THREAD OF EVIDENCE CHAPTER 4

Chapter 4



         Christmas morning.  Claudia turned off her alarm and went to take a shower before she joined the others around the tree.

         Her parents and Brian were waiting for her when she entered the living room and took her seat on the couch beside Brian.  Her father opened his Bible and turned to the well-known passage of scripture.  Claudia knew he could probably recite it by heart, but knew he didn’t want to leave anything out as he looked at each of them, and down at the crèche that stood in the front center of the tree.

         Then with a strong voice, he began to read.  “Luke 2:1-20. ‘And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.  (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)  And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.  And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

         “‘And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.  And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

         “‘And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.  And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.  And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.  And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.  And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

         “‘And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.  And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.  And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.  And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

         “‘But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.  And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.’”

         Claudia took a piece of paper from her pocket, and read a poem, What It’s About.

“No room, no room they cried that day,

and Jesus our Savior was laid in hay.

His bed was a manger.

He came as a stranger,

To take our sins away.



         “Seek him, seek him the angels proclaimed,

and shepherds in haste to all acclaimed.

Wise men from afar,

followed a star.

And gifts at His feet they laid.

         

“Rejoice, rejoice our Lord did say,

and men did find a Savior that day.

He calmed their fears

and dried their tears.

And taught them how to pray.

         

“Crucify, crucify the mob cried out,

and Jesus our Lord was led with a shout.

The tears He cried,

For me He died.

He is risen is what it’s about!”



Claudia had tears in her own eyes as she finished the simple poem.

         In a choked voice, her mother looked at her.  “That was beautiful.  In a few short lines you have summed up why we celebrate Christmas.”

         “Thanks.  It just came from my heart.”  Claudia looked at them and was proud she was a member of that family.  She loved them so much.

         “From your heart to God’s ear.  I have no doubt God has something special in mind for you,” her father said.

         “Okay how about something to eat.  I’m a growing boy.  I live for food,” Brian said.

         “I can tell,” Claudia said.

         “Funny.  At least one of us eats.”

         “I eat.”

         “Yeah, like a bird.”

         “All right children.  Claudia, want to help me with breakfast?” their mother asked.

         “Sure thing mum.”  She turned to Brian and stuck her tongue out at him.

         “I’m a starving man,” Brian said.

         Claudia gave him a light punch on the arm.  “When aren’t you, big brother?”

         He gave her a big grin.  “When I’m sleeping?”

         “I don’t know about that.  There have been times I’ve looked for something for breakfast and I ended up going to the store for it,” their mother said.

         Brian grinned up at her.  “How do you know that it wasn’t Claudia who got up in the night, or for that matter, had it for breakfast before she went to work?”

         “I don’t raid the refrigerator in the middle of the night,” Claudia said.

         “Enough.  We’ll never eat if we start looking for clues to the missing food,” their father said.

         As soon as breakfast was cleared out of the way, they returned to the living room and gathered around the tree.  Dad took his place in front as the unofficial elected distributor of the gifts.

         “I think we’ll start with this one.”  He pulled out a small box from his pocket and handed it to his wife.  “To my beloved wife, Marjorie, with all my love, now and always.”

         She took it from him and quickly took the paper from it and opened it to reveal a mother’s ring.  With tears in her eyes, she hugged him, and received a kiss with hoots from their children.  “Thank you.  I have something for you too.”

         When he had taken the paper from it, he looked up at her with questions in his eyes.  “A TV remote?”

         She could barely contain the pleasure as he looked at the box.  “Open it.”

         He opened it and found a small book entitled ‘National Parks of the United States.’  “National Parks?”

         Delight was on her face as she coached him yet again.  “Look through it?”

         In the middle, he found two airfare tickets for a trip to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, scheduled for Ab third through the eighteenth, July twelfth through the twenty-fifth according to the ticket dates.  “The trip we’ve always planned to take.”

         “Yes.  You keep putting it off.  I decided the time was right for it, or we would be too old to enjoy it,” Marjorie said.

         “I’m glad for you, mom, dad.  You deserve it,” Brian said.

