Notes: Gabrielle is from “Xena Warrior Princess” which belongs to StudiosUSA and MCA. All other characters are fictitious and are of my own creation. Please send comments to dante0220@yahoo.com .



Introduction

Gabrielle, Bard Queen of the Amazons, writes….

I am enjoying helping David and Angela to remember their pre-joining adventures. I definitely see more and more of what makes their relationship so special.

In this scroll, we see their first Solstice together as a couple. Truly a time of joy and peace for all. And then there is an extra special item as well….

David, it seems, had another surprise for Angela.



Chapter 1 [December 15, 1992—SMU Library]

Dave sat at the reference desk watching the students milling about the index tables and database computers. The semester was winding down, bringing term papers and finals.

It also brought the usual dose of student panic and paranoia.

Which also made his moods fluctuate more than usual and stirred up the Child.

Get a grip on yourself, Dubois! He sipped on the water bottle that he always carried with him at the desk while musing about the pills back in the office. Wish Tamiani would let me take them out here. He rubbed his forehead while seeing a student’s hand go up. He smiled. Becky Jennings usually has good questions! He headed over to the junior co-ed’s side. “Hey, Becky, what’s up?”

“Glad you’re here, Dr. Dubois. I was wondering about subject searches. I’ve been trying some of these but they’re getting me nowhere. Mind giving me a hand since I’ve tried already?” she asked.

“Sure thing,” he concurred. For the next seven minutes, he suggested strategies and they inputted the searches. Finally, they had some results. “That should get you started.”

“Think I can get an appointment at some point?” she supposed.

“Just email me, Becky. I’ll get you in there,” he assured her. “Just relax and you’ll be fine.” He made his way back to the desk to find Rudi Tompkins, one of his newer colleagues, waiting there. “Hi, Rudi. That time already?”

The petite African-American female nodded. “That report’s waiting in your door slot. Tamiani wants it this afternoon.” She smiled. “The draft just needs a few changes. Go to it.”

“Thanks, Rudi,” he expressed, feeling a little upbeat at least while grabbing his water bottle and taking off for the office. The instruction report needed to be done before he could start on his end of the year paperwork.

And that needed to be done early due to the class reunion going on during Christmas week.

It’s going to be so weird seeing everyone again. Wish I could remember more about it. He sighed while looking at the ream of paper sitting by his door. “Back to reality.”

“Love that paperwork,” Polly Jones cracked.

He rolled his eyes and smirked. “You and me both. Rudi just let me know there are only a few more points to go over.”

“Before you do that, Dave, you and me—student center. It’s time for you to take a break,” she insisted.

“Polly, the report….”

“Either you do it or I’ll sic Caroline on you,” she vowed.

He sighed, knowing Polly would back that threat up. “Fine. Soda break, it is. I just need to get my pills.” He put the report down on his desk and grabbed a small bottle from his backpack. Then he walked back out. “See? Just did it.”

“You’re definitely learning. Course you haven’t shut the door yet,” she pointed out wryly. When he had done so, she added, “And without a fuss too! There’s hope for you yet.”

“Don’t quit your day job,” he muttered.

“I heard that,” she giggled as they headed out the door.


****


[Student Union—fifteen minutes later]

Having braved the crowd (and the snack line in the process), the two librarians sat at a corner table enjoying the view over the white covered landscape and their drinks of choice.

“Glad to be out of there for a minute,” he admitted.

“Could that be an admission that you’re working too hard?” she supposed. Seeing him grimace, she put her hands up. “It’s okay to let your hair down once in a while.”

“It’s tough when you’re new. You don’t want to be letting anyone down,” he declared.

“Including your girlfriend? That’s still new too, Dave. Have any ideas for Christmas?” she wondered.

“I had a couple of them. After our trip at Thanksgiving, I noticed a few things,” he replied nervously.

“Such as?”

He shrugged. “Angie was remarking to her mother how she wanted a cameo like hers. I know I can get a cheap one anywhere but I want it to be special. Any idea where I’d go?”

“Try Delano’s at the Burlington Mall.” She considered him for a minute. “My word. Could it be that Mr. Research is actually having a romantic plan brew in his head?”

“I’m not that bad. You know that,” he insisted. “I’ve made sure she’s stocked in roses and poems.” He smiled at the thought of Angie’s enjoying them. “Besides there’s the reunion trip after Christmas.” He grinned at that one.

“You’ve got that look again,” she told him warmly.

“And what’s wrong with that?”

She shook her head. “Absolutely nothing. You’re loosening up. Good for you! You get to the jewelers right after dinner. Got it?”

