The Perfect Gift: A Christmas Story (standard:Inspirational stories, 6016 words)
Author: Ladybug	Added: Dec 18 2002	Views/Reads: 4576/2633	Story vote: 0.00 (0 votes)
Christine has the holiday blues. She is stressed over the responsibility of caring for her younger sister, Abbey who was diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Effects. In the middle of a hectic season, Christine discovers the real meaning of Christmas and what

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Christine and Abbey's real mother, Lana had died of alcohol poisoning
several months after Abigail, who was diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol 
Effects (FAE), was born.  Although very similar to Fetal Alcohol 
Syndrome (FAS), children with FAE showed some of the characteristics of 
FAS, including mild to severe brain damage which can result from 
exposure of the fetus to alcohol at any time of the pregnancy.  Their 
father had divorced his wife which was one reason she turned to alcohol 
in the first place.  He left no forwarding address, and never bothered 
to contact the family. 

Christine had roots of anger and bitterness in her heart.  Why did her
mother do something so stupid as drink during her pregnancy?  Didn't 
she know Fetal Alcohol Syndrome was the leading cause of mental 
retardation? 

Christine had searched earnestly for answers during that stressful time
when social services were looking for a placement for the girls.  Abbey 
was only two years old and Christine was sixteen when their Aunt Grace 
offered to take over as their legal guardian. 

Both girls loved Grace.  She loved them as her own children.  Grace had
never married and lived alone.  The arrangement was perfect for all of 
them.  They loved each other, and they were happy, but Christine had 
some personal issues to deal with. 

Chapter 3 

"What month is this?" Abbey asked as she scooped up a piece of beef on
her spoon and nibbled on it. 

"This is December.  We celebrate Christmas on the 25th of the month."
Grace kindly reminded her. 

Christine glanced up, her eyes meeting her Aunt's.  This was the second
time in two days Abbey asked what month it was. 

"Whose birthday is it?" she asked, forgetting all about eating. 

"We celebrate Jesus' birthday.  Remember how He was born in Bethlehem?"
Grace retold the wonderful story which always fascinated Abbey.  "Mary 
and Joseph needed a room for the night, but because the inn was full, 
they stayed in the stables." 

"With all the animals!" Abbey squealed. 

"Yes, there were cows, sheep, and donkeys near baby Jesus," her aunt
smiled. 

"Abbey, your food is getting cold.  Please eat!" Christine strongly
urged, knowing with her disability, her sister needed the calories to 
prevent any seizures. 

"I'm not hungry."  the younger sibling pushed the bowl away and crossed
her arms. 

Christine felt another power struggle coming on.  "Abbey, please eat,
you know how sick you get when you don't."  Her older sister pleaded. 

"How about a peanut butter sandwich?" Grace suggested.  Christine shot
up from the table, hoping that would appease her sister's finicky lack 
of desire for food. 

She made the sandwich, cut it in half and slid the small plate in front
of Abbey who defiantly refused to eat.  "I don't like that!" 

"Just eat half then, okay?" Christine picked up a half of the whole
wheat sandwich, and held it up to her sister's mouth to take a bite.  
Abbey turned her face away. 

"Abbey!" Christine raised her voice.  "I'm not hungry!" was the same
response. 

"Fine, but none of your favorite snacks then either!  Only liquids or
healthy snacks before dinner!" she screamed and pushed her chair away 
from the table and went to her room. 

Abbey cheerfully took Christine's departure as a good sign of triumph as
she cast a look of innocence at her aunt.  "You may go," she softly 
whispered. 

Christine felt overwhelmed with frustration.  How could she see to it
that her sister followed the doctor's orders if she couldn't even get 
the child to eat? 

Chapter 4 

Friday morning there was already a crowd waiting outside the store for
when they opened the doors at 10:00 AM. 

Christine held the door opened as she watched the vast amount of people
pouring into the store.  She thought she saw the end of the crowd and 
was about to close the door when she felt resistance on the handle. 

Turning around she came face to face with the customer from the other
day.  "Has the shipment of radio controlled sports cars arrived?" 

Christine was slightly taken back, not even a 'hello', or a 'good
morning.'  She noticed his eyes were puffy and slightly red as if he 
had been crying and had not slept in several days. 

