by Anne Stone
“I had a nice time.”
“And?”
“And, what?”
“What about Alejandro?”
“I think he enjoyed himself, too. Look, Gabriella, Alejandro just needed someone to accompany him for the evening and he asked me. There’s nothing to it. Please get any thoughts of us dating out of your head—it’s not going to happen.”
“But?”
“No buts, Gabriella. We went as friends and that’s it.” Angelina looked down at her watch and noticed the late hour. Her family was putting the last minute touches on their Christmas Eve celebration. “Look at the time—I better get moving so I can finish helping my mom with dinner.”
As they were waiting for the waitress to return with their credit card receipts, Gabriella asked her if she was going to attend her parents’ open house the following day.
“I don’t know. You know how crazy it gets at my house. We’ll have to see.”
“I understand,” said Gabriella, but she wondered if that was truly the case.
They hugged at their cars and wished each other’s families a Merry Christmas. “Now, don’t forget about tomorrow.”
“I know, Gabriella. I said I’ll try to come and I mean it.” Angelina waved goodbye as she drove off. Gabriella was worried about her friend and would mention her concern to Alejandro when she saw him later that evening.
It just so happened that both of their families attended midnight mass. Usually Gabriella’s family attended mass on Christmas morning but, since they were having an open house, they decided to go earlier. Midnight mass was a tradition for the Samuels’s family, as both Colleen and Wyatt sang in the children’s choir.
Angelina’s parents, along with Wyatt and Colleen, left early for church. Kelly and James were right behind them in a separate car. Angelina decided to drive herself. She was slow in getting ready since she’d taken a nap after returning from lunch, and she lost track of time when she discovered that it was almost midnight. She knew mass would be crowded and thought she’d have a hard time finding a parking place. She lucked out in finding one, and as she got out of her car a familiar car pulled up beside hers. She couldn’t believe her eyes. It was Alejandro.
“What are you doing here?” she asked.
“Same as you. Since my parents are having an open house this year, they decided to attend midnight mass. Where’s the rest of your family?”
“They’re inside. I was running a little late.” As they entered the church, they discovered how crowded it actually was. There were no seats available near either of their families, so they decided to sit together. An usher led them to a pew that barely had enough room for the two of them. Alejandro motioned for her to enter the pew. As they kneeled, his arm brushed against hers. She looked up at him and smiled. They were packed into their pew like sardines. Several times, she knocked into him as she tried to get situated. She looked at him and mouthed an apology. He just smiled back.
Mass was beautiful, and Alejandro gave her a hug at the sign of peace. She was taken aback by it and smiled at him. When mass was over, they joined their families who were huddled outside. Jackie invited everyone back to their house for an impromptu celebration.
Angelina and Alejandro walked to their cars. “Are you okay with me coming over?”
“Why wouldn’t I be?” said Angelina.
Alejandro followed her home and helped her from the car. He followed her inside where the rest of the clan had already gathered. Her mother was in her element: entertaining. In no time, she prepared a meal that others would have taken hours putting together. Angelina looked in awe as she watched her mother pull an endless amount of dishes from the refrigerator. Angelina quickly stepped in to assist her mother set up the buffet while her father prepared drinks for everyone. She had no idea that her mother had anticipated having the Alvarezes over after mass. By the way her mother talked, it had already been set up days in advance with Maria and John. Everyone had a fabulous time enjoying the food and conversation.
Colleen approached Alejandro who was standing with Joe and Alec. She hugged him and thanked him for everything that he’d done for her. Then, she turned to his brothers and said, “I guess I’ll see you both in a few weeks.”
“Well, I don’t know about that,” said Joe. “Isn’t your appointment with our father?”
“It is,” said Colleen. “But anytime I’m in there I seem to seem both of you, too. Even if it’s just in passing.”
“That’s true. It seems like I see Wyatt an awful lot, too,” said Alec. Since they worked together, they always made it a habit of trying to stay abreast of all the patients that passed through the office. Their father believed it was important that they were all aware of the special cases that flowed through the practice.
Jackie cornered Alejandro when he was on his way to grab a cookie. “Did you have a nice time with Angelina at the hospital dinner? How was the food? What did the ballroom look like?” Alejandro wasn’t sure what hit him. She tried asking him one question after another about his evening with Angelina. Before he could react to her questioning, Gabriella interrupted her asking her if she could have a recipe for the delicious cookie that she held in her hand.
The Alvarezes left at around three in the morning. Alejandro turned to Angelina as he was putting his coat on. Smiling, he asked if she planned on attending his parents’ open house.
“It all depends.”
“On what? Surely you can find time to come over for a little while.”
“It’s just that…”
“What, Angelina? Are you not feeling well?”
“I’m fine. I’ve just been a little tired of late.”
“Are you taking your meds?”
“Yes.”
“Why don’t you get some rest and see how you’re feeling later on. I’d be more than happy to come by on my way to my parents’ to check on you.”
“That’s not necessary. I’m fine. You have a blessed Christmas and I’ll see you later.”
“Fine, but I certainly hope to see you tomorrow.”
