Snow was coming down harder now and it was all Doug could do to keep the car on the road. There was virtually no traffic out, not even the big trucks that usually made it through when nothing else could. Up ahead Doug could see a light and as he got closer a sign that said: Springdale Diner, in neon lights, part of which flickered intermittently as if they might go out at any moment.
"Thank God," Doug muttered to himself, "at least I won't freeze to death or starve, that is if they're even open."
As he got closer he could see a half dozen cars and a box truck, the kind that was usually used for local deliveries, in the parking lot. The snow completely covered the small lot now and was piled up in drifts two feet deep around the cars and the side of the building facing the wind which blew out of the north.
As he slid into the parking lot he could see lights inside and through the window he could see a couple of diners parked in a booth near the door. Doug sighed in relief as he slid to a stop just inches from the sidewalk in front of the diner and put the car in park.
He shrugged off the cold and snow as he entered the vestibule and stomped his feet to loosen the snow before entering the cafe. As he pushed open the second set of doors he was greeted by the warmth and delicious smells of the cafe.
"Hello," a tall slender lady wearing a pink smock and white pants said as he entered, "Sit anywhere you want hon."
Doug smiled and returned the greeting then slid into a booth near the back. Doug was a people watcher and he always chose a location wherever he was so that he could see those around him without being too obvious. There were at least a dozen other customers in the diner including a couple of families with children, but one family in particular attracted his attention.
The parents were young but looked harried and unkempt as if they might have been traveling a long way. The man was dark skinned, perhaps Hispanic or of mixed parentage, with black hair and dark eyes. He was handsome in a rugged sort of way, but he looked tired and seemed to have a perpetual frown on his face. The woman was white, blondish brown hair, and blue eyes in stark contrast to the man's appearance. She was pretty but Doug thought she would be prettier if she smiled. She wore hardly any makeup, but had one of those complexions that didn't need much adornment, and though her hair was shorter than most women wore it, it looked good on her.
Across from the couple two boys sat nibbling fries from a single plate and sharing a soda. The youngest boy appeared to be seven or eight and the older boy ten or so, and they resembled each other to the point that it looked as if Doug were seeing the same boy at two different ages.
The boys were cute like most boys, but Doug thought these two were especially so. Their skin color was obviously a blend of the two parents sitting across from them and they seemed to have inherited the best features of each of them. The boys had dark brown hair and eyes, with cute noses and lips that seemed to be turned up in perpetual smiles. Doug liked the boys immediately and it hurt him to see them having to share food. Were the parents hurting for cash? Then noticing that the parents had nothing but coffee he decided to help if he could.
When the waitress came over he tried to feel her out and see if she had some insight into the little family.
"Oh hon, they had to count out change to pay for that little bit of stuff they have. They were headed to her mom's for the Holiday but they slid off into a snow drift about two miles up the road and had to walk all the way here. I told em' they could stay as long as they needed, but I don't know what they plan to do."
"Can you do something for me...uh Tina?" Doug said noticing the waitress' name tag.
"I'll sure try hon. What is it?"
"I want to buy that family a meal, but I don't want them to know it was me. Can you do that?"
Tina smiled and touched Doug's hand, "That is so sweet. Why sure we can do that. I swear your secret is safe with me," she said smiling warmly.
"What's the best thing on the menu?"
"Well, the burgers are good, but if it was me...I'd go for the chicken fried steak dinner."
"I'll have a burger and fries and a Coke, but send the family the steak dinners. I guess with fries for the boys and mashed potatoes for the parents. Uh...I don't know what sides..." Doug said looking confused."
"I'll figure it out hon, let me handle it...okay?" she said winking.
"And send them some dessert too...whatever you think is best...okay?"
"Sure thing hon."
"And drinks...for them...I guess...."
Tina winked, "I'll take care of everything."
Doug thanked her and continued to watch the little family and suddenly the oldest boy locked eyes with him and they shared a moment. The boy smiled and shook his head almost as if he could read Doug's thoughts then he looked away and said something to his brother.
Over the next few minutes while Doug waited for his food he and the boy shared several moments, and then he saw Tina heading their way with a loaded tray and he looked away so as not to give himself away. He was able to covertly witness the surprise and excitement of the little family as they looked around trying to figure out who their anonymous benefactor was.
Eventually hunger won out and they began to eat. Doug's burger arrived then and he was busy eating for a few minutes and when he looked up the older boy was looking directly at him. Doug squirmed a little under the boy's gaze and when the boy mouthed "Thank you" Doug felt tears fill his eyes. He simply nodded and returned to his meal, but he knew there was more to come.
Dessert was chocolate cake for the boys and apple pie for the parents and Doug had a slice of coconut cream pie that he thought was the best he had ever eaten. He was comfortably full by the time he had tucked the last bite of pie away and suddenly had a pressing need to relieve his bladder.
The bathroom was near the back just across from his booth and when he pushed the door open he was surprised to see that it was not only clean but spacious with two stalls and two urinals and a double vanity sink. He moved up to one of the urinals and let loose just as someone entered.
Looking over his shoulder he came face to face with the older boy.
"Hi," the boy said moving up to the other urinal.
"Hello buddy, how are you?"
"Good...fine really...so full," he said patting his tummy with his free hand. The other being busy holding himself as he peed.
"Good food," Doug said turning his head to lock eyes with the boy.
"It was you....wasn't it?"
Doug smiled, "Is that okay?" Doug asked, feeling the need for the boy's approval.
"It was the awesomest thing ever sir. My folks don't got no money and we were soooo hungry. My little brother Mikey was so hungry and he was crying and we found some change but all we could get was some fries."
