"You stuck with it all, Laila. We can finish up here. You go on home and get packed."
"I'm wide awake. I can't believe how it all came out." I told him how I found out that Jared Freedman was the one at my door the night Jacob was there. "I'm so glad you were there. I hate to think about what might have happened if I'd been alone."
"I hope you don't answer the door before using the peephole to see who is there. You do that, don't you Laila?"
I assured him I did. However, I knew I wasn't always that cautious.
When we closed up, Lily wished me a safe trip home. Jacob told me he would be by around nine a.m. to pick me up for the airport. We agreed to let Thor ride along to see me off.
The next day, I boarded the plane on time and settled in a window seat in front of the wing. I tried to relax and think of home. The flight wasn't too long and my seat neighbor didn't talk too much or snore. Life was good. A wave of relief swept over me and I pictured my parents' huge smiles and hugs when they met me at the airport.
As expected, they were both there, beaming. "Laila, I can't tell you how much we are going to sandwich in on this visit," said my mother. My dad winked at me. Neither of us doubted what she said. "You can help me finish up some last minute stuff."
"As long as we don't start shopping today," I begged. "I just want to enjoy home for the rest of the day."
"You can do that," said my mother. "We just have a few friends coming over this evening for a small Christmas party."
My dad winked again. We both knew what Mother's ‘small parties' amounted to. I was an only child and she took full advantage of putting me out there with pride to all of her friends. When we walked up the sidewalk, familiar decorations greeted me. Wreaths hung in every one of the front windows behind a wrap-around porch. The air was cold, but not like West River. The Tennessee dampness caused me to pull my coat tighter.
"It looks like some snow may get here," said my father. "I guess that's no big deal for you any more, Laila."
"We have plenty of it," I said. "I would be disappointed if it didn't snow here on Christmas, though."
I pictured Daniel here as we chatted about snow in the south. But he wasn't here. I followed my mother to the front door. My dad insisted on carrying my bag.
Once we were inside, I noted my parents couldn't seem to wipe the smiles off their faces. I knew they were glad to see me, but that much? They talked in low, excited tones when I started upstairs to my room. I couldn't wait to sink into the deep comfort of my own bed. I realized that luxury would have to wait. I still had a party to go to.
We sat down later for a light supper. "How's that boyfriend of yours, Laila?" asked my dad.
"He went to Pennsylvania to spend time with his family. I think he plans to return to West River the day after Christmas."
"What's the name of the town he lives in?"
"It is Kingston. I think it is close to Scranton."
"Is he close to his family?" asked my mother.
"He told me his family celebrates for at least two weeks right on into Christmas day." Smiles and exchanged glances made me wonder what was wrong with them. I mean I knew they were happy to see me. But they hadn't settled down since I walked off the plane and into their arms. They glowed even more at the mention of Daniel. It was time to change the subject.
"How many are coming tonight?" I asked. "I hope they aren't all strangers to me."
"You know most of them. Neighbors for the most part and they want to welcome you home too."
Since when? In times past, I saw them when out, or in the shopping areas. That worked well. The exception was my mother's best friend, Connie. She was like an aunt to me and all three of us hung out when I came home.
After we ate, I went upstairs and unpacked a few things. I pulled a favorite dress out and hung it up. I brought it because I liked it a lot, but also it was virtually wrinkle-free. Stretching out on my bed, I didn't realize I fell asleep until my mother knocked on my door and woke me up.
"It's time to get up and get ready," she said. "I hope you are rested enough. I promise you that you can sleep as long as you want tomorrow."
"I'm looking forward to a celebration. I've been so busy at work I haven't had time to celebrate the holidays." We talked a while and I knew this party meant everything to my mother. Holidays, especially Christmas, held her spellbound with an excitement not unlike a child's anticipation of one surprise after another.
We dressed up and came downstairs. Mabel, the next door neighbor who helped my mother on occasions, invited us in to approve what she had done. Cold morsels were covered in plastic wrap and rested on ice. Enticing smells came from the kitchen. "I'll finish just before the first guest arrives," she promised. The table was beautiful. We both approved.
"Where's Dad?" I asked. "He's usually down here waiting for us."
Mabel and my mother exchanged knowing glances.
"What's wrong with everyone? Something's in the air, I know it."