pendragon1980

Hello folks. Jax and I were having a interesting discussion recently and I was curious to know the thoughts of the other authors. What actor/actress would play your character? I know some of us have characters already based on known characters...(Cully, Riddick), but indulge me. Esp those with orgrinal characters. As for me, Jax (and thank you again) pointed this lovely actress out to me, which I found a almost perfect match to the image of Doc I always had in my head. http://www.geocities.com/pendragon1980/Doc2.bmp Pendragon

How did I miss this quiz? Well, It seems I'm all over the map. 3 C's 2 D's 2 B's 1 E But...I seem to be leaning slightly towards the Coltrane elements. Brian, how you feel about kissing cousins? Just kidding. Doc

By the decision of the author, this story will no longer be updated. This story may be brought back to life in the future, but for right now, I have decided to put it on the shelf. For now, enjoy the what I have of the story, it still gives alot of insight and entertainment. Thank you, Pendragon

(Opps, I didn't realize a new post had to be added for the story to be bumped back to the top of the page, instead of an old one being redone)

For once, I have to agree with Riddick. Maybe its a matter of personal opinion or maybe its because I'm a healer at heart but watching my friends pummel each other and be pummeled in return quite frankly makes me ill. Riddick, for whats its worth, it could have been a good story IF it had kept within the beginning idea, and not gone as savage as it did. As for the rest of the Tough Man...If I may make a suggestion. Why not split the prize 3 ways so Min, Brian and Rosco don't have to fight each other? Perhaps something along the line of the following.. Hazzard's Toughest Female: Min Duke Hazzard's Toughest Law: Rosco Coltrane Hazzard's Toughest Bad Guy: Brian Coltrane and how about next time your competitive edge comes out, Hazzard tried something safe? Maybe a swimsuit contest. At least then I have a chance (no pun intended) of winning. Doc

But this is such exciting news for me I had to share. As some of you know, I applied last year for the nursing program at the college near by home. Well, today I got the acceptence letter. I can't wait you the relief I've felt knowing that I start the actual nursing clinicals in the fall. I've been going through some major angst in my life and getting into this program is a BIG step in the direction I want to be heading. It also means in less than a year, since I've been taking most of the non-nursing credits in the meantime, I'll be an RN. The downside of this is it may seriously cut into my Hazzard time. But rest assured, Doc is staying in Hazzard. She has found her home, friends she cares about and her place in this world. She isnt going anywhere. I found Hazzard at a time in my life I was very depressed and the people in here helped life me from that and get me started on my way back. Brian, MaryAnne, Jax, Val, Daney, Essy, Hil, Riddick, Vicki, you may never know the impact you made on this author's life and how you influenced the creation of a character that even surprises me, her author. I want to take this oppurtunity to thank you for your kindness, friendship and the wonderful stories you have created. Truly Yours, Pendragon Author of Chance "Doc" Walker Hazzardite for Life

Scoot, I'm sorry you have to go through this trying time for one so young. Please free feel, if you want to talk anytime, to contact, by online, phone or mail. Your energy and youthful antics has always been refreshing to me, and reminding that not everthing is la ife and death drama. I hope we will see you again in Hazzard soon, but you will always be considered a good friend to this country doctor. Doc

As they started swaying to the soft music, Chance let one hand find one of Brian's broad shoulder while the other stayed clasped within his. She smiled up at him, not hinting how the soft spoken words had stolen her breath, nor how the closness of their bodies, even in the slow dance, couldn't conceal the heat between them. "Ok, You're forgiven...this time." Chance took the oppurtunity to note Brian's attire, all black naturally, from his dress shirt to his jeans to his boots. "You don't look half bad yourself this evening, Brian." The black clothing suited his dark hair and even darker eyes, makinng him almost taking on the likness of a jungle cat that's spotted its prey... That line of thought prompted a slight swallow, although Chance's gaze didn't waver from Brian's as they moved. Her lips quirked up with a sudden memory. "This isn't the first time we danced. I never did get a second mambo lesson out of you. How did it go again? Work it easy, get the flow, use your hips..."

