The Perfect Gift
#11 of Human Enough
Author's Note: Did you miss me? No? Well then...In all seriousness, I hope you enjoy this little holiday special. Let me know what you all think. (rate, follow, and comments please) I also hope that you and yours have a very Merry Christmas (or Happy Holidays). You guys (and Gals) are the best! - AK
I woke up early the next day. I grabbed my phone and took a look at the time. It was 8:30, fairly normal. What did catch my attention however, was the date: December 24. I went into a mini-panic. Here I was, the day before Christmas and I still haven't gotten anything for Michelle. With everything that had been going on, I must have lost track of the days. To be fair, there had been a lot going on.
I had no time to waste. I jumped in and out of the shower and got dressed quickly. Before my hair was even fully dried, I grabbed my coat and rushed downstairs. In the process I almost ran right into Michelle carrying a tray full of food.
"Woah." Michelle said just as I applied the brakes so to speak. "Why are you in a rush?"
"Just something I need to do. Not eating breakfast today."
"You wouldn't be going to the town square would you, Andrew?" asked my father, coming from the living room with a cup of coffee.
"Uh...yeah actually. Why?" I said.
"Well I'm going in a couple of hours, when the stores are open. I need to do some last second Christmas shopping. I could use the extra hand, if you don't mind."
"Sure." I said. "No problem. Just let me know when you're ready."
"Now go enjoy breakfast. Michelle, I'll be up in my office in case my wife asks. Oh and please don't tell her where I'll be going."
"Of course, sir."
My Dad went upstairs. I sat on the kitchen table and began to eat, a tad more relaxed. I suppose my dad did have a point: it would be better to go shopping when the stores were actually open.
"So why do you need to go to the town square?" asked Michelle.
"Just got to pick up something for school." I said. "It's a book they said was in and I want to get a head start at reading."
"Oh I see." Michelle said. "What class?"
"Studies on Human-Anthro relations. The moment I saw the class, I knew I had to take it."
"I could help you there." Michelle said with a grin. "I know all about Human and Anthro relations."
Honesltly, I was taking a class called 'Studies on Human-Anthro relations." I hoped it would be more than a hate seminar on why humans were superior to anthros. I heard a seminar like that was held somewhere out west. If it wasn't a hate speech dragged out for a semester, I thought I'd really like it.
Of course that class had nothing to do with why I was going out, but I wasn't about to tell Michelle that I was going to get her a gift. As I ate, I tried to think of something really special to get for Michelle, but nothing came to mind. It was a lot easier when I was dating Marie; she told me exactly what she wanted. This was far more refreshing, but also more difficult. By the time I was finished eating, I was no closer to figuring out what to get Michelle.
I thanked Michelle for breakfast with a small kiss on the cheek and went upstairs to my room. When I got there, I turned on my laptop and began to search shopping websites for some good gift ideas. The best gifts looked like they were high-tech and really expensive. While some of them looked cool, I wanted to get Michelle something more intimate that a flashing screen with buttons. In my infinite stupidity, I actually searched for "intimate" in the site's seach engine. That gave me a lot of ideas, but none of them dealt with a gift for Michelle.
"Andrew, are you ready to go?" My dad said after an hour or two of futile searching.
"Yeah." I answered as I grabbed my coat for the second time off of my bed.
I sighed as I walked down stairs and to the kitchen. Lisa was there humming a Christmas carol and drying off a glass. I gave her a smile and a wave, which she returned and I walked out the back door. It dawned on me just then: I had to get something for Lisa too. Now I was clueless about two gifts I had to get. I walked to the driveway where my father was waiting in his car. I hopped in, and off we went.
"I'd rather walk to town square, but I think we'll need the car." My Dad said as he turned the radio to a Christmas music station.
There was a certain glow to my dad I hadn't seen in a few days. I figured that it must have been due to the holidays more than any resolution to whatever it was that was bothering him. Still it was nice to see him more of himself.
"I still need to pick up your mother's gift." He continued. "I got her a tennis bracelet and necklace I think she'll like."
