Holiday Journal: EasterHoliday Journal, Entry #27
by Sammi M.
Dana Scully focused on the image before her. "I don't know. It just seems so ...."
Her partner turned to look in the direction she was and squinted his eyes to take in the whole picture. "I see what you mean." The strangest look came over his face and he shrugged. "It does seem really ..." All Fox Mulder could do is raise his hands in bewilderment.
I rolled my eyes and put my lace-covered hands on my hips. "I think the word you're both looking for is frilly. Silly, also works." This was embarrassing. "I cannot believe you talked me into this. I look like my worst nightmare in petticoats, no less. This is not worth it."
Dana walked up behind me and wrapped me in her arms. "It's ... not /that/ bad, Hunt. It's ..." Her eyes glided to meet mine in the mirror. "Horrible." She sighed and shook her head. "I can't believe we actually had you try this on." I watched her look around the store and then she kissed the top of my head. "This place is /so/ not you. What were we thinking?"
"/We/ weren't thinking anything. It was /him/." I pointed my finger in my dad's direction. It was his fault. /He/ was the one who dragged us out because /he/ believed no little girl should be without an 'Easter frock.' He actually said that. I mean, who says 'frock' any more. "I don't see why I need a new dress anyway. It's Easter; half of my gene pool doesn't even believe in its existence. And, this church idea is really mind-blowing. There is no way we should even be thinking of going; it's like a principle thing." I was trying everything to avoid looking like one of those "Dress and Dream" Skipper dolls. "Where else am I going to wear it after Sunday? We're only allowed to wear street clothes on Fridays and there is no way I'm blowing my free day for something like this."
Dad moved to stand behind us without actually touching Dana. He had been very careful not to invade her space since St. Pat's Day. It was kind of funny to watch what he did to his body to keep from touching her. I saw the bruises afterwards; I didn't blame him. "Look, I'll concede this was not a positive venture into the fashion world, but you have to give me credit for trying to be traditional."
I raised my eyes to his. "Only if you promise me, you'll never even attempt anything like this again."
"Scouts honour. Now go in there and get rid of that ... thing."
As I headed back to the dressing room, I could hear Dana's voice drifting behind me as she asked, "Has there ever been any confirmation of your being a Scout?"
March 26
Skinner Home
7:32 pm
After the failure of our journey into the Fru-Fru patch, we tried a few more places with the same results. What is America's obsession with frill and fluff? Boys don't know how good they have it. You throw them into a suit and tie and they're good to go. We poor girls are practically poured into outfits that send people into immediate sugar shock. What's really bad is all adults are subject to this lapse in good judgement. When we were telling Gram about the outfit, she actually said I probably looked like an angel. I almost gagged.
We had decided to stop at Gram and DA's place for dinner. They had completely finished decorating the new house and wanted to show us. When Dad and I crossed the threshhold, we were amazed. The house was unbelievable! Gram had filled every nook and cranny with everything imagined for Easter. I knew she loved decorating for holidays, but I thought since she and DA had been married, he had helped her tone down a bit. Instead, it looked like she had gotten worse and dragged him and their son along for the ride. Poor Dante. My torment would last for approximately a day, but his was on display for at least two weeks. In sympathy, I grabbed him and we hid out in his room, the least touched by Gram's holiday dementia. I decided to let him in on how our day had gone just so he wouldn't feel so bad.
"I don't see what the big deal is, Hunter? It's just one day and it makes the folks happy." That was easy for Dante to say; he hadn't seen the ruffles on the petticoat. "It could be worse. Christian's having to wear a tux /and/ go to church with the President, Chelsea and the Gore kids."
A chill went down my spine. Ewwww. With that simple statement, everything was put into perspective. I reminded myself to send him a sympathy card; I had a feeling, he was going to be in a deep depression Sunday night. "Point granted and noted. How'd he get stuck with that?"
Dante frowned like I had just asked the most stupid question out there. "How do you think? The Senator has some major legislation coming up that the Prez has said he's considering vetoing. It's major kiss up time. This bill could make or break his next campaign and so it's time to bring out the sacrificial lamb, one Christian DeWebb Matheson. The Senator drags out the smartest of his children as a prime example of the future of today's youth and Mr. President considers he can't be that bad a policy-maker to raise a son like that. Thank God, Pop isn't into politics!"