"I can't stand to see a hungry kid," Doug said turning serious, "It wasn't much, but I'm glad it helped."
The boy finished peeing and zipped up and Doug followed suit. At the sinks they talked some more.
"I'm Tommy, I'm 11 in case you want to know," the boy said grinning and Doug thought he had never seen such a lovely smile.
"I'm Doug, glad to meet you buddy."
"You too. Well, I better get back out there."
"Yeah, me too. Well...stay warm and be safe."
"Yeah, you too...and thanks."
Doug nodded. After the boy had gone he stared into the mirror for a long time. There must be something I can do to help them besides buying them a lousy dinner, Doug thought frowning. His thoughts were interrupted as the door swung open and the smaller boy, Mikey, bounced into the room.
"Oh hi mister," the boy said sounding happy.
"Hello..." Doug almost slipped and called the boy by name.
"Are you snowed in here too?"
"Looks like it. Well, at least it's warm here and there's food."
He frowned, "Yeah, warm..."
Doug watched as the boy hurried to the urinal and almost laughed when he dropped his pants and underwear to his knees and stood there peeing with his cute little butt fully exposed. He tried not to look too long, but the kid was just so cute and innocent and it wasn't like he was perving on him or anything. He just enjoyed looking, that was all.
Doug dried his hands and was about to go when the boy swung around as he attempted to pull up his pants exposing his boy bits. Doug decided he'd been spot on about the boy's age from the size of his little penis and the fact that his testicles hadn't descended yet. He was as cute as a puppy and so innocent and sweet. He was in love almost instantly, but it was a good kind of love.
"Do you know my brudder?," he said in his cute little boy voice.
"I saw him...over there with you..."
"He was in here...before me...did ya' meet him?" He'd finally managed to get this pants up and buttoned and was headed toward the sink.
"Oh, yeah...we said hi...that's all."
Wetting his hands under the warm water the small boy fumbled with the soap dispenser then frowned when he discovered it was empty. Doug watched him with interest. Everything about him was intriguing, from the way he spoke, to the way he rubbed his hands together beneath the water. He wondered what it would be like to know this boy and his brother better. To be part of their lives and earn their friendship.
He was suddenly aware that he had been gone a long time and he was concerned that someone might have noticed and wondered why he was spending so much time in the mens room, especially considering the fact that two small boys had visited the restroom as well.
"Well buddy, take care."
"Okay...you too," the small boy said grinning.
Doug noticed that Tina had brought the check and when he sat down he gave it a surreptitious look. He smiled when he saw that he had been given a frequent diner discount of 20 percent and decided Tina was due a big tip. He pulled out his credit card and penned in a large tip for Tina and laid the check and card on the table.
As he sipped his Coke he watched the family but the older boy seemed caught up in their conversation and didn't look his way. Eventually Tina came by and picked up the check and returned a short time later with Doug's card and a receipt for him and one to sign.
"Thanks for the tip hon, but I was just happy to help."
"Merry Christmas Tina," Doug said smiling warmly. "I hope you won't be stuck here Christmas day."
"Oh, my husband Willy will get here one way or the other. He's got a big ole' pickup truck with four wheel drive and not much stops that thing."
"Well, thanks for letting me hang out here for a while."
"Oh, no problem there. You're not the only one stranded here. Mitchell, the owner lives in the back so he's not going anywhere."
They were interrupted as the front door opened and two teenage boys staggered in. Tina excused herself and went over to greet the two and eventually they took a booth near Doug. Both boys were just under six feet and looked trim and athletic and the boy facing Doug had a cute face and smile. Though Doug couldn't see the other boy's face now, he had noticed when he first came in that he had a small birthmark on his right cheek, but was also very cute.
Doug liked teenage boys a lot, in fact his first lover had been 17 when they'd met and barely 18 when the boy moved away to go to college. It still hurt, and every time he saw a cute teenage boy his heart ached a little. When Tina came over to take their order Doug was listening to their sweet teenage voices and smiling. He guessed they were 16 or 17, but no younger since at least one of them had been driving. He loved the sound of a teenage boy's voice, and the laughter as they shared their wit with Tina was enough to make him forget his own troubles for a moment.
"Yeah, we were headed home from the college when the snow hit, but we thought we could make it. We thought we'd pull over here and see if it lets up and maybe get something to eat. What's good ma'am?"
"Well the burgers and fries are good, but if you want to put some meat on your bones I suggest the chicken fried steak or the pork chop dinner."
"Pork chops for me," the boy with his back to Doug said sounding hungry, "and mashed potatoes and green beans...and the biggest Coke ya' got."
"Don't forget we got turkey waiting for us at home," the other boy laughed.
"Yeah, if we ever get there. Don't worry, I'll be hungry when we get there."
"I'll have a cheeseburger and fries and a Coke...oh, and a piece of pecan pie...with ice cream."
"Now who's pigging out?" the other boy teased.
"I'm a growing boy."
"Yeah, for a kid your age you're pretty big already. Who knew my kid brother would be so big at only 15?"
"Awww...I guess my real folks were giants or something," the boy said sounding a little sad.
"Sometimes I forget you ever had other parents," the other boy said, "we've always been bros...always will be, as far as I'm concerned."
"Thanks, you're gonna make me cry," the other boy chuckled, "but seriously I feel the same way Brent."
Doug now knew the boy facing him was named Brent and that the boy with his back to him, Greg, was 15. It was amazing what you could learn just by being quite and listening. He listened to the boys all through their meal as he sipped on his drink which Tina kept refilling, and learned a lot more. First off he learned that he older boy, Brent, was 19, although he looked a lot younger, and was a student at The State University in the city Doug lived in.
