Don't forget to check out the other Christmas offerings from the Wednesday Briefers, whose links follow my tale.
The night is chill. Not surprising for December, but that
doesn’t take away from the fact that I’m cold. And I’m disgruntled, which only
serves to exacerbate this feeling of discontent that wells within me.
I’ve no reason to be unhappy. I’ve gotten everything I’ve
ever wanted in him. In my husband. My Jesus. So why am I troubled?
Because this is going to be our first real Christmas
together, first since we got married that is. And while it’s never been a
serious problem before, now I find myself asking the question—what’s the
perfect gift for the perfect man? Especially as this day is a celebration of
his birth—even if it’s not held at the right time of year, but it’s the thought
that counts, right—so that makes it doubly special, and yes, I know I’m being a
wet blanket and I can’t help it.
What am I so afraid of? We got through Hanukah just fine,
didn’t we?
Just damn. I so don’t want to fuck things up, and I’m so
afraid I will.
I know, right? Judas Iscariot fearing something. I’m only
human, despite those who claim otherwise and who shall go unnamed right here
and now.
Off in the distance, I hear the sounds of occasional traffic,
but here we are isolated from that, off the beaten track. We’re still on tour, of course. That hasn’t
changed, naturally. But next year, I swear I’m going to make sure that when
Christmas arrives, we’ll celebrate it in a warmer climate. This year I’ve had
to settle for putting space heaters in the tent. That will have to do.
Of course, I’ll keep Jesus warm myself, rest assured about
that.
Right now, he’s inside, talking with the others, while I’m communing
with nature out here. Trying to sort out my thoughts, and not doing very well,
I have to admit. The Kaplans have come to visit. It’s always good to see them.
“Problems in Paradise?”
I glance up, startled. Not like I expect him to herald his
approach, but I hate to be taken by surprise. Especially by his Infernal
Majesty, Prince of Annoyance. Aka Lucifer.
“Like I would tell you?” I snort.
Yes, he’s a pain in the ass but—and I’d never admit this to his
face—he’s not quite the demon people make him out to be either. No pun
intended. And yes, I did find out about the bet he lost with my father-in-law,
and I was very gratified to learn that God had bet on Jesus and me. Serves the
serpent right.
He rolls his eyes, drama queen that he is.
The next words out of my mouth surprise even me. “Have you
ever been married?”
“Married? Me?” He looks as startled as I feel. “Do I look that stupid? And no, don’t
seriously answer that…”
I’m taken aback, not by his words, but by a glimpse of
something in his eyes. But then whatever I saw is gone, and they’re simply a
glacial blue.
“You should try it. It’s…” I’m at an unaccustomed loss for
words, trying to describe this feeling inside, the one I wake up with on a
daily basis. I had no idea until I married Jesus that love could be so…
amazing, all-powerful, and… I mean, I knew it was powerful, but damn…
He eyes me for a moment, making no retort, but before I can
add anything to what I’ve said, he’s disappeared. Guess I hit a nerve. I shrug
and go back to my thoughts.
All I ever wanted was Jesus, and I have him, but what does
he want that I can give?
“Something wrong?”
I tuck my robes closer as I turn to the sound of Kathy
Kaplan’s voice.
“Just thinking,“ I fudge. Stubborn ass that I am, I don’t
like to admit to being flummoxed by anything.
“Mr. Jude, Mr. Jude!’
Another country heard from. I bend down as a small body
hurtles itself into my waiting arms. Sarah Kaplan, Kathy’s young daughter. I
scoop her up and hug her tight, grateful for the momentary reprieve.
“Santa Claus is coming!” she squeals.
“I know, honey.”
“Don’t worry.” She pats my cheek tenderly. “He’ll get you
something nice. You’ve been good this year, right?”
Out of the mouths of babes.
“He’s been very good this year.”
That voice. It never fails to make me shiver, even after two
thousand years.
With a quick kiss on my cheek, Sarah wriggles so I set her
down and she runs straight to my better half. My much better half. He tosses
her in the air and she giggles in delight.
“Hey, let’s get some punch!” Kathy reaches for her child,
who protests, until she adds, “And cookies.” And then she’s content to go
inside.
That leaves me alone with my husband.
He closes the distance between us, his lips brushing over
mine. “What’s troubling you, my love?”
Another shiver chases down my spine; I can’t help myself
when I’m around him.
I can’t lie to him. I just can’t do it. “I don’t know what
to get you for Christmas,” I admit.
“Don’t be silly, I have everything I could ever want,” he
protests, as I surely knew he would. His hand cups my cheek, and he looks into
my eyes, and I lose myself in him, as always.
“But… but…” I sputter. “This is our first one. Our first
real one. I want it to be special for you—”
“It will be,” he interjects smoothly, “because you are in my
life, and in my heart and soul.”
Oh mercy, he makes me puddle so much.
“But if you would like to do something…”
“What it is? I’ll do anything!”
“Sing with me. On stage.”
I hadn’t expected that.
“On Christmas?” There’s no concert planned that night.
“On New Year’s Eve,” he whispers.
I hold him close and nod my assent. Anything for him.
Merry Christmas to him, and to everyone else.
to be continued
Come back next week to read the conclusion! Now see what my fellow Briefers are up to:
What an intriguing introduction. There's a lot more to know about this couple, and that Lucifer dude, too. :)
ReplyDeleteI always sort if wondered what Judas' problem was historically, lol. I am so glad you're getting these guys published! Congrats. Can't wait to see them sing next week!
ReplyDelete