17
Gigget walked into the house and turned on the lights. She put water in the little Christmas tree’s stand, and then wondered what was she supposed to do now.
She decided to write to Bing. Should she avoid sharing about the continued stalking and losing her job? She didn’t want to burden him while he was away. What could he do about it anyway? Would sharing bad news hinder his ability to function well wherever he was? She set down her pen and called Lulu. “Hey, Lulu, did I catch you at a bad time?”
“I’m in between a few things and can talk. What’s up?”
“I got another letter and so did my boss. I’ve been laid off because it was delivered in person. At first, they tried to put me on unpaid leave, but I requested that they lay me off so I could collect unemployment, but I haven’t gotten the confirmation of that.”
“Oh, Gigget. I’m so sorry. If you need anything. Money, food, gift cards, gas cards, gifts for the kids, whatever it is, you let us know.”
“I won’t do that. We’re OK for now.”
“Did you report the letter to the police?” Lulu asked.
“Yes. The officer wasn’t in so I left the evidence and asked him to call me.”
“That’s good. But, I was serious about asking for help. I understand you not wanting to be a burden, but don’t spurn help if you need it. God can and will provide for your needs. He always has. Sometimes He uses real people to do that.”
“Thanks for the reminder. I’ll let you go. I need to be busy, so I think this is a good time to do some serious house cleaning.”
“Sounds good. Put on some worship music or Christmas songs to help lift your spirits. Bring the kids over for dinner tonight and stay safe.”
“We’ll be there. Thank you. I’ll try to stay vigilant. God is not only my Provider but my Protector. Still, I need to be wise. I’ll see you later.”
“I’ll be praying.” Lulu disconnected the call.
Gigget paused. She might as well write Bing a letter before she started cleaning, but what could she say?
Dear Bing,
It’s hard to believe you’ve been gone five weeks now. With Christmas around the corner, I wonder if you’ll be here to celebrate. If you are able to make it, it is our fondest wish that you would join us. Christmas Eve service, some popcorn and movies afterwards, and the next day for food, games, and maybe a few presents. I realize we haven’t been acquainted for long but even the kids have been asking whether you’ll be here. They want to see you more than Santa Claus. We are all praying for you every day.
Know that there are people here who care about you.
Gigget
She folded the letter into an envelope, addressed it, put the stamp on, and set it out for the mailman.
Releasing a big sigh, she went back inside and grabbed the dirty laundry. As good a place to start as any.
~*~
Bing’s heart was heavy. He didn’t think it had to do with the current mission. Had something happened at home? Prayer would have to cover Gigget and the children. All right, God, I’ll leave Gigget in Your capable hands but please keep her and the children safe.
Gunshots echoed through the night air. Focus, Bing, focus! God, help us to do what we were sent to do and give us victory over evil.
He focused his attention on the men around him as they returned fire and continued to push toward their goal. There were more hostages to rescue.
After returning from the successful mission, in the wee hours of the morning, Bing wrote up his report before checking on the injured soldier. What he really wanted was a shower and bed, but he needed to call Gigget. It was an eight-hour time difference and 0300 where he was. She should be home. He dialed.
“Hello?” It was bliss to hear her voice.
“Hi Gigget, it’s me, Bing.”
“Bing!” she exclaimed. “I’ve been thinking about you today.”
“You’ve been on my mind and heart all day, too. I’ve been praying for you. Is something going on?”
She hesitated.
His suspicions were correct.
“Nothing you need to worry about,” she said.
“Gigget. Please, if something has happened it would be better to tell me.”
“There’s nothing you can do.”
“I can pray,” he defended.
She sighed. “You can pray without the details. God is fully aware.”
“You need to trust me.” Bing tamped down frustration and the sense of urgency.
“A letter was hand-delivered to my employer. Due to fear for the safety of other employees they have given me a leave of absence.”
“I’m so sorry. With pay, I hope?”
“No. I’m asking to be laid off so I can apply for unemployment.”
“Right before Christmas? How will you manage?”
“I am trusting God in this. The police are aware, and it seems as if I have enough to get a restraining order. The Postal Inspector is also investigating the federal crimes, but the wheels of justice move slowly.”
“Are you armed? I never thought to ask if you have a weapon.”
“No. I’ll confess I’m a little afraid of guns.”
“I understand. After I return, I can take you to the range and teach you how to shoot. Living in a rural area that would be a good thing.”
“Are you doing well?” Gigget asked.
“Yes. I’m healthy and well. We just completed a successful mission. I’m hoping to be back in town by Christmas but with the Army, you never know.”
“You can’t tell me where you are?”
“No. I’m sorry. Even if I could, I wouldn’t want to worry you.”
“We pray for you every day.”
“I can sense that and appreciate it more than you know, as well as your letters and packages. They mean a lot. I’ve never had that kind of support while on deployment.”
“Have you deployed often?”
“This is only the third time.” He paused. “Are you sure you’re OK?”
“Tink and Lulu had us over for dinner tonight and are keeping a good eye on us. Puck has checked in a few times. I haven’t told him the latest though, as it just happened today.”
“I wish I was there to help you.”
“It touches my heart that you called, Bing. I believe God alerted you to my need. It is so good to hear your voice. Is it odd to say I miss you?”
“Not at all. I miss you, too. It was the Holy Spirit urging me to pray, and I will continue. I just finished a mission and am beat. I need food, a shower, and my bed. Please stay safe and know that I care about you and the kids very much.” Why couldn’t he say what he really felt? That he loved her? Ohhh…but he’d rather do that in person.
“We miss you, too. I miss you. We haven’t known each other very long, but with our letters going back and forth it feels like so much longer. Please come back safely.”
“I’ll be gnome for Christmas, Gigget. I’ll try, anyway. If it were up to me, I’d be there in another day just to make sure you are safe and well.”
“Gnome?” She giggled. “Yes, the children would be happy to have a Santa Gnome as opposed to a Santa Claus.”
Her humor brightened his weary spirit. “I’ll do my best. Pray they let me come home, because I want to see you and the children.” Could she detect the longing and love in his voice? The connection crackled.
“I guess I should say goodbye. Stay safe, Bing,” she said.
“You, too.”
The phone disconnected, and he closed his eyes for a moment to savor their conversation.
He went to the mess hall to eat, took a shower, and finally collapsed into his bed, his heart and mind filled with images of Gigget and the kids around a brightly lit Christmas tree and him wearing a Santa hat. Santa Gnome. He chuckled as he drifted into dreamland. No sugarplums danced, but his heart was happy that Gigget was safe. The job and harassment were problems God would need to deal with. He could entrust her and the children into the Lord’s hands. Just let me be gnome for Christmas, Lord .