Christmas and Tchaikovsky

Chapter 5-Conclusion

Libby spent the rest of Christmas week helping Artie and making sure the shop ran as best as it could with just the two of them. As she worked, she thought about all the times Michael had stayed over late to help. How he would suddenly appear when a heavy box needed moving or nail up twinkle lights. Since he had been working there, Libby had not taken one load out to the dumpster. It was more than that though, she realized. He truly listened when she spoke and seemed to understand her grief over losing Reggie. She was ashamed to admit that she knew very little about his personal life. She knew about his studies but had not even asked him what his plans were after graduating. She knew he had grown up in St. Louis and moved to Nashville when he started at Vanderbilt. Beyond that, she didn't really know a thing about him.

Christmas day she joined Artie's family for their big, colorful Indian feast. There was always lots of music, chatter, and delicious aromas in their home. Artie's parents affectionately considered Libby one of the family and always made her feel welcome. As per custom, she and Artie were stuck at the "children's table" with all of Artie's nieces and nephews. They seemed to add new ones each year. Artie jokingly called her three sisters "Indian baby making machines." Her sister Laxmi had just sat a plate of barfi, an Indian sweet treat made from sweetened condensed milk, flour, sugar, and various nuts in front of them.

Artie held her stomach, "I cannot eat another bite, I am so stuffed!" Then laughing, she reached for a piece of barfi, "Maybe I have room for just one more little bite."

Libby laughed; she enjoyed seeing her friend with her family. They all seemed so at ease and noisy! She was glad Christmas would be over in a few hours. It had really been a struggle this year. Looking down at her plate, she fought to keep tears from forming. Artie noticing the change in Libby's face immediately, said, "Hey, you okay?" Libby just shook her head.

Artie took her hand, "Come on, let's go up to my old room." Libby allowed herself to be led upstairs. Once in Artie's childhood bedroom, they shut the door and sat on the foot of the bed.

"Missing your dad, aren't you?" She reached for Libby's hand.

"I am, I always miss him, but it's more than that. It's me. I have been so self-involved since dad passed. I had never known loneliness until he was gone. He had always been my rock, my best friend. I've always missed not having a mom around, but he always made sure I had everything. Birthday parties, a sweet sixteen, prom, graduation, on and on. I never really realized how much I depended on him...for everything. It stinks to admit that you are totally spoiled and selfish. I have felt so adrift since he has been gone. The shop has been my salvation, and a huge part of that is because of you.....and Michael. I have not been able to sleep since I figured out last week that he was the one who left all the gifts. Now I know that's why he resigned. I'm not sure why he wasn't at TPAC, but I'm sure it was because I was making such a big deal over stupid Chance Ford. Now he has left, and I really think I may have missed out on getting to know a really wonderful guy."

Artie rocked her while she sobbed her heart out. Once her tears had subsided, she said, "You know, I had thought it was Michael, but I knew he wasn't your type so I just poo-poo'd the idea. I could tell in the way he looked at you, that he was in deep. For all his extrovert ways, Michael is really an introvert at heart, and he never shared overly personal info with me." Artie pulled away and put her hands on either shoulder. "I ask the question again, what are you going to do?"

"What can I do? He made it clear he did not want to speak with me in person. Let's face it, once again, I've blown it." Libby started crying again.

"Where is that McBride fighting spirit? You never give in to anything you truly want. Why does this have to be any different? Go after the guy. See what happens. If he doesn't want to give you a chance, then so be it, but you won't know until you at least talk to the guy." Artie looked like Mrs. Shibad with that, 'you know I'm right' look on her face.