Yule Tidings

by Savannah Dawn

  Anne left Merle’s feeling uplifted. As he walked her to her car she gave him a quick hug. She declined his offer to follow her home, but promised to call if she had any trouble. Merle watched her drive away, regretfully. He’d been so callous on Saturday; tonight wasn’t the first time he’d regretted being so vicious to her. Granted, it looked as though that was what she needed, but generally he didn’t say anything mean to a woman. He always tried to control his temper with them. Martha had been delicate. His temper frightened her and she’d been utterly devastated the few times he’d spoken his mind in his anger. Yet Anne responded to it well; taking it in stride, and fixing the things she could. Merle shook his head, don’t go there buddy, you’re not ready to go through this again.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Anne called into work on Tuesday, letting her boss know she’d be late. She had some shopping to do and a letter to write. Alex and Jason were registered at WalMart and Target. Anne looked at the items on their lists. There were things in every department, price range, and selection. She had no idea what to buy. Anne picked up her cell phone. It never worked near her house, so it was worthless the other night when she’d gone into the ditch, but in town she had perfect signal everywhere. Rose didn’t answer her phone. Kelly didn’t answer. Anne sighed. It was sad that she’d given the kids such a reason to avoid her. Trisha would be in class, and Anne doubted she’d want to answer the phone either. Franklin might answer, though.

  Franklin wasn’t home, big surprise, but Donna answered on the second ring. At first Anne was going to hang up, but Franklin probably told Donna everything she’d discussed with him anyway. He’d always told Anne everything; at least until she stopped listening. Donna listened in surprise as Anne told her the plan to make amends with Alex and Jason. Donna couldn’t believe Anne was actually speaking to her to begin with, but that she was asking her advice was such a novelty that Donna was speechless for some minutes. If Anne only knew how angry Jason really was. When Anne asked Donna what she should buy for the shower, Donna was silent. What could make the situation better? As much as Donna disliked some of Anne’s choices, she couldn’t fault her entirely and she wanted to help fix the rift if for nothing else than to ease Franklin’s worry. It took Donna a few minutes before she remembered the one thing that Alex wanted more than anything on the registry. It was the also one she doubted anyone would get them because it was extremely expensive in Alex’s opinion.

  “Alex really wants the comforter set from target. It’s reversible. Every piece comes separate I think. She really wanted to redecorate the bedroom at Jason’s, and I think that would be your best bet.” Donna went on to explain how Alex had fallen in love with the set while they were shopping one day. It was the kind of set she would have for years to come. Anne was a little reluctant to spend well over three hundred dollars to decorate her unmarried sons’ bedroom, but then again, maybe that was Donna’s point. It wasn’t the amount of money, but what it was being used for. If Alex thought Anne disapproved of her because she was sleeping with Jason, buying her something for the bedroom might just be the best gift she could find. Anne would be paying on her credit card for a few months, but it would be worth it to make things up to Jason and Alex. “Anne, if you want, I haven’t gotten a gift for the shower yet. Whatever you don’t buy or can’t afford, Franklin and I can pick up.” Donna wasn’t naturally inclined to be so generous towards Anne, but she blamed herself for taking Franklin away, though Anne had already pushed him away for the most part, and she wanted to see Alex and Jason happy.

  Anne looked at the entire set for several minutes before answering. “Well, do you and Franklin want to buy the throw pillows?” It would be easier to ship the comforter, sheets, curtains, thermal blanket, and the like, which were packed in relatively small and condensed packages. The pillows would take up a lot of space. From what Anne could see there were at least seven or eight different ones. Donna readily agreed, surprised that Anne was suggesting some of the cheaper items in the set. “Alex wears a small, right?” Anne asked suddenly, thinking of something she’d have to buy downtown. Donna thought for a moment before agreeing. It was hard to guess Alex’s exact size, but she definitely wasn’t a large person. “Oh, Donna! Can you pick up this cute little lamp and wastebasket? I don’t want to ship them and take a chance they’ll break—I’ll pay you if you want though.”

