Date: Thu, 1 Jan 2004 20:39:20 -0800 (PST) From: James Cooper Subject: Ray & the New Year's Baby - Prologue When Raymond Ayson was invited to a neighbor's New Year's party, he was surprised. Raymond just moved into this neighborhood, Cardinal Woods - an upper middle class neighborhood of 7 homes - 2 raised ranches, 1 ranch, 3 colonials and a tudor colonial - three months ago. Since then, Raymond kept to himself, making his house - the Tudor colonial, a 4 bedroom, 3 bath house into a gardener's haven.The neighbors inviting him, were the Hogan's, a single mom with a boy who was 10. Dawn Hogan, the mom, and Ray chatted a few times when the saw each other - either on the street or at the local supermarkets. Ray, liked seeing her son, Criofan (An Irish name which means 'Fox', pronounced 'Kree-fan') when he was around with his mom. Mr. Ayson was a boylover, and Criofan is the cutest boy he seen in the neighborhood. Criofan was an orangy-red haired green eyed boy with feckles. Some of the other boys were cute, but Criofan was perfect. Criofan was incontinent, so he wore diapers, but he didn't mind. Most of the time, however, he was shy when he sees Mr Ayson. Criofan didn't know why, but he liked Mr. Ayson. In early December, he saw his mom making invitations to the nieghborhood party - all of the families - the Justs, the Haywoods, the St. Johns, the Cursons and the Kindbergs - along with the invitation for Mr. Ayson. Criofan will be baby New Years and he will be happy to show off his diapers for Mr. Ayson. Criofan been Baby New Years for 7 years, and this might be the last year for the neighborhood party. Chapter 1 - Raymond was outside getting his newpaper when Dawn and Criofan walked past. Dawn asked, "Did you get my invitation to my New Year's Party?" "Yes I did," Ray answered. "You want me there? I thought you wanted to neighbors you know." He looked at Criofan and smiled, then said, "Morning Criofan. How are you?" Criofan, wearing blue jeans and a blue and black checkered oxford shirt, under his green winter jacket, smiled and said, "Hello, Mr. Ayson. I'm fine." He then looked at his mom who said, "Yes, I want you. This might be the last New Years party here. We might have to move." Ray said, "I'll be there. When do you want me to be there?" Dawn said, "The party is for 10:00. Thank you for coming, Mr Ayson." Ray said, "Call me Ray, please. Are you going to school, Criofan?" Criofan said, "Yes, today's the beginning of the last week. I like your Christmas display, Mr Ayson." He then said, "I'm in the forth grade at Willow Stream School." Dawn said, "Please call me Dawn, then. Criofan is correct, your display is nice." She looked at Criofan and said, "Do you have everything, dear?" Criofan nodded, so Dawn smiled at Ray and said, "See you around." Ray said, "Thanks!" He picked up his newspaper, looked at Criofan, then went into his house. Ray placed the newspaper on the table and cooked his eggs, bacon and toast. Dawn walked with Criofan to his bus stop, which was at the corner of Cardinal Woods Road, the road they live on and WhiteOak Drive. Willow Stream School, the local elementary school is an half mile up on White Oak with the Middle School, Lakesburgh Middle School, next to it. Dawn was wondering if her job would be moved, since her company, MineWorker's Insurance, was merging into ColonialState Life Insurance. Dawn didn't want to move from CardinalWoods, since Criofan was born in their house. Dave Hogan, Criofan's dad, was killed 3 years ago by a drunk, so it was another reason Dawn didn't want to move. Criofan looked at Dawn and said, "Mommy, what's wong? I really like Mr. Ayson." Dawn looked at Criofan and said, "Nothing, just thinking about what your daddy would say. I like Mr. Ayson, too. Have a good day at school, dear." Dawn knew that her son didn't want her their when other kids come around. Criofan had 3 friends on Cardinal Woods Road - 10 year old twins Tanner and Trent Haywood, who knew about Criofan's incontinence, since they sleepwet and Matt St.John, who is 9. Matt looked at Criofan and said, "Did you hear, we might have snow tonight. I hope we have a white Christmas." Ray was looking at the paper while eating his breakfast. He saw the talk about the ColonialStates - MineWorker's Insurance merger, plus the world events. He put the paper aside when the phone rang. He sighed and picked up the phone. "Hello?" he answered.