Gifts from the Heart: Holiday Collection

By Obelia Akanke

When life deals our main characters the unexpected, their families support them as they face the challenges ahead.

The Family Gift - Parker must find a way to balance being the new head of household and caregiver to her grandmother while trying to ensure her family doesn't lose their home at Christmas.

An Unexpected Hero - Lynnette has repeatedly stressed the importance of "being your true self" to her mentee, Zakai, but she experiences anxiety and guilt for hiding something that has greatly affected her life. When bullying becomes a concern, Lynnette and Zakai must make difficult choices.

A Holiday with Finesse - After Renee's boyfriend leaves her stranded at the airport, Finesse steps in to share how men treat women they want. Will Renee give Finesse a chance or use his tips to find a relationship with someone else?

No(t) Home for Christmas - A privileged teen must face her prejudices about the homeless community.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Write Heart Publishing
• Release date: Dec 8, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223908975

Book preview

Gifts from the Heart

Holiday Collection

The Family Gift

An Unexpected Hero

A Holiday with Finesse

No(t) Home for Christmas

Obelia Akanke

Write Heart Publishing

Gifts from the Heart: Holiday Collection © 2023 Obelia Akanke.

Text Copyright The Family Gift © 2019 Obelia Akanke.

Text Copyright An Unexpected Hero © 2020 Obelia Akanke.

Text Copyright A Holiday with Finesse © 2021 Obelia Akanke.

Text Copyright No(t) Home for Christmas © 2022 Obelia Akanke.

An Unexpected Hero photo

Cover model – Crystal at IG: PlusModelMUA

Photographer – Nicole Michelle Photography IG: nicolemichelle_photography

All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or in any means – by electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise – without prior written permission from the publisher or author, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law.

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Covers designed by mdmehedi333, prodesignseller, T. B. Bond, and GermanCreative.

Edited by Cynthia Tucker – A Holiday with Finesse and No(t) Home for Christmas.

Disclaimer: These books are works of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

Contents

The Family Gift

1.Chapter 1

2.Chapter 2

3.Chapter 3

4.Chapter 4

5.Chapter 5

6.Chapter 6

7.Chapter 7

8.Chapter 8

9.Chapter 9

10.Chapter 10

An Unexpected Hero

1.Chapter 1

2.Chapter 2

3.Chapter 3

4.Chapter 4

5.Chapter 5

6.Chapter 6

7.Chapter 7

8.Chapter 8

9.Chapter 9

10.Chapter 10

A Holiday with Finesse

1.Chapter 1

2.Chapter 2

3.Chapter 3

4.Chapter 4

5.Chapter 5

6.Chapter 6

7.Chapter 7

8.Chapter 8

9.Chapter 9

10.Chapter 10

Christmas on the Side Books

No(t) Home for Christmas

1.Chapter 1

2.Chapter 2

3.Chapter 3

4.Chapter 4

5.Chapter 5

6.Chapter 6

7.Chapter 7

8.Chapter 8

9.Chapter 9

10.Chapter 10

11.Chapter 11

12.Chapter 12

About the Author

Other Works by Obelia Akanke

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The Family Gift

Obelia Akanke

Write Heart Publishing

This book is written in memory of my grandmother, whose wit and sass were (and still are) unmatched.

Chapter 1

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Parker Johnson forgot how to dial 9-1-1. Her grandmother lay on her side on the bedroom floor, writhing in pain and screaming out prayers. Wendi flapped her hands as she moved side to side around their grandmother crying and on the verge of hyperventilating; she made the situation worse.

Oh, help me! Don’t let me go out like this. Not in front of my grandbabies. Ethel beat her fist against the floor and grabbed at strands of carpet each time she released her fist to beg for mercy. Please just make this pain stop! Knock me out. I can’t take it!

Parker pushed the button to get a dial tone so she could call for an ambulance. Her grandmother had insisted on having a landline so people could reach emergency personnel in case there was ever a power outage. Parker carefully dialed as she verbalized 9-1-1, concentrating on the task at hand – getting an ambulance.

We’re at 1057 Sycamore Lane. It’s the blue house at the end of the drive. My grandmother fell down and said it hurts too much to move. I think something’s broken. Please hurry.

