Chapter 4 - No Flexible Flyer
Jonathan waved goodbye to Emily and hurried across the street to share his story with the family. He hadn’t kept track of the time and was startled to see the Rio Grande sedan parked in the laneway. He hoped everyone would understand.
They were all sitting at the big kitchen table with stern looks all around. His mother looked at him and said well young man was your little adventure worth delaying everyone’s Christmas.
“Well yes, yes it was, I think. Then he blurted out the past few hours events, looks of concern changed to smiles, and than his dad spoke up. “I suppose we can consider it an extra Christmas gift.”
His mom added, “rather than taking Mrs. Sweetwater some dinner later, why don’t we invite her to join us. She has always refused in the past but I have a feeling this year she may agree.”
“Wow mom, that would be great!
“Now lets all open those gifts” bellowed Grandpa “If I wait much longer I’ll need to shave again.”
Jonathan rushed ahead of everyone into the parlour looking everywhere for the sign of a Flexible Flyer. To his dismay there was a great long toboggan propped up in the corner. The gift card attached read: To Jonathan and Bonnie from Santa. It was a beautiful toboggan, the kind you could fit up to four kids on. The only problem was you couldn’t steer it, and all he could think of was how Charles would be yelling “out of the way slow pokes!” as he flew past on his sled.
Than a thought came into Jonathan’s head. “You know this is pretty cool, because I could load this up and harness Typsy to it for next year’s visit to the tree. I can go next year, right mom?”
“Oh I suppose so if Agne’s says it’s okay.”
Jonathan’s dad was handing out the gifts and as he passed a new pair of skates to the young boy commented. “Using the toboggan that way is very thoughtful and very practical of you son.”
Unfortunately, all his other gifts reminded him of not getting that racing sled.
There was a pair of warm leather mittens that came right up to his elbows. “They’ll keep the snow out” said his sister.
High boots with a drawstring, and new long johns. That’ll keep you toasty when your flying down that hill” said mom.
None of them understood! You don’t fly down the hill on a toboggan meant for four or the old bob sled that had been patched well beyond it’s best years. Lastly, his Grandpa topped it off when he gave the young boy his flying cap and pair of goggles.
“Used those when I flew in the great war. They’ll keep your ears warm, and the snow out of your eyes when your flying down Vinegar Hill.”
He knew they didn’t mean it but it was like everyone was mocking him because he didn’t get the flexible flyer.
“Thanks Grandpa I’m sure I’ll use these someday.” He gave his grandfather a big hug.”
Before sitting down to a very late breakfast He ran across to Agnes and requested she join us them for dinner. He was pleased when she said she would love to.
About two hours before supper his mom exclaimed, “Well kids, you still have a couple of hours before supper. Why don’t you take that new toboggan and join your friends at the hill?”
“I’m a little tired mom, it’s been a busy day, so I think I’ll just sit by the woodstove and read the book Uncle Herb brought me. It was a book about pirates, and normally he would have read away until supper time but after the day’s activity he quickly fell asleep curled up in his favourite chair, dreaming about the tree, and the animals, and speeding down a hill on a new racing sled, with Grandpa’s goggles strapped on tight.
He was awakened by a knock at the door. His mother was busy taking the stuffing out of the big bird. She asked if he could answer it.
Rubbing his eyes as he walked past the giant bird he commented. “That’s not Old Tom is it?”
“No son, Old Tom would be way to tough, to grace anyone’s table.”
I laughed and opened the door to find Emily standing there. Smiling he asked her in, she responded with a very serious face.
“I don’t know what Santa was thinking of.” She motioned over her shoulder. He left that thing over at my place, and it has your name on it.” She stepped aside. There in the snow at the foot of the steps was a red flexible flyer racing sled, just like the one he had seen at the store.
Jonathan yelped with joy and flew outside jumping onto the sled hollering mom! Dad! Everyone! come and look at this. They filled the doorway with exclamations.
“Looks like you’ll be able to use those goggles now.” Said grandpa.
“Those mittens will sure come in handy.” Exclaimed sis.
Suddenly all the gifts he had received made good sense. It was becoming the best Christmas ever.
“Okay young man.” Mom said. “Get in here before you catch a cold.”
“But, but!”
“Just brush that contraption off, you and bring in for now.”
He brushed the snow off the sled, and followed everyone into the house. propping it up in a corner, easily viewed from his spot at the dinner table.
They finished that Christmas dinner with laughter, telling family stories, talking about the tree, and Jonathan daydreaming about the next day and flying down Vinegar Hill shooting past Charles…
in his new sled.
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