It was one of our first Christmases together. I had no clue what to buy someone as affluent as Charles and had spent a good deal of time and money trying to come up with something that would surprise him. Fortunately I came across a beautiful painting of a Winder Masquerade Ball. It was framed in gold and would match the bedroom perfectly. It also was very snobbish and seemed to fit the ArchDuc well.

   I was quite proud of my find and could not wait to surprise him with it. When it came time to exchange gifts, I let him open his gift and he seemed genuinely surprised and appreciative. Instead of just giving my gift to me, he decided to make a game of it. What ensued was a fast and frantic game of Hide and Seek. We played several rounds where he hid and I found him alternating with me hiding and him searching. I am convinced that the old man cheated by using his Archsite and he won’t deny that he did.

   After finding him the last time, he finally gave me a gift. It was a beautiful friendship ring. I’ll never forget our first Christmas thanks to his creative gift giving that day.

Galerie de Paris © Copyright 2002 TRG Creations