Damaged Memories

Part 14

"Merry Christmas, beautiful," Patrick whispered as Grace woke from her slumber. When she opened her sleepy eyes she saw him perched on his pillow like a swimwear model, studying her face and she immediately pulled the duvet over her head, praying that she hadn't been snoring or drooling on her pillow. "Oh well, I guess that means you don't want your present then," he said before he proceeded to climb out of bed.

"Wait!" Grace said excitedly, throwing off the covers and sitting upright. "I never said that."

He smirked and sat back down on the bed, gently pushing her hair out of her eyes. "Well, I have something small I want to give you now, but I also have a gift under the tree for you, for when the family is here."

"Patrick! We agreed on only one present each! You shouldn't have – you've spoilt me so much already this week."

"I know, but when I saw it in the shop window a few days ago it made me think of you, so I had to buy it," he said before he reached under his pillow and pulled out a small present about the size of a book, wrapped perfectly with shimmering silver wrapping paper and finished with cherry red ribbon and a bow. He placed the parcel in her hands and she took it, feeling the edges for clues before she began to untie the ribbon carefully. "It's only something small, but I hope you like it," he added before she lost patience and tore off the wrapping paper in one fell swoop to find the most exquisite red leather journal which had an inscription stamped into the leather on the front cover. In italics it read, My dearest Grace, Love always, Patrick.

"For all your novel ideas," he said with a small shrug as she ran her fingers lightly over the inscription.

"My god, it's beautiful," she whispered. The journal was held closed by a long piece of leather, the width of a shoestring, which was wound around the outside a number of times, and hanging on the bow was a shiny silver lighthouse charm. "I love it. Where on earth did you find this?"

"Well, I actually bought the charm separately and attached it myself," he said, averting his eyes away from hers then back again. "It's not too cheesy is it?"

Grace shook her head. "No, not at all! It's perfect. In fact it's probably the most thoughtful gift that anyone's ever bought for me. You're too good to me Patrick."

He smiled then leaned over and kissed her softly, tapping her gently on the nose.

"I'm glad you like it. Merry Christmas. Now, come on. Time to get this party started," he said as he rubbed his hands together then jumped off the bed excitedly, heading for the bathroom.

A few hours later the apartment was in full Christmas spirit. The turkey was omitting the most salivating smell from the oven, Carol was busy preparing the vegetables in the kitchen, while Les and Patrick were sitting at the breakfast bar sipping on ice cold beers, waiting for the family to arrive. Grace had been given the task of setting the table after her Thanksgiving creation had been marvelled by all back in LA, so now she was desperately trying to outdo herself.

She took a step back, tilting her head to the side as she admired her work of art, pleased with what she saw. The enormous circular dining table was covered with a red table cloth and there were sixteen places set, each with shiny white plates, red napkins and a gold Christmas cracker on top. Two sizes of sparkling crystal wine glasses sat at each place and long thin white candles were dotted around the table in elegant silver candle holders. But the centrepiece in the middle of the table was the real show-stopper. In a wide sterling silver vase sat an arrangement of Christmas fauna including holly, red roses, decorative apples and green foliage. It really did look magnificent.

When Grace glanced back to the red roses a vision of her rosebush at home flashed before her eyes and an unexpected wave of sadness swept over her.

"Are you alright?" Patrick asked, arriving at her side. Perhaps he'd noticed that she was staring blankly at the arrangement, so she shook off the haze and smiled bravely.