A part of me hopes that Parker doesn’t give up, even if I know our relationship won’t work. I head to the front door and peek through the side and see it’s a delivery man.
I open the door and smile. “Good evening.”
“Good evening, ma’am. Are you Caroline Cole?”
“Yes.”
“Please sign here.” I sign and accept the delivery. I haven’t ordered anything. Still, I wonder if it’s from my brother overseas.
“Thank you.” He nods and then heads down the stairs into a sleek black SUV. I step inside the house and close the door. Smiling, I look for a name, but there’s no return address.I open the small brown box, and I’m shocked when I read the note.
Day one of learning not to be a Christmas hater
Underneath is another box wrapped in expensive gold holiday paper. I set the brown box on the side table and then sit on the sofa and open the pretty wrapping. A gasp falls from my lips as I stare at the adorable trinkets.
Inside, there are two ornaments: a rose-gold cookie and a matching taco. My smile is so big and wide I think my cheeks are going to burst. I can’t contain my happiness. I hang them on my tree right away. There is no information on who sent them, but I don’t need a name. The tokens inside say it all.
I read the card again and again. He wants to change for me. A man I’ve just met. It seems like total bullshit, but can it be real? The card doesn’t have anything else on it, there is no contact information, and the delivery driver hadn’t said anything else, so maybe Parker will stop by later, at least, so I can thank him for his adorable gifts. I stare as they shine perfectly with the lights.
I try not to wait, but I find myself distracted. I keep peering outside, pacing back and forth and checking the front window to see if his car is outside. That’s when I remember that I have snow that needs to be shoveled. Popping on my winter gear, I step outside and then go to work, clearing the snow from my front steps and the walkway. I’m just about finished when I see his sister come home.
She waves at me, and I return it. She has her hands full, so I holler, “Do you need any help?”
“No, I got it,” she grunts, shutting her passenger door with her hip. I understand her to a tee. I’m like that too. One trip, and I don’t need any assistance from a soul.
“You’ve got enough going on there.”
“I suppose you’re right.” I laugh. “Goodnight.” I wave and finish the last two feet before putting my shovel in the garage. I go inside and make hot cocoa and sit on the sofa with a movie.
The moon is high in the sky when I finally give up waiting for another doorbell ring. It’s past time for me to call it a night, and it’s clear he isn’t coming. I pull two pillows from my bed and make myself a little cozy spot on my large sofa to nestle down. My eyes focus on the tree and my two new ornaments until I finally fall asleep.
****
When I moved in, I bought stickup cameras. I attach it to my car when I park and want to see if someone tries to send me a nasty message today. I’m not bothered about it because I received such a sweet note last night.
The day goes fine for the most part, but then I get a note again.You’re a stupid bitch.This time I have it recorded, and I drive home to check it in the safety of my home. I make sure no one is around, then I go inside. When I check the footage, it’s Tom. Seriously, why is he doing this? He didn’t even seem to like me, and yet he’s leaving nasty notes.
I send him a message.
Me:Tom, stop with the notes. You don’t even like me, so why are you harassing me?
Tom: I’m not doing anything to you. You’re crazy.
Me: I’ll go to the cops.
Tom: You’re nuts.I send him a screenshot of him putting the note on my car.You better not call the cops or I’ll ruin you.
ME: Just leave me alone.
I try to calm down, but I’m stressed out. As I walk around my house, I wonder if he knows where I live. The doorbell rings, and I jump out of my skin. I peek out, and it’s the same delivery guy from yesterday. “Thank you,” I say as I accept it. This box is so much larger than yesterday’s gift.
“My pleasure, ma’am.”
“Do you know who is sending these?”
“I’m sorry, but I’m not given that information.” I nod and thank him again, even though I don’t believe it. He just isn’t allowed to tell me. I close and lock the door before opening.
Day two of learning to not hate Christmas