"Hmm, they usually deliver around 11:00 AM."  She explained as she felt
his scrutinizing gaze upon her. 

The man sighed.  "I'm running late as it is.  Would you be so kind as to
hold one for me?" His hard, cold expression softened.  His harsh, 
critical gaze now looked upon her with optimistic eyes. 

"Well..." she hesitated knowing they didn't usually hold items for
customers. 

"Please?  I would deeply appreciated it," he whispered placing his hand
on her shoulder.  Christine felt a surge of electricity in his touch.  
"Okay," she smiled.  "What time can you come back for it?" she 
inquired. 

"Can you hold it until 4:30?  I have a meeting this afternoon, I can't
get away from." He admitted. 

"Okay, I will put one aside for you."  She smiled.  His eyes actually
twinkled as it caught the glimmer from the sunlight. 

"Thank you so much, Miss...?" 

"Christine, my name is Christine," she smiled politely. 

"Thank you Christine, my name is Donald, Donald Barkley.  I will see you
at 4:30." he waved as he turned and made his way back to the parking 
lot. 

Chapter 5 

Christine glanced up at the clock.  It was 20 minutes past 5PM.  She saw
no signs of Donald Barkley nor received any phone calls from him.  
Looking over her shoulder was a single box which contained one of this 
year's hottest toys on the market.  She had to hide it under the 
counter, and even when they ran out of the cars, and someone asked if 
she had any in the back, she told them 'no.' 

She could get written up over that, even possibly fired.  Still
something told her to hold on to the precious gift.  She wondered if it 
was for his son or daughter?  Was he married?  She hoped not.  For in 
that single touch on her shoulder, her whole body became a flame. 

"Well, see you tomorrow Christine!" a female co-worker waved as she was
about to walk out the door. 

"Donna, wait!" Christine called after her, catching her at the front
entrance. 

"Can you ring this up for me?" Christine shyly asked. 

Donna looked over the item with a curious stare.  "From what you told me
of Abbey, she probably wouldn't like cars.  Who is this for?" 

Christine blushed slightly, "Well, this man, hmm Donald Barkley really
seemed to want it and we had run out of it and he asked if I would..." 

"Hold one for him?" Donna completed her sentence. 

Christine blushed. 

Donna chuckled, "I don't blame you.  I saw how the two of you exchanged
glances.  One look from him, and I'd probably do anything too." 

Christine blushed as she paid for the sports car and placed it carefully
in a shopper's bag. 

Chapter 6 

"How much longer is this going to take?" screamed Donald as he stared
helplessly at the five mile back up of cars.  "I'm sorry Mr. Barkley.  
It seems there has been a serious accident.  The police are not letting 
anyone through."  The man dressed in a black suit and chauffeur's cap, 
sitting behind the wheel of the black stretched limo replied. 

Donald released an exasperated sigh after taking another look at his
Rolex.  It was now 5:30 PM.  He was a whole hour late.  He knew his 
chances of getting that sports car was getting slimmer by the second.  
Imagine, being the son of a millionaire who still had to deal with 
irritating challenges, such as waiting.  He hated these inconveniences, 
they were as pesky as gnats at a picnic. 

"I could call and ask for Miss Christine, Mr. Barkley."  His chauffeur
offered.  "Thanks anyway Stanley, but I'm afraid Miss Christine has 
probably left for the night."  He leaned back against the tan colored 
leather seat.  He decided it would be a long wait and poured himself a 
cold soda from the ice box. 

He would have called and left a message earlier, but he was too
embarrassed to admit he had forgotten the name of the Toy store.  Even 
with a cell phone, he was helpless. 

He took a big sip, closing his eyes and remembered the lovely smile
Christine gave him. Her eyes were deep pools of chocolate.  Ones he 
would gladly drown in if given the opportunity.  If only things were 
different!  It was too soon, he would feel like a traitor.  Opening his 
eyes he saw the ramp up ahead which would lead him to his home. 

"Stanley, take the exit off the ramp.  Let's go home."  He knew the
popularity of the toy.  He wouldn't blame her if she had given the toy 
away.  The company couldn't miss out on a sale on a hot selling item.  
Tomorrow was Saturday.   Maybe he and Brian could find another store 
with them in stock. 