Greg had been visiting his brother for the last week and they'd been headed home when the snow storm hit. Apparently Greg was adopted when he was just a toddler and the two boys had grown up as brothers, and from the way they treated each other it was apparent they were very close. Doug wondered just how close, but then he was a little prejudiced since he and his own brother had fooled around from age six or so until Doug's brother Fred joined the Marines and went oversees. Doug had moped around the house for a week then he found a guy at school to play with and he moved on. His brother had settled down and gotten married after that and now had a little boy of his own, Doug's Nephew Robert.
He had become so wrapped up in the two brothers next to him that he'd sort of forgotten about the other two brothers and their parents, but glancing their way he saw that the youngest one was stretched out in one of the booths asleep. Doug smiled, he looked so cute laying there, almost like a little angel, and once again he wondered what he could do to help the family out of their dilemma.
Outside the snow continued to fall and Doug began to wonder if any of them would get home in time for Christmas. What a way to spend Christmas eve, he sighed. Not that he had much to celebrate these days. His folks were almost like strangers to him now, and the brother he had once loved so much had a life of his own and they seldom spoke these days. His 8 year old nephew, Robert, was a virtual stranger, and if not for a few yearly family get-togethers he hardly ever saw him or his parents. No his family wasn't any great comfort to him, but it was all he had.
Suddenly the lights flickered then flashed for a few seconds before returning to normal.
"Generator kicked in folks, not to worry...it's powered by natural gas and there's no danger of running out. Just relax folks, we got heat and lots of food so we'll be fine till they get the roads cleared." Tina yelled out.
After a while Doug visited the bathroom again and was just washing his hands when the younger teenage brother wandered in.
"Hey, what's up?" the kid said in a friendly voice.
"Not much. Too much soda," Doug chuckled. "I guess you guys are stranded too, well welcome to the Christmas Eve sleepover," he teased.
"Think we'll have to spend Christmas here?" he asked as he walked up to one of the urinals.
"Looks that way, could be worse I guess. We could be stuck outside in the cold. I think it's pretty nice of the folks at the cafe to let us stay here."
"Yeah, but I wish we could get home. I've never been away from my family at Christmas before and it really sucks," the kid said sounding sad.
"Well, I used to feel that way...when I was a kid, but not now," Doug said, then regretting his words immediately. He didn't need to hear my whining, Doug thought.
"I can't imagine Christmas without my folks around. See...I was adopted when I was two and well....my folks are the best...so's my brother."
"I had a great older brother myself. I know how cool that is. You both seem like nice guys,"Doug said not realizing he had just revealed that he'd been paying attention to them.
"You seem pretty cool too," he said ignoring Doug's slip of the tongue, "Maybe you could come sit with me and Brent and we could talk some more. I'm Greg by the way."
Boy talk about being caught off guard. Doug was barely able to reply, "Well...I'd be glad to if your brother is cool with it," He said recovering quickly, "And I'm Doug."
"Hey, good to meet ya'. Don't worry Brent is cool."
He finished zipping up and moved over to wash his hands and Doug finally got a chance to really look him over. He was almost as tall as Doug, maybe 5'8", 5'9" and probably weighed 175. He was mostly muscle though, and if Doug hadn't heard his brother place his age at 15 he would have guessed he was older. His skin was clear and other than a light dusting of a mustache over his upper lip he had no facial hair that Doug could see. A small red birthmark was the only thing blemishing his otherwise perfect face, but somehow it only added to his exotic beauty.
He was drop dead gorgeous and had dimples when he smiled, which he seemed to do a lot, and Doug wondered if he knew just how cute he was, and if he had the girls (or boys) following him around like puppies back in Junior High. He seemed like a genuinely nice kid and Doug was glad that he had adjusted to his adoption so easily. Some kids didn't, and spent their whole life wondering about their birth parents and sometimes searching for them. Of course Doug didn't know the circumstances of his adoption and for all he knew Greg's birth parents might be dead.
Doug followed Greg back to his table and on the way he checked on the little family. Mikey was still sleeping while his brother colored on one of the paper place mats the cafe provided for kids. Mom was leaning her head on dad looking forlorn and tired, and Doug's heart went out to them once more. Before he left there that day he was going to do something to help them, he just didn't know what yet.
"Brent this is Doug. I told him he could come sit with us, okay?"
"What have I told you about picking up men in the bathroom?" his brother teased.
"Awww...you're no fun," Greg laughed.
"Well sit down you two. I'm Brent," the handsome young hunk said offering his fist to bump.
"I'm Doug," he said, not missing a beat as he fist bumped then sat down beside Greg who had scooted over to make room for him."
The bench was built for two but Greg's leg still pressed against Doug's as he slipped in, and it felt warm and solid against his, causing a tingly sensation that was quite pleasant. As Doug stared across the table at the older brother he took in his handsome features. He had seen his share of cute teen boys before, but this one made most of them look ugly by comparison. He could only describe him as perfect in every way, from his sparkling blue eyes to his pouty lips turned up in a smile, and he had to reach down and adjust himself just from looking at his gorgeous face.
As his eyes wandered down lower he noticed the boy was wearing a rainbow necklace, and bells and whistles went off in his head. Was it possible this young Adonis sitting across from him was gay?...And if so, was his brother also gay, and if so, did they mess around? God, the thought was almost too much for Doug to bear and his dick grew even harder. Shaking that mental image out of his head he let his eyes move on down to Brent's chest and he could practically see his muscles ripple beneath his hoodie. He wondered what lay between the boy's legs, but he was sure it was just as sexy and perfect as the rest of him.
