Under the Arches
Angelina’s mum.
‘Of course not,’ replied Zeus. ‘It’s just through there.’
At that moment there was a knock at the door and Angelina went to answer it. It was Amy. She was wearing a thick coat, a scarf and a pair of gloves.
‘Blimey, are you off to the Arctic?’ asked Angelina.
‘It’s cold outside,’ protested Amy as she stepped through the doorway. ‘Anyway, Happy Christmas!’
‘Happy Christmas to you too,’ replied Angelina.
‘Merry Christmas Amy,’ called Zeus from over by the stove, where a large pot was bubbling violently.
‘Merry Christmas Zeus,’ she replied. ‘I love the decorations.’ She turned to Angelina. ‘Hey, I thought your mum…’
Just at that moment a high-pitched squeal erupted from the bathroom making them all jump and Judas yelp with surprise. Zeus dropped his pan back onto the hob with a clatter and ran to the door.
‘Mrs Marsh? Are you OK?’ he asked timidly.
Slowly the handle of the door turned and Angelina’s mum stepped out. Her clothes were all stained a deep shade of red.
‘Ah…’ said Zeus with a sheepish look on his face. ‘Forgot to mention that ,didn’t I?’
‘What is it?’ she asked quietly.
‘Err… a seasonal favourite. Mulled wine.’
Angelina’s mother stared at him.
‘There’s a dry white in the cold tap if you’d prefer?’ he offered, taking a step back.
But suddenly she started to laugh.
‘Running wine?’ she said. ‘Now I’ve seen everything.’ She shook her head. ‘I think I might nip home and get changed.’
‘I’m sorry,’ said Zeus. ‘Sticky taps and mulled wine do not a good combination make.’
‘It’s OK. Just make sure you have a glass waiting for me when I get back.’
‘Will do.’
She left, and Angelina and Amy helped set the table whilst sniggering to one another about the look on her mum’s face. Zeus was busy with the food, but had found time to put some Christmas songs on the stereo, which they all sang along to save any by Cliff Richard (which were skipped for the sake of their ears). Angelina’s mum returned within fifteen minutes and soon afterwards the food was ready and they all sat down to eat.
Zeus had prepared a wonderful spread of seasonal food, with roast potatoes, parsnips, sprouts and more, not to mention a beautifully cooked turkey with all the trimmings.
‘I’ll definitely vouch for your entertaining skills after this,’ said Angelina’s mum as Zeus poured them each a drink. With so much wine at their disposal, even the girls were allowed to join in.
‘Yes, this looks amazing,’ added Amy as she gave her glass a tentative sniff.
‘Thank you,’ replied Zeus. In an effort to smarten up he had removed his beanie and tied his dreadlocks back. The heat from the oven had also prompted him to take off his seasonal jumper and put on a white shirt. ‘Can’t imagine it will stay white for long,’ he had joked.
When he had finished pouring the drinks he took his seat while the others looked at him expectantly. He did not realise they were waiting for him until he had picked up his knife and fork.
‘Oh, yes, bugger, I forgot grace,’ he blustered, dropping them both. ‘Umm… OK, how about this; Father, Dad, bless this food and these people, I hope the pudding is not now treacle. Amen.’
‘Amen!’ they all repeated, surprised as they were by his choice of words.
‘Crackers?’ asked Zeus.
‘Completely,’ replied Angelina shaking her head.
‘No, crackers?’ Zeus picked his up and offered her the other end.
‘Oh right!’
They pulled all four simultaneously and spent the next few minutes fiddling with the small puzzles and toys that fell out of them. Zeus had a plastic frog, which he made jump into Amy’s wine glass, while Angelina read out the truly awful jokes that had also fallen out.
Then it was time for them to eat, and eat they did. Zeus had cooked it all beautifully, and for a while there was little to be heard but the clink of cutlery on plates and the murmurs of appreciation.
When they thought they could eat no more and the main dishes had been cleared away, Angelina’s mum reached into a box she had brought from home and drew out a large cake decorated with a small nativity scene and a ring of candles.
‘It’s half birthday, half Christmas cake,’ she said, lighting the candles. ‘All together now!’
Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday dear Hey-Zeus,
Happy birthday to you!
Zeus laughed and leant forward to blow the candles out, which he managed at the cost of one or two singed hairs in his beard.
‘Thank you very much,’ he said gratefully. ‘I’ve never had a birthday cake before. It’s very kind of you.’