Keeping it from Brian was more difficult than he had imagined.  The
three year old had more energy than ten kids and was at times very 
exhausting for Donald raising him as a single parent.  Stanley was like 
a second grand pop for him as his own father was too busy, running a 
muti-million dollar corporation which Donald was the sole beneficiary.  
With the death of his own mother, Donald had experienced losing two of 
the most important women in his life.  He had given up the idea of ever 
meeting and falling in love again. 

Chapter 7 

One of the busiest places in the world as the holiday season approaches
is the local mall.  Today was the scheduled arrival of Santa Claus in a 
parade.  He was on a custom made sleigh, with red, white, and gold 
trim.  The man sat and waved to the multitude as they cheered and 
welcomed him in their midst. 

Donald held the tiny hand of his son.  The small boy was an exact
duplicate of his dad with short, curly hair, and dark blue eyes.  He 
was eagerly jumping up and down as the parade passed. 

"Come on Brian, let's go inside and look around."  Donald smiled as he
led him through the large double doors. 

The large mall complete with two floors was elegantly decorated for the
Christmas holiday.  Streamers of red and green hung from the ceiling 
accented with alternating gold bells and stars. 

The echoes of excited children could be heard as they watched Santa's
sleigh make it's way to the center of the mall where his temporary 
residence was adorned with fake snow, plush, animated reindeer, and 
elves who were people dressed in costume.  The words, "Santa's 
Workshop" was engraved on the red and green wooden building. 

Songs of Christmas could be heard playing softly through the mall's
sound system as children and parents both stood in line waiting as 
Santa took his place in the front, seated on a red velvet covered 
chair, and the elves prepared to take pictures. 

Brian took his dad's hand and dragged him to one of the stores in the
food court.  "Cookie!" he squealed over the chatter of the people 
around them.  Donald looked up and noticed that his son had followed 
the scent of the hot, freshly baked chocolate chip cookies two stores 
below. 

Seeing they had already eaten lunch, he saw no harm in delving in some
Christmas goodies.  "Okay, we can get some cookies," he smiled. 

"Look at the decorations! Aren't they pretty!" Grace pointed out to
Abbey who seemed more interested in watching the people shuffle about.  
She rushed over to a bench which had just become vacant and plopped 
herself down, sitting Indian-style. 

"We should get something to eat."  Christine insisted.  "It has been
almost three hours since she ate that single slice of pizza." 

"I'll go stand in line.  How about a soft pretzel?" Grace offered. 
Christine smiled knowing how much Abbey loved them.  "Okay, I'll stay 
here with her."  She had brought one of her favorite novels with her 
and began to read, knowing Abbey would be content for a while watching 
the people. 

Abbey had used so much energy during the course of the three hours that
she looked pale and drained. 

She became feverish, and her eyes looked glazed.  Slowly she leaned her
head on Christine's shoulder.  "Abbey!"  Christine finally noticed how 
sickly she looked.  "Abbey!"  She gently shook her.  She saw her 
sister's eyes roll back as she was about to pass out. 

"Is she okay?" a friendly security guard politely asked. 

"Please call 911.  She is having a seizure!" Christine's voice sounded
panicky even though she had been through an ordeal before, each one 
worried her. 

"I will call for medical help!" a dark, masculine voice offered from
behind.  Christine turned her head and saw the man from the toy store.  
"Mr. Barkley!" Christine softly gasped.  "Christine, may we accompany 
you to the hospital?" 

She shifted her gaze from the handsome man to a miniature duplicate
standing beside him.  She smiled briefly at the young boy then 
refocused on Abbey as Donald called for help.  The EMT soon arrived 
assessing Abbey's condition.  Christine stood back a bit shaky.  Grace 
had hurried back once she saw the commotion. 

Grace noticed the handsome man and his son nearby and saw how he had
initiated the call for help.  "I'm Grace, Christine and Abbey's aunt," 
she smiled extending out her hand. 

"Donald Barkley, and this is my son, Brian." He added shaking her hand. 
"Pleased to meet both of you." Grace replied. 

"Do you need a lift to the hospital, Grace?  You could ride with Brian
and me."  He offered. 

Christine glanced over at her aunt as the EMTs had lifted Abbey onto a
gurney and placed her securely in the back of the ambulance. 