“Yes, ‘m,” he agreed, looking forward to that trip.




Chapter 2
[Delano’s Jewelers—Burlington Mall—About the same time]

Angie stood in front of the display considering the cameos in the case in front of herself. As Dave had deduced, she coveted each of the pins. They’re so expensive. She bit her lip.

“Something of interest, Miss?” the salesman asked.

“I’m…just looking. They’re awfully nice,” she sighed hesitantly. Between her student loan payment in addition to Dave’s and her parents’ presents, she couldn’t do that too. “They’re just like my mother’s.” She shrugged disappointedly and wiped her eyes while looking at her watch. “I’m late anyhow. Thank you so much.” With that, she left the store.

The salesman frowned, wishing that he could do something more for her.


****


[Four hours later]

The salesman checked the clock, knowing that the owner liked the doors to be closed right at 8:00. He did a quick sweep of the display cases. Then he noticed Dave standing in front of the cameos. Wonder what he would like? “Would you like to look at one of those, sir?”

“Yes I would. How are you this evening, sir?” Dave replied with an anxious smile. “I was looking for an Austin cameo. It’s for my girlfriend.”

“Ah! Very nice. It just happens that the particular piece is popular today. A young lady was in here earlier looking at the same one. She said that these were just like her mother’s. Quite a shame really,” the rep. noted.

“Really? She said that?” Dave asked before realizing what was going on. “The woman—dark hair in a pony tail, kind of skittish, brown suit, white blouse and diamond earrings, right?”

“Exactly!” The salesman stared at him. “You just described her to a tee!”

“That was my girlfriend.” He looked at the display and eyed the prices.

Them there’re ‘pensive! The Voice protested.

I don’t care! This is for Angie.

Yeah, yeah fer ‘er. ‘Ways fer ‘er! With that, the Voice went silent.

“Sir?” the salesman asked.

“Hmm? Oh sorry. I checked with her mother. She definitely said it was the Austin. How much?” Dave insisted.

“They go for $200 but I’ll go down to $175 because it’s for the young lady.”

“Take a credit card?” Dave asked while pulling out the plastic.

“Of course,” the representative agreed while taking it and running the transaction. “Might I wrap it for you?”

“Thanks but I want to include it in my own display,” Dave declined while signing the slip and accepting the little bag from him.

“Thank you, Dr. Dubois. Can I say something else?” Getting a nod, the salesman continued, “You’re going to make her Christmas.”

“That’s my hope. Angie’s one of a kind. Thank you for the thought and for the sale. Have a great night,” Dave assured him before leaving.

The salesman closed the display and the store; the frown was already turned upside down by what he’d just seen. Very nicely done, sir. Very nice indeed!



****


[Alvarez House—Thirty minutes later]

Dave rushed through the front door just as the Alvarezes were preparing to sit down for dinner. “Hi, everyone.”

“You just made it, Dave,” Dr. Alvarez noted. “Where’d you go?”

“He had a side trip, Daddy, to Burlington,” Caroline indicated.

“Angie’s Christmas present actually. This is why I pulled those overtime sessions at the library last week,” Dave explained while pulling out the little box. “Angie wanted one of these. Now she’ll have one.” He opened the box.

“Wow!” Mrs. Alvarez declared while eyeing the box in surprise.

“What? Great! I know it’s a lot but….” Dave snapped the case shut. “And according to the salesman, she was there earlier looking at this very one too.”

“Really?” Caroline asked.

“Still that must’ve cost you a fortune,” Dr. Alvarez argued.

“It was marked down from $400.00 to $175.00. I can deal with that if it makes Angie happy. Look, I haven’t bought anything like this since the earrings this summer. This will be her first heirloom piece from me. And she really has her heart set on one too,” Dave explained as he put it back in his coat pocket and washed his hands. “After dinner, can I put this in the safe?”

“I insist on it,” the superintendent affirmed while the younger man sat down. “In fact, that brings up another question. What were you planning on Christmas Day?”

“Nothing much. I was going to ask Angie to join us for dinner if that’s okay with you,” Dave indicated.

“That will be fine. We were thinking of hosting a Christmas celebration here,” Dr. Alvarez informed him. “Maybe her parents might come?”

“I already asked actually.” He slumped his head. “They can’t leave the farm. Oh well, Angie’s not going to be alone at least.”

“I just hope she’s not too floored especially since she knows the price tag,” Mrs. Alvarez worried.

“Me too. But I think she’ll like it,” Dave concurred while digging into the mashed potatoes.