"Yeah, but he still has to kiss up if he has any hopes for advancement. My dad could care less, so no family first stuff for me." I had him and he knew it. "I'm free and clear. Being a part of the Spooky Brigade has its perks."
About that time we both felt the shift of the adults' minds to thoughts of us. Before they could call for us, we headed on downstairs. I went to sit next to my dad and Dante went to his mom. Dana was putting out juice for us. "Where's Pop?" Dante asked. "I didn't hear him leave."
"That's probably because I didn't." DA answered as he left his study. "I promised your mom I'd bring home something and I'd left it in the other room." He passed the box to his son and sat next to Gram. "She went to a lot of trouble to find that so you should be appropriately thankful."
"What is it?" Dante warily eyed the thin box. Oh, great. Another box; different size. What is the deal with all of these boxes? It's like somebody has latched on a running theme and gone haywire. "Mom? Is this safe .... or .... should I turn it over to Fox?
"I really don't think it's his style." She chuckled as she angled to face him. "I believe it would be a little too tame for him."
Poor Dante. He was still learning Gram also loved to mess with your mind. I had discovered a long time ago it was a trait the Scully women shared, but, I think he only saw her as the 'baking cookies type'. Boy, was he in for a rude awakening. "Tame? Great." He opened the box and pulled out what looked to be the most unimaginative tie ever, but then again who am I to judge; we all know who I live with and his tastes. It was grey with little pastel dots on it. DA had definitely picked this one out. Dante tried to cover but ... "It's a tie. Gee. /A tie/." Okay, no Oscars for him, but he was trying. "Why the big deal over a tie that looks like one of Pops?"
Gram shot him a pure Scully look. "It's because it looks like your dad's that it's a big deal. Do you know how hard it is to find one of those geared for a boy's size?" She crossed her arms which meant, accept graciously and shut up. "I thought it would be nice to have you both dressed alike for church."
"Nice? Yeah, I'm sure." And then, it hit him. "Church?" I didn't know his eyes could grow so big. "Is that really necessary? We've put off my going for this long, what's a few more years?"
"Dante Lorenzo Guiliani Skinner!" Red alert! Full name usage! Man your battle stations; she's gonna blow! "We have /not/ put off your attending church. I was waiting until Father Tristan could introduce you to the church properly and set up your classes."
"Classes! What kind of classes?" This was getting good. I wonder if I could convince Dr. Ferguson to allow me to write on the stages of anxiety attacks in pre-adolescent boys for my science project. I wasn't going to get a better chance to observe than this one. "Isn't school enough?" I was impressed when he decided to play his ace in the hole: male bonding. "Pop?"
We had discovered since Thanksgiving how much DA really cared for Dante. It was amazing to watch how they functioned together. No one would ever question them not being biological father and son. DA would do anything for him. "Sorry, son, but this is something your mother feels very strongly about and I think it'll add a bit more structure to your life." Okay, so I was wrong. So, sue me.
"Easy for you to say. You don't have /church/ classes to look forward to."
When DA and Gram had decided to formally adopt Dante, Dana had taken great pleasure in acquiring a new 'little brother.' She said it was because she missed Uncle Charlie; we found out she actually missed /torturing/ Uncle Charlie. She really enjoyed reminding Gram of all the house rules the Scully kids had to grow up with. I wouldn't have put it past her to have brought up the Catholic classes. "Cheer up, Little Brother. You'll only be loosing six/seven weeks of Saturdays, but think of the lifetime of spirituality you'll be gaining." She was good; she was /really/ good. "I just remembered something. St. Mike's is always looking for altar boys and they accept them all the way up to eighteen years. I bet Father Tristan would just love having a fresh face."
"Dana, you're not helping." DA was trying not to laugh, but he wasn't doing a good job. "Dante, I'm sure it won't be that bad."
"You know I'm really glad you said that, Walt, because I had Father Tristan sign you up for the adult classes."
For about fifteen seconds there was pure silence. Then all perdition broke loose! Dad and Dana started laughing so hard they had to prop each other up. Gram sat there looking angelic and Dante had the biggest, most smug look on his face. DA had this look ... well ... let's just say he looked like he wasn't getting enough fiber in his diet.
9:20 pm
Dinner was pretty uneventful. DA hadn't said much since Gram had announced her plans for him, and Dante had calmed down enough to really enjoy his dad on the spot. I had kept close to Dad and Dana because it seemed safer that way. I didn't want to get volunteered for the Angel Choir or worse ...
