Subj: A Christmas Story- A Parallel Christmas ch 4
Date: 12/11/00 10:53:25 PM Central Standard Time
From: Melissa
"All right David you've been very patient, why don't you be Santa and pass out the gifts," Elizabeth said to her nephew.
David jumped up excitedly, and began to pass out the gift he got from under the tree. Elizabeth smiled, she loved Christmas. No matter what happened during the year, no matter what fights took place between any of them, at Christmas they were together, and as close as any family could be.
When David was finished handing out the gifts, they all took turns opening their gifts.
Elizabeth was pleased to see that Vicki like the leather bound journal she had gotten for her. She had been worried about Julia's gift. It had been so hard to find just the right gift for Julia.
Elizabeth loved having her at Collinwood; she was such a good friend, always there for a talk.
All doubts flew from Elizabeth's mind when she saw the look on Julia's face. "Oh Elizabeth thank you, it's wonderful," Julia said running her hands along the spine of the old book.
"Pride and Prejudice was always one of my favorites as a girl. Jane Austin is such a wonderful writer, she is so modern, yet not so. I always felt like she was speaking to me."
"I know what you mean," Julia said, "I'll cherish it forever."
"I think that's it," Roger said, "Thank you everyone."
"Uncle Roger this isn't a business meeting," Carolyn said, "Mother would you read A Christmas Carol?"
"Wait," Barnabas said, "Julia has one more gift." He handed Julia the box once again.
As she opened the box Barnabas turned to her and began to speech to her, "Julia, we've known each other for over three years now, and you've always been there for me. You've been a better friend then I have, and I want to thank you for that. I don't know how I could have missed it all but I am sorry. I hope that you can forgive me."
Julia looked at the gift inside the box, "I can forgive you Barnabas," she said.