Page 113 of The Tape Job
“Excited about tomorrow?” I’d asked her as we headed to get a hot chocolate after skating. Christmas was a huge thing in my house. My mom always went crazy with the decorations, the food, and the family time. We played games in our pyjamas all day and then watched a movie, eventually being so full that we’d fall asleep in front of the TV. But the look on her face broke my heart.
“Not really,” she said. “My dad will just spend the day moping about, and my mom is working.”
“Really?” I said.
“It’s no big deal. It’s just like another day for me and Johnny. Nothing special happens. We’ve tried to make it exciting, but it’s not the same, is it?” She frowned and then sniffed.
“Yeah, but you get to open presents, right?”
“Not really. I mean, Johnny and I just get a cheque each. I’m not ungrateful or anything, but I’d rather they got us a pair of socks each—or something—and spent the day with us. It’s not about the money or the gifts.”
I didn’t think I could feel anymore crushed, but I did. The thought of Vicky and Johnny sitting there on Christmas Day as if it was any other day.
“What about food?” I asked.
“What about it? Johnny and I will probably just make some grilled cheese or whatever.”
That was the breaking point for me.
“How come you’ve never told me this before?”
“It doesn’t matter,” she shrugged. “I’m not bothered.”
But I could tell she was. Then it clicked why she hated her birthday too. Like it was an inconvenience to her parents rather than a celebration.
She told me that one year Johnny had to remind their folks it was her birthday—on her actual birthday. That killed me. Probably because my parents made a whole fuss out of mine. Ryan and I weren’t used to it being anything other than exciting.
But Christmas is supposed to be all about family, and it sounded like her parents didn’t care.
When my mom pulled up outside the barn and we climbed into her truck, I wanted to come straight out with it; but I also didn’t want to embarrass Vicky.
I saw Vicky to her door, kissed her, and went back to my mom with a heavy heart. It took her all of five seconds to ask me what I was so upset about.
“She doesn’t even get a gift, Mom,” I said. “What kind of sick parents do that? I mean, I understand that not everyone can afford it, but they have a lot of money!”
“Liam, it’s not our business.”
“What’s that supposed to mean? She has grilled cheese on Christmas Day— as a main meal!”
That got Mom’s attention.
“Maybe I’ll call Stuart and invite them all over. I mean, I always go overboard, so a few extra people will be fine.”
It turned out that Stuart was delighted for Johnny and Vicky to spend Christmas with us. He was hoping to visit an old friend in Vancouver and could drop them off on the way. My blood boiled at the thought of him just abandoning his kids, but I was grateful that my mom had offered. I knew both Vicky and Johnny would have a blast with us.
I got my dad to take me to the closest store that was still open late on Christmas Eve, and I bought Vicky a pair of novelty Santa socks. I wrapped them up and put them under the tree. And every year since, I buy her a pair of novelty socks, mostly ones with Santa on them when possible. Even when we haven’t been in a good place, I’ve always made sure she had Santa socks.
“Two pairs?” she asks, beaming at me.
“One’s for last year because I didn’t get the chance to give them to you, did I? But we won’t talk about that.”
“You’re so thoughtful. Thank you.”
Christmas music blasts from the TV in her apartment. Ryan and Jenna, still in their newly wedded bubble, sit on the other side of the room exchanging gifts.
“You’re welcome.” I pull her on top of my lap and nuzzle at her neck. “Hey, do you still have that scarf I got you?”
“Which one? You’ve got me loads of scarves.”
