The night before Christmas.
It was the night before Christmas. The children were tucked up in bed, waiting for Father Christmas to arrive, and see what presents lay under the tree.
Gordon had put Aisling and Jonathan to bed, the other tow having gone on their own. It was to be Aisling's first Christmas, so they wanted to make it special. Jonathon, Katie and Tom were all excited, and were looking forward to Christmas day.
He heard singing coming from the living room. Inching closer, he discovered it was Jill, singing quietly to herself, and aswell as placing all the carefully wrapped presents under the tree. She hadn't noticed him, yet he didn't want to disturb her. He hadn't seen her this happy and content for a long time. She rarely sang at home, so it was a treat when she did. Occasionally she'd sing to Jonathon or Aisling when they tried to settle them for the night, when soothing words and mobiles failed. So, he just hovered in the doorway, watching, listening and smiling as she carried on placing presents, quietly singing 'silent night' as she did so.
He daren't disturb her, so just carried on hovering, waiting till she finished. In no way rushing her. He enjoyed watching her. It was soothing after a busy day at work, and a perfect end to a year, which in some ways they'd rather forget.
There was a time, when Gordon wondered if she'd live to see Christmas. The odds were stacked against her, but rule breaking and bravery brought her back. Sheer bravery. But, in the time it took for Mr Rose to arrive, he wondered if she'd live to see Christmas, a thought which haunted him for a couple of months after. So he was now in no rush. She defied the odds and fought back. So, for him, this Christmas was very special.
He'd bought her something really special. A white gold chain, which had really taken his eye. He'd been hiding it from her for months, and he couldn't wait to see her open it. To him, it was the perfect present. She deserved perfection. He was oblivious to what Jill had bought him, but, given he nearly lost her a few months ago, her health mattered. Good health was all he wanted.
It was 20 minutes before she noticed him. Still standing in the doorway, smiling.
"How long have you been there?" Jill asked, surprised. "You've been watching me haven't you?"
"Been here long enough" Gordon started. "Didn't want to disturb you." Jill smiled, pulling the angel out of the box.
"Oh." Jill said, watching Gordon carefully place the small box under the tree. "Want to help me with this?"
"Yeah... You can reach the top. Can't you?" Gordon questioned.
"Could really do with some help" Jill said, dropping a subtle hint. "Any chance you could....?" Gordon held one side and Jill the other. Together they put the angel on the top of the tree, where she sat proudly.
"Merry Christmas Dr Weatherill" Gordon said, with that flirty tone he saved for special occasions.
"And to you Dr Ormerod. I do love you" Jill said, yawning. He couldn't stop smiling. He was interrupted by Jill yawning again.
"Early night??" Gordon asked, looking around at Jill's handiwork. "Think we're all done for tonight."
"Ok. Merry Christmas" Jill whispered, kissing him on the cheek before dashing upstairs. He watched her go, knowing that tomorrow would be special.
After all, she deserved perfection.