Chance didn’t react to the waitress brushed by her except to throw her a passing look that should have melted the blonde into a puddle of whatever wasn’t silicon. Turning back to Brian, she folded her arms in front of her and raised an eyebrow. “Fancy meeting you here, Brian". She grinned, albeit a bit wickedly, definitely enjoying the rare occurrence to put Brian Coltrane on the spot. However, Chance was a big believer in redemption so she decided to give him a chance to redeem himself. "Well, you gonna answer my question or do you prefer dancing with Malibu Barbie over there?†Or did that offer for a free drink just expire?†(cue Brian, better start putting that Coltrane charm to work.)

(Ok, It seems you wanted my attention, you got it, Bri. Just hope you're updated on your medical insurance - Doc.) Stilling sitting and chatting with the other girls, Chance paused mid-sip as a very familiar sound came from the direction of the dance floor. There is only one human on Earth that makes that kind of call. She turned slightly and glanced over her shoulder and saw an equally familiar black clad figure grooving on the dance floor...and not alone. "Well, well....Seems these clubs will just let anyone in these days...excuse me, girls." Chance set her glass down and headed for the dance floor herself. She made a direct path for the dancing pair. Fortunately, Brian's back was towards her and he hadn't seen her approach. The young doctor smirked and gently tapped his shoulder. "Mind if I cut in?"

(Author’s note: Wow! I had no idea upon submitting this RR that it would snowball like it did. I just we all needed a night off. Thanks guys! And just for the record, if anyone wants to join this RR, regardless of them being part of Chance’s hen party invite list, they are more than welcome. ) Chance rolled her eyes playfully when the country music hit the speakers. The young doctor’s musical preferences leaned more towards Aerosmith and Van Halen the the Judds and Waylon Jennings, a source of much teasing in Hazzard where country reigned supreme. She laughed and told Min she was sitting this one out. Min nodded and joined her, country wasn’t her style either. The two women made their way through the crowd of dancers back to the bar where Kristy and Val were sitting. Chance just caught Kristy’s question as she settled down in a chair beside them. “Glad you could make it, Kris. You haven’t missed much, just me and Min here showing these city guys what they are missing in Hazzard.†She grinned impishly. "That’s right, just because we're from a small town doesn't mean we don't know how to have fun." Min winked at her friend, the two women exchanging high fives and laughing.

"Min, you getting the feeling we opened a Pandora's box here?" Chance said, grinning broadly. She had to raise her voice slightly to be heard above the music. Bending her knees and rocking her shoulders, she shimmied down low and then up. "You know, we ought to try this one night at the Boar's Nest. We would probably see a few eyes pop out of their sockets. Could you imagine the look on their faces?" Chance couldn't resist a chuckle at the thought. "Oh it's be priceless and as for the Pandora's Box...Maybe we have Chance or maybe we just showed these girls how much fun it can be to cut loose once in a while.. I mean we can't all be peaches and cream every minute of the day." Min closed her eyes, letting her body move to the music; her long hair swinging as she moved from side to side. "I'm not sure I'm EVER the peaches and creme type." Chance then spotted Kristy through an opening in the crowd and waved, knowing her voice wouldn't carry over the music. Min too saw Kristy and raised her hand to her before answering the doctor's question. "Chance, that's what we basically are most of the time. But not right now and certainly not tonight." "Damn straight."

"Studying and pursueing? Is there a difference?" Chance laughed and set her drink on the bar. "You know what, dancing sounds good. Let's see if we can make some jaws drop." She said as she got up and joined Min on the dancefloor. Dancing was probably too polite a term for what was going on on the darkened dance area. More like grinding to a beat. But that didn't stop Min and Chance from joining in the fun. Moving in time with the music, the two girls didn't seem aware that they were turning heads. Chance grinned as she and Min danced side by side. Playfully trying to outdo her friend, She lifted her blonde hair with both her hands, let it fall back around her shoulders and added a sexy wiggle of her hips. Min only grinned, impressed by Chance's moves and natural rhythm. Not to be outdone, the Duke woman's hips rotated back and forth in seductive semi-circles; her hands traced down her thighs slowly before her arms raised high in the air.

"Sorry, Min. You know damn well I'm taken. But if I see anything worth..." The blonde woman cleared her throat. "further physical examination, I steer you towards it." She chuckled as she turned towards the redhead. "Vicki, hon, tonight have absolutly nothing to do about being shy. Although I gotta tell you, you gotta watch them doctors. Trust me on that one." Chance grinned slyly.

