by JR Wirth
Jacob was looking down. He looked a little scared, maybe intimidated, which had me wondering what could’ve happened while I was gone. Then Jacob lifted his head and smiled. His face and body suddenly projected determination; it was as if he’d changed personalities in an instant; just like Harper did earlier. Oh no, I thought. We are in the town! The fleeting thought disappeared, thank God, when I looked out the curtains and saw the familiar neighborhood. Whew! Instead of getting lost in a parade of disturbed thoughts, I focused back on Jacob.
“I was wondering something,” he said.
“Oh, what’s that?” Grandpa asked.
“Well, I call my dad, Papa. But in reality, ever since I’ve known you, you’ve been more like a dad than Papa ever was.”
“That’s nice of you to say, Jacob.” Grandpa smiled. He then peeked over Jacob’s head to check the pots of whatever was brewing at the time.
I too looked at the pots, wondering what was actually in them. It caused me to have one of those revelations: I really should pay more attention to what’s cooking, and how to cook it. And maybe pay less attention to other people’s issues. I then shook my head and softly kicked the retaining wall on my left. “Um,” I whispered to the light brown paint. “I’d have to say that would be a big-fat-no. Cheez-it, Hailey, what are you thinking?”
I returned from my ridiculous thought in time to hear Jacob continue his stove-side confessional.
“It’s true,” Jacob said. He looked down again, wiping the floor with the soul of his shoe. “This may sound weird, but I was wondering if…” He paused mid-sentence. When he looked back up, Jacob rushed to say, “Would you mind if I called you Dad?”
“I have no problem with that at all, Jacob.” Grandpa smiled again. He then gave another one of those freakish, faraway-stares that he gives when he’s deep in thought. He shook his head while he rubbed the top of Jacob’s head. “I would like that,” he continued. “I would like that very much, young man. And I’m pretty sure the rest won’t mind either.”
“I’ll be sure to ask them, sir.” Jacob paused and then looked up at Grandpa. “I mean, Dad.” He then gave Grandpa an uncharacteristically huge hug, and it appeared as if tears of joy were escaping the corners of eyes. “N-Now,” he sputtered. “It really feels like Christmas.”
Grandpa looked a bit choked up as well. He covered his eyes with his right forearm and patted Jacob on the back with his left hand. He then cleared his throat, trying, I imagine, to disguise his emotionally-loaded, raspy-voice. He cleared his throat again, and said, “Why don’t you go and get involved in the tree decorating?”
“Okay.” Jacob wiped his eyes.
“That’s my cue,” I whispered. I turned and dashed back to the living room before Jacob could join us. I certainly didn’t want to give away my cover. No investigative reporter, or spry private detective, wants to reveal their cover, now do they? Honestly, do they?
When I reached the family room where everyone was congregating—new word I just learned congregate—Harper was leaving and heading for the kitchen. I followed her back to the kitchen, because, well that’s what good, big sister’s do. And it-just-so-happened that it gave me an opportunity to see if any other tales of emotional goop were brewing in the kitchen. While I followed Harper, Jacob passed and we slapped high-five. Though slightly disappointed that I couldn’t get any more scuttlebutt, I continued to follow Harper into the kitchen.
When we got to the kitchen, Harper went straight up to Grandpa.
“Pa,” she said, in her cute little baby-voice. “I aunt aby cheeses.”
Grandpa laughed and looked at me. “Will you help her find the baby Jesus, please?”
I nodded. “Sure.”
Grandpa pointed. “Hailey will help you.”
“Aidey elp?”
“Yes, go with Hailey.”
“Come on, Harper.” I guided her back to the living room. “Will somebody find Harper the baby Jesus?” I shouted. “For Cheez-it’s sake!”
“Here it is!” Titi shouted. She gave Harper the baby Jesus, but held on to the rest of the manger. I’m sure it was to prevent it from being mistreated by Harper.
“Ank ew, Titi.” Harper smiled.
