5 comments/  10553 views/  3 favorites

Christmas Angel

By: Justtoold



Authors will tell you that some stories come to mind out of the blue from something that happens to get their creative minds working. The inspiration for this story comes from two stories I read by a favourite author of mine, slow_n_gentle. In, "It's What's Inside That Counts", there is a description of the ornaments that are decorating a Christmas tree, and in "Tell Santa", he describes a porcelain angel on top of a Christmas tree. Those two paragraphs are what inspired me to write this story. Thank you to slow_n_gentle for the inspiration for this story and a special thank you to Hank for his help editing it. 

*

It was a few weeks before the Christmas holiday, and a few days before, Ann, my wife, had been making plans with our neighbour, Ruth. The two of them decided that Ann and I and our two children would go over to Ruth and Alf's place on Friday evening for a bit of seasonal cheer.

Boy, I tell you, those two women had gotten along famously for the last six months since Ruth and her husband Alf had moved into the house next door. They had become almost as close as twin sisters.

Since both were stay-at-home moms, they shared looking after each other's kids when one had an appointment or other such thing. I think they generally spent more time together than they did with their respective husbands.

I never minded because when they spent so much time together, Ann spent less energy thinking up chores for me to do around the house. I now enjoyed some down time now instead of having to fix every little thing as soon as I got home from work.

I met Ruth's husband Alf one weekend shortly after the wives had met and because of our busy schedules, the two of us spent some time together, but we really weren't that close. Our two kids were another matter; as soon as they met their two kids, they were instant buddies. The four of them were close in age and could always be found either at one house or the other playing or doing their thing.

Ruth and Alf had heavy accents, but spoke English quite well. They were from Abonaugh, a small European country, which not too many people have heard about. I tried looking for it on a map one day and Alf had to point out that little pinprick of a country that used to be his home. He and Ruth had scrimped and saved so that they could immigrate here to find work, and to get away from a dictatorial government. They were happy with their adopted country and Ruth was even happier that they had wound up next door to us.

Anyway, on the day when we got together with them, Alf and I sat in their front room sipping some nicely flavoured Christmas cheer while the wives were in the kitchen organizing snacks and sharing their women's gossip. The snacks were destined to miraculously disappear as soon as they were put on the table. The four kids seemed to have built in radar when it came to food and they all seemed to magically appear when it was set out.

I was looking over Alf's Christmas tree, which was standing in the corner, and was admiring some of the old world, hand-blown glass ornaments that were hanging on it. Alf saw me inspecting them and informed me, "Most of those ornaments are old ones from my grandparents, and the rest came from Ruth's side of the family. They've all been passed down to us over the years. Most of them are hand-painted by our ancestors. It was quite a chore packing those delicate keepsakes so they wouldn't be damaged on our trip to this country. I wanted to leave them, but Ruth wouldn't hear of it, and since she threatened me with dire consequences, as you can see, here they are."

Just then, Ruth and Ann came into the front room. Ruth must have heard Alf's comments and said, "He knew he wouldn't be able to touch me ever again if he would have left them behind. They have so many memories attached to them that there was no way I was leaving those ornaments behind."

"They look so well crafted; there's no way you could find anything that nice for sale in this day and age," Ann added. Just then, as predicted, the four kids came running up the stairs and headed for the snacks. Our oldest, Robert, (Robby) filled his mouth with cookies, and then stood by the tree, looking at it.

Because he has this habit of wanting to handle everything he sees, and being at the clumsy stage of his life, he usually drops whatever it is when he does get his hands on it. I warned him, "Don't touch or break anything. Those ornaments are keepsakes and quite fragile." 

Robby obediently stepped back, but didn't take his eyes off the tree. I watched his eyes as he gazed over everything. I also saw that he seemed fascinated by the angel on the top of the tree. I had to admit that angel was pretty nice.

The angel tree topper was made of porcelain, a little over a foot tall and all white with a painted face. The wings on its back were carved so intricately they looked like real feathers. She was dressed in a long flowing white coloured silk gown and the train from her gown hung down a foot below the rest of her. The angel's hands were held in the praying position in front of her and her halo was actually a candle holder with a candle in it. Like the rest of the ornaments on the tree, the angel was hand-painted.

Robby turned to Alf and asked, "Why do you have an angel on top of the tree? Every other tree I've ever seen has a star on top."

Alf looked at Robby and said, "Well young man, I'm proud of that angel. In the old country we came from, traditionally most people have an angel on the top of the tree. That particular ornament used to be my great Grand-Ma's. That angel is so heavy and awkward I have to fix wire supports to the branches of the tree to add stability so she doesn't fall over."

Ruth interrupted and asked Alf, "Why don't you tell the kids about how in Abonaugh the angel came to be just about everyone's favourite ornament to put on the top of the tree? You tell that story to our kids every year and they love hearing it. I'm sure their friends would like to hear it too."

Alf looked over at the kids and asked them if they wanted to hear the story again. Of course as soon as Alf's kids wanted to hear the story again, ours did too.

Alf pulled out his pipe and almost like it was a ritual he went about stuffing it just so. Then he lit it so it was burning evenly. While he did, the kids grabbed some more cookies and cheese snacks from the table and sat on the floor in front of him.

He started by saying, "Well kids, a long time ago, back when my great, great, great, grandparents were still alive, there was a little girl by the name of Olga Petrovich. She lived in a small village that had about eight houses and an inn with a stable. It was a pretty small little village just outside the town of Golesville, which in turn was near the capital city of Maukerson in our old country of Abonaugh. The old village had only about sixty five people who lived in the surrounding area and it was a pretty poor locale, as was the whole country."

"No one knows where Olga came from, but she's the main reason that angels are so well liked in our old country. She may have been a beggar most of her life, but by the time she died she was so well known that everyone in her village just loved her."

"The story goes that Olga's dad was traveling through the village one day with all his meagre possessions on his back. He and his daughter were passing through, heading to the city to look for work. Olga was only four years old at the time and everyone could see that even though she wore rags for clothes, she was a cute little thing."

"It happened that the innkeeper needed a hand to work in the stable behind the inn because his regular guy had died of old age a month or so before. Olga's dad, whose name was Jessop Petrovich, agreed to take over the job. The innkeeper wouldn't allow Jessop to sleep in the inn, but he let the two of them stay in the stable with the animals."

"Jessop was a man who worked hard to care for and support Olga. Over time he had told his sad life story to a few people in the village and explained to them how his wife had died in childbirth, so he alone was left to take care of his daughter. Jessop had previously been a wood carver, but when his town was attacked by the soldiers from the next valley, his hands had been badly cut in the scuffle so he couldn't hold his knives properly anymore. He was forced to do odd jobs so he could provide for his daughter." 

"In the village where Olga and her dad decided to settle down the people in the area planted their crops and some worked in a coal mine and generally did whatever they could to survive. The land all around the area was owned by the Earl who charged a tax on all the people that lived there so that meant Jessop and Olga had to pay their share of the tax too."

"The Earl owned the coal mine, which meant he had lots of coal for his own cook stove and to heat his stone castle. But he needed people to dig the coal out of the ground and that's where he forced anyone who couldn't pay his taxes to work for him by digging the coal. If you didn't have the money to pay his taxes, you could stay on his land if you worked in his coal mine one week out of every month. That's just what Jessop did! He worked in the mine plus he took care of the stable so he and Olga could have a roof over their heads and a meagre meal every now and then."

"While her dad worked, little Olga spent her time scrounging for food and other necessities so her father and her could survive. She may have been young, but back then you grew up fast. She spent a lot of time in the forest with a small bag, hunting for legumes, berries and anything else she could find that would fill their stomachs. When it got colder she also brought home sticks and branches so they could have a fire at night to keep warm."

Robby asked Alf, "Didn't the stable have heat to keep them warm?"

Alf replied, "There was a small wood stove in the corner and when there were guests at the inn there were usually horses to add some warmth, but it was still fairly cool. Olga's dad usually managed to fill his pockets and the front of his shirt with coal he managed to steal from the mine, but that was never enough to last the night."

"When fall turned to winter, Olga found firewood wherever she could find it in the woods. A branch from a tree, some wood taken from an old wind break, whatever. She would bring home anything she could find. The winters there weren't as bad as they are here, but the nights could still get chilly and a small fire was welcome. Some days her dad had to work all day in the stable so he couldn't get any coal for their nightly fire and on those days Olga's gathering of wood was appreciated."

"For the times they lived in, Olga and her dad had a fairly settled life, even if it was a lot harder than things are today. They had a roof over their heads; Jessup had a job, and Olga managed to come up with enough to keep the two of them from starving. But the most important thing to them was that they were together."

"As with all stories, hard times caught up with them when Olga was about ten years old. Jessop got sick and the only one to look after him was Olga. Because of his illness, he was weak and only able to work a bit before he had to rest. Olga took over most of the chores, looking after the stables and keeping them warm and looking for more food to eat. For a small little girl she handled things very well."

"One day Olga was out picking up coal that had fallen off the wagon onto the road. She was looking around and saw a branch in a tree that would be fairly easy to break loose. Now, being a small girl she was fairly agile and soon climbed up the tree and worked the branch loose. After she tossed it to the ground she was feeling pretty good, so she scampered the rest of the way up the tree to have a look around."

Alf stopped there to relight his pipe and sip his drink. He took a few puffs while he waited for the kids to replenish their supply of snacks from the table.

When the pipe was relit and the kids settled in front of him again, he continued his story. "Olga climbed as high in the tree as she could, and when she looked around the view was mesmerizing. She had never seen the countryside from that perspective. You must realize that when you are walking around in the forest, you can't see much past the trees and bushes and can't get the full picture of what's around you. That high tree gave her a whole new view of the area she lived in, and from her perch up high, she could almost see the whole valley. She was amazed to see smoke coming from the buildings in the village in one direction and the Earl's small castle in the opposite direction. At right angles from those, the road from the next province appeared from over a hill and passed through her village before meandering off through the fields."

"That tree top became her favourite spot. She'd climb up there every chance she got and dream about what it would be like to visit far off places. She spent every free moment daydreaming of a life in those distant lands."

"Life went on for Olga and her dad. They survived, but barely made it from one day to the next. As I said, after his illness Jessop couldn't work too much, so Olga did most of the work in the stable. The only work he did was to work in the mine, and that almost killed him every time he went there. Also, by then the whole village had come to love the little girl, and the tavern owner took pity on her. As long as the work was done, he allowed her to stay in the stable and take care of the guest's horses like she had done since Jessop's illness had begun."

"Now you must understand that everything in those times was not as rosy as it sounds. Not only was her dad sick, but there were many other occurrences that made life hazardous. There were always wars between different sides, and occasionally soldiers would come through every now and then rounding up men to fight their battles as well as taking all the crops to feed the troops. Also, there were bandits who regularly swooped down and stole anything of value from the people in the village."

"In the spring of the year when Olga turned twelve years old, the bandits came once more. Jessop was too weak to get away and hide, and the bandits killed him when he struggled with them to keep what he had. Olga was lucky that day because she was in the forest looking for food to gather. When she returned that night, she was devastated by what had happened. She blamed herself for not being there to help her dad hide from the bandits."

"Olga spent a long time thinking about what had happened to her father and continued to feel guilty about not being there to help him when he needed her the most. The bandits seemed to strike around every six months or so, and Olga remembering her tree, and how she could see for miles, vowed to never let those bandits sneak up on the town again."

"Many times, the Earl had tried to protect his lands from those bandits, but by the time he could get his few soldiers organized, the bandits were long gone. Olga took it upon herself to sit in her tree during the times when the bandits were expected to come. Sometimes she sat there for two weeks before she spotted them and then scrambled down the tree and ran to warn the villagers."

"When she had twice alerted the villagers to the bandits, they really started to appreciate her warnings. She had come in plenty of time for the villagers to hide their valuables in the trees and get themselves out of harm's way. Olga soon found that there was always an evening meal waiting for her on the work table in the stable. It was the villagers' way of saying thanks, and now she usually didn't have to scrounge for food because someone from the village had left some food for her."

"The Earl's wife soon heard about Olga and how she had saved the village a few times. She brought it to the Earl's attention but first he saw her as just another body to work in his mine. His wife soon changed his mind by pointing out that because of Olga, the villagers still had their valuables and supplies of food, and could still pay him their taxes. The Earl realized that having most of his subjects pay their taxes was something which had rarely ever happened before. So understanding that fact made him comprehend that now the villagers could pay their taxes, it would be easier for him to pay his share to the king and take a load off his mind."

"The Earl and his wife summoned Olga to their castle, to meet this saviour of the village. When they first saw the unkempt little girl they weren't too impressed, but found something about the young thing in front of them captivating. The Earl thanked Olga for giving the warnings. In his wisdom granted her a reprieve from having to work in his mine and as long as she continued to look for the bandits and give warnings she didn't have to pay her taxes."

"After the meeting, the Earl's wife took Olga into the back rooms and got her maids to give her a good scrubbing to clean her up, and then dressed her in some clean clothes. As Olga was about to leave to return to the stable, one of the Earl's daughters took pity on Olga and gave her a white cloak she had outgrown."

"Olga thought the cloak was the most wonderful thing she had ever received. Until then, she usually had to scrounge up rags to wear. This cloak was something she could only have dreamed about before."

"The cloak was thick, so it kept out the winter's chill and the summer's rain, and for that reason Olga loved to wear it while she was in her tree. In the fall, after all the leaves had fallen, the villagers could see Olga high up in her tree and took comfort that she was still looking out for them."

"One time after she had again saved the village, leaving the bandits empty handed, the villagers met at the tavern to celebrate their good luck. The tavern owner's wife invited Olga in for a rare hot meal and sat her in the best seat in the house, which was beside the warm fire. The villagers all stopped by to thank her, and at one point poor Olga was interrupted so often she couldn't even eat her meal. The tavern owner's wife saw Olga's predicament and loudly told everyone to leave "our little angel" alone long enough to finish her meal."

"That was the first time Olga had been referred to as an angel. The villagers were now paying more attention to her and soon noticed that when Olga was in her perch in the tree, and when the sun was shining just so, her cloak seemed to give off a glow. Around the holidays a few people started to dress up some homemade dolls to fasten to the top of their Christmas trees so they would look just like Olga in her perch.

"Word spread about Olga and within a few years it seemed that everyone was attaching angels to the top of their Christmas trees in tribute to Olga. It was the villagers' small gesture to show gratitude to their saviour."

"The story spread to all corners of the country, and soon most people were also attaching angels to the top of their Christmas trees. And that is why most people from Abonaugh have an angel on their tree at Christmas time."

"Wow that was a neat story," said Robby. "What ever happened to Olga?"

"Well the story goes that she stayed in the stable and lived there for twenty years, but one day someone noticed she hadn't been seen for a while, so a few of the village folk went to look for her. They found her with her tree. The old tree had given out and toppled down with her in it."

"Everyone was sad. Since the town had just finished building a church, Olga was the very first one buried in its yard, right by the front door, so all who came there could look over at her resting place. Times changed and over the years more people moved into the area. When there were enough people who could defend themselves, the bandits disappeared. To this day every Sunday the village priest gives a special prayer for Olga."


Christmas Angel



From the darkness of sweet oblivion she awakened to gnawing pain. It took her some time to realize she was lying on the floor in the living room. She tried to sit up, but a lancing pain her side nearly caused her to scream. When she did manage to sit up she had to hold her arm tightly to her side, there was no doubt in her mind that ribs were broken. Her left eye was swollen shut and she could taste the unmistakable metallic taste of blood in her mouth. It was only when she realized she was naked from the waist down that her dazed mind began to function and when it did the memories crashed in on her like a violent surf.

She and Damon, her husband of almost two years had been arguing. This time it had been about money. He had been unemployed for six months and the small amount she made at the local community college wasn't enough to make rent, much less utilities and food. She remembered screaming at him for spending the money she had set aside for rent on an evening at the bar with his buddies. The holidays were coming and she hadn't even managed to sock enough away for presents for her family. His squandering of the rent money had set her off. Normally she was very shy and submissive, but that had been the last straw. She hadn't realized he was still drunk or she might have held her tongue even then.

This time his angry words had ended in violence; she had not even seen the backhanded slap that sent her crashing into the glass top coffee table. Lori began to cry as she remembered him hitting her again and again until the blows seemed like they would never stop. He was cursing and screaming at her as he methodically beat her and even after she curled up into a ball to protect herself the blows kept coming. She barely remembered him ripping her jeans and panties off. Thankfully he had been too drunk to get an erection after he quit beating her and she passed out as he stumbled off towards the bedroom.

She remembered the predictions of her mother, that he would kill her one of these days as she painfully rose to her feet. Lori had not listened. Damon had been everything she had wanted. He was wild, handsome and exciting. She had never been turned on by "nice guys" and had always gravitated to the bad boys. Now she knew her mother had been right and she had to get away. Damon had hit her before, but had always seemed contrite and promised to change his ways. Lori had always stayed and forgiven him. This time had been different, he hadn't stopped after one, and the blows had just kept coming. Lori was a small girl to begin with and months on short rations had left her even more frail than normal. Damon was a large man and in his rage the blows he landed had seriously hurt her. 

She staggered to the cramped bathroom, kicking piles of empty pizza boxes and empty beer cans out of her way. The face that greeted her in the mirror shocked her. Her nose was obviously broken, both eyes were black and the left one was swollen shut. Her lips were covered in a crust of blood, her dark hair was matted where the blood from her nose had run down into it and one cheek was deeply cut and still oozing blood. Each breath was a new adventure in pain and she knew a tooth was either broken or missing. 

She considered briefly just lying down on the cold tile floor and giving up, but something inside told her that to give up now was to die and so she stumbled into the bedroom. Damon was passed out on the bed with stained boxers and an empty fifth of cheap whiskey still clutched in his hand. Those hands were bloody and the knuckles were swollen.

Lori quietly removed the small bag she usually kept her books in and went to her dresser. She grabbed what was there, a pair of old bras, an unopened package of cotton panties, two clean t-shirts and one pair of jeans. The rest of her meager wardrobe was dirty. Damon considered washing to be "woman's work" and with her working full time the laundry hadn't been done in a week or two. From the overflowing hamper she grabbed her only other pair of jeans and a pair of socks. She took her shoes from the closet, a pair of sneakers and one pair of heels. She dressed quickly and glanced around the room for anything else that was hers. The photo of her and her father and her one Cd were all she could find and she stuffed them into her bag. She looked for her jacket but, it was nowhere to be found and when Damon stirred she decided she could live without it. 

As she made her way back to the front door she paused and glanced around the room. The place was a wreck and it was obvious that Damon had demolished more than her body in his rage. Strangely, the sickly Christmas tree in the corner had not been damaged; the gaily winking lights added a surreal quality to the scene. As did the two beautifully wrapped gifts under the tree, both from her to him.

