by Jodi Woody
“Then don’t think about it! Let’s finish up this wrapping and go see what that wonderful smell is coming from the kitchen. Then later, if you want, I’ll sit with you while you call your mom and dad.”
Not much later Leal and Bryce were dragging a huge tree into the house. Leal had already made a make shift tree stand big enough to hold it. The boys set it up right in front of the big windows and it went up as high as the bedroom balcony. It was no sooner up and well watered when they realized that the few decorations that Daffyd owned wouldn’t begin to cover the tree. Samantha camped Daffyd out on the couch, close to the fireplace and covered him with blankets, then went to pop popcorn to string. Bryce and Seanna went looking for scissors, glue and paper, and Trisha and Leal started hanging the lights. Fortunately Daffyd had strung some lights outside the house a few years back and had enough to cover the tree from top to bottom with pure white lights. They all moved to the kitchen table and decorated the cookies, made paper chains and strung popcorn.
“Um, Daffyd, I think that the frosting is supposed to go on your cookie, not in your mouth,” said Seanna seriously with her eyebrows raised.
“You frost what you want to, and I’ll frost what I want to, little girl,” said Daffyd as he piped more red frosting into his mouth.
“If we run out of frosting, we’ll have to cut out your tongue and hang it on the tree for a decoration,” warned Bryce.
“Ok, ok! I am putting the frosting on this fat red Santa…see?” he said holding up the finished cookie.
“That’s better,” said Seanna in a perfect imitation of her Mom’s teacher’s voice.
“Don’t you think you should take a break and get a little nap in before dinner?” asked Trisha.
“If you will promise to wait and decorate the tree after I wake up.”
“Deal,” said Trisha.
Bryce walked with his uncle up the stairs, just to make sure he didn’t need some help on the way. Trisha and Samantha cleaned up the cookie mess, most of it Daffyd’s, while Seanna and Leal continued to string popcorn. Samantha felt full. A week ago her heart was empty and hard and now she didn’t think she had room for another drop of happiness. Well maybe a little more…if Daffyd was cancer free and if he could once and for all surrender himself to God. I could handle that!
“What are you smiling about?” asked Trisha.
“I am just happy,” said Samantha, “to be back here and for Daffyd to be doing so much better. I’m so glad you two came back. I feel like we are all a family and I’m so grateful that God has given me a second chance at that.”
“I have to admit, this is going to be the best Christmas that we’ve had in years. I only wish that Daffyd’s parents could be here. He is so stubborn about that. You’d think he would want to spend as much time as he can with them,” said Trisha.
“Actually, we were just talking about that this morning. He plans on calling them today, but said that it would be too late for them to change their plans and come,” Samantha said.
“Mom, Trisha, come here for a minute,” said Seanna. “I heard what you said about Daffyd’s parents and I thought you should know…they will be here for Christmas.”
“What?” Trisha and Samantha both exclaimed.
“Well, Bryce invited them. He sent them a letter asking them to come for Christmas before he left school. His plan was to surprise Daffyd and force him to reconcile with his grandparents. Then when everything happened, he kind of spaced it off. They called him yesterday and…well…they’ll be here tomorrow, you know for Christmas Eve…” she trailed off.
“How in the world are we going to explain everything to them!?” asked Samantha as she slumped into the nearest chair.
“We don’t have to,” said Leal.
“You’re right, Hun. We’ll leave that to Daffyd,” agreed Trisha.
“But…what will they think of Seanna and I being here? What if they think we are like that woman that we just rescued Daffyd from?” Samantha worried.
“Oh, please, Mom. Any person in their right mind would be able to see how much you love Daffyd,” said Seanna.
“But how could I ever possibly explain that I have only been a widow for less than a year, or that I so much older than him! If I was his mother I wouldn’t trust me,” exclaimed Samantha.
“Ok, now you aren’t even making sense. Take a deep breath,” suggested Trisha. “We can both vouch for you.”