Chance trundled her bike over past the finish line, there was a tree stump there so she sat down, already feeling the effects of the spill. But more than that, She watched the Dukes congratulate Garrett on his win. She couldn't understand it. Why would Garrett race against her when he put all that work into helping her? And the joy the clan was showing in his win didn't fit with their willingness to help. Actually, what it can down to is Chance felt...betrayed. Those who were supposed to help her were now dancing on her office's grave…as it were. It didn't improve her mood when she saw out of the corner of her eye Boss Hogg waddle up to her. Stiffly, the doctor stood and faced the man would now own her office. "I gave you my word, Boss. I gambled and lost. The office is yours. You can pick up the papers tomorrow morning." Boss removed his cigar to speak, but then paused. Chance obviously couldn't know of Rosco's plan to aid her. If he could get her to sign over her office deed before either the sheriff or the Dukes could respond, then the office would be his all legal-like. So instead now, he nodded to Chance's statement. "Tomorrow morning. You're good for your word." He glanced behind them to the Dukes. "Which is more than I can say for the Dukes. I thought they were supposed to help you win." Boss hid his smug grin by stuffing the cigar back in his mouth. "Yeah, I did too." Chance bent her head, hiding her expression as she removed her gloves. "I guess Hazzard wasn't the place for me." "Guess not" Hogg said gruffly, then touched a hand to his head, closing his eyes briefly. Chance noticed this. "What's wrong?" "Nuthin. Must be all the excitement going to my head or something. I..." Suddenly the Boss shut his eyes again and paled. He didn't open them again. Chance felt her own heart stop when she realized what was happening. The dizziness and the sudden change of color. She remembered her first impression of Hogg. A cardiologist's worst nightmare. A prime candidate for a heart attack. Just as the young doctor reached out to steady Boss, his knees seem to buckle. Chance caught him before he hit the ground, not an easy task considering. Everything else forgotten for the moment, she put her ear to Boss's chest and heard the unmistakable sounds of a heart about to go out of control. "KRISTY! MY MED BAG! HURRY!!"

“Amen to that, Min.†Chance smirked as she raised her brandy glass in salute. “These city boys have no idea what they’ll in for.†She took a sip she watched Vicki and her new friend talk for a minute before the redhead started towards the bar. “I see Vick has a head start on us already.†She teased, speaking just aloud enough for her to hear as she approached. Smiling at the turnout of the invitation. “What do you think, girls? A shade more sophisticated than the Boar’s Nest?†Her grin widened as she rested one leg on the other knee, motorcycle boots creaking slightly as she did so.

Back at the race, the finish line was quickly approaching. Chance's Honda was slowly gaining on the smaller bike . The curves that gave the dirt bike the upper hand were long since past, leaving only the clear road to the finish line. Chance leaned forward on the handlebars, as if that small movement could give the bike that crucial boost in speed, not knowing what may happen if Garrett lost. She glanced over at Garrett, who also turned his head. They both had everything to lose by this race. But that one moment Chance swung her head, the Honda's tire skidded on some bit of debris on the road. Caught off guard, Chance suddenly swung her head back, a movement which also caused the Honda to lean dangerously and then veer. The two bikes banged together with a sharp clang on metal on metal. Chance tried to compensate before she took them both down. The two motorcycles bumped together again, but this time the young doctor couldn’t stabilize the heavier bike. Chance slammed the brakes so the crash wouldn't be fatal. Garrett's dirt bike sped ahead to win, with its rider glancing back only once. With the grinding sound of gear and a muffled thud, the Honda lost the battle and hit the road in a cloud of dust and Chance with it. She felt the bike go down and braced herself for the fall. The contact with the dirt road knocked the wind out of the young doctor and the force of the impact caused her to tumble before coming to a stop. She heard her bike slide a few feet and its engine sputter and die. Fortunately, slowing down had given her time to prepare herself for the spill, so she was only bruised and would probably be sore the next morning. Chance didn't get up, she tried to catch her breath. But that was the least of the young doctor's concerns. Brushing herself off and standing, she watched Garrett pass the finish line. She had lost the office.