Where am I going? she thought as she closed the door and began walking. She had cut off everyone to be with Damon, her family, her friends, everyone. She was far from home and had practically no money. Several times such thoughts had stopped her from walking out, but now she knew he would kill her one of these nights if she stayed. She hated to admit her marriage was a failure and that everyone had been right all along, but she had to now. That hurt even more than the ribs or her face. She was alone in a strange state and had no one she could call on for help. 

A single named leaped to her mind, Margaret. She and Maggie had been best friends since grade school. Damon had been insanely jealous of their close friendship and had forbidden her to speak to Maggie ever again. Lori had complied, even though it hurt and Maggie's sorrowful expression still haunted her when she remembered that last night out together. She wondered if that was a bridge burned or if they were still best friends despite over a year of not communicating. Maggie lived in Manhattan and was the closest person she knew. She could call her mom back in Tennessee, but there would be little her folks could do for her immediately. She stopped at the convenience store on the corner and went into the phone booth. After a few tries she fished some quarters out of her bag and deposited them. She heard the hum and metallic clicking sounds as she dialed zero. 

"Thank you for using Verizon, how may I help you?" the somewhat haggard voice said.

"I'd like to place a collect call," Lori managed. Her tongue seemed to stick to the roof of her mouth and she knew she was slurring. With an effort she swallowed and cleared her head. It was cold and the rising wind seemed to cut through her thin shirt and jeans. December was still a week away, but you couldn't tell from the steadily falling temperature. At least the cold was helping to clear her head.

"All right, just dial your number and at the tone say your name. Once your party picks up you will be put on hold while they accept,"

Lori suddenly realized she couldn't remember the number. She didn't have it written down anywhere either. When they were still close she had dialed the number at least twice a week, she closed her eyes and just let her fingers hit the buttons. She hoped they had better recall than her foggy brain. There were several rings then a sleepy "hello?" the line went dead.

"Please state your name," came over the line followed by a tone. 

"Lori..Lori Cartwright," she managed. She was put on hold and it seemed an eternity before she was reconnected. 

"Thank you for using Verizon," the operator said and then there was quiet.

"Maggie?" Lori asked after a long pause.

"Lori? What's wrong?" The voice was soft, concerned and without a trace of distance or anger. She broke down then, telling Maggie everything through her sobs. When she finished there was silence at the end of the line for a few moments.

"All right honey, stop crying. Where are you?"

"At the quick stop in Fort Montgomery,"

"That's on nine-W, right?"

"Yes, just past the Bear Mountain Bridge,"

"Are you in any danger where you are now?"

"No, I don't think so. There is nothing moving here. I'm just afraid he will wake up and come looking for me and I'm cold,"

"I'm on my way, I'll be there soon," she said and the line went dead.

The next forty-five minutes seemed like an eternity to Lori. She was torn between hiding and trying to see if it was Maggie each time a pair of headlights topped the hill. When Margaret's sleek black jaguar pulled into the parking lot and rolled to a halt Lori simply collapsed into a heap inside the phone booth. Relief flooded her body and with it the adrenaline that had been keeping her upright seemed to give out. The door opened and Margaret hurried to her.

"My God!" she said. Lori was shivering frightfully and could only dimly see her friend's features in the weak light from the phone booth. Margaret was a tall woman with aquiline features and black hair that was beginning to show a little gray. Somehow she managed to get Lori into the car. The interior was warm and the small woman faded out once her shivering stopped.

------

When she came to again she was lying in a hospital bed. A nurse smiled encouragingly at her and then shook Margaret awake. The tall woman had been dozing in a chair next to her bed.

"Thank you," Lori said after the nurse departed. The words were so soft she wasn't sure Maggie had heard them, but the tall woman nodded and rose. She moved to the side of the bed and gently squeezed Lori's hand.

"Don't try to talk, save your strength, I'll tell you what's going on. You're at Columbia Pres, in the ER. Your ribs aren't broken, just cracked. Your nose has been reset and should be fine and you have some stitches. A police officer is waiting outside to take your statement,"

"I couldn't do that to Damon," Lori said.

"You can and you will. I've stood back and watched this long enough and I've had it," she said. Lori tried to speak, but Margaret placed a finger over her lips.

"I love you Lori, I have for a long time. I sat back and let this happen, hoping you would see, but it took him nearly killing you to open your eyes. I won't let you go back to him so he can finish the job and I mean that. If you don't press charges I will pick up the phone and call your brothers," she said with a determined expression.

Lori shuddered at the thought. Her two brothers both worked at a rock quarry and either of them dwarfed Damon. They loved her dearly and had hated him from day one. If they found out he had laid a hand on her they would both be up here on the next flight. Knowing their tempers and intelligence the odds were good no one would ever find the body. She felt that she should have resented Margaret for taking such a highhanded approach, but she didn't. She had never been very assertive and it actually felt kind of nice to have someone else making the decisions for her. Being the one making all the calls for the last six months had left her nerves frayed and she was mentally and emotionally fatigued.

A policewoman entered the little room with a pad and took her statement. Lori was surprised to find it took a lot out of her just to answer the questions. A couple of times she almost faltered, but Margaret's hand was on her shoulder and always gave a reassuring squeeze. As the officer left and the nurse slid a hypodermic needle into the IV bag, Lori realized she had burned another bridge. For better of worse, she could never go back to Damon now.

--- Lori was released from the hospital on the 21st. Maggie was waiting in the lobby with a half dozen long stem roses. She wore a white top and black leather pants that accentuated her hips and a long over coat that fell to just below her knees. The white top showed off her large full breasts and Lori realized just how beautiful Margaret could be when she wanted. The tall woman smiled and thrust the flowers into Lori's hand while taking her small bag. The flowers were beautiful and smelled wonderful; she couldn't remember ever getting flowers before and she realized now why girls loved to get them. They weren't only beautiful; they just made you feel special.

"What are these for?" Lori asked as she followed Maggie to the big glass revolving doors. 

"Do I need a reason? They're just beautiful flowers for a beautiful woman, but if you need a reason then consider them congratulations on your divorce," Maggie said dryly.

"It isn't finalized yet," Lori observed. It was snowing outside and very over cast. She could see the plow going past and Maggie's Jag parked under the canopy.

"Might as well be. Gloria put the screws to Damon, he isn't contesting it and gave you all you wanted. It was that or serious jail time," Maggie said. Lori just nodded, she hadn't been able to afford a lawyer, but Maggie had a lot of friends in the city including Gloria Sovic. She was one of the top divorce lawyers in the state and took Lori's case for free. Damon was forced by the agreement to give her half their assets, get a job and pay her six hundred a month for the next year while she got back on her feet and was bared from coming within one thousand feet of her. Maggie stopped at the door and turned to Lori.

"Just let me get the door open for you, then hurry, it's really frigid out today," she said. Lori watched as Margaret glided out to the car and opened the passenger door. Lori noticed for the first time how graceful Margaret was and how elegant she looked. Margaret tossed the small bag into the back seat and then motioned to Lori. It was cold out, the wind seemed to slice through her clothing and she was shivering when she made it to the car and she sank into the deep leather seat. Maggie closed the door and walked around the car. She got in and smoothly accelerated out onto the dirty road, easily negotiating the heavy traffic. The interior of the car was deliciously warm and the soft strains of Beethoven's Fur Else filled the cabin. Outside it was all dingy and gray, but Lori felt curiously buoyant and happy.

"So now what?" she asked. Maggie eyes never left the road.

"Well, that's up to you really. I was hoping you would stay at my place for a while, but your folks have offered to wire the money for a plane ticket home if you would rather,"

Lori considered that. While she would love to see her folks again, there was really nothing for her back home. If she went she probably wouldn't come back as it seemed there was nothing for her in New York either. Or maybe there was. Reconnecting with Maggie had awakened something inside her. She wasn't sure what it was yet, but it was comfortable, pleasant, mildly exciting and worth investigating further.

"I don't feel like flying," she said carefully. Margaret smiled and nodded.

"Great, I didn't feel like spending Christmas alone,"

Maggie lived in a neat little brownstone. Lori found she loved the small apartment with its cozy atmosphere and soft furnishings. She slept the first night in the small guest room. It had a double bed, dresser, vanity and a comfortable overstuffed chair. Lori usually didn't sleep well away from home, but she felt comfortable here and fell asleep in no time.

The following day Margaret dragged her out of bed early and took her shopping. At first Lori wasn't happy, but the bright lights, happy people and extravagant decorations soon had her smiling and enjoying herself. Christmas music was everywhere and there seemed to be a Santa on every corner. Margaret seemed to be in the spirit and even had them both stand in line for an hour to get a picture taken with Santa. It was childish, but Lori realized that for a long time now her life had been devoid of simple pleasures. The whole day turned out to be grand. 

They bought a fake Christmas tree, boxes of decorations, strings of lights, an angel for the top of the tree, Christmas Cds, DVD's of their favorite Christmas shows from when they were children and a fruitcake. On the way home Margaret stopped and picked up eggnog at the deli and rum at the package store. Lori felt kind of guilty, letting Maggie buy everything, but Margaret would hear none of it and after a few mild protests Lori forgot about it.

Once they got all the boxes into the apartment they cleared a space and Lori began to set up the tree while Margaret made eggnog. The laughed, drank, listened to Christmas songs and managed to get tangled up in the lights. It took hours to get the tree decorated and once done they curled up on the floor and watched Christmas movies, reminiscing about doing the exact same thing when they were kids. Lori was relaxed and a little buzzed; she had not had this much fun in forever it seemed. She couldn't remember the last time she had shared honest laughter with someone or felt so happy. 

Margaret had gotten quiet and as the movie ended she turned and without warning leaned over and kissed Lori. The small girl was surprised, but her lips parted of their own accord. Margaret's hands came to her cheeks and Lori's went to her friend's shoulders as what started as a peck turned into a deep soul kiss. When it broke Lori was breathless and aroused, but Maggie just smiled and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. Lori snuggled up close and the rest of the evening passed watching movies. When the last one was over Margaret killed the television and lead Lori to her room. 

The tall woman disappeared into her bathroom and returned in a nightshirt. She handed Lori a very daring nightie, which the small woman put on in the bathroom. When she was done brushing her teeth she returned to a darkened bedroom to find Margaret in bed already with the covers turned back. Lori hesitated only a moment before joining her in the big bed. The tall woman wrapped her up in her arms and Lori waited expectantly, but nothing happened and soon she could tell from the even breathing that Margaret was asleep.

The next day Margaret dragged her out again, although this time she was far less reluctant. Today her friend seemed to be on a mission and that mission was to get Lori an entire new wardrobe. Shoes, dresses, tops, skirts, jeans, lingerie, makeup and even some racy bedroom things. By the time they got home Lori was exhausted, but it was a happy kind of exhausted. The evening was spent in much the same way, watching old movies and just getting used to each other again, but there was a new note in it. An under current that Lori recognized as the way two people felt each other out before making a move. She had never considered lesbianism before, but she realized that she found Margaret attractive and by the end of the evening was actually hoping her friend would try something with her. For the second night in a row they slept in the same bed and for the second night Lori's private hopes were frustrated by Margaret being a perfect gentlewoman. 

The 24th dawned and Maggie again pulled her from her warm bed. This time it was a trip to the spa where she got a manicure, pedicure, massage, leg waxing, and finally a makeover and new hair do. When they got in Maggie made eggnog and spiked it with rum.

They both sat and watched Christmas shows until it started to get dark out. Maggie excused herself and left Lori alone with her thoughts. These last few days had been the happiest she had ever spent and for the first time since she learned there was no Santa Claus she was in a festive holiday mood. She had forgotten how much fun she had when she was around Margaret and how wonderful life could be. She felt giddy and giggly and realized she was acting like a schoolgirl. Not just that, she was acting like a schoolgirl falling in love. 

The thought should have been sobering, but it wasn't. Lori didn't care, she knew in her heart she was falling for her best friend. Admitting it to herself had been the hard part, but now that she had she wondered how to act on it. She felt certain Margaret felt the same way, but she just had no idea where to go from here. She would have to think about it later, right now she was just too mellow and content to let anything worry her. Maybe tonight, once the lights were off and she was snuggled up she would find the courage to try another kiss with Margaret. 




Christmas Angel



Lori sat on the sofa and stared at the tree. The merrily winking lights were mesmerizing as they were reflected off ornaments and tinsel and played off each other. One string seemed to chase another, while another seemed to be winking. White Christmas was playing in the background and her half empty glass of eggnog sat on the side table. There were a large number of gifts under the tree, all wrapped in shiny paper that caught the warmth of the twinkling lights. Those hadn't been there the night before; it was funny that Lori had just noticed them. Maggie had dimmed the overhead lighting before she left and Lori was wondering what her friend was up to.

"Merry Christmas," the tall woman said as she entered the living room. Lori looked up and gasped. Margaret wore black boots that came up to her knees with a fringe of white fur. Her red stockings had Christmas trees embroidered into them and were held up by a red garterbelt. Over the garters she wore a green thong with a sprig of mistletoe embroidered on the top of the front panel. Over her shoulders she wore a red satin jacket with fur at the cuffs. It was open and revealed most of her full breasts. A red stocking cap with a white fur ball at the point sat on her head. She held a red bag over her shoulder and had on black satin mittens. To top it all off she wore a fake beard and clenched a corncob pipe in her teeth.

"Merry Christmas," Lori managed. Maggie made an incredibly sexy Santa and Lori felt stirrings in her tummy that were familiar, but not familiar. 

Maggie laughed and put her bag down. She went to the tree and dug out several boxes, which she placed on the sofa and then she sat down and opened her arms wide.

"Come sit on Santa's lap and tell him what you want," She said with a mischievous smile. Lori giggled and sat in her lap, feeling the electric contact when her bare thighs touched Maggie's.

"So what do you want for Christmas little girl?"

"I don't know," Lori replied.

"Well, lets start with this," Santa said and handed her a small flat box wrapped in silver paper and tied up with pink ribbons. Despite her age Lori tore into it with an almost girlish delight. Inside the box she found sheer white stockings. She cocked her head and looked quizzically at "Santa", but Mags only smiled and handed her a second box.

Lori opened this one to find a white thong, much like Maggie's with the mistletoe design at the top. More boxes followed in quick succession; white high heels with ankle straps, a white corset with merry X-mas worked into the lace trim at the bottom, white choker with a Christmas tree hanging down from it, white opera gloves and the last box held a white hat that seemed to be a duplicate of Maggie's except the little fluff ball was red.

"What are you up to?" Lori asked, but Maggie only smiled.

"Go try them on," she said in a breathy whisper. Lori gathered up her gifts and went to the bedroom. After a few tries she realized she needed help with the corset. She pulled on some warm-ups and went back out to the living room. Maggie was just setting fresh glasses of eggnog on the table.

"I need some help," Lori said. Maggie nodded and soon Lori found herself securely laced into the corset. As she walked back to her room she noticed how it made her stand straighter and how it nipped her waist and thrust her breasts out. Getting her stockings on was difficult because she couldn't bend at the waist, but she managed. Once she got the garter clasps done she tried the heels. She was learning how to bend and stretch in the corset and they were less of a problem than she had feared. She pulled the thong up and felt a little thrill at the way it cupped her pussy and tickled her anus. She had never worn one before and was unused to it. She donned the gloves, choker and finally the cap and then returned to the living room. 

Margaret sat on the sofa watching the snow fall, she looked up and smiled when Lori entered the room and then patted the sofa next to her. Lori felt an air of excitement in the room, one that sent a thrill through her body. She gingerly sat on the sofa and curled up next to Margaret. For a long time they just sat there watching the snow fall. 

"You look delightful," Margaret said at last.

"Thank you, so do you," Lori replied. The silence returned as they just enjoyed the warmth of each other's body and the beauty of the snow as it blanketed the small park outside the window.

Lori felt safe, secure and protected. She had never felt so comfortable before and yet, there was more to it. There are times in everyone's life when the truth hits them like a ton of bricks and this was just such a time for Lori. She realized she felt more for Margaret than just friendship, more than even lust, she realized she was in love. She had no idea how to pursue it, but she was determined to try. She started to say something several times, but the right words just wouldn't come. She remembered the question "Santa" had asked earlier and suddenly an idea of how to broach the subject came to her.

"Santa, I think I know what I want," she said quietly.

"What's that?" Margaret said, turning those soft brown eyes on her.

"You," Lori said quietly. Margaret turned back to the window and said nothing. Lori was beginning to think she had made a mistake when Margaret began to speak.

"You don't know how I have longed to hear you say those words. I've been in love with you since Jr. high. It nearly killed me when you married Damon, but I held out hope. Then you cut me out of your life and I spent a year trying to reconcile that with my feelings. Now you're here, saying you want me and I want you too, but I can't help but fear you'll cut me loose again as soon as another jerk comes into your life. I've built a successful life here in New York and there's room for you in it, but if you leave me again I just don't think I could handle that,"

"Did you ever consider I might not want to leave if you had just told me how you felt?" Lori asked as she gently touched Margaret on the arm. Margaret turned to her and looked deeply into her eyes.

"I love you Lori. I want to make love to you right here and I want to have you with me forever," she said. Lori considered it carefully before responding. Perhaps it was the Christmas spirit or the good cheer of the holidays, but whatever the reason she found in her heart that the answer was self-evident.

"I don't know what to do Mags or how two women make love, but if you want me, I'm yours. I'm tired of being hurt, tired of being scared and tired of working to make a go of a relationship where I do all the giving. You have always given to me and never asked for anything in return. You've never hurt me or scared me and you're always there when I need you. If you're willing to show me, I'm willing to learn,"

Margaret smiled so warmly that Lori felt her heart would melt. She snuggled into the taller woman's embrace and looked up expectantly. Margaret hesitantly lowered her head and their lips met for the second time. She felt Margaret's thin lips press against her own full ones and then the little thrill when the tip of Margaret's tongue slipped along hers. Lori's lips parted and Margaret's tongue slipped between them and into her mouth. 

Margaret's arms felt good around her shoulders and Lori's hands slipped inside the short jacket to caress the tall woman's sides. As the kiss deepened her hands moved up and tentatively cupped Margaret's full breasts. The skin was satiny soft and warm even through her mittens. Lori could feel the weight of Margaret's breasts and gentle squeezing of the resilient flesh fascinated her. Margaret's tongue was actively exploring her mouth and her heartbeat was rising.

Margaret broke the kiss and shrugged out of her jacket. Both of them removed their gloves and then Margaret held her breasts up and out like an offering of the magi and Lori bent to kiss them. The skin was warm and smooth on her lips, but the aureoles were puckered and rough. When her tongue found the stiff nipple she sucked it into her mouth. Margaret moaned softly and her hands tugged the cups of Lori's corset down below her own breasts. For a timeless period they remained like that, Lori sucking, licking and tonguing Margaret's nipples while the taller woman kneaded her breasts and rolled the sensitive nipples between her fingers. Lori raised her head again and they began kissing, this time it was hungry and both of them were kneading each other's breasts. 