“Nobody could have planned this all out, with all that has happened the past few months, it’s been like a made for TV series. It has to be pretty obvious that it all just happened, probably orchestrated by God. Daffyd would probably be dead by now if your car hadn’t broken down that day,” stated Leal.
“Leal’s right, Mom,” agreed Seanna.
“About what?” asked Bryce as he returned to the table.
“I told them about your grandparents,” Seanna admitted.
“I almost told Daffyd just now, but he was so tired…and I guess I’m a big chicken,” Bryce replied. “So what was Leal right about?”
“Mom’s freaked that they are going to think she is a cradle robber or a grave robber or some such bologna.”
“I already told them about the two of you breaking down this summer and I also included the fact that your being here got Uncle Daffyd to church.”
“Did you also tell them that my husband has only been gone for a few months and that I’m five years older than Daffyd?” asked Samantha.
“No, they don’t even know that he’s sick, and I had no way of knowing that you two would be here right now, and honestly you kind of broke things off with Daffyd so I didn’t have a need to explain. I asked them to come before I left school for winter break never imagining all that would happen,” Bryce explained.
“You’re right…I’m sorry, Bryce. I guess I am just nervous about meeting them,” Samantha said.
“Why don’t you think about Daffyd and forget all the other stuff. He’s going to have a lot of explaining to do, and he will probably need you there beside him for support,” suggested Trisha.
“I did just offer this morning to be there with him when he called. Bryce, Daffyd had just talked to me this morning about coming clean to his Parents. Do you think he should still call?” asked Samantha.
“They wouldn’t be home. They were driving in and staying the night with some friends before their flight. I have to pick them up at ten tomorrow morning.”
“Well, then do you think we should tell Daffyd?” asked Leal.
“You know the way he is, Honey. He’d get all mad that Bryce went over his head and freak out,” said Trisha.
“Maybe not, he has changed so much the past few days,” said Seanna.
“I say just let them come and let him deal with it,” offered Samantha. “He needs to make this right with his parents, and this will force him to handle it once and for all.”
“I agree,” said Trisha.
“That was my point all along,” said Bryce.
Chapter 23
All I Want For Christmas
Later Samantha went to see if Daffyd felt up to watching them put the last few touches on the tree. She slipped into his room and quietly lay down next to him on the bed. He was all curled up with the blankets tucked up under his chin. Samantha lay facing him and just watched him for a few minutes. He looked peaceful, much better than when they had first gotten here. He still looked unwell. His cheeks were sunken in as well as his eyes. He had dark circled under his eyes that almost looked like bruises. Samantha reached out and ran the back of her hand across his cheek and Daffyd slowly opened his eyes. He blinked a few times and then a lazy smile came to his face.
“Hi there,” he said sleepily.
“Hey,” said Samantha with a smile.
“You’re beautiful, did you know that?” said Daffyd.
“You’re pretty beautiful yourself,” she answered.
Daffyd laughed and shook his head. “Did I mention you’re also a little touched in the head.
”
“I’m serious. You are one of the most beautiful people I have ever met,” Samantha insisted.
“Well at one time, I was lauded as one of the “Most Beautiful People of Rock”. But that was before I lost fifty pounds and lost my blonde mane of hair.”
“Oh, but I was talking about the inside. Those people never saw the person you really are. They only saw the person they wanted you to be. I love you, Daffyd Sayvage, not “Savage” the rock star. In fact I’m pretty sure I don’t like him at all.” She smiled.
Daffyd reached up and smoothed her hair back from her face. They looked at each other for a few minutes until Daffyd pulled her closer. Samantha’s face was just inches away from Daffyd’s. “Samantha.”
“Yes, Daffyd.”
“I think I know what I want for Christmas.”
“What do you want for Christmas?” she asked.
“I want a kiss, a real kiss, you know…like on the lips,”
“Oh, so the kiss you gave me on the forehead doesn’t count? Or the kisses I have given you on the cheek or on the hand?” she teased.