“Bling Blings?†Chance raised her eyebrow, looked at Min and shrugged. Smiling as she escorted she friends towards the entrance. “Ladies, It’s a shame I’m an MD and not a chiropractor because we gonna turn some heads tonight!†Indeed, even as the trio of woman stood at the entrance while the bouncer took their tickets, it was obvious they were attracting male attention, one brave soul even ventured a wolf whistle from somewhere back in the line. Inside the nightclub, the lights were low and the music pulsing. Thankfully, the place wasn’t incredibly crowded because of the limited entrance. There were some tables lined alongside the long bar that dominated one side of the club. The sunken dance floor was lighted with various colored spotlights as individuals and couples alike took advantage of the dimmed lighting. Chance lead Val and Min to a spot at the bar nearby, which immediately opened up as the females approached. She signaled the bartender and turned to her friends. “What’ll it be, girls? First drink‘s on me.â€

You know, it occurs to this quiet county doctor that usually the guys in Hazzard get to have all the fun. I say it’s the ladies’ turn. I happened to come across some tickets for Atlanta’s hottest new dance club. No country music or peanuts on the floor here. Girls, What do you say to a girl’s night out and we’ll show those city folks how the females of Hazzard have fun. Dress code: This ain’t no quilting club, ladies, dress to kill. ===== The valet could only raise an eyebrow as the motorcycle pulled out to the curb in front of the nightclub, a far cry from the usual sports cars or luxury sedans often seen in this part of Atlanta. The other eyebrow when the rider of the cycle pulled off her helmet, revealing a long mane of blonde hair to fall wildly around her shoulders. Chance grinned at the stunned look at the valet’s face as she handed him her keys. Hell, she knew she looked good tonight, why not enjoy the attention. Wasn’t that the whole point of a girl’s night out? Walking towards the nightclub, she caught her reflection in a mirrored section decorating the front. She smirked at the reflection, dressed in a dark brown suede shirt that attached over one shoulder, leaving the other bare and black leather pants can almost could be deemed illegally snug, the outfit was completed by Chance’s shin high motorcycle boots, also black leather. The heavy bass was coming from the interior of the nightclub could be hear even out into the street, the modern dance music about as a far cry something the honky tonk played at the Boar’s Nest as possible. This was more the type of place Chance frequented in her often teased about “wild days†during college. There would be no chance of country ballads, peanuts littering the floors or water downed beers in here. Chance grinned as she approached the doorway, there was a healthy line at the door, but thankfully Chance’s tickets meant they could bypass it. A bouncer who looked like a refuge from World Wide Wrestling stood at the head of the line. Chance glanced at her watch. She had posted the invitation in town. She wondered idly who would join her.

The was a moment where, to Chance at least, everything seemed to stop and the only thing she could hear was her own tense breath, just before the sharp crack of the starting gun filled the air. Over a dozen motorcycles shot ahead at the sound. Chance slammed her accelerator down, too hard in fact and the Honda's front tire left the ground as the bike reared suddenly, like a startled horse, threatening to spill its rider from the start. But the young doctor kept her balance and threw her weight forward and brought the motorcycle back to the ground with a crash and snarl. The Honda spat dirt back as it found its traction and rocketed ahead, half a pace behind the other riders. It quickly became apparent that the race was between the powerful red Honda and Garrett's more nimble dirt bike. The Honda powered over the straight stretches but had to slow downs slightly for the various winding Hazzard roads or risk going down, the dirt bike, although not as powerful as the Honda, had no problem. The Harleys quickly dropped from sight in Chance's mirrors, having neither to brunt power of the racing cycle or the necessary traction of the dirt bikes. The two other racing cycles similar to Chance rode wheel to wheel, not letting the Honda pass. But one didn't take slow on the curves and as a result, lost its balance and went down, but not before crashing into the other, taking both bikes down and their riders with it. Garrett passed on one side of the mess as the unharmed riders were brushing themselves off, and second later, Chance passed on the other.

**WARNING - This story contains adult content and adult language*** http://www.geocities.com/pendragon1980/hazzard/SinsofthePast.htm Cowritten by Jax and Pendragon. Back by popular demand. Hope you like it. Let us know!