"So, where are you guys headed?" Doug finally managed to ask.
He was amazed to hear they were from his home town, and even more surprised to learn that Brent attended the University in the same town Doug lived in now. They talked about their home town and about the college town and got to know each other better as the snow continued to fall outside. Tina came by later to see if they needed anything else, and the boys ordered a couple of entres and everyone got refills on their soda. When the potato skins and deep fried mozzarella sticks came they offered to share with Doug.
He wasn't really hungry, but they looked and smelled delicious, and he ate one of each just to be polite. As they shared the food Doug found himself explaining the plight of the little family on the far side of the diner. Greg and Brent listened with worried looks and when Doug was finished it was Greg who spoke first.
"That's awful, I wonder where they're going? We could give them a ride, we've got dad's Explorer and there's lots of room."
"What about their car?" Brent asked frowning. I'm sure they don't want to leave it in the ditch."
"Oh, yeah...right. Well...maybe we could help them get their car out of the ditch or whatever. We have that tow chain in the back that dad used that time your Jeep got stuck."
Then Greg went on to tell the story of how Brent had managed to get a four wheel drive Jeep stuck in the mud up to the fenders. They both laughed and the way Brent took the ribbing made Doug like him even more. He'd caught Brent staring at his younger brother a couple of times and the look in his eyes said he adored that boy.
They were interrupted then by Tina who asked for everyone's attention and everyone settled down after a moment and looked her way.
"Mitchell, he's the owner, is gonna bring his TV in here so you all can watch the weather report."
They watched as the big man placed a small flat screen TV on the counter and plugged it in. He'd brought a set of rabbit ears as well and sat them on top of the counter and turned the TV on. It took a few minutes to find the channel he wanted and then some adjusting of the antennae, but eventually he got a decent picture and the local station was showing pictures of the storm from their news copter and warning people to stay at home unless they absolutely had to go out.
Sanding trucks and snow plows were trying to clear the main roads but the snow was coming down so fast it was almost a waste of time. The weatherman predicted the snow would continue well past midnight but would end in the early morning and temperatures would finally be above freezing. When the forecast was finished Mitchell turned down the volume and spoke.
"I want you folks to know that you're welcome to stay here as long as you need too. I live in back and so I'll be here with ya'. There's plenty of food and I'll serve up breakfast in the morning. If anyone wants anything else I'll be cooking till around 8 or so then I'm gonna shut it down, but there's chips and sandwiches and desserts. Sorry I can't offer you anywhere comfortable to sleep, but I'll rustle up as many blankets as I can find and you can stretch out on the booths or on the floor. If any of you have blankets or sleeping bags or anything useful in your cars I suggest you go get em' now. This ain't the first time this sort of thing has happened and we'll make it through okay. Sorry you're stuck here on Christmas Eve, but I'm sure Santa will find you anyway." he chuckled, and everyone laughed, except the two little boys Doug had been watching.
Doug felt even worse for the little family now. Maybe at grandma's there would have been presents, but here stuck in the diner, they'd wake up to Christmas with nothing. Well...just maybe he could do something about that. In his car were two neatly wrapped gifts for his eight year old nephew Robert. The two brothers were close enough in age to enjoy the gifts, so he decided to redirect them.
He was smiling as he planned out in his mind how he would pull it off. First he would remove the tags, then just write on them with a magic marker he kept in the glove box, then he'd slip them in the sleeping bag he kept in the trunk, and when the boys were asleep he'd lay them down next to them and let them awake to Christmas gifts on Christmas morning. Of course that was if the parents didn't rat him out, or the boys didn't go right to sleep, or woke up early, or a dozen other things, but he decided it was still a good plan.
"Man, I can't believe we're stuck here on Christmas Eve, mom and dad are gonna be so disappointed when we give them the bad news. I think I should be the one to tell them Greg, since I'm the one driving, but you can talk to them too. Do you mind if we call them now Doug?"
"No, and in fact I need to go out to my car and grab my sleeping bag and a blanket. I'll give you guys some privacy and I'll see ya' in a little while, okay?"
"Okay Doug, see you in a little while." Greg said smiling warmly and causing Doug to blush. The boy was just too...too cute for words.
It was brrr-assed cold outside as Doug's dad used to say, and the snow was so deep it took him a few minutes to get to the trunk. The snow was so thick on the trunk that he had to brush some off before he could raise it, and he was nearly frozen to the bone by the time he finally got the stuff out of the trunk.
It was still snowing but not as hard as before, but the sleeping bag was stuffed down in a huge trash bag and he managed to get the two gifts stuffed in the middle. The blanket was folded and he sort of held it under the trash bag as he trekked back into the diner. He'd already removed the two name tags and all that was left was writing the two brothers' names on them. One was a Lego set which Doug thought was pretty cool, and the other one was a very detailed 1/32 scale model of a Dodge Challenger, which he knew was his nephew's favorite car. He figured he'd give the Lego set to the 11 year old brother and the car to the younger brother.
A few other diners had gone out to their cars and retrieved anything they could find that was useful and the diner was colder now since some of the heat had escaped. As the last of them trickled back in Doug looked them over. In addition to the brothers and the little family, there was an older couple, a couple with a teenage son and younger daughter, and a lone trucker whose rig was parked in the big lot beside the diner. There was a young couple that he hadn't noticed before, and he wondered if they had came later. The guy looked nervous and kept looking around, and then at the girl with him and frowning. Doug figured he wasn't any happier about being stranded than the rest of them were, but there was nothing anyone could do but wait it out.
