“Thank you… both of you.” She says without looking up as she closes the top lid, silencing the box. She moves her scrutiny to the top drawer and tugs on the tiny silver knob. Inside is a variety of rings with different stones and metals sitting atop a velvet lining. Ellen runs her fingers over the contents with her attention settling on one ring. She picks up a tarnished silver ring with a large oval shaped turquoise stone set in the middle. The polished stone makes the ring heavy. Turning it over in her hand, flashbacks of her mom wearing it on the right hand on her pointer finger come to mind. Dropping it back in, she quickly shuts the drawer. Moving on to the next she knows that all eyes are on her. This must be the drawer that contains the present from Kathy.
As she slowly opens the drawer, she immediately sees a thin silver chain and picking it up, she knows instantly this is the special gift. Holding the chain out in front of her, the length of it unfurling to reveal the bauble dancing from the end. Holding it closer, she takes note that it’s a pearl encased in a silver setting.
“Wow! This is just beautiful!”
“The pearl was from my great-grandfather who was an explorer in his own right. I know I told you about him. He was the one who loved to relive his tall-tales about his days at sea in the navy during World War I.”
“Oh yes I remember all the stories. I only wish that I could have met him. He sounds like just the kind of grandfather any girl would want.”
Kathy laughs, “You should know that had he been alive to meet you, he would have adored you. I barely remember him. He passed away when I was twelve. I remember a lot of the stories from having heard them directly from him, but I will confess that many of the memories also come from my grandfather and then my father telling the rich stories, probably to keep them alive. I suppose if we were smart, we would put them into a memoir to pass down.”
“Well thank you so much for the beautiful necklace. Are you certain that you want to part with a piece of your beloved Poppy?”
“Ah there you go, you remember his nickname. I am certain about the necklace. From the moment I became your mom, I knew that I would have an entire treasure trove of trinkets that I would eventually want to share with you.”
Tim chuckles, “Some trinket. You are holding a rare Tahitian Pearl in your hands there. I’d say it’s worth a tidy sum.”
“Hush Tim! It’s not about the monetary value because the sentimental value to my family is far more precious.”
“Right you are! Now, finish digging through that box of yours and let’s get to the rest of Santa’s bounty!”
Giggling at her dad’s enthusiasm, she places the long necklace around her neck then works on the last drawer in the small chest. As she pulls open the little drawer, she sucks in her breath. Dangling turquoise earrings, a pair of cameo studs, tarnished silver hoops, and some other earrings, but that’s not what has her attention, the lock of hair at the back has caught her eye. She picks up the little lock of hair that has a small strand of pink yarn wrapped around the end and tied in a neat little bow.
Looking at her dad for a response to a question that she didn’t even ask yet.
“Yes, that’s a lock of your hair from your first haircut. Your mother...” He pauses with his eyes darting from Kathy back to the hair he continues, “Melody saved that when we took you to the beauty salon.” He shakes his head then clicks his tongue, “You were sure one heck of a hell-cat to get to sit in that chair. So much so that they cut your bangs in an angle across your forehead. I know you’ve seen the pictures.” He laughs.
“Is that the picture where I am sitting on a dark wood, child-sized rocking chair and I’m clutching a white bunny?”
“Yes, and your poor mother tried to disguise that your bangs were such a mess with a ribbon tied into a big bow, that she fixed to your head.”
Looking confused, “I don’t remember the bow.”
“Probably not because you tore the thing out of your hair and flung it across the room. The photographer was none too amused, but I thought it was hilarious.”
Setting the box on the coffee table Ellen rises and gives her parents each a kiss on the check, expressing her thanks, while wincing from the pulsing pain still present in her arm.
“Does it hurt much?”
Ellen turns a smile on Kathy, “Yes, but I try not to think of it too much.”
“I wish you would just take those pain killers Dr. Kingston prescribed.”