"Sure, that would be very kind of you!" Grace replied, accepting his
offer of a ride. 

Donald reached out and took Christine's hand.  "It's okay, I'll take
care of Grace.  You stay with Abbey.  We will meet you there." 

Without another moment to spare, Christine silently nodded, then climbed
into the back of the vehicle where she could stay near her sister. 

Donald had left the limo back home and had decided to drive his 2002 red
Mercury Cougar.  Brian had liked the car, and so Donald paid cash for 
it, much to the salesman's astonishment. 

Chapter 8 

When Donald, Grace, and Brian arrived at the hospital, Christine was
already in the waiting room. 

"How is she?" Grace asked, taking a seat next to Christine. 

"She's sleeping now,"  she replied remembering her sister would usually
fall asleep after a seizure since the physical strain would tire her 
out. 

Grace nodded as she patted Christine's hand.  "She will be fine.  I'll
be right back."  She pointed in the direction of the ladies' room, as 
she headed down the hall. 

Christine watched as Brian sat on the floor pushing a small dump truck
back and forth and making appropriate sound effects.  The sports car!  
She remembered she had taken it home with her and stashed it carefully 
in her closet.  "Donald, I have...." 

Her thoughts were interrupted by a nurse.  "Christine Reynolds?" she
asked.  Christine quickly stood.  "Yes." 

"You may come see your sister now," she smiled.  "Oh, thank you." 
Christine just noticed Grace coming out of the ladies' room.  "We can 
visit with Abbey," she whispered as Grace nodded.  Donald held the door 
as the women walked into the room first, followed by Brian.  Donald 
closed the door behind him. 

Abbey looked much better, although she was still being monitored and had
an IV in her arm, giving her fluids. 

The young girl looked up at the man and the small child standing next to
him.  "Abbey, this is Mr. Barkley and his son, Brian."  Christine 
introduced them.  "Hi."  Abbey smiled weakly.  Brian had found a 
magazine and sat next to Grace pointing to the pictures as he waited 
for her to turn the pages. 

"Hello Abigail," Donald smiled.  "My name is Abbey!" she stated as a
matter of fact.  Donald grinned, "I'm sorry, Abbey." 

About twenty minutes had passed.  A nurse stopped in and told them Abbey
needed some rest.  "Okay, Abbey, I will be back after dinner, okay?"  
She remembered she needed a ride since she rode in the ambulance.  
"Mind if I ride back to the mall with you to pick up our car?" 
Christine asked. 

"Not at all, I have plenty of room," Donald smiled.  "I tell you what,
before we head back, how about if I treat you to pizza?  I promised 
Brian we would have pizza for dinner and we can't eat two large pizzas 
ourselves." 

"We'd love to Donald, thank you!"  Grace accepted immediately, not even
looking over at Christine to see if she had other plans.  Christine 
shot Grace a narrowed frown, which quickly changed into a smile once 
her eyes met Donald's.  "Christine? Is that all right with you?" he 
asked not wanting to intrude. 

Christine was still trying to figure out what they were doing here with
Donald and his son anyway.  He went beyond the call of duty just coming 
to the hospital.  Other than just seeing each other in the toy store, 
they barely knew each other.  The sports car!  She had forgotten all 
about it.  The toy was obviously a gift for his son; she would have to 
remember to tell him about it when Brian wasn't around. 

She watched how Donald's lips curled in a tiny bow when he smiled.  His
teeth were white and perfectly straight.  His hair, dark and feathery 
soft gave her fingers a silent invitation to run themselves through his 
locks. 

"Pizza!" Brian shouted, breaking Christine's trance.  She noticed Grace
was staring at her.  "Oh, pizza, sure.  Sounds like a great idea, 
thanks!" she responded politely. 

Chapter 9 

Each one took turns heading into the 'Fun Zone' of the pizzeria with
Brian as he played in the bright, colorful plastic ball bath, rode the 
mechanical trains and horses, and played several games of 'skee ball.' 

They didn't even notice as a couple of hours had passed.  On the way
back to the mall, Brian fell asleep in the car.  "Christine, after we 
get home, I think I will let you go see Abbey.  I forgot I'm supposed 
to baby sit for a friend tonight.  I will go see Abbey again first 
thing in the morning." 