Doug staked out the booth he had first sat down in, and stretched out his sleeping bag, then used the blanket to hide the two colorfully wrapped gifts. He was just about to stretch out and rest a bit when Greg turned to him and asked him to come back over to their booth.
Doug tried not to look as excited as he felt as he slid out of his booth and walked over to theirs. This time however it was Brent who slid over to make room for him. Doug felt his heart speed up as he slid in and felt Brent's warmth and inhaled his teenage musk.
"Mom and dad took the news better than I thought. They were just glad we were safe," he said sighing, "but I'm gonna miss opening our gifts tonight. See we have this family tradition where we open one gift on Christmas Eve."
"Well...we can open one of the ones we bought for each other," Greg said excitedly.
"Yeah, that's a great idea and I know just which one I want you to open," he said grinning.
Doug thought this was a good time to outline his plan to give the two brothers a gift, and it was met with enthusiasm by the two teens.
"That is so cool....hey....Brent, what if we gave them the candy stockings we got for Mary's kids?"
"That's a great idea. Those two don't need any more sugar anyway," Brent laughed, "We should probably go get the stuff now before it gets dark or the snow gets too deep."
"Oh...sure...yeah," Doug said starting to get up.
"You wanna come with us?" Greg asked excitedly. Doug thought he was amazing, a fifteen year old that looked older but acted like a little kid. He was so much fun to be around, but it was Brent who was really getting Doug's motor running.
They donned their jackets and braved the cold, with Greg leading the way and Doug and Brent bringing up the rear.
"So...you got a girlfriend or a wife or anything back home?" Brent asked suddenly.
Doug was so surprised that it took him a moment to recover and squeak out an answer, "Uh, no..nothing like that. I'm single and no prospects in sight."
"Ummm...too bad. You're a hot looking guy."
What? Doug couldn't believe his ears. Did this gorgeous teenage Adonis just say he was hot looking?
"Uh thanks," He finally managed to say, "Nowhere near in your league, but I guess I'm not too ugly."
Brent snorted, "You're not ugly man, that's for sure, right Greg?"
"Uh uh, he's a fox," Greg said grinning, "If I was a little older..."
"Wait," Doug said halting suddenly, causing the other two to slide to a stop, "Are you guys...flirting with me?"
"Hey, if we read you wrong...I'm sorry man," Brent said holding up his hands and looking stricken.
"Well...that depends on what you read in me..."
Brent lowered his hands and looked at Doug appraisingly, "I know I'm still pretty young and my gaydar might not be perfected, but...dude you were practically drooling when you looked me over earlier."
"I'm sorry," Doug said lowering his eyes, "I didn't mean any harm...you're just so...so, perfect."
"Hey man, it's okay. I'm flattered that a hot guy like you was interested. Look, let's start over. I guess I sort of blind-sided you, but I was just so nervous I guess I got sort of carried away. I don't usually throw myself at every guy I meet. I guess being stranded here and all...and me being sort of lonely..." Brent said softly.
"Hey, I'm here," Greg giggled.
"Yeah, but you're off limits," Brent laughed.
"I don't know what to say? It's me who's flattered. I'm almost ten years older than you, and to think you'd be interested..."
"What's age? It's just a number really. You seem like a really nice guy, wanting to help that family out and all, and, well, when I found out you lived near the University...I don't know...I guess I just thought it would be nice to have a friend close by. It doesn't have to be anything serious. We could hang out, get some eats...that sort of thing."
"I don't know what to say. I mean, yeah, I'd like to do that. I don't really have much of a social life these days, so I'm definitely open for...whatever."
"Oooo," Greg teased, "Brent has a new boyfriend."
"Jealous," Brent teased back, "Now that we got that settled, can we please get the stuff and get back inside? I'm freezing my balls off out here."
"I bet Doug can warm them up," Greg laughed.
"Not everyone is as horny as you little brother," Brent said grinning, "but I'm pretty close."
They dug out the presents for each other as well as the two huge mesh Christmas stockings filled with candy and small toys. Then grabbing a duffel bag from the rear seat Brent led the way back inside.
As they entered the diner Doug noticed the younger brother was awake now and the two were wandering around the cafe checking things out. Their attention turned to the three then, and Tommy gave them a wide sunny smile.
Doug smiled back before following the two teens to their booth.
"I think I'm going to go talk to the couple with the two boys now," Doug said as they sat down.
"Want us to go with you?" Brent offered.
"I don't want to spook them, maybe first I'll talk to them and maybe I can introduce you later."
"Yeah," Greg chuckled, "you might scare them with your ugly face and all your muscles."
Brent rolled his eyes, and laughed, "Or overwhelm them with my awesomeness."
Doug was nervous as he approached the booth where the two adults sat staring out the window at the gathering snow.
"Excuse me folks," he said giving them his best smile, "My name is Doug, Doug Williams," he said offering his hand.
The man looked confused at first then shook the offered hand and muttered a hello.
"I don't want to pry, but I understand that you were headed to a relative's house and you had some trouble with your car...."
"We slid off in a ditch," the woman said studying Doug with interest, "I'm Ellen, this is my husband Carlos, and those two over there are our boys, Tommy and Mikey.
"You have a nice family," Doug said smiling, "What I wanted to talk to you about was this, some of us want to help you and your family. I'm not sure exactly how yet, but we'll do everything we can. My two friends over there have a four wheel drive vehicle, and if the weather breaks we may be able to pull your car out of the ditch. If not then we'll see that you get to where you're going some other way. Meanwhile I want to make sure you and your boys have everything you need to be comfortable until the snow lets up."
