The Circle of Friends

X - A Special Christmas-1

X - A Special Christmas

Before Jason departed for Tallahassee Friday morning, he took his cousin with him to select a ring for Lori. Jennifer loved to shop as much as any other sixteen year-old and was thrilled to accompany Jason. He kept their true purpose secret until they reached the mall, not wanting to excite her in front of his aunt and uncle. If Jason could keep knowledge of the ring to just five people, hopefully it would remain a secret.

Jennifer bounced into the mall, positively giddy with the prospect of shopping. She had an incredibly bubbly personality that perfectly suited the young cheerleader. Not even a lack of sleep could dampen her spirits today. Jason was still yawning when they entered and wondered how Lori could possibly get up so early every morning.

“So, what are you getting Lori for Christmas?” asked Jennifer, her eyes wide.

“You’ll see,” said Jason with a wink.

The mall was packed with after-Thanksgiving bargain hunters and Jason wished he could have come back later. He really needed to select the ring today, though. If he couldn’t find one they liked, then he would be forced to buy the ring in Tallahassee. Weaving in amongst the crowd, he aimed straight for the largest jewelry shop in the plaza. Jennifer followed Jason, oblivious of where they were going until they actually walked into the store.

“Wait a minute!” she cried, grabbing his arm. “Are you getting Lori a ring?”

“Shh,” he whispered, fearful they would see someone he knew. “Yes, I am, and it’s going to be a surprise.”

“Oh my God!” Jennifer said in a slightly lower tone of voice. “An engagement ring?”

“Yes. I need your help picking out one she’d like.”

They stared into a couple cases and Jennifer pointed at several large stones. Jason had to chuckle at her choices, for she selected the most expensive ring every time.

“Nice, but let’s keep it under two thousand, okay?” he said with a grin.

Jennifer slapped his arm. “You’re not gonna go cheap on her, are you?” she cried.

He continued moving down the row of jewelry cases. “No, but I know the price of the ring won’t matter to Lori.”

They continued looking for a few more minutes before one of the clerks offered to assist them. She directed Jason to the engagement rings and asked if it was for Jennifer.

Jason laughed. “No, this is my cousin!”

Jennifer had gotten a chuckle out of it as well and eagerly let Jason try the different rings on her hand. Her fingers were thin like Lori’s and he could gauge how it would look on his girlfriend. After ten minutes of sampling, Jason narrowed the choices to two rings and he asked his cousin which one she preferred.

“That one!” said Jennifer decisively.

Jason eyed the ring she indicated and had to agree with her. It had a slightly wider band with tiny diamonds inlaid around the larger carrot in the middle. The crowning diamond was not obnoxiously large but quite prominent on the band. It would look beautiful on Lori’s finger.

“Okay, then,” said Jason, nodding at the clerk. He pulled out the ring Lori’s mother had given him. “And I believe this is the right size.”

The clerk slid the ring on a measuring stick. “A six. Sound right to you?” she asked, handing back the ring.

They spent a few more minutes filling out forms and Jason made sure his mother could retrieve the ring for him. When he pulled out a credit card to pay for his purchase, Jennifer whistled.

“Now, that’s a major card purchase! Want to get something for me while you’re at it?”

He shook his head. “Sorry, I can only afford one girl at a time.”

Once they had taken care of the paperwork, Jason made a beeline for the exit. His cousin protested, claiming she wanted to look around the mall, but he had to get on the road soon. Their practice was at four today and he still had an eight-hour drive.

“I appreciate you helping me, though,” he said, opening the car door for Jennifer. “But remember, it’s a secret! You can’t tell anyone, not your parents nor anyone at school. Okay?”

“Okay,” she said with some resignation. “But when are you giving it to her?”

“Christmas!”

By the time he dropped her off at his aunt and uncle’s house, Jennifer promised not to tell anyone. Jason drove home quickly to pick up his bag and drop off Lori’s other ring. His mother promised to run it by the Anders’ that evening and pick up the engagement ring the following week.

“I am so proud of you!” she cried, giving her son a motherly hug. “Lori is just the sweetest girl. She’ll make you happy!”

“Thanks, Mom,” he said, trying to escape her grasp. “I gotta go! It’s almost eight.”

He returned to campus in record time and had just enough time to drop off his bag before going to practice. John met him at the foot of the stairs and caught a ride with Jason to the stadium. Casually the linebacker asked about his Thanksgiving. Jason could only laugh.

“I’ll tell you about it later,” he said slyly.

Jason enjoyed his Saturday night with Lori and managed to keep his recent large purchase a secret. He worried she might become suspicious, employing that mysterious women’s intuition. However, if she suspected anything, Lori never revealed her misgivings. Jason observed her with a fresh perspective that night, aware that Christmas would really alter her world this year.

Only a few weeks remained before Christmas break. Lori planned to stop in Tallahassee and see him before driving home. She would be away from campus for over a week, spending a prolonged vacation with her parents and friends. Even though Lori would not miss a single day of practice, Jason worried it would hurt her competitive edge. She assured him she would train every morning with Judy and not deviate from her workout schedule even during Christmas break.