"May I accompany you to the hospital?" Donald asked.  Christine looked
up at him with suspicious eyes.  "You have done so much already Donald, 
I don't want to take advantage of your hospitality." 

"It's my pleasure.  Brian and I lead a very solitary life outside of
work.  It's not everyday we get the honor of being in the presence of 
three lovely ladies."  He admitted truthfully. 

"You may leave Brian with me."  Grace offered.  "That way he won't be
dragged out again this evening, and he will be company for the other 
three year old  I'm watching." 

"Are you sure that wouldn't be an inconvenience?  Two small children can
wear down the strongest individual," he teased. 

"It keeps me young!" Grace admitted.  "I have several Disney movies on
DVD, and plenty of toys.  He can help us bake cookies." 

At the mention of cookies, Brian began to stir.  Donald grinned,
"Thanks, that would be great!" 

Chapter 10 

After dropping Grace and Brian off at the mall to pick up their car,
Donald and Christine headed back towards the hospital. 

"Oh, Donald, before I forget.  I saved that sports car for you.  I
waited over an hour, and was worried when you didn't show or call."  
Christine finally remembered. 

Donald turned his head slightly, revealing his dazzling smile.  "Oh
Christine, thank you!  I was caught in a five mile backup due to an 
accident.  I apologize for not calling.   I am ashamed to admit, I 
couldn't remember the name of the toy store." 

Christine chuckled, "No problem."  They had just arrived in the
visitor's parking lot when Christine's curiosity wouldn't keep quiet 
any longer. 

She turned to face him, reaching out to take his arm.  "Why are you
doing this?" She asked bluntly. 

Donald's face broke out into a shy grin.  "Isn't it obvious?  I like you
Christine, and have always imagined myself as the dashing knight coming 
to the rescue of the lovely damsel in distress." 

Christine blushed, not knowing if he was serious or not.  The way he
looked at her showed his sincerity.  He gazed deeply into her eyes.  
Donald leaned forward, reached out, and caressed her cheek with his 
hand.  Their lips met.  He slipped his arm around her, touching the 
small of her back, pressing her closer to him. 

Christine was the first to break the heated moment.  "I....better go
check on Abbey."  Donald accompanied her through the main doors, up the 
elevator, to Abbey's room. 

Chapter 11 

Abbey looked much better this evening.  She actually had eaten some of
her dinner which consisted of breaded veal, mashed potatoes, green 
beans, fruit punch, and pudding. 

"Hi Abbey!"  Christine hugged her sister.  "Hi!" she smiled.  "What's
his name again?" she asked looking at Donald. 

"My name is Donald," he answered.  They took turns showing Abbey the
magazines which were still in the room. 

A knock came at the door.  A man wearing a long white coat and a
stethoscope around his neck stuck his head inside the room.  "Christine 
Reynolds?" he asked looking at the young woman next to the girl in the 
bed. 

"Yes?" she answered.  "I'm Doctor Navarro," he extended his hand in a
friendly introduction.  "Could I have a word with you in the hall?" 

Christine imagined the worst, 'Abbey's going to die?  They found
something else wrong with her?' 

She followed the physician into the hall.  "Abbey is doing very well. 
Based on her EEG results which she had this afternoon, I started her on 
a medicine to help prevent the seizures.  Christine remembered him 
mentioning the EEG the night before. 

Also, I have information on a study and research Institute who
specializes in Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Effected individuals.  They 
have groups for all ages.  I can get that information for you, if you 
wish." 

Christine's eyes lit with a new hope.  "Yes, thank you!" 

"I want to keep Abbey here for a couple of days to monitor the medicine
dosage.  I will give you a prescription for several refills when she is 
ready to leave.  If you excuse me, I will get that information on the 
Institute.  I have a brochure in my briefcase."  He explained. 

Chapter 12 

Christine stretched across her queen-sized bed.  She eagerly read the
brochure describing the research for FAS and FAE at the Family 
Institutes, located in Canada.  It was a two-week program where the 
individual diagnosed with FAS or FAE and one adult could participate in 
an ongoing search for new ways on treating the disease and coping 
skills in everyday living. 