"You...you're the one," the man said sounding as if he had just solved a complex puzzle, "You bought the food for us."
"It was the least I could do," Doug said blushing, "but I want to do more...if you'll let me...us."
The man simply nodded, while the mother fought back tears, "Thank you, thank you so much," she choked out, "We've had a hard year. Carlos just lost his job and we were going back to live with my mother until we can work things out. It seems like everything just seems to go wrong no matter what we do," she sighed.
"Well, maybe your luck is changing," Doug said smiling, "now let me introduce you to my two friends."
He motioned Greg and Brent over and introduced them to the couple and soon the two little boys wandered over to see what was going on. The two boys warmed up to Greg and Brent quickly, and the feeling was mutual. It was obvious to Doug that both the brothers were warm and caring people and the family responded to them accordingly.
The father seemed to finally come alive as he talked with them about the possibility of pulling the car out of the ditch, and he seemed to be more hopeful by the time they excused themselves and went back to the brothers' booth.
It was late afternoon by then and the snow was still coming down, grey clouds blotting out the sun and giving the landscape a cold and barren look. Doug usually loved snow, but there was nothing to love about being snowed in a hundred miles from home at Christmas.
If not for the company of the two teen brothers he might have been depressed, but it was hard not to smile around those two. He had been listening to the two banter back and forth about their love life when suddenly he was aware of a gentle tug on his sleeve. Looking up he saw Tommy smiling shyly.
"Hi, thanks for helping us you guys," he said looking from one of them to the other.
"Well, we haven't done much yet, but I'm hoping we can help you guys get to where you need to be."
"Our grandma's house," Tommy offered, "she's nice and we're gonna live with her till my papa finds a new job."
"Well, that sounds nice," Doug said smiling warmly, "Your grandma lives in the same town I grew up in. And if we can't get your daddie's car pulled out of the ditch we'll make sure you get there as soon as the roads are clear."
"Okay," he said smiling, his small soft hand patting Doug's leg, then frowning he added, "do you think Santa Claus will find us here?"
"Oh, I think so," Doug said, more glad than ever that he was planning on giving the boys the gifts.
"Yeah, Santa knows everything," Greg added grinning, "I bet he's got it all figured out already."
"Really?" Tommy asked, his smile so bright it lit up the room.
"Yep, we promise," Brent added, "Hey buddy, do you like pin ball? They gotta pin ball game over in the corner, wanna play?"
Brent led the smiling boy over to the pinball machine and Mikey soon joined them, leaving Greg and Doug to talk.
"Brent is the best," Greg said, obviously very much in love with his brother.
"Yeah, you're both pretty awesome. You hear so much negative stuff about teenagers these days, and there's never enough said about the cool ones like you guys. Personally I think most teens are pretty cool. Yeah, they may have their issues, but deep down inside I think most of em' are decent people."
"I don't know about all of em', but I have some good friends who are cool, and so does Brent. He played football in high school and could've played in College, but he decided it would interfere with his studies. He's so smart and there's nothing he can't do."
"So you're in what, 10th grade?"
"11th actually, I skipped a year," Greg said proudly.
"Wow, brains must run in your family," He said without thinking.
"Well, yeah, our dad is really smart and mom too, but I was adopted. I was two then. My mom an dad got killed in a car accident. My mom and dad were really good friends with my new mom and dad, and they said there was never any question that they wanted me to be their son after...after my folks died," he said wiping at his eyes, "I know it's silly, I mean I really don't even remember my folks, but I still get sad thinking about it."
"It's not silly, I think it just goes to show what kind of person you are, kind and caring," Doug said reaching over and patting his hand.
"I wish I was older," he said giving Doug a lewd look, "Brent has all the luck."
"What? Good looking kid like you doesn't have a boy friend?" Doug teased, "Well, you must not be looking in the right places."
"I actually had one last year, but he cheated on me, and I guess I'm still not over that. I have been sort of dating a boy, but we haven't done anything except kiss so far."
"Kissing is nice. Sometimes taking it slow is best. I know I like to get to know a guy before I drop trou," Doug joked.
"Drop trou? Oh, get naked?" he giggled.
"Yeah, sex is great, but I really like to know a guy before I become intimate with him. It's too easy to get hurt that way."
"You had many boyfriends?"
"No, only one really, the rest have just been...boy toys," Doug laughed, "Seriously though, I've only been in love once, and that didn't turn out too well."
"What happened?"
"Well, it wasn't anything either of us could have done to prevent I guess, but we just sort of fell out of love. We started out strong, but the longer we were together the less in love we became. We finally called it quits and went our separate ways. I got a Christmas card from him, but I haven't seen him since the breakup," Doug said sadly.
"Brent won't hurt you like that," Greg assured him, "he's a good guy and he puts everything into his friendships."
"He's sort of young for me, but what the hell?" Doug said smiling, "You only live once, right?"
Greg chuckled, "Yeah, and so far my life has been great. I really can't complain, I have great rents, an awesome bro that I love a lot, and good friends back in school. What about you Doug, do you have a lot of friends back home?"
"Naw, not really. One or two close ones and a few acquaintances. I guess I'm more of a loner. I don't make friends that easy, but when I do the friendships tend to be strong ones. There's this one guy, Dale. I've known him since we were little kids and we still stay in touch. Every time I come to visit my folks we get together and it's like we never were apart. He's great."
"But straight?" Greg guessed.
"Very, but he's cool with me being gay. In fact he's the first person I came out to when I was in high school. He said he sort of knew all along, I mean we were pretty close and all, and he was great."
"Ever wish you and him could have been lovers?"
