Chapter 54: Chapter 54
When I walk about, I introduce myself to both familiar and unfamiliar faces, and I make sure to provide a warm greeting to everyone. While everybody else is settling down and getting quiet, my father walks up to the front of the room.
"I am aware that some of you might not be familiar with my name, but my name is Christopher Romero. Because my amazing daughter Alyanna Hernandez never finished it, this pool house was never completed. When she was ten years old, she tried to prevent me from completing it on the grounds that she thought it was a waste of money. If they were ten years old, the vast majority of children would probably want the pool house, but no. Because of her intervention, I was able to multiply the amount of money I had already invested in this endeavor by three and give it to three other charitable organizations.
One was for providing clean water to underdeveloped nations, another was for constructing homes in underdeveloped nations, and the third was for the fight against cancer."
"Is it strange that I have no idea what's going on?" "Is it weird that I don't know what's going on?" Mark mumbles something under his breath to me.
"This is done to assist families that do not receive meals or presents. The contents of those cardboard boxes over there are presents for the children who are currently present. Every year we put on this production, and every year he gives this very lengthy speech. It varies from year to year; some years it is tedious and drawn out, while other years it is entertaining and emotional." I have provided explanation. He nods and then falls back in his chair once more.
"I don't know whether you already know this, but my daughter has been diagnosed with cancer for the second time in her life. This time, she might have a solution for the problem. Her incredible husband, Mark, came to her aid, and I couldn't be happier that one of my children has turned out to be as amazing as his wife's husband." To avoid others looking at me, I'm nearly crouched down into Mark's chest right now. Before returning to the rest of the crowd, my dad makes a toast to Mark by raising his glass to the latter's direction. "You've listened to me talk for much longer than necessary at this point. Let's eat." Everyone is eating while speaking with one another, and there is instrumental Christmas music playing in the background. "I don't think I have any more room in my stomach for another bite." I say leaning back and blinking gently.
"Get with the program." Mark takes hold of my hand and yanks me in the direction of an open area.
"What are you doing?" is the question being asked. I groan.
I invite you to dance with me. He gives a happy smile. I sigh but let him pull me in and lead in a slow dance to the song Silent Night. A few other couples make their way over to us and start dancing.
After a few more songs, everybody has finished eating, and shortly thereafter, the tables are pushed up against the walls. I am aware of the circumstances behind the disappearance of my father. The children are given instructions by Maddy to gather around the Christmas tree and take their seats. All of the students, as well as several of the adults who are new to the school this year, are completely befuddled.
"Ho, ho, ho!" I seem to have picked up the sound from one of the entrances. "I had it on good authority that there was a party going on, and I felt it was only right that I should attend." Santa exclaims to all of the children who are coming into clear view.
"Do you mean that?" Even if Mark were to finish, it would not be necessary.
"Yep." I respond with a smile on my face as I think about how committed my father is to this endeavor.
"Hey, you naughty little child, what's your name?" He asks, indicating a person at the front of the group.
"Jason." The child responds while maintaining a cheerful expression.
"Now, Jason, I have a present for you just over here," the narrator said. Jason is about to receive a gift from Santa, so my dad, who is playing the role, stands up from his chair and snatches the item.
"Thanks Santa." The young man grins widely.
"Don't be shy; just go ahead and open it." He encourages. The young child tears it open as quickly as he possibly can.
"A football or a soccer ball! Thanks Santa." The smile returns to the little boy's face.
Thank you for your understanding, and best wishes for the holiday season." The youngster quickly makes his way to his mother.
The distribution of gifts continues until all of the items have been distributed and every child possesses at least one. Even some teenagers make their way over to talk to him in the hopes that he might have something for them. After Mark completed his physical treatment, we went shopping together to purchase some for them.
"I am very glad that I was able to spend some time with you all. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and that we cross paths again in the new year!" My grandfather gives a wave as he leaves the house and closes the door behind him. I pushed a button on the stereo that makes it seem like Santa is climbing up on the chimney. The fact that there are speakers mounted on the ceiling lends credence to the narrative. The children are the children of the in-laws.
My father walks back inside the house wearing his suit, despite the fact that he is beginning to perspire. He makes his way over to us, and I greet him with a bear embrace. "You did so good dad." I said squeezing him tight.
"And how are you doing with the sound effects?" He does so in an effort to distribute the accolades more evenly.
"Just keep your mouth shut and accept your share of the credit. You are entirely responsible for this." I smile.
"But, if it weren't for you, that event never would have taken place." Before he begins his conversation with the parents of one of the children, he gives me one more embrace and then kisses me on the cheek.
"What exactly are you considering at this very moment?" Mark has inquired about the availability of my zone. "Teaching." I smile.
"I have no doubt that you'll go on to have an incredible career in education." He drags me in closer by wrapping his arm over me and pulling me in.
"I certainly do," you reply. I'm not going to let myself get discouraged by considering the possibility that I won't succeed. It's Christmastime, and there are so many people here who can divert my attention away from the fact that it's the holiday season. At the very least, for the next couple of hours.
That was of some assistance. It was requested by one of the children that I play battleship with them, and I gladly complied with their request. It was beneficial in that it helped to divert my attention. A little while later, the kid told me that she could see the positions of the ships on my glasses, and she said that she saw them. I just laughed it off and replied that I enjoyed myself while playing.
Tomorrow morning, Mark and I have an appointment for radiation, so we'll be on our way bright and early. "Choose a movie." I say to Mark as I hop on the bed next to him. I am sitting next to him.
"You have to get some sleep." He adds while gently pulling my head in the opposite direction. "Yes, but I find that having some background noise makes it easier for me to fall asleep." I say sitting up. You are responsible for selecting a movie at this point. After he finishes his sentence, he stands up and puts his book away. If I choose the movie, then there is a greater possibility that I will desire to see the movie."
This time it's Mark who's coming back. "Am I to understand that you don't think I have decent taste in movies?" Mark inquires with a tone that suggests he is slightly offended.
"No... I'm just saying I know what I like, and sometimes I don't like what you like," she replied. "I know what I like." I avoid gazing at him.
"This is... fresh information to me. Wha-uh-huh. I have no idea how I could have been so ignorant about this." He asks. I can't help but crack up every time I hear that. "What?" He is curious because of the sound of my laughter.
"You're so dramatic." I say still laughing
"Oh, I have a very excellent reason to be," the speaker said. He jumps to his feet in an unexpected manner.
"Will you please be quiet and choose a movie for me to watch?" I say to myself as I'm making myself comfortable and getting ready to go to sleep.
"It'll be like a lullaby, and the title won't even matter," said the narrator. He stands up and walks to his bag in the corner of the room. I'm aware that he brought some, and although I'm not overly thankful, I am appreciative. None of the movies that I own or have access to here are entertaining. It's possible it may be helpful, but watching Mark work through his frustrations would be more interesting to watch.
"You could simply sing for all I care to hear, you know. That is going to be of assistance." His voice is really beautiful to listen to. Because he is aware of the affection I have for his voice, he is not overly astonished by the question I asked.
"I will carry out whatever it is that you desire." Mark mutters something under his breath as he crawls into bed and wraps his arms around me. I lean down close to his chest and let out a long sigh.
"I'm sure you're familiar with the tune." I lower my voice so that it only penetrates his sternum.
"Wise men say..."