Connected: Part 4 of the On The Edge Series

Chapter 27

"Yeah, good job, Dad," Jackson agreed.

Begrudgingly, Billy admitted, "Lil made them this year."

"The trick is to mix the syrup and milk first, then top it with the seltzer," I explained as I leaned into Billy heavily. "Don't worry; I can show you how."

"Mmhmm, I'm sure you can."

"Okay, ew." Viv motioned her hands in our direction. "Let's get this show on the road." Viv clapped her hands as she spoke. "For my dearest and only brother," she continued as she plopped a box down in front of Jackson.

"There's always a bit of fear whenever I open anything from you," Jackson noted as he held the package away from him as he slipped the ribbon off.

"Seriously, I thought you'd enjoy a mini pop-up tent. How was I to know it would pop up when you opened the box?"

"Mmhmm, you should have known because you wrapped it that way," Jackson lamented as he peered into the box. "Hey, guitar picks," he said in surprise. "This is an unexpectedly useful gift."

"I know." Viv smiled as Jackson plucked one out of the box.

"Wait a minute," he groaned as he pulled a handful out and fanned them in his hand. "They all have your face on them."

"Yeah, they do. You are welcome," she said, pleased with herself as Billy and I tried to stifle a laugh.

"Well, if nothing else, I now have proof you're picky. Not too picky, though, since you and..."

"Jackson!" Viv cut him off before he could finish his thought.

"Sorry, sorry," Jackson giggled to himself, causing Billy and me to exchange glances.

"Anyway," Viv continued. "Lily, this is for you. I figured since you are such a fan of computers, you could use one."

"Thanks, Viv," I smiled as I accepted the thin package. I carefully unwrapped it to find the backside of a mouse pad. "Oh, a mouse pad," I announced, and then as I turned it over, I added, "with a picture of Viv on it."

"Really, Viv?" Jackson laughed.

"I love it," I laughed. "It's very on theme."

"And Dad," she lifted a heavy box and plopped it on his lap.

"Let me guess, a brick with your face on it?" Billy teased.

"That would be silly; what would you do with a brick?" Viv chided.

Billy opened the box. "Oh, hey, it's a new bowling ball."

He pulled it from the box as the room, in unison, announced, "with Viv's face on it."

"You're all welcome," Viv declared.

"Well, I guess I'm up," Jackson announced as he dispensed gifts to everyone.

Viv instantly ripped into hers. "Oh," she said in surprise. "This is..."

"It's a jewelry box," Jackson offered.

"I know, it's just so... perfect." Viv's fingers glided across the top of the box with a carving of a queen from the game of chess on top.

"Well, you and Dad play a lot of chess, so I thought it would work," Jackson explained.

"No, I mean, yeah. Where did you get it?" Viv asked as she opened the box and let her fingers brush over the red velvet lining.

"I made it."

"You made this?" Viv shot back to him.

"Yeah," Jackson's tone was obvious.

"The top, too, like you carved it?" Viv continued to ask.