by S J Crabb
I hold my breath as she looks thoughtful.
‘I think we just sold out. There may still be one in the stock room, I'll check.
I smile at her and say somewhat hysterically.
‘Oh, please try to find one. A little boys Christmas spirit depends on it. If Santa doesn't deliver then Christmas will be ruined for him forever.’
The assistant edges away, shooting me a worried look as she goes.
I tap my foot nervously and the lady behind me taps me on the shoulder.
‘Good for you dear. We need more parents like you who don't conform to the typical stereotypes for their children. If your little boy wants to play with Barbie then good on him.’
Startled I shake my head. ‘Oh no, it's for…’
Liam quickly interrupts. ‘Thank you, we pride ourselves on our forward thinking. There are no pink and blue restrictions in our house.’
The woman smiles and I look at him in shock as he shrugs. Maybe he was right to interrupt. Telling the lady she was a gift for a girl in return for doing it with a six-year-old boy, may have caused some concern.
The assistant returns empty-handed. ‘I'm sorry, madam. They have all sold. I'm so sorry.’
I look at Liam with panic filled eyes. As I turn away, I suddenly spy a woman walking past with the distinctive packaging of Bubblehead Barbie in her bag.
Quickly, I grab Liam's hand and follow the woman, whispering softly.
‘Look, see that woman in front of us. She's got Bubblehead in the bag. Don't take your eyes off her while I think of a plan.’
I wave Gina and Dick over and we follow the woman outside.
She heads out onto the High Street and Liam whispers, ‘What next?’
Gina looks at Dick. ‘Over to you detective.’
Dick looks thoughtful. ‘We'll follow her and come up with a plan.’
I look at him and roll my eyes. ‘Good plan, Sherlock.’
She soon heads to a nearby Costa and Dick says in a low voice.
‘Right, here's the plan. It's obvious we need to play this one carefully. The only thing to do is deploy our best weapon.’
We all turn to look at Liam, who frowns. ‘What me? Why, what can I do?’
Dick says softly. ‘You need to engage with the target. Talk to her, find out her weakness and then exploit it. You must find a way for her to give up the prize. The rest of us will split up. Annie, you cover the door so if she leaves we don't lose her. Gina, you sit at the back of the shop and report what you see. I will cover the side area and between us all we'll have her covered.’
He looks around. ‘Has everyone got it?’
We nod and take up our positions. Trust me to have to wait by the door. It's freezing here.
Liam joins the queue for the drinks and Dick follows a little way behind. Gina heads to the rear of the shop and I sink into a seat by the window, grabbing a complimentary newspaper to hide behind.
I watch as Liam grabs his drink and follows the woman to her table. I can't see his face, but watch as her eyes light up as he says something and sits down in the seat opposite her.
My phone flashes with a text from Gina.
‘Mission underway. Operative in place and target engaged.’
I type back furiously.
‘Really, Gina???’
My phone buzzes again. This time from Dick.
‘Target is laughing at something the operative is saying. Conversation has been struck up, and all is going well.’
I sink back in frustration.
Please get the doll, Liam, I silently chant. It's so important that Elliott doesn't lose his belief in Father Christmas. As soon as the magic goes, Christmas is never the same again. Children should hold on to that for as long as possible. I can't help with his daddy, but if I must wrestle that woman to the ground for Bubblehead Barbie, I will.
My phone buzzes again.
‘Target laughing and gazing into operative's eyes. Looking good.’
I feel a flash of annoyance. How dare that woman flirt with my pretend boyfriend? Doesn't she know that he's temporarily taken? Goodness, I can't let him out of my sight for one minute before the hordes are in hot pursuit.
This time Gina buzzes.
‘Oh my god, Bubblehead in view, I repeat, Bubblehead in view.’
I feel the excitement stirring and crane my neck to watch. All I can see is a man eating a muffin blocking my view.
I sink back again in exasperation. The suspense is killing me.
