Second Street // Part Twenty Three

                            Second Street

    Part Twenty Three

Charlie and Pam gorged themselves on their Chinese fare. They drank wine and spent time in one another’s space. Pam was playful and played footsie with Charlie. He didn’t mind. I’ve had enough, she said to him. Are you sure you wouldn’t care for one more little bite? Maybe just a very thin mint? Just one, Charlie teased, thinking of the Monty Python Movie. She just swatted him. Let’s get this cleaned up, Pam said. They folded up their cartons storing them in the crowded refrigerator. My, My, I guess you do have dinner planned Pam said as she tried to find room for the leftovers. Finally getting everything packed away they retired to the living room. Pam dug through her CD folder, handing a disc of Christmas songs by Nat and Natalie Cole. Put this on sweetie, she asked. He slipped the CD into the player and went to the kitchen returning to the living room and had two large snifters in hand and a bottle of Grand Mariner. Why Charlie, what do you have there? A bit of the season honey, he replied. He removed the seal and poured two large snifters He took one of his long matches and lit them on fire. He gave them a few moments and doused the flames with a slip of paper. He slid one glass to Pam. The glass was very warm as she picked it up inhaling the aromatic scent held within. Charlie, this is simply lovely. He warned her that it would be too hot right now but wait a few moments. Charlie was such a romantic. He had been told of this Grand Mariner by one of his more affluent co workers. He figured this would be the perfect evening for just this. He was correct, she adored this romantic part of him. The water candles, the plants and greens, the Grand Mariner was all so perfect for her. He had made such an effort and she was impressed. Not so much by what he had purchased but more so of his thoughts to impress her. It meant a great deal to her just as Scotty had. Sweetie, a toast to us, this wonderful cognac and our feelings coming together, she said. She kissed him, her lips so soft and full, it just took hold of him. She took a sip of her brandy. Listen, she told him, I have a couple gifts for you. Oh no he said, we exchange gifts tomorrow. Listen, these are like toys, they need to be played with when given. We can exchange our gifts tomorrow. You did get me something, she teased him? Of course I did, he replied. Here open this for me she said handing him a small package. He did as he was asked and removed the wrapping. It was a beautiful leather bound journal. It was a thick leather of a warm medium tan color. He brought it to his nose and inhaled deeply, loving the smell of leather. The pages were linen and blank for the new user to fill with fantasies, prospects and challenges. This brought a tear to his eye as he imagined what would be put upon these pages. The depth of thought of this gift struck him deeply! He was choked up but managed to say thank you so much. Pam saw the look on his face and knew she did what she had set out to do. Charlie, Come on, look at this one. You’re woefully underprepared musically. I got you a kind of starter kit. Some Enya, Van Halen, Johnny Lang, Clapton and Winwood, Stevie and Jimmy Ray Vaughn. You’ll love it. He took her in his arms and held her tightly, kissing her deeply. She looked deep into his eyes and in her sexiest voice asked, Charlie would you get the comforter please? He took a large sip of his drink and said, of course, I’ll be right back. Pam dug through her bag and retrieved a silk crimson teddy which she immediately put on. Charlie returned with the comforter and several pillows. He took one look at her and let out a soft whistle. They sat on the sofa drinking and talking. Pam, you’re just stunning, he told her as she laid her head on his chest. She smiled that coy little smile of hers and said nothing. I love the journal, you know. I can’t tell you what that meant to me, he whispered.

Danny walked into the living room and took a look at the tree. He looked down and saw the packages, wondering who they were for. He picked them up and found no tags or markings. He thought to himself, maybe Andy got some gifts for me. He said nothing thinking he would be surprised tomorrow. He went and played his games. Charlene called to speak with her mom. Andy held her daughter in her mind whenever they talked. She could see that petite brunette, muscular and toned, curly hair and bright eyes. Unfortunately she smoked and way too much. Andy wished she had never taken up that nasty habit. It was causing problems with her health. Mom? Are you there? I am sweetheart, Andy replied. I wanted to tell you I have been scheduled for surgery in ten days. Oh honey, are you certain, Andy asked? I am mom. Anyhow, I also wanted to know what time to come over and could I bring anything? You know love, you can. Danny will never buy what I want so maybe you will.  There is a recipe I want to cook and it requires Galliano. Danny won’t buy it. I would also enjoy a nice bottle of wine if you can swing it? Absolutely, Charlene told her. I would do anything in the world for you! Well sweetheart, come over at one or close to alright? We will have a wonderful dinner. Charlene wished her mother a pleasant evening and told her she would be there for Christmas Dinner. Andy looked at the clock and decided it would be an early night, knowing she had a very long day tomorrow. She went to the bathroom and drew herself a nice hot bath. She put her hair up and slid into the steaming water, feeling her tensions dissolve. Andy sunk as low in the tub as she possibly could and closed her eyes. She must have nodded off, the water had turned cold and chilled her. She climbed from the tub putting her long bathrobe on with a shiver, heading off to bed. Danny was still at those damned games. Andy quickly fell off to a deep sleep without Danny rolling around and keeping her awake.