Suddenly I heard a knock on the door. Hayden jumped from the floor, where he was playing with the train, obviously trying to be sly. He climbed up on top of the couch and moved back the large vertical blinds. “It’s Uncle Joel and Sara.” He smiled and raced through the mounting mess to the front door. He swung it open. “Hi, Uncle Joel!”
“Hey buddy, Merry Christmas!” Uncle Joel shouted, enthusiastically. “What are you up too?” He was always making people feel welcome, especially us kids; although, during one family reunion, he completely forgot who I was. But, I’ve since forgiven him.
Though Uncle Joel was taller than Grandpa, it was easy to tell they were brothers, since they looked a lot alike. So much so, that one time I mistook Uncle Joel, from behind, for Grandpa. But, he’s since forgiven me, so I guess we’re even.
I joined Hayden at the entry and gave them each a hug.
Sara, our cousin, followed Uncle Joel into the house. “Hi everyone,” she shouted. She gave me another hug then quickly spotted Titi and Karlos, and made her way to where they were. Hugs were exchanged, along with whispered, secret-messages. Titi and Sara were about the same age and had been buddies since Sara moved out to California from Tennessee.
The arrival of Uncle Joel and Sara seemed to liven up the house, and the party started.
Grandpa must have heard Uncle Joel and Sara, and came to greet them. He was quickly joined by Jacob, appearing quite curious about the man who looked like Grandpa.
Uncle Joel noticed Jacob. “Well who’s this fine young man?” he asked, exhibiting the same enthusiasm he showed for Hayden. He held out his hand.
“I’m Jacob,” he said, and then shook Uncle Joel’s hand. “Merry Christmas. It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”
Uncle Joel smiled. He nodded at Grandpa and pointed with his right thumb. “I like this kid,” he said. Uncle Joel looked back at Jacob. “And a very Merry Christmas to you, young man.”
I turned and noticed that everyone was watching, except of course, Isaiah, who was fixated on his cell phone. I’m sure he was texting his girlfriend again. But he must have sensed I was watching because he looked directly at me.
“Are you ready?” Isaiah asked.
“Me?” I smiled and pointed at his phone.
He shrugged and smiled back.
“Let’s do this.” I joined Isaiah at the tree and we began our mission to replicate the town under the tree. And despite the grown-up’s attempts to interfere, we continued on our own; we would not be swayed.
All of us kids got our chance to arrange the ornaments and the town. Soon, without too much fuss, we had it exactly the way we wanted, and remembered it. Even Harper, after wrangling it away from Titi, put the manger and baby Jesus exactly where they were the year before. Christmas music played in the background, while smiles, fudge, and Christmas cookies were handed out with love and abundance.
And Jacob smiled the entire time, seeming to enjoy watching our adventure in decorating, unravel. Then, as we stood marveling at the lights and music, Jacob slid next to me. “Why don’t we go for a walk?” he suggested.
“I don’t know if they’ll let us go by ourselves,” I replied, finger on my lip. I raised my right hand in the air. “But, I have an idea,” I puffed.
I called Isaiah into the garage room—my bedroom. Bubba must have noticed since he followed us too. “Isaiah,” I said, once the accordion-doors were shut. “Jacob and I want to go for a walk, but I don’t think they’ll let us.”
Isaiah looked a little confused and then suddenly smiled. “And you want me to come, so they’ll let you go.”
“T
hat’s why you’re the leader,” I said, maybe sucking-up to him just a little bit.
“I have some money,” Jacob offered. “We can go to the Seven-Eleven. I’ll buy you a Slurpee.”
Isaiah put his chin in his hand, making that familiar thinking-face. “Make it a Monster, and you have a deal.”
“It’s a deal!”
Chapter Five
After much discussion and pleading, Mom and Aunt Jessica said we could go, but that we would need to see what Grandpa said. After all, Jacob was not their kid. To make it more difficult for Grandpa to say no, I gathered all the kids. We surrounded Grandpa, who was now joined by Uncle Joel, and Uncle Steve—Isaiah, Bubba, and Arhi’s father. They were in the kitchen preparing food and watching football. They seemed much more into the football game at that point. And they were talking about USC, so I think they were watching a college football game.