Margaret broke the kiss, kissed along her neck, down the slope of her breast and when she took one of Lori's nipples into her mouth the smaller girl moaned. Margaret's tongue and mouth were every active and soon Lori could feel the mounting tension in her lower back and the slickness of her pussy. Suddenly curious she reached down and cupped Margaret's pussy, feeling the slick satin sent a thrill through her. Margaret gasped and broke the kiss.

"You little minx, and here I thought you were shy and inexperienced," she whispered.

"I am shy and inexperienced, but my body feels like it's on fire," Lori replied in a throaty whisper. Margaret nodded and gently pushed her onto her back. She then crawled up her body and straddled her head. Sitting up on her knees she smiled down and gently fingered the delicate embroidery on her thong.

"Know what this is?" she asked quietly. When Lori shook her head Margaret smiled devilishly. 

"It's mistletoe, and you know the tradition, don't you?"

"What tradition?" Lori asked in confusion. Margaret pulled the damp satin to one side and said.

"You have to kiss me under the mistletoe," she said with a smirk. Lori burst out laughing, but nodded. She had never seen another woman's pussy up close before. She didn't have much time to look as Margaret settled her pussy onto Lori's lips. Looking up Margaret's body, through her dark pubic curls, past her lovely breasts to see those deep brown eyes and the smile made Lori's heart sing. She wasn't sure what to do, but simply stuck her tongue out and began to lick. Margaret's pussy was satiny under her tongue and the flavor was a curious combination of sweet, musky, tangy and salt. Lori found she loved it and began to lick with more force, seeking out pockets of the flavor and causing Margaret to shudder and moan.

Margaret pulled off her before she came, which aggravated Lori, she had been looking forward to bringing Margaret pleasure, but the taller woman simply stripped off her thong, and then pulled Lori's off too. She reversed her body and settled back down. This time Lori was able to examine her lover's pussy up close. Margaret's mound was fat and her lips prominent. They gaped open to reveal the bright pink inner folds. These were covered with a shiny wetness that Lori knew was partially the women's juices and partially her own saliva. She didn't have time to be embarrassed though.

Lori literally jumped when she felt Margaret's tongue on her pussy. Lori returned to delicately lapping at Margaret's pussy, but her concentration was broken again and again by her lover's tongue brushing her clit. The taller woman seemed to know exactly what she was doing and soon zeroed in on the outrageously sensitive little pebble. Lori cried out, losing contact with Margaret's pussy as her body thrashed and she tossed her head from side to side. She was riding an ever increasing wave and when it broke she shuddered. No orgasm brought by her hands or her husband could even come close to the intensity of this one, it rocked her world, shattering her ideas of what bliss was. She felt herself carried away on a rising tide of pure pleasure and how long she remained in that wonderful place she would never know. When she came back down Margaret was holding her and stroking her cheek.

"That was incredible," the small woman said between shuddering gasps.

"I'm glad you enjoyed it," Margaret said with a Cheshire cat smile. 

"I want to make you feel that good," Lori said as she struggled to get control of her twitching limbs.

"You already have, just by saying you wanted to be with me," Margaret whispered.

"No, I want to make you feel that good, besides I still owe you a Christmas present and it's getting close to Christmas,"

"Well, you could let me fuck you silly," 

"Is that what you really want for Christmas?"

"More than anything,"

"Then you shall have it," Lori said with a determined expression that caused Margaret to laugh. She kissed Lori's nose and then handed her a glass of eggnog. Taking her own she held her glass up.

"Too us, and a merry Christmas," she said.

"Too us, and many more I hope," Lori responded. After they drained their glasses Lori sat up. Margaret stood and lifted her up. The tall woman carried her to the bedroom, snagging her Santa bag on the way. She playfully tossed Lori on the bed and then sat next to her.

"So, are you ready to give Santa her present?" Margaret asked.

"Anytime, but unless Santa plans on growing a dick I don't see how I can," Lori said.

"Santa has her ways," Margaret said as she opened the bag and pulled out three more beautifully gift wrapped boxes. Lori eyes them with interest, but made no move to open one.

"Go ahead, open them," Margaret said softly. The first one Lori selected was flat and square. She tore off the festive wrapping and carefully peeled back the tissue paper. Inside was a carefully folded mass of leather straps. She looked up questioningly, but Santa only smiled and handed her the larger package. With a shrug Lori set the first box aside and opened the second. When she got the top off she blushed scarlet and Maggie laughed. The box contained several different sizes of dildos and two vibrators. Maggie took the first box and removed the straps, shaking them out as she watched Lori's face. 

Maggie stepped into the harness and quickly cinched it tightly around her waist. From the second box she selected a medium sized dildo and pressed it tightly to the stud at the front of the harness. With an audible clicking sound it seated and when she removed her hand it hung there from her pelvis.

"As you can see, the magic of Christmas is upon us and Santa is ready," Margaret said, laughing as Lori blushed even deeper. She looked so strange with her breasts bare and the strapon around her hips over the garterbelt and stockings. Lori felt a thrill pass through her and realized she was ready for this, wanted it more than she had ever wanted anything or anyone. Margaret sat in the big wingback chair and opened her arms. 

"Come sit on Santa's lap," she said. Her voice had become a seductive whisper. Lori stood and quickly moved to stand before her. Margaret held her legs in tight and Lori put first one knee, then the other on the cushion on either side of her new lover's hips. She rose carefully, with her hands on the back of the chair and looked down as Margaret grasped the dildo and pushed it between Lori's legs.

Lori felt the head slide down her still slick slit and seat at her entrance. She lowered herself onto it slowly, feeling the shaft flex before it entered her passage. It felt different from Damon's cock, not better or worse, just slightly different. When she settled into Maggie's lap she sighed contentedly. 

"Like it?" Maggie asked.

"Mmmmm-Hmmmm," 

"Good," Maggie said as she spread her legs and slid down in the chair until she could place both feet firmly on the floor. She cupped Lori's breasts and then slid her hands down the small woman's sides until her hands rested firmly on Lori's hips. Her first thrust came without warning and pushed Lori up. As Maggie's hips fell back to the seat of the chair the thick dildo was dragged from her passage. Lori started to fall back onto it when Maggie thrust up again, driving it into Lori's pussy with power. Lori groaned as Maggie's falling hips pulled it out and grunted when it was driven back in. She held onto the back of the chair and tried to synchronize her hips and her lover's, but Maggie kept the rhythm uneven. 

As it drove in and withdrew the shaft soon became coated in her juices and the rhythm evened out. Lori was getting into it now and soon she was bucking her hips in Maggie's lap. The taller woman thrust up only occasionally, preferring to let Lori fuck herself silly. The small brunette's hips undulated and her legs strained as she came closer and closer to orgasm. Maggie slid her hands back and began to gently knead Lori's tits, adding stimulation to her already overloaded system. 

"Oh God, Oh God, Oh God," Lori moaned in time with the rolling motion of her hips. Sex had never felt so good. She had never felt so free or unfettered before. She felt the steady pressure building inside, the tenseness in her tummy and pussy, punctuated by jagged jolts from her nipples as Maggie tugged on them. It couldn't last, but she fought her orgasm as long as she could, realizing that the longer she held back the better it would feel. When the dam finally burst she howled in pleasure. Wave after wave of concentrated bliss pulsed outward from her center as muscles she didn't even know she had spasmed in delight. 

She had felt this all before albeit with less intensity, but deep within herself something was stirring she had never felt. Without warning something deep inside seemed to tear loose and she felt a powerful contraction followed by pulses of pleasure that seemed to mingle with those of her fading orgasm, rebounding upon them and leaving her feeling like her nerve endings were frayed. She dropped her head and was panting when she noticed Maggie's expression, it was awe struck. Lori followed Maggie's eyes to the juncture of their bodies and saw Maggie's lap and tummy were coated in wetness. 

"I didn't know you were a squirter," Maggie said as she ran her fingers through the liquid and then brought them to her lips.

"Neither did I," Lori said, still trying to catch her breath. She was still panting and her body was still shaking from the intensity of that last orgasm when Maggie placed her hands on the arms of the chair and abruptly thrust into Lori. The tall woman used the momentum and her arms to raise herself to a standing position. Lori's arms instinctively caught Maggie's shoulders and her legs wound around the tall woman's hips. Once standing Maggie's hands went to her bottom and held her up as she walked to the bed. The dildo was still lodged in her pussy and sent the most wonderful ripples of pleasure through her. Lori held on tightly and kissed Maggie's shoulder. 

The tall woman placed Lori gently on the bed and disengaged herself. She smiled and then handed Lori the long box while she removed the harness. Lori tore into the package to find a long, thick, red jelly double dildo. She looked up at Margaret who was removing the harness. 

"How does this work?" Lori asked. She felt she should be dead tired after all the orgasms, but found she was hungry for more. It was as if the years of not having them had left her deficient and her body was trying to make up for all that time in one night.

"Lie back on the bed and I'll show you," Maggie said smiling. Lori quickly scooted to the middle of the bed and reclined while spreading her legs. Maggie crawled onto the bed and poured some oil on the big dong. She gently spread Lori's lips and as the small woman watched Margaret pressed the head of the big dildo to her entrance. It slid in easily, but was much wider than the one on the harness and Lori marveled at how full it made her feel. Mags pushed more and more of the big toy into Lori until it bumped against something deep inside and would go no further. 

Margaret then reversed herself, putting her head towards the foot of the bed and scooted closer to Lori. She took the dildo and pushed it against her own entrance and bit her lower lip as she fed more and more of it into her. When she stopped and let out a sigh only about three inches of the shaft was visible between their bodies. Margaret took her left leg and passed it under Lori's right leg. She then pushed Lori's leg up until her foot was flat on the bed. Margaret then put her right leg up in a similar manner.




Christmas Angel



She wrapped her arm around Lori's led and then nodded for Lori to do the same. Once she did Margo began to rock her hips, using Lori's leg for leverage to pull them back together then relaxing. Lori quickly got the idea and soon they were both rocking their hips. Lori was in heaven, the big cock sliding in and out felt heavenly and she had her eyes closed. They shot open when she felt Margaret's free hand press between her slick lips and begin to massage her clit.

Lori moaned and ground her hips harder against Margaret's hand. Despite the pleasure she managed to get her free hand to her lover's wildly bucking pussy and started to stroke her in return. It was too hot to last for long. The visual stimulation was powerful. She could hear Margaret moaning and sighing and she could smell their mingled scents. In no time Margaret's body stiffened and she barked sharply as she came. She was still shaking when Lori felt another orgasm rock her. This time there was no fighting it and she didn't even try. The waves of pleasure took her away to a warm place where all was calm and beautiful. 

-------

Margaret was asleep on the big bed as Lori slipped out from under the covers and padded back to the living room. She stopped in front of the window and looked up into the night sky. The snow had passed, leaving the night sky clear. The soothing refrain of silent night came to her ear in hushed tones from the radio. As she watched a bright dot moved across the heavens then disappeared. When she had been a very small child she had seen the same thing. Back then she had been convinced it was Santa, but her mother had convinced her it was an angel. Tonight, she knew it was Santa, it simply had to be. Lori smiled, closed the curtains, turned off the radio and returned to the bedroom. 

This time it had to be Santa and his sleigh, she could plainly see her angel was still in their bed. 

Finis



Christmas Angel



Melinda and her husband Mike used to go all out at Christmas time, decorating every inch of the house, inside and out. It was her favorite holiday. One of the traditions Melinda brought from her childhood was the family setting up the tree the first Sunday of December. Nowadays it was not just their kids, but grandkids as well. The sounds of children giggling, a serenade of Christmas melodies, make that day extra special. This year however just wasn't the same, because her husband divorced her and married a woman half her age. Now all she does is grumble and say,"Bah humbug, and to hell with Christmas!"

However, the coming Friday was Christmas. Instead of celebrating, she would spend the day sleeping late, enjoying a TV dinner while watching one of her old taped movies, like "Gone with the Wind." Or so she thought, up until the phone rang. When she answered it was her mother. She was calling to invite Melinda to come home for Christmas, after all she was only forty miles away. As usual, mom wouldn't take no for an answer.

"But Mom, I don't feel like celebrating, it brings back too many painful memories."

"I know dear, but it doesn't do you any good to sit alone in that big house and sulk. You must come and spend a few days with us, after all honey, it will do you good. Now tell me you will come, please."

She frowned and spit out her tongue, knowing dang well her mom would gripe forever if she didn't. "Okay, Mother, if it will make you happy, I will come. I start my holiday time this Wednesday, and could leave after supper, that way I should miss most of the heavy traffic. Now I don't want you to plan anything special just because I am coming to visit, Mother!"

"Oh, I won't dear, it will be a joy just to see you again. You know it's been over two years since we spent Christmas together. I hate the idea of you spending it alone because of that damn husband of yours!"

"Ex-husband mother, his choice, not mine, so I do what I can to move on. Please don't say his name out loud, in my book he will remain nameless."

"Okay honey, see you Wednesday."

Melinda and her mother bade each other goodbye. She then went into the bedroom and began packing and planning. One big suitcase would be all she needed. She'd pack the car early, eat a bite, check the weather, and leave there around six p.m. After all it shouldn't be that hard to make the journey home, weather permitting. Following that she went shopping to buy presents nevertheless as she didn't want them to think she was a scrooge. 

That Wednesday she slept late, mainly because it would take all her energy to endure her mother's busybody attitude and yapping voice. She chuckled to herself, "Oh I just know she could play the wicked witch in the movie 'The Wizard of Oz' and win an Oscar." 

She made a last minute check to make sure she hadn't forgotten something, and then loaded up the car. Next, she fixed a bite to eat and sat down to watch the weather channel. She almost bit her tongue when she heard the weatherman say there was a forty percent chance of snow that afternoon. Dang-it, if it were up to her she wouldn't go anywhere with a forecasted storm front moving in. Maybe she could leave a little earlier and get home before it came through. She did up the dishes and headed out, hoping she could miss the storm.

She had only traveled about ten miles when it began to snow, lightly at first, then within a few minutes, heavier. Not the kind of wispy gentle snow often portrayed in images of Christmas, but heavy with flecks of ice beating down heavily on the windshield, making it very hard to see. 

She grumbled, "Goddamn weather! I should've known I couldn't drive home without something happening."

Melinda thought about turning around and heading home, it wouldn't hurt her feelings at all to do so. On the other hand she knew she would feel as guilty as hell the rest of the day and through the holidays, because she always told everyone, "Family was important, and they need to be happy especially at Christmas time."

She sighed, shook her shoulders, and prepared for the tedious drive. To keep her spirit up she put "Trisha Yearwood's The Sweetest Gift" CD into the player. Music always calmed her troubled spirit.

Luck must have been sitting in the front seat with her because there wasn't much traffic on the road. Nevertheless the nasty weather had slowed her car down to a crawl at thirty-five miles per hour. 

She began thinking about her own life. For a woman of fifty-six Melinda still considered herself sexy. A five-foot-four full figured vivacious woman with long red hair and emerald-green eyes. Her shape was a turn on for most men. They desired a woman with a little meat on her bones, not a skinny one that slipped through their fingers like a bar of soap. 

She glanced at the car clock, five p.m., and it was already growing dark. That was okay, if she was careful, she'd make it home by nine. 

Melinda traveled about another mile down the road and saw a car pulled off to the side with its emergency flashers on. When she got closer there stood someone waving their arms madly, trying to flag someone down for help. Every time a car passed they got drenched with the slush. At first she hesitated in stopping, because it might not be a safe idea. After pondering things awhile, she decided why not, it was Christmas and no one should spend it stranded. Slowing down, she pulled off the road behind the vehicle and noticed the person was a man. 

He approached her car and she rolled the window down. His sapphire-blue eyes were alluring and his smile lit up his whole face. "Thanks lady, I was beginning to think no one would stop!"

"You're welcome, looks like there isn't much of the Christmas spirit around nowadays." 

"I hear yah, I've been standing her for fifteen minutes."

Melinda eyed him up and down and noticed that due to the sleet, snow, and slush, he was drenched. Yet, she could make out that he was tall, muscular, had piercing blue eyes, and jet-black hair. She hadn't seen a man this good looking for eons, and it made her tremble with desire. She hoped he didn't notice it.

"What's wrong with you car?"

"It looks like I either have a dead battery or my starter went out. I was going to call a tow truck, but I have no cell phone signal here."

"Well I don't know a thing about cars, but I do have On-Star, and they can connect me with triple A. By the way, you look soaked to the bone, why don't you get into the car and get warm while I make the call."

"Thanks, you must be my Christmas angel!"

She rolled her eyes, giggled to herself, and then unlocked the passenger door. He slid inside and waited patiently for her to make the call. 

"On-Star, how may I help you?"

"I found a stranded motorist, and he needs a tow truck."

"I see you're location is on I-55. Want me to call triple A for you?"

"Thanks, I'd appreciate that."

While she waited, she turned to him and introduced herself. "Hello, my name is Melinda."

"Hi Melinda, the name's Jackson, but you can call me Jack."

"Glad to meet you Jack." 

On Star interrupted the conversation. "I have triple A on the phone, go ahead, and talk."

"Hello ma'm, this is Charlie, BJ's Wrecker Service, how can I help you?"

"I found someone stranded on the northbound lane of I-55, he thinks his battery or starter is acting up because his car won't start."

"That's a shame, especially in weather like this. I'm afraid all my trucks are busy right now, and it looks like they won't be able to get there before one a.m., that's if the snow lets up. Otherwise, it won't be till late tomorrow morning."

"Oh my, what are we going to do?"

Jack interrupted, "Excuse me Melinda."

She told Charlie to wait a moment while she talked to the owner of the car. 

"What's wrong, Jack?"

"Well with the snow coming down this heavy, I doubt if they will find us tonight. May I suggest we find a diner, get something to eat, and then we can decide what to do?"

She agreed with him and then turned her attention back to the tow truck driver. "We have an idea. Since this is not an emergency, why don't you wait until tomorrow? There's no use for you to try to make it out to here in this crazy weather. I'll give you my cell number, and you can call us tomorrow when you head out."

"I hear you, it's coming down pretty hard out there. Now, give me your cell phone number, weather permitting, I should be able to head out of here by eight a.m."

She gave him her cell number and then told the driver goodbye. Turning her attention back to Jack, she was about to say something when he spoke up and said, "Well, that takes care of the car. What are we going to do about tonight?"

She then told him, "Well, I'm headed for Springfield to spend the holidays with my parents, where are you headed?"

"Elkhart, it's a little up the road from there, I was planning on spending Christmas with my aunt and her family."

"Hey, I know where that is, because I grew up in the area. I can take you there if they cannot get your car fixed. After all, it's not that much out of my way."

"You really don't half to do all that much, lady."

"Let's just say I'll do it in the spirit of Christmas."