“As lovely as those all were…I feel like there is more. Will you give me a kiss for Christmas?”
“Sure…on Christmas morning.”
Daffyd laughed. “Ok, on Christmas morning. Promise?”
“Promise! Now sleeping beauty, how about we go downstairs so they can finish up the tree and light it up for you?”
“Ok, but how about one of those forehead kisses before you get up off my bed.”
“Oh, no. I have more sense than that. First you get up, then I will give you your forehead kiss. I am not kissing you while we are lying together in your bed.”
“Well, technically you aren’t in the bed, and I am offended that after all we’ve been through, you don’t trust me,” he said pretending to be hurt.
Samantha jumped up off the bed and said, “It’s not you I don’t trust.”
Daffyd threw back his head and laughed again. Finally he got up out of bed and Samantha brought him his warm robe and slipper. When he was ready to go downstairs, he stood there looking at her expectantly. So Samantha reached up with both hands and tilted his head down, stood on her tippy toes and planted a big kiss on his forehead.
“Ok, now I am ready,” said Daffyd.
When they got downstairs, Trisha had made open faced sandwiches in the oven and some homemade soup. They were already sitting around the table waiting for the two latecomers.
“Wow, something smells good,” said Daffyd.
“Of course it does. I knew it would take something special to bring you two downstairs,” teased Trisha.
“Yep, Samantha just didn’t want to come down…” said Daffyd.
Samantha just gave him her teacher look. “Let’s pray so we can eat this while it is still warm.”
“Father, thank you for this food and the wonderful hands that made it. Thank you for friends and family and for a beautiful Christmas tree. Amen,” prayed Daffyd before anyone else could.
“Amen!” said everyone else.
Soon they were stuffed and ready to finish up the tree. Daffyd once again was made comfortable on the couch wrapped up in a blanket. Samantha hung a few decorations and then sat down next to Daffyd, snuggling into his blanket with him. They watched as the other four hung the cookies and the strings of popcorn. Seanna’s hand cut paper decorations looks lovely in the green boughs. When all was finished, Bryce ran upstairs and told them all to wait. When he came down he had an old box in his hands. When he opened it Daffyd gasped.
“That’s Mom’s star…she always puts it on her tree. It’s from Wales. What’s it doing here?” asked Daffyd.
“Grandma gave it to me this summer. She said that she wanted you to have it for your tree. I told her you don’t always put one up, but she insisted. She said that she had a feeling that this year would be different,” answered Bryce.
“Well she was right and it is beautiful,” said Samantha.
“Daffyd you should be the one to put it on the tree! Can you help him up the ladder Leal?” asked Seanna.
“Sure, do you feel up to it?” asked Leal.
“If Mom could give up one of her prized possessions for my tree, then I can climb a ladder to put it up there,” said Daffyd.
It took some maneuvering to get it done. Bryce and Seanna held on to the bottom of the ladder to keep it stable. Shortly Daffyd and Leal both had their feet planted firmly on the ground once again and Daffyd stepped back and gazed up at the tree. He looked sad and happy at the same time and had tears rolling down his face. Samantha soon was there for a hug and the others just couldn’t resist. When the huge group hug was over they all sat down while Bryce finished up with the grand finale. He plugged in the lights and they all “ooohed and aaawed” over the wonderful spectacle.
“We need some Christmas music,” said Seanna. “You’re a musician, Daffyd, certainly you have something for Christmas.”
“No,” Daffyd laughed, “I don’t own a single Christmas CD. How about you Trish?”
“We left in such a big hurry, I never grabbed our CD’s,” answered Trisha.
“Who needs a CD? We have a gifted musician and singer in our midst. You can start us out and we’ll follow,” suggested Bryce.
“Yes, sing for us, Daffyd,” said Seanna.
Daffyd started singing -
“Ave Maria…” he sang.