Her eyes dropped to the fine print.  The cost was $10,000 in American
dollars.  Christine's heart sank.  She had a good feeling about this.  
How was she ever going to come up with that kind of money? It didn't 
grow on trees. 

Her phone rang, she decided to let the answering machine pick it up
since she wasn't in the mood to talk.  "Hi, sorry I'm not available to 
take your call, but if you will leave your name, phone number, and a 
brief message, I will call you back as soon as possible.  Thanks and 
have a nice day!"  Beep. 

She perked her ears when she heard Donald's deep, dark voice.  "Hi,
Christine, it's Donald.  I was wondering if you were free for lunch 
tomorrow?"  She quickly reached her arm across the bed, and picked up 
the receiver.  "Hello, Donald?" 

Chapter 13 

The next day Donald and Christine sat across each other in a small booth
inside an Italian restaurant.  The waitress had already taken their 
order and brought each of them a tossed salad, with Fat Free Ranch 
dressing on the side. 

"It was thoughtful of your aunt to offer to watch Brian," Donald smiled
as he took a sip of his lemon flavored iced tea. 

"She has really grown attached to him in a short amount of time." 
Christine replied with a grin. 

Donald slowly lifted his eyes meeting hers.  "What about you?  Have you
become attached too?" 

"To Brian?" She asked lifting her eyebrow with a quizzical look. 

"To me."  He whispered, then reached his hand across the table and took
her hand in his.  Gently he squeezed her fingers not removing his gaze 
from her face. 

"Yes, I have," she blushed, admitting her true feelings.  "You have been
such a major influence in all our lives." 

"You and Abbey and Grace have become like family to Brian and myself.  I
hope you don't mind me saying so."  He stated. 

Christine nodded, "Not at all."  She wondered what role he saw her as. 
A family was intimate, but there was a difference with seeing someone 
as a spouse as opposed to a sibling. 

The waitress brought their meals and he bowed his head to pray. 
Christine noticed, but didn't mention it. 

"Grace has invited me to her church's Christmas pageant.  I was planning
on going if that was okay.  Our church is having our Christmas service 
on Sunday evening." 

The truth was, Grace had asked Christine to go to church with her, but
Christine had not given her a reply.  She wasn't in the mood for 
Christmas, and used the excuse she would probably be home with Abbey. 

"Well, I guess.  It depends how Abbey is feeling."  She answered. 

Chapter 14 

It was two days before Christmas.  Abbey was feeling much better, the
medicine keeping her seizures under control.  She had not had any since 
her trip to the emergency room.  Christine continued trying to 
encourage her sister to eat healthy, which was an ongoing battle. 

The whole family attended the Christmas service.  Donald and Brian had
saved room for three seats on a pew.  Abbey and Brian were allowed to 
sit next to each other as long as they were quiet. 

Abbey loved the Christmas service.  She loved watching Mary and Joseph
sit on stage next to a manger with a live baby boy representing Jesus.  
The animals which stood nearby were stuffed, but outside the church 
were live animals, a part of a live Nativity scheduled throughout the 
holiday season. 

Christine's heart ached as the Pastor shared the familiar Christmas
story from the book of Luke.  She had so much pain inside.   Questions, 
concerns about Abbey.  Why was Abbey the sibling to acquire this 
disease?  Maybe she could have talked to her mother while she was 
pregnant with Abbey.  Maybe she could have stopped her from drinking? 

Tears filled her eyes as she felt the unmeasurable amount of guilt from
her helplessness in doing something for her sister.  Even now, she 
can't afford to take Abbey to the Institute as the cost is way beyond 
their means. 

When the Pastor asked if anyone wanted to come to the front and pray,
Christine only hesitated a moment before she slipped from her seat, and 
quickly made her way to the altar and dropped to her knees.   Tears of 
guilt and anguish flooded her eyes as she squeezed them tightly. 

She asked for forgiveness of her own attitudes and fears.  She wanted to
give all her cares and concerns to God, but was afraid to relinquish 
control of her life to Him. 

Finally, she released them, tired of doing everything her own way, and
failing. 

Donald had been struggling with his own personal issues during the
service.  He felt his whole life had been ripped from him as he lost 
both his mother and his wife in a car accident.  They had been hit by a 
drunk driver.  He had anger and hatred in his heart for the person who 
was responsible for the deaths of at least two women.  He felt as if a 
part of him died emotionally the night they were killed. 

