5. Christmas Day #2
As we sit there exchanging our modest but heartfelt gifts, I can’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of love and gratitude.
Our gifts might be simple, but they’re perfect, because they’re from each other.
And in the end, that’s all that really matters.
Just as we finish tidying up the remnants of festive wrapping paper, the front door swings open with a familiar gusto.
A voice that I know all too well fills the air.
“I’m here! Liam’s Christmas godmother has arrived!” Hazel exclaims, her voice echoing through the house. She’s always one for theatrics. Her arrival is as grand as I’d expected.
“Grab the bags, honey,” she instructs, her voice projecting towards someone unseen in the doorway. Benjamin walks in, arms laden with bags of what I can only assume are more gifts. Hazel certainly knows how to make an entrance, and it’s clear this Christmas will be no different.
Hazel halts in her tracks the moment she lays eyes on Reid. She turns to him with a smirk dancing on her lips. “Well, if it isn’t the mysterious Reid Carter. Decided to show up, huh? What did Amelia do? Threaten to cut off your balls if you didn’t show up?” she quips.
Reid counters with a roaring laugh. “Nice to see you too, Hazel. No, she didn’t threaten me. I realized I needed to be home, so I came home.”
“It’s nice to know you’re not a complete idiot,” Hazel grunts in response before Benjamin interjects.
“Hazel,” he warns, looking pointedly at her.
Turning his attention to Reid, he smiles. “What’s up, man? It’s good to see you.”
Reid nods in acknowledgement, a reflective smile tugging at his lips. “It’s good to see you, too. I’m glad to be back.”
As I observe, Hazel makes a beeline for Liam, who’s sprawled out on his play mat. She coos delightedly at him, scooping him up into her arms.
“Look at all these presents Aunty Hazel got for you, cutie pie,” she gushes, her eyes sparkling with affection.
Reid and I settle onto our sofa, watching as Hazel and Benjamin excitedly unravel the plethora of gifts they’ve brought for Liam. Despite their relative affluence, which starkly contrasts our own financial situation, there is not a hint of envy within me. These are our friends.
Their wealth means little in the face of their generous hearts and the love they harbor for our son. Their presents are met with laughter, exclamations of joy and countless thanks. They’re not just gifts, they’re symbols of the deep bond that have formed between my friends and my child.
After the last gift is unwrapped, our friends linger for a while, filling the house with hearty laughter and joyous conversation. Soon, Reid announces that we’ll have to ready ourselves for a visit to our parents’ homes. We make promises of future visits, and give heartfelt goodbyes.
Once the door closes behind them, the three of us set about preparing for our destination. His parents’ house is first on our list, a prospect that fills me with a sense of warmth and anticipation. As we arrive, Reid’s parents’ house is brimming with relatives.
Their surprised faces light up at the sight of Reid, and a tangible wave of happiness engulfs the room. Everyone takes turns to fuss over Liam, each wanting their moment to cuddle and coo over the baby. Just as I hand Liam off to one of Reid’s many aunts, out of the corner of my eye, I spot James.
Known for his racist remarks and nasty demeanor, Reid’s uncle’s presence instantly dulls my festive spirit. He sneers at me, closing the distance between us. Suddenly, Reid’s arm firmly wraps around my waist.
“You come near her or say one word to her and I’ll break your damn face,” he snarls, his voice just loud enough for his uncle to hear.
Taken aback, James stalks off, his face twisted in anger. Reid’s lips press against my temple as he whispers. “I’m sorry, baby. I didn’t know he’d be here.”
I reassure him it’s okay, wanting nothing more than to enjoy this Christmas with no drama. Reid’s mother approaches me, a small, exquisitely wrapped box in her hands.
“We wanted to give you something, Amelia,” she says, her eyes twinkling with warmth. Opening the box, I’m taken aback. Inside rests a delicate silver locket. I carefully open the locket to reveal a miniature photo of Liam on one side and an engraving on the other.