“I’ll try to come. I promise.”
Alejandro didn’t believe Angelina. He was concerned about her tiredness. But the more he thought about it, the more he realized that she’d been working pretty hard lately trying to get back into the swing of things. The winter break would do her good. She’d be able to catch up on her rest and, hopefully, start the year off on solid ground.
Alejandro’s parents’ open house was scheduled for two o’clock. On his way over, he ran by Angelina’s. Jackie answered the door. “Alejandro? What a pleasant surprise.”
“I was in the neighborhood and thought I’d stop by and thank you for last night. Or should I say this morning? I can’t believe you were able to put that together at a moment’s notice.”
“I’m used to it. It was nothing really. I had already pre-planned it with your parents. I’m just so glad you were able to come by, too. This year was a hard one for our family, and yours helped us get through it. I just wanted to do something, in thanksgiving, for all their support and friendship through the years.”
Alejandro smiled. “It’s not a problem. That’s what we’re here for. By the way, is Angelina around?”
“She is. I think she may be lying down. Do you want me to get her?”
“Well…”
At that moment, the telephone rang. Jackie pointed in the direction of Angelina’s bedroom. He wasn’t sure if he should seek her out, but decided there was no reason not to. He remembered where her bedroom was, as he’d found her there in tears the morning after Colleen’s accident.
Softly knocking on her door, he listened for a response. He thought he’d heard a faint “yes” and opened the door. Angelina was lying on her bed with Christmas carols playing in the background. He approached her and realized that she was asleep.
He started to leave when she called out. Alejandro turned and walked back to her. “What are you doing here?”
“Checking on you.
I was concerned earlier and thought I’d stop by on my way to my parents.”
“Isn’t this out of the way?”
“No.”
“I guess you’re wondering why I’m resting? I wanted to come over to your parents’ and thought I should take a nap first.”
“And?”
“I feel great. Now, if you’d leave me alone, I’ll get dressed and come over shortly.”
“I’ve got a better idea. I’ll wait and take you on over. I’ve got to go by the hospital later and, since your house is on the way, I’ll bring you back home.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yep. I’ll go keep your mom company while you dress. I’m sure she’ll enjoy that,” he said, laughing as he strolled from her bedroom.
Angelina quickly dressed in a pair of khakis and a holiday sweater. She met Alejandro in the kitchen where her mother was entertaining him with one of her stories about Angelina growing up. “Ready?” he asked, almost thankful that she appeared when she did. All he knew was that Jackie could sure tell a long-winded story.
Nodding, she put on her coat and kissed her mother goodbye.
“Have fun,” her mother happily said. She crossed her fingers as the couple left the house. Hopefully her prayers would be answered. She’d prayed especially hard at mass when she’d seen them together at the back of church. She hoped that they were developing a close friendship or, better yet, a relationship. Jackie had learned over the years not to interfere in her children’s lives, although at times she forgot her own mantra. She didn’t want to ruin a good thing for her daughter.
It seemed like second nature when Alejandro opened the car door for Angelina and clicked her seatbelt in place. He was such the gentleman. They drove to his parents’ while Christmas carols played on the radio.
“I thought you were off this week. Gabriella told me you were going to help her do something around her house.” Angelina asked.
“I am, but I just wanted to check up on a patient whose family is out of state. I didn’t want her to spend Christmas all alone. I thought I’d take her a plate from my mom’s.”
“You’re so sweet. That’s such a nice gesture. Can I come along, too?’
“If you want,” he said, smiling at her kind offering.
They arrived at Alejandro’s parents’. When his father opened the door, he was surprised to see Angelina on his arm. “Angelina, my dear, it’s so good to see you.” His father looked questioningly at Alejandro.
“I stopped by Angelina’s on the way over. Gabriella had invited her, and I thought since I had to run by the hospital after I was done here, I’d do the gentlemanly thing and bring her with me since her house is on the way to the hospital.”
His father thought he was making excuses for his decision to pick Angelina up, but let it slide. Alejandro was an adult and could do whatever he wanted with his personal life.
Gabriella was excited to see Angelina. “I wasn’t sure you’d come.”
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” Glancing at Alejandro across the room, she finished her thought, “I took a nap to make sure I’d enjoy the rest of the day.” She said this loudly enough for him to hear.
Maria had invited their neighbors along with some of the office staff from the practice. She’d also invited the Samuels, but Jackie declined because she thought it had been too much for Colleen. Maria decided to have an open house this year because she wanted to do something different for the holidays, especially since Alejandro was home for the first time in many years.
Alejandro made sure Angelina had everything she needed. He acted as though she were his date, constantly checking on her, topping off her drink, and making sure that she tried one of his mother’s specialties. As he walked out the door, Maria handed Alejandro the plate she’d made for his patient. “I even have a little something for her. I hope she isn’t too lonely.”
“That’s why I’m going by. Being in a hospital is hard enough, but when you’re alone during the holidays it makes it even harder.”
“Alejandro, you’re too caring of a doctor. Do you realize that?” his mother asked.
