Page 8 of Her Brother's Keeper

We were fortunate there was no house payment, still, there was fire insurance and property taxes, and now a looming inheritance tax debt that I didn’tevenwant to think about. There was just so much my classmates took for granted that I could not, and I felt equal parts blessed for the harsh lesson and cursed. While I knew it was setting me up to be stronger, and more ahead of things than any of my classmates would ever be, I was cursed to have the veil of safety stripped away so soon. I was cursed to have lost my dad…

Still, with everything money-wise that terrified me; that made the next gift all the sweeter. It was a beautiful hand written gift certificate done in calligraphy for free coffee of my choice, any drink, any size, every day for one year from Soul Fuel.

There were a couple of iTune’s gift cards for both me and Sage, and Sage had received a mountain of gift cards to just about every local movie theater which would be good for him and a friend to go. He also received a brand new skateboard, and I was grateful that whoever had thought of that gift, had also purchased a helmet, wrist, elbow, and knee guards and a gift certificate to a local sporting goods store for a sturdy pair of shoes.

There was also a basketball and a basketball hoop meant to be mounted on the house above the garage, a note attached to the back with a phone number and to call it when we were ready to have it put up.

I had also received a beautiful necklace and earring set, garnets in an oval shape, leaves at the top, and so delicate I had to put them on right away. They were beautiful, the garnets large and a deep, rich red that complimented my dark hair and eyes the settings gleaming in that way that said the metal was white gold rather than silver. It was all, just,so much… I didn’t know what to do.

I’d saved the last gift in the pile for a reason because it said it was from Nox. I cradled my coffee mug between both hands and stared at the box for a while, debating on what to do about it, more nervous than I should be about what was inside. I tore the paper and found another beautiful wooden box, though this one was quite a bit heavier than the last.

I lifted the little metal hasp on the front and opened it slowly, smiling at the assortment of bath products inside. From bath bombs to bubble bath, scented salts and shower jellies, just about anything I could want or need for a long relaxing soak was there, enough for a month or more of daily use. It was something I could really use – to relax and it was both sweet and thoughtful.

I picked up my phone and sent a text:

Me: Thank you for my gift, I really love it.

I set about picking up the scattered paper and boxes, breaking the latter down for the recycling bin, my phone singing out that I’d received a new text. I bit my lip, surprised at the slight jump of excitement I felt and looked at the screen.

Nox: I thought it might help u relax a little.

Me: It was very thoughtful and very sweet, all of it is just too much.

“These guys are so cool, Maren. Some of this stuff is so awesome!” I smiled over at Sage who was still hard at work on his cube.

“Wow, you have two sides done already. Good job! I could never figure one of those things out.”

“Aw, it’s easy! Who are you texting?”

“Nox, I wanted to say thank you.”

“Tell him thank you from me, too?” he asked and I nodded. It was nice to have my sweet little brother back for the moment.

“Will do, Sage.”

“Thanks,” he murmured but he was fully absorbed in the toy in his hands again.

Nox: Ur brother like his?

I smiled and tapped out a response.

Me: Very much so. He asked me to tell you ‘thank you’ and honestly, that’s the best gift you and your club has given me this Christmas. He’s distracted, he’s my brother for the time being. You have no idea what that means to me.

“Sage, I’m going to take some of this stuff out to the garage, okay?”

My brother looked up and asked, “Do you want help?” I blinked and shook my head gently.

“No, I just wanted to let you know where I was going, thank you for the offer, though.”

He nodded and said, “I love you sis; I’m sorry I couldn’t get you anything for Christmas.”

“I love you, too, Sage and you just did. Best Christmas present ever.” I sniffed back some tears and stuck my phone into my back pocket, taking the recyclables out to the big blue recycling bin and stuffing it down.

My phone came through with a text, and as soon as I was finished wrestling with the trash, I looked.

Nox: He been giving u a hard time?

Me: Yes and no. I don’t think he knows how to deal with the fact that I’m it. There’s no dad here to tell him to listen to his sister. We’re both still trying to cope.

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