Under The Mistletoe

Part 20

The First Candle

We finished cooking just as the sun was beginning to set. I knew from my reading that the menorah gets lit at sundown. I looked at Avi and took a deep breath. We had both cracked and told his parents about our current living situation. There was some tension, but it was dissipating. Avi took my hand and led me into the living room to start the festivities.

I left Lizzie with my mother and went to my father's side to set up my Menorah beside the family one. He smiled that smile at me and just hugged me close and kissed my forehead. We placed the first candles on each and chuckled together. "I forgot how much I love this."

"I am glad you are here and that you brought Lizzie. I hope this becomes a solid tradition." He looked up at Lizzie as my mom stood with her and his smile was so warm and welcoming, then he looked at my mother and a tear slipped down my face. It was so clear how much they loved each other. I looked at Lizzie and smiled with all the love I held for her in my heart. Then the women joined us in the living room. I offered Lizzie my hand as my dad offered my mom his.

I was so nervous, but I felt all of the love in the room and it was calming. I took Avi's hand and prayed that I didn't screw anything up. Pronunciation of other languages was not my strong suit. I knew they would walk me through it though. I met Avi's eyes and smiled. He and Mike lit the middle candle and then used it to light the one on the far end. We all joined hands and they led me through the prayer, line by line. I sighed when we got to the end, feeling confident that I would definitely have it down by the last night.

My father nodded at me and my mother and we started singing. We went through the first verse and my dad joined in the chorus. I smiled at Lizzie and nodded. Since the chorus was repeated she should be able to join us. I squeezed her hand gently.

I joined in on the chorus quietly. I was still a little unsure, but I did my best. The melody was pretty, even though I had no clue what was being said. I squeezed his hand back and smiled.

"You have such a lovely voice." My mother smiled at Lizzie. She looked at my dad, "how about a couple in English and we close with Amazing Grace?" My dad agreed. "Avi?"

"The First Noel? Sound good?" I looked at Lizzie to make sure that she was good with that one.

I blushed at the compliment and nodded at the suggestion. "Thank you. It's been awhile since I sang last." I prepared to follow their lead.

"Were you in a choir?

"Yeah. All through high school and college. I also did musical theater. Feels like a lifetime ago."

I smiled at mom and counted out the song. We sang two more and closed with Amazing Grace. "Alright. Let's eat. Who is hungry?"

My dad laughed. "Aren't you always?"

"Not always, but close to it."

I helped set the table and get the food out. It was so good. They all took turns explaining to me the significance of each dish. The conversation was light and easy. We finished eating and cleaned up the kitchen. All four of us retired to the living room.

As the night moved to a close the tension began to grow again. If I knew my mom, and I knew my mom very well, she would have at least one more thing to say about Lizzie and I living together even for just a month. I hoped she would surprise me and not but the conversation was headed that way.

I remembered the gift we brought. "Oh. I almost forgot about this." In an attempt to break the tension, I pulled out the gift bag and presented it to his parents. "We hope you like it."

My dad jumped up like someone kicked him. "Forgot too. Hold on." He rushed out and came back with two gift bags. "I'm sorry it's not something fantastic. We didn't know what to get you, but wanted to offer you something of comfort." He looked to my mom for guidance as to which package to give to whom while I tried not to laugh. It was always that way. He handed the smaller bag to Lizzie and the other to me. "Happy Hanukah, kids. Love you." He kissed my forehead and smiled at Lizzie not sure if he was allowed to kiss her or not.

"Give her a hug dad," I whispered as quietly as I could. He hugged Lizzie. "Sorry, I know what to do with Darien when he comes out. Avi has never brought anyone home for Hanukah, so this is very new." He sat back down and handed our gift to mom. "Is it too soon to hope to be able to give you guys one gift next year?"

"DAD!"

I giggled. "I love hugs. Thank you for the gift. You didn't have to get me anything, but I appreciate it." I blushed at Mike's question. "I would like that. Fingers crossed." I laughed it off. I opened my bag and found a cute mug in beautiful shades of blue. It was filled with several packets of flavored hot cocoa. There was also a pair of warm fuzzy socks. "Thank you so much. I love hot cocoa and socks. Plus this mug is my favorite color and it's a really good size."

I beamed. "I got that right the first time you asked me." I opened my gift and closed it. "Mom, was this you?"

She laughed.

I opened the bag and pulled out the flannel pajamas and the card fell on the floor. I laughed so hard I almost fell over. "You really shouldn't have."

"What? It's been years since I've been able to buy you flannel pajamas. You dropped the card. Open it later, when you are home, okay?" I was still laughing when I hugged her. My dad hadn't stopped. "There a tin of tea in the kitchen for you. You'll need to be sure to take it home with you as well."

I settled back on the small couch next to Lizzie and eyed her collection of cocoa. "Looks like you got a good selection there."

"Be good and I will share, maybe." I winked at him and waited anxiously for them to open their gift. Mike held the bag and Shelly pulled the gift out. She gasped and just ran her hands over the stitches. She looked up at me.

"This is stunning. Did you make this?" I nodded and beamed at her.

"I did. I hoped you would like it."

I smiled and took Lizzie's hand. "We need one." I tried to say it quiet enough so that only Lizzie heard, but my mother still has a mother's ears. She looked up at me and practically glared for a second then went back to talking to my dad. I didn't move a muscle and sighed. "Well, we should probably head out. Even adult children can outlive their welcome."

"Avriel, don't be that way."

"No, mom. I love you. It's time for me to go for now. We'll be back."

I suddenly felt very uncomfortable. "Thank you for having me. I truly enjoyed it and I am looking forward to learning more about Hanukkah." I hugged both of his parents and let Avi lead me out.

I hugged my parents and kissed my mom's cheek. "Soon. Thank you." My dad and I blew out my Menorah's candles so I could take it home with me.

He kissed my forehead again and reminded me that he loved me. Then walked us outside. He pulled me aside after I put Lizzie in the car. "You can't say that you didn't know."

"I know, Dad. It just makes sense."

"Does it?"

"Yes. It does. We'll tell her family about me and work towards meeting them. In the meantime, we will spend this month in the same home. It's kind of stupid for us to pay two utility bills and two rents. We are together all the time anyhow. I don't know how to sleep alone anymore and I don't want to."

My dad just nodded and smiled, then chuckled lightly. "Good for you son. I'll do my best with your mother. Stay safe okay. I seriously doubt she could handle that." He smacked my shoulder gently and hugged me tightly. "I love you son, drive safe. Don't forget your card when you have some time to yourself." I said goodbye and got in the car to go. He waved as we pulled out.