Dick buzzes.
‘Operative has hands on target, I repeat hands on target.’
What?!! Is Liam really touching that scarlet woman in full daylight? I've heard of taking one for the team, but this is getting ridiculous.
Once again, the phone shatters my panicked thoughts. Gina texts.
‘Captive has been exchanged for business card. I repeat, captive been exchanged.’
What does she mean business card? Why is Liam arranging to communicate with this woman outside of the operation? Why? Why? Why?????
Suddenly, I see Liam walking towards the exit holding the coveted doll. As he passes, he flashes me a triumphant look and carries on out of the door.
Quickly, I scrape my chair back and follow him outside. Gina and Dick are in hot pursuit and we head off towards a little side street beside the Costa.
As I turn the corner, I can't see Liam and step up my pace. Where is he?
Suddenly, I am pulled into a shop doorway and look in surprise at the grinning, extremely smug, face of Liam.
‘Here you go Santa, your wish is my command.’
He thrusts Barbie at me and a huge grin spreads over my face just as the others catch up with us.
Gina laughs and pats Liam on the back.
‘Well done Poirot. Perfectly executed I must say.’
Dick grins. ‘She was putty in your hands as soon as you sat down. What did you say?’
I look at him with interest and he smirks, obviously loving his moment of fame.
‘I just struck up a conversation with her. I told her that I was looking for Bubblehead for my niece, who I adore. I had promised it to her for being good all year, but was going to have to disappoint her.’
I shake my head. ‘Is that it? You could have made up a better story than that. I mean, a terrible illness would have been good, or a parent leaving, or being bullied at school and Barbie would be her only friend. Come on Liam, that's lame.’
Liam raises his eyes. ‘It worked though, didn't it?’
Gina prods me in the ribs as Dick grins.
‘I saw you exchange numbers though. What's the story there?’
Liam shrugs. ‘I told her I was a photographer for Vogue and she got quite excited. She wouldn't let me pay for Barbie, but said I could return the favour by taking some Art shots of her and her husband for their newly re-modelled house in London. Apparently, she is down here at their seaside retreat for Christmas. As she put it, her friends would be green with envy when she told them.’
I shake my head. ‘What's an Art shot when it's at home?’
Liam looks slightly uncomfortable.
‘Nude, I believe. She wants some tasteful images of her and her new husband to adorn her bedroom walls.’
Dick snorts and Gina looks interested. ‘Cool, can I be your assistant?’
I throw her a, disgusted of Dorset, look.
‘That's horrible. Why on earth would people want naked pictures of themselves plastered all over their walls? Ew!’
Liam laughs. ‘It takes all sorts, Annie. Anyway, haven't we got Christmas presents to buy? Time is running out.’
I look at the time on my phone and grin. ‘One hour, plenty of time.’
I turn to Gina. ‘Lead me to Poundland dear sister.’
She laughs and the guys look surprised.
Gina grins. ‘Family tradition. We can only spend £1 and it must be something useful. We all place our gifts in a large Santa's sack and it becomes a lucky dip. If you want you can swap wha
t you get with someone else. It's quite fun really. Now, I will need to buy eleven gifts if I've counted right.’
Dick looks surprised. ‘Why eleven, I counted ten?’
I interrupt. ‘Timmy, of course. You can't leave him out, it isn't fair.’
Liam laughs and grabs my hand, this should be fun.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Armed with our purchases we head home to wrap them. All of this has been exhausting and I slump against Liam in the back of the minivan.
He puts his arm around me and I enjoy the journey home way more than I should. I really must try picturing him as Jason again. We are growing closer by the hour and I know I'm in for a big disappointment when we return to London.
At least he's mine now, though, and I fully intend on making the most of the last few days we have together, before he returns to a jet-set life and I to the job centre.
When we get home, I hide Barbie in my room and stuff the gifts under my bed. I will wrap them after dinner.
