Dix

 

December 24

 

Rain pelted the tin roof while Kelly stirred the flour and oil mixture with the long-handled spoon Eula handed to her.

“See how it’s starting to brown.”

“Yes, it’s changing color pretty quickly.” Never had she imagined she’d enjoy a cooking lesson so much. But with Denny at the table chopping vegetables, Mameré Milla grinding meat for her rice dressing, and Chelsea arranging plastic eating utensils in a basket, the action seemed more a family delight than a lonely chore. She soaked in the differences in their culture and food and reveled in the family atmosphere. She felt like family here. The stirrings forming in her heart were a tad more difficult to justify than the article forming in her head.

The back door flew open. “Hello, anybody home?”

A balding man with kind brown eyes similar to Denny’s stood in the doorway. He held a bag full of gifts. A short redhead followed with another bag filled with gifts.

“Carroll and Sherry!” Eula embraced them. “How’s Mr. Poret?”

“Doing well. We got him settled at home. He’s glad to be there and Sherry’s mom is happy she can nurse him back to health.” He smiled. “We’ll drive back tomorrow after lunch.” He approached Kelly and extended his hand. “You must be Kelly Shepherd. I’m Carroll Labouve.”

Kelly wiped her hand on the dishtowel then embraced his. “Nice to meet you.”

He introduced her to his wife. Sherry smiled and shook hands with Kelly. “I see Mama’s got you cooking.”

“She’s showing me the fine art of roux-making.”

Eula moved next to Kelly. “And she’s doin’ a good job.”

Carroll and Sherry exchanged hugs and kisses with the other family members and within minutes had assumed jobs of their own in the filled kitchen. The chatter level raised a few decibels and everyone seemed to talk at the same time. Kelly adored watching the family’s interaction.

Before long, more family members arrived, filling the house with more prattle, some even spoken in French. As each new person arrived, their actions seemed choreographed from the familiarity of past parties. Soon, chairs and tables were set up in the garage, all the food cooked, and couples or groups stood or sat about, enjoying one another’s company.

Denny appeared by her side. The gentle pressure of his hand on her elbow surprised her. “Kelly, come with me.” He led her toward the back door. “I want you to meet some of my best friends since high school.”

He flipped open an umbrella for the short walk to the garage. As they walked huddled together to avoid the puddles on the driveway, she grew keenly aware of his closeness. When he introduced her to his friends, Kelly recognized the look of expectation with each new introduction—as though she might be the great hope of romance for their friend. In some ways she enjoyed the flattery, but in another, the feeling left a sad twinge of discomfort. This was not her world.

Just as Denny led her toward another group, the jingle-jingle of silver bells chimed. “It’s time to gather in the house. Mameré Milla is ready.”

Once again, huddled under the umbrella, they followed several family members into the crowded house. Every sitting surface held a body as did much of the floor. Most of the men stood along the outer edges along the walls. Denny led Kelly to an empty chair between his mother and Chelsea.

Eula patted the chair when Kelly approached. “We saved you a seat.”

Kelly lowered into the chair. “Thank you so much.”

Chelsea giggled. “I love this part.”

Denny crouched as he walked around the front to stand behind Chelsea and Kelly. He placed his hand on Chelsea’s shoulder and bent over to kiss the top of her head. “Love you, babe.”

“Love you, too, Dad.”

Mameré Milla stood next to the cane-filled cedar and raised her hand. A silence spread through the crowded house. “Welcome, everyone. I am so grateful to be here another year to enjoy your smiling faces again.” At her words, applause replaced the silence.

“So are we.” Carroll shouted.

She smiled. “As you know this is my great pleazah each year at Christmas to share this story with you and to get to hug each and every one of my family. I don’t know how many Christmases I have left, but when I’m gone I want you to know that this filled me wit’ joy.” She sat in the chair of honor, her worn rocking chair. The children scooted forward to sit near her feet, but left a clear path directly in front of her.