That's when it hit me. Jewlery! Of course! That's what I could get Michelle. But those thoughts were quickly replaced by a small fact: you need to wear jewelry. And I'm sure my parents would flip at Michelle if they caught her with jewelry.
"So who are you buying for?" asked my dad. "Your mother I assume?"
"Uh...yeah. I need to buy for her and you..."
"You don't need to get me anything. I'm sure you know that."
"It's Christmas." I said.
"Just don't go overboard if you go at all. Anyone Else? How about Riley?
"Yeah, I think I'm gonna pick up a t-shirt for him."
"Good Plan."
I pushed my mind trying to think of something to by Michelle. Everyone else was fairly easy. I was getting my mom a DVD of a movie she wouldn't stop talking about. My dad I was going to get a book from the local bookstore. He was an avid mystery reader so I figured whatever new book was out would make him happy. Michelle told me once that Lisa mentioned she enjoyed chocolate when she was younger, so I figured a box of chocolates. Only one person was unaccounted for, and unfortunately for me, it was the most important gift.
"Seems like something is weighing on your mind, Andy." My Dad said as we pulled into a parking lot for one of the shops. "Anything I can help you with?"
"Not really."
"Let me guess. You want to buy something for a special girl and you don't know what to get her."
"How did..."
"I was your age once, too. I had the same look on my face when I was wondering what to buy your mother the first time. Your grandfather said to me 'Just by something from the heart. The rest will take care of itself.' That's still the best advice I can give you."
For about five minutes I panicked on how my dad knew that I was shopping for a girl. This naturally turned to paranoia about if he knew WHO said girl was. Eventually I calmed myself down. After all, if my dad actually knew what was going on, I was pretty sure he'd have disowned me or sold Michelle by now. I've heard of maternal instincts, so maybe fathers had some kind of paternal instinct?
"I doubt you want me following you around." My Dad said as we got out of the car. "How about we meet in Eternally Yours? Let's say, 2 hours? We can go for lunch after."
"Ok, sounds good. See you in 2."
First stop for me was the movie store. Mom's movie wasn't too hard to find. I didn't know much about the movie myself, but from the cover I guessed that it was some kind of romantic comedy or chick flick or something like that. I didn't bother looking for anything for Michelle here. I had no idea what kind of movie or TV show she'd be interested in.
Riley was easy to buy for. He was a die-hard Boston fan since high school and I'd seen him wear a cap with Boston's logo many times. Personally, I detested Boston, but I was to find a t-shirt without much problem. When I was in the clothing store, I looked around for a gift for Michelle. While I found a couple of things that Michelle might like, nothing really stood out. Besides, I had gotten her clothing once before. I wanted to get her something different. I bought Riley's t-shirt while insisting it was a gift.
While I was on line, I saw my dad walk into the store. I showed him what I was buying and he shook his head with a smile. The second my dad walked in, a store manager was catering to his every need. I paid for my shirt and was about to walk out the store.
"Andy! What are you doing here?"
I cringed. There was no mistaking Marie's voice. I turned around and saw that she was not alone. With her was Mr. Harding and, more surprisingly, Sam Cunningham.
"Christmas Shopping with Dad."
"So your father is here, then?" Mr. Harding asked with a fake smile that would make any of his colleagues proud.
"Yeah. He just went back with a manager. I think he's picking something out for Mom."
"Very Good." Mr. Harding said.
I smiled my own fake smile at Mr. Harding. Sam didn't make a sound but was giving me a death glare. It took all of my energy not to return it.
"So, did Mr. Cunningham lend you Sam for the day?" I asked.
"Yes." Marie answered. "You don't know how helpful he's been. I think he's much better than any of our pets."
"I am happy to serve, Miss Harding." Sam said through practically clenched teeth.
"Well, I'm sure you have a lot of shopping to do." Mr. Harding said. "Goodbye, Andrew. Give your mother my best."