The coversation was interrupted the the sudden annoucement for the riders to approach line. Chance was already there, having pulled up while Garrett and Kristy were talking. She looked down the line of riders, there were bikes of every kind and make; muddy dirtbikes, a couple of Harley's, even one or two more supped racing cycles like her own. As Chance's eyes traveled down the line of competitors, her eyesbrow raised in silent quetion when she saw Garrett at the other end of the racing line, Kristy close by. She didn't recall Garrett saying anything about being in the race, but he would be the most difficult competition . After all, He taught Chance about cycle racing. The smaller red bike he was riding wasn't as powerful of the doctor's Honda, but it would be more mobile and easier to handle on the rough dirt roads. With a final look down the row of bikes at the starting line, Chance slipped her helmet over her head and snapped down the visor. Seconds later, the announcer called for riders to start their engines. As one, the row of riders kickstarted their motorcycles and the air was filled with the almost deafening growl of over a dozen engines. Underneath the reflective visor, she narrowed her blue eyes, leaned foward slightly and tightened her grip on the handlebars. She could feel the adrenaline hitting her system as she waited for the signel to start the race.

Any thoughts of the race fled from Chance's head at the sight of her assitant in pain. She followed Kristy back into the office, turning her to face so she could inspect the damage. "Good God, Kristy! I'm so sorry, I didn't mean...." For a long moment Kristy allowed Chance's sentence fade into silence as she ran around in search of a kleenux. Finally finding a box of kleenuxes on her own desk, she grabs a few to hold on her nose before slouching back into her old swivel chair. Tiredly she looks up at Chance and says, "It's not your fault...I just happened to be there." "You Dukes have a habit of doing that, even when its against your best interests." Chance smiled sadly and sat down on the arm of the waiting room couch. She was actually glad Kristy happeaned along, she needed to tell her some things before the race. "Kristy, you're the best assistant I could have asked for, and for what its worth, if things go badly today, I'll help you find a position at another medical office." Through her wad of kleenuxes, Kristy sends Chance a questioning look. "Don't be silly...you'll win," she goes silent as she instantly remember all that Garrett had told her this morning. He loses he is back behind bars. "I mean after all, Bo and Garrett had been showing you the terrain and the best moves. You can't lose." "Kristy....even if I win, I may not be long in Hazzard. I've been accepted for another surgical position...in Boston." Abruptly, Kristy sits up straight before leaning back into her chair as her mind races with the news, and what it would hold for her. "Well either way, I am happy for you," Kristy smiles as she continues to press the kleenuxes to her nose, "I really am." "I haven't decided yet." Frustrated, Chance ran a hair through her long, blonde hair. "Part of me wants to stay in Hazzard, but another part of me is calling me selfish for not using my talents where it can help more people." Checking momentarily on her nose she reapplies fresh kleenux to stop more bleeding. "Well you do have great talent Chance and people here seem to really love having you as their doctor," Kristy gives Chance an understanding smile, "but at the same token, you have to follow your heart, on what it wants to do. I mean, if you were to stay here due to it being Hazzard, but your heart really wants to go to Boston, then you won't be able to concentrate as much as you should on your patients. And vice versa for that matter." "I know, I know. " Sighing deeply, Chance nodded. Just then the church bells down the street started call the hour. Chance looked at the window into the street. "The race is in an hour. If there were a time to back out, this would be it. " Kristy looks up as a wave of nervousness rushes through her as her mind thinks of Garrett, his only option is to win. But if he were to win, then the loss of her practice would leave Chance without the freedom of a choice at all. Looking at Chance, she fights on what the right thing is, to tell her about Garrett, or just let it hang. "It's your choice," Kristy finally speaks up, deciding on letting the topic of Garrett pass for the moment. "My choice." Chance repeated solemnly. "My choice....is to race. I've never backed down from a challedge. The rest...I guess I leave up to chance. small C." The young doctor's mouth quirked into a small smile. Seeing that her bleeding has slowly came to an end she tosses the rest of the kleenuxes in the garbage can while gently touching her tender nose to find the bottom of her right eye a little puffy. "Well then, race it is," she returns Chance's smile. "Well then, what are we waiting for? Let's go." Holding her helmet in one hand, Chance made a sweeping motion towards the front entrance with the other. "Ladies first? Is that age before beauty?" Kristy gives her a small smirk before walking out back to her truck, filled with guilt for not having the nerves to tell Chance what she is up against. There is no way Garrett would let her win out of courtesy, not even if there hadn't been a charge for his arrest if he lost. The only way he races, is to win, no matter who his opponet is against. Though Garrett had shown and taught Chance all the right moves and tricks that he had learned, he had one over Chance and that was his expierence he had in racing and in motorcyle driving. Sighing she looks back over to Chance before saying, "With age, comes wisdome." "..and grey hairs" Chance teased as she shut the down behind them. *** Kristy sighs as she spots how bad her hands are shaking in nerves, not only for her job, but for Garrett and for Chance. No matter what the out come is to be, there will be a huge negative side to it. Walking through the crowd, she finally spots Garrett sitting upon his bright red dirt bike that Hogg had picked out for him, an old scratched red helmet is rested upon his head. "There you are," Kristy gives her younger brother a teasingly pat on his shoulder, before giving him a hug. He glares at her with his hardened smokey gray-blue eyes, as if embarrassed by her hug in public. "Don't give me that look...I figured you'd need something for luck. Afterall you are the one that taught Chance the moves." Staring coldly at Kristy for a long moment of silence he finally says, "I don't race to loose, Kris, and there is no way I am gonna spend the next ten years of my life behind bars due to Hogg's damn set up!"