He reached out his hand and said, "I'd be honored to accept."

His blue-eyes pierced right through her, and she had this overwhelming desire to kiss him. Instead, she shook his hand and then said, "Why don't you get your things. We can keep them in my car for safety reasons."

It took only a few minutes to transfer his things to her trunk. She looked at her watch, six-forty-five p.m., then looked out the window. It was already pitch black, with the snow and sleet still coming down in buckets. She took the CD out and turned on the radio so they could listen to the weather reports. They heard the announcer say that it was still storming heavily and, if possible, to stay at home. 

She turned to Jack and chuckled, "Maybe we can be one step ahead of this storm. Instead of looking for a place to eat, why don't you look for a motel? I'm not driving any further than I have to."

As they drove she told Jack a little about herself, adding that this year she was having a terrible time adjusting to things because she just went through a divorce.

Jack was apologetic and began telling her about himself, his place of employment, adding that he'd made director of marketing is less than four years. At thirty-five, that was not an easy task. 

She liked his personality and sense of humor. It made it easy for her to forget the problems in her own life. Fifteen minutes passed as they crept along, but it felt like hours. The road was beginning to get slippery, and after they saw a couple of wrecks, she knew they should stop for the night as soon as possible.

Before she could say anything Jack piped up, "Hey, I see a Denny's, we can stop there."

She spoke up and said, "Jack I also see a Holiday Inn Express, and since the road is really getting dangerously slippery, I think we should stay there for the night." 

"I was just wondering about asking you if we should just find a motel for the night, but didn't know how to approach you."

Melinda laughed, "I think you have been reading my mind."

Jack smirked and said, "Since you were nice enough to stop and help me, don't worry about the expense. I can put it on my company's charge card."

"Thanks for the gesture, it wasn't needed, but I appreciate it."

She smiled politely, but in the back of her mind she was screaming, "Sure beats spending a boring evening traveling in this bleak weather or listening to mom's gossip."

After she pulled into the parking lot he touched her shoulder. "I'll go in and get us a couple of rooms, okay?"

"Sure, it will give me time to calm down from the ride."

It wasn't long before he came back out to the car with a troubled look on his face.

"Uh-oh, what's wrong?"

"They only have one room available, with one bed, they said they can bring in another roll away bed if we want. I'm sorry, but that's all they have."

She blushed, batted her eyes, tried to sound calm, and said, "Don't worry, under these circumstances, we can make due. I'm too exhausted to drive down the road for something better." "Okay, well here's your key, tell me what to get you from the trunk and I'll bring it to the room, there is no need for both of us to stand out in this weather."

She went to the trunk, opened it, pointed out the bag she brought and asked, "Sure you can handle things?"

"Yes, now go inside and get warm, and make sure you turn the heat up in the room, I'm freezing."

Melinda turned around so he couldn't see her naughty expression and walked toward the motel door. She whispered, "I have ways to warm you that are better than that heater." 

The first thing she did when she entered the room was kick off her shoes. Next she called her parents. Of course, omitting the details about the stranded male motorist she picked up. Her mother would have a conniption fit if she knew.

"Hi Mom, I'm afraid I won't be there tonight, I'm stranded in the storm. I've checked into the Holiday Inn Express."

"Oh my, are you okay my dear? I wondered if you decided to drive here. I seen the weather and thought you might not."

"It wasn't doing anything when I left home, Mom. Tell Dad I'm okay and not to worry. However, it looks like I might be here a couple of days too. I'll call you when I leave here. Goodbye."

"Thanks for calling honey. Your dad said to say hi, and that he will save some eggnog for you. Bye dear."

She had just hung up the phone when someone knocked on the door, "It's Jack, let me in, my arms are full."

"Okay, give me a second." 

She helped with the luggage then turned to Jack and suggested, "Better get out of those wet clothes and maybe take a hot shower to warm up."

It was then that he really got a good look at Melinda. He licked his lips and felt his mouth go dry. Wow, she was gorgeous and he loved full figured women, especially ones with red hair and green eyes. He felt himself quivering clear to his dick. He almost said something, but decided not to because she might be offended.

Instead he hung up his coat. "Hey, that's a great idea." 

He then gathered some dry clothes and headed for the shower. 

She watched him closely as he walked to the bathroom. She almost bit her tongue when she saw his muscles rippling through his shirt. "Oh my god, I wonder what he looks like naked." She quickly turned away so he would not notice her staring.

"Jack, I think I will see what they have to offer in room service, I'm getting hungry."

She was about to dial the phone when she stopped, maybe she'd better ask him what he wanted before she ordered. She got off the bed and made her way to the bathroom

The moment Jack was in the shower he reached down to touch his quivering cock. As his hand slid around it, he wished it was Melinda's hands stroking him. As the hot water pelted his skin, his hands jacked his cock. 

A knock on the door interrupted his happy mood. Melinda was mumbling something.

He shook his head, because he couldn't understand her. He peeked around the shower curtain and yelled, "I can't hear you, open the door a crack and tell me what you just said."

He then froze, oh shit, what if she sees my dick? He quickly tried his best to hide it.

The moment she opened the door a bit, she gasped. She only intended to tell him what she said and not look at him. However, she couldn't take her eyes off his nude body glistening through the shower curtain, he was gorgeous. That was when she saw it. "Oh, my god, he has a hard on."

"Ah, ah Jack, I was going to ask what you wanted from room service? I didn't mean to interrupt you." 

Jack smirked devilishly. "Well, my question for you is, do you like what you see?"

She blushed and blurted out, "Yes, but I think I'll let you finish your shower before I order room service." 

"Why thank you. I hope I don't offend you, but I have an idea, why don't you join me? There is always room for two, especially for a beautiful redhead." 

Melinda stood there in awe for a second, toying with the words he just said. She winked and then told herself, "Why not, it's time I have a bit of fun on my own, it has been too damn long since I'd even seen a man, let alone touch one!"

"Sure thing, give me time to take off my clothing and I'll join you honey."

"That's the spirit, come here baby. After all, I can show you just how appreciative I am for what you're doing for me, my Christmas Angel."

Melinda thought she would pass out from anticipation. With trembling fingers she took off her clothing right there. She walked into the room and climbed into the shower with Jack. 

The moment his hands touched her, she felt a spark that went clear to the center of her womanhood. When their lips met she wanted to shout, "Ooooh baby, I need and want you, make me feel like a woman again!"

He leaned down and kissed her as their tongues did the dance of lovers. Hot damn, it felt like a bolt of lightning just struck him. No woman ever did this to him before. He held onto her tightly because he thought he might go weak in the knees and pass out.

She broke the kiss and asked, "Jack, how'd you like to be my Christmas present this year?"

"Baby, I know you've been hurt real bad, and if you'll allow me to, I can love those memories away. Give me a chance honey; I want to be more than just your present."

Melinda looked like a scared deer in the headlights. She sighed, licked her lips, and uttered, "Jack go slow, please, one step at a time. I'm not promising anything, let's just see what happens."

"Okay, I can do that. However, right now, how about us getting out of this shower and ending what we started on that big bed in the other room?"

She nodded yes and he helped her out of the shower. They dried each other off and she let him lead her by the hand to the bed. She wondered if he needed her as bad as she did him.

He kissed her softly as he laid her on the bed. His hands then started caressing her with a feathery touch starting at her lips and working downward toward her beautiful big breasts. 

As he traced her skin with his fingers, Melinda lifted her chest to him, ran her fingers through his hair, and purred, "Ooooh god, yes, I love what you're doing to me, please don't stop!" 

He couldn't believe his eyes, her full breasts sagged a bit but the hard nipples were pink and stood out begging for attention. He kissed one and then the other as his hands kneaded her globes. He then held the nipple with his teeth, ran his tongue across it feeling it harden, one and then the other. She reacted by gasping and arching her back toward him. After a few moments he started kissing his way downward, feeling her stomach shivering with desire slightly. When he came to her navel, he flicked it with his tongue. 

One of her hands began to stroke the middle of his back and she felt him quiver. God, she desired to feel him taste, touch, and play with every delectable inch of her.

"Ooooh baby, you sure know how to push a woman's buttons! Jack, please eat my pussy!"

He moved and positioned himself between her legs, her downy soft pussy hairs were drenched, and the aroma was intoxicating. He spread her labia and slid his tongue from her clit to the hole.

When he stuck it inside her vaginal orifice she moaned, "Yes, ooooh fuck, yes," pulling his head so close he gasped for air.

He reached out to hold onto her hips as his mouth began to tantalize her clit more and his finger entered the pulsating hole. All of a sudden Melinda began squealing in delight and it was apparent that she was close to climax. Jack then took her clit in his teeth and bit it gently. She bucked, held his head like a vice, and shuddered with her first orgasm.

"Oh my god, Jack! I love the way that you show your gratitude!"




Christmas Angel



He grinned. "Baby, I haven't shown you enough gratitude yet, the fun is just beginning!" 

The sensations were indescribable. Melinda never would have guessed that any man could or would make her feel like a woman again. She wanted to reach down and play with his cock and balls. "Jack, how about we do a sixty-nine?"

"Not yet baby, I want to make love to you like you've experienced before."

"You can, but I want to touch your cock and balls, I love doing that. Just in case you're wondering something, I love to suck and swallow."

He felt his balls tighten when she said those words. "Well then how's about I fuck your cute little mouth, sugar?"

"Bring that beautiful cock to me baby, dinner can wait a little while longer, I'm hungry for tube steak!"

He moved up next to her on the bed. She pushed him down on the bed, got between his legs and engulfed his entire dick with one swallow, all eight inches of it. He watched in awe as her fingers, tongue and long hair tantalized his dick.

"Oh fuck, you weren't just whistling Dixie, you really know how to suck a dick!"

She loved the taste of his cock. That was something "you know who" never allowed her to do much. She watched his face and she moved up and down his pulsating shaft. It was then that her throbbing clit screamed, "Enough sucking doll, let's fuck!"

She stopped sucking and shrieked, "I need to be fucked Jack!"

He pulled her up onto him and she hovered over his cock. He held her hips while she guided her wanting pussy down on his pole. Slowly she began to rock back and forth, reveling in the feeling of his cock deep inside her. Melinda leaned forward and they kissed deep and hard.

He thrust his cock into her like a jackhammer on concrete. Thrusting hard, deep, and fast, feeling the tip hitting bottom.

She cried out, "Ooooooh god, fuck me harder baby!"

His hands steadied her waist as waves of sheer pleasure washed over him. When she broke the kiss he latched onto her right nipple and started chewing it as his cock tantalized her hot box. 

She closed her eyes, rode him hard and moaned, "Mmmmm! I like what you're doing honey!"

He stopped sucking her tit for a moment and watched himself penetrating her pussy. Each time she slammed herself down on him he shuddered, close to blowing his load. Deeper, harder, with a steady rhythm, they made love.

With a panting voice he uttered, "I'm gonna cum! Can I cum inside you doll?" 

She looked lovingly into his eyes and she felt something between them that she had not felt for a very long time. She shrieked, "Cum inside my hot cunt!"

He thrust deeper, harder, with her pussy muscles gripping him like a vice. A few more thrusts were all it took for him to go rigid and he exploded deep inside her.

As soon as she felt his hot cum inside her, it triggered another climax. "OH GODDDDDDD!" She collapsed on top of him, gasping for air.

He touched her cheek softly and whispered, "Oh my pretty Christmas Angel, that was wonderful." 

Melinda sighed, moved off him, curled up in his arms, and laid her head against his chest. 

They lay there for a few moments feeling totally satisfied. He leaned down, kissed her forehead and asked, "What would you say if I told you I was thinking about calling my aunt and making up some excuse saying I cannot make it to her house for a few days?"

"I'd say why not, it's time for me to put the past behind me and feel like a woman again. I'll call my mom and tell her we're stranded for a couple more days at least."

He smiled mischievously, "Well, my pretty Christmas Angel, how about I take the time to bend that halo of yours?"



Christmas Angel



Gabriel:

I awoke in a hospital room to sunlight dancing on the sleeping form of my angel in the chair by my bed

Her long unbound hair shone like a heavenly halo as it caressed her neck and shoulders. 

Peaceful and innocent in her slumber, Amy's deep contented breathing was a comfort to me knowing that she was safe.

My angel, my salivation; how I loved my beautiful brown eyed girl... how healing her presence was to me.

My heart swelled with pride as I remembered her bravery from the night before and how she remained calm; how she handled herself through the entire ordeal. 

I assumed that it was the night before until I spotted the digital clock on the wall with the time and date.

Had I been out for almost two days? 

I felt fine otherwise; I wasn't dizzy and my breathing was much better; perhaps a metal fragment had nicked a lung? 

Looking at the IV-tubes in my left arm and then at the IV-stand I noticed that the bags were full, recently changed. 

I got out of bed pulling the wheeled IV-stand behind me and stood by the window while looking out and just glad to be alive.

I felt small dainty hands reach around from behind and hug me. 

I felt her head on my shoulder and felt her soft thick hair tickling my neck and cheek....all was well....I was complete.

I took those beautiful hands as I did on that day on the stairwell when I should have kissed her. 

I squeezed them gently before I turned to face my Christmas Angel........... 

Amy:

When he passed out bleeding on the kitchen floor I thought I going to lose my sweetheart forever. 

Thank the heavens that the storm let up when it did and the road was open because the Emergency Medical Technician on the scene told me that several metal fragments may have nicked his lungs. 

They stabilized him while Emma was talking to the Sheriff Investigator and then the BCI (Bureau of Central Investigation) from the New York State Police. 

After Gabriel was stabilized the Mercy Flight Helicopter flew him to the hospital. 

God only knows how I knew where to look for the Jeep's distributor wire. 

The thought just popped into my head; it was in the tree where my old tire swing used to be? 

The BCI Investigator advised Emma that we all would be interviewed by the FBI and then possibly Interpol in Miguel's case. 

Rodney was taken by ambulance in handcuffs to a hospital that had a secure police lockup and Spike...Spike somehow managed to electrocute himself on a downed power line; may God have mercy on his wretched soul. 

I never expected Gabriel to be on his feet so soon but there he was standing by the window........................

Gabriel:

I turned to her and Amy was crying softly.

"Let me kiss those tears away, brown eyes." 

I gently took her face in my hands and kissed each and every tear ending up at her mouth. 

She returned my kisses and put her arms around my neck while I put my arms around her as best I could.

From the moment that I first kissed her mouth and ever since then, if feels as if our souls touch when our lips meet.

"I thought I had lost you, Tarzan." 

She said, smiling and mussing my hair teasingly. 

"I love you so much and that was the second time that you were there for me, Emma too.

We have to call your Mary and Zeta to let them know that you are awake."

"That can wait for now because we have to talk. 

I'm very proud of you Amy Susan Jones!

Wow! What a kick, you sent Rodney's you know what's right up into his mouth? 

I bet that he can still taste them.

A man couldn't ask for a braver, smarter, prettier fiancé my soon to be wife................ 

Amy:

His fiancé....his soon to be wife? 

I thought this day would never come while knowing that it always would.

Of course it would, that was confirmed the night of our first date underneath....it doesn't matter he loves me!

Since he calls me brown eyes I will call my sweetheart, Tarzan...to tease him. 

A church wedding and then a honeymoon and children, lots of children...my head is just spinning.

I kissed his mouth again, and again, and again...I had to tell him.

"Gabriel, yes, yes and yes; I love you so, but there is something I have to tell you." 

"Does it have to do with Rodney?

He asked.

"Yes, how did you know?"

Rodney said that they were being mailed to you."

I answered.

"The papers were left in my mailbox with no stamps or a postmark. 

It doesn't matter to me and it shouldn't matter to you. 

Emma is your mother.

The good news is that February 3rd. is not your birthday.

You were born on Christmas day which makes you my Christmas Angel"

I knew it wouldn't matter to him, I just knew it; no matter what it the documents said. 

I told Emma as much and she agreed; she is 100% in his corner now

I never really knew when my birthday was, February 3rd. was an arbitrary date from my foster care days.

Our birthdays are only two days apart!

He was running his fingers through my hair as he was talking; he loves to do that, play with my hair.

Even now I could feel his erection through his hospital gown.

I don't know how he does it though, sleeping next to me night after night. 

I want him to make love to me right now in the hospital bed. 

I don't want to wait anymore; just being near my sweetheart makes me so horny. 

But it is easier for a woman then it is for a man. 

Nobody can possibly enjoy taking that many cold showers. 

I know that he wants my first time to be in our wedding bed.

Gabriel can be so stubborn, but think of all those good erections going to waste. 

I'm so naughty but I have been peeking on his laptop and I know what he likes.................................

Gabriel:

"During dinner on Sunday I was going to ask Emma for permission to marry you."

I continued, playing with her beautiful almost waist length hair.

"I know how much you want to be married in your church.

Ben could be the ring bearer and Cindy could be the flower girl.....................................

Amy: 

"Would you like me to help you clean up a bit, sweetheart?

I will give you a sponge bath in your bathroom and there are fresh hospital gowns in your closet."

I helped him remove the hospital gown and being careful not to get the bandages wet I gave him a thorough sponge bath.

True to form while I was bathing him Gabriel had a massive hard on like the ones I saw on his laptop in the saved XXX Video files. 

I was so naughty...I wanted to suck on it just like the girls in the X-rated videos; suck on it just like the slave girls in the stories.

It would be so wonderful to submit to my soon to be husband. ...........................

Gabriel:

I was quietly standing there naked with a huge erection and with my eyes closed enjoying the sponge bath. 

I was wondering if Amy was going to wash my cock for me with her little hands.

She had to rinse out the washcloth several times in the sink to remove the dried blood and was very careful and methodical in not getting my bandages wet.

I was daydreaming about her kneeling at my feet and sucking on my cock while I played with her hair.

I opened my eyes to feel her soaping my manhood and stroking the entire shaft as if she was giving me a hand job. 

Amy couldn't possibly be doing that intentionally.....could she?

As she was rinsing my manhood the look on her face told me everything. 

She got down on her knees and licked my cock it and then kissed it while looking up at me and smiling. 

"Is something wrong, Sir?

I thought that you liked submissive women?

Wouldn't you like your own little slave girl to care for you while you recuperate?" 

"But brown eyes, you are going to be my wife! I....... 

"Do you love me Gabriel?"

"You are my life now, my Christmas Angel."

"Well, now I'm going to be a naughty Angel, Master.............................

Amy:

Well there is a first time for everything.

I started by licking and kissing the shaft of his cock from the base to the tip looking up at him.

Looking up into the eyes of the man whose cock I was sucking and his surprised look turned to one of sheer pleasure. 

He gathered my hair into a ponytail and pulled my head back.

"Have you been peeking on my laptop?" 

He asked sternly. 

"Yes, Sir." I replied meekly looking up at him.

Injured though he was my Gabriel radiated testosterone and vitality. 

"How did you figure out my password?