‘But that’s not all,’ said Angelina pulling her chair round closer to his. ‘We weren’t sure what to get the Son of God, who has a gazillion pounds in his bank account, but we’ve done our best.’
She pulled out a carrier bag, which she had managed to keep hidden, and gave him three presents from it. Zeus again looked really touched by their efforts.
The first was a Rasta hat, which Angelina explained was for keeping his dreadlocks tidy and looked a lot better than the bobble hat, which she had secretly been hoping to get rid of for a while. The second was shaped like a DVD case.
‘As long as it’s not ‘Ben Hur’ or ‘The Passion…’ then you’re fine,’ joked Zeus. It turned out to be a copy of Iron Maiden’s ‘Rock in Rio’ live DVD, which he was very happy with.
The final present was a little different. Wrapped up, it looked like the traditional sort of kite, but as Zeus tore the wrapping paper off, it was clear that it was nothing of the sort. It was a hand-made crucifix, about a foot tall, and into the wood were carved the names of all the people in Zeus’ woodwork class as well as those of all the staff at the homeless shelter.
For a full minute Zeus sat with it on his lap, staring at all the names without saying a word. Angelina began to grow nervous. It was a last minute idea she’d had and she was beginning to question whether or not it had been a good choice.
‘Our… our names are all there too,’ she said hopefully, pointing at one of the arms.
‘So they are,’ Zeus murmured. He looked up and smiled, though his eyes were moist with tears. ‘You know, my father has all but given up on the human race. There is such a lack of tolerance for different creeds, colours and faiths that it is hard to see where there is any love left. Yet the more time I spend here, the more time I spend with you Angelina, I see so much good and kindness and it gives me cause for hope. Thank you so much for this gift. I do not think you could have got me anything better, even if you had access to my gazillions of pounds.’
‘Well, they do say it’s the thought that counts,’ said Angelina’s mum.
‘Yes they do,’ said Zeus. ‘And with that in mind I have some presents for you too.’
He went over to the huge Christmas tree and pulled out three packages from beneath it. Even from a distance, a strong aroma filtered through the lingering scent of dinner. Each package was of a similar size, although the shapes varied and the wrapping paper ranged from cartoon snowmen to golden holly leaves.
The first one he gave to Angelina’s mother, although it was quite heavy so he placed it on the table for her to unwrap. She undid the wrapping paper, taking care not to tear it, as was her way. Inside was an ornate wooden box set with gemstones and finished with gold leaf.
‘Wow, it’s beautiful, thanks!’ she said, examining its finer details.
‘No, err… that’s not it,’ said Zeus looking slightly flustered. ‘Take a look inside.’
There was a catch on one side of the box and a row of hinges on the other. She undid the fastener, opened the lid and let out a gasp of surprise. Inside were over a hundred pieces of gold. They were roughly cut but there was no do
ubt that they were genuine. They glinted all colours as they reflected the fairy lights that were strung up round the room.
‘My god!’ she said quietly as Angelina and Amy peered in for a closer look.
‘You could buy most of Watford with that,’ said Angelina slowly.
‘You’d probably have change left for Rickmansworth too,’ smiled Zeus. ‘Amy?’
He reached out and offered her the second present. She took it from him and unwrapped it, revealing another ornate container, this one round with a flat bottom and a stopper in the top. She pulled it out and immediately recoiled. The aroma they had smelled suddenly intensified tenfold.
‘Bloody hell,’ said Angelina. ‘What’s in there?’
‘Frankincense,’ replied Zeus. ‘It was used in perfumes and burned as incense in olden times. This pot seems to have matured over the years, although I hope you’ll agree it’s not an unpleasant smell.’
‘It’s just a little strong,’ said Amy taking another whiff. Her eyes began to water. ‘It’s lovely though,’ she added hastily with a tearful smile.
‘Jolly good,’ said Zeus. ‘And I think we all know what’s coming next.’ He turned to Angelina and handed her the final gift. The box inside was smaller than the other two, and quite plain.
‘You know,’ she said peering inside. ‘In some places it’s considered rude to pass on unwanted presents.’ Her face was deadpan and for a moment Zeus looked uncomfortably at his hands. Then she burst out laughing. ‘I’m joking silly! What is myrrh anyway?’
‘It’s similar to frankincense in many ways, but was used more for embalming and for healing purposes. I thought it might come