The Christmas gift - a Christmas story - Chapter 15
Terrence had his hands full with the puppies the previous night. He hardly slept a wink and eventually just put the puppies into bed with him. They were both snuggled up behind his back when he woke up the next morning. They looked so calm and peaceful that Terrence felt bad that he had to disturb their sleep but he had to go and get ready for work.
In the last few weeks, Terrence had become one of the most trustworthy people working at the store. Ever since he took Jonah home his life changed so much. He felt more loved and for the first time in a very long time he felt as if he belonged somewhere. Terrence left the puppies to sleep while he showered and then he took the puppies with his blanket and put them back in the box. He had no other choice but to take them with him to work, but it was only for one day and Mr Williams wouldn't mind that.
Terrence brought some extra food and a little bit of water and left the puppies in the box in the locker room. He would just have to check on them every hour or so, but he thought they would be fine. Just as he entered the store through the locker room, he bumped into his boss. Mr Williams smiled at him and walked away, but then turned around and called Terrence back. He asked Terrence to follow him to his office.
Mr Williams invited him to sit down and he asked the secretary to bring them some coffee. He took a seat on the other side of his desk and smiled at Terrence.
"Terrence, over the last three years you have been one of the most trustworthy people that I know. You have integrity and that is what I'm looking for in a person. You get the job done. I've been meaning to talk to you about this for a while, and I think today might be your lucky day."
"Thank you Mr Williams, I enjoy working here."
"As you know I've been thinking about retiring for the last few year and the old ticker is not what it used to be... During our last conversation you mentioned that you used to work as a retail marketer and I did a little digging on you...and I hope you don't mind, but your references turned out great, and I would like to appoint you permanently. I'm looking for someone to take over the store as manager. Would you be interested?"
Terrence felt the confidence sliding back into his system and he didn't think twice when he answered Mr Williams.
"I would love to help you out Mr Williams."
Mr Williams shook his hand and told him that they would take care of the paperwork after Christmas. They briefly discussed his salary and Terrence felt like a new man when he walked out of the office. He was so excited and couldn't wait to tell Maria. She would be thrilled for him.
Maria left Jonah with the neighbor while she went to the hospital to fetch Mindy. Mindy looked so much better and Maria was looking forward to spending the day with the two kids. She had so much planned and wanted to give them a Christmas eve that they would remember for a long time. Terrence was coming after work and Maria couldn't wait for Gabriella to arrive.
When Maria was sure that everything was under control in the kitchen she called the kids to go with her to the store. She had to find a present for Gabriella, and half an hour later she found the most perfect little dress. She was going to help Gabriella do her hair and everything was just going to be perfect when Terrence arrives.
By four o clock they were all sitting at the lawyer's office and Mr Settler arrived a few minutes later with Gabriella and the social worker that helped Maria get the restraining order against Jack. She told Maria that she was going to put her into foster care with Maria, until they can sort out the paperwork with Gabriella's dad, but things did not look good with Gabriella's mom, and she thought Gabriella was better off with her dad. The social worker was cutting corners all the way, but she was determined to bring a family together.
Gabriella was the most beautiful child Maria has ever seen. She had the same kind blue eyes that Terrence had and she nearly had pitch black curly hair. She was very shy, but she started to unwind quickly when Jonah spoke to her. They seemed to get along very well, and by the time they all arrived home, it was nearly five o clock.
On their way home they stopped to take out a Christmas tree, and because they did not have transport, Maria arranged for it to be delivered at her house. When they all arrived home the tree was already laying on the porch, and all four of them helped to drag it inside.
Maria quickly ran a bath for the girls, and then Maria helped Gabriella get dressed and did her hair. She looked like a little princess. Gabriella was totally relaxed with Maria, and Maria felt proud of what she had done.
Everything Maria bought fit perfectly, and none of them could wait for Terrence to arrive. Jonah went to the garage to take out all the Christmas tree decorations and everyone looked forward to setting it up later. Maria wanted to do it with everyone together.
Gabriella and Mindy helped Maria set the table while Jonah sorted out the Christmas lights. They worked like a perfect team and by six o clock everything was ready and set up.
After work Terrence quickly went back to the shelter to take a shower. He bought himself a new pair of pants and a shirt and he looked very handsome in his new outfit. He was quite impressed with himself. He grabbed all the presents he had bought, and put the puppies back in the box.
He was so excited to share the good news of his job with them, and couldn't wait to see the kids faces when they saw the puppies. He did somewhat of a balancing act to carry everything, but just after six, he walked up the steps and rang the doorbell.
-To be continued
Chapter 1 - https://steemit.com/fiction/@giantbear/the-christmas-gift-a-christmas-story-chapter-1
Chapter 2 - https://steemit.com/fiction/@giantbear/the-christmas-gift-a-christmas-story-chapter-2
Chapter 3 - https://steemit.com/story/@giantbear/the-christmas-gift-a-christmas-story-chapter-3
Chapter 4 - https://steemit.com/fiction/@giantbear/the-christmas-gift-a-christmas-story-chapter-4
Chapter 5 - https://steemit.com/fiction/@giantbear/the-christmas-gift-a-christmas-story-chapter-5
Chapter 6 - https://steemit.com/fiction/@giantbear/the-christmas-gift-a-christmas-story-chapter-6
Chapter 7 - https://steemit.com/fiction/@giantbear/the-christmas-gift-a-christmas-story-chapter-7
Chapter 9 - https://steemit.com/fiction/@giantbear/the-christmas-gift-a-christmas-story-chapter-9
Chapter 10 - https://steemit.com/fiction/@giantbear/the-christmas-gift-a-christmas-story-chapter-10
Chapter 11 - https://steemit.com/fiction/@giantbear/the-christmas-gift-a-christmas-story-chapter-11
Chapter 12 - https://steemit.com/fiction/@giantbear/the-christmas-gift-a-christmas-story-chapter-12
Chapter 13 - https://steemit.com/fiction/@giantbear/the-christmas-gift-a-christmas-story-chapter-13
Chapter 14 - https://steemit.com/fiction/@giantbear/the-christmas-gift-a-christmas-story-chapter-14
#life
Henry David Thoreau:Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you’ve imagined.Oh no man I wanted to see how pleased he was to see his daughter.
Your post is great, keep it up. I look forward to see more of this. I follow you. Thanks.
what a beautiful story.. and Gabriella sound like such a wonderful kid
This looks like it mat just turn out to be a very joyous Christmas for everyone!