“So, do you
want your present?” I asked.
“You
already gave me a fresh sprig of mistletoe, days ago.”
“Doesn’t
mean that was your only gift.”
“I’m afraid
I didn’t have the foresight to bring you another gift.”
I shrugged.
“I didn’t get you a gift to get one.”
“I suppose
this is why you received the hat. Speaking of which, why are you not wearing
it?”
I looked
away, trying not to frown, but knew I didn’t keep it completely from my face.
“I’m not anxious to take on the responsibilities, especially not knowing what
they are.”
“You do
seem to incur more responsibilities of late.”
“Anyway,
let me get your gift.” I went to the tree looking under the lower branches. I
had a few gifts there, most of them a care package from Ma, but Jen had given
me a couple and had made me promise not to open them before Christmas.
I picked up
the envelope with Nikki’s name only to see there was another underneath it, but
I hadn’t written the name. Instead, it was in the same handwriting as her
letter from last year. Underneath that was one for me.
Guess I shouldn’t be surprised that Nick
left gifts under my tree.