I never wrote it down."

"I guessed it; Proverbs 31:25 31:26; it just seemed to fit."

"I see and now you want to pretend that you are my slave girl?"

He asked, letting go of my hair.

I started licking the tip in a circular motion with my tongue.

"Does it feel like I am pretending?"

I asked.

"No it feels incredible, please continue, brown eyes."

Good, it is settled then.

I will choose a safe word when we get home, Sir............................... 

Gabriel: 

I had died and gone to heaven. 

I was with a woman that I truly loved and the only woman that I was and am willing to wait for.

Nevertheless, Amy was going to indulge my fantasies, oral ones in any event and she would still remain a virgin for now.

She started off by licking the shaft of my cock from the base to the tip...........................

Amy:

My goodness his throbbing cock tasted delicious and I couldn't wait to taste his creamy come for dessert. 

I licked and kissed his balls making him gasp; he was putty in my hands.

I sucked on his balls and I playfully nibbled them feeling him shudder with delight; what power a woman has over a man if she cares to use it.

I loved him and it was the power for good to please him, my fiancé and soon to be husband, to please a man as God always intended. 

When I started sucking on his cock and alternating sucking and licking I got my first taste of the clear pre-come; like the whip cream and cherry on top of the vanilla sundae; whip cream and a cherry, how scrumptious.

I was so horny I could hardly stand it.

Gabriel had pulled back my hair into a ponytail and then twisted it up into a bun and was holding it in place to keep it out of my face. 

My pussy must have been dripping with desire for him and I am sure that my panties where soaked with the juices of my urgent desire, I wanted him to eat me out; goodness what naughty thoughts.........

Gabriel:

The hell with cold showers, those days were gone forever. 

The dam is about to burst and I didn't want it to get semen in her beautiful soft hair that feels so good in my hands. 

I can smell her wholesome sex, her woman's smell in the confines of this small bathroom.

My sweet brown eyed girl was dripping with estrogen and I wanted to taste her.... I would taste her. 

I could feel our shared blood, our mutual desire pumping through our veins and warming our shared heart.

What a marvelous wife Amy will be. 

What a privilege it is to nurture and explore her sexuality; to share every orgasm and to kiss every part of her glorious naked body..... Her glorious naked body would have to wait for now; soon, Gabriel, soon. 

I would be truly blessed to have children with this woman................

Amy:

Gabriel's cock was pulsating in my mouth as I sucked on it. 

Because I read in the story files on his laptop, I remembered to back out slightly as not to choke and spoil it for him.

He was moaning softly and his breathing increased as his long awaited orgasm washed over him, washed over me. 

I could see that he was gritting his teeth and grimacing knowing that he really wanted to let loose and vocalize his pleasure. 

What power I had over him.... what power he had over me.

Emma once told me that besides the little things like helping with the dishes, flowers or holding the door, a man shows his true love for his wife when he makes love to her; particularly when they have been married for a long time and he is faithful.

Such a man will always see his wife as the young woman that he first married, no matter how long they have been married or whether or not she loses her looks. 

She also told me that a woman who wears her hair long for her husband if that is what he prefers will always have that to entice him with, stating; "Forget what your friends think; the nonsense touted as conventional wisdom about long hair on older women that you read about in magazines, or even what your stylist wants; just please your husband and you will never regret it."

He filled my mouth with thick clots of his hot white luscious cream and I and swallowed it hungrily as it caressed my throat and warmed my tummy. 

I was starting to orgasm and other then caressing my face and playing with my hair he hadn't really touched me.

"Damn IV-tubes." He growled as he disconnected them from the hand.

"Stand slave." 

He ordered, smiling.

Gabriel reached underneath my dress, pulled my panties down to my ankles for me to step out of and then picked me up and put me the sink.

I could tell the exertion compounded by his injuries must have hurt him....he is so stubborn and so thoughtful.

"Your turn my girl."

He then pulled up my dress; he loves me in dresses, and then went down on me licking and sucking. 

My little orgasm turned into nirvana. 

I had to put a towel in my mouth to muffle my screams and I was squirming all over the place. 

I managed to send the IV-stand crashing to the floor as my multiple orgasms washed over me and when I was finally sated, Gabriel was hard all over again............................

Gabriel:

My lady tasted so wholesome and natural. 

How she squirmed as her orgasm washed over her; she is absolutely precious and delightful.

We risked being discovered though after all this was a hospital and then there was a knock on the bathroom door.............

"Gabe its Zeta! 

Are you two going to be in there all day?

What if a nurse walks in? 

Or Amy's mother walks for that matter?"

"Amy is helping me get cleaned up."

I replied, as Amy was blushing and her beautiful face was deep red as she helped me into a clean gown.

I was kissing her and she was laughing softly and whispering. 

"Stand still so that I can comb your hair, Tarzan."

Amy teased as she wet it down and combed it back. 

We came out of the bathroom and Zee-Zee was sitting in the chair, holding a flower arrangement and was smiling with that knowing look on her face, the same look as when I was a little boy and did something...ah, naughty. 

She put the flowers down and hugged me and started to cry but caught herself.

Zeta is a tough disciplined woman with a kind loving heart despite her hard exterior. 

She held my face gently in hands and said.

"My dear sweet boy, I am so happy that you are safe and well and that you are settling down with a wonderful girl who has not left your side since you got here.

But if you pull another stunt like that I will kill you myself."

She then cuffed the back of my head and not gently.............................

Gabriel is in the shower on a Saturday morning and Amy is sipping her coffee and waiting her turn to shower after an intense exercise session with her lover. She is thinking and planning their day; this day when they will purchase their first Christmas tree together:

My goodness, I can't believe that it is the 1st. of December; everything happened so fast with us, Gabriel and me.

We are engaged to be married. 

Our wedding will be held in my church on June 15th. 

Emma doesn't have a problem with us living together any longer because in her mind after all that has happened...well... I guess she already considers us married.

She had a long talk with Gabriel, and Gabriel being Gabriel laid his cards on the table for all to see. 

Emma had a longer talk with Zeta, bless their hearts. 

And our honeymoon, our honeymoon will be two weeks in Hawaii, can you imagine that, Hawaii? 

I heard him holler from the bathroom.

"Come here little slave girl, your Master has a surprise for you!" 

When I entered the bathroom he said.

"Turn around and put your hands behind your back and then close your eyes."

I did so immediately anticipating what would happen next and I wasn't disappointed.

"I haven't showered yet but I've decided that you and I should shower together on occasion, and this being one of them."

He explained while tying my wrists together with some soft braided Dacron rope.

When he finished tying me he placed a blindfold over my eyes and then picked me up and put me on the vanity top.

"Do you trust me my love?"

He asked, kissing my mouth.

"Yes, Master."

I replied, giving myself goose bumps whenever I call Gabriel that and we play this game; which he takes quite seriously I may add. 

Of course I trusted him, I trust him with my life.

"Good now spread your legs for me......just like that because I going to shave your pussy with a razor. 

But first I am going to use the electric clippers to get the bulk of your bush off."

I was getting horny just thinking about it and Gabriel has never tied me up before.

He turned the clippers on and slowly pushed them through my hairy pussy further exciting me.

The vibrating clippers were stimulating my clitoris and with each pass he paused reversing the blade and holding the vibrating handle in place while he kissed my mouth.

I was so naughty and I teased his tongue with mine, seeking my Master with my tongue since my hands were tied and I was helpless to resist. 

"My God that feels so good....mm...I can't wait to suck on your big cock....your big cock."

I could feel myself blushing as I said this to him. 

"Not yet little girl."

He said kissing my mouth. 

He massaged my vagina with Mineral oil to help soften the remaining stubble and my hips were gyrating while I was squeezing his hand between my legs as he lubed and massaged my partially denuded Mons pubis. 

Gabriel was driving me crazy and he knew it. 

He was probing my clitoris, my flower with his mineral oil slick fingers and then he surprised me again.

Just as my orgasm started to peak he shoved finger into my oil drenched anus as he massaged clitoris.

I was screaming for him to fuck my cunt I wanted his cock in my cunt so bad that my orgasms were unbelievable.

I closed my eyes and imagined that it was his big cock in my ass as he was making me come with his fingers.

All that we are allowed is oral sex for now, discipline; vaginal sex is for our wedding night, damn it...oops. 

Gabriel has absolute power over me when I surrender to him. 

Because of this when am about to orgasm I lose all inhibition. 

He finds this endearing and I loved him for it because he always treats me as a Lady.

I can forgive myself these harmless transgressions he explains because in a carnal sense they were not profane at all and for me as natural as breathing. 

The rest of the time I never use such language..........................................

Gabriel:

Besides loving Amy with a passion that I never dreamed that I processed just 11 short months ago, I was fascinated with her sexuality and how she moaned, panted, squirmed and swore when she was aroused and particularly during her orgasms.

Actually I am somewhat humbled because she trusts me enough to share this part of her; this facet of her carnal jewel with me.

I find it endearing because she is somewhat embarrassed about it afterwards even though intellectually she realizes that there is nothing to be embarrassed about.

I assured her that the contrasts between Amy my employee and her ability to think outside of the box and improve our business; Amy my fiancé and companion; Amy my submissive lover, and finally my sweet, kind and wholesome Lady is why I love her so.

I took off her blindfold and helped her into the shower...actually the tub.




Christmas Angel



I installed an antique cast iron tub with a blue & white speckled porcelain finish that was salvaged from an estate in Niagara Falls, N.Y. and it was in mint condition.

The mansion originally belonged to a wealthy banker who was an unusually tall man for his time and it was obviously custom made.

It was seven feet long, three feet wide and thirty inches deep with the traditional claw-footed long oval shape of the time but on a grander scale. 

I am fascinated with the porcelain finish; it reminded me of a huge turkey roasting pan. 

I had the shower curtain rod fabricated from extra heavy gauge copper and brass pipe and it curves around the oval of the tube. 

The water pipes are made from the same heavy copper and brass and are free standing, reinforced and intertwined in a shape pleasing to the eye; a standing ibis (crane). 

The fixtures are cast in solid copper and brass as is the shower head ending at the tip of the beak is shaped like the sunflower head that is found on an old fashion watering can.

My only concession to modern is the over-engineered commercial tank less water heater that gives me an endless supply of hot water and one of the few luxuries that I allow myself; as for Amy, I can deny her nothing....................

Amy: 

I was not permitted to speak and for the first time Gabriel washed my hair and then conditioned it starting at the tips while letting the conditioner work while he washed himself.

He then had me stand under the shower head while he rinsed the conditioner out; goodness, how wonderful it was to have an endless supply of hot water.

I loved just soaking in this huge comfortable tub by myself while listening to Classical Music and sipping hot mint green tea. 

He twisted my hair up on the top of my head and then put my blindfold back on while tucking the bulk of my hair underneath to keep it from coming down.

I could feel his rock hard cock pressing against as he started soaping me down with his strong hands.

He started with my neck and shoulders and working his way down and paid particular attention to my breasts.

"You have beautiful nipples my love so pink and sensitive and your areolas are twin pink moons. 

I was aroused all over again as my nipples hardened at his familiar touch, now as familiar as my own..........................

Gabriel:

After I rinsed my helpless and horny Lady who was still bound and blindfolded, I toweled her off and put her back the vanity top.

I spread her legs and said.

"You will remain perfectly still while I shave you and then I shall blow dry your hair."

I lathered her little pussy and then carefully shaved it with a five-blade razor repeating the process a second time until her Mons pubis was hairless and smooth.

I took off the blindfold and Amy's wet hair dropped down to the middle of her back. 

I finished by gently rubbing her sensitive pussy with a soothing moisturizing balm making her squirm helplessly while I caressed her sweet flower bringing her the peak of orgasm and then I backed off. 

Now it was time to play with her beautiful long hair.

I blotted most of the water out with a towel and then I blow dried it damp using her hair dryer and a wide tooth comb to prevent tangles. 

She sat quietly as I parted it down the middle and fixed it into two loose pigtails which I then braided into a simple three strand braid. 

"Now my cute little slave girl...... tell me what you want.......................................

Amy:

"I want to suck on your cock, Master. 

Will you please untie me so that I may touch you?"

"Kiss your Master."

He replied.

I leaned forward and he bent over to kiss my mouth and he sighed.

"Very well, turn around." 

Gabriel said smiling, and then he untied me.

"Now my sweet Lady.....tell me what you want?"

He asked, tugging on a braid. 

I turned and put my arms around his neck and he put his arms around my waist. 

"I want to suck on your manhood."

I answered licking and then lightly biting his ear and playfully mussing his hair. 

"And my manhood is....?"

He asked, rubbing my bum. 

"You know what I mean, I not your little slave girl at this moment, I'm your fiancé and I have a choice.

I answered him teasing. 

I was also stroking my bald pussy and thinking "mm, this is so nice and when I done sucking his big cock maybe he will do me."

"Then you aren't going to tell me what you meant by you know what, brown eyes?"

"I don't think that I shall, sweetheart, let me show you instead........................

Gabriel:

Amy knelt on the bathmat and kissed my stomach and then me a raspberry and then looked up at me smiling.

"Are you going to let me shave you?" she asked "then we can be twins."

"Perhaps when we get back shopping and keep in mind perhaps is contingent on how well you show me, brown eyes."

Amy started by licking my testicles and then the inside of my legs where they hang down.

Then she licked my cock from the base to the tip, base from the tip and then reversed the process.

She loves looking at me when she is doing this and I looking into her beautiful brown eyes.

She fluttered the tip with her little tongue caressing and teasing my glans until she tasted my pre-cum.

She paused as she always does and licked her lips, smiling and started sucking taking my entire cock into to her mouth.

Amy was driving me crazy and she knew it.

I can honestly say that she is the first women that I have been with who doesn't pretend to enjoy sucking cock.

Some of my girlfriends sucked my cock only as a means for me to return the favor with oral sex and rightfully so.

My beautiful Lady truly enjoys sucking cock and will accommodate me anytime that I am in the mood, like now.

Amy will often squeeze her legs together when she is sucking my cock, teasing and prolonging my orgasm in order to achieve

hers; she is incredible. 

I can't wait to have intercourse with her to see what happens! 

It's going to be marvelous feeling my Amy squirming underneath and on top of me during intercourse, particularly when she has her multiple orgasms.

Amy is also a first for me in this venue, having a woman for a lover who has multiple orgasms, and she shares them with me.....

Amy:

Gabriel had his hands wrapped around my braids as I licked and sucked, taking his entire delicious big cock into my mouth.

I couldn't wait to taste his rich hot semen and then swallow all of it.

It is a scientific fact that cum contains zinc, potassium, citric acid, free amino acids among things.

Intellectually I don't know whether is it psychological, physiological or both, those would be the logical explanations why I orgasm sucking cock. 

In my heart I know the truth....he kissed me under the stars one night, our souls melded...but most importantly he loves me.

I get incredibly horny and aroused just sucking on his cock and if I prolong the blowjob long enough I will orgasm when my love comes in my mouth. 

He was groaning loudly when he came. 

His orgasm was so uninhibited and wild as he controlled my cadence with my braided hair filling my mouth with his sweet rich cum which I swallowed greedily, coveting every drop. 

I can't wait until we have intercourse because I am sure that he will pound and ravish me just like the characters in the erotic stories that we both love to read; rare spices to enhance and flavor our sex life. 

I was never like this before I met him; I am still a virgin aside from masturbation; I received little pleasure it and I eventually stopped masturbating together. 

Then he held my hands in the stairwell I knew that he was the one and I could feel a stirring; my body changing as if awakening inside a weighty cocoon. 

With Gabriel's help and on the night of the storm I emerged from my chrysalis a new woman............................... 

Gabriel:

We were on getting out getting out of the jeep after a long day of shopping.

Aside from our tree with was tied to my utility trailer, the backseat was full of Christmas decorations that we bought together; the only thing missing was the tree topper.

Since I was a bachelor, Mary inherited all of the family Christmas ornaments which was only proper, along with our parent's house while I got the family business.

As we were carrying the tree inside and Amy noticed a white cardboard gift box on the kitchen table.

I am sure that I locked the doors and the only other people besides Amy and I that have a key for emergencies are Zeta and Mary. 

There was a card from Zeta underneath the string that was addressed to the both of us:

"Dearest Children:

I can't express in words how happy that I am that you found one another.

As you know Gabe my true love died during the war and I never married.

I always thought of you as my son, particularly after your mother died so long ago.

And you Amy; I knew in my heart of hearts that you were the one for my little boy the moment I laid eyes on you.

Gabriel calls you an angel from a reason as do I: the resemblance is uncanny and when I held your hand for the first time

I felt it, I knew for sure. 

My soul mate died for love of country just as Gabriel almost died for love of you.

It is God's will Christmas Angel that you should be together now and then together in heaven. 

Just as it is God's will that I will someday be with my love, Arthur when my time comes; for now I cherish the both of you, my son and my daughter; my family. 

There is an item in the box, perfect for the top of your first Christmas tree.

It was my Grandmother's, then my mothers and finally mine and I am the last of my line to my parent's great disappointment.

It has never graced my Christmas tree and nobody living has ever laid eyes on it. 

When you see it you shall understand

I humbly as that it graces yours. 

All my Love

Zee-Zee

We opened the package and together and Amy removed a porcelain doll that was about 12 inches tall.

This doll had a long sky blue gown and the white feathery wings of a dove. 

As was available at the time the dolls hair real human hair and was the exact same shade of dark brown as Amy's, the same length and style, everything, except in miniature. 

But the porcelain Angel's face, the mouth the eyes and the nose and ears....it was my Amy, my Christmas Angel the same beautifully stunning face with the kissable cherub lips; I kissed the doll in Zeta's absence. 

The likeness to my beautiful Lady left me breathless...................... 

Amy:

This angel doll was over 100 years old and it was me; was that how Zeta knew that I was the one for Gabriel? 

Of course it was and we would have children to pass on Zeta's family tradition. 

It was Zeta's most prized possession and now she was giving it to us......what a lovely special gift that this was. 

The fire in the fireplaces threw it warm glow in the dark room enhancing our ornaments and the soft white twinkle lights of our tree; twinkling stars.

The angel at the top branch looked down upon us, blessing us.

That evening we snuggled together on the couch admiring our first Christmas tree together; remembering how we met and we shared our thoughts and perceptions...how our story began.........................

Gabriel:

I am pharmacist by profession and once thought myself a bachelor by fate of temperament. 

Add a laptop with the complex compounds available on the internet to the elements to my intense psyche and then heat everything molten hot with the flame of erotica literature in a crucible of testosterone. 

Shape it with the hammer of pugnacious self-reliance on the heavy anvil of carnal desire. 

Then quench it in a bath of patience and kindness; finally temper it with resolve.... you have me. 

Admittedly I am somewhat of a loner by necessity except with my family and our loyalty to one another is absolute. 

And although publically a private person; I have had many lovers and sadly I have never really loved a woman. 