         “Yes.  You’ll clearly have at least six months yet to prepare for Brian’s wedding,” Claudia said.  “Plenty of time.”

         “I have no reason now not to take that trip,” their father said.

         “None whatsoever Nicholas,” Marjorie said.

         “And now to the rest of the gifts.”  He pulled out a package.  “Brian from Claudia.”

         “Hmm.”  He took it from his father and peeled away the wrapping paper to find a picture of himself with Brenda on the boat.  “You took this last weekend and got it made up this quickly?  Thank you.  It’s great.  I’ll have to find the perfect place for it once we have our own place.”

         “It seemed pretty obvious that things were moving in that direction.  So I thought it would be appropriate,” Claudia said.

         Her father pulled another package from under the tree.  “Claudia, from mother.”

         She took it from her father and opened it.  “A book on the history of fashion design.  Thank you.”

         “I thought that now that you worked for the leading manufacturer of fashion in the world, you might like to know the history of it.  It dates all the way back to the Roman, Chinese, and Egyptian eras,” her mother said.

         Claudia looked through it with interest.  “So it does.  This is great.  Thanks.”

         Their father took another small package from under the tree.  The tag on it was bigger than the package.  “Brian from dad and mother.”

         Brian looked at it.  It was the same size as the one he had given his mother.  “You wouldn’t give me a ring.”

         “You won’t know until you open it,” his mother said.

         He took the paper off and found a jewelers box, and opened it suspiciously.  “Keys?”

         “Go take a look at what it goes to?” his father said.

         Brian was on his feet along with the rest of them as he headed out the door.  “Oh wow!  A new jeep.  Thanks mom, dad!”

         He quickly unlocked the door, got in the driver’s seat, and looked at all the stuff on the dashboard.  “This is great!  Fantastic!  Thanks heaps!”

         “We knew you needed a car.  That old one of yours just couldn’t be fixed again.  So we traded it and got you this one.  I’m glad you like it,” his mother said.

         “What’s not to like?  It’s fantastic!” Brian said.

         “I guess that means your car won’t be spending more time in the shop than here at home,” Claudia said.

         Brian got out of the car and headed once more back into the house.  “I can take Brenda on a decent date.  This is wonderful!”

         “I’m sure she’ll appreciate that,” Claudia said.

         They went back to the living room and continued with the distribution of gifts.  “For Claudia from mother and dad.”

         “Well it’s not a car.  The box is too big.”  She took the wrapping off, and again found a box that misrepresented the contents.  She opened it.  “A new Bible!  Thanks.  My old one was looking pretty beat up.  This is great!”

         “We thought you might like that even though you kept telling us that a Bible that is falling apart is evidence of a life that isn’t,” her mother said.

         “This goes with it.”  Her father handed her another package.

         There she found a Bible case filled with highlighters in every color.  “Thanks!  Now I have all the tools I need to study.”

         “This one says: To Claudia from Brian.”

         The box was a bit larger than the ones before it, and unwrapped it to find a chess set.  “I think you should have given this one to yourself.  Or are you looking to be beaten again?”

         “Just a rematch, any time you’re ready,” Brian said.

         “You’re on, maybe tonight after we get back from sailing,” Claudia said.

         “Speaking of which, I have to call Brenda and find out if she’s able to come with us.”  Brian headed for the phone and dialed her number.

         There were a few more gifts to be given out which amounted to clothes for each.

         Brian entered the living room all smiles.  “She said yes.  I told her we would go out right after dinner.  I invited her parents as well.  Then you can set the contract.”

         “Did you ask her already?” Claudia asked.

         “Not over the phone.  I’ll ask her out on the bay.  It would be much better there.”

         “I agree.  I know if someone were to ever ask me to marry him, I’d like it to be out on the bay.  I love the water and sailing.  There is nothing better.  It’s so peaceful, even in a blow.”

         “You had us worried the last time you were out in a storm,” her father said.

         “It was only that once, and Brian and I got safely back to dock,” Claudia said.

         “Once was more than enough,” her father said.

         Claudia looked up at her mother.  “Would you like some help with the dinner?”

         “I’ll never turn down an invitation for you to help out in the kitchen.  Who knows, maybe someday soon some young man will be asking you to be his wife,” her mother said.

