“Mommy it is Christmas,” Baby screamed, touching his chin to her shoulder. Mommy flinched at his loud call, but still managed to smile shortly after.
She lifted a blue box over his little head, then sat legs crossed in front of him. “Yes, and guess what I got you,” Baby wiggled his toes, then Baby wiggled his fingers.
“A present,” he screamed again, lifting himself up on the bed, Baby began jumping up and down. Then up and down again.
“Yes, now open it.” She handed it to him.
Baby landed in her lap and got to work. It was the same blue box every year. Just a different mystery inside each time. Mommy called it Christmas. A day where good foods and presents were shared. But what Mommy didn’t know was that this year Baby had a gift for her. It was secretly waiting under bed.
Baby slid the top off mystery box and screamed. A wooden plane with glass windows, and even removable wings sat their untouched. His small hands reached down to pick it out carefully, inspecting every inch.
“Do you like it?” Mommy kissed Baby on the cheek. “Do you know what it is?”
Baby lifted it in to the air, and began making little whistle noises. “A plane,” he marveled.
“Yes. Do you remember what Mommy was telling you about planes?” Baby tossed the craft as far as he could. Causing the toy to crash on Mrs. Table.
“They fly?” Baby’s arms stretched, still distracted.
“Yes, they fly.” Mommy stood from bed to retrieve it.
This was Baby’s chance. And Baby took it. He scrabbled up the surprise as fast his he could. Then hid it behind his own back.
“What are you doing Baby?” Baby grinned so wide, he could feel his teeth on tongue.
“Mystery,” Mommy tossed the plane back to pillow, then crossed her arms. “You always give me mystery, now its my turn to give you mystery.”
“Okay,” Mommy said slowly. “Show me,”
Baby revealed a single, unused cigarette. “This is what Mr. Pecker uses in issue 34,” Baby raved.
Mommy stuck her hand out.” Give it here,” Baby hopped of the edge of the bed, hurrying over to her open arms.
“Here you go,” he grinned. “Are you happy?”
Mommy smiled for one second, then patted his tummy. Her face then turned serious. “Did you leave, Baby? Did you go outside?”
Baby wrapped his fingers around Mommy’s hand, “Only once. You said I had to be brave.”
Her eyes searched his,” What did you see Baby?”
“I saw a soft rug. A big one. It was prickly. I swam. I swam. And then I came back” he jumped. “I found that on the rug. I put it in my mouth for a little. Then in my pocket. Then I swam.” He continued. “The door is up. So, I jump down. I didn’t see a fish like you said.”
“Baby slow down,” Mommy tightened her grip on the mystery. “Did you see anyone?”
“No,” Baby said. “But there is a- “
“I don’t want you going out there anymore okay?”And that was final. Mommy moved back over to bed and pulled her hair up. “Come. Let’s get ready for your bath.”