We settle in for the evening and watch Elf on TV. This is my favourite film and I laugh harder than the children at his escapades. I can feel Liam watching me from time to time and wonder if I'm overdoing it a bit. The trouble is, I never have managed to ditch my love of a good children's film and coupled with the christmas theme I'm in seventh heaven. He must be so bored. I mean, he's used to mingling with supermodels and celebrities. Now he's mingling with the insane in a re-make of the Famous Five.
I notice that Granny and the Major are getting on quite well. They are laughing together over a game of cards and I smile to myself. It must be nice for her to have some company. My mum is always crazy, xmas mum and is busy fussing about doing a million things at once in her quest to deliver the perfect christmas. Dad is always, and I mean always, in his mancave, doing god only knows what.
Suddenly, the worry returns and I think about what Liam told me, coupled with my own strange conversation. Maybe I will do a little more digging for my own peace of mind of course.
Jumping up, I go in search of my mum who's in the kitchen, apparently dipping peppermint creams into chocolate.
‘Hi Anne, would you like to help me assemble the table presents?’
I smile and join her at the counter.
In front of me are little boxes lined with doilies. She has made some lovely peppermint creams and is decorating them with chocolate and crushed nuts, before placing them carefully in the boxes ready for decoration.
I help her dip and she smiles happily. ‘I love these times. Creating little gifts of happiness brings me so much joy in the festive season. It's these little touches that make christmas special, don't you agree?’
I nod and smile warmly at her. ‘How are you both? It's been so hectic since we arrived, I haven't had much of a chance to catch up.’
She smiles happily. ‘We're fine, thanks darling. Life has been good to us. The business is thriving and we have many varied interests.’
Silently, I worry about those interests and delve a little deeper.
‘So, tell me what you're into these days. Last time I came it was badminton.’
She grins. ‘Oh, nothing, just the usual. I have my crafts and my guests. Your father has his mancave to amuse him and we just muddle through life as best we can.’
Ok, I'm getting nowhere. I need to investigate further.
‘Hey mum, shall I take dad a cup of tea and some mince pies? He's been out there for hours.’
Mum smiles. ‘Of course, darling. You are so good, you know that.’
I nod, as she flicks the kettle on.
‘So, tell me about Julian. How did you two meet? I like him by the way, you're good together.’
Feeling uncomfortable, I stick to the agreed plan.
‘Well, we met at the local nightclub. We kind of hit it off and have been dating ever since.’
I am suddenly very interested in the task in hand. I hate lying to my family, but they would be horrified if I told them I had picked him up on the train after he got me drunk and then took me to a family wedding.
Luckily, I'm spared from more questions as the kettle boils and mum makes the drink.
As I walk towards the mancave I wonder what I'll discover?
Once again, it's a frosty night and the night air chills my bones as I walk the short distance to find my father. Little fairy lights adorn the trees and it all looks extremely magical. I hear an owl hooting nearby and the gentle rustle of the trees as the wind catches them. Even the moon is out in force tonight and casts little shadows on the ground as I walk.
The hot steam from the tea escapes into the atmosphere and the heat from the mug warms my hands.
I reach the mancave and knock hesitantly on the door.
‘Come in, whoever you are.’
Smiling, I push my way inside. Once again, dad is on his laptop and I notice he immediately closes the lid when I enter.
‘Ah, Anne, how lovely. Armed with sustenance if I'm not mistaken.’
I nod and place the mug down in front of him, then retrieve the mince pies from a little freezer bag in my pocket.
‘So, what keeps you locked away in here when Elf is on the TV?’
Dad laughs. We always watch Elf together because he is just as much a sucker for a christmas film as I am.
He looks a little uncomfortable and just waves dismissively.
‘Oh, just the accounts. You know your mother, she pours a small fortune into Christmas every year.’
I look worried. ‘You're ok for money, aren't you? I could look at your accounts and see if I can help you save anything.’
