It All Started With A Kiss

XIX. (Part Two)

Georgia stepped back, her eyes sparkling with delight as she wrapped her arm around Pat's shoulders, leaning into him with warmth and camaraderie. Their bond was palpable, a comforting presence amidst the surrounding cheer. Across the room, Justin and Britney shared a passionate kiss, their lips meeting with a fervor that spoke of deep connection. In this vibrant atmosphere, such displays of affection felt utterly natural, woven into the very fabric of our gathering.

"Get a room, you two," said Shelia. They broke apart.

"You, wow, I still can't believe it," said Jackson.

"You were challenging to get a gift for, Beck."

"You don't seem to have any hobbies or passions. You can afford anything you want. You can go places. You can buy things."

"We spent a lot of time talking about it and, especially after what's happened here, I think we made a good decision."

"One of the special things we've noticed about you is you seem to like to do nice things for people." He glanced at Shelia.

"You got us the tickets to the Fifths, even though you thought you wouldn't like it. You took me to that dinner where, uh, that wonderful dinner."

Don't be bashful, Jackson. Tell the whole family about my night of foreplay and seduction.

"And these gifts tonight prove you have an immense capacity for caring and giving. So we got you the gift of giving."

Be a little more cryptic; you're making it too easy. What the hell was he talking about?

"Justin and Britney and Mom and Dad each got you a nanny goat from Heifer International."

"What?"

"They got nanny goats in your name to be donated to two desperately poor families in a village where most families don't have enough to eat, let alone go to school or build a life."

"I have information from Heifer International you can look at to understand the incredible effects this will have for the two families and the whole village."

"I got you a billy goat for the same village so he can knock up the nannies at the right time."

"Jackson." Georgia glanced at Shelia.

"How much of a child do you think I am?" Shelia wasn't taking any crap.

"Sorry, mom," he said. "I was just having a little fun."

"The nanny goats have been bred to produce a lot of milk the families can drink and sell."

"When they get together with my billy goat, the families will give the offspring to other families in the village."

"I know it's not a lot, but we thought you would appreciate making a start at helping some people get out of extreme poverty."

"I got you bees," said Shelia, beaming. "The heifer will see that the recipient gets trained, and he can earn a living from the honey and from bringing in his bees to fertilize the crops."

Tears quietly streamed down my cheeks, each drop carrying a weight of emotion that was difficult to express. It wasn’t solely due to my gratitude for their thoughtful gifts intended to aid those in need; I genuinely valued their kindness and intention. What overwhelmed me was the sheer belief they held in my character. They believed helping someone else would bring me the most profound fulfillment and joy. Their unwavering confidence in my ability to make a difference struck a chord, leaving me both touched and introspective.

They placed their unwavering trust in me, a trust that I couldn't quite reciprocate. I often doubted my abilities and potential, feeling a pang of insecurity that overshadowed their belief in me. It was a gift beyond measure, one that I cherished deeply, even if I struggled to see the same in myself. They had sacrificed their reputations, risking judgment or misinterpretation from others, all to make me happy. Each gift they chose was thought out carefully, reflecting what they believed would resonate most with me. Their acts of kindness were not just about the physical presence; they were a profound expression of support and affection, showcasing their willingness to stand by me, no matter the cost.