Continued Silence

Four : but the silence was so comfortable

1st January, 2010

The best new year's day of my life.

Like all new year's days, we sat down and munched an epic breakfast and then exchanged some gifts. It was just kind of a tradition in our family.

I didn't have much money as I had spent most of my pocket-money in buying a brand new laptop, even though my previous one was still working fine. (Yeah, I had done P.H.D in how-to-waste-the-money).... so my gifts weren't that costly but who the hell cared?
Gifts were gifts. I believed the only thing  that mattered was how we presented them.
I gave a beautiful emerald locket to my mother and on it was written: family forever.
I bought an impressive watch for my dad, who loved them as he was the greatest watch-collector I'd ever seen.
The most tough decision was to give present to my brother. I thought much about it and then finally gave him a comely red frame with his picture featuring me. That picture was captured two years ago. We were hugging and smiling our innocent smiles.
It occurred to me that how fast the time traveled like a train.

Eventually one day, we all would become old faces in a photograph.

Then I got my gifts. Dad gave me sequel of my favourite video game:
The space wrecker.
Chris gave me the book: To kill a Monkingbird, which I had wanted to read since forever.
Atlast, when it was my mum's turn, she stood up and sat beside me with a big gift in her warm hands. I unwrapped it as swiftly as I could and found a big blue album. Above it was written: Memories. I hurriedly opened it and that was the most precious gift I had ever received. So many pictures were there. Memories of a life that was been loved.
The moment when I first took my steps, when we visited New York back in 2000, when all of us were at a museum. All those pictures were in a single album. I couldn't thank my mum enough. I hugged her and didn't let go. She was the best.

"See, I told you Steve, he would love it." She spoke to my dad.
My dad laughed and put his arms around us. Later Chris joined in too and we hugged awkwardly but comfortably for an infinte forever.
I was so glad. I had a family.

Later that afternoon, I helped mum in making a large feast, as my aunt Sophia, my great uncle Phil and their kids would be here soon.
Dad and Chris were watching television when my dad lowered the volume and said,
"Anderson has invited us all for the party this evening at his home."
My ears suddenly became alert as  I kept mixing the cream in my coffee.
My mum said,
"Oh, is that so? Well I'm pretty busy because Sophia and her kids are coming. I have loads of work to do."
Mum looked at me and then at Chris,
"Well maybe we should let the boys go and enjoy."
I could feel excitement in me already. Chris replied,
"Sure. We all will get to know Mr.   Anderson too."
After a brief pause, dad said, while staring at me,
"What about you Daniel?"
I nodded silently.
Mum eyed me weirdly and said,
"Daniel, it's been five straight minutes and you are still mixing your coffee."
I stopped moving my spoon in endless circles and replied,
"Yeah, uh sorry."
My dad smiled and said,
"Don't you guys drink there. I strictly prohibit it."
We both nodded like good boys and I went to my room. We both weren't allowed to drink unless we were above sixteen, which would take few more years.

Time flew like a falcon and it was already 8:00 p.m.. One hour was left in the party and I still hadn't decided what to wear. For me, it was the most difficult job. I really needed to wear something best. I fished in my closet and after endless decisions, I wore a plain white shirt, a black tie and black jeans. I combed my hair perfectly to a side and applied the smallest dab of perfume. I was ready.