         “Not likely.  I don’t have any time for dating,” Claudia said.

         “You have time to go sailing on the weekends with Brian,” her father said.

         “That’s different,” Claudia said.

         “Anyway, you wanted to help with dinner and we had better get started on it or we won’t be going sailing this afternoon,” her mother said.

         Dinner preparation was a wonderful time for Claudia.  Her life in the past couple weeks had been so hectic.

         “It’s good to see you relax,” her mother said.

         Claudia looked up at her mother a smile on her face.  “Mr. Frasier is so much on the go I barely have time for anything.”

         “Including a good meal.”  Claudia looked up at her.  “Yes I’ve noticed.  I know you said you stop and have a bite to eat on the way home, but that’s not enough.  You have to eat a good full meal every day.”

         “That’s what weekends and holidays are for. To catch up on the food I haven’t been able to eat during the week.”

         “Still it shouldn’t be just on the weekends. I can see that you’re beginning to lose weight.”

         “Like I said, Mr. Frasier is a man on the go.  He never slows down, and when he does, I take advantage of it.”

         The turkey began to put out a delicious aroma and Claudia could feel the pang of hunger rush through her.  She would never admit to her mother that she barely ate anything at all during the day, and didn’t stop on the way home.

         When she helped to put it on the table, her stomach let her know just how hungry she was.  Her father said the grace as they all sat at the table, and then Claudia took the meat platter and started it around.  She ate large portions of everything, and sat back replete.  “Mom that was delicious!”

         “I can see that.  Are you sure you had enough?” her mother asked.

         “Plenty, it’s a good thing we’re going sailing.  It will give me time to digest this all,” Claudia said.

         “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you eat that much at one time,” Brian said.

         “It was good.  I wanted to savor it, and enjoy it,” Claudia said.

         “Let’s get the table cleared and the dishes done.  I know that you told Brenda you were going to pick her up at two,” her mother said.

         “Yes,” Brian said.

         Holidays were different in many ways at their home.  Not only were the meals larger, but everyone helped with the cleanup.  Soon the damp dishtowels were hung to dry and Brian was out the door with the new keys in his hands to pick up Brenda for an afternoon on the bay.

         Claudia looked around the dock to see if she could spot Jim.  Not that she wanted to see him on Christmas, but she knew he expected to be there.

         Brian arrived at the dock with Brenda and her parents, and went up to Claudia.  “Looking for someone?”

         “Not really.  I heard Mr. Frasier tell Mr. Douglas he planned to go sailing with a friend.”

         “It’s a good day to sail,” Mr. Markham said.

         “Yes it is.  How are you Bob?” Mr. Peterson asked.

         “Good Nick.  I understand we could be getting together later for a talk,” Mr. Markham said.

         “I heard the same thing.  In the meantime, let’s get cast off while the day is nice,” Mr. Peterson said.

         A short while later Nicholas took the wheel and guided the boat out on the bay.  There were a few other boats on the bay, taking advantage of the holiday and good weather.

         Claudia lifted her face to the breeze.  There was nothing she liked better than to be at sea.  Her father looked over at her a smile on his face.  “So how’s your job going?”

         “It’s okay.  It’s busy.  There’s a lot to do.  I never thought that being a secretary would be quite so hectic.  I pictured myself sitting at a desk from the time I got in to the time I went home.  It’s anything but.  I may spend a few minutes here and there at my desk, and that’s only long enough to catch my breath until he’s on the go again.”

         “Then you’re not bored in any way,” her father said.

         “No.  Not hardly.  I’m glad to have the weekend to really relax before we have to get ready for Mr. and Mrs. Vincenzi’s absence while they go to the States for a fashion conference.”

         “That sounds exciting,” Mrs. Markham said.

         “I’ve heard about your boss.  He’s very demanding,” Mr. Markham said.

         “I’ve had other friends who’ve worked for him, and were very happy when they were fired by him and could go on to another job that was better emotionally,” Brenda said.

         “Do you know someone called Angela Dickson?” Claudia said.

         “No.  Never heard of her, why?” Brenda said.

