Epilogue
Christmas Eve
Vinny
It was hard for Tommy to admit, but on the way home from the evening service he told me that he’s more relaxed hanging out at his new house than at his old one. He said, “Your parents aren’t so strict about everything I do. I can even burp and not be scolded.” I’m glad he’s happy with us, but I’m kind of sad he had to grow up that way. I’m starting to understand how close to impossible it would have been for Tommy not to disappoint his parents.
As soon as we get home, everybody changes into sweats and pajamas. Then we all find comfy spots to lounge in the family room to enjoy the lights on the Christmas tree.
Mom passes around the box of special Italian chocolates she buys for every holiday. “The Christians Unite Church is a positive place to be, don’t you think?” she asks as we gaze at the tree.
“The sermon was motivating. It made me want to do some more volunteering, and not just for graduation hours,” Dee admits. It makes me happy to see her leaning against Tommy’s side, like she did when we were kids. “Did you like it, Tommy?”
“I really did… I never thought I’d go to church again after what happened… you know, leaving Our Guardian and splitting with my family. But now I don’t think it was God that I had a problem with, maybe just with how religion was handled in my life.”
On the loveseat, Mom and Dad nod at him. “I’m glad you feel that way.” Mom seems completely happy for the first time in forever. “We have a long day tomorrow. You kids will need energy to open all your presents, so don’t stay up too late.”
Dad pulls her against him. “Santa Claus went a little wild this year.”
“I have an extra loved one to spoil.” She winks at Tommy.
“And Dave is coming over for dessert tomorrow night, right?” Dee and Dave are closer than ever before. Her question makes Tommy smile, and I think it’s because he likes to see some parts of our family of choice united.
“Dave called me this afternoon and said six o’clock sharp,” he says. “He’s hoping for chocolate turtle cheesecake and I told him that I thought I saw Aunt Gina making it.”
“Are you giving away my secrets, young man?” Mom asks Tommy.
He laughs and ruffles Dee’s hair. “Would I do that?”
Within a couple of minutes, Mom, Dad, and Dee head up to their bedrooms, leaving Tommy and me to give each other our ornaments. We saved it until tonight, rather than exchanging gifts in the Volvo after the holiday fair. The two of us move to the floor beneath the Christmas tree and find our gifts for each other from the pile in front of us.
“I don’t even feel like I need a present from you, Tommy.” I can’t believe I’m going to say this. “I’ve got you all to myself forever. I don’t really want anything else.”
“Are you trying to get me to bawl?” He slugs my arm. “Now cut it out and give me my damned present.”
“Here… As you can see I went with the gift bag.”
“Tradition… and super easy.” He takes the bag from my hand and pulls out a round green and orange ornament. He reads the writing on the front, “My boyfriend goes to Stephenson College and all I got for Christmas is this stupid ornament.” He laughs.
“Do you like it?”
“Of course I do. And I could have given you the very same ornament. Good thing I didn’t.”
A few days ago, Tommy got word that he’s been accepted to Stephenson, and on an excellent scholarship. He’ll start second semester. The coaches were already aware of his high school record, watched some video of him, and talked to the Wynne Academy coaches. He’ll be on the soccer team next season. We have plans to work out together throughout the spring and summer to get ready.
“There’s another one in there,” I say.
“You got me two ornaments? That’s a break in tradition.” He pulls out the second-round ornament, wrapped in red tissue. “Oh, wow! It’s a Stephenson College Soccer ball ornament!”
“It started out as just a mini stuffed soccer ball—a baby toy from the college gift shop—and I added the hook.”
“Thanks. I love these.” Tommy gives me a hug and then stands and hangs them on the tree. “Your turn.” He drops down beside me and hands over a small giftbag with tiny red and green hearts on it.
“Love the hearts, T.”
“I knew you would.” He grabs my hand as I reach into the bag. “I broke tradition too.”
“What did you do?” I pull out a tiny bunch of tissue and open it to see two sterling silver rope chain bracelets.
“One for you and one for me.”
“They’re awesome. I forgive you for breaking tradition.”
“Let’s put them on each other.”
“But we can’t take off the old ones. They have to fall off on their own.”
We place the new bracelets on each other’s wrists beside the ones made of string.
“These bracelets are sturdy. They can’t be torn apart,” Tommy says.
“Just like you and me.”
The End