Christmas and Gifts 3

Ethan put the present box back under the tree while Ray put the anti-sneaking spell on it.

It was now Ray's turn to open the gifts he had received. He first went ahead and opened to see what his buddy Ethan had given him. He was very curious to know his gift.

It was the thought concealment book which was used by the Royal family of Zon. The thoughts and memories could be safely hidden in this book to unburden ones sub conscious of certain important memories which may get lost over time.

Ray realised that Ethan was not aware of the semi-thought concealment spell. Nevertheless if the memory became heavy with concealed thoughts, he thought he could use it, especially after he plans to take over Zeus. He thanked Ethan while making a note in his mind to check with him on how to use it as there was no instruction manual available for it.

The next gift was from Rachael. He loved his sister like none other. If Rachael asked him to shed off his powers, he would do it without giving a second thought to it. That was his love towards his sister. He owed his life to her.

He opened the gift box to find something like a tab which looked weird unlike any other tab he had seen. He was confused and looked at his sister.

"Ray this is called Webopedia, something like an encyclopedia, but has much more to it. It has infinite number of topics related to all the multiverse. And trust me you will love the way it works.Have a look through the instruction manual before you explore the device"

"Hmm sounds interesting, can't wait to explore it. Thanks so much. Love you Sis" Ray gave a quick hug to Rachael.

Rachael had received a Webopedia from Ethan to know more about Zon during her early days on that planet. And she felt this was the best gift she could've given Ray. There was nothing in this world that Ray couldn't get if he wanted. So it had been really difficult for Rachael to decide on the gift for Ray.

He then opened the gift from his dad and burst out laughing.

"Dad, I love you for this ha ha ha. You never fail to surprise me every time. Now I am eager for the next year Christmas to see what surprise you will plan for me"

Ray had received a full set of Tintin books. Mr. Samuel Pfeiffer knew how crazy his son was for Tintin books an an youngster but the year he was about to gift it to his son, Ray was kidnapped by the dark forces. Now that was a history which Mr. Pfeiffer had forgotten about, but he had not forgotten his son's sentiment towards Tintin.

When Ray showed it to Rachael, she smiled too. Somewhere Ray felt his sister was not like her old self especially after the incident three years back. And may be she was upset after today's incident.

Ray exactly knew how to cheer his sister up. He silently wiped that tiny fragment of today's incident from hers and everyone's memory. He knew she was putting a fake facade of joy and hidden behind was a sad emotion. He knew how sensitive his sister was sometimes and he couldn't see her like this.

He then went ahead and opened his mother's gift and it was a big box of his favourite home made chocolates. He could not recall when was the last time he ate it.

"Thank you so much Mum. I love you loads. But tell me something mum am I required to share this with anyone?"

When it came to his favourite food, you couldn't expect Ray to share it with anyone. He would get really greedy sometimes. His mum said he needn't share it with anyone as she could make another batch of chocolates if anyone requested for and Ray let out a "Yay!"

Everyone laughed seeing his kid like behaviour for a box of chocolates.

Finally it was turn of Mr and Mrs Pfeiffer's to open their gifts. All of the gifts the old couple received was given by the three of them together.

The first gift was a couple watch from the luxury Swiss brand of Patek Philippe.This brand had the finest timepieces in existence. What made this brand so special is the fact that each detail has been hand finished by a dedicated master craftsman.

Tears of joy trickled down their eyes and the couple called in for a group hug. They loved this brand but for years they couldn't afford it. After their daughter became a Royal and their son turned 16 is when they were in a better financial condition.

They had not expected their children and son-in-law to get them this couple watch which they had longed for so many years and had given up on buying it.

The idea behind this gift was of Rachael's as she was exceptionally good when it came to fashion and luxury brands.

The couple also received Christian Dior perfumes and Kindle books. Both of them were avid readers.They would read anything from business to novels to science fiction.

All these gifts were given from the three of them together as Ethan was not sure what they liked. And therefore they had decided to gift it together. Ethan made a note to get them gifts from Zon for next Christmas.

The grandfather clock struck 4 in the evening and thats when everyone realised that the entire noon was spent on opening the gifts and it was time to break for tea.

The entire family was so engrossed in opening the gifts that everyone missed their afternoon power naps and they did not regret missing it.

The Pfeiffer's had inherited tea time from the Brits before moving to the US and they loved their tea time. The evening tea time was kept simple and consisted just of lite diet cookies along with milk tea. They had been having heavy feast from the past few days and they didn't want to load tea time as well.

After the tea, everyone got ready for the Christmas Candle Light Service in the Church which was organised by the Church administration for the community people.

The Candle light service at this Church was something new to both Rachael and Ethan and they eagerly looked forward for it. Rachael also wanted to see if she saw the hallow again this time around but was disappointed when she couldn't see it later in the Church.

When they reached the Church, all of them were mesmerised to see the beauty of the Church. The entire Church was lit with candles and it looked stunning. It looked like thousands of light fairies had adorned the Church.

Everyone was appreciative of the effort of the organisers to put up this spectacular view. The Service was excellent and as Rachael could not get enough of it. The only thing she missed was the hallow on top of Lord Jesus's crown which she had seen during the morning prayer service.

The family finally headed back home and now was the time to open the mystery gift. Everyone gathered in the hall after freshening up.

It was now time for everyone to give out their three guesses to Mr. Samuel Pfeiffer. He first asked his wife to give out her 3 guesses.

Mrs. Samuel responded 1. A Complete Set of party wear suite 2. A PS 5 3. An Apple Watch or an iPod

It was a random guess. As Ethan was from Zon it was a little difficult to guess.

He made a note of all the guesses given by his wife.

Then he turned towards Rachael and she was not sure either what her dad in mind for Ethan.

"Hmmm, Dad I am not really sure. It's a little complex to decode but let me put my guesses across 1. Grooming kit 2. A car - This Rachael was not sure as Zon had a different transport system 3. An advanced watch "

Mr. Samuel did not show any reaction which would let out any hint.

Now it was Ray's turn.

He was scratching his head now and was thinking to himself as to - why he came up with this idea. He was cursing himself.

"Ah! Dad, I am not that great in guessing but I have this bizarre guesses 1) A sports car 2) A Jacuzzi 3) Some kind of Spell carried over from generations"

Ray's Dad tried his best to look serious when he heard his son's guesses.

In the last minute Ethan was exempted from giving his guesses as everything on earth was new to him and he did not have any idea on what was available on Zeus.

Mr. Samuel finally cleared his throat to announce the winner

To be continued...

[Author's note:

Dear Readers,I have tried my best to bring out the spirit of Christmas and a little of family emotions. I am not sure if I have done justice to this chapter.

This book is participating in WPC. If you liked the storyline so far, please don't forget to vote with power stones.]