12 Daves of Christmas

by Juliet Madison

  As the time on my laptop clock ticked over to the hour, I glanced at my phone. He’s probably forgotten. I did a stretch for my aching back and the phone jingled.

  ‘Do not wait to strike till the iron is hot; but make it hot by striking.’

  I typed back: Thanks Confucius.

  He replied:

  Actually it wasn’t Confucius, it was William Butler Yeats who said that.

  I typed: I’m guessing you don’t know all these by memory but are getting friendly with Google?

  Another reply: Why are you chatting? Get to work!

  I put my phone aside and giggled.

  Each hour another quote came in, and I decided I would save them all and put them into a reminder function on my iPhone, so I could be reminded of them periodically. By dinnertime I was racing to the finish line and barely stopped to look at the latest motivational text, too immersed in the story and focused on wrapping up the ending the best way possible. I stole a glance at Grandma, then was about to type again but stopped. ‘Hey, Grandma?’

  ‘Huh?’ She was obviously immersed in the book she was reading. ‘Shh, I’m busy.’

  ‘Just thought you might want to witness this.’

  ‘Witness what?’ she asked, and curiosity walked her over to me at the desk.

  I placed my fingers on the keyboard and slowly typed:

  THE END

  I looked at her face and my heart leapt at her delight.

  ‘You’re finished? You’re finished!’ She jumped up and down.

  ‘Well, I still need to read through the last chapter and tweak a bit, but yes. I’m finished.’

  ‘I’m so proud of you, pumpkin. I’m sure it’s your best book yet. Ooh, can I read it?’

  ‘Sure, I’ll transfer it to the Kindle.’

  ‘But I’ll have to finish the one I’m on at the moment, then I’ll get to yours. Gosh, I hope they have Kindles in Heaven.’ She wandered back to the bed.

  I breathed in relief, then scrolled back to the beginning of the last chapter and started the read-through, making changes as I went, and reading some of the dialogue out loud. Once I was sick of the whole thing satisfied (and because my stomach was grumbling and overdue for dinner), I saved the document and attached it to an email and sent it to my editor in a flash. ‘Ahh,’ I said, leaning back in the chair with my hands behind my head. Nothing beat the feeling of finishing a book, no matter how many I’d written.

  And in perfect timing, my phone jingled. I would have to text Dave back to say thanks for the next motivational quote but it wasn’t needed, as I was finished. But on reading his text my smile flattened out:

  Abby, he’s gone.

  Chapter 15

  Shaded by a tree that was probably much older than me, I stood with Grandma Charlotte and watched through the crowd of mourners as they lowered the coffin into the ground, and eerily, the sun chose that moment to hide behind a cloud.

  Small sobs shook Grandma’s chest, as this final event marked the final goodbye for Dave Smith’s family, and the end of the service. She hadn’t seen him yet, his spirit. Maybe he’d been waiting for this moment. Maybe he’d appear at any minute. Would I see him too?

  As the coffin reached its final destination and people tossed clumps of soil and flowers into the grave, my heart reached out to all these people, strangers, whose lives had been affected by Dave. ‘Look at all the people he had an impact on, Grandma,’ I whispered. ‘Just like you.’ Her funeral had been similar. A celebration of a long life well lived, with clusters of hugging people drawing strength and comfort from each other. Dave’s had been extra special by being honoured for his bravery and contribution to the war effort.

  I waited till others had given their last respects then approached the grave and tossed in a single red rose, a sign of his love for Grandma. When I walked back to the shade and privacy of the tree, Grandma had her arms arched around something—or someone—I couldn’t see. She had tears in her eyes, not of sadness, but joy, and I knew then that they had been reunited. Dave and Charlotte, decades too late, but reunited at last.

  I stopped where I was to give them some space, until Grandma turned around and waved at me to come over. I checked where the mourners were, but none would be able to see me if I went behind the tree. I approached my beautiful grandmother and discreetly manoeuvred behind the tree, my heart rate rising at the knowledge of what was to come.

  ‘I can’t believe he’s really here. With me!’ Grandma exclaimed. ‘He says thank you, by the way. For bringing back his watch and for letting him know that I never forgot him.’

  ‘Tell him it’s my pleasure.’ I looked around. ‘Is he here, now?’