         “It seems she got one of those better jobs.  Mr. Frasier got a letter for a reference about her,” Claudia said.

         “Did he give her one?” Brian said.

         “Hardly.  He fired her after one week.  I’ve never met anyone who hated women more than he does,” Claudia said.

         “You just be careful, or you’ll be looking for another job before too long,” Brenda said.

         “My job is secure.  Mr. Frasier can’t fire me.  I was hired by Mr. Vincenzi himself with a one year contract.”

         “I didn’t know that,” her father said.

         “Yes.  Mr. Vincenzi started coming out to the college six months ago.  He went to all the debates the club was involved in, and three months ago he started interviewing a number of us.  I was offered the job the week before I started.  Mr. Vincenzi said he didn’t expect the current secretary to last very long.  He offered me a contract, and told me that no matter what, Mr. Frasier couldn’t fire me.  So I accepted the job.”

         They rounded the bend and the lighthouse at Scott’s Harbour came in view.  Brian took a hold of Brenda’s hand and looked her in the eyes.  It was an unspoken communication between them.  They all felt the tingle in the air as that moment heightened and Brian reached into his breast pocket and pulled out a small box.  “Brenda Renae Markham would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

         Claudia, her parents and Brenda’s parents looked on at the small ceremony.  She could see the pleased look on her parent’s faces and Brenda’s as they waited for her answer.

         Brenda had a smile on her face as she looked up into his eyes.  “I would be most honored to be your wife.”

         Brian slid the ring on her finger as everyone clapped their enthusiasm, and the men clapped each other on the backs.  Marjorie held out her hand to Brenda.  “Welcome to the family dear.”

         “Thank you.”  Brenda took her hand and looked up at her parent’s and Brian’s a suddenly shy look on her face as she turned back to Brian the look of promise in her eyes.

         “Yes.  Welcome to the family Brian,” Mr. Markham said.

         Mr. Peterson pulled into the dock at Scott’s Harbour Park.  He and Mr. Markham headed for the shelter where they would finalize the contract between the two families.  Brian and Brenda walked off together, and Claudia found the swings and soon pumped as high as she could, while her mother and Mrs. Markham got better acquainted near the flowerbeds.

         Mr. Peterson and Mr. Markham shook hands as the contract was agreed to, and went to join their wives.  Claudia also joined them, and Brian and Brenda came from the path holding hands.  It was clear to everyone they were in love with each other.

         “Ready to finish sailing?” Nicholas said.

         “Can we go by Lookout Point Lighthouse, to Anbyeth for ice cream?  You know they have the best on Ibania,” Claudia said.

         “I think that can be arranged,” Nicholas said.

         “Can I take the wheel?” Claudia said.

         “I was wondering how long it was going to be until I heard that request,” Nicholas said.

         “I’m surprised she didn’t take it out of the harbor,” Brian said.

         “I take it you like to sail?” Mrs. Markham said.

         “More than anything, it’s so peaceful out here.  A person can really get alone and think, and pray.  Some of my most important decisions came about after a day out here,” Claudia said.

         “So that’s why you were out here so long before you got that job at Vincenzi’s,” Brian said.

         “I had a lot to think about.  See, you do eventually find out the reasons why.”  She turned to Brenda.  “You’re getting a really wonderful man for a husband.  He’s very patient, and generous.  I’m glad you’re part of our family.  I’ve always wanted a sister.”

         “I’m glad we’re sisters as well.  You’ve always been a good friend since we met in college,” Brenda said.

         With everyone on board the small yacht, Claudia took the boat out of the harbor and sailed around the bottom point of the island.  An hour later, they came in sight of Lookout Point.

         “Do you think they’ll ever find any of the sunken treasure?” Claudia said.

         “If they were going to find any of the sunken pirate treasure, it would have been found by now,” Brian said.

         “Still you never know,” Claudia said.

         “The last time any treasure was found it became the custody of the government here on Ibania.  That was at the beginning of the last century,” Mr. Markham said.

         “Still it could be buried deep in the ocean floor,” Claudia said.