Gram had suggested that we relax back in the family room. Since tomorrow was a school day, we weren't staying much longer. But, as anyone knows, it's always best to sit back and let Maggie Scully's meals settle over you. They're that good. The flashbacks alone are enough to cause you to lose all control .... hence our still being here an hour after dinner. Dad didn't want to take the chance on driving.
"Dana, I talked with Elaine and she said she and Peregrine are going to meet us here. Have you talked to her lately?"
"Not since she found the suit for Peri. She's so excited and I know Peri's going to look like a living doll, but I can't take the time to sit and chat about it." Dana swatted Dad's hands away as he tried to take the book she was reading. I think he was getting over the St. Pat's Day thing. A quick "Ouch!" and a hasty move away from her soon brought it back to his mind, though. "From what I understand, Elaine brought her two suits: the bunny one and a Little Princess Abby outfit."
"Wow." Dad was impressed. Can't you tell? "One of those outfits could probably pay for Peri's college education to Princeton. It must be nice to have that kind of money."
"She's not that bad. She matches every cent she spends on the baby and distributes to various charities." Dana had to shake her head. "Baby! Now she has me calling her that. Peri is almost four and can hold a better conversation than Mulder and we're still calling her a baby."
They were talking about Aunt Elaine, formally known as Elaine Lisa MacRoren of the East Coast MacRorens. She and Dana had been friends ever since they went to college together. Aunt Elaine was an engineer with her own engineering firm. That meant she was smart. She had a long list of society's, Hollywood's and politics' most eligible bachelors after her. That meant she was beautiful. She also loved giving Dad a hard time. That made her great! She had broken away from her family when they refused to accept her little girl Peregrine, Peri to us. Aunt Elaine had adopted her from China when she was just a few months old and anyone could see she adored her. It wasn't that hard actually. Peri was really petite and adorable. I knew she already had DA and Dad wrapped around her tiny finger and she was getting close to drawing Dante in. If I didn't consider her like a little sister, I would have been very upset with the competition.
"I'm a little concerned with Elaine bringing her to Easter Mass with us. I don't think it would hold the interest of a three-year-old."
"It hardly holds the interest of a thirty-year old," Dana mumbled under her breath.
Dante couldn't pass up the chance, "But, Dana, you always told Mom you /loved/ Mass. You mean you don't?" Forget what I said; he does deserve an Emmy or at least a SAG award. He put this look on his face that would have melted Dick Armey's heart. "Here I was thinking it couldn't be all that bad because my big sister really enjoyed it, and then to find out /this/ ...."
"That's enough, you two." DA chuckled. Whoa! /DA/ chuckled! That wasn't something Daddy and I were used to. "No matter how interesting we find it, we're going. Understood, Mister?" Of course, Dante agreed. Wouldn't you? "Good, now let's try to convince your mother about getting you some acting lessons. I see potential for Hollywood. Or at the very least the White House."
"And, I think that's our cue to head home." Dad stood and stretched and Dana watched him go through the motions. When he finished, she had the tiniest grin on her face. I saw that Gram was watching her too and so I winked at her and she winked back. "Squirt, did you get the books you wanted?"
"Not yet." You would think with a memory like mine, I'd always be ahead of the game. Doesn't work that way. "I kind of forgot." I heard Dante laughing in the background so I sent him a mental spike. Who says Dad's the only one with a girly scream? "Gram, where did you say those books were?" Trini assigned me some more homework on mind capabilities and Gram was letting me use some of Aunt Melissa's old books.
"They're in the attic behind the ..." She sighed. "There's no way you can find it on your own. I'll have to go ..."
Dana stood and motioned to her. "Don't get up, Mom; I can do it. Just tell me where the stack is."
"I don't think you could find it. We stored a lot of stuff up there when we moved." Gram turned to DA. "Walt, you remember where we put Missy's books, right?"
"I think I have an idea of where you put them." He shrugged. "It'll be easier if I take her up there just in case she needs something moved."
DA held out his hand and we headed for the attic. In this house, there are two sets of stairs: the ones in the front of the house lead to the second floor; the ones in the back take you to the second and then on to the attic level. Dana says DA picked it for that very reason. He wanted two distinct ways of exiting the place, just in case.