“I do the best I can. I want all of my patients to feel special. Each and every one of them is important to me.” He glanced over at Angelina and smiled.
They left for the hospital. Angelina guarded the plate of food while he drove. “So, we’re all special to you?”
“Huh?”
“You said all of your patients are special.”
“Indeed they are.”
They chatted as they drove. He was still going on about her mother’s generosity that morning. He never thought he’d end up at the Samuels’s for an early morning meal. When they entered the hospital, he placed his hand on her back and guided her through the halls to his patient’s room. This small gesture was becoming a force of habit for him.
He knocked on the door before entering Jessica’s room. She was sitting in a chair reading. Glancing up, she smiled and excitedly said, “You came.”
“Of course, I did. A promise is a promise.” He handed her the plate his mother prepared, along with the small gift that his mother sent along.
“I hope I’m not too late and that you haven’t already eaten.”
“No. I held off ordering my meal. I thought I’d eat a little later.”
“Jessica. This is my friend Angelina.”
“You’re friend? Sure, Doc.”
“She is. Actually, she’s my sister’s best friend. They went to college together and now teach at the same school.”
“Whatever you say,” she said as she glanced back and forth between the two of them. She thought they were standing awfully close to one another to just be “friends.”
They spent about an hour with Jessica. She was thrilled he’d taken time out of his holiday to bring her dinner and a gift. It made her feel special. “Jessica,” he said. “I’m off the rest of the week and Dr. Miles will be covering for me.”
“I know. I already met him. He’s nice, too.”
“Well, I hope so. I only want people working for me who have good bedside manners. That’s important to me,” he said as he stood to leave.
“It was nice meeting you, Angelina.”
“Same here, Jessica,” she added as she grabbed her purse and stood. The strap from her purse slipped from her shoulder and, noticing it, Alejandro instantly reached for it and settled it back on her shoulder.
As they walked to the door, Jessica thanked Alejandro again for coming by. She winked at him and told him to take care of Angelina. She was a special person, too.
Alejandro took Angelina by his office so he could gather a few files to take home with him. “You know, Alejandro, you are a special doctor.”
“Well, thank you. I try.”
“No, you are. You sure brightened Jessica’s day.”
“Well, what can I say?”
“Alejandro, you’re a one-of-a-kind doctor. Your patients are not just patients to you. You treat them like family… And that’s the difference. We need more physicians like you and your dad. It would definitely make a difference in the medical community.”
“I hope to bring physicians with my same philosophy here, too. It’s important to treat your patients with respect and dignity. They’re people, too.”
Alejandro grabbed his files and they left the hospital. It was getting late, so he took her directly home. Angelina asked if he wanted to come in, but he declined saying that he better run by his parents’ again. He wanted to help them clean up after their open house. Since this was his first Christmas home in a long time, he wanted to spend a little more time with them.
Alejandro pulled into Angelina’s driveway and thanked her for joining him. “It meant a lot to Jessica for us to come by.”
“It certainly did. Thank you for letting me go with you. It made me feel like I did some good today.”
“You do good every day. Teaching is a specialty that not enough people appreciate.”
“I gues
s you’re right.”
“No. I know I am. You’re shaping the children of tomorrow. You are instilling beliefs in them. You’re guiding them on their path to the future.”
“Enough already, I’ll let you go. Please wish your parents a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Tell Gabriella I’ll call in the next day or so. You take care and I’ll see you soon. Again, thanks for today. It was special.”
Alejandro helped her from the car. As she exited, she got her feet tangled up in the strap of her purse. Thankfully, Alejandro was paying attention. He grabbed her as she fell into his arms. “Damned purse,” she murmured. “I’m sorry, Alejandro. I stepped on the strap of my purse and tried to keep walking while I was still holding it. Thanks for saving me.”
Alejandro looked down into her eyes and smiled. “I’m glad I was here to catch you. You need to be a little more careful and stay out of the way of your purse,” he laughed. “Now, get inside and I’ll see you soon.” He gave her a hug and wished her a Merry Christmas. Little did Angelina know, her mother witnessed her fall into his arms. From her angle, it looked as though Alejandro had pulled her directly into his arms. Jackie was ecstatic with what she’d just seen. Maybe her prayers would be answered. Only time would tell.
Angelina opened the front door and hurried inside. Her mother happily greeted her. “Did you have a nice time?”
“It was great. I had a wonderful time at his parents’. I had a really nice talk with both Alec and Joe. After, Alejandro took me by the hospital and I met one of his patients. We took her some dinner and a Christmas gift. She was so thankful and appreciative of his time. You know, Mom, he is a special doctor. There aren’t many physicians that would take their patients a home-cooked meal, and on a holiday nonetheless.”
Jackie smiled at her daughter and said, “Indeed, he is a special man.” Smiling she looked away and whispered under her breath, “Special indeed for my daughter.”
*****
Angelina took it easy the next several days. Out of the blue, one afternoon, her phone rang. She wasn’t expecting a call. In fact, the caller was lucky her phone was even on. Glancing at the caller ID, she didn’t recognize the number. “Hello?” she said.
