CHRISTMAS 1975
Christmas
just wasn’t the same without her Scooter. That was for certain. Despite the
large and noisy family around her, it just felt too quiet, too… empty.
“Come
on, Aunty B, Dad’s waiting in the car.”
She
looked up to find her niece, Denise, standing in front of her, already decked
out in a thick coat, hat, scarf and gloves. The mixtures of reds and greens
made her look very festive, but also very prepared for the bitter cold
“I’m
coming, Denise, dear,” she replied quickly, fishing around for her own pair of
gloves. “Lord knows your father knows how to wait and it doesn’t do to rush me.
Now, have I got everything?”
A
quick check revealed that they had indeed gotten everything, and once having
made sure that the stove was turned off and the door actually locked, Denise
was able to lead her favourite aunt down the stairs to where her father was
waiting in the car.
“You
know, Archie, I think that daughter of yours is getting more and more
demanding.”
Her
brother just grinned; a smile so similar to her son’s own smile. She’d had her
usual card from Scooter, reassuring her that she was okay. Like usual though,
with the military appearing once more for the Christmas season, he wouldn’t be
able to join them for their yearly family festivities. It just wasn’t safe, and
anyway, she knew he would be with his friends. He wouldn’t be alone. Not this
Christmas, and for that she was very grateful.
They
made it in good time to her other brother’s house, despite the poor road
conditions. They were among the first to arrive, coming for the large Christmas
dinner. The rest of the family arrived later, in time for the exchanging of
presents. It was a family tradition.
“Aunty
B?”
She
looked up from the mess of multicoloured paper on the floor as Denise rested a
hand on her shoulder.
“Phone
for you.”
“For
me?”
Denise
just grinned.
Intrigued,
Mama made her way through the packed room of relatives and to her surprise was
shown to the upstairs phone, away from the noise and commotion.
“Hello?”
“Hello,
Mama.”
Her
breath caught in her throat as she recognised the familiar deep voice. Tears
sprung to her eyes. “Scooter!”
“Merry
Christmas, Mama. Sorry I can’t be with you.”
“Nonsense,
child. I know you can’t get here. It’s just good to hear your voice.”
“Yours
too, Mama. I’ve missed you.”
“Missed
you too, baby. Christmas here isn’t the same without you.”
“Uncle
Thomas got his house full again?” She could hear the smile in his voice.
“Of
course, baby. Everyone’s here. Your cousin Lewis brought his new fiancé with
him this time. She’s such a nice girl. And Suzanna
brought her new baby, who so far seems quite content to be passed around like a
package, although where the father is, lord knows. And your uncle Linford has decided to grow a beard. But you don’t want to
hear about all that now.”
“I
don’t mind, Mama.”
“Nonsense,
Scooter, we don’t get to talk enough. Let’s talk about you. How’ve you spent
your Christmas this year?”
“I
spent it with the rest of the guys, as usual. Just the four of us.
“I’m
so glad, Scooter. I would hate for you to be all on your own.” That was her
biggest fear. Her little boy, all alone out there, no one around for the
holidays.
“You
don’t need to worry about me, Mama.”
She
smiled at his concerned tone. He was always thinking about her. Like with the
money he sent her every month, just to make sure she was okay.
“Don’t
be silly,” she scolded gently. “It’s a mother’s job to worry, baby. No matter
how big you get, or how far away you are.”
“Thanks,
Mama. I’m sorry, but I’ve got to go now.”
The
pain went straight to her heart. “I understand, baby. It’s been wonderful to
hear your voice.”
“Yours
too, Mama. I’ve, I’ve got another surprise for you though. I’ll be coming north
to see you in the New Year.”
“Bosco!”
“It’s
my Christmas present from the guys,” he continued. “They’ve got us hotel
reservations, three nights, you and me. They thought a change of scenery would
do you good, Mama.”
“Oh,
Scooter,” she sighed happily. “Tell them it’s a wonderful present.”
“I
will, Mama.”
“And
Merry Christmas, baby.”
“Merry
Christmas to you too, Mama.”
*-*-*
