Hopeful Morning

December 25, 1934

This morning was unlike any other; Today, as soon as the clock's hands tick towards the numbers seven and twelve, a high-pitched tone blossomed, interrupting any dream before its end. Slowly and reluctantly, I uncovered my face. The flickers of light coming through the window dazzled my countenance, making me hide again. When I had the strength to sit up finally, I rubbed my eyes before stretching my arms over my head. Wearily, I caught a glimpse of my feet like a drunk as they dangled off the ground before recalling the extent of the date. Quickly but quietly, I put on my slippers and headed to the bathroom to freshen up. Before descending the stairs and coming upon the scenery before me, we're everything occurs adorned next to a tree with gifts at its feet.

"Jack," I mumble, surprised when I see him make his way out of the kitchen. It's been a while since I last saw him. The utmost I heard from him was that he was traveling the world. Paulina wasn't too enthusiastic about the decision, but her brother's happiness left her at ease.

"Good morning; why are you up so early?" He asked with a mischievous glance. I knew that smile, and it only meant one thing, trouble.

"I was going to get breakfast underway. What are you doing here?" I ask as I try to pass into the kitchen, only to have him block my path. The scent of his being up close was familiar, like an old memory.

"Why the bother? Aren't you happy to see me?" Jack places his hand over his heart, wounded. The act was nothing out of the ordinary; it was the beginning of a game—a game I am fated to lose at all costs. Old tricks die hard.

"Of course I am." I took a timely view around for support. "You just took me by surprise."

"You don't seem surprised. You haven't even given me a welcoming hug. Why so fidgety? Do I make you uncomfortable or what?" James inclines his head while leaning against the door frame.

"No! I'm just a little weary, that's all?" I expressed as I created distance between us. Which he found odd, or he wouldn't insist on obtaining an answer from me?

"Why are you moving away?" He addresses as he slowly looms closer. By perceiving him this way, I could recognize how little he has changed. And how he continues to carry his words and actions as a form of mockery. Before he can get any closer, Paulina whacks him behind the head and pulls his ears.

"What do you think you're doing?"

"Nothing. Oh, Paulina, that hurts!" Jack screams as he tries to break free. But given the control Paulina had over him, it wasn't beneficial.

"Candice, tell me, was he bothering you?" She asks while pulling harder on her brother's ear. Jack gestures for me not to say anything, but I didn't feel that generous.

"He's a nuisance this morning!" I smirked maliciously. Jack's gaze could have turned into something else if Paulina hadn't kept scolding him.

"Jack, how many times do I have to tell you not to bother the children!" The way they communicate with each other was like the conversations of a child and an adult.

"I wasn't going to do anything, don't overdo it." He squints as he dips his finger into the whipped cream Paulina had finished preparing.

"This is delicious," he sighed, which Paulina hit him in disgust. "Don't be gross, and wash your hands."

You see, Jack is Paulina's little brother, which makes her the oldest, by nature, the grown-up. They are quite identical, even if Paulina is three years older.

But regardless, they portray like twins with the same dark hair color and dingy eyes. Jack is a few inches taller, but she levels it out with heels. Paulina's hair is shoulder-length and wavy, while her brother is short and combed. Their skin prevails so entirely and bright, like a kiss from the sun. Jack was adventurous, wild, and outspoken, while his sister was calm and collective — they were opposites but bound. Born and raised in California but moved to Michigan with their uncle during the Great Depression, after being forsaken by their father lost.

I knew it was difficult for them, just as it was a topic they rarely talked roughly. I guess it was better to forget and ignore rather than think about the past.

"Who decorated the studio?" I asked as they continued arguing in the background. Everything occurred beautifully; whoever did had exquisite taste.

"It was Jack. Isn't it lovely of him?" Paulina openly expressed. She seemed delighted to have her brother home even if they argued the majority of the time.

"I couldn't agree more," It's intriguing not to look away. The red and green against the wood and the place's aged reflects a burning fire in the fireplace. I may sound like a broken record, but it was all so fascinating. It was my first Christmas, and I couldn't ask for anything better.