It reads, “Family is where life begins and love never ends.” I am overcome with emotion, barely able to express my gratitude for such a thoughtful gift. Reid’s parents have truly made me feel a part of their family.
Despite the bitter remark from Reid’s uncle, I hold my smile in place. It’s a tense smile, one that hides the turmoil brewing beneath the surface.
“Reid, we should go,” I suggest. “We still need to visit mom’s place.”
He’s fuming, I can tell, but he nods in silent agreement, respecting my wish to maintain the peace. As we gather our things, Reid’s parents and several other relatives apologize profusely, their faces marred with regret.
“We’ll see you another time,” I assure them, my voice steady.
There’s a hint of bitterness clawing at my heart though, a silent resentment for their decision to invite James, despite knowing about his repugnant attitude towards me and Reid’s relationship. I had made a promise to myself that I’d bring Liam here, whether or not Reid came along.
Now, with Reid’s presence keeping his uncle at bay, I was glad he had joined us. As we leave, I share a glance with Reid, a silent agreement passing between us. We are a team, a unit, and no one gets to disrespect a member of our family without consequences.
I vow to myself, as we drive away, that I won’t be attending any more family functions if James is going to be there. Our little family, as perfect as it is, deserves nothing but respect and love. And I’ll be damned if I let anyone destroy our happiness.
Our arrival at my mom’s house is greeted with an entirely different atmosphere; one full of laughter, smiles, and the echoes of a family wholeheartedly enjoying the holiday season. It’s a stark contrast to the stifling air at Reid’s parents’ house.
Games are in full swing, tables are laden with mouthwatering food, and the sound of children’s laughter fills the air. Everyone is too preoccupied to focus on Reid and me. Quick hellos are exchanged, but their attention, much like ours, is primarily on Liam.
We pass our little bundle of joy around, his giggles adding to the merriment, and then we settle down, immersing ourselves in the festive activities.
We share in the meal, laugh at the good-natured banter, and join the ongoing game of Spades.
My uncles, Ryan and Charles, take it upon themselves to explain the card game to Reid.
“Alright Reid, the basics first,” Ryan begins, shuffling the deck of cards. “Spades is a trick-taking game for four players, in two partnerships. The goal is to score 500 points.”
Charles chimes in, “And the teams sit opposite each other, so I’ll be your partner. The game is all about bidding and tricks. You need to predict how many tricks you can take, and you bid at the beginning of each round.”
Ryan adds, “Don’t forget, Spade is always trump. It’s higher than any other suit. And you can’t lead with a spade unless a spade has been played to trump a trick.”
Reid nods, trying to grasp the rules. “Got it. So, predict your tricks, bid smartly, and remember, spades trump everything. Let’s play.”
We finally get to the part everyone has been waiting for. The gift exchange. My mom hands a beautifully wrapped box to Reid.
“This is for you, Reid,” she says, her voice filled with warmth. His surprise is palpable, eyes widening slightly as he accepts the gift. “You’re part of our family now, son. And in our family, we make sure everyone’s part of the festivities,” Mom adds, her eyes twinkling with mirth.
Reid’s eyes soften at her words, a smile playing at the corners of his lips.
He gingerly unwraps the gift to reveal a finely crafted leather-bound journal.
It’s a stunner, boasting a rich mahogany color with intricate hand-stitched patterns running along its spine and corners.
Gold-edged pages peek from within, waiting to be filled with Reid’s thoughts, ideas, dreams. Tucked inside, a small brass bookmark, engraved with the words “Family - not always by blood, but always by love.”
The sentiment behind the gift is as beautiful as the gift itself, and Reid’s grateful expression mirrors my own feelings. This Christmas, it reminded us once more that family goes beyond blood ties, and love knows no bounds.
As the night falls, I can’t help but feel warmed by the familial bonds and love that fill the room. This is what the holiday season should feel like, a celebration of togetherness, joy, and love.