  Donna assured Anne she’d pick everything up with Franklin when he was out of work, and if Anne wanted to pay them back she could. If not, they’d just consider it part of their gift to the kids. Anne looked at the pile of bed linens filling the shopping cart and fleetingly considered ordering everything online so the company would package and ship it, but then she wouldn’t be able to wrap the gifts or include a special card, which was the most important part. Anne made one last stop at a boutique downtown for an extra special gift before driving to work. She’d use some of the boxes at the office to ship the gifts.

  It took Anne until eleven to wrap the gifts and put them in boxes. She would spend her lunch hour writing the card and running to the post office: so much for eating. She was working on her fourth attempt at the letter when the door tinkled, indicating the entrance of someone. Anne didn’t look up right away. The girls from the office took varying lunches. It was probably Claire coming in.

  “I brought you some lunch.” The voice was gruff and stern, one she recognized instantly. Anne looked up, surprised to see Merle standing at her desk with two subs. He was wearing his tan work clothes, covered in some sort of dust this time, even his hair had a light coating.

  “Thank you!” Anne was startled. She jumped and offered Merle a chair. The floor was littered with the boxes she was preparing to ship to the wedding shower. Merle looked at the gaily-wrapped packages in some surprise. Anne explained how she thought buying Alex a bedroom set might be the best way to show her approval. Merle couldn’t deny the plausibility of such an idea. It was quite a bit more than he’d expected, perhaps, but it might work. “I’m just struggling with this darn card.” Anne indicated the three bunched attempts in the garbage basket and the most recent attempt on the desk.

  “Take a break, woman. Have lunch with me and I’ll help you.” Merle put the food on Anne’s desk. He found Anne easy to talk with, and soon he was telling her his life story. He explained how he’d gone to college in Virginia with Martha. He started working construction during college, refusing to marry Martha until he could afford a reasonably nice place to live. They struggled. He worked construction during the day, taking college courses in the evening. He managed to get his Master’s degree before the first baby arrived, and his PhD shortly after their daughter was born. Architectural Engineering and Business, he told her proudly. He’d fought tooth and nail to get through school. Martha worked when she could to help support their family, and when he opened his first construction company, she was right there alongside him.

  Anne listened to Merle describe his life in some amazement. He truly was the ‘American dream’ in real life; he’d gone from a pauper to the owner of three successful construction companies. Anne explained how she’d worked before and shortly after she married Franklin, but once the second baby came it was too much. She wanted to be home with the kids, raising them. Sending them to daycare and babysitters was just too much, and it had felt as though her entire paycheck was being wasted on childcare. When the kids were in school, she took a part-time job here and there so she could still be home with the kids when they got off the bus, but she could also help support the family. Franklin had switched jobs several times over the years, always working with the government in one way or another, and Anne had to keep up appearances. It was tedious to be expected to go to each fair, board meeting, fundraiser, and the like, but she did it. When they were finished eating, Anne looked back at her letter. “Read it to me,” Merle said finally, collecting the garbage.

  Anne shifted nervously in her seat before simply handing the note to Merle. She was too embarrassed to read it out loud
. Merle admired the neat, flowing handwriting as he put his reading glasses on.

  Dear Alex and Jason,

  Last week, a kindly gentleman had the heart to tell me what a terrible, rotten, bitter, individual I’ve become. He listened patiently as I complained and berated you and Jason. When I’d finished he told me, quite bluntly, that I was to blame for many of my problems. He said, “You selfish woman. How could a mother treat her son and his fiancé so terribly?” I was hurt and angry at first, but after thinking about the things he said to me, I realized just how correct his statements were, and trust me, there were plenty more. Life is too short to be so cruel and inconsiderate of those you love and care about.