Chapter 3 [Christmas Eve]
[Angie’s Apartment]

Dave sat in Bessie’s driver seat and checked his watch for the third time. Please don’t let Moten keep her tonight! He leaned back against the leather; his eyes glaring laser beams into the ceiling.

At that moment, he saw her Sentra pull into the space across the lot. Thank You! He got out and walked through the cold to her car.

“Hi!” she greeted as she saw him coming. “Sorry I’m late. Staff meeting ran over.” She grimaced.

“It’s okay,” he assured her. “Just wanted to know what you wanted to do tonight.” They kissed.

“I…uh… bought your Christmas present on my lunch hour. Mind turning around so I can get it into the apartment?” she requested.

“Sure,” he agreed while turning around.

She fished out a bag wrapped around something square and shut the car door. “No peeking!” She ran up the stairs toward her door.

“No peeking!” he relented while waiting for her.

“All right! Come in, Sweetums, and get your cocoa! I’m not letting you freeze out here!” she instructed while opening her door and going inside. She placed the bag in her bedroom.

“Right here,” he agreed while coming in. “You’ve got that tired thing going.”

“Always,” she lamented before flipping on the smile. “At least I’m done until New Year’s Eve though! Can’t believe they’re closing the unit for the week! I can’t wait to see your high school and everything in Amherst!”

“That’s going to be awesome,” he agreed while taking his shoes off and sitting on her couch. “Is there something else going on?”

“No. Why?” she asked.

“You had that little moody thing going. What’s wrong?” he inquired caringly.

She shook her head. “Six months in and you can already read me like a book.” She smiled at him. “No wonder I like you so much.” She sat down beside him. “I was at the mall tonight. Mama and Daddy gave me some money for Christmas. I went to the jewelry store for something I wanted. It had been sold a week ago.” She sighed.

He had to really focus to keep his face straight. “What was it?”

“An Austin cameo. I shouldn’t be so extravagant but it was marked down from $400 to $200!” She shook her head in disappointment. “I should have known it was too good to be true.”

He hugged her shoulders with his right arm. “There are other Austins out there, Princess. I’ll get you one some day. That’s a promise.”

“David Dubois, don’t you go spending $400 on a present for me,” she insisted pointedly. “You don’t have that kind of money!”

“All right,” he conceded but worrying he was going to get a lecture on the next day from her. “But I will have the money one day, Angie. When I do, you’re getting one with the first check. No argument.”

“When we have it, fine,” she relented while leaning against him. “I’m getting the water going. Be back.” She got up and put the water on the stove. “That’ll take a few minutes. What did you think about dinner?”

“Whatever you have is good. I’m in it for the company anyhow,” he informed her with a grin.

“You’re bad!” Angie scolded playfully. “Mac and cheese it is then!” She took a couple of microwave boxes from the freezer.

Maybe it wasn’t the most gourmet thing in the world but Dave didn’t care at that moment.

He had the lady and the surprise brewing…and that’s all that mattered to him.





Chapter 4 [Christmas Day]
[Alvarez House]

Dave stirred from a deep and contented sleep. Cocoa and macaroni had been great the night before. Music was awesome.

And the cuddle session with a certain brunette country doctor was priceless.

“I can definitely deal with this,” he indicated while getting up and throwing on his sweats. He headed downstairs to find Caroline and her mother at work already on the food. “Merry Christmas, Ladies. Use some help?”

Mrs. Alvarez smiled at him. “And good morning to you too, David. Have a good time last night?”

“Always,” he agreed while grinding coffee beans.

“Karen says Merry Christmas too by the way. She and Mike are flying back home tonight. They should be here day after tomorrow,” Caroline added.

“I hope you gave them my best. You should’ve woke me,” he indicated.

“You have enough going on this week. Speaking of which, you have your present set yet?” Caroline pointed out.

“Flowers are waiting in the lab. Cameo’s in the safe. And Angie’s sleeping soundly. All in all, a great morning,” he supposed while starting the coffee maker. “Well shall we get to prepping?”

“You can start on the potatoes,” Mrs. Alvarez directed warmly. “And David?”

“Yes?”

“It’s good to have you back on holiday prep duty.”

“My pleasure,” he agreed while chopping potatoes again.



****



[Angie’s Apartment—9:00 AM]

Angie sat anxiously at her living room window wrapped in her favorite quilt and sipping on a cup of coffee made from the beans Dave had left as a “warm up” gift on the previous night. For the first time, Christmas excited her almost bringing her back to when she was a little girl on the farm.

A light snow fell—not enough to coat the ground for long, mind you. However it was enough to emphasize the mood.

In the corner of the room, a newly knitted afghan and the cranberry sweater she had bought for Dave waited to be wrapped for that afternoon.