Once we were up there, we released each others hands and he headed for one of the corners. The previous owners had used the attic as a guest room and DA and Gram had decided to keep it that way. So, in the middle of this massive space was a daybed, television and a rocker. As he moved around to the various boxes, I decided to sit and rock. "What are you looking for?"
DA stopped and turned back to me with a slight frown on his face. "I thought we came up here looking for books."
"/I/ came up here looking for books. I don't know what you're looking for, especially since you don't know which ones I need." I never thought I'd see my DA with a 'deer-caught-in-headlights' expression on his face, but there it was. "I'll make a deal with you: you tell me what you really want to talk about and I'll tell you what books I need so that we can head back sooner."
"Deal." Always a man of few words, yet he got his point across. He walked back to the daybed and sat. "I need you to do me a favor, Hunter." He paused as if he was nervous about something; now, I was starting to worry because he's never nervous. "I want you to wear a dress for me ..."
Uh oh. "Why?"
"You love Meg a lot, right?" I nodded. What a silly question. "Well, since we moved into the new house, she's been feeling kind of low and she's been trying to hide it from me and Dante." He stood and started pacing. "Even though she's happy here, she misses her old house and her old life, but mostly she misses the good feelings she associates with that house and her children. Having Dante with us has definitely helped her transition to here, but she still hasn't associated this place to her kids." DA stopped right in front of me and lifted my chin. "That's where you come in." He took a deep breath and charged right in. "I need you to wear one of Melissa's old dresses to church on Easter Sunday; it would mean a lot to Meg. And before you say anything, no, it's not frilly."
I was speechless. Well, .... not for long. "But, how would it help Gram?"
He blushed. I mean, he really blushed - one of those all-over, even spots where there used to be hair kind of blushes. I watched it spread and it was an amazing sight. "For just that day, I want her to feel like she has all of her kids with her." He rubbed his head and sat back down. "I know you're not Melissa and I know Meg'll know, but /just for that day/, I want her to remember how it used to be."
I couldn't look at him. If I had, I would have been bawling from now until Easter. DA had told Dana how much Gram made him feel alive again. I guess this kind of proved how much he felt he owed her. I stood and walked over to him and kissed his head. "I love you, DA." Then I leaned over to his ear and whispered, "I'll wear it even if it has petticoats and yards of ruffles if that's what you want."
He smiled and pulled me into one of his bear-hugs. How'd I get so lucky? "Thanks, My Bit." Yep, another nickname. It's a wonder I don't have any identity problems. DA gave me this one because he says I remind him of an old candy he used to like, Bit-o'-Honey. Really sweet, but oh-so messy. Don't worry, I took it as a compliment. "How's about you and I get to looking for what we came up here for? The dress should be pretty close to the box of her books, or at least they were when I brought them up here." He released me and went back to looking for the stuff. I watched him as he sorted and moved things around and that's when it hit me.
"It was all an act. You don't have any problems with going to church and taking those classes, do you? As long as it makes Gram happy, you're all for it."
DA stiffened. Bingo! "I could say the same about you with Mulder." Oops. Hung with my own rope. I guess this explains his being able to keep up with my dad and Dana. "It's amazing what we'll do to make some people happy." Isn't it just?
March 30th
Skinner home
10:50 am
We had attended the sunrise Mass that morning and were gathered back at the house for Easter brunch. Dana's brothers, Uncle Bill and Uncle Charlie had both made it down and the adults were promising to set the eggs for the hunt out after we ate. Aunt Elaine had managed to change Peri into her bunny suit in between flirting with Uncle Charlie and giving Dad a really hard time over the beautiful corsages he had bought all of us ladies. Dad just blushed and threatened to steal Peri away and raise her as his own now that he was good at it. They kept bantering back and forth until Gram told them to hush before they gave everyone pre-meal indigestion. All-in-all, it was turning into a typical family gathering.
"Hunter, I want you to change into your romper before you eat." I frowned at Dana as she spoke; we hadn't taken pictures yet. She must have read my ... frown. "You can put it back on later for pictures, but I don't want you messing up the dress." She smiled at me to take some of the sting out of what she said. She knew I wouldn't mess up the outfit, but it made her feel better to do the mom thing.
I suppose I should say how the dress went over.