I nodded and walked out of the store. I think that if I had stood in there another moment, I might have screamed. I said a silent prayer that if Mr. Harding happened to see my dad, that he didn't ruin his mood. I mean it was the day before Christmas, he wasn't that cruel, was he?
The Bookstore was right next to the clothing shop. I liked it a little more than those big booksellers you in the malls and such. It had more of a charm to it. Besides the owner of the shop was a nice old woman named Mrs. Nelson. I walked in and she smiled at from behind the counter. Her ginger tabby cat named Cheshire sat on the counter with its tail curled around its body. It wasn't hard to find the book I was looking for. Mrs. Nelson was meticulous when it came to organizing her books. Luckily, she didn't mind people messing them up. Otherwise I'd have been thrown out of the shop years ago.
Before I paid I looked around to see if there was a book that Michelle might like, but I ran into the same problem I did with movies: I had no idea what she might be into. It was sad to say, but I was also pretty sure she didn't have an idea of what she was into. I vowed silently to somehow do a movie marathon with Michelle one day when my parents were out.
"All set, sonny?" Mrs. Nelson asked as I approached the counter.
"Yes. Is this one any good?" I asked.
"It's been a' top the best seller's list for the past 7 weeks."
"Perfect." I said as I took out some cash to pay.
"I saw you browsing around before you picked this one up. Were you looking for something in particular?"
"No. Just browsing. Trying to find something for this girl."
"With a nice boy like you, who needs a gift?" Mrs. Nelson said.
I smiled, kinda embarrassed. I took my bag and stepped out of the store. Next stop, Sweet Treats : the candy shop. The old owner, Mr. Mona, would always give a piece of chocolate when my dad wasn't looking. Nice man. His funeral was packed. New guy was far less nicer. My family and I all but stopped going when he took over. But the place was still in business so I figured it must have been doing well.
The line was practically out the door when I walked in. I figured a box of those assorted chocolates would be nice. Lots of variety. After what seemed like forever, I finally got to the front of the counter. Three people To my surprise, I saw Riley behind it, complete with the hat and apron. He looked just as surprised as I was.
"Andy! What are you doing here."
"Picking up candy for Lisa. Michelle told me she liked chocolate so I thought it was a good idea."
"What about Michelle? What are you getting for her?"
"I still haven't decided. I think I'm just going to sneak out with her one day and just take her on a shopping spree."
"Sounds good to me. So what do you need for Lisa?"
"Let me get a box of assorted chocolates."
"No prob."
"So why you working here?" I asked as Riley prepared a box for me.
"No other places are hiring. You don't have a job?"
"Don't need one as long as I'm in school."
"Oh that's right, you're rich. I keep forgetting."
"Sorry."
"No it's a good thing. You don't flaunt."
"Taylor!" Said a loud voice from the back. "Hurry it up! We have more people waiting."
"Sorry, Mr. Nash, I'll get right on it."
Riley's pace quickened and I had a box of candy for Lisa.
"Just pay down there." Riley said as he pointed.
"Sure, thanks. Oh by the way," I whispered. "Is the owner as much of a taskmaster as he sounds?"
"Worse. If there was another place, I'd be there in a second. Oh well. We have to meet up after the holidays."
"Just call me when you're free. Take care, Ry."
A quick glance at the clock after I had paid told me that it was time to meet my Dad. I was bummed as I walked over. I thought Michelle would like a shopping spree and I would love to spend the day with her, but still I wish I could find something to give her. It wasn't the same. As I got close to the jewelry store I saw in the window a featured item only for the holidays. It was a necklace with a small ruby heart. For some reason I could see it around Michelle's neck. It would suit her perfectly.
I quickly pulled out my wallet. I wanted to make sure that I had enough to get it. I hung my head as I came to the total. I was thirty bucks short. Of course, I would find the perfect gift and not have enough to get it.
"You seem disappointed, Andy." Said my father's voice from behind me. "Is everything alright?"
"Yeah. I just saw something I could get for M...the girl I want to buy for, but I don't I have the cash. I think I'll take her out for a shopping trip."
"That seems nice. C'mon, I want you to see what I'm getting your mother."