Until Amy... she was the final ingredient; the catalyst welding our psyches together in a spiritual compound stronger then the nucleus of an atom. 

Some of the women whom I have dated have described me as intense or downright rigid at times although never cheap. 

I have never been accused of that; I will spend money freely on them but I reserve frugal for myself. 

I seldom express my sexual preferences or opinions of male domination or about a woman's submission; that being the natural order of things...and then I met her, my salvation, my love. 

A few of my adventurous lovers tried the D/s in the bedroom, however to them it was merely a dalliance; a taste on the wild side with no real commitment. 

On my birthday, December twenty-third, I had just worked up a healthy sweat after exercising for an hour with my 75 lb. kettle bells; not bad for a man of thirty five.

I like to think of my previously owned kettle bells as a poor man's Nautilus Machine. 

I had been eating two meatless meals a day for the past two weeks and I planned on rewarding myself with a steak dinner and then going to my sister Mary's home for cake and coffee. 

Then I would be babysitting the twins while she and her husband Charlie did some last minute Christmas shopping. 

After I showered and dressed I decided to first stop at the Salvation Army Thrift Store to check for recently stocked used books. 

I frequent this particular Salvation Army thrift shop in search of such bargains. 

As I said, I am a frugal man when it comes to me, foregoing many unnecessary luxuries as a means of self discipline and to save money. 

I have found many archival quality books there to add to my library shelves and I may find some children's books for the twins. 

They are both reading on a 3rd Grade Level because of the Hooked-On-Phonics I bought for them, and no it was not used. 

Nevertheless they still delight in pop-up books and simple story picture books; after all they are only 4-years old. 

I have little faith in the current justice system and particularly with the courts; although not so much the police. 

Our current system is infested with wealthy, politically appointed liberal/socialist judges with an agenda and contempt for the Constitution. 

These mentioned judges live safely in crime free gated communities and seem to delight in releasing repeat offenders; thugs and deviants to pray on the rest of us....their idea of fairness and justice; I will be damned if I will kiss their ring. 

God help anyone who hurt or molested my niece and nephew because the police will never find the body....but I digress. 

It was snowing lightly when I left the house and the wind was biting cold multiplied by a wind chill of twenty-five below zero. 

Welcome to Western New York. 

The windswept streets were bare and abandoned. 

The side streets and potholed parking lots in this poorer section of town were slippery with ice. 

The plows had been through the night before and the snow banks that lined the curbs and sidewalks always remind me of jagged white teeth; a thought that has stuck with me since I was a small child. 

As I approached the Thrift Shop there were two people standing outside by the red collection kettle. 

One was a was a tall male in his early twenties, his long, lank, greasy thinning hair was plastered against his hatless head. 

Unshaved and dirty he was thin almost to the point of emaciation and the smell of marijuana mixed with his fetid body order hung about him like a noxious cloud despite the clean west wind. 

The smile on his acne covered, acne scarred face was disingenuous; actually more of a leer. 

He was standing there bootless and gloveless in a filthy denim jacket with his hands shoved in his jacket pockets; when not in his pocket he was wiping the snot from his nose with his right hand and then on the seat of his pants before returning it to his pocket. 

He shivering and hunched over with cold and no doubt thought himself quite the Ladies man. 

He was actually trying to make time with her, attempting to charm her. 

As I walked up I heard him ask her what time she was getting out of work and that perhaps they could have coffee together...she didn't answer and looked uncomfortable. 

She on the other hand was dressed sensibly in a much too large for her man's brown wool toggle coat that came down to the top of her felt lined pack boots. 

Amy's pink hand- knitted wool hat was pulled down over her ears and her hood was up....sensible. 

She was wearing hand-knitted wool mittens, mismatched, one pink and the other red as she stood there ringing her bell.

As I got closer all that I could see in that bundle of clothing was her brown eyes, intelligent eyes, timid eyes below the hat and above the scarf that was wrapped around her face. 

Those same eyes looked frightened and disgusted and they were pleading with me for help as she continued ringing the bell.

There was another bell on the metal folding chair next to them so I picked it up and pushed in front of him to stand beside her. 

I started ringing the bell and said.

"Merry Christmas" to which he replied with a mean feral look on his face "Hey! What the fuck!"

"Merry Christmas, now take a hike!" 

I ordered ringing the bell and returning the stare and smiling. 

We stood there facing one another; I ringing the bell smiling and challenging him to start something. 

I knew his species of bottom feeder. 

He was a pothead on the verge of turning into a full blown addict with a habit to support. 

They pollute my Drug Store on occasion. 

Which is why I carry my Kahr Model PM9 nine-millimeter pistol in an inside the pants holster at all times? 

I keep it stoked with Corbon 125 grain plus-p-plus hollow points that will cure what ails these cowardly bottom feeders should they choose to get violent. 

This bottom feeder chose to retreat with the usual false bravado of his species announcing. 

"Fuck it, the fat pig whore isn't worth it!' 

Followed by 

"Fuck you too, asshole!" 

And then he swaggered away with his snot covered right hand up above his head with the middle finger extended into the air. 

I had half a mind to chase him down and pound him but he really wasn't worth it.

I turned to see the hurt look in Amy's brown eyes and I said. 

"I'm sorry you had to hear that, Miss. 

Why don't you go inside and warm up. 

I can ring the bell for awhile." 

"But...." She started to say. 

"No buts, I insist." 

"Thank you, Sir. 

My time is up in 30 minutes and then I will be work in the store for the rest of my shift...and I am so cold." 

She sighed glancing at the warm store. 

"I just started working here today but if someone is watching the kettle I guess it is ok."

To which I replied, smiling. 

"Good it is settled then, Merry Christmas." 

After Amy went inside I could see her watching me through the plate glass window for a minute while she removed her outer garments. 

Approximately 35 minutes later a woman in her early sixties, the supervisor came out and thanked me for volunteering and wished me a Merry Christmas. 

I returned her greeting and then went inside to get my first good look at Amy without all the heavy winter clothing. 

As I said Amy has beautiful eyes.... perhaps I didn't say beautiful. 

I said intelligent eyes, timid eyes and I stand by that. 

However I'm singing it now "beautiful, beautiful brown eyes, I'll never love blue eyes again." 

As in the Country Western Song made famous by Jack Elliott. 

Country & folk music is my favorite genre followed by rock & roll. 

I stood in line at her checkout having found nothing that I really wanted. 

I was holding an eight-track cassette tape; somebody something accordion classics; it was marked down to ten cents. 




Christmas Angel



I let a group of seasoned citizen ladies shopping together for bargains go ahead of me. 

It was the right thing to do and an excuse to study her....her nametag said Amy. 

Amy was very patient with them. 

She helped them count out their money and make change. 

She double wrapped one of the lady's dishes and made a fuss over the lady's eye for antiques which obviously from the woman's face made the woman's day. 

She even helped one of the three ladies button her coat and adjust her scarf. 

Yes, Amy is the genuine article. 

What you see is what you get. 

I estimated Amy to be five-feet five inches tall and close to 200 pounds in weight which was much too heavy for her small frame. 

Amy's hands and feet were a dead giveaway to her frame size; small dainty hands and tiny feet. 

I would say that Amy feet were size six at the most judging by the sneakers that she was now wearing in place of the pack boots. 

Ideally she should weigh no more than 130 lbs. 

She was also wearing red sweatpants with a baggy green sweatshirt embroidered with fine needlework. 

The needlework was a Christmas kitten playing with tinsel and ornaments and it was very well executed.

Despite the weight and adding those beautiful, intelligent, kind and timid eyes, Amy had one of the most magnificently beautiful and stunning faces that I have ever seen on a woman anywhere and with a flawless complexion that was makeup free. 

Yes those were the words describing her plus more; wholesome and youthful and innocent. 

When we were outside the hat and hood and scarf hid her stunningly beautiful face. 

When Amy looked up and recognized me, she smiled and I was bathed in wholesome. 

I could not help but return that sweet smile. 

In retrospect I should have pounded that pothead into ground for what he said to her. 

Amy had dark brown hair that was fixed in a single thick braid down her back. 

What beautiful silky hair she must imprisoned in that braid. 

Not to mention a small perfectly shaped nose and tiny ears; plus she had lips. 

Of course she had lips, the full lips sensuous of a heavenly angel. 

So perfectly formed and waiting to be.....then the woman behind me burst my daydream. 

"If you're not ready to check out accordion boy then step aside and let someone else go, jerk!" 

She exclaimed nastily. 

I ignored this rude woman and stepped up to the counter close enough to see Amy's long eye lashes and her angel wing eyebrows and I was thinking;

"I just turned thirty-five and she was nineteen or twenty at the most. 

God in heaven if she lost the weight imagine how much better she would look and feel.

Amy would be Aphrodite/Venus incarnate; however Aphrodite/Venus incarnate pure and wholesome." 

"What she needed was the right trainer...the right mindset and self discipline. 

Why not, the training could start right away and she would be an asset to my business. 

Besides, I wasn't seeing anyone now; no distractions and I could bring her along, slowly........" 

"That will be 12 cents with the tax. 

Will there be anything else, Sir?" 

Amy asked. 

I was daydreaming again. 

I handed Amy a dollar for my purchase putting the change in a collection jar and then handed her my business card. 

"Yes, two things beautiful brown eyes...you blush wonderfully." 

Amy did blush wonderfully when I called her beautiful brown eyes. 

"I need a cashier with open availability. 

If you like we will hold your interview tomorrow.

I will pay you double what they pay you here............................. 

I met Amy Jones as she got off the dial-a bus taking her hand and helping her to step down. 

I then put my hand in the small of her back and guided her into my office.

I helped her off with her long wool coat. 

It was close in color to her dress and came down almost to her ankles. 

I hung it on the coat rack and then helped her to her chair. 

During her job interview I observed some very interesting things about Amy. 

For one she had other clothing other than sweat pants and sweatshirts. 

Amy was wearing a navy blue dress with a white lace collar. 

It had ¾ length sleeves and came down to her knees.

She was also wearing stockings or pantyhose and had on sensible black shoes; pumps.

From what I could see of them her legs were quite nice. 

I liked very much what Amy had done with her hair although I had the urge to take it down and run my hands through it.

It was put up in an elegant French Twist and her stunningly beautiful, wholesome face was makeup free. 

Her only jewelry was a small but intricate in detail gold angel pin affixed to the collar and from the looks of it the pin was quality gold. 

What was most interesting to me was that Amy grew up in foster care. 

She was moved from family to family from the time that she was three years old. 

Amy was older than I estimated, she was twenty- five and that was the best news yet. 

"Do you have any hobbies, Miss Jones? 

Keep in mind that question is optional." 

"I like to read and I'm pretty good at crossword puzzles. I knit; crochet, tat and I can sew." 

She answered.

"My sister Mary knits and crochets, plus sews out of her home providing a nice little income for herself. 

You and she have much in common and I am sure that you would like her."

I was rewarded with a sweet wholesome smile. 

"I took piano lessons all throughout school and I am told that I play well" she offered. 

"Do you or your sister play?" 

I was thinking what a delightful woman she is and I still wanted to take her hair down.

I have done hundreds of job interviews and I generally ask the questions not answer them. 

But there was just something about her, something that felt right to me.

"I am more into sports; particularly weight training, wrestling and gymnastics and I competed during high school and college.

Mary is the one with musical talent; she plays the violin and the cello.

Every Sunday morning during the nine o'clock mass she plays the cello in a string quartet."

Amy's face lit at the mention of my sister and church and she continued.

"The piano and organ are similar you know and sometimes I am called to play for weddings.

Emma has a piano and when I visit her she loves to hear me play; I so love classical music, don't you?" 

"Some, although my tastes run more towards Country Western & Rock & Roll. 

Was Emma a foster parent?"

"Emma is more than a foster parent; she is my mother and is the only real family that I ever had. 

When Rodney..... I'm sorry you really don't want to hear all of this." 

"It's all right." 

I said gently putting my hand on hers. 

"We are like family here. 

Take Mrs. Mueller for example, the lady you are replacing; the one with the blue hair. 

You must have seen her when you walked in. 

She is still as sharp as a tack at eighty-three." 

"She has been working here 45 years which is longer than I have been alive; my Dad hired her. 

She is moving to Florida to live with her sister and already has a job lined up and".....

There was a knock on the door and we were interrupted. 

"Come in Mrs. Mueller" 

I answered as she was walking in, I was already standing.

"I'm leaving now, Gabe. 

Don't forget that inventory must be done by Friday." 

"Yes, Mrs. Mueller." 

"Remember heat rises, turn the thermostat in my apartment down to forty; there is no need to heat empty rooms." 

"I'll remember, Mrs. Mueller." 

"I'm going to see the children and have lunch with Mary before I meet my plane. 

Is this the girl that is replacing me? 

I didn't like the girl you interviewed last week." She said, frowning.

"I'm Zeta Mueller young lady" 

Zeta said holding her hand out for Amy to shake. 

Amy stood and they shook hands. 

"I'm Amy Jones and I'm pleased to meet you Mrs. Mueller." 

Zeta did not let go immediately. 

"I like this one, Gabe. 

She has good manners and is wholesome besides being very pretty.

Are you married, honey?" 

"No, ma'am." Amy answered, blushing. 

"And she blushes, yes I definitely like this one."

Zeta added which caused Amy to blush even more.

"Gabe is quite the catch and is a good man. 

I've known him all of his life. 

He owns his own business and has a house; a barn, two barns actually. 

He converted the largest into a house. 

He also owns more acres of land that any sensible person needs who isn't a farmer of course. 

It's just him alone in that empty house most of the time except when the twins are there for overnights. 

Zee-Zee used to change your diapers, didn't I Gabriel?"

"Zeta!" I exclaimed. 

"Do the elephant thing for her, Gabriel." 

She said winking at Amy. 

"Zeta" I said sternly. 

"I was only teasing; can't an old lady have her fun." 

She said letting go of Amy's hand and then we hugged and I kissed Zeta's cheek. 

"Your luggage is already loaded in my Jeep, Zee-Zee.

Have a good time and kiss Ben and Cindy for me. 

Call my cell phone when you are ready to go the airport and I will come and get you." 

I then took my Zee-Zee's arm and escorted her out. 

We stopped at the front door and I adjusted her scarf. 

I checked to see that her hat and gloves were on and then made sure that her coat was zipped before we walked out to the warm pickup truck where my brother Charlie was waiting. 

When I returned Amy had just sprayed breath freshener into her mouth and was returning the small aerosol bottle to her purse. 

I pretended not to notice the breath freshener. 

I also pretended not to notice the folded fast food breakfast wrappers in there. 

She probably ate breakfast on the bus on the way here. 

I noticed that the wrappers were in her purse to be disposed of properly and were not thrown the floor of the bus.............. 

Amy: 

My goodness, Fifteen dollars and hour! 

I've never made that kind of money before. 

Thank God Gabriel came along when he did. 

He rented that vacant three bedroom apartment above the store to me for a song and without a security deposit. 

We sealed the deal with a handshake and my promise to have the first month's rent in two weeks. 

I don't care if I lose the security deposit on my studio apartment even though I just painted the place. 

Dear sweet Emma I can't wait to tell you about my apartment and new job. 

You always treated me like a daughter instead of a monthly paycheck to supplement your income. 

You paid for my braces and for my piano lessons out of your own pocket when you couldn't afford it and you often did without.

I lived with six different families from the time that I was three until I was nine. 

You took me in on a temporary basis and then finally for good. 

Most of the families kept my hair bobbed just below my ears or shorter and I always had short bangs.

I hated my short hair but I knew better to complain. 

You gave me a choice and let me grow it long just like yours.

When I was a little girl you would brush my hair and braid it for me. 

And when I was older you taught me many ways how to pin it up. 

I remember that I got head lice from one of the foster sons living with the Winslow's. 

The other nine foster children got head lice as well.

We were nothing more than free labor and a monthly income to them. 

They also had twin daughters of their own who were about around my age my age if I remember correctly. 

I never played with them and they never let me forget that they had a real Mommy & Daddy and I didn't. 

The boy's were from seven to sixteen and they all were made to work on the farm. 

We foster children were all treated equally during our lice infestation.

We all had our hair clipped down to the scalp by Mr. Winslow. 

Then Mrs. Winslow applied a paste made from cornstarch, Crisco, kerosene with a few drops cattle insecticide to kill the lice. 

Their daughters didn't have their long curls off. 

They got the proper store bought head lice treatments that didn't irritate their scalps or sting their eyes from the fumes. 

John the eldest foster boy threatened to report them to the authorities. 

John received a terrible beating with a horse cane plus a broken arm. 

Mr. Winslow told him to say that it was an accident and then offered him money to keep quiet.

When that didn't work he threatened him with God knows what and then locked him in the barn. 

We broke him out and John reported them. 

John had to spend a night in jail because the Winslow's lied and got to the Sheriff first. 

Thank goodness the truth got out. 

Because of John's courage a new social worker was assigned to my case. 

He brought me to Emma's home to spend the night. 

I got to a shower with hot water followed by a hot bath and I could soak in the tub for as long as I wanted. 

Emma sat outside the open bathroom door and knitted. 

I had my own room with a full size bed that had clean white sheets and a beautiful handmade quilt to keep me warm.

This was the first time in my whole life that I actually had bed of my own. 

Can you imagine that a whole bed all to me and with four pillows nonetheless.

I was living with her for a month when Emma gently brought up the subject of church. 

I didn't know that people sang in church. 

I loved to sing and Emma would play her piano and we would sing songs together, silly happy songs mostly mixed in with hymns. 

We bought some blue material and thread. 

Emma made me my first Choir robe and I got to help.

It had a beautiful lace collar just like hers. 

Two days before Christmas Emma took me shopping for a new dress. 

I had never owned a dress before or even new clothes, just hand- me- downs.

I never dreamed that she would buy me new shoes, plus a little white hat to cover my poor shorn head.

I even had a pair of little white gloves, just like Emma's and a black beaded purse with a whole dollar in it to put in the collection plate. 

My first time in church was Christmas morning. 

Emma introduced me to the congregation as her little angel from heaven.

I stood next to Emma with my new robe over my new dress and sang hymns. 

I sang my heart out. 

I was overwhelmed with the beautiful stained glass windows, the fresh flowers; the incense and the beautiful organ music. 

When we got home from church that afternoon there was a brown cardboard box wrapped in gold paper underneath the tree with my name on it. 

There was a kitten in the box. 

A tiny male tabby with green eyes and he was wearing a red bow. 

He was not a feral cat likes the ones on the Winslow's farm. 

They ran away, or bit or scratched you when you tried to pick them up. 

Gabriel was a sweet little kitty. 

I named my kitten after Gabriel the archangel. 

Emma told me that the name Gabriel means "Man of God". 

Well my Gabriel was a sort of a man; he was a male even though he was just a cat. 