         “All the wrecks have been searched and left to rest a long time ago.  And with the depth of the water around here, there are many points that can’t be reached, so if there is any more treasure to be found it will have to be done with better technology,” Nicholas said.

         “You never know.  They’ve started to salvage the Titanic.  Anything is possible,” Claudia said.

         “Yes anything is possible.  I think you’re an incurable romanticist,” her mother said.

         “Well with all the pirate history in these islands you never know when they’re going to find any new discoveries,” Claudia said.

         Anbyeth came in sight and Claudia docked the yacht below a wharf of shops that included the famous ice cream parlor.  “Closed.  I forgot for a moment it was Christmas.”

         “We all did.  It’s getting late, let’s turn the boat toward home,” her father said.

         An hour later, the lights of Loshi came in sight.  Claudia skillfully docked the yacht, and helped to get it tied up.  It had been a wonderful day.  Her mother and Mrs. Markham had become good friends, as well as both their fathers.  Claudia could clearly see how happy both Brian and Brenda were as he helped her from the boat.

         “You’re going to have to let Claudia teach you how to sail in the coming months,” Brian said.

         “You won’t teach me?” Brenda said.

         “I will when I can, but I’m going to be busy for the next year finding our home, and getting it ready for our wedding day,” Brian said.

         “I can’t wait,” Brenda said.

         “It’s going to be a busy year.  You let us know as soon as you decide on your wedding day,” Marjorie said.

         “We will,” Brenda said.

         They all went their separate ways.  Claudia rode in the back seat of her parent’s car.  It had been a day different from what she had gotten used to in the past couple weeks.  She looked at the Christmas decorations that lined the streets and the shop windows.  She thought about the gift she had gotten for Jim, and hoped that he would like it.

         “Here we are,” her father said.

         The garage door closed behind them and they went into the house through the inside door which opened into the family room.

         Claudia went over to the television and turned on Praise and found a Christmas video, and sat down to watch the account of the birth of Jesus, and was renewed again in her spirit as she watched the unfolding of one of the most important events in history.

         Her thoughts turned toward Mr. Frasier.  She had never once in the two weeks since she had been hired heard the name of God on his lips.  She looked up at her parents who watched the program with her.  “Mom, dad, I think we should pray for Mr. Frasier.  I don’t think he knows Jesus as his Savior.”

         Her father turned the television down as they bowed their heads and began to pray just as Brian came through the door.

         He took a seat on the couch beside her.  “What’s up?”

         “I feel an urgency to pray for Mr. Frasier,” Claudia said.

         “Prayer is the only thing that will help him,” Brian said.

         “Don’t condemn him.  Pray for him,” Claudia said.  She looked around her, and caught a picture of the baby Jesus on the television before she bowed her head.  “Father, I come before you on this most important day, though we know that in You all days are important.  Today we recognize and give honor to you for sending Your Son to be born of a virgin.  There are so many people who don’t know You.  I bring before You my employer Mr. Jim Frasier.  Bring him before Your throne of grace.  If You have put me in his path for salvation then give me the words or attitude that will bring about the change you want in his life.  Help me to do a good job for him, and make a difference in his life.  Thank you for his salvation.  In Jesus name I pray.  Amen.”

         “Amen,” her parents and brother said together.

         “So what are your plans for the weekend?” her father said.

         “Just relax, and maybe go out on the boat a couple more times before Monday morning.  It’s going to be extra busy because we’re getting ready for the Vincenzi’s trip to New York City.  Then it will be a double work load.”

         “I’m sure you’ll do fine,” her father said.

         “That’s what you went to school for, and entered all those debates for.  You’ll do great sis,” Brian said.

         “Thanks for the vote of confidence.  Mrs. Vincenzi is of the same opinion.  I just hope I live up to all your opinions.”

         “You will, I have no doubt about it,” her mother said.

         “Well before you make my head swell, I’m off to bed.  It’s been a long, wonderful day.  Can you go sailing with me tomorrow Brian?”

         “I don’t see why not.  I happened to ask Brenda if she wanted to go sailing this weekend when I took her home.  We could use a chaperone.”          

         “Don’t mind if I do.  She’s perfect for you.  I’m glad she said yes,” Claudia said.