  I’m so very sorry for the things I said to you at Applebees. I don’t know what got into me. I should have been happy for you both, and excited about the baby. When I think of the horrible things I accused you of, Alex, I’m so ashamed. I want you to know that if you’ll have me, I’d love to consider you my daughter, and I hope and pray that you’ll find it in your heart to let me get to know you and the baby. I know you’re hurt and angry. I don’t blame you at all. My behavior has been nothing less than appalling. I can only hope that you’re a stronger, more forgiving person than I have been. I wish you happiness and good fortune as you begin your new life together.

  Sincerely,

  Anne Stafford

  Merle looked up from the letter in some surprise. He knew he’d helped Anne with his crude outburst, but he would never have imagined that he’d made such a large impact in her life. He was both extremely embarrassed and pleased. “It’s well-done of you, Anne.”

  Anne blushed as she put the card in the envelope and sealed it, writing Alex’s name on the top. She put it in the top box, marked number one. It held the curtains and sheets. The second box held the comforter. Anne hesitated with the third, smallest box. She’d gone to a nice boutique downtown and picked out a lovely white satin nightgown for Alex. It wasn’t a piece of lingerie or something sexy and filmy. It was elegant in a nineteen twenties or thirties fashion. It had a v-neck with lace trim and it would be close to floor-length on Alex. There were small slits on the sides to make walking easier, also trimmed by lace. It was a brides’ nightgown. At least, that was how the clerk had described the beautiful confection. It reminded Anne of a dress she’d seen a woman wear in the movie, The Shadow; so long and graceful. It was something she could imagine Alex appreciating because it wasn’t vulgar. Despite Anne’s comments, she’d noticed that Alex wore loose, comfortable clothing that covered her well. Merle looked at Anne in question and she opened the box to show him the nightgown. She hadn’t wrapped it, but left it in the box the clerk had put it in for her.

  Merle looked at the nightgown for a moment in surprise. It wasn’t sexy in a traditional way. “Is it too much?” she asked. Merle looked at Anne. He had no idea. He shrugged.

  Anne pulled a second note from her desk and gave it to Merle to read:

  Dear Alex,

  This is the kind of thing I would have loved to have as a new bride. I know it isn’t a traditional gift, and you’ll probably think I’m crazy for sending it to you, but I bought Kelly and Rose both one, or something similar, for their wedding showers. It just looked so elegant. I hope you like it and I haven’t offended you.

  Sincerely,

  Anne Stafford

  Anne gently put the nightgown back in the box as Merle read the card. She wanted Alex to have this. It was something she would have loved, but could never have bought herself. It was meant to be a gift, and there had been no one to give her such a gift when she married Franklin. She wouldn’t have known what to do with it anyway; she was so naïve then. She’d made it a point to buy Rose and Kelly one when they were getting married. There was no reason to treat Alex any differently. Merle nodded his approval as Anne taped the note to the box. She only hoped Alex read the card first.

  Merle drove Anne to the post office to mail her packages. She smiled brightly as they walked from the building and Merle was struck by how lovely her face looked when she smiled. She was radiant. She’d been so animated while Merle helped her carry the packages inside that Merle was unable to subdue a grin. She was actually being cute.

  It had been expensive to ship the three packages, but Anne was excited for Alex to open them. It would be hard not to be there when Alex saw the gifts. She’d have to rely on Donna to tell her the details. The girls still weren’t talking to her. Merle offered Anne his arm and walked with her down the street. He wasn’t quite ready for their lunch to end. Anne looked at her watch. “I’d better get back, Merle.” Disappointment was clear in her voice, she didn’t want to go back to work, but she didn’t have much choice. She’d spent most of the day avoiding work; it would take her quite a while to catch up.

  “I do too. Maybe we can do this again sometime?”

  “I’d love to.” Anne smiled. Merle dropped Anne off at the Red Cross before driving back to the Anderson site. It was looking more and more like a house now. Jim came out to harp on him about taking such a long lunch, but stopped when he saw the happy gleam in Merle’s eyes. He was just preparing to ask Merle where he’d been when his phone rang. When he looked at Merle his face was so full of excitement Merle grinned and pointed him towards his truck. Jennifer was in labor, finally.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  By Saturday Alex was so anxious to get out of bed she thought she’d go crazy. The doctor assured her everything was fine on Thursday, it had only been a false period, but Jason was so nervous and uptight that he’d begged her to stay in bed until she got ready to go to the wedding shower. She’d finally conceded when he offered to take Friday off work just to keep her company. How could she refuse?