Gabriel became my friend, my companion and protector. 

There was another box for me underneath the tree, a very small box. 

Inside was a gold pin...a small but intricate angel cast in solid 18-karat gold. 

The pin was originally a gift from her mother when Emma sang in her first Christmas Choir. 

Emma is a woman of principal and taught me to be a lady. 

She taught me that I was a good person and that she was blessed to have me as a daughter. 

Emma loves me like her own daughter and she made me promise her that I should never to settle. 

Not that she is perfect; Emma can be difficult at best when she wants to be. 

Emma even took my side against her stepson, Rodney when he tried to force himself on me and to rape me. 

I was just thirteen and he was twenty-seven.

Rodney's mother died when he was fifteen and he always resented the fact that his father remarried

He left home when he was sixteen coming back from time to time when he needed money.

Rodney was drunk and was groping me. 

My blouse was ripped off and he had me pinned to the floor.

Gabriel jumped on Rodney's back and clawed and bit him allowing me to break free and then I ran and locked myself in the bathroom. 

Emma found me curled up in a ball and crying in the bathtub when she came home. 

Rodney was gone; but so were Gabriel; I never saw him again after that day. 

Emma was enraged and confronted Rodney when he returned sober the next morning. 

He denied everything calling me a whore and a liar but the evidence was there; the bite and scratch marks on his neck and face were turning red and starting to get infected. 

There were bruises on my back and shoulders where he slammed me against my bedroom door frame. 

Emma told him to leave or she would call the authorities. 

He laughed at her saying that it was his father's house even though his father was dead, by rights it should be his. 

He then took a beer out of the fridge and then sat down the kitchen table.

He wasn't laughing when Emma returned and pushed the barrel of a .410 gauge Mossberg Pump Shotgun loaded with double aught buckshot into his crotch and racked the action...he left in a hurry.

If he had succeeded in raping me Emma would have shot his..... Shot his you know what off. 

Then a week later he sent his best friend Sam, another bum just like him over with a pickup truck to get his things. 

I started gaining weight soon after that despite the counseling and loving support from Emma. 

I never saw Rodney again, until.............................

Gabriel:

"Well, Miss Jones, everything seems to be in order. 

It seems that you have the job.

Do you have any questions?" 

"Yes, is the apartment above the store for rent? 

I don't go out much and even though I drive I don't own a car. 

If I lived here with my open availability I could be downstairs working at a moment's notice."

Marvelous, everything was falling into place but I didn't want to appear too eager.

I knew where she lived, it was a dump and besides she would be so much safer living here.

"It really needs to be cleaned or at least painted first although you will find that Zeta kept it spotless." 

"I'll clean it', she said hopefully "And I can paint." she said confidently. "May I at least look at it?

"I suppose it won't hurt." I said smiling and she rewarded me with her beautiful wholesome smile......

Amy:

Gabriel stood up smiling and offered me his hand helping me to my feet. 

He then put his hand flat at the small of my back. 

"This way please." 

My goodness he is such a gentleman. 

Emma would love him if I brought him to meet her but those were just wishful thoughts. 

We then walked to the back of the store and he opened the heavy steel fire door leading to the back stairs that lead to the second floor apartment.

The stairway was double wide and we walked up side by side with his hand in the small of my back to keep me from falling. 

"This building once housed a bank that went belly up during the depression, although the vault is still in fine working order.

The elevator works but of course walking is better for the heart, don't you agree. 

If there is a fire you may access the fire escape from the roof through the roof's fire door or a bedroom window.

The ladder will drop down to ground level when you pull the orange lever 

Zeta had a little patio on the roof and would sit outside when the weather permitted."

Then he stopped and gently took my hands in his strong 

Gabriel gave me goose bumps and I was sure that I was blushing.

"Can you keep a secret, Miss Jones?" 

He whispered, leaning close while looking into my eyes. 

I just nodded, I was flustered and my face was hot. 

I wanted to kiss him or for Gabriel to kiss me. 

"I know that I can trust you, Miss Jones. 




Christmas Angel



The safe is hidden behind the false wall of my office. 

Nobody but Zeta or Mary knows about the safe or the combination. 

You are taking her place.... If I were to accidently lock myself in somebody needs to know how to get me out."

"Yes, yes, tell me, tell me the combination" I was thinking. 

He leaned closer still and I could feel his breath on my face and I could smell his maleness. 

I could feel my toes curling in my shoes.

"It shall be our secret, Amy. 

I will give you the codes for the combination...do you promise?" 

"Yes" I whispered closing my eyes....waiting for him to kiss me.... 

"Look to your Bible." 

He whispered. 

"Proverbs 31:25 31:26. 

This was so wonderful; the Bible and my favorite proverb, the good wife. 

Would I ever be married? 

Would I ever find my true love? 

Gabriel is so mysterious, a secret hidden vault and he came out of nowhere and chased that dirty vagrant away. 

He is so tall, so handsome and so fit; Blond hair, green eyes and a dimple in his chin. 

And he smells like, smells like....I wonder what testosterone smells like because he seems so masculine so intense...mm what naughty thoughts, bless me. 

I would love for him to hold me; to feel those muscles and for him to kiss me....make love to me.

For all of that he is a gentleman. 

He just made me feel so special, our secret. 

And Mrs. Mueller; I saw how Gabriel treated her and his love and affection was genuine. 

I peeked and watched him button her coat and fix her scarf. 

Emma always said you could tell how a man will treat his wife by how he treats his mother and this lady wasn't even his mother.

For goodness sakes I need to compose myself and not let my imagination run wild....he let go of my hands and we walked together to the apartment's heavy steel security door. 

This building was like a fortress, burglar alarms, fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors plus fire sprinklers and a working fire escape. 

I would definitely be safe here.

Gabriel punched a sequence of numbers on the keyboard to deactivate the burglar alarm and then he opened the deadbolt lock with a key before handing it to me.......was the apartment mine?

Gabriel:

"I was showing Amy the bathroom and explaining. 

"As you can see it the bathtub shower enclosure is handicapped accessible 

These sliding shower doors are polycarbonate and will never break....

"It is just like being in a four star hotel bathroom!" 

Amy interrupted, beaming. 

"Heat lamps in the ceiling and my goodness, two shower heads. 

Plus lighted mirrors and here is the fan switch and look block glass privacy windows and what beautiful sea green tile on the floor.....We went from room to room and as Amy explored the apartment the more excited that she became.

I was thinking; "I haven't heard that expression in years ("my goodness") how delightfully refreshing to hear a young woman speak this way."

I was delighted by her enthusiasm and overwhelmed with her joyful wholesome smile and manner of speaking. 

Perhaps I should have kissed her in the stairwell...................................................

Amy:

I'll take it!" 

"But you haven't seen the rest of the apartment." 

He said, smiling. 

"There are three bedrooms and a large kitchen....

"I'm sure that they will be fine." I interrupted again and then I remembered that I had no money for a security deposit or rent. 

When I told him he proposed a compromise. 

"I would like to use one of the bedrooms as an exercise room during the day and to take a nap on occasion. 

I have a regular exercise routine that I follow; an hour of calisthenics and weights before breakfast. 

If I could use one room during the day an extra ½ hour or hour of exercise would do me some good, make me feel revitalized. 

In consideration I would waive the security deposit."

Of course I agreed and I vowed to myself that I would save to pay the security deposit no matter what. 

And besides that could lead to other things, maybe?

Before we shook on it he asked.

"Amy may I ask one other small favor? 

Do you suppose that I could shower afterwards.............

Gabriel: 

I waited five months to make my next move and I would be making it this morning to surprise her.

I made it a point to exercise on Amy's days off and no doubt she was aware of it and she made excuses to walk by the open door to watch me. 

I observed that Amy was slowly losing weight on her own. 

I also observed that she was fixing her long hair in different styles for me hoping that I would notice. 

Of course I noticed, although often times the changes were quite subtle. 

I was always careful with her during work hours, careful to be professional and not show favoritism. 

The more time that I spend with her the more delightful I find her to be.

As well as intelligent, insightful and thoughtful, plus she blushes so nicely. 

Amy's idea on how to streamline inventory actually cut the time in half. 

It was so obvious that it could have bit me on the.....let's just say nose.

Plus the new line of organic vitamins and herbal supplements has taken off like gangbusters. 

As have the reusable shopping bags made from recyclable materials. 

I have decided that Amy's weight loss should be for her and not for me. 

Even though I want to hold my beautiful brown eyes in my arms and taste those cherub lips. 

More than anything I wanted to make love to her.

But how do you make love to a woman, a lady, who uses such wholesome expressions such as "oh my goodness or 

thank goodness; "bless my soul or for goodness sake" for example?

And then there is my favorite.... when she as angry with a rude or difficult customer and needs to vent afterwards. 

Amy will look up to the ceiling and say "Lord, bless their souls and mine twice, because...............................

Amy:

When I woke up that morning I marked the calendar on the fridge.

I was thinking that I have been here five months and already I have lost thirty pounds. 

I really want him to be proud of me. 

Gabriel notices everything, what I am wearing or how I fix my hair for him.

We talk about everything and he really listens and remembers what I tell him. 

He has already implemented several of my ideas.

I don't just work for Gabriel; I work beside him because that's how he makes me feel. 

Sure he is all business when we are on the clock and he addresses me as Miss Jones. 

But during break time if we are alone he will tease me and call me brown eyes and I love it when he calls me that. 

I know that he schedules his breaks to be with me, just like he always manages to exercise in my apartment on my days off. 

I had just finished braiding hair when there was a knock on the door. 

"Miss Jones it's me and I want to talk to you..........

Gabriel:

Brown eyes answered the door in her robe and I finally saw her tiny little bare feet and she said somewhat flustered. 

"I can be ready and dressed in 10 minutes. 

Is everything alright? 

Did somebody call in sick?" 

"Yes and no beautiful; everyone is well and I took the day off. 

Your shift is covered so that you can have the day off and we have so much to do."

"I don't understand. 

If we are not working what are we going to do?" 

Amy asked smiling and catching on. 

"We are going to fly kites! 

It's the perfect day for and then we are going to have snacks; orange juice, apple juice and ants—on- a-log." 

"What are ants on a log?" 

She asked. 

I made the motions with my hands while narrating; 

"First you take a whole celery stalk and cut it like this; chop, chop, chop to about four inches long.

And then you spread it; spread, spread; spread the middle with peanut butter or cream cheese. 

"Ours will have Brie with almonds; the children's will have peanut butter or cream cheese. 

Then finally you add the raisins or nuts to the filling; poke, poke, poke; and there you have it, ants on a log.

After that we are going to rent a rowboat on Godfrey's pond, the four of us. 

That will be followed by lunch; do you like sushi?" 

Amy:

Gabriel took my hands like he did on the stairwell and then he whispered.

"There is one other thing that we are going to do today my beautiful, beautiful brown eyes, the most important thing of all." 

He put his arms around my now smaller waist and pulled me close and held me firmly but gently. 

Not that I could have stopped him because at six foot/ 160 lbs, Gabriel is all muscle. 

I did not want him to let go of me, I waited so long for this moment. 

Then he kissed my mouth and sighed and said 

"I have just kissed my angel." 

An angel! He called me his angel and he kissed me again; I wanted that kiss to last forever. 

I put my arms around his neck and kissed him back and my heart was pounding in my chest. 

I had butterflies in my stomach and...... 

"And now I have been kissed by my angel and she is sweet and wholesome and smart. 

Today we are going out on our first date; chaperoned of course and you have an hour to get dressed, Amy."

As I was dressing I thought; 

"From the moment that he smiled at me in my checkout line I was infatuated with him. 

Gabriel can be so intense, so focused when he wants to be.

He chased that dirty vagrant away and was in complete control." 

"Was I in love with the concept of being in love with Gabriel Bond? 

He is so strong.... and oh so handsome; he is polite and kind, although at times so intense and unyielding in many of his opinions. I wanted his body so there was definitely a physical attraction. 

"Goodness what a marvelously naught thought." 

That was before his niece and nephew; those two precious little blond haired children came to visit their Uncle Gabe at the store.

They came running in shouting.

"Uncle Gabe, Uncle Gabe do the elephant, do the elephant Uncle Gabe."

I'll never forget the look that came over Gabriel's face or his smile at seeing them. 

It was like the warm sunshine coming through the stained glass windows standing next to Emma on my first Christmas in church. 

He scooped them both up in his strong arms and hugged them and kissed them. 

They returned his affection in the way that only small innocent children can. 

His love for them was as pure and bright as to be almost tangible; as sunlight turned to warm liquid gold 

I could feel the warmth of his love enveloping me from across the room. 

How could a woman not love such a man; of course I loved this man for more than his looks. 

He put them down and then pulled the collar of his lab coat over his head. 

He pulled his hand into his sleeve extended it like and elephant's trunk while putting his other arm behind his back. 

Gabriel stamped his feet and waved his arm like and elephant's trunk tickling them and bellowing and trumpeting like a real elephant and making them laugh and squeal with delight. 

He is generally so serious and professional. 

I had never seen this wonderfully silly and spontaneous part of him.

If I was ever to be his woman I owed it to him to finally do something about my weight and to discipline myself just like him.......... 

Gabriel:

Amy met me downstairs behind the store and I helped her into my Jeep Wrangler 4 X 4. 

She was wearing blue jeans with a red blouse under a yellow hooded sweatshirt and I brought nylon parka shell for her just in case because I took the canvas top off of the jeep.

Amy was absolutely beaming when we pulled into my sister's driveway where Mary was waiting with the children. 

I helped my beautiful brown eyes out and made the introductions. 

Ben was a little shy and just nodded however Cindy came right to the point. "Are you Uncle Gabe's girlfriend.........................   

Amy: 

I can't remember when I had such a wonderful time or when I was with such well behaved children. 

They were five year old children with large vocabularies who could eat sushi with chopsticks and knew how to order in Japanese. 

Cindy wouldn't let me sit next to Gabriel in the boat or the restaurant. 

When Gabriel took Ben to bathroom she told me matter of factually that she was going to marry Uncle Gabriel when she grew up. 

Although when I took her to the bathroom Cindy asked me to French braid her hair like mine. 

When I finished I said 

"Goodness my dear. 

You look so pretty and so much older and sophisticated with your hair like that. 

Why you could pass for seven. 

Perhaps we could go shopping together sometime." 

I was rewarded with the most wonderful smile 

I then picked Cindy up and let her sit on the vanity so that she could see herself. 

As she looked she lifted her chin and smiled.

Cindy then looked at me and earnestly said 

"You can be his girlfriend for now, Amy but I'm still going to marry him...................."

After we brought the children home we visited with Mary and Charlie for awhile. 

Then Gabriel took me to one of his fields to watch the deer and then watch the sunset and finally the stars. 

We parked on seasonal dirt road and parked near a stand of mature and stately Sugar Maple trees. 

I was getting the blankets and binoculars out of the back seat. 

When I turned to hand them to him, Gabriel was nowhere to be seen; it was like he disappeared into thin air.

I started walking slowly and calling for him 

"Gabriel are you playing hide and go seek? 

Where are you?"

"Quiet brown eyes you are scaring the deer." 

I turned to the sound his voice and he was not there. 

I turned back looking to see if he was hiding behind the tree in front of me. 

"You're looking for love in all the wrong places, Amy Jones...but I'm not."

I turned again to find Gabriel handing upside down with the back of his knees wrapped around the branch of the tree.

He reached out and took my face in his hands and kissed my mouth and said "I'm looking at love." 

Then he reached up bending at the waist and grabbing the branch with his hands to swing himself upwards and then gracefully

dropped to the ground like a cat...........

Gabriel:

We spread the blanket on grass, neither of us caring to watch for deer and lay down to touch and kiss quite intimately.

I wanted so much to make love to her. 

However I wanted the first time with her to be special and memorable; I owed her that.

I could tell she was aroused. 

I could smell her and feel Amy's wetness through her jeans. 

It was driving me crazy and I had to keep reminding myself; discipline Gabriel discipline...........

Amy:

I was so horny I could hardly stand it. 

I wanted him to make love to me and I was so wet....he must have known.

And his kisses and his touches and his manhood pressed up against were so wonderful, why was he waiting? 

We lay there for a long time afterwards, wrapped in the blankets and not talking. 

We just snuggled and watched the stars, my God how I loved him. 

I could deny him nothing, even if he wanted to make love to me her and now, but I had to tell him. 

"Gabriel, there is something I have to tell you."

"I know what you are going to say." 

He replied kissing me.

"You do." I replied hopefully.

"Yes, but first let me say that I am very proud of you and the weight that you have lost."

"I did for you." I replied reaching up and touching his face.

"I know you have, my love, my beautiful brown eyes." 

I felt myself melting into him as our eyes met; his green and mine brown.

I saw a look of pure love on his face.

I experienced the intense heat of our souls as they merge as one. 

I could feel our twin hearts beating as one. 

I could feel our shared blood coursing through our veins...

Gabriel then whispered.

"Can you feel it, Amy?" 

God in heaven with all his stars and his angels are looking down on us. 

They are blessing us and welding our psyches together in a bond stronger then the nucleus of an atom. 

Can you just feel it brown eyes, my Amy...my love?"

He made me promise that I would lose the weight not for him but for myself; for my health.

I found a well of strength that night; a discipline that would change my life forever; for me but mostly for him....................

Gabriel:

"I noticed a marked change in Amy after that night, a new confidence to go with her wholesome goodness and sweetness.

She completely changed her eating habits and we started taking most of our meals together. 

We were inseparable and did and went everywhere together. 

I couldn't imagine living without her now; I knew that she felt the same about me. 

I noticed that she was eating several very small meals a day and always measured portions. 

Fast foods or high calories convenience foods were all but eliminated; she ate what I ate. 

We started exercising together, calisthenics and aerobics. 

Eventually I started her on some light weights when I worked out with the kettle bells.

I bought us a new heavy bag and taught her some basic kick boxing techniques, specifically maintaining her balance when kicking. 

I was taught her the way I was taught; with my hands held behind my back. 

I also taught her some simple judo throws. 

By September Amy was down to a healthy and fit 130 lbs and was turning heads on a regular basis. 

While in public Amy was a true Lady. 

However in private I received many intimate hugs and kisses. 

My family adored her especially Zeta. 

We were spending a great deal of time at my place and by the end of October Amy had moved in with me.

She was sharing my home but not my bed. 

We slept in separate bedrooms at night after cuddling on the couch at night, watching, movies or listening to music.... whatever. 

I had to ratchet up my exercise routine to vent my frustrations and I was taking cold showers.

Showers, now that's a thought...showering with Amy..... Damn.....200 hundred additional sit ups for me, discipline, Gabriel. 

It's funny how things work out for the best. 

Zeta moved back from Florida and was living in her old apartment again. 

When she found out I was seeing Amy she did everything but cartwheels. 

It didn't bother her a bit that we were living together although she hinted marriage and babies, lots of babies. 