Since he met Grace and Christine, he felt renewed in strength.  He could
face whatever challenges awaited with hope.  He confessed his own sins 
in prayer at his seat and said a prayer for Abbey, Christine and Grace. 


Chapter 15 

Christmas day.  Abbey was awake bright and early.  She rushed
unannounced into Christine's bedroom.  "Merry Christmas Chrissy!" she 
squealed.  "Can we open gifts?" she pleaded.  Christine sat up, trying 
to wake to full alertness.  "Okay Abbey, I'll be right there." 

Shreds of colorful wrapping paper and bright large ribbons lay strewed
across the tan carpet. 

About an hour later, while Grace and Christine were making breakfast and
Abbey was in the family room playing with her new toys, a knock came at 
the door. 

Christine opened the door and saw it was Donald and Brian.  "Hi, Merry
Christmas!  You are just in time for breakfast." 

Donald smiled, "I didn't plan to intrude on breakfast, but wanted to
bring a few gifts." 

"Nonsense," remarked Grace.  "Come on inside and have a seat.  We always
make plenty of food."  Christine smiled and nodded as father and son 
stepped inside the room. 

After a delicious hot breakfast, consisting of waffles, lean sausage,
scrambled eggs, hash browns, juice, and fresh coffee, they all gathered 
in the family room around the tree. 

Christine handed Brian a gift that read, "To Brian, from Santa." 

Small fingers ripped through the carefully wrapped paper.  He squealed
with excitement at the sight of a remote sports car. 

Donald and Christine exchanged smiles as Donald took the box, opened it,
removed the car, and handed it to Brian. 

"The batteries are inside the box."  Christine whispered.  "Santa thinks
of everything!" she winked. 

"Oh, monogrammed laced handkerchiefs!  Thank you Donald!" Grace smiled,
then leaned over and kissed his cheek. 

"This one is for you, Abbey!"  Donald handed her a red and green box
with a large white ribbon. 

"An angel bear!" she shrieked, hugging it close. 

Donald reached over and pressed a button marked "play" on the bear's
inside paw.  The bear started singing "Jesus Loves Me." 

"Thank you Donald!"  She leaped into his arms and gave him a big hug. 

"You are welcomed, Abbey."  Donald smiled. 

Christine reached over and handed a small box to Donald which had his
name on it. 

He shifted his gaze from her to the gift as he opened the wrapped
package.  "Two new silk ties!"  He exclaimed, noting the one was bright 
solid red with black diagonal stripes and the other was navy blue with 
red diamonds. 

He leaned forward, not caring if anyone was watching, and kissed her
softly on the lips.  "Thank you!"  He then reached in his pocket and 
pulled out a red envelope.  Christine carefully tore the flap and 
pulled out the card. 

It was a lovely Holiday card.  A couple taking a sleigh ride on a snowy
day.  "Happy Holidays to a very special person in my life." 

Christine smiled warmly then opened the card.  Her eyes widened with
shock, her mouth gaping.  "What....what is this?" she asked holding a 
thin check in her hand. 

Grace took the paper from her and saw it was a cashier's check in the
amount of $10,000 dollars. 

"I...I..can't accept this!" she whispered, her eyes wide as saucers. 

"Please, Grace told me about the study at the Institutes.  I want you
and Abbey to go,"  he smiled. 

"I can't pay you back."  She whispered, tears filling her eyes. 

"Christine, you don't have to worry about that.  It's a gift.  All you
have to do is receive it."  He reached out and took her into his arms. 

"Chrissy! Chrissy!"  Abbey ran between them holding an unwrapped gift. 
"This is from me.  Open it!" 

Christine wiped the tears from her eyes as she unwrapped the loosely
taped box.  Inside was a picture of a red colored heart.  Abbey had 
drawn a picture with her crayons.  Inside the heart was the name 
"Jesus." 

"When you told me you had invited Jesus into your heart, I decided to
draw you a picture so you wouldn't forget he was there!" 

Christine hugged her sister and kissed her forehead.  "Thanks Abbey." 
With her family and Donald and Brian in her life, she realized she had 
many reminders that Jesus would always be in her heart. 

The End 


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