“Now, I’d like all my children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to come receive my special gift.”

A wave of voices spread through the house as old and young worked their way into a line. The oldest of the children, Eula’s brother stood before his mother’s chair. Kelly sat close enough to see the sparkle in Mameré Milla’s eyes and hear the exchange. The elderly woman gazed lovingly into the eyes of her offspring as she handed them the candy cane/dollar bill combination. “I love you and thank God you’re a part of my family.” She spoke the words with sincerity and love as she embraced each one.

Kelly fought the sting of tears when Denny approached and leaned over to hug the frail lady. Mameré repeated the same words to Denny then patted his cheek and added, “I pray dat your time for love comes soon.”

He slid her hand from his cheek and kissed her palm. “Your prayers are always appreciated.”

When Mameré had one cane left, she stood. “Now that each family holds the very meaning of Christmas, I want to tell you a story.” She stepped around to the back of the rocker and used the back for support. Her twinkling gaze traveled the breadth of the room. Kelly wasn’t sure which one shone brighter, the lighted tree or the joy-filled woman.

She took a deep breath and began telling her special story. A legend she’d heard from her Mamére. “Once upon a time there was a candy maker who wanted to make a special candy for Christmas. One that would remind everyone about the reason we celebrate this wonderful day. So he set to work in his kitchen and tried many different ideas: chocolates shaped like the Star of David, green and red striped taffy, manger-shaped bubble gum, all good ideas but none satisfied his desire. Den late one Christmas Eve as he sat in his shop tryin’ to think of an idea, he dawdled with two pieces of yarn, a white piece and a red one. As he twisted them together an idea came to him. He worked through the night and early on Christmas Day he finished the first batch of red and white striped candy canes.” Mameré lifted the cane and held it upside down. “You see it forms a letter J, a reminder that Jesus is why we celebrate this day. The white symbolizes his purity while the red reminds us of the blood he shed for each one of us. You hold this special gift from me because God gave us a gift more than two thousand years ago. The dollar bill, I’ve added as a reminder of the richness we have because of this and also as a reminder not to be caught up in the commercialism of the holiday. Always remember, that the coming of Jesus is why we gather to celebrate.” Tears glistened in her eyes as she stepped around the rocker and walked toward Kelly.

Kelly’s heart began to race.

“We also have the gift of a young woman who we’ve adopted as our own this Christmas.” When she reached Kelly, Mameré grabbed her hand and encouraged her to stand. She whispered in Kelly’s ear. “Would you share your candy cane story also?”

Kelly gazed into her aged eyes. “I don’t know.”

“Please. I know we’ll be blessed by your father’s words.”

At the thought of her father, Kelly struggled to keep the tears from bursting forth. She nodded and allowed Mameré to guide her toward the rocker.

Mameré began, “This is Kelly Shepherd. She’s visiting us from Denver, Colorado and is writing a story on the Cajun Christmas culture. We are blessed and honored that she chose to spend her Christmas wit’ us. Kelly’s father, who passed on to be with our Lord this spring, used to tell Kelly a candy cane story too. Give her your attention while she shares her story wit’ us.” Mameré squeezed her hand and handed her the last candy cane. “Go on, sha.”

Kelly’s pulse raced. Denny nodded then winked at her. Both Chelsea and Eula shot beaming smiles. Kelly strengthened from their encouragement.

Dad, this is in your honor. She gulped then began.

“Every Christmas for as long as I can remember, my father would give me a gift with a candy cane taped to the top. Once I’d opened the present and thanked him for whatever he’d given me, he’d point toward the candy cane. I can hear his words today as though he were sitting right here with us. ‘Kelly,’ he’d say, ‘see this candy cane? It’s in the shape of a shepherd’s crook. A reminder for you and everyone that Jesus is our Savior, our personal shepherd who wants to guide us back to His flock when we’re lost. Remember, if you’re ever lost, He’s there to guide you back.’” Kelly paused and enjoyed the pressure of Mameré Milla’s hand in hers. She continued. “I want to thank each of you for making me feel so welcome here. Your family is wonderful, and I hope you appreciate just how lucky you all are to have each other.” She hugged Denny’s grandmother and returned to her seat amid the sound of applause.