  ‘He’s over there.’ She pointed. ‘Comforting his family.’

  I hoped they could feel his presence and know that he was now free of suffering.

  ‘And what about his … um, deceased wife?’ I had to ask.

  ‘Oh.’ Grandma flicked her hand. ‘We’ll find out once we get through the Pearly Gates,’ she made quotation marks with her fingers, ‘but he tells me, that just like Harry, she too had eyes for someone else at some stage. It appears that these entangled relationships were all perfectly orchestrated in some way, sending us on different paths but making sure we ended up with the right soulmate in the end. And the end apparently lasts for a very long time, so you wouldn’t want to get it wrong!’

  ‘So, now that the funeral is over, is it …’

  ‘Time to go?’

  I nodded.

  ‘Yes, dear.’ She gave me a soft smile with her pink lips.

  All of a sudden it seemed like we hadn’t had enough time, like there were still things to do and discuss and ask about. Had we really been together for just over twenty days? It was the best damn road trip of my life. In fact, it was the only road trip I’d had. I wasn’t the biggest fan of road travel after my accident, and living in the city meant you relied on walking and public transport a lot. But after this, I would have to do it more often. I was a writer; as long as I had my laptop I could work anywhere, so why stick to the usual locations?

  ‘Grandma.’ My voice caught in my throat as a well of emotion rose up inside.

  ‘It’s okay, Abby Dabby. You’ll be okay.’ She reached her hand towards me and held up her palm, and I held up mine against it, like a super-gentle high-five. It tingled, cold at first, then warm, and I closed my eyes to imprint the sensation onto my memory. ‘Thank you. Thank you, my lovely, wonderful, beautiful, kind, generous, talented granddaughter, for helping me.’

  ‘No, thank you.’ I covered my heart with my hand, and tears moistened my eyes before spilling over onto my cheeks. ‘Thanks for dragging me away from normality and giving me a Christmas I’ll never forget.’

  ‘I had a ball, sweetheart! And technically it’s not Christmas yet. Five days to go! Are you going to hang around?’

  I looked around the cemetery and beyond its borders to the welcoming town of Berrinda, and smiled. ‘Yes, I think I will. For the rest of December at least. Then I’ll see what life brings.’

  ‘Good. But don’t forget, life is about what you bring to it as well.’

  ‘You sound like one of Dr Dave’s motivational texts.’ I chuckled.

  ‘Speaking of Dr Dave …’ Her gaze stretched beyond me and I turned around. Dave Smith, the young grandson of the other Dave Smith, was walking towards me, his eyes red but holding strong.

  I held up my finger and mouthed ‘one minute?’ and he tipped his head back in understanding. ‘Take your time,’ he mouthed, then went over to some other guests.

  ‘So your next book idea, The Heart Never Forgets,’ Grandma said. ‘I get to be a leading lady, yes?’

  ‘Yes. Though I might change your name and adapt the real life story to include some extra bits.’

  ‘Good bits?’

  ‘Of course, good bits! I’m going to give you a happy ever after.’ I smiled.

  ‘I think I already have one.’ She glanced towards wherever Dave was, wafting unnotic
ed among the crowd. She turned back to me. ‘And, Abby? I think it’s time you wrote your own happy ever after.’ She cocked her head towards Young Dave, his arm around one of his relatives. ‘Promise?’

  I didn’t know what would be in my next chapter, but maybe, like my books, I did have more control in what was written than I thought. ‘I promise.’

  Grandma placed her hands alongside my arms, and although I couldn’t feel her gripping me, I felt supported, comforted, and uplifted. ‘You’re so young, you have your whole life ahead of you. Make sure you follow your heart every single day. Don’t let fear or uncertainty be your guide, take every opportunity and make the most of the wonderful gift you have.’

  The tears were well and truly flowing now. I ached to hug her properly, but I could feel her love embracing my heart.

  ‘Oh, and don’t forget what I said about choosing the right underwear when you’re in a relationship. A little trick of the trade!’ She winked.

  I laughed, and cried, overwhelmed with joy and sadness and hope and love, all at the same time. She brought her hand to my face and caressed my cheek, tingles spreading throughout my face. I brought my hand up to hers and tried to feel it. ‘I guess I’ll see you again someday.’

