A Simple Thing

Angela paused as she heard a door open somewhere behind her. She took a deep breath, mentally preparing herself for the argument that would no doubt come. She stepped down from the ladders, folding them and resting them against the wall, next to the object that would likely start the argument. Keys rattled on the table as he dropped them, and she faintly heard the swish of fabric as he took off his jacket. Bags crinkled as he put them onto the table and she heard him curse softly as one of them split.

He walked into the room, stopping to lean in the doorway, a half smile on his face.

"What is that?" He asked, looking pointedly at the object. It stood in an otherwise empty corner of the room, filling it nicely, she thought.

"It's a Christmas tree." She said, tone serious. "A Norway Spruce to be precise."

"I see." He said laconically, "And what is it doing in my living room?" he continued in the same tone of voice. He looked around the room, taking in the paper banners strung from the ceiling.

She looked at the watch on her wrist. "John, it's the 24 December. Christmas eve? Ring any bells?" She said, mimicking his tone of voice.

She thought the corner of his mouth moved into an almost smile, but wasn't sure. He didn't know what to think, and felt his mouth twitch again, the smile dying to get out.

"Here," She said, tossing a few strands of tinsel to him. "Put them on the tree." She ordered him.

He caught the shiny garlands on reflex, looking down at them wearily, as if he expected them to bite. Glancing from his hands to the tree, he took a step towards the tree. It wasn't that he didn't do Christmas, he'd just never had anyone to celebrate it with for so long. His mother had always been out with her friends or a lover and he'd been left alone. Christmas had always been a non event in his life.

"Uh, where at?" He said, wondering if he sounded as stupid as he felt. She flashed a winning smile at him, moving to stand next to him. Taking the blue and silver tinsel from him, she wound it onto the tree, stepping back to admire her handy work. Even John had to admit that the tree looked good. The tiny lights and decorations sparkled, sending patterns of light dancing across the floor.

Bending to rummage in the box at her feet, she soon found what she was looking for. An old, slightly worn angel balanced on her hand. She rubbed her thumb over a delicate lace wing gently, eyes misting with tears. This angel had been on every tree she and her sister had decorated together. Handing it to John, she asked him to put it on the top of the tree. He took it from her, and gently settled it on the top branches. She swiped at her eyes, feeling silly for crying. He wrapped an arm around her, pulling her close.

"Merry Christmas, Angela." He said, kissing her as she melted in his arms.