Cutler 04 - Midnight Whispers

to be working, not playing here," he chastised softly.
    "Everyone has time off, and I have some pull with the boss," I said, but Gavin didn't smile.
    "I don't want to take a job and not do it right," he said firmly.
    "Don't worry, you won't." He was just like Daddy, full of pride and ready to hoist up his flag of self-respect at a moment's notice; yet just like Daddy, Gavin could be soft and tender, sensitive and loving.
    From where we stood, I could see Mommy, Jefferson, Mrs. Boston, Aunt Trisha and Daddy returning to the house.
    "I better start for home," I said. "It's late."
    "I'll walk you."
    He held my hand and I kept his jacket on my shoulders until we reached the house.
    "Thanks for the use of your jacket," I said, slipping it off.
    "Didn't you feel anything in the pocket?" he asked as I returned it.
    "Pocket?" I noticed that he wore a coy grin. "Gavin Steven Longchamp, what do you have in there?" I demanded. He laughed and plucked out a slim gift-wrapped box.
    "Daddy and Momma gave you a gift from all of us, but this one is just from me. I wanted to give this to you privately," he said, handing it to me. "Happy birthday, Christie."
    "Gavin!"
    My heart pounding in anticipation, I tore open the gift and opened the box. Lying on a bed of soft paper was a beautiful gold identification bracelet. Above and below my name were two hearts entwined.
    "Turn it over," he said softly and when I did so I read: With Love, Forever, Gavin. It took my breath away.
    "Oh Gavin, it's beautiful. It's my best gift," I declared. "But it must be so expensive."
    "There's no one I would rather spend my money on. When I have any, that is," he said, laughing. "Here, let me help you put it on."
    I held out my wrist and he carefully snapped the chain lock into place. As he did so, I gazed at his face and saw how soft and loving his eyes became as his fingers held mine. He finished and then looked at me in that special way that kept me thinking about him often.
    "Thank you." I kissed him quickly on the lips and he stared at me, suddenly looking so much older.
    "You had better go in," he said, "before you get cold again."
    "I'll never sleep tonight!" I cried. "I'll see you at breakfast bright and early."
    "I'll be there early, but I won't be bright," he called as I scurried up the steps. He stood there watching me and smiling as I opened the door and walked slowly into the house, reluctant to put an end to the most wonderful night of my life.
     
    It was nearly impossible to fall asleep, but when I did, I dreamt about my party. Only in my dream, there was an additional guest, a surprise guest who showed up at the very last moment. Mommy was singing "Happy Birthday" and the party crowd was joining in chorus when suddenly, a tall, dark-haired, good-looking man appeared. He walked slowly down the aisle from the main entrance, smiling as he drew closer and closer. Mammy stopped singing.
    "Hello Christie," he said, "Happy birthday." He had the whitest teeth, teeth almost as white as piano keys, and his ebony eyes were glowing softly.
    "Who are you?" I asked while people were still singing "Happy Birthday" around us.
    "I'm your real father," he said and he leaned toward me to kiss me, only when he drew near, his face became Uncle Philip's face, a leering, smiling face with wet lips. I tried to back away, but he seized my shoulders and drew me closer to him, closer and closer until . . .
    I sat up in my bed, sweating and breathing hard. For a moment I didn't know where I was or what had happened. My heart was thumping against my chest. I took a deep breath and hugged myself. Then I felt the identification bracelet that Gavin had given me on my wrist. It comforted me; I could almost hear Gavin saying, "Don't be afraid." I lay awake for a while, wondering about my dream. Finally, my eyelids became heavy and I could keep them open no longer.
    Although it was a bright, sunny morning, I didn't wake up before Jefferson, who I imagine had gone to sleep dreaming of ripping open my gifts. He burst in upon me shouting and I groaned.
    "Can I start opening them? Can I? Can I?" he chanted.
    "Jefferson!" He was patting me vigorously on the leg. "Okay, go ahead," I cried.
    "YAY!" he yelled and went charging out of my room and down the corridor and stairs.
    I moaned again and sat up. When I saw the time, I hurried out of bed. I knew Granddaddy Longchamp would want to get his usual early start to the airport and I was afraid of missing Gavin. Mommy knocked on my