The Look Of Love

Chapter 39: Mary Christmas

The Friday before Christmas break is always one of Mary's favorite days. Seniors, who have completed all mid-term exams, didn't have to go to school. Which is why she is being a lazy bum, lounging around in her pjs. 

She checked her clock. The girls would be coming over in two hours, to help get things ready for tonight. She thought about what to do with her time.

She knew not to run to Lori's room, upon pain of death, as Lori always sleeps late. So, breakfast and gift wrapping it is. Creeping downstairs, she stealthily walked to the spacious kitchen. Verbena stood by the stove humming There's No Place Like Home For The Holidays. Mary began singing with her. 

"Oh Mary you startled me," Verbena said wiping up some spilt batter. Mary apologized and asked what the breakfast menu is. "French toast with fruit and bacon," she answered.

Mary squealed with delight. "Verbena you're the best cook ever. I love your French toast!" she praised. Mary sat at the kitchen island and watched her whip up many delicacies. She strummed her fingers on countertop. Knowing her favorite cook is a wise person, she asked another question "How did you know you wanted to marry your Tom?"

Verbena continued to cook, while she replied. "We were young, probably as young as you and your young man. He was getting ready to ship off to the war. We had been dating for awhile, you see. He told me the one thing he wanted to do, before he left, is marry me. We loved each other a whole lot. I knew I didn't want him to leave, without knowing how deep my love went. I accepted his proposal and we married two days before he left."

Sighing dreamily, Mary asked if she felt she was too young when she married. Verbena stopped stirring the batter, and looked at her young friend with kind eyes. "No. I knew it was what I wanted. It all starts with the relationship. If the relationship is solid and strong, and filled with love and communication, then you'll know if marriage is the right choice.  You have to follow your heart, and wise advice from those you trust the most... but mostly your heart," she explained. 

"Verbena you always give the best advice. Now, can you give me the best pieces of bacon?" Mary pleaded. They both laughed, as she grabbed her breakfast tray (with the best pieces of bacon). She wandered into the sunroom. It's a great place to sit and eat, what with all the windows and natural light. She clicked on the TV and turned the channel to Press Your Luck. "Come on! No Whammy! No Whammy! Stop!" she yelled at the screen.

The morning rolled along much the same, lazy and stress free. She wrapped gifts, one for every friend. There's even a little something for Bobby, even though they agreed to exchange gifts on Christmas Eve. He will be so surprised, she can't wait!

Finally, at about ten thirty, Lori entered the upstairs lounge area. Mary took the chance to tease her, "Sleeping Beauty awakes from her slumber". Lori tossed a handful of bows at her head. "Verbena made French toast and bacon for breakfast. You better get it before it gets cold," Mary informed.

"I will. Are you ready for tonight? It's going to be so fun," Lori remarked. She was looking forward to all the fun games, especially the Christmas movie drinking game.

Mary started cleaning up all of the wrapping trash. "Totally! I think everyone will enjoy it. You don't have to be raunchy to have fun. And it will get the guy's minds off the tournament tomorrow," she stated. Lori agreed and left the room to go eat.

Thinking about the tournament made Mary nervous. She really hoped they would all win, none more so than Bobby. He's been training so hard, and his Sensei has been relentless. Mainly, she'll be glad when it's over so Bobby can rest.