But it was a Christmas of firsts for one key reason.

It was the first one when she wasn’t alone. She had a loving boyfriend on that day for the first time. She swallowed a gulp from her coffee cup to emphasize the point.

As she did so, the phone rang.

Now who? She answered it, “Hello?”

“Hi, Angel! It’s Dad. Merry Christmas! How’s my girl?” her father replied.

“Great, Daddy! Merry Christmas! Did you, Mama and Brother Tony get your packages from Dave and me?” she inquired.

“We sure did. I can’t believe that boy can write poetry like that! Brother Tony is going to read his in services this morning. Hope David doesn’t mind,” he commented.

“I’m sure he won’t,” she assured him. “Well you should be over there pretty soon. Wish you and Mama could be at the Alvarezes this afternoon.”

“We’ll be there in spirit, Angel. Here’s your Mama. You take care and give our best to everyone there,” he concluded.

“Hi, Angie! Merry Christmas! Did you get our envelope?” her mother greeted.

“I did. Thank you. Merry Christmas! How’s your sweater?” Angie replied.

“It fits beautifully. As for David’s handiwork, land sakes! I agree with your father. He sure has a talent. You did get yourself something, didn’t you?” Mrs. B asked.

Angie sighed sadly.

“What happened?” her mother asked.

“I’ll wait until we’re in Amherst day after tomorrow. I went by Delano’s…..”

“The cameo was gone.” Jennifer could feel her daughter’s disappointment.

“Somebody bought it right after I left last week. Hey, we deal with disappointments, right? It’s too much anyhow, Mama. Besides I have my beautiful diamond earrings from this summer,” Angie maintained while wiping away the disappointed tears.

“Chin up, Honey. Some day when it’s time, you’ll get one,” her mother assured her.

“Dave promised me one with the first big check he gets from his dream job some day,” Angie revealed. “Honestly, Mama! He spends enough on me as it is!”

“Now, Angie, that young man loves you. He definitely impressed your father last month and me as well. As long as he picks his spots, let him spoil you,” Jennifer insisted. “Just keep your eyes open, all right?”

“Sure. And what am I crying about? He’s my greatest Christmas present. I’m being silly!” Angie chided herself.

“Now that’s better. Sorry, Dear, but your father and I need to run to get to church on time. Best to everyone in Scituate!” her mother concluded.

“Merry Christmas and best to everyone at the service. Pass along our regards to Brother Tony as well,” Angie concluded before hanging up. She leaned back in her chair. “This can’t get any better.” Hearing the phone again, she answered it, “Hello?”

“Hi and Merry Christmas, Princess!” Dave greeted. “How’s my girl this morning?”

“And Merry Christmas to you too, my Sweetums! You are relaxing this morning, right?” she greeted back.

“Actually no. I’m taking a break from meal prep to check in with you. The snow’s something, isn’t it?” he told her.

“It adds just the right touch. I’m sure that poetic muse of yours is working overtime with it. Oh they all loved their poems by the way,” she informed him. “Brother Tony’s reading his to the congregation this morning.”

“Oh brother! Well what good’s art if it’s not shared?” he replied. “Speaking of sharing art, what time do you want me there?”

“I can be ready in an hour. I’d like to help in some of that stuff too. Tell Mrs. Alvarez and Caroline to save me some work. And I have your present too here. You have their stuff there?” she pointed out.

“It’s wrapped and ready to go.”

“And my surprise? I know you have something there too. Fess up!” she insisted.

“I might have something ready,” he retorted playfully while getting a chorus of arched eyebrows from the Alvarezes on that particular understatement. He shrugged. “You’ll have to wait until you get here though to see it.”

“Ooh! I hate waiting!” she groused.

“Anticipation makes for a richer sauce when the dessert is finally served, Angie. It needs proper aging,” he told her. “Trust me; you’re going to love it.”

“So sure, are you?” she supposed. “I do have my standards.”

“I have faith so sue me. Brother Tony’s work and all of that,” he fired back.

“Can’t argue with that,” she conceded. “See you in an hour. Bring your mug for that chocolate-cherry java of yours and a kiss for me. Got it?”

“I think I can manage something,” he declared while glancing up the stairs toward where her surprise waited. “See you soon, Princess. Wear your jewels. They sparkle with your eyes. Love you.”

“I love you,” she concluded before hanging up. “Better get to wrapping then.” She got up from the chair and went to work.


****


[An hour later]

Angie ran back in the living room in her white blouse and her blue slacks. “Hope this is okay.” She tossed her apron on top of the wrapped presents.