“I know you would, but I don’t want to become another pain killer dependent starlet. It is such a cliché you know.” Ellen teases.
“Isn’t that the truth? Especially in a small town like this it would get blown out of proportion giving the press more to chew on.” Tim releases an exaggerated scoff.
“I hadn’t thought of that. Perhaps it’s a good thing you haven’t re-filled the prescription. Would some over-the-counter meds help?” Kathy asks.
“Not much but it might take the edge off. I took some stronger stuff earlier, but I don’t want to take any more of those until bed. I’m using it sparingly.”
“Understood.” Tim says while stoking the fire.
As Kathy gets up to fetch the medication for Ellen, she motions for her to sit back down, “Relax, I won’t be just a moment. It will give me a chance to baste the turkey and check on the potatoes.”
Tim’s face grows serious, “Ellie, I’ve been thinking.”
The tone of his voice grabs her attention, “You should consider hiring a body guard.” She protests but Tim raises his hand, “Now listen, you’ve had more than your share of attacks. The shitty thing is we have zero to go on, we can only assume this will only continue and Sheriff is right, it is escalating. Heck! If your own daddy can’t keep you safe, then you either leave town or you protect yourself.”
She sighs then looking down at her bright pink cast on her arm she nods, “You might be right. I may go back. At the rate this is going, I won’t have an arm left. What with the other attack combined with the hit and run, I think I am lucky to only have metal pins as a souvenir and a reminder for my lifetime.” She says solemnly.
Tim snaps up his head and looking straight at her with pain in his eyes, “It might be for the best. But where will you go? Surely not LA.”
“My old college friend Tabby has invited me to come stay with her at her penthouse in New York. I don’t know if I want to interrupt her love nest with her new Greek boyfriend, so I may just stay at one of those residence Hotels or maybe I will go to a tropical hideaway and eat papaya all day.”
He laughs then giving her a stern look, “What will you do about the movie?”
“The studio executives are mad about the delay, so we will film what we can and then I we will wrap once my arm is out of this thing. They also hired a stand-in where needed.” She says with her lips jutting out like an errant child.
He grunts, “I’m willing to bet it only concerns them with their bottom line. I only wish you would find a different line of work. You’re rich enough right?”
“Tim!” Kathy’s voice scolds from behind them, “My gosh that is inappropriate!”
Ellen laughs nervously, “I don’t mind. He might be on to something. But in the meantime, I will take that pain killer while you open your gift from me.”
Kathy hands her the little pills and a glass of water while Ellen hands her dad a bright red envelope.
With a raise of his eyebrow he slides his finger under the sealed flap while Kathy watches seated beside him. Pulling out the card, a folded sheet of paper and a smaller envelope nearly slip out, but Tim’s quick reflexes allows him to catch them before they fall to the floor.
Holding the card up for Kathy to read silently alongside him, they finish within a second of each other and exchange a look, Tim slowly opens the piece of folded paper and as he does so, both his and Kathy’s eyes widen, then both sets of eyes fix on Ellen.
“Oh honey, you can’t do that. It’s just too much.”
“I can’t?” She says with a smirk and a
raise of her brow matching her father’s. She giggles, “I already have.”
With a tear tumbling down her face Kathy says quietly, “Honey, you really did not need to give us such an extravagant gift. There is no way we can repay.”
“I have to agree; how can we accept such an expensive gift? You know a new power tool, or a turtleneck would have sufficed but paying off our mortgage? That’s over the top.” He chuckles while trying to disguise a wide grin.
“Listen. You said yourself, I am rich enough and you deserve every penny and more. I am only glad that I am in a position that I can do that for you.” She nods toward the smaller envelope, “You haven’t opened the other surprise. You will want to see what else I have in store for you.” She says with a knowing look on her face while she prays the meds kick in soon.
