think about you

chapter twenty.

Gerald smiled at his mom as he handed her her present. She looked up at G skeptically as she shook the box.

"Open it up, Ma." He chuckled.

Susan laughed as she tore open the wrapping paper and opened the tiny box. She let out a gasp and her eyes began to well up with tears.

"Gerald!" She slapped his arm as he wrapped his arms around his mother.

"Merry Christmas, Mom." He pecked her forehead. "C'mon, follow me."

Gerald took the older lady's hand and brought her outside. On her driveway sat the matching car to go with the keys. Susan cried as she wrapped her arms around her son.

"Thank you so much," she smiled at him.

"Anything for you." He smiled back.

"Gerald, I am so proud of you and all your accomplishments. Being your mother is the best gift honestly, you didn't have to get me a brand new car, sweety."

"I know Ma," G chuckled. "But you deserve it. Merry Christmas."

Susan let out a squeal as she unlocked the car and sat in the driver's seat, taking it all in. Gerald smiled to himself as he watched her play with the stereo.

"I have to go run some errands real quick, Mom. I'll be back." He walked towards the driver's seat. "Go take this bad boy for a ride."

"Will do," she laughed.

Ge stuffed his hands in his pockets as he walked down to the bus stop. He smiled at his neighbors and took pictures with fans as they were astonished to see a local celebrity take public transportation. As his bus arrived, he thanked everyone for their love and support. He hopped on and as he was going to insert money, the driver smiled at him.

"Merry Christmas, Gerald." The bus driver smiled. "Back home for the holidays?"

"Yes ma'am," he chuckled.

"Find a seat, this ride is on me."

"Thanks Linda." He smiled at her. "Merry Christmas."

Gerald found himself an empty seat and plopped right by an elderly couple. He tried to respect their privacy but he couldn't help but smile as he overheard them talking about this being their fortieth Christmas together. He wanted something like that honestly, as much as he would deny it, it was something he always wanted.

Seven stops later and the bus finally reached G's destination. He wished the elderly couple and Linda a Merry Christmas before hopping off. He stepped down onto the sidewalk and took in the fresh Oakland air. He began walking up the block and stopped at the Gillard house. He let out a deep sigh as he rang the doorbell.

He heard someone laughing as they headed towards the door to answer it. The door swung open and there stood Avery looking ridiculous in her ugly Christmas sweater. He stared down at her with a huge grin plastered across his face as he tried to hold back his laughter.

"G," she cocked her brow. "What're you doing here?"

"Was in town for the holidays and decided to pop by." He shrugged.

"Who is it?" He heard an older woman ask as she walked towards the front door. "Oh, Gerald! Come on in!"

Both women stepped aside for him to enter. He followed them inside to the living room. Mr. Gillard was sitting in his usual chair and to his surprise Evan and his new wife were lounging on the couch.

"Gerald," Mr. Gillard chuckled as he saw the younger boy standing there.

"Mr. Gillard," G smiled as he walked over. "Merry Christmas."