"What's with all these gifts? Where did they come from?" I express with enthusiasm. How come I hadn't given them much importance? There was enough for everyone. The way they were all wrapped in ribbon and paper made everything more real.

"Some are somewhat ancient, while others are something I selected during my adventures." Jack hugged my shoulders, comforting me in a way I didn't know I needed.

"Well, it looks like you did it this time. Where you've been all this time? I haven't heard from you in months?" I looked up at him. He had a lot to answer.

"Wouldn't you like to know?" He joked before getting hit again.

"Yes, I do. I would like to know why you didn't keep your word?" After he took us to the drive-in last year. He promised to take us to Hollywood, where movie stars lived and breathed. But given my stubbornness towards him, it didn't happen.

"Candy has an excellent point, Jack. Where have you been hiding? I hadn't heard from you since the summer when you only mailed me a postcard with little to know about how you were doing." Paulina expresses her concern while preparing pancakes. It was amazing how she could argue and cook at the same time. But still, those pancakes were the flavor of home, the valleys of yesteryear, with their buttermilk and scrambled eggs.

"Don't exaggerate, sister. I wasn't hiding. I've been a little busy, that's all." Jack seemed lost for a moment before looking worried. I didn't have a clear picture of him, but I felt like he is hiding something.

"I've just been traveling from one place to another, working on the road ... things like that ..." He expresses as if it's no big deal.

"I see you that kind of person, good for you!" I said, trying to judge his manner of life. But he took it as a compliment rather than an insult.

"Don't be so grumpy. I'm sorry I couldn't keep my promise. I just needed time to get away." He rubs my head, ruffling my combed hair. I swear I was going to forgive him but not anymore.

"And I'm sure Brandon accompanied you all this time, didn't he?" Paulina looks at her brother with complicity. Who was Brandon? Could it be the same boy that chaperoned Jack every time he visited?

At least he had the decency to keep quiet.

"So I guess you weren't alone or anything like that. I should have seen it coming since you've both had a disdain for school." Jack smiled a little at the reminder. "Do you remember what I told you about taking care of him?"

"I promise you, not even a lock of his hair was damaged." Jack raised his hands in playful surrender.

"What do you mean!' What kind of trouble did you get yourselves into, Jack? Do you see why I always worried about you lurking around doing god knows what? Why do you insist on behaving like a reckless teenager? For God's sake, you're an adult!

"Nothing happened, so stop pestering me." Jack tries not to raise his voice. I knew he didn't want to offend his sister, but he also didn't wish to be doubted?

"Regardless, his family has been so kind to us since our arrival to cause them such distress. Keeping their son out of trouble is the least we can do, giving them back some hospitality." She was right; it was the least they could do.

"About that, maybe we could speak for a moment alone? I want to discuss something vital with you." The seriousness in his expression halted Paulina for a second.

"Yes, of course ..."

Jack hesitates a bit. "Could we invite Brandon? He would help me clarify what I have to say?"

Paulina frowned a little. "You're scaring me, but I know I should listen to you before I speculate things — so I'll give you the benefit of the doubt. If you can convince him, sure, bring him." I felt the conversation was a sign that they wanted to discuss it alone but didn't want to be rude. So I composed an excuse and went to set the table.

Minutes later, everything was chaos. Asking children to behave, especially today is like telling a fire not to burn. Their eyes lit up the moment they came down; they ran, danced, or jumped to express their enthusiasm. They interrupted each other between conversations, and if I made a secondary comment, I received seven in return without a way to silence them. I understood their enthusiasm; this was their first holiday since their abandonment. That is why today, they could act like kids for the first time without restrictions.

"Sit down and eat something, or I swear I'll keep all your gifts," Tom alerts them as he enters the kitchen. I knew it wasn't kind to say, but it was a relief to see them finally seated. I was heavily exhausted. I don't see how Paulina does it all the time?

