A Capitol Christmas

A Capitol Christmas 
Love at Christmas Time is the Best Present of All

Sophia Tesch, Yahoo Contributor Network

Representative Joseph Christenson spoke to the press corps Christmas Eve. During his speech, given in a church's kitchen, he turned to see-- covered in turkey gravy and mashed potatoes --a heavenly woman with shiny black strands escaping the loose bun that held her long, straight hair. Her chocolaty eyes and caramel colored skin at first glance held warmth unknown to him prior, the warmth turned uncomfortably hot as her eyes narrowed like a fierce jungle cat about to pounce. This intrigued him.

Maria saw the expensive looking man and she knew who he was. His ice-blue eyes were as cool as the December night, aloof. "Oh Lord please help me hold my tongue, it's Christmas." She begged her Heavenly Father. The State Senate passed a bill last session that cut funding for the poor, sending more people to this food kitchen to survive. Yet with television cameras around, they portray themselves as charitable men of God. She was furious! Nevertheless, she must show mercy on Christmas Eve. She began to smack the metal spoon full of potatoes onto a metal dish with frustration.

Joseph turned his head, reacting to the metallic thwacks coming across the row of turkeys and vats of cranberry sauce. A surprising urge to grab this angel in his arms overtook him, despite the gravy, potatoes and cranberry sauce that would ruin is custom-made suit. He reapplied his concentration to the Senator's speech. "We believe the American people will pull themselves up by the bootstraps and continue living the American Dream. Happy Holidays everyone!"

Joseph, bored by the speech, flashed Maria a smile. Her heart melted, her body betrayed her. Was this a cruel trick from God? Perhaps the Devil was tempting her with this arrogant man across the counter, she cursed under her breath while adding dollops of cranberry sauce to each dish before her.

"We'd like a picture in front of the tree," said the newspaper photographer corralling Joseph and Maria between the Senator and Maria's father, the Pastor. "Closer, closer please." The photographer urged. Maria resisted. But the photographer was impatient to return to the office holiday party and shoved Maria into Joseph"There, perfect." He returned to snap the shot while Joseph was trying to ignore Maria's soft body and the longing to untie her apron like a present, while Maria prayed the rosary to keep from thinking about Joseph's wonderful spice scent, the feel of him making her heart rum-pa-pum-pum like a drummer boy.

Now five years later, slightly more than a month after the election, Senator and Mrs. Maria Christenson kiss beneath the Capitol's Christmas tree. Maria looks deep into her husband's eyes with affection, "Joseph, I have a Christmas present for you." Joseph mischievously pulls her to him. "And what might that be my Christmas angel?" "We're expecting a baby, we will name him Jesus." The light from Joseph's smile rivaled the Christmas star. The couple entered the black sedan that drove them home through the twinkling Christmas lit night.

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