A Christmas Carol to Sam (I)
Middle of December all was quiet in 'Home Run', the bar that Sam had opened twenty years ago when he came to LA from Boston. It was a light and airy bar. The decor was somewhere between sport and the "chic" -that last idea was Diane, and what the hell, she was right- Between the pictures of baseball that was decorating the walls of that place, had some photos of his playing for the Red Sox, others were they brought from 'Cheers' but the most precious of all those memories and trophies, he had reserved at his office. And now here he was, sitting at his desk, lost in a lot of memories of the past, looking at Geronimo Indian photo, the favorite of "Coach", his loved Ernie Pantusso.
He had to admit that this man of immense goodness of heart and full of wisdom that isn't acquired in school or college, but throughout life, he was all for him. He knew that he had been to Ernie as a son. The "Coach" had spoiled him, had taught him to play professional baseball, taught him to live, taught him to fight, to overcome difficulties despite the shortcomings that you may have. He was also a friend... better said, the friend, the only one not turned his back in no time. And especially was also his counselor, the endearing voice of his conscience, the helping hand, always outstretched at all times. How he missed him! As he eased the wound in his absence, the conviction that someone so, sure he was in Heaven. Tears came to his eyes heavy and thick, and ran down his cheeks swift up to his chin, before jumping into the void.
Yes, he was more loving to him than his own father. He remembered that night in the locker room. He was sitting on a bench drunk and groggy. The manager of the Red Sox was forcing him to make a decision: the team or drink. His father was away a rage, angry, insulting him, disowning him, despising him… "as ever -Sam thought- I've never been Derek". Finally, when the manager made the decision to fire him, Ernie resigned and went with him. He was the only one in the world who did something for him. Neither family nor friends. Only Ernie. So that picture of Geronimo, who so much liked the "Coach", was special and, sometimes, when he was in the office reviewing the accounting books and invoices, made him feel that Ernie was behind him watching him in silence in the shadows. But when he turned to look, no one, it was as if at that moment he had vanished. Tears turned to run again. Luckily he was alone!.
Ernie Pantusso was not only a father in every way, but also, he was only in Cheers in Boston, in the world, which became clear that Diane was the love of his life, the only one not put impediments and did everything he had in his hand so that he and Diane were together. Yes, he was also good and fatherly with her, they got along very well. Ernie admired Diane intelligence. He suffered when he saw them angry or separated, and he enjoyed them when I saw them together and happy. The dream of that giddy, good-natured man was to see how one day he and Diane were married and went to live in a house the three together as a they loved Ernie and Diane!
At that moment he realized that those thoughts, those memories, though beautiful and endearing, they were tinged by sadness and longing. Also seemed out of reach, immersed in a past more and more far away. No, that was not the way. He could not stop, should not be allowed, that sadness invaded his heart and mind. Eyes and wiped his face and blew his nose noisily with a tissue. He thought. What had happened? Perhaps, as Christmas drew near, his heart was especially vulnerable and responsive to the memories. At that time Julia, the waitress at the bar, knocked on the door before entering:
- Sorry Sam, I... Is something wrong?
- No, nothing. Don't worry. What is it? -Sam said.
- Well ... Ah, yes! ... It's called Diane. She says where you've gotten, that the flight isn't going to wait to you forever. Also says she's at home, but don't forget that you have to pick up Jessie in her parents' house.
Since Samuel went to Boston, Jessie spent more time at her parents' home than in her small rented apartment.
Heavens!, it's true! -Sam said- Tell her I'll be there.
Sam put his old Red Sox jacket, took the air tickets and some money. On leaving he instructed David, the barman, what he had to do in his absence, although he already knew, but so Sam remained quieter.
He arrived in his car to the Jessie's parents' house, the Kowalski lords. They were good people, workers and good Catholics. "Better than me", Sam thought. He touched twice the horn of his precious red Chevrolet Corvette 56. Always liked him that kind of cars, and that was a classic in his opinion.
