Simple Gifts

Though time in the form or era had separated them in their behavior, Jack and Bridgid were kindred. Perhaps they’d known each other since time began and some wrinkle in things brought them together here and now. Her era now became theirs.

How would things have worked out for them had she ended up in his time? Would she have dealt with things as well as Jack?

Alistair’s Christmas Eve service left them both deep in thought. They drove home from the little church quietly. Bridgid had left the tree lights on and the cottage gave off the warm welcome glow of the holiday upon their arrival.

They had this little discussion a few weeks ago about how there was no need for holiday gifts between them. They did give each other presents throughout the year, sometimes without occasion. Just for the heck of it. They were together and who could ask for a finer gift?

Bridgid entered the living room to stand in front of their tree. She smiled at the touch of his arms as he slid them around her waist from behind.

"The tree is beautiful, Siren. You have done a fine job with it….and you are beautiful, my love."

"Thank you, Jack. If I am as beautiful as you say it’s because I’m happy. I think it shows and its because of you that I am content..."

"We are lucky, Bridgid."

"Yes. "She replied as she placed her hand over his.

"Bridgid, I hope you will not be angry with me but I have gotten something for you."

She turned in his arms and looked into his eyes. "Jack..I…"

"Now, shhhh. I know we agreed but I could not resist."

"But Jack, I got something for you too. It’s not much but when I saw it I thought of you."

He held her close for a moment. "It is here in my pocket." He reached in and produced a small square box to hand to her. "It is not anything of great value, Siren but it is from my heart. "

He took her hand and opened it, placing the small square box on her palm. It was wrapped in blue paper with a gold ribbon to seal it closed. As she clenched her hand around it she turned to take an oblong box from under the tree. Handing it to him she cocked a brow. "Well then, we have both gone against what we agreed to with all good intentions. You first, open it."

There seemed to be a blush on his face as he examined the perfectly clad box. It was wrapped in white with a red ribbon, simple yet elegant in the same way his gift was presented.

"Open it." she stated.

He carefully pulled the ribbon free and unwrapped the box. Removing the lid he found a very plain sailors pocket knife in a leather case. Jack took it from the sheath and opened the blade.

"You see, it has a shackle wrench and a fid for opening rope so you can splice it …like a sailor would. There’s a mermaid on the blade, a siren."

He held the tool with fondness. "It is perfect, My Siren. I will carry it with me always and think of you….now it is your turn. Open the box."

She was less careful when she removed the ribbon from the gift he gave her. Dropping the paper to the floor she opened the square box inside to find a simple brass compass.

"To guide you, Bridgid. So you will never lose your way when I am not with you. May those times be few and far between from now on."

It was beautifully plain and tactile. She held the smooth brass instrument on the palm of her hand, turning slowly until the needle fixed on north. Oddly enough she was facing him when that happened.

"Jack, it’s the most beautiful gift you’ve ever given me. I will treasure it, always. Thank you. I will never be lost again."

They embraced gently, holding each other with care and tenderness. She pressed her face to his chest and it gave her a wonderful secure feeling. Jack kissed the top of her head and rocked her as he spoke.

"Thank you, my love…for finding me. It was I who had been lost and misguided. Never again."