The Unexpected Gift

Chapter 10:

It didn’t take me too long to get ready to leave. I dressed in my most comfy clothes that were also warm. It wasn’t too cold, but, I swear I am cold-blooded or something because I am always cold. So leggings and a hoodie were my clothing choice for today.

As I walked through the kitchen to make sure that Rasco was good and had food and water, I glanced over at the calendar on the wall. I am not an overly schedule-oriented person at home. After all, my entire life at work revolves around a tight schedule, so when I am off of work, I try not to even think about a calendar.

However, during the month of December, I try to make sure I keep a close eye on the calendar and know what the date is for that day. I do not want to miss the anniversary of my parents' death. Every day on the anniversary, I go by my mother's grave and leave flowers for them both.

Taking notice of the date, I have three days until it is time to go visit the cemetery.

Wow!

My day has been one hit after another. First a super sleazy man coming on to me and now the reminder of my parent's death. Well, at least my winter break can only get better from here, right?

Haha, I could only wish.

Looking away from the calendar, I walked towards the front door. I grab my keys and purse before heading out and locking up.

It didn’t take me long to get to the hardware store. I figured this would be the best place to get a good heater. I walked up to the first employee that I could find. I needed to make sure I got the best heater. I want one that works really well but is also safe. I do not need to wake up to my house on fire.

“Hello. Excuse me.” I asked the young lady in the hardware uniform shirt.

She turned around at my greeting and addressed me, “Oh, good morning. Is there something that I can help you with?” She asked me in a very sweet voice.

“Yes, ma’am, I am needing to get a heater or two for my house. My big heater just went out, and I do not want to freeze this winter.” I told her.

A look of horror passed over her face. “Oh no! That is terrible. Are you not going to get your main heater fixed? I know a few good service tech. That would be able to give it a look for you. My air conditioning went out on me last summer, and they helped me out. Got a great discount as well. Maybe he would be willing to help you out as well.” She tells me.

I could not help the chill that passed through my entire body. God, I hope she is not talking about Michael. I couldn’t help but think of all the things that she did to get that discount.

God, that is terrible. I don't even know this girl, and here I am painting her as basically a slut. I really need to get my s**t together. I would normally not judge someone the way that I just did.

“Oh, I did have a company come out this morning. I did not care very much for the technician. Honestly, he made me feel very uncomfortable. So I think I will just stick to scape heaters right now.” I told her.

I swear I saw a shudder run through her body at my comment. “OMG, please tell me that you did not have Main Street A/C come out of your house. They have some of the sleaziest men working there. I filed a report on one of their technicians because of the way he was behaving and also trying to tell me that I needed to completely replace everything. Which would cost a ton.”

“OH, I thought it was just me. Yes, I did have them come out and, same as you, I reported to my technician. Man, the receptionist acted like that was the first time anything of the sort had ever happened. Talked like she was greatly disturbed by his behavior. Funny how she was already aware of it.” I told the lady, now very annoyed.

The clerk rolled her eyes. “Let me guess Stacie. Yeah, she was the same person I reported the complaint to, and she told me the manager would get back with me. Guess what. No one ever called me back! But, anyway, the technician I would be going to refer you to is actually from the next town over, but he will run calls in our area as well. Well, I guess if you are close enough.”

“Thanks. That would be greatly appreciated,” I said.

“OK, right! Heaters, this way.” She begins to lead me down the aisle, taking me to where they have all their heaters.

Once I picked out the heater that I thought would work the best, I checked out and left, but not before I got the contact information for the technician the clerk was telling me about.

After leaving the hardware store, I decided I would go ahead and stop by the floral shop and pick up what I needed to go to the cemetery.

Pulling into the florist, I sat in my car for a few minutes. Usually I have an idea that I want to get before I come here, usually having a few pictures of arrangements close to what I would like to give the florist an idea of what to make for me. But today was kind of a spur of the moment stop. So I do not have any idea of what I want or have pictures of examples of the florist.

I guess this year I will just have to wing it. Maybe they will have some good arrangements put together that are not too Christmassy. Mother would turn over in her grave if I put a Christmas-themed arrangement on her grave.

Or maybe she can just make me a new one that isn’t all red and green.

Well, I guess I should go ahead and go inside and get this over with.