The operator asked questions about how the injury occurred.

My grandmother said she went to sit on her bed to take her pills and slid off. I think she hit the metal rail on the way down because her elbow is bleeding. She’s on her right side and yelling that she broke her butt. Parker gave directions to Wendi. Put a pillow under Grandma’s head. Try to keep her comfortable. Stop freaking out. Grandma will believe it’s worse than it is if you don’t calm down.

Wendi fanned her face, breathed out as if she were doing Lamaze exercises, and followed instructions. Grandma, you’re gonna be alright. Parker’s on the phone with the paramedics, and they’re on the way.

How am I going to be okay when you’re over here about to give birth? Ethel called out to Parker. Child, tell them to hurry. My butt’s broke, and your sister done gone into labor! Why now? Why? I’m too old to be raising more children.

Parker went to her grandmother’s side to rub her uninjured arm and try to help her relax. Grandma, Wendi’s not pregnant.

Then why she over here hee hee hoo hoo breathing in my ear like she about to push out a 10-pound baby? Got my nerves all worked up. My blood pressure already through the roof. I’m laying on this floor and can’t move. Some strangers about to come in and see me in my nightgown. She tried to fix her gown with her left hand. Oh, my word. I can’t let them see me with my thighs showing. Help me get covered. Grab that throw blanket and put it over me.

Parker reached behind her grandmother. The blanket was partially under Ethel, so Parker draped the rest across Ethel’s legs then instructed Wendi to unlock the door and wait for the paramedics.

And straighten the front room. Ethel called out after her. We can’t have people coming here, thinking we live in a pigsty.

Wendi turned and opened her arms as if to question why she was worried about cleaning the house at that moment, but Parker shook her head and gave a forward wave for Wendi to let the comment pass. Both women knew their grandmother would not tolerate a dirty house. They always picked up after themselves and helped clean. Visitors to the house meant an additional once-over to make sure everything was in order. Parker knew her grandmother’s routine. Whenever anyone left for longer than a couple of days, extra measures would be taken to ensure they returned to a clean house. She figured her grandmother knew she’d be gone for a long time and wanted to leave the house in good shape.

Within a few minutes, sirens could be heard, and voices and the sound of wheels and metal moving through the house alerted Parker that paramedics had finally arrived. They moved around Ethel and decided the best way to help her onto the stretcher.

Grandma, I’m going to drive Wendi to the hospital. We’ll meet you there, okay? We love you. Parker made sure her grandmother could see her until the doors to the ambulance were shut. She grabbed her keys.

They got to the emergency room and were told their grandmother was being seen. They would have to wait for someone to give them an update. Parker checked her cell phone for messages. She tried to emotionally distance herself by working on the monthly budget. Wendi paced in the waiting room.

Do you mind pacing over there? I’m getting dizzy.

Wendi wrung her hands. I’m sorry I can’t be as calm about this as you, Parker. Grandma’s seriously hurt. What are we going to do? I’m not ready to live without her.

First of all, that woman prayed and screamed so loudly, death would be too scared to get her before she’s ready to go.

Wendi giggled.

Secondly, who said it’s time to panic? You’re worried about news you haven’t even gotten yet. Grandma’s strong. You heard how she was still trying to run the house and make sure everything’s in order while stuck on the floor.

Yeah, you got that take charge attitude from her. Why didn’t I get that kind of confidence?

Because as the older sister, I had responsibilities you didn’t have – like babysitting you.

Hey, I wasn’t a bad kid. She pretended to be insulted.

Parker smiled. I never said you were. I just said I had different responsibilities. I was expected to do the right thing and to look out for you to make sure you did what you were supposed to do. I was the first one to wash dishes, learn to cook, get a job, graduate. I was the practice child. By the time you came along, all the kinks were worked out.

Wendi giggled again. Well, I guess that’s good to hear. She looked at the clock on the wall. I wonder when they’ll let us go back to see her. Not being able to talk to Grandma is making me more nervous.

I’m sure they’re doing what they can. Maybe you should try to take a nap until then. It’s already after 1 a.m., and you’ve got school in the morning.