Once we were all seated around the table, I couldn't help peeking around and feeling an impression on my chest; a sense we're all together as a family. We had to bring spare chairs for everyone to sit in, but it was worth it. Sister Lane was seated at the head of everyone with Jack and Paulina at her side. Alongside Jack were Anne and I, Charlie and Natasha. Alongside Paulina was Tom, Victor, Margaret, and we had an empty chair ready for when Brandon arrived. Like mother superior, little Ben sat at the head of the table on polar ends. The spread in front of us is served with pancakes and French toast with various toppings to complete, from fruits and jams to butter and syrups.

"Before we begin," Sister Lane declares as she taps her glass with a spoon. "I would like to thank Jack for bringing us all this happiness this morning. Without you, I wouldn't know what we could have done." She took his hand while the others declared their gratitude.

"No need to thank me. I would've done anything for those I call family either way."

"Thank you." We all murmured.

"All right, let's hold hands and pray."

Our Father,

who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come,

thy will be done,

on earth,

as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread

and forgive us our trespasses as we

forgive those who trespass against us;

and lead us

not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

Amen.

"Can we eat now? I'm hungry," Ben declares when we finish.

"Alright, you can begin," Paulina instructs with a smile. With her approval, we each serve ourselves one or two pancakes.

~ • ~~ • ~~ • ~~ • ~~ • ~~ • ~

"Candy," A tug on my sweater made me look up, where Anne waited for me impatiently.

"Yes, what's wrong?"

"Look at them, Candice; they're washing away too rapidly. They might choke if they're not careful." Beholding what she was referring to, I witnessed how the children crammed their mouths more than they could. The sight horrified me; if they wanted to finish promptly, why would they serve themselves more than they could bear?

"Hey, guys! Please eat slower; otherwise, you will choke. I promise you'll acquire your gifts no matter what. Just enjoy the feast, don't be disrespectful." I try to reason with them, but their response was somewhat disappointing.

"Yeah, right, you're only saying that because you want to be first," Charlie argues, getting the others to agree.

"That's not true. Candy would never do something like that." Anne tried to defend me by taking my hand in hers. It isn't delightful to hear things like that from people you care about after all you've done for them, making you recognize how ungrateful people are.

"You are only defending her because you know you will get something in return," Margaret adds a bit cynically, causing Anne to retaliate with her fists, making the adults aware of the commotion. There was nothing more than irked Anne other than being singled out as a traitor.

"What's wrong, Anne? Why did you hit the table like that?" The sister inquires, quite offended by her actions, which ended all offense.

"The kids are accusing Candy of being selfish only because she advised them to eat gradually when they attempt to chew more than they should. In return, their impression of being warned was that she wished their gifts for herself." The description of the events took me by surprise. I hadn't realized Tom was aware of what was happening.

"Is that correct, kids?" The sister asks as they all nod in return.

"Do not scold them, sister. They are just children who don't know what they are saying." Jack decrees while settling a hand on my head. Looking up, I see Tom clench his fork and knife in his fists. What's his problem?

"How can she not scold them, Jack? Their behavior is inappropriate. They shouldn't accuse anyone of anything. By now, they should know how to behave and be patient. We didn't have any of this last year or the year before, so why the sudden act? If it were me, I wouldn't give them anything after such scene." The minors inclined their heads rightful, in remorse.

"Don't be like that, Paulina, don't blame them for having a brain the size of a peanut." Jack points out with his fingers, making me smile as others tried to conceal it under their stern expressions.

"Kids, if you want those gifts, apologize. Or I'll be the one to keep everything because I, for one, am selfish." At least he's frank, I whisper, making him chuckle.

"So," Jack leans across the table with a fist under his chin. "What will it be ... apologize and getting what you want? Or not obey and receive nothing in return. It's as simple as that, one or the other." The look on the children's faces signified they've been in such a circumstance. The looks they gave each other in the search for guidance meant they would give in shortly. The sister and Paulina at least have the decency to smile at Jack in return, thanking him for establishing the basic rules of humanity. Although Tom's expression hadn't changed a fraction, why was he so angry?

