The Christmas House (23 page)

      As Wally tried to explain himself, Michael reached behind David and retrieved a small present. He told David to give it to Arianna.

    
“This is from Santa to you Mom,” he said.

     Arianna took the present from David.

    
“Oh Santa brought me a present too. I guess I must have been a good girl this year.”

     The crowd of people gathered around Arianna as she unwrapped the present and then opened it.

    
“Oh, Michael.
It's beautiful,” she said.

     “When we got married I didn’t have enough money to give you a proper engagement ring. It may be 10 years later, but I wanted to show you that I don’t love you any less now than I did the day we were married. If anything, I love you just that much more,” Michael said.

     Arianna removed the diamond ring from the satin pillow like insert inside the flip top case and slid it over the ring finger of her left hand. The ring sparkled as the full carat diamond, caught a ray of light from a nearby window.

     “Michael, thank you,” she said as Michael approached and kissed her gently.

     The doorbell rang.

     Michael announced that he would answer the door and for everyone to stay in the family room out of sight. He walked to the foyer and thought to himself, "who in the world would be ringing the bell on Christmas morning?" He stopped short of the door as he pondered the possibilities. He prayed that Jack and Wanda didn’t change their minds about Florida and were now on the other side of the door wanting to come in and visit.

    
He peeked out the side light window and saw a short, stocky man wearing a long leather overcoat and a black fedora standing on the front stoop.

    
“Can I help you?” Michael asked as he opened the door.

    
“Merry Christmas Carter.
We’ve never met formally, but I’m Tony Cesario. I was the guy that the Realtor was bringing over to buy this property about 6 months ago,” the man replied.

     “Oh, well Merry Christmas Mr. Cesario. How can I help you?”

     “I’m on my way to my
mothers
house for Christmas and as I was driving by I saw your house. I just had to stop. I gotta tell ya, you have done a great job on fixing this place up. Hell, I’d buy it now and keep the house standing,” Tony said.

     “Thank you. Listen, I don’t mean to be rude but we are in the middle of opening presents and I really need to get back. Was there something else you needed?” Michael asked.

     “No, I just wanted to let you know that I am still interested in buying this property. Here's my card. I will give you top dollar. Why don’t you call me directly after the first of the year to talk about it? We can cut out the Realtors' commission that way,” Tony replied.

     “I’m afraid that won’t be necessary Mr. Cesario. I won’t be selling this house. Not this year, not next. Not ever. You have no idea what this house means to my family, and me,” Michael said.

     “Well, never hurts to ask Carter. Mind if I come in and take a look around? Sounds like you are having a big party in there,” Tony asked as he stepped forward and tried to see past Michael.

     “No, I don’t think this would be a good time. It’s a special family moment. You know what I mean don’t you?” Michael asked as he stepped forward.

     Tony stepped back and replied, “Yeah, I guess I can relate. Well if you ever change your mind, let me know. I’ll call ya in a few months. Never know. You might change your mind.”

    
“Merry Christmas Mr. Cesario.
I really have to get going. Don’t bother calling in a few months. The house is not on the market. Have a great day,” Michael said as he stepped back and closed the door.

    
“Same to you Carter.
I’ll keep in touch,” Tony said as he walked back down the front walkway and to his lone car parked out on the street.

He said to himself, “I’ll get that property sooner or later Carter. It’s just a matter of time.”

     As Tony pulled away from the curb he noticed the lack of other vehicles on the street.

    
“Sounded like there were a lot of people in there.
What’d he do
? B
us his relatives in
.
Where are their cars?” Tony continued to ponder that thought as he drove away from the house.

     Michael returned to the family room tearing up the business card Tony had just given him and dropped the shredded pieces into a nearby ashtray. He rejoined the
guests as they were watching David open more presents.

    
“Who was at the door?” Arianna asked.

     “That guy, Tony Cesario. He wanted to buy the house. I told him it wasn’t for sale now or ever. Especially not after what has happened here over the last 15 hours,” Michael replied.

    
Martha, who popped in and out of the celebration from time to time said, “Watch out for that Mr. Cesario, Michael.
He could be a problem. He
is
not an honest person.”

     “Martha! You came back. I didn’t hear the doorbell ring?” Michael said.

     “The door was open so I just let myself in. Hope you don’t mind?” asked Martha.

     “Don’t be silly Martha. This is still your house just as much as it is ours,” said Michael.

     “I am serious Michael. That Cesario man is trouble. Be careful of him,” she replied.

     “I will Martha. I will never let him get his hands on this property. I promise,” Michael said.

     Martha just smiled nervously. She was fully aware of how determined Mr. Cesario was to get his hands on the house. She could only hope that Michael would remain strong willed and committed to keeping the house no matter what might happen in the future. Mr. Cesario could well be Michael’s strongest test of faith.

    
Later that same day.

     The rest of the day was spent helping David and Nicole
assemble
their new toys. All of the guests joined in to lend a hand and shared in that special feeling that only a Christmas could bring to a heart.

    
It was now nearing 6:00 p.m. and Michael and Arianna were starting to feel stressed. They realized that this fantasy that had been their lives for the last 24
hours,
was quickly coming to an end. How would they be able to wait an entire year to see their loved ones again? How would they cope with the loss of not being able to talk and hug them for another 365 days?

