December 25th

Christmas Day

One minute after midnight.

Penny closed the book, after reading the final page of her favourite story A Christmas Carol. Beside her, was a small gift, tied with a pink ribbon. The label on it said 'Don't open until Christmas Day.'

She grinned to herself.

Well, technically, it WAS Christmas Day. It was just after midnight and that constituted another day in the calendar year. Her hand hovered over it, uncertain.

Should she untie the bow and peek inside? Or should she go to bed and sleep on it?

If there was one certainty, there was no way she'd be able to sleep. Not with this little treasure, sitting there teasing her relentlessly.

Standing up, she paced the floor, occasionally casting glances at this tiny little present. It had arrived just this morning. Brought in by Parker, who remained tight-lipped about the whole thing.

When she asked her father, he denied ever sending her anything and admitted shamefully that he'd actually forgotten about Christmas, such was his own busy life.

She could take it to the GDF and have it examined, fingerprinted, DNA tested, to find out who sent it. But then they'd probably say it was an explosive device and destroy it.

Her fingers twitched as she muttered to herself.

She was so fixated with this tiny little gift that she didn't hear the door open.

"I thought I told you not to open it until Christmas Day."

She whirled around to see Gordon standing there in his scuba suit, a wicked grin on his face.

"Gordon? I thought you were on a rescue."
"We were, but it was a quick and easy one today."
"Any … casualties?"
"Nope, just one person and she got out safely."

Behind him, she spotted Virgil. He looked tired out.

"You should get home and get some sleep….. the pair of you."

Gordon pulled her into a tight hug and kissed the tip of her nose. Virgil pretended to make gagging noises behind him. Both Penny and Gordon rolled their eyes and giggled.

Gordon reached down and picked up the tiny gift.

"Well, since it's technically after midnight …."
"You read my thoughts Gordon."

He chuckled, before taking her hand, palm upwards and placing the gift in the centre.

"I think you should open it."

With trembling hands, she tugged at the bow. The wrapping fell apart.

"I got Grandma to wrap it, she's much better at that sort of thing."

Penny looked up at him.

"Does she know what's inside?"
"Yup, and she approves too."

His chest puffed out slightly.

"Oh, please."

Virgil folded his arms, his biceps bulging underneath his uniform. He stifled a yawn. Gordon threw him a look, but turned back to Penny, a look of expectation in his face.

It was a silver heart-shaped box. It actually looked like a ring box, if Penny was being honest.

Now why on earth would he be …..

… wait ….

She carefully opened the lid….

"Oh Gordon!"