Earlier
Dad and I were running late this morning, so we were going to meet the rest of the Scully-Skinner clan at the church. Dad must have sensed something because he didn't even question me about my dress. He just looked at me and smiled. When he didn't say anything, I didn't either. I figured since we were already late, we didn't need him going on and on about the cosmic forces of the universe relaying things to him or some such nonsense.
We made really good time (Translation: he broke some major speed laws) and arrived at the church just as Uncle Bill and his family were. Dad kind of went into shock when DA introduced him to the elusive Scully brothers. I don't think he really believed they existed up til now. The look on his face made me wish I had brought my camera: it was definitely a Kodak moment.
Aunt Elaine told us that Dana and Gram had gone in to make sure our pews had been reserved and would be right back. DA and I were nervous because even though we thought this was a great idea, there were still several ways Gram could take it. We were hoping for the best, but ....
And then, there they were. Dana was the first to see me. She tilted her head in that Dana way and tried to place the outfit. When she realized what I was wearing, it was like watching the sun rise for the first time. Dad and I both had to take a step back just to deal with the emotions rolling off of her. Her reaction was definitely positive; I just hoped Gram's would be the same.
I felt Dad push me both physically and mentally and I walked over and grabbed DA's hand. He squeezed mine and together we moved toward the steps.
Maybe I should describe how I looked. For the record, I did /not/ wear ruffles! I don't think Aunt Melissa was like that. It was pretty, without being icky. The dress was what Daddy called empire-waist or something and came down to a little above my ankles. It was a two-piecer with the main piece being a peachy colour and the apron, off-white. When we couldn't find a dress for today, we'd decided I would just wear my hair long and straight. But, when Dad saw my dress, he thought I should have the hair to match. That's why we were late; he kept fussing over trying to get it just right. Men! Anyway, my hair was a bunch of curls held up at the top of my head by a loose ribbon and bow and, to appease him, I had these dainty lace gloves. Without the gloves, it was an okay look.
So, DA and I headed up to Gram and Dana. Gram hadn't noticed us because she was fussing with Dante and his tie, but Uncle Bill and Uncle Charlie had. I saw them out of the corner of my eye and they both had looks of approval. Dante was squirming, as only a kid can when his mother is trying to fix them, until we caught his eye. He froze so suddenly, Gram jumped for fear she had hurt him. When she noticed he was looking past her, she turned and looked at us.
To say our little group suddenly went quiet would be an understatement. While all the other families wandered around trying to find each other in the loudest manner possible, our extended clan was unnaturally silent; everyone was waiting and watching.
Gram stiffened as she took both of us in. I know I stopped breathing and I'm pretty sure DA did. The weirdest look came over her face; not sad, but not happy either. I don't think this was a good idea. "Hunter, where'd you find that dress?"
DA, ever the hero, stepped forward and drew her attention away from me. Good thing he did because I suddenly wanted to collapse under the rush of emotions coming from her. If Dana hadn't moved to support me, I probably would have ended up at the bottom of the stairs. "Don't be angry at her, Meg. I asked Hunter to wear it."
"Why?"
They both looked so sad, I had to say something. Okay, fine. Even if they hadn't seemed so sad, I was going to say something. It's my job; I'm a kid. "/We/ did it so you wouldn't feel bad about the move and everything." I pulled away from Dana and took Gram's hand. "Please, don't be mad. Dad and I can go home and ..."
"No, Sweetie. I don't want you to go home. I .... was just ... a little surprised. I ..." Several tears ran down her face and I suddenly wished I'd be swallowed by a black hole or something. "You just look so precious. Melissa would be very proud of how you look in her dress." She bent over and hugged me tight. "Thank you, my Beautiful Girl. Thank you." She let me go and turned to her husband. As hard is this is to believe, Gram wiped something from DA's cheek. I'm not saying it was a tear, but .... "And thank you. This was perfect."
Right there, on the church's front steps, in front of everybody, DA kissed Gram! I mean, he didn't even care when the guys broke out in applause and everything. Dana shot them all looks and started gathering us together and mumbling about us being late. As we passed them, I could have sworn I heard DA tell Gram, "Anything for you, Meg. Anything."
Mass was pretty anti-climactic after that. Well, except when Father Tristan thanked Dana for suggesting Dante for an altar boy. Uncle Charlie laughed and put his arm around his new brother and told him she had done the same thing to him. Dante was red, but I could feel how happy that made him; he was part of a family. If that meant Dana was going to torture him til he went off to wherever, he'd deal with it with brotherly affection.
