Chapter 14:

It was Christmas. Today was the day. Yes, today Dan and Ronnie would try again to go north and visit their folks. Neither one of them knew what to expect. They only knew that their faith and belief in love was all that would hold them together. Or, the lack of it would be the one thing that could tear them apart forever.

The morning had played out just like it was supposed to. They had their tree and opened their gifts to each other. So far it was the best holiday ever. It was only slightly spoiled by the apprehension they both felt. And the biggest test was yet to come. They remembered only too well the last trip they had attempted only a month ago. The rain had come and nearly ended everything in a single downpour.

The weather today was not much better than it was that fateful day. It hadn’t rained at all since that trip. Were they tempting fate again? No. They had to rely on their strong belief that come what may, they would always return to each other. As far as each of them knew, their parents were still under the false (Was that the right word?) impression that Ronnie was still gone. Wow, were they ever in for a tremendous shock, or were they?

Something kept telling them that they had to past this last and most difficult test. And they had to do it together. Only then would they know for sure if this scenario was going to remain true. They had tried to plan this day for any and all possible outcomes. But in the end, they knew all they had was their strong commitment to each other.

"Should we bring anything else along?" Ronnie asked. "I really can’t say what that would be. I’ve loaded all the zucchini bread and other gifts." Dan answered. "I don’t like being the focus of this day’s events." she stated. "I don’t blame you one bit. If I could do anything to control these situations, I would." he added. "But I think we both know that this last possible outcome has to be played out." he concluded. "I know you’re right, but it still scares me a little." she managed. "Remember, just believe!" he commanded.

That was such an easy thing to say but was it going to be that easy on this day of all days? They faced each other, each one dropping their respective clutched items. They drew together in a long and deep embrace just to assure themselves that their faith would win out in the end. Dan was pensive for a moment. Maybe it would be worth one more call to the folks to see if anything was different. Finally, he said, "I’m going to give the folks one more call to tell them that we, I mean I’m, on my way. OK babe?" "Yes, I guess you better let them know." Ronnie replied. "Cheer up Babe, everything will work out." he said doubtingly. "It will be OK!" he stated more affirmatively.

Dan lifted the portable phone from it base and moved into the kitchen. How many times had he dreaded punching in phone numbers and fearing the conversation that would occur. He waited, hoping that this call would proceed as if Ronnie’s presence was absolutely normal. But as he listened for a voice at the other end of the line his heart beat unevenly. "Merry Christmas" came the sound of his Dad’s voice. How should he start? He couldn’t say anything that might seem out of the ordinary. So, he just said "Merry Christmas! How is it going there?" "Is that you Dan? Are you on your way?" his dad inquired. "Yeah, we’re leaving just now." he blurted out. What had he done? That was a stupid thing to say. "So, are you bringing your girlfriend with you today?" his dad asked. Phew! That was close. Apparently his dad thought everything was normal. "Yes. she’s coming with me." he answered. "Good. Then we’ll see you both in a couple of hours. We missed you at Thanksgiving." his dad said excitedly. "Do we need to bring anything?" he wondered. "No, we are all set here. Just bring your hearty appetites." his dad said. "Drive careful!" his dad added. "OK. We’ll be seeing you soon. Bye for now." he concluded. He did not really listen for his dad’s final words as he hung up the phone.

Dan was still flustered that his parents were still acting like his wife was dead. He inhaled deeply and slowly let out the air. He saw Ronnie coming down the hall. "Are you about ready?" he asked. "I hope so. I just don’t know for sure." she said hesitantly. "Come on and give me a kiss." He commanded. They kissed each other passionately and held each other for a very long moment. When they finally broke their embrace they walked confidently out the front door and got into the van.

As they drove along each of them watched the sky intently for any signs of foul weather. So far, the sky had only a few of those familiar silvery-white clouds floating aimlessly across the horizon that comprised the foothills.

Except for the additional traffic they encountered along the way, all was as it should be. Each vehicle that passed them gave indications of the days festivities. Cars loaded with presents and baked goods. People dressed up in their newly acquired clothes. Children in the back seats playing with their new toys. Teens listening to music on their portable devices. He wondered how many batteries would be used up just on this one day. Wouldn’t it be simple if Ronnie could be run on batteries during those times when she was most vulnerable to vanishing.

Maybe that was another missing item. Maybe Ronnie had to be recharged in order to remain whole. "What am I thinking like that for?" Dan whispered softly to himself. His 'born-again-wife' looked over at him quizzically. "Are you OK?" she wondered. "Yes. I’m fine. I was just having strange thoughts. It seems to happen a lot these days." he answered. "Boy, do I know it!" she replied. "I don’t know if I like it but it is a whole lot better than being dead!" she laughed nervously. He knew she was doing her best to stay positive and courageous.

The Capitol Expressway exit was coming up on the right. It wouldn’t be long now and they would be up against the hardest obstacle of all. As they maneuvered through the streets of San Jose toward his parent’s place they kept their eyes aimed at the heavens for any sign of change in the weather. It did seem that the sky had grown a little darker. And, there were a few gray clouds that had replaced the wispy white ones.

As they glided alongside the curb and came to a stop next to Dan's folk’s place, they reached out and held each other one more time. "Well, here we are." he stated the obvious. "Yeah, here we are." Ronnie reiterated. "Wherever that is!" she added uneasily. It seemed that for a long moment they were frozen in time and unable to move. Eventually, each of them took a breath and let out a long sigh.

Now was the most feared moment of all they had experienced so far. The people that were his parents would be the most skeptical of anyone they had encountered in this new fantasy world of theirs. They grabbed the Christmas goodies out of the back of the van and slowly walked toward to front door. Dan's head began pounding and just as he reached out to ring the doorbell a very small droplet of water landed on the back of his right hand.