Taking out my notebook, I start my work.
After three hours, I stare at the blank page and all the rolled balls of torn pages on the table. When I explained the design to Vanessa, I described an image that took shape in my brain, which screamed prom as opposed to the black, feathery dress that was on display. But now, it’s nothing spectacular.
I close my eyes, trying to focus and hoping some inspiration will hit me soon.
It’s Christmas in the Hawthorne Mansion and the one time of the year when I enjoy all the hype, because it’s my gram who runs the show. This year is more important for me because I have something to share with my family.
I can feel everyone peering at me, as they are most likely preparing themselves to deal with my declaration in their own way. Mom must be framing a speech in her head and my brother and sister thinking all sorts of excuses on my behalf.
I pick up the brown paper bag from behind the tree.
“This year I have something special for everyone.” I take out the untidily wrapped gifts, all in the same, red-colored paper. “I want you to open them together.”
My hands shake when I give my mother her small, crumpled gift as she looks at me skeptically. She knows this is the moment when I’m going to throw some insane proposal in everybody’s face. My heart races, hoping that tonight my family would finally be proud of me.
“It’s beautiful, where did you get this?” Florence squeals.
I wipe the sweat beads from my forehead.
I hadn’t expected this to be so nerve wracking. My pounding heart calms just a tiny bit, watching my sister’s beaming face. She holds her gift out for everyone to see. The beautiful green sequin skirt has small silver balls on the waist. It might not be her fanciest skirt, but it’s beautiful in its own style.
“Cookie! What is this?” my grandmother gasps as her fingers trail over the framed sketch.
“How do you like it? This is Grandpa’s wedding band.” I point to one of the intertwined rings and then to the next. “And this is yours.”
When I was thinking about a gift for my gram, I knew I wanted to include Grandpa in it. She loves him so much and misses him so bad, especially at this time of the year.
How many times has she shown me their beautiful wedding bands? But it’s the engravings on the insides that give me chills every time I run my fingers over them. They go in pairs and can’t be read alone.
“Oh, Cookie.” Her misty, soft eyes meet my worried gaze. “How did you—” Her throat chokes and I hug my beautiful gram.
“Do you like it?” I whisper in her ear.
“It’s the best gift. Your grandpa would be so happy.” She kisses my cheek affectionately.
“And what is this?” Oscar struggles with the teal fabric.
I take the cravat from his hand and tie it around his neck, finally laying it neatly under his collar. I point to the Hawthorne monogram. “When you need that extra bit of Hawthorne magic for your meetings.”
“Great gift, sis.” He winks and musses my hair.
My tight chest slowly loosens at my brother’s encouraging face.
Whew! It’s going well.
“Your brother doesn’t need any extra magic. Oscar Hawthorne’s name is enough to get him anywhere.” Mom rearranges the pearl bracelet on her wrist before looking my way. The red packet remains untouched on her lap.
“Won’t you open yours?” I ask, wiping my sweaty hands over my skirt.
She unwraps the gift, torturously slow and inspects the scarf, turning it around. Her hands skate over the embroidery. I’ve spent so many nights struggling with a needle and a seam ripper to bring out the perfect flowers on the silk fabric.
“The fabric is just fine.” Mom waves her hand in the air and the bubble of my confidence deflates a little, until she says, “The embroidery though is…quite good. If I came across this piece, I might buy it.”
It’s not the greatest appreciation in the world but I know this is the best I can expect from my mother.
“So now that you have given us our presents, I’d really like you to get to the point.”
My voice trembles and I clear my throat. “I want to design clothes.”