As the last noted died, he opened his eyes to see everyone around him sitting silently. They all either had tears in their eyes, or were crying outright. Samantha gave Daffyd another big hug as the others wiped their eyes and self consciously smiled or hid their faces.
“That was so… special,” Seanna said in awe. “That didn’t sound anything like your stage voice.”
“Thank you, I think…” said Daffyd.
“No offence, Daffyd, but wow, you can sing. I love that song, and I have never heard it sang like that before,” she said.
“I don’t think I’ve ever sang it like that before. I wanted to play a joke and just picked a Christmas song that I thought you wouldn’t be able to sing along with, but when I sang that first couple of words; I just thought about how wonderful it is to have you all here, and how thankful I am that you are.” Daffyd said looking at them all.
“The joke was on you,” chuckled Leal. “Now we’re gonna make you sing that every Christmas.” That caused the girls to start sniffling again.
“What, you don’t think I’ll be around another Christmas?” asked Daffyd in mock surprise.
“Of course we do, Daffyd, don’t be a jerk!” grouched Trisha, which made them all laugh, including Trisha.
Chapter 24
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
Christmas Eve day dawned bright and sunny. The snow covered landscape looked like mounds of sparkling diamonds in the early morning light. Samantha gazed out of her window as she asked God to bless this day and to bring reconciliation to Daffyd and his parents. She had spent several sleepless hours the night before worrying about meeting them today, but finally she heard that still small voice asking her to put her trust in Him. This morning her mind was at peace and she was resigned to deal with whatever happened today with the grace and love that she hoped to receive.
Bryce and Leal had already left for the airport by the time Samantha made it downstairs. Seanna was at the bar munching on a huge muffin still warm out of the oven. Trisha was humming ‘Away in a Manger’ as she puttered around in the kitchen. She had a big pair of sweater slippers on that went almost up to her knees.
“Hey, nice slippers,” said Samantha as she sat down next to her daughter.
“You like?” she asked as she pranced around the kitchen. “They were an early present from my love this morning.”
“My feet are always cold, so yeah, I like,” Samantha laughed.
“Is Daffyd awake yet?” asked Trisha.
“No, he was still sleeping peacefully. I figured with all that is going on today, I
better let him rest as long as he can,” answered Samantha.
“Yeah, I prayed last night before I went to sleep and again this morning when I got up,” said Seanna.
“Are you still nervous, Samantha?” asked Trisha.
“I sure was last night, but now I feel pretty good about it. Daffyd and Bryce both talk highly of his parents and I know that we are all here because it is where God wants us. So I am leaving it in his hands and believing that this will be a time of breakthrough for Daffyd,” answered Samantha.
“Isn’t it all kind of crazy…you know all that has happened in the last year,” said Seanna. “It’s like we’ve been on this huge rollercoaster ride! First Dad dies, Mom and I are left struggling with bills and we end up at another funeral. Those would be the lows. Then we meet you all, I get a full ride scholarship and Mom and Daffyd fall in love, that’s definitely the ride up. Next, Mom freaks out and that causes Daffyd to lose it, Leal and Trisha leave and Daffyd almost dies, down we go again, hanging on for dear life. Now here we are all together again and I just know that everything will be wonderful with Bryce’s grandparents here for Christmas,” explained Seanna.
“I have to admit, this has been a hard couple of months. I really had my faith tested! But God is good. And here comes Daffyd…” said Trisha as she saw Daffyd coming down the stairs. “Good morning sleepy head.”
“What do you three beautiful ladies think of our winter wonderland out there?” he asked.
“It’s beautiful! We get lots of snow in Wisconsin, but no mountains. It looks like a movie set out there,” said Seanna.
“Come sit Daffyd. Would you like some tea and a muffin?” asked Trisha.
“So that’s the lovely smell. I have to admit Trish, when you were gone I missed waking up to the smell of good food, well when I was aware anyway.”