As I said, I wanted everything to be special and it was time to meet Emma. 

Amy warned me that Emma could be confrontational and difficult at best and she didn't like the fact that Amy was living with me, innocent though it was. 

The day that I met her was interesting to say the least.........................

Amy: 

Emma could be difficult at times but she did promise to give Gabriel a chance and to keep an open mind.

She also agreed to cook Sunday dinner if I would spend the Saturday night before and then attend church with her Sunday morning. 

Emma was very proud of my weight loss having kept her figure and she was now well into her sixties. 

She wanted to show me off.

Gabriel let me use his Jeep and Emma and I went grocery shopping for Sunday dinner and then we took in a movie. 

The plans were that I was going to take Emma home first. 

Return the Jeep to my sweetheart who would bring me back for me to spend the night. 

He would meet us at Emma's after church Sunday afternoon. 

The weather report predicted severe thunderstorms after midnight but they hit early around 9:00 PM. 

We were getting out of the movies when the storm started. 

I telephone Gabriel to tell him that we were leaving for Emma's and that I would see him in 45 minutes or so.

I took my time driving slowly. 

We had to detour because a downed tree hit a main transformer and knocked the power out to Emma's road.

Once we arrived Emma unlocked the door and we entered with our arms full of groceries. 




Christmas Angel



We were laughing and still talking about the movie we had just seen, a comedy. 

Goodness gracious what a funny movie it was.

We planned to light some candles and when Gabriel brought me back we would make popcorn and just talk. 

Thank goodness Emma has a gas stove. 

Electricity or not the hand pump for the well still worked therefore Sunday dinner was still on.

The house was pitch-black and as we made our way to the kitchen. 

I thought I heard a car pull into the driveway but I could not see reflections from headlights so it must have been a car driving by.

As we entered the kitchen there was a dark hulk of a shape sitting at the kitchen table..........................

Gabriel:

My beautiful Lady was an hour late and I had not heard from her. 

That is not like Amy because she would call to tell me that she would be late. 

Particularly with the weather being so bad; plus she was not answering her cell phone. 

I had a very uneasy feeling about it; almost a feeling of dread and it was getting worse by the minute.

I was going to ask Emma permission to marry Amy on Sunday. 

As I said I wanted the first time with her to be special. 

I could wait until we were married.

If Emma said yes, great! 

If the answer was no I would marry Amy regardless.

Yes or no it would be a surprise to both of them.

I would marry Amy in her Methodist church, Catholic though I am. 

My love for Amy is stronger than any ceremony and I know how much it would please my love for us to marry in her church.

Amy:

"Well hello, Mommy what I nice surprise."

The hulk said, pleasantly. 

"I didn't expect your whore to be here but it will save me the trouble.

Now I won't have to track her down" 

Rodney then said as he shined the flashlight in our faces.

"Get out of my house!" 

Emma exclaimed, squinting and backing up while reaching behind her.

"Is this what you are looking for?" 

He laughed, slamming Emma's shotgun on the table and making us jump. 

"We are going to have a little party and your little angel is going to be passed around while you watch. 

The orgy will start just as soon as my partner and an old friend of Amy's arrive. 

They are in the driveway and I just sent them a text." 

He held up his cell phone as evidence.

"Leave her alone!" 

Emma exclaimed. 

"Is it money you want?" 

You can have it. 

I'll sign over the house to you!" 

"I don't need your money, mommy dearest, it's a matter of principle. 

You went against family! 

You went against me, your own son."

"I'm a businessman down in Mexico now and my business it's very profitable. 

I am going to introduce dear Amy to the joys of heroin and give her a job turning tricks for rich business men.

When she is no longer pretty or no longer of use to me there all plenty of dives in Tijuana that will buy her. 

I closed my eyes and my thoughts went out to him "Our twin hearts beating as one; our shared blood coursing through our veins.

Our love stronger then the nucleus of an atom; Gabriel............................ 

Gabriel:

My heart was beating wildly in my chest as I thought of her and what she said to me that night, "our twin hearts beating as one." 

I could feel my blood rushing through my veins our veins as our souls merged; our psyches touched.

God help anyone who tried to hurt her, harm her...if it was Rodney then the devil would sort things out.

I grabbed the keys to the Toyota Camry, another of Amy's suggestions. 

It was the company vehicle I bought to deliver prescriptions to shut-ins or elderly customers. 

I didn't have time to put my holster on but I grabbed a spare magazine and shoved the gun in my jacket pocket...good enough or so I thought at the time. 

As I raced through the storm I called Emma's home phone on my cell....please my love answer if you can.......... 

Amy: 

I knew it; I did hear a vehicle pull into the driveway and the headlights must have been turned off.

"Hail, hail the gangs all here, and were going to have a gang bang folks staring Amy Jones."

Rodney said laughing.

One man entered the house stamping his feet and shaking the water from his clothes while carrying two bottles of tequila. 

He was a Hispanic man with a pock marked face and he asked.

"Is there any way to turn the lights on so I can get a good look at our new puta?" 

The Mexican asked.

"No, we're the last house on the road and always the last to get our power back on. 

With the transformer out it can take days; use your flashlight mi amigo." 

But pardon my manners, meet my man, Miguel; he kills people." 

Rodney made the introductions as the thug was shinning the light in my face and then the second man walked in carrying a duffle bag. 

I had to squint from the blinding light and I could smell the marijuana on him and his reeking body odor....dear God in heaven it was him.... I was thinking "please call Gabriel" and then the telephone in the kitchen started ringing.....

Gabriel:

I'm almost there...what are those red flashing lights up ahead? 

I had to stop and the Sherriff deputy turned me back advising me that the road was closed off on both ends because of the storm and power lines were down all over the place.

I drove away and stopped when I was out of his sight. 

I then got out and ran with my cell phone to my ear; ringing, ringing and then finally she answered "hello...................

Amy:

Rodney got the candles and holders out of the cupboards and lit them as the other two were passing a bottle back and forth. They tied Emma to a kitchen chair with the rope from the duffle and then they duct taped her mouth. 

They were arguing who would have me first and how.

I was surprisingly calm and was thinking "discipline, Amy; Gabriel was on his way"....and then the telephone started ringing and they stopped and looked at one another. 

Rodney pointed the shotgun at me and then at the telephone. 

"Answer it and make it short and sweet." 

I answered it "Hello?"

"Amy, are you alright?"

"Oh, Hello, Mrs. Landers..... No, Emma can't come to the phone right now." 

"Are you in danger? 

Is Rodney there?"

"Yes, it's good to hear from you too...... Yes, of course we can pick you up on the way to church tomorrow morning

You know how much we enjoy your company. 

"How many are there, Amy?"

"No just the three of us.......I think the sermon will be Proverbs 31:25 31:26." 

"I'm in the driveway now out of sight. 

Don't be surprised by anything that happens; I love you brown eyes."

I was ready to save goodbye when Spike; can you believe it that was the dirty pothead's name. 

Spike snatched the telephone and put it to his ear. 

Rodney shook his head and was frowning. 

He put his finger to his lips and held his hand out for the telephone. 

Spike gave him the phone and then Rodney covered the mouthpiece with his hand.

"Relax it's just Susan Landers, our new whore's old Sunday school teacher.

Let her finish the call or the old biddy will get suspicious."

Rodney then handed me the phone while giving me a mean look and then took a swig of tequila............

Gabriel: 

There was a momentary silence on the phone and it seemed like an eternity....did they suspect?

"Do they know I'm here?"

I asked. 

"No, everything is fine" 

My clever lady said 

"It must be the storm...........I love you too Mrs. Landers see you soon."

I slowly made my way to the house and then glanced quickly into to the kitchen window; all accounted for. 

And then I quietly walked around the house looking for a way in.

I climbed a large elm tree and swung myself onto the roof of the second story porch. 

I entered through a bedroom window leaving it open for a quick getaway................ 

Amy: 

They decided that Spike would go first. 

Rodney held my arms and cruelly twisted them while Spike pulled a large knife out of his pocket and grabbed my long ponytail. 

"It seems that you are not a fat pig anymore but you are still a whore. 

You know you want me so why fight it. 

Be a good little slut and stand still while I cut all of your clothing off and then cut off most of your hair. 

"I was going to have it cut short regardless, slut." 

Rodney explained, twisting my arms. 

"Short haired blonds are all the rage now."

Miguel was taking a swig of tequila when suddenly he started choking and coughing and everybody jumped including me. 

Gabriel got in the house somehow and let loose, bellowing and trumpeting like an elephant while stomping his feet and it was much louder than I ever heard him do so before.

When they recovered Rodney said to Spike 

"Check it out." 

"Why me, man; you guys both have guns?" 

Spiked replied. 

"Miguel is taking her out to the van....." 

Gabriel let loose again but this time even louder and they all jumped again except for Miguel.

"Hey man, that motherfucker is crazy....." 

Spike started to say. 

Rodney interrupted him, sneering. 

"Listen you asshole if you want to work for me you had better grow a set of balls!

Think of the fringe benefits, the warm climate, all the pot you ever dreamed of and the free whores." 

"What if he has a gun?" Spike asked. 

"Take the shotgun you pussy." 

Rodney said, letting go of my arms and picking it up from the table. 

He shoved the shotgun into Spike's chest and forced a laugh.

"I can't believe you are afraid of a pharmacist.......... 

Gabriel: 

I heard Spike coming up the stairs stamping his feet shouting and howling like a coyote on estrogen. 

"I'm going to kill you motherfucker." 

I slipped out the window and closed it quietly before climbing back down the tree. 

The wind had picked up now and the torrential rain was coming down in sheets accompanied by deafening thunder and blinding lightning. 

Depending on your point of view it was either frightening or exhilarating....I chose exhilarating. 

I could see Rodney looking out the kitchen window. 

Miguel was tying Amy's arms behind her back with the remaining rope left in the duffle bag. 

It was time to dial 911 while they were distracted looking for me.

I removed the wet cell phone from my pants pocket; great, the screen was blank. 

Damn it, it must be the rain and to make matters worse my pistol had fallen out of my pocket and could be anywhere. 

I had to stop them from leaving but how? 

Where was John Wayne when you needed him..........

Amy:

"He's not up here." 

Spike called from the top of the stairs.

"What do you mean he's not up there, we all heard him?" 

Rodney called back. 

"Did you search every room?"

"Yes, under the beds, everywhere." 

Spike answered. 

"Then come on back down." 

Rodney ordered. 

Then turning to me he grabbed my face squeezing cheeks together while shaking my head from side to side.

"It appears your boyfriend turned tail and ran. 

He abandoned you just like your real mother did.

"Did your case worker ever tell you that your biological mother was a heroin addict and a whore who sold you for a fix?

I had to grease a lot of palms and pay some hefty bribes to get the records unsealed but it was worth it. 

Do you think that he will still want you when he finds that out?

Or when he finds out that you were gang banged and raped. 

I promise we are going to made good use of your mouth, your asshole and your cunt and not necessarily in that order.

Like mother like daughter, Amy."

When Rodney let go of my face I looked up meeting his eyes and defiantly smiled at him.

I didn't know and I didn't care now. 

I was Emma's daughter and she was my mother.

Rodney brought his hand back over his head and said 

"I'm going to slap that smile off...... 

A brick came crashing through the window, and then another brick, and then another. 

They were the bricks that bordered Emma's bushes and flower garden. 

Gabriel trumpeted and bellowed like an elephant for a third time; mocking their ability to find or stop him. 

Good, the police should be here any moment now.....

Gabriel:

I managed to flatten all the tires on their van and puncture the radiator with the Victorinox Swiss Army Knife that Zeta gave me for Christmas one year. 

God bless her! 

I also removed one of the distributer wires on the Jeep to keep it from starting. 

And it is not like they can call for a taxi on a night like this with the road closed and the nearest house is almost a mile away. 

Damn I sure botched things though. 

What will Amy think of me now? 

Fortunately neither she nor Emma is hurt.

I hope one of the bottom feeders come outside. 

At least I will have the advantage of the dark and the weather; focus, Gabriel, focus......

Amy:

Spike came running down the stairs and into the kitchen and even with the shotgun in his hands looked scared.

"You idiot, you let him get away? 

Give me that damn shotgun." 

Rodney snatched it away from him.

"Now give Miguel your knife." 

He ordered. 

Like a whipped puppy Spike did as he was told.

"Miguel! Kill that brick throwing son of a bitch and cut off his balls. 

Then bring them to me. 

Then we will see if this puta is still laughing at us." 

"Si with pleasure" 

Miguel said laughing and he was not the least bit shaken. 

"Señor Elephant has the big balls but not for long" 

Miguel opened the second bottle of tequila and took a long swig and then handed it to Rodney who took a swig as well. 

They did not offer it to the disgraced Spike.

Miguel then went to his duffle bag and removed a 12 Gauge double barrel shotgun. 

The barrels cut back to twelve inches and the stock sawed off at the pistol grip. 

I noticed that it had double triggers, one in front of the other. 

Taking his time.... he pushed the side lever to one side... opened it and looked down the barrels...

He carefully inserted two shotgun shells.... closed it gently until the barrels locked in place.... he then sighed and kissed it.

Turning to me he said 

"I'm going to cut off his balls and make a necklace for you to wear around your neck, puta." 

Picking up a flashlight from the kitchen table Miguel walked out the back door.....................

Gabriel: 

Miguel's flashlight wasn't of much use in the pouring sheets of rain as the beam was reflected and dispersed in all directions.

He did a very thorough search of the grounds however, noticing the flat tires and leaking radiator and I could hear him cursing in Spanish underneath his breath as I tried to remain hidden. 

If I could just keep from getting shot and get the shotgun away from him....yes that's it....almost there...just a little closer....I then leaped from the tree 

The best case scenario was landing squarely on both his shoulders with my feet and driving him to ground and breaking his back.

As luck was not mine that night it I only caught his left shoulder from behind knocking him to his knees. 

I heard his collar bone snap and I may have possibly dislocated his arm as he went down with a grunt. 

I rolled to one side and was jarred myself from the impact and I was thinking. 

"Damn I am too old for this. 

I think that I may have sprained my ankle...well so much for that idea." 

Miguel came up on his knees with a look of surprise on his face. 

Then he smiled through the obvious pain and tried to stand but couldn't. 

His left arm was handing to one side, useless and obviously dislocated. 

He picked up his shotgun that was stuck in the dirt with his right hand. 

He then brought the trigger guard it up to his temple with the barrels pointed up into the air as if saluting me. 

I looked him straight in the eyes and asked for no quarter. 

Both of us were in pain and Miguel was hurt far more then I. 

We stared and then came to a final silent understanding.

"I think that I shall let you keep your balls, Señor flying elephant." 

He said quietly. 

"I will take your pretty Lady as my own and I promise you no one will ever abuse her." 

Sighing, Miguel brought the shotgun up in front of him like a pistol, aimed and touched off both barrels.........

Amy:

I noticed that Rodney was good at giving orders and not good for much else...perhaps he was afraid for all his bluster.

He certainly was a tough guy when it came to women and cowards like Spike. 

I noticed the deference that he showed Miguel even though he employed him and gave the orders. 

Rodney was afraid of him; I certainly was. 

I know this sounds simplistic. 

Miguel is a very bad man. 

The opposite of Gabriel who is a very good man yet they both smell like testosterone. 

That being the case I would never take up with a killer like him. 

They have a way about them because they are both men's men; one good, one not. 

Many women are attracted to men of Miguel's type and primarily for the sex. 

Certainly not for love; they end up in poverty as addicts, as whores or worse. 

Dead at an early age with very few finding redemption. 

Spike simply reeks. 

And Rodney...well Rodney has no smell to speak of....he just a big blank hulk. 

He was now was looking out the kitchen window with a death grip on Emma's shotgun. 

Spike was trying to drink himself into a stupor. 

When Rodney noticed Spike drinking he walked over and then snatched the bottle from him.

"Go outside and help him look. 

Maybe the cold rain will sober you up."

"But what if he has a gun?" 

Spike asked a second time. 

"If he had a gun he wouldn't be throwing bricks, stupid. 

Obviously he doesn't have a gun or can't call the police for some reason because they would have been here by now." 

Spike was just walking out the door with the flashlight and a large kitchen knife when we heard the explosion.........

Gabriel:

The concussion from the back pressure of the shotgun as the barrels exploded from the mud obstructed bores was deafening. The bulk of the metal hot fragments, wood splinters and deformed lead shot were directed back at Miguel.

I was peppered with the smaller metal fragments and a smattering of #4 lead shot or so I thought. 

I felt myself and then assured myself that none of the pellets or metal fragments penetrated more than a 1/8 of an inch deep. 

Thank God the blast missed my eyes. 

I must have looked like a bloody mess being sprayed with the blood from Miguel's neck and lower face now a bloody ruin. 

When I opened my eyes he was lying on his side; dead. 

I wanted to throw up but could not afford that luxury and I choked back my bile. 

Amy was safe for now. 

I could feel it and I meant to keep it that way because that was all that mattered. 

My heart was pounding with the adrenaline racing through my veins. 

I stood up impervious to the pain; my love for Amy and the joy of still being alive to marry her was all that I needed to sustain me. 

The rain had started letting up when Spike came running up and shined the flashlight on us. 

We must have looked like ghoulish and nightmarish figures in the diffused and reflected light. 

I was covered in gore and blood, mine and Miguel's. 

I unconsciously had wiped my mouth and face a few times smearing things around a bit. 

And with Miguel's lower face missing. 

It may have looked to Spike as if I just ate it. 

Spike was frozen in place with his mouth wide open. 

I watched the large chef's knife drop to the ground from his nerveless fingers. 

He looked up at me and I smiled and said to him matter of factually 

"You're next." 

Spike, what a joke he is; he screamed like a little girl and bolted in the opposite direction of the house. 

I could hear Rodney calling out from the house to them and I could vaguely make out his shape in the open doorway holding the shotgun.




Christmas Angel



"So no matter where you go in the world, whenever there is someone there from Abonaugh, at Christmas there is usually an angel on top of their tree."

We all sat there for a while thinking our own thoughts. There must have been something in those drinks I had been drinking because my eyes had begun to leak and I could hardly see my watch when I looked at the time. I made excuses that we had to go home because we had a busy day planned for the next day.

The next morning came and I bundled up the kids and headed out to do some last minute Christmas shopping. With that accomplished, I headed home and as I opened the door my wife was waiting for me with a big smile. No sooner had the kids stepped into the front room than Robby ran back to me, and excitedly exclaimed, "Come look daddy, we have a new Olga on our tree and not the star that was there when we left. I wonder how it got there?"

What could I do? I went with the kids and stood, looking at the angel on the top of our tree. I admit, it did look pretty good up there, and I turned and gave my wife a big smile and then a very warm kiss. She always was the sentimental one in the family and a sucker for a sob story. Anyways, that's what I liked to tell everyone.

End.