Wendi sat beside her sister and laid her head on Parker’s shoulder. Don’t you have to work tomorrow, too?

No, I’m going to send an email then call in the morning to make sure they know I won’t be there. I’m sure they’ll understand.

Parker stayed awake and read articles from her phone about falls in elderly patients. Their grandmother was seventy-one, so every injury as a senior citizen was an increased risk of death, extended recovery time, and increased likelihood of additional injuries. She determined that she would do whatever was necessary to take care of the household now that she would need to make decisions. Parker, Wendi, and Ethel had already discussed what would happen in case Ethel passed away. Ethel made the sisters swear to her that they would support each other and not let things deteriorate through family arguments. As the elder sister, Parker would take over whatever was left of the estate and ensure Wendi had appropriate provisions. Ideally, the goal would be to keep the property maintained, but there would be fair distribution in case there was need to sell it.

Wendi rubbed her eyes and stared at the words on Parker’s paper. What are you writing? A grocery list?

Parker added cinnamon and brown sugar. Yes. This list is for groceries. This is my ingredients list for cookies so I can make sure I don’t forget anything while I’m shopping.

Ooh, you’re making cookies again? Wendi sat up and looked at her sister. Wait. You must be worried. You bake when you get stressed.

Parker put the top on the pen and forced a smile. Sometimes, I bake for other reasons. Right now, Grandma is going to want food from home. If I bring her cookies, too, she should perk up and know everything will work out. So, tomorrow, she’ll get pork roast dinner and the first cookies she taught me to make.

Brinmons. Wendi’s face lit up.

Yes, but we only named them that because you couldn’t say brown sugar and cinnamon.

Ms. Johnson? A doctor stood by the registration desk.

Yes? Parker and Wendi answered.

Follow me please. We moved Mrs. Johnson to a room in ICU. She’s on heavy medication. She wants to see you both, but she’s also very sleepy. If you could keep your visit to one to two minutes, it would help her by allowing her to see you but also to get the rest she needs.

The sisters tiptoed into the dimly lit room and kissed their grandmother’s cheeks.

Hi, Grandma. Wendi hugged Ethel across her shoulders to keep her from trying to turn for a hug. You scared me.

I know baby, Ethel whispered. I’m still here. I’m not going anywhere until it’s my time. Where’s Parker?

Right here. She put her hand on her grandmother’s shoulder.

Hey, baby. You know they’re going to keep me here for a while, so take care of everything until I get back.

I will, Grandma.

Oh, and can you bring me some stew or something to eat? I don’t want to have to ask for salt or sugar. I’m already gonna be here for breakfast and lunch. I want a dinner cooked from home.

Already got my list for your pot roast.

The doctor peeked into the room.

Parker hugged Ethel. We’re going to let you get some rest now. I’ll be back tomorrow after I take Wendi to school and buy groceries.

Dr. Burton spoke to the sisters outside of the room. Mrs. Johnson has a fractured hip. Although she did hit her elbow in the fall, it’s not broken, which is good. I will be talking to the orthopedic specialist and team to review her other medical history from her primary care physician to determine the best way to treat her. From what I’m seeing now, it looks like she will need surgery, physical therapy, and plenty of time to recover.

When are we looking for surgery, and what kind of recovery time are we talking?

After speaking with her physician and checking insurance, we’re hoping to have a decision first thing this morning so we can operate today – tomorrow at the very latest. It’s a hairline fracture that we might recommend healing on its own in younger, more physically active patients. For patients with increased risk of falls, brittle bones, or slower healing times, we recommend pins in the hip. As far as recovery, I’d say prepare for a few months before she’s feeling comfortable enough to move around as she did before.

Chapter 2

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Since I’m only working on Saturdays, I can ask if I can be scheduled for extra shifts on school days to help out. Wendi unlocked the car door and held the strap of her backpack.

Parker plugged the charger into her phone. Absolutely not. This is your senior year, you’ve got a chance to earn a scholarship, and you need to concentrate on your studies. Besides, Grandma wouldn’t have it. She’d make your boss fire you before she’d let your grades suffer to keep a job.

Fine, but you be sure to let me know how I can help. See you later.