Christmas seemed to come in mere moments as Andy’s alarm went off at seven am. For the first time in a long time she had slept through the night. Danny had fallen asleep in his chair, Babette in his lap, snoring in unison with him. Andy brewed a pot of coffee, opened her laptop hoping to catch Jim, wanting to wish him a Merry Christmas. She so looked forward to every one of their conversations. Jim wasn’t there yet so she wrote him a nice long email, telling him that she would do her best to catch him later in the day. She told him of the joy she was feeling that all her children and sisters would be in the same place today. Andy spoke of her wish to be with him rather than this cretin she was married to. She wished him a Merry Christmas and signed out. Andy heard Danny stirring and got the breakfast makings from the refrigerator. He came stumbling into the kitchen and on into the bath. Andy put together a mushroom, spinach and Swiss omelet. She browned some bacon and warmed up home fries. Danny emerged from the bathroom and was promptly greeted by his furry pals, wishing to go out and do their business. He let them out and Andy made her omelet, she had a habit of using her broiler instead of the stovetop. Her omeletes always came out so fluffy and twice the size of those made on a burner. Andy put Danny’s breakfast on the table and poured him a cup of coffee, putting fresh water down for the dogs. Danny came in and sat to eat his meal. I’m going to Damions this morning, he told her, need to make sure he is ok. Andy told him to remind him that dinner was at one. He nodded, got up, put on his coat and left.

Andy cleaned up the breakfast dishes and started her days work preparing the next meal. The phone kept ringing as she went about her business. It was her family but one call came and thrilled her. It was Jim, wishing her a Great Christmas. I knew your husband would be out, he told her and really wanted to hear your voice on this particular day. Andy sat and made sure to take time to speak with him, listening to his voice and loving the resonance and depth of it. They spoke briefly and promised one another to be online later. Andy moved on to get the bird ready, put her stuffing together and filling the turkey’s cavity. She peeled potatoes, butternut squash and prepared green beans. Andy melted a few sticks of butter, adding Bells seasoning. She put the bird in a deep pan, pouring the Bells over the bird and adding salt and pepper. She covered the bird and into the oven he went. Andy went about putting out her serving dishes and silverware, placing her pies and cookies everywhere she had room. The house smelled so good with all the scents combining.

Charlene showed up early, wanting to spend time with her mother. She gave a little knock and walked right in, knowing it would be fine today. Hi Mom, how are you? Can I help you with anything, Charlene asked? No baby, I have everything under control I started early. Where is Anthony Andy asked? Oh he’ll be along around twelve thirty, he has the things you asked for. The women talked and talked, enjoying the time with each other, time just flying by. There was knock at the door, Charlene telling Andy, I’ll get it. Aunt Darla, hello, so good to see you . Hey baby Darla responded hugging her niece. The two women moving towards the kitchen arm in arm. Andy and Darla hugged and kissed, full of smiles. It was approaching twelve thirty, Andy’s son and girl showed up, Don was there, every one hugging and kissing. It felt so warm and comfortable. Danny came back with Damion behind him. Damion so happy to be included in this gathering, thanking Andy profusely. She took his arm and guided him to a seat at the table. Alright everyone let’s eat, everything is ready. Andy, Darla and Charlene served up the meal, everyone filling themselves to the very brim. Charlene told Anthony, go and open the wine so mom can have some for Christmas. He had purchased several bottles so there was enough for all, Damion and Danny not drinking. The meal progressed and everyone laughed and chatted. Desert was served and Andy enjoyed her wine. The children cleaned up the dinner and did the dishes, also storing the leftovers. Andy requested that everyone take some leftovers home. She wrapped up some for Don and Damion. All the cleaning done, everyone retired to the living room, oohing and awing the tree. Andy had her wine glass and handed out her packets of cookies. Everyone just loving them. That completed, Darla looked under the tree and asked Andy, what are these? Andy motioned for Darla to hand them to her. These are from my neighbor. It was his way to thank me for helping him with different things. Well open them, Charlene said excitedly. Andy carefully opened the packages, removing the turtleneck and suit jacket. The girls and sisters just fawned over the gifts. Oh How beautiful they all said. Yes they are Andy said giving Danny a glance. He was disappointed they were not for him.