Eyeing her for a moment he hands it to Kathy who makes quick work of opening the smaller envelope. When she reads the contents once again, the look of amazement spreads across her face. “Ellen I just don’t know what has gotten into you? Where is all this generosity coming from? I mean you are always generous, but this is well over the top. Tim’s right, a few kitchen gadgets would have sufficed.” She says while handing the papers over to Tim while she briskly gets up and leans over to give Ellen a cautious hug avoiding her arm, “Thank you my dear. You know it has always been our dream to take a European cruise. I can hardly believe it will finally be a reality.”
“You are welcome. Now the cruise is in February, but you need to get Dr. Kingston’s clearance before you go.” She cautions.
“Oh, not to worry, I’m fit as a fiddle.” He says while making a caveman-like pounding gesture on his chest.
“She’s right, you will need to make certain you are in the clear. Thank you, Ellen, for everything. Even as I say it, I think it hardly suffices to express our gratitude.”
“All I did was pay off your mortgage and I am sending you on your dream vacation. It’s not as if I gave you a kidney, though I would if needed.” She adds.
All laughing they continue to discuss the details of the upcoming trip.
An hour later the doorbell rings. Ellen glances quickly into the mirror by the front door to check her appearance, then she swings open the door to their guests. As if a gust of wind had arrived, Amber and Scott sweep through the door with arms laden with packages and serving ware. Butch hardly releases a whimper, not much of a guard dog.
“Oh, it has gotten so cold and I am showing already! Look!” Amber exclaims as she removes her coat quickly to show a tiny bump forming under her sweater.
“My goodness, you sure are and how cute you look!” Kathy says beaming at Amber as Scott is still fumbling with the parcels. “Come here by the fire and warm up!”
Not long after Ellen shut the door, the dog is now barking with fervor. “Oh, I bet that Benjamin has arrived. Funny how the dog didn’t seem to care when you got here.”
Amber stops to give Ellen a pleased look then finishes her task of placing small cheerfully wrapped packages under the tree.
“I’ll just get the door.” Ellen says nervously. She doesn’t stop to look at anyone as she continues to open the door. Against the biting wind she sees the forms making their way through the blizzard.
“Ah yes, it’s Ben and Franny.” Ellen says over her shoulder while Tim and Kathy exchange more of their knowing glances.
Turning her attention to Kathy, Amber stands up rubbing her barely noticeable baby bump. “So, Mr. Coffee Bean is joining us for Christmas dinner? I guess they’ve been seeing a lot of each other. I think they would make a positively adorable couple, don’t you?”
Tim snickers, “Hey Scott, I think this gossip talk is our cue to go fetch something to drink. Join me?”
Scott jumps to his feet and rushes to catch up with Tim following him into the kitchen.
Kathy replies to Amber, “Ever since she was run down in the street, Ben has been coming by to check on her. He’s been bringing little Franny with him. I think Ellen has taken to the girl, much to her surprise I might add.” She smiles more to herself than Amber.
“Well that’s certainly good to hear. I have been debating on asking her to be godmother to this little one but her lack of interest in kids causes me to hesitate.”
“Oh, I think it has piqued her interest. You should ask her, I really believe she would jump at the chance!”
Just then, the door flies open with another gust of wind blowing in Ellen followed by Ben and Franny. Thrusting her backside against the door she fights with the wind to assert her dominance over mother nature.
“Oof!” She grunts as she bolts the door against the elements. Turning around she is greeted with a room full of amused faces. Sensing something is amiss she cautiously reaches her hand up to her head and finds what she seeks; a windblown messy nest of hair. She quickly fixes her hair while the amused onlookers busying themselves with removing jackets, placing presents under the tree, and settling in for an evening of holiday cheer.
“So, Benjamin, how’s the bean roasting business? Any progress on reducing the smell?” Amber jumps right into the subject.
Looking taken aback, he answers her immediately, “I wasn’t aware it is still a problem. Is my coffee business really bothering you that much?”