Parker waited to make sure Wendi could get into the building. Wendi was scheduled for a morning study session to prepare for the national scholastic assessment tests known as SATs. Everyone hoped she would get a scholarship to her preferred college. Wendi had already spent a weekend on campus for prospective students. All she needed to do was finish strong and get the required scores on her achievement tests to be in the pool for scholarship candidates.

Parker went straight to the grocery store to shop for the items on her list. She began planning the next three months. She needed to conduct herself as if she was now the head of the household. It was October, so she aimed for budgeting through January. Holidays were going to be tight. Thanksgiving would be lean, and the Christmas minivacation she had planned as a surprise weekend getaway might not happen. If she could manage until it was time to file for taxes, she might be able to keep everything together. Her grandmother received a monthly check that had been used to cover utilities, but that money would need to be assigned to co-payments for pain meds, therapy, and whatever costs came along with treatment, travel expenses, staying away from home. Parker did not know how much to expect to pay out, but she expected it to cost a pretty penny.

Ethel had given Parker a durable power of attorney that would become effective in the event she was hospitalized. Parker had one to make medical decisions, if needed, and one to manage her grandmother’s finances. She prayed she would never need to use them, but she was afraid that she might. At twenty years of age, she was stepping into a guardianship role over her seventeen-year-old sister and grandmother.

Shortly after 9 am, she received the call that Ethel had been cleared for surgery. Her grandmother would be prepped and moved into the operating room that morning and would be in recovery by the time Parker had dinner and dessert finished. It’s really happening.

Parker spent the day tidying up, cooking, baking, and busying herself. She called her boss at the print shop.

Heather? Hi. It’s Parker. Sorry I had to call out this morning.

I understand. How’s Ms. Ethel doing?

She should be coming out of surgery about now.

Surgery?

Yeah. She fractured her hip. The doctor said to expect a long recovery time. I’ll be up there tonight to visit and to find out where we go from here. I was wondering if I could get full-time hours and overtime, if you have it.

Parker, we don’t usually have a need for anyone to work overtime. Heather could be heard answering a customer’s question. I could use you from 9:00-4:00 now that kids are back to school. They can only work evenings.

That’s perfect. Thank you. I’ll see you in the morning. Parker hung up the phone and unlocked the door for Wendi.

Wendi dropped her backpack in front of the door and walked to the couch. Why does our driveway have to be so long? My feet hurt.

I know you’re not going to leave your books in the middle of the floor like that.

She slid one shoe off and rubbed her foot. I’ll get it. I just needed to take these off first.

Nobody told you to try to be cute in heels today. You know dirt paths and those shoes don’t match. All you had to do was carry a comfortable pair of tennis shoes for walking outside.

I know, but why haven’t we gotten this paved yet? It takes 10 minutes to walk from the house to the street. We just have a dirt road with a dirt driveway. It looks like we moved out here in the 1800s. Can’t we update something?

Parker looked at the family quilt that draped the back of the couch. Ethel had made two identical quilts in case one was damaged. Eventually, each sister would have her own to share with their children and grandchildren. The squares told of the histories of past relatives and made it easy to remember who was in their family tree. Parker ran her finger along the seam of a line, drifting into a memory of learning to tell stories through sewing until Wendi snapped her back into the present.

Did you hear me? Wendi asked.

I heard you. She folded the quilt and laid it on her grandmother’s bed. We don’t need to update it. Not yet, anyway. Our home has character. There are so many stories within these walls…so much history living with us. Do you know how many people would be envious of us?

Wendi picked her backpack off the floor and sat at the kitchen table to work on her math. How many?

I didn’t think of an actual number. I was just saying we’re blessed.

Did you hear anything about Grandma yet?

Yes, they already operated on her. We’ll go up to visit once we eat. We’ll take her a portion with dessert so she has something if she has the stomach for it.

What’s going to happen next?

Parker shrugged. We’ll have to wait for the doctor to fill us in.

***

Around 7:30pm, Parker and Wendi took dinner and dessert to their grandmother.

Oh, thank you. Ethel clapped her hands once and raised them toward the ceiling. I was beginning to think I had dreamed you were bringing me food. I kept telling the staff my dinner’s coming, but then I didn’t see you. What took you so long?