Dad smiles and shakes his head. ‘No, we've got it all covered thanks. As you mention accounts though, out of interest, what would your advice be if a couple had a joint account and one partner appeared to be withdrawing large amounts of money from it with nothing to show for it? Would you demand the receipts and make a scene, or would you just keep quiet and see what happens?’
Ok, this is getting weirder by the day and I'm now extremely worried.
I shake my head. ‘I would confront them. I mean, it's both your…. their money and you would have a right to know where it's going. It may be just a surprise treat, but even so, something isn't right there.’
He looks thoughtful. ‘Yes, I think the same. Anyway, let's get back to the fire. I can feel a christmas tipple calling my name and if I know your mother she will have organised some game or another.’
I follow him out and look back at the computer residing innocently on his desk. There it is, the holder of the secrets that my father is keeping. I must find out what they are before I'm driven mad with worry.
Dad wasn't wrong about my mother and when we get back to the house she calls us to attention.
‘Right then. I have organised a christmas scavenger hunt in the garden. There are eleven gifts hidden around it and you must all find one and bring them back. The person who gets the most wins a special prize. Everybody gets a prize, but the winner benefits from two. You have thirty minutes to find them. Now, on your marks, get set, go!’
The twins run from the room like greyhounds from a gate. Gina pulls Dick behind her and they are off and running. Granny teams up with the Major and I expect her fluorescent orange jumper will be of some benefit in the darkness. Liam grabs my hand and grins.
‘Come on girlfriend. I don't like to lose, so game on.’
Laughing, I follow him from the room.
All around us is complete and utter chaos.
There is lots of screaming as people find the desired parcels that are stuffed into bushes and hanging from trees. The moon acts as a torch, working alongside the various phones that are beaming out light to locate their targets.
I spy Gina and Dick snogging behind a tree and grin to myself. They are so good together. He is perfect for her and appears to take everything in his stride. I'm glad she has found someone like him.
Laughing, I run around the garden with Liam, like two crazy elves. We push the others out of o
ur way and grab hold of any brightly wrapped packages that we see. All in all, when the whistle blows we have found three. Liam two and me one.
As we head inside, Liam grins. ‘That was fun. Do you do this every year?’
I shake my head. ‘No, sometimes we play a game and sometimes we go out. I think she did this for the children. Mum will be going overboard to make this an exciting christmas for the twins. She's always been good at that and is probably loving every minute of it.’
Liam laughs and I watch as the moon lights up his face. He is so gorgeous. Well out of my league and a part of me feels sad that he will soon be gone from my life. As if he senses my thoughts, he stops and pulls me around to face him.
Just for a moment, all noise fades into the background. It's just me and him, standing in the frozen garden looking at each other with confusion. He stares at me and I him. He leans in and whispers.
‘Thank you, Annie. I'm glad we met on that train because I'm having the best christmas I can ever remember having. I just want you to know that and hopefully it will just be the start of a beautiful friendship.’
I smile, but focus way too much on the word friendship. I feel the disappointment crashing over me at his words. Friends, of course. I must have been stupid to ever think it could be more than that. Pushing my disappointment firmly down, I just smile and shiver.
‘Of course, it will. I have enjoyed every minute of our adventure so far and will look forward to many more in the future.’
The twins barge past us and pinch a gift from my hands. They race off laughing and Liam grins.
‘Come on, lets' get em.’
Laughing, we race off after the boys, now firmly focused on revenge.
The rest of the evening is spent drinking and chatting. Dick is great fun and I watch Gina and Liam getting on well. I keep a sharp eye on mum and dad, but all seems ok, so I push my worries aside.
Granny comes over and whispers. ‘I like Liam, Annie. He's a good one. Make sure you keep hold of him. You're a lucky girl and if you like I'll cover you later if you want to sneak away to his room for some fun.’
I stifle the slightly hysterical giggle threatening to emerge at the thought of sexy fun with Liam in the dead of night. If only. Instead, I just smile and hug her beside me.