This has nothintg to do with the challedges but I can't resist the oppurtunity. Vicki, If you like medical dramas, and need a cowriter, let me know. I'm always looking for something to write with, since I'm a lousy solo writer. I'm trying some ER style stories. Email me if you like. It's nice to find someone else interested in medcine. Doc

Since I'm snowed in and have nothing to do... And having personally experienced the following with my cat, Ginger, it occurs to me that cats are the reason we created gift bags.... Pendragon ==== Wrapping Presents (With a Cat) 1. Clear large space on table for wrapping present. 2. Go to wardrobe and collect bag in which present is contained, and close door. 3. Open door and remove cat from wardrobe. 4. Go to cupboard and retrieve rolls of wrapping paper. 5. Go back and remove cat from cupboard. 6. Go to drawer and collect transparent sticky tape, ribbons, scissors, labels, etc. 7. Lay out present and wrapping materials on table, to enable wrapping strategy to be formed. 8. Go back to drawer to get string, remove cat that has been in the drawer since last visit, and collect string. 9. Remove present from bag. 10. Remove cat from bag. 11. Open box to check present, remove cat from box, replace present. 12. Lay out paper to enable cutting to size. 13. Cut the paper to size, trying to keep the cutting line straight. 14. Throw away first sheet because cat tried to chase the scissors and tore the paper. 15. Cut second sheet of paper to size by putting cat in the bag the present came out of. 16. Place present on cut-to-size paper. 17. Lift up edges of paper to seal in present, wonder why edges now don't reach,and find cat between present and paper. Remove cat and retry. 18. Place object on paper, to hold in place, while cutting transparent sticky tape. 19. Spend next 20 minutes carefully trying to remove transparent sticky tape from cat with pair of nail scissors. 20. Seal paper down with transparent sticky tape, making corners as neat as possible. 21. Look for roll of ribbon; chase cat down hall and retrieve ribbon. 22. Try to wrap present with ribbon in a two-directional turn. 23. Re-roll up ribbon and remove paper that is now torn, due to cat's enthusiasm in chasing ribbon end. 24. Repeat steps 12-22 until down to last sheet of paper. 25. Decide to skip steps 12-16 in order to save time and reduce risk of losing last sheet of paper. Retrieve old cardboard box that you know is right size for sheet of paper. 26. Put present in box, and tie down with string. 27. Remove string, open box and remove cat. 28. Put all packing materials in bag with present and head for lockable room. 29. Once inside room, lock door and start to re-lay out packing materials. 30. Remove cat from box, unlock door, put cat outside door, close door and re-lock. 31. Lay out last sheet of paper. (Admittedly this is difficult in the small area of the toilet, but try your best!) 32. Seal box, wrap with paper and start repairs by very carefully sealing down tears with transparent sticky tape. Now tie up with ribbon and decorate with bows to hide worst affected areas. 33. Label, then sit back and admire your handiwork, congratulating yourself on making good of a bad job. 34. Unlock door, and go to kitchen to make drink and feed cat. 35. Spend next 15 minutes looking for cat, before coming to obvious conclusion. 36. Unwrap present, untie box and remove cat. 37. Retrieve all discarded sheets of wrapping paper, feed cat and retire to lockable room for last attempt, making certain you are alone and the door is locked. 38. At time of handing over present, smile sweetly at receiver's face, as they try and hide their contempt at being handed such a badly wrapped present. 39. Swear to yourself that next year, you will get the store to wrap the darn thing for you.