I walked in the store and followed my father to the counter. After a little small talk, the man at the counter went to the back and came out with my mother's gift. It was made with white diamonds, which I knew were my mother's favorite.
"Will there be anything else, sir?" asked the jewler.
My dad thought for a moment and turned to me.
"How short are you, cash wise?" he asked me.
"Huh?"
"For the necklace you saw. How much extra did you need."
"Oh, uh thirty bucks."
"Is this girl worth it?"
"Without a doubt."
My dad turned to face the jeweler.
"We'll take the necklace in the window, too."
The Jewler nodded and went to the front of the store to get the necklace. I could have kissed my father, but I wasn't that kind of guy. Still I took a breath of relief. I was sure Michelle would love it. My dad handed me thirty dollars from his wallet.
"I hope," he said, "that I hear all about her sometime soon." He said with a smile.
I quietly hoped that one day I could tell him all about her too. My father handed me the case when the jeweler brought it to us. My father paid first. The jeweler gave me a warm smile.
"She must be an extraordinary girl." He said.
"She's one of a kind." I answered.
The jeweler smiled and handed me the case. Dad and I walked out, went into the car, and headed back home. I still couldn't believe how lucky I was to find the necklace. Not bad for Christmas Eve, huh? When I got home, Michelle and Lisa were wrapping up presents that I assumed my mother bought weeks in advance.
"No peeking." Lisa said as I entered the kitchen.
"How about stealing?" I asked as I took a roll of wrapping paper.
"We'll take care of that." Michelle said. "Just leave them here."
"Not this year." I said. "I have to wrap these. I'll put them under the tree tonight."
"If you say so." Michelle said.
I nodded and went upstairs to wrap the presents. I had never wrapped before so it was pretty much a hack job, but I was able to do it. The rest of the day was pretty much uneventful. The most I did was wonder how I was going to give Michelle her gift. I still hadn't figured out how I was going to do that, when there was a knock on the door.
"Come in." I said.
"Hey," Michelle said. "Just wanted to know if you needed anything before I went to sleep. I'd stay with you for a little, but I have to put the presents by the tree by midnight."
"No, I'm good." I said. "But if you want, I could meet you downstairs after you're done."
"That works for me. But it'll be late."
"I don't mind. Trust me."
Michelle nodded and left the room. I laid down on my bed and set my alarm just in case I fell asleep. Luckily for me, I didn't. At about ten to midnight, I went downstairs with Michelle and Lisa's gifts. Michelle was there sitting on the couch.
"You're lucky furs don't shed." She said. "So why did you want to see me this late."
"Isn't it enough that I miss you?"
"I suppose." She said with a smile
"Besides, I said I didn't want to put your mom's gift under the tree." I said giving her the badly wrapped box."
"Andy, you shouldn't have..."
"And I shouldn't have gotten you this, but I did. Merry Christmas."
Michelle was speechless.
"Go ahead," I said. "Open it. I uh... I hope you like it."
Michelle unwrapped the present. Her jaw dropped when she opened the box. From the lights of the Christmas tree I could see tears welling up in her eyes. She threw her arms around me.
"This is beautiful" she said through tears. "I've never gotten a gift like this before. I just wish I could wear it."
"Keep it on you" I said. "You can wear it when we go out together. And one day, I swear you'll be able to show it off to everyone."
Michelle went to the couch and took something from behind one of the pillows.
"I got you something, too. My mom had a little bit of money, and she told me I should get you something."
"You ever have to get me anything." I said.
"I wanted to. It's nothing big. But I think you'll like it."
Michelle pulled a small stuffed rabbit out of her pocket. It was holding a big heart that said 'I Love You.'
"I figured if I have a little Andy, you should have a little Michlle." She said.
"I love her." I said. "She's almost as beautiful has her namesake."
Michelle threw her arms around me. She looked up above us.
"Look." She said. "Mistletoe."
I smiled and Gave Michelle a big kiss as the clocks in the house rang out.
"Merry Christmas, Andy."
"Merry Christmas."