Just One Year(40)

He looked into his cup. “Yeah...it’s late there now. So I called her before the party started. I wished both my parents a happy Christmas. Even talked to my dad for a bit for the first time in a long while.”

“How was that?”

“The usual tense small talk. Obligatory, mostly.”

That made me sad. “I’m sorry.”

His mood always shifted when he mentioned his dad.

I changed the subject. “By the way, is there something wrong with your phone?”

“Why do you ask?”

“Earlier when you were out and texted me, asking if I needed anything from the store, it sent me your same question like twenty-five times. It wouldn’t stop.”

He narrowed his eyes. “Shit. That’s not good. I’ll have to power down.” He reached into his pocket for his phone and pressed the off button. “There. Let’s see if that helps.”

“Yeah, it was sort of funny. Until it wasn’t.”

“That could get annoying.”

Our attention turned toward Shelley, who’d started opening some of her presents. She still got tons of gifts, and Maura marked them all from “Santa” even though Shelley had found out the truth a few years back.

When she opened her latest package, inside was a Target gift card and a framed photo. She ran to Caleb and gave him a huge hug. Then she showed me the photo.

“Look, Teagan.”

She handed me the frame, and I examined the image. It was the three of us, taken when I’d first put on my dolphin costume the other night. It really was a fantastic photo. Caleb had become like a part of our family. Honestly, since his arrival, so had I. I’d never spent more time with my sister, or even Maura and my dad. Because of his own loss, Caleb appreciated the things I had always taken for granted. And he’d taught me to appreciate my family more. His stay here would leave an imprint on my life.

After Shelley returned to her spot on the couch, Caleb seemed uncharacteristically nervous. “Can I give you your present?” he asked.

“You didn’t have to get me anything,” I said. “I have your gift downstairs. I wrapped all my presents, but I haven’t had a chance to bring them up yet.”

“I’d like to give you yours in private,” he said. “Only because I want to explain it without everyone listening.”

Now he had me intrigued. “We can go downstairs,” I suggested.

“Let me just run upstairs and grab it, and I’ll meet you down there,” he said.

As I ventured to my room, I felt my nerves tingle.

A few minutes later, Caleb came downstairs holding a small, red and green gift bag. “For you.” He grinned as he handed it to me.

After lifting the tissue paper and putting it aside, I took out a little stuffed dolphin. I smiled. So cute and thoughtful. Then I noticed a silver chain hanging from it. Attached to the end was a charm.

Upon closer inspection, I realized it was a little snail peeking out of its shell.

I looked up at him. “This is so cute.”

“You’re probably wondering…why a snail?” He chuckled. “I saw this and wanted to buy it for you, because you’ve really come out of your shell since I’ve known you—just like a snail. It reminded me of you. I hope when you wear it, after I leave, it reminds you of me.”

I doubted I’d need a reminder of him after he was gone. “I don’t know what to say. This is the most meaningful thing anyone has ever given me.”

“I’m glad you like it.”

He fidgeted. Caleb seemed almost…shy about the whole thing.

“Were you nervous to give this to me?”

“A little. I’m not even sure why.”

Looking down at it, I smiled. “I truly love it. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

“My present to you is not nearly as good,” I warned.

Walking over to my desk, I picked Caleb’s gift from the pile.

With a huge smile on his face, he ripped open the paper. His smile only grew when he realized what it was.

“Are you kidding me? It’s brilliant! I didn’t even know such a thing existed.”

I’d bought Caleb a stainless steel s’mores maker. It featured a flameless electric heater for the marshmallows in the middle and a surrounding tray for the crackers and other accompaniments.

“I figured you could use it when you go back home. You mentioned you couldn’t light fires outside where you live. This way you can make s’mores whenever you want. It might be a pain in the ass to pack though.”

“I’ll find a way to fit it, don’t you worry. This is the best thing you could have got me.” He looked over at me. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

He examined my face. “What are you thinking right now? You look sad.”

I decided to be honest. “I am sad—a little. This school year is already half over. Before you know it, you’ll be packing up and heading home. I’ve gotten used to having you around. And I’m just…gonna miss you.”

He shook his head. “I really can’t stand to think about leaving. This feels like my home now. The time here is going by way too fast.”

I’d looked away, but felt Caleb’s hand on my chin, lifting it to meet his eyes before letting go. My body stirred.