Page 43 of Believe
“Go on now,” said Matthew. “You boys have a lot to do in very little time.”
“We’re ready, Pops,” said Luc. He turned, staring at the massive loads inside the multiple moving vans. Even he couldn’t explain how they’d obtained so much stuff and were able to get it all wrapped and ready.
“Luc, leave this in the basket for Ruth and John.”
“What is it, Pops?” he asked.
“It’s something for John. He’ll know what to do with it. Go on, now. There’s a lot to get done.”
“Matthew, how will you get the rest of this delivered? There’s still a half a warehouse to load and get out there,” said Ghost.
“Don’t worry,” smiled Matthew. “My ‘spirit’ crew will help me.”
They laughed as the images of their friendly ghosts appeared. Nodding their approval, they waved at Matthew and headed out.
“Tailor? Alec? Remember that we need to do this quietly,” said Trak. “I’ve been teaching you for years to be quiet. At least for tonight, try.”
“Not funny, brother,” frowned Tailor. “I’m old and my bones creak. I’m never quiet.”
“You were never quiet even when you were young,” smirked his friend. There was a sound at his feet and Alec jumped in the back seat.
“You brought Alvin!”
“Of course. He enjoys the holidays. Besides, he’s going to make sure that any unwanted and unwelcome critters know that he is guarding these homes,” said Trak.
“Are you shitting me?” frowned Tailor. “That alligator is going to tell the rats and snakes to stay away from these homes?”
“He’s very good at it,” said Trak. “Semu is also quite good at it.”
“Semu?” frowned Alec.
Trak pointed out the windshield and sure enough, on the top of the moving van in front of them, Semu was sitting cross-legged, waving as if she were the queen of the Christmas parade.
“Good lord,” whispered Ghost. “We truly are a zoo.”
The first stop was one they were very familiar with. The boys and girls school that they themselves sponsored. The kids were already in bed, most believing that nothing would be left for them from Santa.
Little did they know that a dozen men in elf costumes and pointed green hats were traipsing around the common room, leaving gifts beneath the tree. Even stockings were filled with candy, personal items, and gift cards.
“When did kids start to like gift cards so much?” frowned Kane.
“I think it gives them options,” said Alec, shrugging his big shoulders. “I hate giving gift cards but the young kids seem to want the freedom to choose for themselves.”
“I prefer the old days when you got a horrible sweater from your great-aunt and had to return it like everyone else,” smirked Tailor.
“Let’s go,” said Trak. “We have a lot to do.”
“Maybe I could sell my wedding rings. The pawn shop down the road is open until ten tonight. I could sell them and buy a few things,” said his wife.
“It won’t matter, Ruth. We don’t have enough money for food for the next few weeks, let alone for gifts. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry, honey. I tried to get some temporary work, but there wasn’t anything available.”
“It’s alright, John,” she said, patting his chest with tears in her eyes. “We’ll make do. I’ve got some soup that I’ll heat up, and I made some cookies earlier. The kids will love it.”
“There are no gifts, Ruth. Nothing. We didn’t even get a damn tree because of that stupid beetle invasion. All the trees on the property were contaminated.”
“Well, you made J.J. that rocking horse, and I sewed the doll for Allison. It will be fine. They’re young. They won’t know. It will be like an old-fashioned Christmas with homemade gifts, music, and just us.”
“It should be better,” he whispered.