First Christmas
It was a small tree for a big lobby. No one was feeling particularly festive, but Angel would be hanged if he couldn’t have some sort of happy first Christmas for his son. Even with the threats that loomed over the baby.
“Whose Dada’s little snookie ookie,” the vampire said, making faces to entertain the infant. “Cordy,” he asked, “Can you make him stop crying?”
The young woman took the child in her arms and held him up to her chest, supporting his head with one hand and his rear with the other. He settled instantly. “Maybe if you’d try holding him like a baby instead of a football, you’d have more luck.” She jiggled up and down gently, and he cooed. “Babies like to feel secure. They like to be held close.”
“Could we get on with this opening presents thing?” asked Gunn. “I’m a little nervous about all of us sitting here together while who knows what could be lurking outside. I really don’t expect the demons to take Christmas holidays.”
Lorne held up his music book. “Hey, just one more carol first?”
“No!” the rest answered in unison.
With his red suit and green skin, the karaoke demon looked like the most seasonal person in the room. “Well, excuse me,” he said, “But I’ve never celebrated Christmas with my family before.”
“Family.” Fred leaned over Lorne’s chair from behind and put her arms around his neck. “That’s what we are. Family.”
“Here’s my present for you,” said Gunn and Wesley to Fred at the same time. The two men glared at each other. Fred took the two packages with a little squeal of glee and sat on the floor near the tree.
“Oh wow, Wesley, a locket. That’s so pretty. Thanks.” She tore open the second parcel and shrieked, “Charles, oh Charles, it’s that neat twelve in one screwdriver wrench set we saw on TV! I wanted it so much!” She jumped up and hugged Gunn. He grinned. Noticing Wesley’s dejected expression, she pecked him on the cheek and said, “I love my necklace, too.” Wesley blushed.
“Oh, I forgot,” exclaimed Cordelia, handing the baby back to his father. “This came by FedEx yesterday. It’s addressed to Connor.” She pulled a package from under the reception desk and handed it to the vampire.
“Great,” said Angel, passing the baby to Fred. “Why didn’t you say something? It could be a bomb,” Lorne jumped, “or a death charm, or...”
Cordy passed him the package. “Or a Christmas present for Connor. It’s from the Magic Box, so it’s probably from Giles.”
“Just in case,” said Angel cautiously, “I’m opening it in the kitchen. Everyone else stay put.”
“You’d think he was still the boss,” muttered Wesley under his breath.
Angel opened the sealed packet and pulled out a long, gift wrapped package and a letter. He put the letter on the counter and carefully opened the present. Inside the flat box was a silver baby spoon. “Doesn’t seem too threatening,” he said to himself. He examined the utensil more closely and noticed the letter “W” engraved in the handle.
He opened the letter and began to read:
Angelus,
I have heard of your amazing fortune. Congratulations. You have been given a gift that none of our kind dares hope for. Believe it or not, all animosity aside, I envy you. I am in a relationship now, maybe you’ve heard, if not it’s not my place to say, but I know that we will never share what you have. Treat the little tyke well. I looked up to you once, so I know you have the potential to lead him. Do it with care.
The enclosed gift was mine. Don’t laugh. It was a tradition in my family to pass down something of ours to
our children. Since I will never have a
child of my own, I hope you don’t mind if I think of your son as a nephew of
sorts. For better or worse, you, Darla
and Dru were my family.
I was sorry to hear of Darla.
Spike
Cordelia called into the kitchen. “Is everything okay in there? I didn’t hear an explosion.”
“No, it’s fine,” Angel answered. “Come in.”
She walked in carrying the baby. She was touched by the sadness on her friend’s face. “You’re sure you’re okay. Are you crying?”
“No, of course not,” Angel replied, wiping a tear from the corner of his eye. “Hey, little guy,” he smiled, “look what you got. It’s a Christmas present. From your Uncle William.”