years. She had four brothers. She hadn't seen two of them since her parents' death, more than fifteen years ago. She was the younger of the siblings et was very close to the younger of her brothers, the only one who really paid attention to her. She waited feverishly for her brother to answer.

"Hello?"

"Alessandro? It's Penelope!"

"Hey Penny! How are you sweetie?"

"I'm really good. What about you? Is Alisha all right? Angela's birth was really gruelling!"

"Oh yeah, don't worry, she's fine. What can I do for you?"

"We're doing a Secret Santa with my team. And you have something I really need."

"What is it?"

"Remember the boxes you took at Grandma's house before the sale?"

"Yeah, I remember it. There was a lot of old books in those boxes. They are currently sleeping in a cupboard."

"Well in these boxes there's a book that I need."

"Wait, I'll see if I can find it. Which one do you need?"

"I need "Slaughterhouse 5 or The Children's Crusade". It's a Kurt Vonnegut's book. It's Derek favorite author and in one of these boxes is the first edition of this book. Derek's favorite."

Alessandro rummaged through the boxes during several minutes before finally finding the book he was looking for.

"I have it! You wanna come to pick it?"

"Thank you Al'! You're the best!"

"You are the best Penny! How did you know that this book was here? I don't even know the name of half the books that are in those boxes!"

"It was one of Grandma's favorite books, she talked to me about it."

"You know, I don't use those books, and you seem to care about it. Take it if you want!"

"You're sure you don't mind?"

"Sure, don't worry Penny."

"Thank you so much, I'll be here in ten minutes!"

"See ya then!"

Rossi darted a glance over her shoulder. Nobody. He knew it was ridiculous but he didn't want to be seen by anyone. It had to stay a secret. He knew exactly what gift he was going to give to JJ, and he didn't anyone to know. Knowing he was alone, he went in the shop at a leisury pace and smiled to the saleswoman. She greeted him with a strong Italian accent.

"Can I help you sir?"

"I'm looking for a piece of jewelry I saw a few days ago."

"Of course. What was it?"

"It was a ring made by Masini Gioielli."

"Oh yeah, magnificent jewels. It's a success. What collection?"

"Collection Vanità"

"Please follow me, we'll see if we still have the jewel you're looking for."

The saleswoman showed him the way to the back of the jewelry shop. It was specialized in Italian jewels. She showed him a window.

"Here are exposed all the jewels made by Masini Gioielli we own."

Rossi looked at the window and smiled. He showed a ring.

"It's this one."

It was a silver ring, encircling a light blue square of Murano glass.

"It's my favorite!" The saleswoman exclaimed.

Rossi paid and walked out of the jewelry shop. He sighed and smiled. He had always been attracted by JJ but had never found the courage to confess her his feelings. Maybe Christmas could bring him luck...

You can find the image of the ring here: http:/ / dynamic . forzieri . com/is/image/Forzieri/prdm_mg41265-004-2?$354x454$

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