Valentine's Day Challenge, Part 9
The next day was Christmas Eve. I spent the day delivering gifts to the girls at the bonds office and the Rangeman offices. The Merry Men were as excited with their gifts as a bunch of little boys. They had gone in together and bought me a Macy's gift card for $500. I was beyond delighted! "Thanks guys, you're the best!" I said with a squeal when I opened it.
"That's what all the girls say," Lester said with a grin. He scooped me up for a hug, then Bobby was there for his turn, then Tank, and so I made the rounds. I was laughing and blushing by the time I was done. Hal sat me back on my feet, gave me a long look, then leaned in and whispered, "Good to see you back to normal, Bomber."
I felt my smile falter and looked around the circle of my friends. They were all looking at me with such concern and love on their faces that I couldn't help but feel it. It was like a much needed boost. I felt my smile come back full-force. "Thanks guys. For everything." My eyes were misting, but I was good. I would be ok.
Suddenly the hairs on the back of my neck stood up, and I knew Ranger was near. I turned to find him standing in the doorway. I heard the shuffling of merry feet and mumbled goodbyes. "Ranger. Merry Christmas," I said as I attempted to walk past him. He blocked my exit, his eyes never leaving mine. They still held no emotion, but didn't look as scary as before. Maybe that's a step.
"I heard you were in the building. I have something for you." He reached behind him and brought out a box. It was the size of a large jewelry box. It was beautifully wrapped and finished with a big gold bow. I could see the tag simply said 'Babe.'
I didn't know what to say, but somehow I knew I didn't want to take that box. So I fished in the bag I had brought with me and brought out Ranger's gift. I had planned on leaving it in the Control Room. I had not planned on seeing him here today.
I had bought his gift right after he had left on that last mission. It was a small painting of the beach at Point Pleasant at sunset. It reminded me of an evening we had spent there walking, talking and listening to the waves crashing. It had been one of the rare times that Ranger and I felt like a normal couple. We weren't working, we were just spending time together. It was a memory I would always treasure.
Since he had been back I had debated whether I should even give it to him, but in the end decided I couldn't keep it. He could throw it away if he wanted, but I had thought of him when I saw it and I wanted him to have it. I held it out to him, and thought I saw a look of surprise cross his eyes. He didn't take it, but rather just stood holding out his gift to me.
Well, this was awkward. I gave him a weak smile, and said, "Trade you." That did the trick. He took his gift from me, and handed me mine from him.
"Thank you. Merry Christmas, Babe," he said. He leaned in, kissed my cheek, turned and was gone. Well, hell. What am I supposed to think of that?
I realized I was still on camera and probably providing quite the show to the Control Room, standing there with my mouth hanging open. I made my way to the elevator, gave a little finger wave to the camera, and walked out into the parking garage. I was just in time to see Ranger helping Deborah Fairbanks into the Porsche. His eyes met mine over the top of the car. He gave a little nod, angled into the car, and pulled out of the garage.
I waited until they were gone before I made my way to my car. I didn't know quite what had just happened. I still had the gift clutched in my hand. I started to open it but decided I might not want an audience, so thought I'd wait until I got home. I don't know what I was so afraid of. What could be in that box that was all that bad? It wasn't like he gave me back my broken heart. Geesh.
By the time I made it home, after stopping at Mary Lou's and Sally Sweet's, I had to hurry if I was going to make it to my parents' in time. I decided I'd deal with Ranger's gift later.
Christmas Eve at my parents' was the same as it has always been. The same menu. The same prayers. The same feeling of family. We ate, opened one gift each, then made our way to Midnight Mass. After church, we came home, ate some more and said our good-byes. I would be back in the morning.
When I got home, Ranger's gift was still waiting for me. I decided it would be best not to deal with it at this late hour. I'd have plenty of time for it tomorrow. Yep, big scaredy-cat. That's me.
Christmas morning dawned bright and early. I hated that I woke up alone. This morning, more than any other of the year, drove home the point that I was pathetic. I had no husband, no family, no future. Of course, I didn't want a husband, didn't want children at this point, and the only 'future' I wanted was probably waking up with Deborah Fairbanks about now. Ok, Enough with the pity party! I got up, showered, dressed, and managed to avoid opening Ranger's gift again. "I'll deal with it when I get home. Don't want to ruin my day," I said to myself. Great, now I'm talking to myself.
By the time I got to my parents' house, Valerie and Albert were already there with the girls. The house was bustling, filled to the brim with family, excitement, and holiday wishes. We spent a wonderful day eating, opening gifts, eating, visiting, eating, watching the girls play, and eating. By the time I left I was stuffed, contented, and drowsy.
Why ruin what had been a perfectly wonderful day by dealing with Ranger's gift? I could deal with it tomorrow. Right after I hit the mall with Lula.