  ‘Someday. But not for a very, very long time, missy.’

  ‘I hope I look as classy as you when I’m older.’

  Grandma patted her hair and smiled. ‘You might have to give that skull-print belt the flick, in that case.’

  I chuckled. At least I wasn’t wearing it today; that would have been a tad inappropriate. ‘Don’t worry, I’ll choose more age-appropriate vintage grunge when I get to that stage.’

  ‘But really, dear. Just be yourself. And you were right, what you said before. If a man doesn’t like your choice of attire he can go jump off the nearest bridge. Same goes for if he doesn’t like your books!’

  ‘Exactly!’ We laughed and chatted as though it was the most natural thing in the world, and right now, I didn’t care if anyone could see me supposedly talking to myself. It was a funeral. People handled grief in their own way, right?

  ‘He’s coming back,’ she said, her eyes welcoming someone I couldn’t see. ‘Just know that I’m always with you. And I’m grateful and proud to call you my granddaughter.’ She gave me a smile that said ‘it’s time’ and I thought my knees would give way.

  I took a deep breath and stepped back to let her know it was okay to go, that I was ready to get back to my own life and let her move on to the next chapter in hers, because clearly, life went on. Though in a different form.

  ‘Goodbye, darling.’ She brought her fingers to her lips then blew a kiss across them, and I swear a sudden but subtle breeze rippled through my hair and tickled my cheeks.

  I returned her air kiss, then lifted my hand in a gentle wave, as she held out her elbow for her invisible Knight In Shining Armour to grasp. Then she turned, fading away as she walked into the distance.

  One moment in time. That’s all it was in the scheme of things. One short but sweet, magical moment, in the complex interwoven tapestry of our lives.

  My heart would never forget.

  I turned away to see the mourners filtering away back to their cars, but one was walking towards me. I knew my eyes were even redder than his, and I couldn’t hold back my tears. As he approached me he said, ‘Is she gone? Is he gone?’

  I nodded. ‘They went, together. Finally reunited.’ I wiped at my face.

  Dave pressed his lips together and nodded, and his shoulders relaxed, as though he’d been waiting for everyone to leave before he could really feel the emotion of what had happened. A doctor had to remain strong for the people around him, despite life’s bleakest moments, and no doubt his professional life had merged a little with his personal life. I didn’t know whether to lightly squeeze his arm, or even pull him into an embrace, but I didn’t have to decide, he decided for me. Warm, strong arms encased in the smooth fabric of a stylish suit enveloped me, drawing me in close to his chest. His heart beat rhythmically against my cheek and his subtle, sweet scent felt new yet familiar. We stayed there like that for quite a while, until the sun emerged from behind the clouds and shone brightly against my face. I pulled back and shielded my eyes from the glare.

  ‘Thank you,’ he said. ‘Thanks for showing up at my door.’

  ‘Thanks for letting me in.’ I smiled. ‘Especially without my nun uniform.’

  ‘I like you without your nun uniform. You have a unique style. I like it.’

  I could almost hear Grandma exclaiming, ‘Hallelujah! He doesn’t have to go jump off a bridge!’

  ‘Hey listen, we’re gathering at my place for some food and drinks in honour of Grandpa, you’re welcome to come along, if you’d like?’

  I considered his proposition. It was tempting, but I felt that being there for the funeral, seeing Grandma off, was enough. I needed to go home and spend some much needed time alone, and let Dave and his family be together to support each other and reminisce. ‘Thanks, but I’ll let you go be with your family, it isn’t my place to be a part of it.’

  ‘Well, if you’re sure. But you’re always welcome, any time.’

  ‘Thanks, Dave. And if there’s ever anything I can do, just let me know.’

  ‘Thanks, I will.’ He wiped at the corner of his eye and smiled, stepped backwards with a farewell wave, then turned away.

  I watched him walk slowly with his hands in his pockets, but then he turned back around. ‘Oh, Abby?’ he said. ‘Actually, there is something you can do.’

  Chapter 16

  I stepped from the sidewalk onto the emerald green grass of the park, the slender, warm blades tickling the sides of my feet through my Roman sandals. A soft breeze ruffled the lacy fabric of my knee-length latte-coloured skirt, and I slid off my sunglasses despite the midday sun. The landscape was bright, but beautiful, and I didn’t want to dim it.