  Jason drove out to Michael and Kelly’s slowly. He wasn’t in any particular rush to get in. It was opening day. Most of the guys were out at the hunting cabin at five a.m. Jason would have joined them if he hadn’t been nervous of leaving Alex alone, but he didn’t really mind starting late. Hunting was a hobby for him, not something he loved doing, but something he enjoyed on occasion. Besides, he was planning on staying at the house a few minutes after the shower began to make sure his mother didn’t show up. Alex’s giggling guests, including his sisters, received her so warmly that most of Jason’s anxiety left him as he watched them lead her into the living room. Gifts covered the floor around the place of honor: a glider meant especially for Alex. He watched her for a moment, chatting happily with the other women. Her eyes were bright, a slight flush on her cheeks, she looked healthier than she had in a couple weeks. She’d even put her hair up in some sort of twist or knot. She urged him to go hunting, the other women pushing him out the door. Apparently it was an all-woman party, and he wasn’t invited.

  Alex took her time talking with her guests. Most of the ones from Jason’s family, she’d never met before, and she enjoyed getting to know his grandmother, aunts, and cousins. No one mentioned Anne or her absence, a fact that relieved much of Alex’s stress. She listened to the older women offer suggestions on keeping a marriage alive and healthy. She was surprised at the audacity of some of the older women; apparently sex was a topic open for conversation to them. Alex found herself becoming exceedingly embarrassed and uncomfortable. She’d been sheltered. Sex was not a topic of conversation in her family, and as she glanced at her mother’s surprised face she could tell that the comments weren’t just embarrassing her. Everything she knew about sex Jason had taught her. She liked it that way, and he seemed to as well. The women laughed at her reddened cheeks, patting her hand politely and thankfully changing the subject. It was Donna that urged Alex to open gifts when a particularly open woman began sharing stories of her sexual explorations with her second husband. Alex was more than happy to oblige.

  Alex’s parent’s bought them a very nice stainless steel cooking set for the kitchen, and her sister bought the hanging rack to match and utensils. It was a lovely set, and Alex was excited to take the burnt, mixed matched pans that filled Jason
’s cupboards to the goodwill. Jason’s grandmother bought them a beautiful set of china for four. There were cooking implements, gift cards, a set of casual dishes, a nice mantle clock, statues of a bride and groom, a digital camera, three sets of towels, a robe and slipper set for the bride and groom, jewelry of various kinds, cookbooks, a set of encyclopedias, and more things than Alex was able to keep track of. Kelly wrote a list describing each gift and the person who gave it to the couple for Alex to keep as a guide when she sent out ‘thank you’ notes. When Alex started to open Donna and Franklin’s gift, Donna stopped her, handing her the three large boxes that had been delivered to Kelly’s house the day before instead.

  Alex opened the box numbered one. A card with her name scrawled on top caught her attention, and as she’d done with every other gift, she opened the card first. Tears welled in her eyes as she looked at Kelly and Rose is some astonishment. They’d assured her that Anne hadn’t sent a gift, yet here one was. Rose rushed to her side afraid something was wrong. She scanned the note quickly, then read it again more slowly. She couldn’t believe it. Her mother, apologizing? Rose read the card out loud to the waiting company, skipping the part about the baby. Alex and Jason hadn’t told the extended family about the pregnancy, but everyone knew about the fight. If Anne hadn’t told them someone else did, and the guests were advised not to mention Anne’s name during the shower for Alex’s sake. Alex looked at the box of brightly wrapped packages. It was clear that Anne was sorry, but would Jason forgive her? Alex was almost afraid to open the gifts without talking to Jason first; she excused herself and went to the kitchen.