Wendi responded, We wanted to make sure you were rested and felt okay to eat.

Why? They operated on my hip not my mouth. I can still chew.

Wendi smiled. Yes, grandma.

Dr. Burton knocked on the door and entered. Good evening, ladies. He addressed Ethel. How are you feeling now?

As good as I can after having strangers cut into me. It hurts like the dickens, and the meds don’t always cover the pain. I’m still here, if that says anything.

And you’re going to be here for a lot longer. He nodded.

I hope you mean alive on Earth and not laid up in this hospital. Ethel shot him a look of concern. I got things to do, people to see, places to go, bingo to win. They won’t bring the game to me. I know because Margaret asked when she was out with a cold.

Dr. Burton started to speak, but Ethel continued.

I don’t know why she thought we’d want to be in her house with her sneezin’ and snottin’ everywhere.

He put his clipboard in front of his mouth to attempt to cover his grin. Ahem. Yes, that was a good idea to keep everyone else away to keep them well.

It didn’t take a genius to know that. She ate a mouthful of pot roast.

Parker caught the doctor’s eye and slowly shook her head to signal to him that it was a lost cause to continue that discussion.

Where do we go from here? Wendi asked.

Dr. Burton looked at Ethel for permission to share her status.

Ethel waved her hand. Go ahead. They’re going to know anyway.

We’re monitoring and will continue to monitor her pain level. Post-surgery, we’re keeping an eye out for infection. We want to make sure there’s no swelling, clotting, or anything that might develop to inhibit the healing process or cause other health complications. She’ll be here the remainder of the week. We’d like to have her transferred to a rehabilitation facility. Hopefully, she’ll be released within the month and go home with something to assist with walking, such as a cane, as she continues to recover. She’ll likely have a therapist working with her after she goes home to help her strengthen her hip and to ease her back into her routine. You’ll also be given information on how to support her and things you can install to help prevent future falls.

Parker watched her grandmother bite into her brinmon. Sounds like you’ll be home by Thanksgiving, Grandma.

Great. She looked at Dr. Burton. The pain is getting to me. Can you do something about it?

Chapter 3

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A few days passed, and Ethel was relocated to the nearest facility that could accommodate her. Parker and Wendi continued their routines to try to maintain normalcy. Parker visited their grandmother almost daily. Wendi did not like seeing her grandmother in a weakened, dependent position and visited less often.

It was early November. Leaves had changed color and were shedding from the trees. The lack of greenery made it easy to see around the home. The nearest neighbor was one quarter of a mile away in either direction. Cars, animals, and parts of homes or chicken coops that were once hidden behind shrubs were now visible. Parker sat on the swing on their wraparound porch, looking at the land that stretched before her and remembered the rows of vegetables that once decorated the front yard. No one had tried to keep up the crops since their grandfather died ten years ago. The most they would maintain was the small garden near the house. Behind the house was a large field. Parker closed her eyes and inhaled the Fall air, remembering how she and her cousins used to play for hours in the backyard. She longed for those days. However, she had never learned to farm, Wendi had dreams of getting a corporate job and moving to the big city, and Ethel no longer had the desire or strength to maintain that much land. If it wasn’t for friends and extended relatives who volunteered to keep the yard presentable, it would be overrun with weeds and wildlife. Parker rocked slowly. How am I going to keep this up by myself when Wendi graduates and moves away and grandma passes on?

Wendi opened the screen door. Hey, do you want me to get started on dinner?

Sure. Parker stood. Maybe tonight’s a good night for oatmeal cookies.

Wendi held up her hand to get Parker to stop walking. Cookies? You’re baking again? What’s wrong?

Who said anything has to be wrong?

It’s like your therapy or something. What’s on your mind, sis?

Parker walked toward the kitchen. I’m thinking about how I’m going to financially cover everything. I only bring home about $1100 every month after taxes. I don’t think that’s going to be enough.

Wendi followed. It should be fine. Grandma can’t have gotten more than $800 a month, if that, but she pays for everything.

"No, she doesn’t. I put out three-fifty a month for food. I also cover your school supplies and activities. Even if grandma received and put all her money towards the house, I’m short. Her eight hundred plus the three-fifty I use for food