It took us hours, but we got the first hundred flamingos set up, and I was able to run some wires for lights as well. We were just waiting on the last batch of birds and the hats to arrive. This would be the Christmas surprise to beat all Christmas surprises.
Chapter Fifteen
Samantha
Robin had to run out to do a few errands, so I was left to hang out in the house for a while. I played with Daisy and Delilah, and we discussed the very important naughty-and-nice list while I assured them that they were obviously on the nice list for being such good little girls. They showed me their dolls and told me all about their personalities and what they like to do for fun. The imagination of children would always amaze me. They were so creative, and my nieces were no exception.
Truth be told, I spent most of the rest of the day meandering through the house examining all the decorations that I knew belonged to my parents. Robin had made every effort to include our old family heirlooms and decorations throughout the house along with her own. It made me a little teary eyed, but I was determined not to be selfish or to ruin the day for anyone else just because I was feeling somewhat reminiscent and down. It came in waves really, and while I was having fun with my family, and I was looking forward to flying with Jason later that evening, I couldn’t help but to revert back to my old ways when left to my thoughts too much.
When Robin returned, I asked to borrow her car so I could go for a drive. I wanted to get out of the house for a bit by myself. While it was wonderful to be with family, I was used to living alone and wanted a little time to myself away from my parents’ things. The only place I could think of to go was the coffee shop. I was finished with my shopping, and it was too cold out to walk around, so a fresh cup of coffee and a book was the perfect way to spend a little time. When I arrived there, Gabe was outside.
Instead of buying him a cup of coffee to warm up outside, I decided that I’d invite him to join me inside. I felt bad that he was always outside and probably down on his luck, and it was the season of giving, after all.
“Hi, Gabe. How are you doing today?” I asked him as I approached.
“Well, Samantha, I’m doing great for an old man. How are you today? Are you all ready for Christmas?” he asked me jovially.
“I guess so,” I replied. “Gabe, I’m going inside to sit and enjoy a cup of coffee. Would you like to join me?”
“I’d love to enjoy your company, young lady,” he replied, a cheerful grin spreading across his round face.
“Shall we?” I motioned to the door, and he gathered his small bag and followed me in.
I quickly found us a seat in the rear of the coffee shop and then ordered coffees and cake for both of us. It’s the holidays, and calories don’t count. Once I’d received our order at the counter, I placed them in front of us and observed the man sitting across from me. While it was clear that he didn’t have a home in Friendship, it wasn’t clear to me what he was doing there at all.
“Gabe, what brought you to Friendship?” I asked.
He rested his hands in his lap and smiled softly at me. “I go where I’m needed, and the people of Friendship seemed to need me.”
“What do you mean? Do you know people here? Are you from here?” I asked him, confused by his answer.
“Oh, I’m from all over, really. I know almost everyone here now,” he replied without further explanation.
“I see. Are you staying through the holidays?”
“Yes, there are some things I need to do while I’m here. More people that need help.”
“What kind of help?” I asked.
“My job is to help people find each other or to rediscover the Christmas magic in their hearts. Much like you, Samantha.”
“Oh what? Like Santa Claus?” I laughed.
“Oh no, not like Santa.” He grinned.
“So, what do you know of Christmas magic?” I asked sarcastically, thinking about my own attitude toward the holiday.
“Christmas magic never leaves us, even when we think it’s faded away. You remember the way that you felt when your parents decorated your front yard with flamingos in the snow? That joy … it still exists within you. You just have to be willing to let it out.”
“How did you know about that?” My shoulders stiffened. He’s a stranger. There’s no way that he could know things like that about me.
“I know all kinds of things, Samantha. I know that you’ve bottled up your feelings and taken your sadness out on Christmas. But that’s not what your parents would have wanted. I think you know that.”
I was getting upset and almost frightened by his words. “What do you know about my parents?” How could he know any of this?
“Christmas is a feeling, not a thing. It can’t be hurt the way your heart is. Taking your hurt out on Christmas won’t make you feel better. But the spirit of Christmas can help you heal if you let it.”
“It’s just a holiday,” I replied.