We decided Jacob should do the talking, since he was good at that kind of thing. “Dad,” he said in a soft tone. It was pretty obvious he was going for sympathy points.
All three stopped watching the football game and focused on Jacob and us kids.
“We were wondering,” Jacob continued, then paused and waved his hand to include us all. “If we could go for a walk while you finish preparing this spectacular meal for all of us to enjoy, on this very special occasion.”
Grandpa smirked. “Is that right?”
And I could see Uncle Steve in the background, chuckling. “Wow,” he loudly whispered. “He’s laying it on thick.”
“Yes, Dad.” Jacob ignored the adult’s reactions. “And we can get out of your hair for a little while.”
I could tell Jacob wanted to laugh, but he kept a poker face—almost a sad face.
“Well, you’re not in my hair, son,” Grandpa replied. He looked at the pots on the stove, and then at something on the counter that he’d been chopping up. The pile appeared unorganized and, no doubt, neglected due to the football game. “What about your mom, Jacob? She’s not returning my texts or calls. Did you ask her? Has she texted you back?”
“No, sir.”
“I’m getting worried. She should have made it home by now, unless she had to stop at the store. What do you think?”
Jacob shrugged.
Grandpa looked at Uncle Steve. “What do you think about the walk?”
“Only the older kids. I don’t want Arhi going.”
“Or Harper,” Grandpa added. “Or Hayden, for that matter.”
We all smiled, and rushed for the door.
“Put your jackets on!” Grandpa shouted. “And if you hear from your mom, Jacob, tell her to call me—ASAP.”
“Okay!” Jacob shouted back.
While I put on my jacket, I peeked into the living room. “Poor Arhi,” I said, as I watched her head for the train. She sat and was joined by Hayden, seemingly reenacting the Christmas adventure. The look on Hayden’s face was precious, like he was trying to figure out a way to get back into the train’s conductor seat; the place where we found him last year. It is his happy place.
Soon after, Harper joined them and, though I felt sad, I knew that was our cue to head out the door.
Chapter Six
When we walked out the door, the first thing we saw was dark, threatening-skies, like there was going to be a downpour. I shivered, and immediately got a little worried. “Maybe we shouldn’t go,” I cried out.
“Nah, we’ll be fine,” Jacob quickly dismissed my concern. “Come on.”
Feeling a sudden rush, I stopped and quickly looked around. My breath shortened and my chest grew tight. “Isaiah,” I whispered. “Did you feel that?”
Isaiah also stopped and looked around. “I don’t think so,” he replied. “What did you feel?”
“Maybe it was nothing.” I made another quick look at our surroundings. When I was sure that nothing was out of the ordinary, I started toward the street. “Keep an eye out, just in case.”
“Aye, aye, captain.”
Still concerned, I looked up and silently messaged, “Okay angel, time to guardian me again.” I did a double-take of the darkened skies and whispered, “Send your angels to watch us all, Father.”
Jacob smiled at me; he must have heard my plea. “We’ll be fine,” he said softly. He waved for us to follow him, and we journeyed toward the main street. We headed east, toward Palm Avenue.
When we reached the church, just before the corner, Jacob headed down a dirt embankment. The tiny hill led to the church grounds, and the parking lot behind the church. It was also a shortcut to the Seven-Eleven. Isaiah, Bubba and I followed. We almost made it down the hill without incident, until Bubba tripped on a shoestring and tumbled to the ground.
In Bubba fashion, he completed two somersaults before jumping to his feet. “I’m okay!” he shouted, and ran to catch up with Jacob. “This is cool.”
Instead of continuing to the parking lot, Jacob grabbed Bubba’s hand and ran toward an open church door. He stopped and waved for us to join them.
Feeling an overwhelming concern, I slowly approached the open door. While I did, I made several, nervous glances at the surrounding area. I noticed there was not one car in the lot, and that the church and grounds looked quite abandoned.