She scoffs, “Yes! It’s bothering me, that much! My once foo-foo smelling boutique now smells like a big fat latte. I’m not trying to be nasty, but the smell of those beans roasting makes my stomach churn every day.” Rubbing her small bump, Ben nods in acknowledgement.
“Ah, I see.”
With a furrow of her brow, “You see what?”
“If I am not mistaken, you are expecting and likely more sensitive to smells.”
“What would you know about…” She halts her sentence as she notices Franny standing shyly next to her dad. “Never mind, I will just have to burn more soy candles I guess.” She turns on her heel to head toward the kitchen before he responds.
Shrugging, he looks at Ellen with a plea in his eyes.
“Don’t mind her. You are right, she isn’t normally this sensitive but is there any chance you would have a way to work around her shop schedule or install a giant potpourri blower?” She says smiling as he releases a loud chuckle.
“Now that you mention it, I don’t know why I didn’t think of that before. Honestly, I don’t have to roast every day. Especially once the holiday is over, I will alter my schedule. I think that will help the situation. The last thing I want to do is upset my neighbors… especially old friends.” He says with sincerity to his voice.
Noticing Franny is still clinging to her dad Ellen comes up with an idea, “Franny, would you like to go look at the tree and find the goofy elf?”
“You mean the Elf on the Shelf?” She asks with her bright brown eyes widened and excited.
Ellen giggles, “Not exactly. I think it’s a knock off called Goofy Elf, and he is bendable and will wrap around objects. He might be in the tree, but I can’t promise that he is behaving himself.” She says to than Franny.
Laughing and braids wiggling, Franny skips to the tree and begins her arduous search.
Feeling fatigued, Ellen takes a seat on the oversized chair with a matching ottoman. “Oof.” She sighs.
“How’s the arm and head doing?”
“Not too bad, I’m feeling stronger every day but some meds that I am taking make me lethargic. I have been weaning off them but haven’t been able to eliminate yet.” She gives Benjamin a sideways glance and realizing he probably doesn’t care to hear about the dreadfully boring details, she changes the subject.
“How is your mother doing?”
“Oh. Um…, she isn’t doing well, not at all. I finally completed the last of the renovations to her room, so now she can sit right in front of the window and look out at the lake with no obstructions. It’s wheelchair capable now and equipped with amenities to care for her. I’m just glad I have a good nurse who will take care of her when I have to leave for a while, like today.”
He looks down at his working man hands and adjusts a bandage on his thumb. Feeling sorry that she asked, she changes the subject when Franny interrupts them.
“Got it! I found the naughty elf.” Her voice squeaks.
“Goofy Elf.” She corrected while suppressing a giggle. “Show me.” Ellen says while following the small child over to the tall, shaggy tree.
“There he is, hugging that stuffed candy cane.” She pauses, “I think we should name him something else. He’s cute and I don’t like that other name.”
“Okay, what would you like to name him?”
“I like Giovanni.” She offers shyly.
Glancing up at Benjamin who has now joined them at the tree, she smiles at the name the little girl has chosen.
“I think that’s an excellent name.” She encourages the girl. “Is that a name of someone you know from home?”
She nods then quietly retreats to her dad’s side, sliding her hand into his.
“Kids! Time for dinner, let’s get washed up.” Kathy chirps.
Laughing Ellen leads the way.
After several hours of eating and merriment, Benjamin rises from the stuffed armchair he’s been sitting in and stretches. Pointing to Franny, who looks as if someone has put her through the wringer, he announces their departure.
“I think we have overstayed our welcome! I better get this little gal to bed.” Turning to his hosts, “Thank you for sharing your holiday with us. It meant a lot to both Franny and me.”
Kathy smiles warmly, “I’m glad you could come. I just feel bad your mother isn’t well enough to have come with you.” She says solemnly.
Nodding he then turns to take Tim’s offered hand; the men engage in a firm shake while Ellen helps Franny into her downy coat.
Secrets of Thunder Valley- The Locket Page 9