Chapter 16: Gurney: Isobel and Jubal

It was Tyler's request this time. He seldom hears his son ask for anything so he felt like he had to do his best not to disappoint him. Tyler said he couldn't have it in Sam's house, really their house, because of the carpeted floor. He wanted a real Christmas tree.

Tyler said it reminded him of being closer to nature. Jubal thinks that it is because of his recent trip and a certain someone who loves the outdoors and animals. Either way, his son even tried to enumerate the benefits of having a live tree. "It's biodegradable. And it smells like..."

He chuckled. "Okay, okay, buddy. If you want a real tree, we'll get a real tree." He wouldn't forget the smile on Tyler's face after he said that. He hadn't seen that smile in a long time.

Two hours later, with Tyler and Abby arguing on which tree to get, they finally found a tree that they could agree on. Jubal and his son loaded the chosen Christmas tree in a flat board on top of wheels. He borrowed the contraption from his older brother earlier that week. He told him about Tyler's request and wondered how to transport it. He also rented a pickup truck so they could put the tree in the back.

"I don't know, dad. It looks we're bringing something in a gurney," Tyler remarked when they finished securing the tree on it.

Jubal couldn't help but agree. "Well, if I carry this tree with just my strength, I would've injured my back and it would've been me in an actual gurney." Tyler chuckled.

"Hey guys!"

Jubal almost lost his grip upon hearing her melodic voice.

"Izzy!" Abby ran to hug Isobel.

"Hello Abby" she said, returning the little girl's hug. "Tyler..." she nodded at teenager who waved at her. "Hi Jubal," she said, finally greeting him.

"Hey, what brings you here? Are you also buying a live tree?"

"Uh no, I just picked up my groceries when I saw the three of you." She held up her reusable bag.

"Well, let us walk you to your car," he offered. "If you don't mind us bringing this huge thing."

She smiled as they started walking. "No, I took a cab. I was just about to get an Uber."

"No need, we'll just load this up then you can ride with us."

Abby, clearly loved the idea, jumped up and down. "You can help us decorate this tree."

"Abby, she might be busy," Tyler reminded his sister.

"It's alright just let me drop off my groceries then on to decorating."

Abby turned with a smug smile to her brother who just shook his head.

It was convenient that the route from the tree store would pass by her brownstone first before Jubal's apartment.

After dropping off her groceries, they went to his apartment. Tyler and Jubal had to hold the tree upright to fit in the elevator. Luckily, it was just a short distance to his apartment since the contraption wouldn't fit with them in the elevator. Isobel had to hold the door as they carried the tree.

Meanwhile, Abby started grabbing some ornaments that she brought with her. She laid out her pink ribbons and balls covered in pink glitter on the center table. Tyler walked over after they set up the tree. "We are not making a pink tree," he grimaced.

"But that is my tree too!" she complained.

Before the argument progressed, Jubal stepped in. "Hey, didn't we agree that we," he gestured to all of them, "would decorate the tree? All of us, including Isobel." Hoping that reminding that they have company would keep them in their best behavior. When they both nodded, he asked Tyler to get the plastic bin in the guest room.

He returned to Isobel who was admiring the tree. "Sorry about that. They fight over everything sometimes."

"Hmm, I wondered what it's like to have a sibling, I mean, being an only child," she confessed, playing with the tree branch.

Before he could reply, Tyler and Abby pushed the plastic bin near them. It contained the lights and other holiday decor. Both of them grabbed an ornament and hung it on the tree.

Isobel saw a small wooden box in the corner of the bin. She picked it up and heard Abby excitedly said "Oh, she got Blue."

She turned to Jubal for information. He just smiled and said "Open it."

Careful not to damage whatever was inside, Isobel lifted the lid. Inside was a blue nutcracker.

"It was from my father who got it from his father. My mother kept that and when it's Christmas time, my brother and I would take turns to put it on the tree. My brother would hang it this year then I get to hang it next year."

"This year, it's Abby's turn," Tyler said.

Isobel gave the box to the little girl. "Here you go, Abby."

With Tyler's help, Abby hung the ornament on the tree.

It was already early evening when their case wrapped up. He had just returned from the conference room when he saw a gift wrapped in blue paper and blue ribbon. He read the card attached to it.

"So he wouldn't be alone." In a familiar cursive handwriting.

Inside was a ballerina ornament to put on his tree with his blue nutcracker.

Notes:

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