“It’s eerie-empty and creepy-quiet,” I whispered. “Particularly for a Christmas Eve.” I blinked twice. “I don’t think this is a good idea.”
Isaiah was next to me. He glanced up from his phone, and looked around. “Yikes, I think you’re on to something.”
“I know, right?” I looked at the open door and the back of Jacob’s head, as he looked inside. “I don’t think this is a good idea!” I repeated loudly.
Jacob turned. He quickly put his finger to his lips, signaling for us to be quiet, then waved to us, while mouthing the words, “Hurry up.”
Very concerned, I continued my slow, careful approach. I wasn’t in a hurry to enter an evil looking church on Christmas Eve; or any other day.
Isaiah must have felt the same way, because he walked by my side, frantically looking back-and-forth with each new, anxious-step.
When we reached the walkway, next to the entrance, I took notice of Jacob. He didn’t look too healthy; in fact, he looked quite pale. “You don’t look so well, Jacob. You look a bit ashy.”
Isaiah’s head snapped back. “Yeah,” he heartily agreed. “You look a bit vampire-ish.”
“I’m fine,” Jacob whispered.
When we were a couple of feet away, Jacob held out his hands for us to stop our advance. He then waved, whispering, “A little closer, guys.”
We huddled together.
“I want to tell you something before we go in.” Jacob looked in all directions.
“On three,” Isaiah said, apparently mimicking one of those football quarterback’s when they’re in that huddle thing. Then, continuing to make light of Jacob’s moment, Isaiah shouted, “Ready—break,” and slapped his hands together.
I nervously chuckled.
“Shush!” Jacob put his finger to his lips again. “I’m serious,” he demanded. “I want you to know that these past few months have been the best of my life. I wanted to say thanks to all of you; especially you Hailey, you’re the best friend a guy could ever have. I want this to be a Christmas we’ll never forget. So, Merry Christmas!”
Although I wasn’t quite sure how to respond, I smiled. Then the words spilled from my lips. “You’re my BFF too, Jacob. Merry Christmas.”
“I’ll remember you guys forever. So keep it cool, always.” Jacob looked around, again. “Okay, now be careful when we go inside, it might be intense.”
Bubba rubbed his hand together, and whispered, “Cool.”
Isaiah and I merely looked at each other with renewed concern.
Then
Isaiah said, “Here we go, it’s the crazy Christmas caper, all-over-again.” He looked around. “So where’s that creepy-one-legged-teenager?”
Despite my increasing fear, I giggled. “Right?” After all, Isaiah said exactly what I was thinking. I too looked around. “I don’t think we should go in,” I restated. The fear I was feeling suddenly turned to panic. “Please let’s go,” I pleaded. “Let’s get out of here.”
“We can’t,” Jacob barked, with a very determined look. “We have to go in there.”
“Why?”
“Because!”
“Because why?”
“Because, I said so!”
“Enough!” Isaiah shouted, interrupting our banter. He scuffed his shoe and, again, looked around the vacant parking lot. With a look of distant-distraction, he shook his head, and in a whispered voice, asked, “Now, where’s that dang bridge to nowhere when you need it?” He looked at me with a scary glare and continued. “Or, maybe the door is the bridge, and when we go in we’ll be stuck in some weird church realm.”
As inappropriate as it sounds, I giggled again. I pushed Isaiah and he giggled. “Don’t say that.”
Meanwhile, Bubba and Jacob just looked at us with raised brows. I’m sure Bubba didn’t know the fear that Isaiah and I had gone through last Christmas when we approached the bridge-of-doom, or what happened when we did. And I knew Jacob didn’t know anything about it, because I hadn’t had the guts to tell him—yet.
“Let’s go inside, now!” Jacob snarled. He grabbed me by the arm and we entered the open door.
We slowly approached several pews from the side. Just before the side-hall met the main sanctuary, Jacob ducked and pulled me down. Isaiah and Bubba followed, just behind us. They too ducked. Seeing us all in a hunched position, Jacob lifted slightly and peeked around the corner.
“What are you doing?” I whispered, somewhat perturbed, yet very curious.