'Tis the Season by Gale Stanley

Author:Gale Stanley [Stanley, Gale]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: BIN 011002-03579
Publisher: Changeling Press LLC
Published: 2023-11-05T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Four

Jonah was anxious to see Aaron again, and excited to give him the menorah. He gripped his bag with one hand and knocked on Aaron’s door with the other. His new friend opened it and greeted him with a smile. He stood aside so Jonah could enter.

Aaron looked at the bag with curiosity. “You didn’t have to bring anything. I have plenty of food.”

Suddenly at a loss, Jonah shoved the bag at Aaron. “It’s not food.” He felt his face heat. “It’s a gift. For you.”

Aaron’s brows lifted, as if he were surprised.

“It is Hanukkah.”

Aaron took the bag and looked inside. His smile faded.

“If you don’t like it, I can take it back and get something else.”

Aaron removed the lamp carefully. “It’s a wonderful present, Jonah.” He held it against his heart. “I’m stunned. I don’t know how to thank you.”

“You already have. Besides, this is my thank-you to you.”

For an instant, Aaron’s eyes glistened suspiciously, but then he leaned over and planted a kiss on Jonah’s lips. A chaste kiss, but Jonah felt passion and promise behind it. Was it his imagination or wishful thinking?

Aaron didn’t give him time to think about it. He removed the electric menorah from the windowsill and set the lamp in its place. “Everyone will admire it as they walk by.”

“The shamash is in the bag,” Jonah called out.

“I’ve got it. Thanks.” Aaron stood in front of the menorah, admiring it. “It must have cost a fortune.”

Jonah smiled. “And worth every penny to see the look on your face. I know you already have olive oil, and I bought wicks.”

“Wonderful. Let’s eat, and then we’ll light it together at sundown.”

They ate quickly because sundown was fast approaching. After Aaron cleared the table, he turned to Jonah. “I have a present for you too.” He disappeared into the coat closet for a few minutes.

This Jonah hadn’t expected. Aaron cooking dinner was gift enough.

Aaron returned and handed Jonah a dark blue crocheted yarmulke. It had an intricate design woven through with metallic silver yarn. “It belonged to Rabbi Cohen.”

Jonah felt humbled, but he couldn’t accept it. “It has an important meaning to you. I can’t take it.”

“Please. I want you to have it.”

Jonah hesitated for a few seconds. He felt like a hypocrite. The skullcap didn’t carry the same religious significance for him -- not anymore. But he put it on because it had belonged to Aaron, and he knew it would make Aaron happy.

“Thank you.” Jonah caught his reflection in the window. The man he saw looking back made his heart ache, and he averted his eyes.

Aaron brought out the oil and prepared the lamp. He recited the prayer, and this time Jonah said it with him. Then in silence, they watched the flames dance.

Jonah sneaked a sidelong glance at Aaron. When he saw the small smile playing at Aaron’s lips, he was glad he’d joined in. Glad he’d bought the lamp, just glad to be there with Aaron. Jonah struggled to keep his attention on the flames, but Aaron’s musky scent and the warmth of his body kept intruding.

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