  I had only expected to reunite Grandma with her love and then move on, but Dr Dave’s request to meet him at the gazebo at noon on Christmas Day was the perfect way to give closure to the story. We’d be able to do what our grandparents never got the chance to do.

  I neared the stunning, symmetrical structure and noticed him standing inside it, hands in his pockets and looking out at a family having a Christmas picnic under a tree. He wore casual trousers (latte-coloured—great minds!) and a dusky-blue short-sleeved shirt that sat loosely but stylishly. He also wore … a Santa hat?

  I grinned as I approached the steps and strode up into the gazebo, and he turned to face me. ‘Does Mrs Claus know you’re slacking off when you should be delivering toys to the Northern Hemisphere right about now?’

  His dimple showed itself in response to his smile. ‘Oh, didn’t you know? We share the workload now. I do southern hemisphere, she does northern.’

  ‘Sounds fair.’

  ‘And what else is fair, is if you wear something Christmassy too.’

  My eyes bulged. ‘Something Christmassy? But I didn’t bring anything.’ And it certainly wouldn’t go with my outfit.

  ‘In that case, here’s something I prepared earlier,’ he said in a cheesy game-show voice as he pulled something from his pocket. ‘Santa hat like mine, or Rudolph’s nose. Your choice.’

  I pointed to the hat, then stole the red plastic nose and popped it on his.

  ‘Hey!’ he said in a nasal tone, taking it off then placing the hat on my head.

  ‘Okay, okay, just the hat will do for you.’ I raised my hands in resignation. ‘After all, you’re Santa, not a Santa-Rudolph mutant hybrid.’ What the heck kind of words were coming out of my mouth?

  ‘I’ll give the red nose to one of my cousin’s little kids. There should be about thirty family members there today at the Spectacular Smith Christmas Picnic. You sure you can put up with all of us?’

  ‘I’m looking forward to it. Here I was thinking I’d have a quiet, simple Christmas.’

  ‘Things don’t always work out the way we plan, do th
ey?’

  I shrugged. ‘But sometimes that can be a good thing.’

  ‘True. Unplanned things are often the best.’ We smiled and locked eyes for a few moments, and I shook my head. ‘What is it?’ he asked.

  ‘Oh, nothing. Just that, I feel like …’

  ‘Like?’

  ‘Like I know you.’

  He was silent, studying my eyes. ‘And I thought I was being silly by thinking the same thing.’ He stepped closer to me and the white fluffy bauble on his hat bounced on his cheek. ‘Maybe I have quite a bit of Grandpa in me and you have quite a bit of your grandma in you.’

  ‘I do take after her in many ways.’ I found myself coiffing my hair that escaped the bottom of the hat, like Grandma would have done.

  ‘She must have been a great lady.’

  ‘Are you complimenting me?’ I asked with a cheeky smile on my face.

  ‘No, I’m complimenting your grandma.’ He winked, and I gave him a gentle slap on the arm.

  ‘Oh, did you see the engraving your grandpa made?’ I turned to the column at the opening to the gazebo.

  ‘No, I forgot! Let me see.’ He sidled up next to me and peered closely at the wood beneath the vines.

  I came back ~ DS.

  ‘Wow. Just … wow.’ He ran his fingers over the words as I had done, then took out his phone and took a photo.

  I noticed the watch on his left wrist. ‘Nice vintage piece.’

  He smiled. ‘Grandpa gave me permission to wear it. He said if something works, you don’t waste it. And it sort of feels like part of him is living on, through this. Crazy, I know, but ...’

  ‘Hey, don’t you remember who you’re talking to? I was the one who barged into your home insisting that my grandma’s spirit was with me.’

  ‘A moment I’ll never forget. Sister Abby.’ He grinned.

  ‘I’d be a terrible nun.’ I shook my head.

  ‘It pleases me to hear that.’ Boy, was he good at flirting. ‘Oh, something else from my bag of tricks.’ He reached into his pocket. ‘I think you should keep this.’ He grasped my hand and placed the old, folded love letter in it, closing my fingers around the piece of history. ‘You keep the letter, I’ll keep the watch.’