Jason’s team completed their season a ranked team and would be in a minor bowl game on the thirtieth of December. They would practice up until the twenty-second and then break a couple days for Christmas before resuming training. This did not bother Jason, but he knew it left little time for either Lori or his family. Once he became a professional football player, though, he would be forced to sacrifice many holidays with family.

They finished practice before noon on the twenty-second and he hit the road less than thirty minutes later. He had informed Lori of his intentions to take her someplace really special for a late dinner that night and to be ready around eight forty-five. Reservations were already set for nine and the ring awaited him at home. He would propose to Lori after dinner, and if everything went according to plan, she would agree to marry Jason.

Upon arriving home, he showered again and was dressed by eight thirty-five. Retrieving the small jewelry box from his nightstand, Jason bounded downstairs. Preparing Christmas candy in the kitchen, Gloria paused to admire her only son.

“Well, don’t you look nice!” exclaimed his mother as he entered.

“Thanks,” he said, giving her a quick peck on the cheek. Jason located a bottle of water in the refrigerator and took a sip.

“Not nervous, are we?” she asked, smiling broadly.

He shook his head and then flashed his mother a sheepish grin. “Okay, maybe a little.”

“Honey, you’ll be fine.”

Jason’s father wandered into the kitchen. He stopped to inspect Jason, c*****g one eyebrow at his son. Andrew smiled and shook his head.

“The young and the foolish!” he exclaimed, gesturing toward Jason’s mother. “You’ve no idea the maintenance!”

Jason just laughed. “Lori’s very low maintenance, trust me! I know what I’m doing.”

He left the house in good spirits and went to retrieve Lori. He discovered she had dressed to perfection, and Jason paused at the bottom of the steps to admire his future wife as she descended. Perhaps it was her flowing hair or the way she floated down the staircase, but it reminded him once again of Lori’s resemblance to an angel. Holding out his hand, Jason took her into his arms. While they embraced, her father quietly stepped out of the room, winking at Jason as he departed. Lori’s parents would be anxiously waiting and he hoped to return with good news.

Lori appeared pleased with his restaurant selection. Known for its first class service, the steakhouse possessed an incredible atmosphere. Even at nine o’clock, there still many patrons. Jason glanced at the other diners and realized he would have an audience whether he wanted one or not. Perhaps the restaurant would empty by the time they finished dining.

They enjoyed a simple but elegant dinner that went well past nine forty-five. Jason had hoped to relax while they ate so he would appear calm when the moment arrived, but time worked against him. As they consumed their meal, he discovered himself growing increasingly nervous. When the waiter returned with his card and the receipt, Jason realized he would have to make his move very soon.

“I’ll be right back,” he told Lori.

Sliding out of his seat, he headed for the men’s room. He washed his hands, careful to avoid looking directly into the mirror on the wall. Jason hoped to still the rising anxiety, as he did not want to appear nervous in front of Lori. When he had dried his hands, he finally made eye contact with himself.

“This is it,” Jason said to himself, straightening his shoulders.

He reached inside his jacket and produced the small jewelry case from his pocket. Flicking it open, he took out the ring and held it firmly in his right hand. Taking a final deep breath, he emerged from the bathroom.

Jason circled the dining room, hoping his return would go unnoticed. He wanted Lori to remain seated. As he closed the distance, his heart began to pound. They had never discussed marriage. His proposal would be completely unexpected. What if Lori declined his offer?

Approaching from behind, Jason paused by her chair. She appeared startled by his sudden appearance and looked up expectantly. When he did not move, Lori’s expression shifted to one of concern. She opened her mouth to speak, but he spoke first.

“You look so beautiful tonight,” Jason said softly, reaching for her left hand. For once, the right words flowed from his lips. “Just like an angel. It makes me feel so good to be with you and I want to feel that way forever.”

Slowly, he dropped to one knee, his eyes intense. “I love you, Lori,” he said, slipping the ring on her finger. Her became wide, and she glanced down at the ring before her gaze returned to his face.

“Will you marry me?”

She gasped in disbelief. Jason still held her hand, gently stroking the fingers. His touch was steady, but Lori detected apprehension in his eyes as he awaited her reply. Emotions began to cascade like a fast rising tide through her body as the reality of his request penetrated her mind. Jason Philips had just asked her to be his wife! Smiling, she squeezed his hand in reassurance. Her heart already knew the answer.

“Oh, yes, Jason. Yes!”

His relief was immediate. Breath held while he waited, Jason finally exhaled and his entire body relaxed. Flashing Lori a smile, he leaned forward to give her a kiss. She threw her arms around him, squeezing tightly.

The sound of light applause reached their ears. Lori opened her eyes and realized the diners around them were clapping. Obviously everyone had observed the exchange and waited breathlessly with Jason for her response. She laughed and leaned away, allowing Jason to see their audience. He smiled and nodded, a little embarrassed by the onlookers, and then pulled her closer for another brief kiss. Standing to his feet, he smiled again at their audience before assisting Lori. Several onlookers extended their hands to congratulate Jason as they made their way toward the exit.

Lori’s heart continued to race while they retrieved their coats and stepped outside. They walked across the parking lot hand in hand, their breath visible in the chilly December air. Jason opened the door for Lori and then went around to the driver’s side. He put the keys in the ignition but did not start the engine. Lori held up her hand and stared at her ring, her eyes bright.