"Naw, not really. I never really thought of him that way. Besides, good friends are harder to come by than lovers," Doug chuckled.
Brent returned about then, minus the two brothers who were back with their parents, and he slid in next to Doug and sighed.
"Those two are so much fun. They remind me of me and Greg when we were that age. Always happy and smiling and having fun."
"Well, considering their situation that's pretty amazing. I guess most kids are like that though. They tend to see the best and leave the rest."
"Yeah, innocence is bliss," Brent laughed, "Hey, what about dinner for them, were you planning on treating them again?"
"Yeah, but I won't have to hide it this time," Doug chuckled, "I just hope the father's pride doesn't get in the way of us helping them."
"He seemed pretty beaten. I don't think he'll refuse our help."
However, Doug or the two brothers didn't get a chance to provide dinner for the family. Mitchell, the owner of the cafe, announced that he was providing the evening meal free of charge.
"I've got two turkeys baking, and I'm making all the fixings, and there will be plenty for everyone. It's my way of saying Merry Christmas and hopefully it will make your being snowed in a bit easier to deal with. Is there anyone here who has any cooking experience? I could use a little help right now."
A couple of the women and a man held their hands up and soon they went off with Mitchell to the kitchen and things quieted down once more.
"That's really nice of him," Brent said smiling, "Maybe we could do something too. How about if we get our guitars and see if we can get folks in the Christmas mood by singing some carols?"
Greg hopped up and before I could ask what was going on, they had their coats on and were looking at me expectantly. "Well, you gonna come with us or not?"
"Uh, yeah...lead on. What's all this about guitars?"
"You'll see," Brent said mysteriously.
In the back of the SUV the boys were driving, they dug out guitar cases and handed Doug a small amp. Once they were back inside they located a plug and hooked everything up, and soon the boys were tuning up as the others watched with interest.
"Hi, everyone," Greg said flashing a million dollar smile, "my brother and I thought maybe you might like to hear a little music to get you in the mood. I know it sucks being stranded here and all, but we're safe, and we're warm, and thanks to the owner, Mitchell, we're gonna be fed, so...how about we start with an easy one...Jingle Bells?"
As the boys played and sang, the diners soon joined in, and soon the place was alive with the music of Christmas. Mitchell and the others came out long enough to see what was going on before returning to their cooking, but even then their voices could be heard joining in from the kitchen. Doug was amazed at how well the boys played and sang, and he smiled, having discovered just one more thing about the boys that made them so special.
The two brothers, Mikey and Tommy, moved closer and were singing in their little boy voices causing Doug to smile. He couldn't wait to see the look of surprise when the two found their gifts from Santa on Christmas day. He decided that if he couldn't be with his family on Christmas that this was the next best thing. He'd made new friends and he was helping the little family and that gave him a warm feeling in his heart. With renewed spirit he sang even louder and thought he had never enjoyed Christmas carols so much.
When the group tired of singing, the boys carried on doing Jingle Bell Rock, George Michael's Last Christmas, which was amazing, and Doug swore that Greg was singing it directly to him causing a warm fuzzy feeling. The little audience went crazy between each number, clapping and whistling, and the boys bowed before moving on to the next song.
Eventually Mitchell announced that everything was ready and he and the others began arranging the food on the counter in a buffet fashion. Plates and silverware were passed out by Tina, the waitress, who had yet to be rescued by her husband, and everyone lined up to fill their plates. The boys continued to sing while the others got their food, and only when everyone else was seated did they lay down their instruments and fill their plates.
Doug joined them and soon their plates were heaped up with baked turkey, ham, stuffing, green bean casserole, candied yams, mashed potatoes and gravy, and the fluffiest yeast rolls the boys had ever eaten. Doug had iced tea and the brothers had Cokes and as they sat eating their dinner Doug felt a sense of peace and love that he had never experience before.
Glancing toward the little family, he saw the father smiling for once and chatting quietly with his wife and sons. Then glancing around the room he saw the same smile on all the other patrons and he sighed contentedly. It was amazing what a little music and good food could do to lift the spirits of the little group stranded there.
"Oh, I'm soooo full," Greg said finally pushing his plate back. He'd just finished his second piece of pecan pie with whipped cream causing Brent to laugh.
"Bro, you always eat like there's no tomorrow. What do you expect? Fortunately you burn it off as fast as you eat it. Why don't you find an empty booth and lay down for a while?"
"Good idea, I always used to take a nap after dinner at home." Then grabbing his sleeping bag he drudged off to find a quiet place to nap.
"He's such a cool kid," I said to Brent once he was gone.
"Yeah, he's the best. I'm glad you two hit it off. It would be tough having a b...I mean friend who couldn't get along with my bro."
"Wait, you almost said boyfriend, didn't you?" Doug said grinning.
"Well, actually I almost said BF, but yeah, I guess I'm getting ahead of myself though," he said blushing and looking unsure of himself.
"I like the sound of it, but maybe it's a little early for that. What say we take it slow and just see how things go?"
"Yeah, totally...slow is good," Brent said grinning.
They talked for a while about their lives, their dreams, and about what their families meant to them. It was very apparent that Greg and Brent's family was very close and Doug envied them that connection. His feelings for his own family were very conflicted. On one hand he was sure he loved them, but on the other he decided he didn't understand them that well. They were never the warm and fuzzy kind of family you saw on TV or in the movies and when Doug had come out to them, they were less than supportive. That alone had driven a wedge between them, and if not for the Holidays he might never have seen them, despite living so near.
