Christmas Surprise

 

She ushered the family out the door, sending them off with their individual chores. Sighing she looks to the ceiling, not much time... Rose races to the bedroom and uncovers the gifts under the bed. This Christmas, she promises herself, will be different, this one will be special. Nothing would dare go wrong with all the planning she had done, the lists upon lists, the gathering of personal items, sure to make those she loved, smile. Had she not decorated the house with style? The wreath on the front door, the tree set “just so” in the big bay window, the hand made center piece for the Christmas dinner table. 

    

While she was wrapping some of the gifts, she looked across her bedroom to the homemade baskets she had made some of her friends. Each was stuffed with goodies she had made herself: biscotti, wine, candles, almond bark, a dishcloth, an angel tree ornament; and some she had not made but thought would go well with the theme. There was some store bought salmon and cheeses as well as some specialty coffee. All was wrapped up in red and green cellophane paper, tied with a huge glistening red bow. She was proud of the way they stood over to the side of the room like solid little soldiers, dressed up in Christmas attire. Thinking of the time she spent on each one she smiled, they were sure to love them. 

 

A look at her watch told her she had been daydreaming again, how little time she had, how little time. Focus, you need to focus if you are going to co-ordinate the paper to the person...now, what bow would be best with this? 

 

     Crinkle...crinkle, crinkle... Rose looked up, confused by the soft sound. What on earth could that be? It sounds close, she perched in one position intent on listening for the sound. Crinkle, crinkle...

 

     Oh no....no... It couldn’t be. Dread filled her as she looked once again to the side of her bedroom. What would her friends say? How could this happen after everything she had done? How could fate fall on her like this? She thought she had everything under control, and everything in it’s place. How could she have over looked such a blatant possibility? Rose watched as Puddles the household cat, found his way past the cellophane, and skirted past her, angel ornament in mouth, he left chocolate paw prints on the floor in a neat little row...

 

Reviews

[THERISA]

As a companion of two kittens, i know all too well, their ability to get into places, which we thought safe. The little dickens. Wouldn't give them, if my life depended on it. Hoping Puddles has learned his lesson with chocolates and is in full health. Thank you for sharing this vignette of life around Christmastime.

[Emily B]

aw, that's just my luck . . . just when I think I have everything all in line . . . it all goes awry

good story

[SM Davis]

I agree with Craig...I get the intent of the piece which is good. However, you frequently in this piece switch POV from third to first person....that's a bit confusing. 100 daisies though for general content and good feeling.

[An owl on the moon]

What a sweet, funny write! Your vivid details bring everything, including little Puddles, alive and well! Thank you for sharing... this is so full of holiday warmth...

[cest la vie]

That Darn Cat!!..LOL.. Such a well written story, now I'm off to read part Two!!

[The Rock And Roll Cowbo..]

LMAO... that was quite funny... oh those pesky pets... so much fun but some much like kids in they must make things difficult just when all is going well... a very enjoyable read.

[Stacey Watts]

Never under estimate the cat. Mine is always into everything. Cute christmas story and very well written.
Excellent job.

[Impulse]

Hilarious. Had me laughin' the whole time. Keep it up =]