Jones - The Forgotten Christmas Present

The Forgotten Christmas Gift

By KD Jones

Copyright 2016 KD Jones

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Dedication:

This short little story is for all my readers who have been with me from the beginning. The kind words and the support you have given me over the years have inspired me and gotten me through some really tough times.

I want to take the time to thank all who serve in our armed forces and law enforcement for putting your lives on the line to keep us safe and protect our country. I send special warm wishes to the family of those who did not make it back to us. Your sacrifice is appreciated and you will not be forgotten.

Also, thank you Lord for all your blessings. I hope that your light shines through in me.

Chapter One

Campbell lifted the lid to the trunk in her grandmothers attic. Cobwebs and dust flew up in the air making her cough. She was home from College for Spring Break. It was the only time she had to be able to help her mother straight out Grandma Prices house.

The funeral had been months ago but her mother had been too sad to come here and box anything up. The downstairs was pretty much cleared out with the exception a living room set. Campbell planned on putting it in storage for when she graduated college and found her own place.

She coughed again. Why did Grandma keep all this stuff? How did she get stuck helping her mother clean out the attic? It took them two months after Grandmas funeral before they got the nerve to come up here. They werent really prepared for all the clutter. Almost every shelf or box had a memory for her mother Maggie that made it harder to sort the sell or keep pile. If it were up to Campbell, she would sell everything.

This place is a mess. What was Grandma thinking?" Campbell asked.

Your Grandma never liked to throw anything away. She always said if something goes out of style, hold onto it until it becomes new again," her mother told her with a smile on her face.

Im so glad that you didnt inherit the pack rat gene," Campbell laughed. She lifted a canister that contained old-fashioned hair curlers. Really? Hair curlers? And they were an ugly salmon color.

Her mother laughed too. Oh, I collect stuff but its more of the paper variety." She placed items in the sell box next to the attic door. They had set up a system; a box for items they would sell at a yard sale, a box for them to giveaway to goodwill, and a box to keep.

Now that she was thinking about it, Campbell did remember that in her parents house, almost every table had a neat stack of mail, magazines, or random paper. Some were from two years ago.

Campbell wondered if she would develop a form of this collecting too. She hoped not. She was about to graduate from college and wanted to keep the crazy down to a minimum.

So hows everything going at school? her mom tried to sound casual about it but Campbell knows it wasnt casual at all.

Fine.

There was a small pause. And Danny? Hows he doing?

She shrugged her shoulders. I wouldnt know, we broke up.

Her mother stopped stuffing something in the sell box to look at her. What happened?

We had a fight. We broke up. Thats it.

Campbell Ellen Wright! I want to know what happened.

Theres nothing to tell, sometimes people just...break up.

I know Danny has feelings for you.

Campbell sighed, He never tells me or shows me what hes feeling. I cant continue getting close to him only to have him hurt me because he doesnt feel the same way. She hadnt realized just how upset she was inside over the break up. A few tears escaped and mom handed her a tissue. Thanks.

Honey, theres no guarantees in life or love. You have to take the chance, put all your energy into doing your part, and trust that the other person will do the same.

But what if they dont? Ill look foolish at the least and at the most, Ill be hurt.

Its okay to fail at something...even with relationships. Loving someone even if that love is not returned, is never a failure and you are never foolish for putting yourself out there. It just makes you brave. I think I heard someone say once that you know the love is real when you feel the pain. I dont know if I agree with that completely, but I do know there will be good times and bad times. There will be pain in life that you cant always hide from. All these things, all the obstacles we face make us stronger and is part of our journey.

You sound like one of those self-help people on television who tell you to face a mirror and tell your reflection that youre good enough.

Her mom laughed. Maybe I do. Why dont you take a break and call Danny.

What do I say?

Thats up to you.

What if he wont talk to me?

Then youll have your answer either way.

Right, Campbell walked to the door of the attic and made her way down the winding staircase. She left her cellphone in her purse on the hallway table.

Opening her purse she pulled out her phone noticing missed messages from Danny.

She hit the call back and waited for him to answer.

Hey, Ive been trying to call you all morning.

Sorry, I was in the attic with mom and had left my phone downstairs.

Hows the packing going?

Good, I can tell moms getting a little emotional over some stuff. The keep box is fuller than the sell box.

I wish I could be there to help you.

Me too. There was a little pause as she listened to his breathing. Listen, about the fight

Im not going to give up on us that easily Campbell. I know Ive been so focused on my classes and work, I havent given you the time you need and deserve.

It wasnt about the time Danny. I just dont know if we are feeling the same things.

I love you Campbell.

You do? Her heart raced.

Yes. I dont say it or show it like I should. Thats my fault. I come from a broken home and my parents have never been very affectionate. I knew the first moment that I saw you my heart would never be the same.

Oh Danny. I love you too. I worried that I feel more for you than you do for me and I was scared.

Is that why you started the fight?

Yeah, I think it was.

What do you want Campbell?

You...I want you Danny.

Im driving to come and see you.

You dont have to do that.

Honey, I was already in the car on my way to see you when I called you last. Ill be there in another hour.

She half laughed and half cried. God I love you.

Love you babe. See ya soon.

Campbell hung up feeling better than she had in days. It felt like a weight had been lifted off her shoulders. She couldnt wait to see him.

Chapter Two

Well? her mom asked as soon as she came back up to the attic. Never mind, that smile says it all.

Campbell laughed. He was on his way here to see me. He told me he loved me.

See. It all worked out in the end.

You were right.

Campbell walked over to a corner and moved an old blanket off the top of a dark wooden trunk. She liked the trunk but the lock was broken. She lifted the lid up reaching in and moving things around. Lots of knick-knacks, picture frames, quilts. She lifted one of the quilts and paused as she spotted something silver and shiny.

Mom, whats this?" Campbell pulled out a box wrapped in silver Christmas paper with a red ribbon. It was unopened.

Her mom walked over and looked at the box Campbell held. It took her a moment before she finally recognized it. She put her hand over her lips. I dont believe it. I totally forgot about this.