A knock came from the door. She opened it to find the boyfriend in question holding an empty coffee mug.

“Coffee patrol. Need to inspect the goods, Miss,” he cracked while raising the cup.

She arched her eyebrow. “Oh really? I guess I better let you in then.” She shut the door. “Have the other thing first?”

“Merry Christmas, Princess,” he purred before pulling her into an embrace and kissing her. Then he looked at her face and neck, imagining what the cameo was going to look like pinned against her blouse. “Need help with anything?” he made himself ask while breaking away from his introspection.

“Get your coffee first. Then we can load the presents,” she instructed.

“Never argue with the doc,” he fired back.

“Not this one anyhow,” she concurred with that statement.




Chapter 5 [Alvarez House—Forty-five minutes later]

After a cup of chocolate-cherry bliss and loading the back seat, Dave and Angie drove back up to the Alvarez house. The interstate remained wet and clear. The grass bowed under a slight covering of snow. The wind gusted.

“That is something, isn’t it?” she supposed from the passenger seat.

“I’m taking it slow for a reason,” he replied while looking at her. “I’d rather arrive a few minutes late with you safe and sound.” He glanced at her again, thinking of his gift for her again.

“You okay?” she asked.

“Sure. Why? What’s going on?” he replied.

“You’ve been looking at me a lot.”

“You’re beautiful. Sue me.”

She blushed. “That’s not what I meant. What exactly do you have up your sleeve?”

As they pulled into the driveway, he shrugged. “That, Angie, is why it’s called a surprise.” He smirked. “Points for trying to get it out of me. Thanks for playing.”

She frowned. “OOHHHH!!!!!!!! I’m going to find out!”

He rubbed her hand. “Yes you will and sooner than you think. I would have brought it with me but the family wanted to share in the moment. Didn’t think you’d mind.” He kissed her cheek. “This is why it’s called Christmas. Come along.”

She shook her head as they brought their things into the house. “Hi, Everyone! Merry Christmas!”

“Merry Christmas, Angie,” Dr. Alvarez greeted. “How’s your day been going?”

“Very well all things considered, sir. Dave’s driving me crazy. He’s up to something,” Angie replied while exchanging hugs with everyone in the room.

“Say, Angie, why don’t you help me in the kitchen?” Caroline offered. “Dave, isn’t there something you need to touch up upstairs?”

“That’s my cue,” Dave noted while rushing off in the direction of his bedroom.

“While he’s doing that, we’ll put those cookies in the oven,” Mrs. Alvarez noted.


****


Dave took off his coat and hung it in the closet. Then he eyed the vase of red roses and babies’ breath which rested on the nightstand. It’s almost done! He opened the case and carefully removed the cameo before placing it in the large bloom at the top of the arrangement. Wish I had time for a poem but this should be enough. He took a deep breath and carried the vase out of the bedroom and down the stairs toward the front room. “Everyone, front and center please!”

“Dave, what’s going on?” Angie demanded. “Is that what you’ve been so on edge about? A vase of roses?”

“Could be.” He set them down on the end table. “Take a whiff of them and see for yourself.”

Seeing everyone else urging her on, Angie looked at her boyfriend curiously. She considered the vase and slowly worked her way up through the blooms, savoring their scent. As she reached the big one at the top, she realized, “There’s something in there.”

“Could be,” Dave replied cryptically. “Sniff and see.”

Angie rolled her eyes and did so. As she leaned over to smell the blossom, her eyes went wide. “Goodness me! It can’t be!” She picked out the cameo. “This is the one I was looking at!”

“It definitely is,” Dave agreed.

“And it was…” She turned around. “You bought it?”

“Uh huh. Angie, I knew how badly you wanted it at Thanksgiving, all right? We weren’t going to get a chance like this one again. At least it wasn’t $400,” Dave explained. “I want you to be happy. You…uh…like it?”

Her eyes watered and she smiled. “I love it! Dave, would you mind doing the honors?”

“I’d be delighted,” he agreed. “Let’s go over to the mirror so we can both see.” When they were in front of it, he buttoned the top button on her blouse’s collar and fastened the pin on top of that. “There! Pretty as a picture if I do say so myself!”

“Which you just did,” Caroline cracked.

“It’s okay, Dave.” She smiled and her eyes sparkled. “I can’t believe this.”

“Merry Christmas, Princess,” he told her before kissing her cheek. “Thanks for making everything so special.”

“And the same to you,” she concurred while turning and kissing him passionately. “Now let’s not keep them waiting, shall we?”

“Nope. I agree with that,” he noted as they headed back toward the others and the rest of the unwrapping process.