I got to sit in between Gram and DA along with Dante. Of course, young Master Skinner had to say something; the child really must learn to share. "Leave it to Hunter to upstage God on one of /his/ big days."
I wonder what Father Tristan thought when everyone on our pews started cracking up?
Later The day had gone pretty well until my age group had finished their time in the great Scully Easter Egg Hunt. Dana had decided I was getting too excited and made me join her, Aunt Elaine and Gram as they watched the others run around in the back yard. Now I see why Dad's always complaining about Dana being a doctor; she takes all the fun out of things in the name of health. To show my feelings toward the forced removal, I decided to do one of the things I do best: sulk. It wasn't working yet, but I was optimistic.
"I can't believe she actually got him to wear it. I would have bet money he wouldn't have put it on." Dana couldn't stop the smile that crossed her face. She was tickled and wanted everyone to know.
Aunt Elaine laughed. "You'd be amazed at what my baby can get done. With the exception of my father, she singlehandedly has wrapped more influential men around her little finger than I... Well, let's just say she's very well accomplished for a three year old."
"I just hope somebody's taping this. I want it for posterity. That way, Mulder will never live it down."
"I think Billy's taping it." Gram answered as she brought drinks to us. "If he's not, then Walter better be!" She lowered the tray and sat beside her daughter. "Last time I checked, he was tearing his study apart trying to find his camcorder battery."
"Day? Why didn't you tell me your partner could move like that. If I'd known I might not have been chasing Charlie like I have." For the record, Uncle Charlie and his wife divorced in December. He and Aunt Elaine have been dating since Dana's birthday; I think they're serious. "He obviously adores Peregrine and Hunter would make a wonderful big sister." Oh, I have /got/ to hear how Dana's going to steer her away from this one. Maybe this rest thing wasn't such a bad idea.
"No way, Lainey. Keep your eyes and hands on Chuck. He's your best bet." That's it! Ohhhh, I smell a challenge here.
"Why's that?" Aunt Elaine was moving in for the kill. I love to watch a pro in action. "Is he seeing someone? Or, is there someone who'd liked to see him?" Boom!
Dana choked on her tea and glared at me as I rushed to pat her back. "What's ...(cough) that supposed to mean?"
"Nothing. I was just ... Mulder! Finally returning my baby to me?"
Dad moved toward us as gracefully as he could with a three year old around his neck and a four year old fastened to his left leg. Kids! Thank goodness I'm past that age. "No way. Peri and I are having way too much fun! Aren't we?" He reached back and tickled the little girl and got a knee to his side for his trouble. That'll teach him. "I was just coming to see if Dana had released the prisoner for active duty yet." He looked over at my jailer and gave her his best smile.
Unfortunately for me, Dana wasn't buying it. "I told you an hour and that's what I meant."
I had to try something. "But, Dana, I'm..."
"One hour, Hunt." Time to go back to the sulking corner. I suppose that was a better place to be than the hot seat Dad was now on. "Mulder, we agreed she'd sit out for the hour and you deliberately came over here and stirred things up. You're always making me out to be the bad guy and I'm sick of it."
"You're right, Scully. I was wrong. I'm sorry. It won't happen again."
Dana shook her head and rolled her eyes. And, she wonders why I'm so good at it. "Yeah right, Mulder. I'll believe it when I see it." She noticed that Peri was getting agitated and wanted to go back and play. "You better get back out there before they find all the goodies." I don't know if Gram or Aunt Elaine noticed, but I watched a silent exchange go on between them. Dana nodded her head and Dad gave her a half-smile and turned to rejoin the others.
All four of us had to laugh as his rear came into view again. Blame Peri's baby charm, but somehow she had been able to convince Dad to wear the cottontail from her costume. He looked ridiculous, but he didn't seem to mind it amidst all of the fun and games. Of course, he didn't know about the videos or cameras that were making this a special Kodak moment, either.
As we settled down and watched the rest of the family scurry around in search of the tiny hidden gifts, Dana's eyes kept straying to that constantly moving cottontail. I thought I was the only one who noticed, until I heard Aunt Elaine murmur under her breath, "I think it's a pretty safe bet that /somebody'd/ love to see him."
She winked at me when she noticed I had heard. I think both of us agreed in that moment that this was probably going to be the last Easter of hidden looks and feelings. I know /I/ was going to make sure it was.
Ende