When she met Denny’s gaze, her resolve nearly melted. His wide smile greeted her. “Thank you.” He gave her a gentle hug. “You did good.”

“Kelly, now you’re like Mameré. You’ve got your own story.” Chelsea’s excitement transferred to the hug she gave Kelly. The tightness made her catch her breath, but the warmth of acceptance misted her eyes.

 

****

 

Denny swallowed the lump in his throat. Seeing the joy in his daughter’s eyes and the way she flung herself into Kelly’s arms, warmed his soul. When he looked into Kelly’s eyes, he knew beyond any doubt she’d stolen his heart. How? He’d only known her a few days. And too many uncertainties prevented anything more.

As the family spread about, Kelly was swamped with aunts, uncles, and cousins wanting to thank her or just to get to know her. For the next few hours, at least one or two members of his family monopolized her attention. Denny stood in the background and reveled in watching her interact with his relatives. Children ran in and out of the house to the garage or played in the middle of the living room floor. The bustle of the family resumed to the roar of its previous level. He chatted with various aunts, uncles, and cousins as he made his way to the garage. Although, the rain continued to fall at a steady pace, the intensity had decreased. He walked to the corner of the garage where a commercial-sized coffeepot was set up. As he poured himself a cup, a familiar voice caused his back to stiffen.

“How ya doin’, sweetie?” The slurred words floated across time to his flinching ears.

He turned to face the blonde curls and blue eyes of someone who, for a brief moment, he’d thought might have been a possibility for him. “Franny, it’s been a while.”

“Two years, eight months, but who’s counting.” She wrapped her arms around his neck nearly spilling his coffee. She whispered in his ear. “Thought about you often, Denny. Miss you, a whole lot.”

He eased out of her clutches and glanced toward his coffee cup. Her presence unnerved him.

“Anything interesting in that cup? I can help you out.” She patted her purse.

Her meaning hit Denny like a bolt of lightning. The distinct smell of alcohol raked across his nostrils. Franny Aucion was drunk. “Did you drive here alone?”

“Sure did. I’m staying at my mama’s house for the holidays. Even though she’s gone, I still like to visit the ole’ neighborhood. Especially old boyfriends.” She winked at Denny. “Remembered ya Mama’s party tonight.” She smiled a seductive smile that caused him to flinch. His mother would not appreciate a drunk Franny at her house. But he couldn’t just ask her to leave. There was no way he would let her get behind the wheel of a car in her condition. “Franny, how much have you had to drink?”

“Enough to feel no pain.”

“Maybe I should drive you home.”

“Oooh, Denny.” She rubbed his shoulder. “That sounds real good.”

He scanned the garage, looking for someone to help him. He sighed when he caught the attention of his cousin Gary. With his fingers, he motioned for him to come over. “I need to ask a favor.” He pulled his car keys from his pocket. “Would you follow me to Franny’s mom’s house? Here’s my truck keys.”

Gary’s brow furrowed as he looked from Denny to Franny.

“Denny, we don’t need company.” She pointed to herself then to Denny. “Sugah, jus’ me ‘n you.”

Gary nodded then reached for the keys. “Sure thing, I’ll be right behind you.”

Denny searched the crowd to see if his mother or Chelsea were nearby, but couldn’t find either one. He didn’t want to leave without telling them what was happening, but he didn’t want to leave Franny alone to find them.

“Gary, tell Melinda to let Mama know what’s going on and that we should be back in time for church.”

“Will do. I won’t be long behind you.”

“C’mon, Franny. I’m taking you home.”

Denny led the staggering woman by the elbow through the drizzle to her car. She fumbled through her purse to find the keys to her Buick. Although, he knew this was the right thing to do, a dreadful fist tightened in his gut.