- Hi, Sam! -greeted Pete, Jessie's father, while he beat Sam on his shoulder by way of greeting, making him feel a painful electric current all over the arm. Pete wasn't very tall, but he was big and strong, something rough- My little girl is ready. Now she goes.
- OK, don't worry Pete. We got time -said Sam while surreptitiously rubbed his sore shoulder.
- It's very kind of you to invite Jessie to see your son in Boston -said Mary, Jessie's mother- Here you have the address and phone from my sister Rose in Boston. There my baby will sleep during her stay. Is already spoken. I've told Jessie to promise me she will do so.
Sam smiled covertly by the innocence of the woman, real or not.
- She's here! Pete exclaimed.
After saying goodbye to parents and put the suitcase in the car, they went to Diane. She was waiting with suitcases at the front door. There was also a taxi she had called. While Sam kept the car in the garage, Jessie picked up her suitcase and with Diane waited in the taxi. Then they went to the airport all three.
Arriving at Boston, Jessie took a taxi and went to her aunt Rose's home. Sam and Diane took another taxi but, before boarding, Diane gave to the driver an address without Sam realizing anything. A surprise awaited him.
When they arrived, Sam couldn't believe it. He was right in front of the entrance of the Diane's old maiden apartment.
- But what the hell...? -Sam was speechless. The surprise wouldn't let him speak.
- Yes Sam, my old maiden apartment -confirmed Diane.
They went up in the lift. Upon entering the apartment, Sam could see that had hardly changed at all. Was freshly painted and had changed the curtains and some furniture. Finally he managed to say:
- Didn't you have rented? -Sam replied.
- Yes, that's right. But the couple who lived here told me a few months ago, when we came up to see Samuel, that they were going to live in New York. So I thought, that if some refurbishment was done in house and, as we will often come up to see Samuel, we come here would be cheaper to go to a hotel.
- Diane, honey, I recognize you've surprised me again. The truth is that you always amaze me. And I have to add also, I like this idea of yours.
- Really, Sam? -Diane said with joy and excitement of a teenager.
- Of course! Here we have a lot of memories. Do you remember the first time I came to this apartment?. That night you put me through a living hell...
- Don't exaggerate! Was not that bad -Diane said as she laughed- Also you deserved it. You behaved like an insensitive troglodyte,
- Wow! -Sam said.
- What is it?
- Well I'll have to remember how that night ended -Sam said as he pushed smoothly into the bedroom- I remember it vaguely…
- Sam!
The days before the celebration of Christmas Eve, had gone to see the elderly mother Diane. Frasier and Lilith invited them to spend this night in their new duplex. Sam also received an email from Derek apologizing, once again, not to be with them at Christmas.
Diane could feel the mood of Sam was a little bucolic and absent.
- Honey, you look rare. What is wrong Sam?
- Nothing, nothing... -said Sam in a vain attempt to reassure Diane.
- Sam, honey -Diane insisted- You know very well, we carry a lifetime together, that I know you very well and you cannot fool me, so ...
- Okay, okay. You win.
- Start -Diane said impatiently.
- From what we married, we have been here many times. But… Have you noticed that this is the first Christmas that we celebrate here in Boston, after twenty years?
- Yes. What about?
- You know what this town for me. -Sam continued- Here I was born and raised. We met, we've got our old friends, our gang: Frasier, Lilith, Norm, Cliff, Woody, Carla ...
- The "Coach"... 'Cheers'... -Sam was speechless at the words of Diane. She went on- Julia told me, the other day by phone, that she found you with eyes glassy and red nose, while you were looking at the Geronimo's picture in your office.
Sam nodded his head and under his gaze to the floor.
- Yes, that's right -admitted Sam- This whole journey has removed all my memories. Then there's the whole thing of Christmas, you know… and… -He didn't know what to say. Was speechless looking helplessly at Diane.
- Don`t worry, my love. I understand. It`s best to get out for a walk...
- I preferred to go alone -interrupted Sam- You don't mind, right? I have to think about.
- No… right… Don't worry. I guess I understand -said Diane comprehensive.