"We're sorry, Candice. We didn't mean to be disrespectful to you or Anne. Will you forgive us?" I looked at Anne before acceding.

"We forgive you as well as understanding your motives. Therefore you have my consent to withdraw and open your gifts." They cheered happily before running out of their seats.

"Candy," I heard Tom mutter in front of me. I knew my choice of actions did not suit him. But don't worry, I thought I had a few tricks up my sleeves.

"But before that, go brush your teeth and wash your hands. And when you've done that, might as well take a shower and get dressed." The children grunted but continued their way upstairs.

"You are cruel, Candice." The others muttered as they helped clear the table.

"It's what they deserve for disrespecting me," I proclaimed when Tom's smile met mine.

~ • ~~ • ~~ • ~~ • ~~ • ~~ • ~

They say you can't bottle love, but I guess they're wrong. These innocent children were proof of that theory. Have you ever seen someone run so excited after receiving what they always wanted? Have you seen a smile so wide, or how wide it gets with each hug? That is the key you need to fill a child's love in a bottle; Just by catching sight of them, the rest of us are lucky to be alive.

Inside each box was a toy, a doll, a necklace, some chocolates, a tea set, a bicycle, a dollhouse, and most importantly, more sweets.

Mesmerized by such joy, I didn't discern Jack walk towards me until he handed me a white box with a gold ribbon.

"Put it on," he whispered as he smiled at Paulina. "It might fit you quite big, but it would be suitable for the occasion."

"What is it?" I ask as I stroke the delicacy of the box under my hand. Its surface bathes the suede over the initials A.R.

"It belonged to our mother. One of the most precious treasures that she kept throughout the years." Paulina indicates with affection.

"Why would you give me something so exceptional to your lives? I can't accept this, it's from your mother, and you should pass it on to your guy's future daughter." I didn't feel it was appropriate to receive something so ornate to the heart.

"You remind us a lot of her," Jack whispers sadly. "That's why we give you this as a gift. To remind us that the memory of our mother lives on even after death. Now stop making excuses and go put it on."

~ • ~~ • ~~ • ~~ • ~~ • ~~ • ~

When I inside the bathroom, I shut the door behind me, letting the light breathe into the room. Before, I slowly walked over to the sink and set the box on the dresser before removing the lid and revealing a beautiful lace dress that awaited the flash of daylight. I gently stroked its fabric before holding it over my shoulders as I approached the mirror. As I pressed the garment against my body, I noticed how big it was — but it was beautiful in every way. From the looks of it, it was a ballerina dress. Looking at my reflection, I couldn't see what Jack and Paulina saw. I didn't comprehend what Anne envied about me. Instead of a slim woman, I esteemed a selfish girl, and instead of beauty, I saw ordinary. Slowly I let my thoughts overpower the mind, critically searching flaws from one feature to another.

When the tears and thoughts washed over me, I did not acknowledge someone entering.

"Why are you crying?" Listening to such a concern made me wipe away the tears and turned around to meet Tom's presence.

"I'm not; it's just a little dust that has gotten inside my eye. What are you doing here?" I tried to compose myself the best I could. Demonstrating vulnerability in the presence of others was a sign of weakness.

"I'm here because I forgot something. Are you sure everything is okay?" He stared at me carefully, trying to find the cause of my troubles.

"Yes, don't worry. What did you misplace? Maybe I can help you find it." I muttered as I pace back the dress in its box before crouching down to look for something unknown to my knowledge. In a way, I couldn't comprehend why I was so nervous all of a sudden.

"Don't worry about that. I found it." He informed me as he got closer.

"That's great. What was it?" I asked, attempting to turn around.

"Don't turn around."

"Why, Tom?" I peek through the mirror to try to find answers.

"Because I'm giving you a gift," he explained as he arranged my hair over my shoulder and placed a necklace on my chest.

"Merry Christmas," his breath and his lips touched my cheek for a second time, leaving me cold from the world.