         “So am I.  I told her ten o’clock.  Is that all right with you?”

         “Planning to make it a full day?” Claudia said.

         “Not planning to come back until sunset,” Brian said.

         “In that case we can stop by Anbyeth again and get some ice cream.”

         “Do you want me to pack you a basket of Christmas leftovers?” their mother said.

         “That would be great.  I’m sure Mrs. Markham will do the same,” Brian said.

         “Well I’m off to bed.  Goodnight mom.”  She kissed her on the cheek and went over to her father.  “Goodnight dad.”

         “Goodnight princess.  Sleep well,” her father said.

         “Goodnight sweetheart,” her mother said.

         “See you in the morning.”  Claudia bent over and gave Brian a kiss on the cheek as well.  “Congratulations big brother.  You deserve someone as nice as Brenda.”

         “Thank you for your help in that direction.  We are very happy.  We haven’t decided on the exact date yet, but we’re working on it,” Brian said.

         Claudia went up to her room and left the alarm off.  She fully intended to sleep in the following morning.  Her roller blades stood ready for an early morning workout, but if she had any say in the matter, the sun would be high in the sky before she took to the streets in her roller blades.  A smile was on her lips as she closed her eyes in sleep.

         The weekend went far too fast.  They spent two days at sea.  Claudia felt fully refreshed as they headed in to port after a trip around the island with a stop in Anbyeth for ice cream.  Brian helped tie up the yacht before he helped Brenda from the boat.

         “You know what they say.  All good things must come to an end.  Tomorrow it will be back to the grindstone.  Coffee on Mr. Frasier’s desk before he enters the door,” Claudia said.

         “You just be sure you take care of yourself.  You were pretty run down.  Mom and dad both noticed it with the way you ate on Christmas,” Brian said.

         “I can take care of myself, big brother.  Don’t worry about me.”

         “But I do worry.  I’ve heard many things about that boss of yours.  I just hope he isn’t being to heavy handed with you.”

         “I’m fine.”  Claudia watched the sights on the way home.  All the shops were closed as they passed through town.  It was just a little later than they had expected to be out, but neither of them had wanted to see the weekend come to an end.  “I’m really happy for you Brian.  Did the two of you get a chance to set the date?”

         “We talked about it.  We were thinking about Shebat eighth.  Two weeks after Christmas next year.”

         “Why not the week after?” Claudia said.

         “We were thinking that it might be too soon after Christmas.”

         “When you get that far, you won’t want to wait any longer.  Make it the week after.  You’ll be glad you did.”

         “On the advice of my sister, I’ll tell Brenda that she was right.  She told me you would suggest the first of Shebat would be better.”

         “Of course it is.”  They pulled into the driveway.  “Don’t forget to give me room to get out in the morning.  I have to be up bright and early.”

         “Good idea.  I’ll pull in behind dad.  You’re always the first to leave.  I know he won’t mind.”  Brian re-maneuvered his jeep behind his father’s car, and went around to hand Claudia out and usher her into the house ahead of him.

         “I see the sailors have wandered home from the sea,” their father said.

         “We were trying to make the day last longer,” Brian said.

         “Did you have a good time?” their mother said.

         “Wonderful.  I’m just sorry it’s over,” Claudia said.

         “So have the two of you made a decision about your wedding day?” their mother said.

         “Yes.  Claudia more or less decided the matter.  We’ll get married the week after Christmas.”          

         “Good.  I was hoping you wouldn’t want to wait too much longer,” their mother said.  “Did you finish off the basket of food I gave you?”

         “Yup.  All gone.”  Brian put the empty basket on the table for her inspection.

         She opened it to see only crumbs.  “So I see.  Well I see you two had a good time, and the wedding date is set.”

         “And on that note I’m going to bed.  There’s work again tomorrow,” Claudia said.

         Her mother gave her a kiss on the cheek.  “Goodnight dear.  Sleep well.”

         “I will thank you.”  She kissed Brian’s cheek as well before she headed upstairs.  There she saw her roller blades beside the door.  She set the alarm and got ready for bed.  She was asleep moments after her head touched the pillow.