     Martha found Michael and Arianna sitting at the dining room table and joined them.

     “Don’t be sad or depressed children. It is very difficult to understand the feelings you will experience the first year that this happens. I have been through it many
times. The first year after my father died, I was a basket case when I was finally able to see him again. I never wanted him to leave me again but alas he did have to leave. It’s difficult to say goodbye again. But you have been given a great gift. Other people say good-bye forever. You can see your families, if only for one day, for the rest of your lives and beyond. It truly is a blessing,” Martha stated.

     “We know that this is a great gift Martha. We can’t thank you enough. It’s just so hard to say good-bye to someone you have already missed for so many years. We just want them to stay here forever. But I guess that wouldn’t make much sense. It would kind of defeat the whole purpose of this magical house,” Arianna said.

     “Time passes quickly. Before you know it, Christmas will be upon us once again. And just think, next year you will be so much better prepared for all of this.” Martha replied.

    
“That’s an understatement. It’s too bad we can’t exchange presents though. I would love to give my parents something for Christmas.” Michael replied.

     “You have given them something more valuable then anything you could ever buy for them at a store, Michael. You have given them your love and a new memory that they never had before. The memories they will take back with them mean more than a thousand neck ties or jewelry boxes. And in turn, they have given you memories of them that you would have never had otherwise. Memories are the very best gifts in the world. Long after the necktie is out of style or the jewelry box has broken, the memory of sharing time together is still strong and meaningful. The time you share is the most valuable present of all,” Martha said.

     As Arianna and Michael smiled and pondered the words Martha spoke, the grandfather clock chimed.

    
“Chime, chime, chime, chime, chime, chime.”

    
It was 6:00 p.m. Christmas night.

     The guests gathered, putting on their coats and carried their now empty trays as they left the house until next year. Michael and Arianna walked to the foyer and bid a tearful farewell to each guest as they departed.

    
As the guests started to parade out into the darkness, David wearing his coat and
gloves came up to Michael.

    
“Dad, Grandma and Grandpa want me to walk with them.”

     “Okay, but stay by the house,” Michael said.

     Michael’s parents and his brother Billy came to the front door

     “This was the best Christmas this family has ever had,” Michael’s father said as they hugged.

     “I love you Dad. I will count the days until next Christmas,” Michael replied.

    
“Arianna?
Take care of Nicole. We look forward to seeing her grow up over the next many years. Who knows, one day you may be coming with us to visit her at this wonderful house years from now,” Michael’s mother said.

     “God bless all of you. Have a safe trip? Is that appropriate to say?” Arianna asked?

     Michael’s mother laughed and replied, “Yes
dear, it is very appropriate.”

    
Michael embraced Billy and patted him on the back.

    
“Take care of Mom and Dad for me.”

     “It’s groovy Michael. You take care of yourself. Okay?” Billy replied.

     Michael nodded as Billy turned away and walked out the front door with his parents. David followed them outside.

     Arianna’s parents and Martha were the last to leave.

    
They stopped at the door and exchanged hugs and kisses.

    
“Be good you two. See you next year. Take care of this wonderful house!” Martha said.

     Michael hugged Martha and promised to keep the faith.

     Arianna was having a difficult time saying good-bye to her parents.

     “It’s been such a long time since I could hold the two of you. I don’t want it to end,” Arianna said.

     “Honey, it will be fine. We’ll be back again next Christmas. We promise,” her mother said.

     “Son, you are the perfect husband for my little girl. I couldn’t have asked for a better man to love and protect her,” said her father.

     “Thanks Dad. I will continue to do my best,” Michael replied.

     The Campbells and Martha exited the house. As they proceeded down the front walkway, Michael and Arianna gazed upon them as they melted into the darkness and then out of sight. Michael closed the front door.

     He placed his arms around Arianna, who in return laid her head on his chest as they walked slowly toward the kitchen.

     The telephone rang.

     Arianna walked over to the kitchen counter and answered the phone.

     “Hello?” she said.

     “Mrs. Carter? This is Officer Callaway down at the Chicago City Morgue. I’m sorry to bother you on Christmas day, but one of our detectives called you yesterday and you were going to come down to identify the body of the boy that was pulled out of the lake?”

     “Oh, well that’s not necessary officer. Our son returned home last night. I’m sorry, I probably should have called you to inform you of that,” she replied.

     “Ma’am, are you sure? The other parents of the other missing boys have already been here and made a positive ID that the boy we found was not their son,” the officer said.

     “Yes, I am sure. David is home, safe and sound,” replied Arianna.

     “Okay then ma’am. Sorry to bother you. Merry Christmas,” the officer said.

     Arianna hung up the phone as Michael walked into the kitchen.

    
“Who was on the phone?” he asked.

     “It was the city morgue. I completely forgot to call them back last night after David came home. They were waiting for us to come down and identify the body of the boy they found,” she said.

     “Thank God we don’t have to go through that. What a terrible experience that must be. To look at a loved one who has died and admit that they are your son or daughter,” Michael said.

     “Yes I know
, e
specially in
the
case
of
a drowning victim. Probably isn’t the most pleasant sight at anytime much less with your own child,” she said.