"Christmas Eve we always gathered at mom and dad's house, aunts, uncles, cousins, gramps and granny, and we'd open one gift each. It was sort of a Holiday tradition. There was lots of food and punch and music and we had so much fun. This is the first year we've ever missed that," he sighed.
"Well, I envy you that. Our family was never really that close. I mean, sure we got together for Christmas and had food and gifts and such, but sometimes I felt like it was just something they did cause it was expected. There was no real emotion in it."
"Not even when you were a kid?"
"Well, that was different I guess. I mean, yeah, I was pretty excited at Christmas and I always got neat gifts, but after I moved out, and...well, once I told them I was gay, things really changed."
"I take it they're not too happy about having a gay son?"
Doug laughed, "You could say that. In fact the whole family treats me like I have a disease or something. I actually had one cousin tell me that I couldn't see his kids cause he was afraid I'd molest them."
"That's awful," Brent said reaching over to take Doug's hand despite the fact that they were in plain sight of the other patrons.
"Yeah, that's one reason I moved away. Every time I saw one of my family members out and about it was just a reminder of what a disappointment I was to them."
"Hey, it's their problem, not yours. There's nothing wrong with you. Just since meeting you I've already figured out what a great guy you are, warm and caring, not to mention cute and sexy," he said giving Doug a soft look.
"It took me some time to realize that I wasn't broken, but it still hurts to see the looks on their faces. Truthfully, I think they're probably relieved that I can't make it this year. In fact when we finally get out of here I don't think I'll even bother showing up. I'll probably just go back home and forget the whole thing."
"Hey, I have a better idea," Brent said looking excited, "Why don't you come home with me and Greg? I'd love for you to meet our folks, they're the best, and I just know they'd love you as much as we do."
"Aww..I couldn't do that. It would be too weird. What about the age thing? Wouldn't your folks think it was weird?"
"What's age? Just a number," Brent repeated, "Besides for an old guy you're hot," he chuckled, "Seriously, 25 is not that much older. When I'm twenty one you'll be 27 and no one would blink at that."
"So you're planning on us being together for a while?" Doug teased, "Well, if you're okay with it, who am I to complain?"
"I hope we'll be together a long time, but I'm just making a point, six years isn't all that much of a difference, especially as we grow older."
"Yeah, I guess...but 19 seems so...so, young."
"Hey, I'll be 20 in a few months, so I won't be a teen much longer?"
"That makes me feel a little better, I guess."
Greg wandered back over after his nap and slid in across from the two and yawned, "So...did you guys make out while I was sleeping?" he teased.
"Yeah, and the folks around us applauded," Brent said straight faced, "I'm surprised the clapping didn't wake you."
"Funny," Greg said rolling his eyes, "Did you at least hold hands and talk about the future?"
"We did, and guess what? I'm bringing Doug home to meet the family."
"Wow, you work fast," Greg chuckled, "I bet mom and dad will love him."
"See, even Greg thinks it's a good idea."
Doug sighed, "How can I refuse? You two could sell ice boxes to Eskimos. I'm in, if you're still sure by the time we get out of here."
"Good, now that that's settled, how about we exchange gifts Greg?"
"Yeah, cool...let's go get em'."
Retrieving the gifts meant another trip to the SUV, but at least it had quit snowing. The drifts were deep but along the south side of the vehicle it was not as deep. Digging in the back, the boys produced three packages and they quickly headed back inside.
Once inside the vestibule they stomped their feet to remove most of the snow and used a broom to sweep their legs clean as best they could.
"Brrrr...it's freezing out there," Greg said as they finally slid back into the booth.
Doug noticed the two little boys were watching them with interest, their eyes full of wonder when they spotted the brightly wrapped packages.
"Greg, for you," Brent said handing a package to his brother, "and Doug...for you on our first Christmas."
"What? For me, but how...who was this intended for?" Doug laughed.
"Don't worry about how or why. I want you to have it."
"But I don't have anything for you..."
"You're the best gift a guy could ever get. Now go on, open it."
Doug smiled and began to rip the colorful wrapping paper off and when he saw what was inside his face lit up. It's a CD, a CD with the two of you on the cover," he said smiling, "Are you guys...like famous and I didn't even know it?"
"Not famous, but we do have a YouTube channel and we made this CD using our own money. We had a thousand copies made and we sold almost all of them through the YouTube link, but I saved a few for special people and you sure qualify for that."
"It's great, I love it. I can't wait to listen to it."
"Now, for mine and Greg's..."
Greg's gift to Brent was a new pair of wireless headphones which he obviously liked a lot. "OMG, these are so cool. My old ones were starting to sound tinny. These are the ones I was looking at...how did you know?"
"Oh, maybe you mentioned them a few times," Greg laughed.
"Oh, yeah...maybe. Now open yours..."
Greg's face lit up as he unwrapped his gift and when he saw what was inside he cried out in joy, "The entire CD set of Harry Potter. Wow, that must've cost you a fortune. Thanks bro...this is so cool."
"You like Harry Potter?" Doug chuckled, "Now I don't feel so lame. I have all but the last of the series."
"Yeah, HP is awesome," Greg gushed, "maybe we can watch some of em' while you're visiting."
After the wrapping paper was stashed in the trash can Doug got up to stretch his legs and he found himself flanked by the two young brothers Mikey and Tommy.
"Hi," Tommy said, "you guys had Christmas early I guess."
"Yeah, it's a family tradition with Greg and Brent. They open one gift on Christmas Eve and I sort of got included in the deal."
"That's neat. I hope Santa finds us here," he said looking worried.
"Well...I'm pretty sure he will," Doug said smiling warmly, "and when you wake up Christmas morning you'll have a big surprise."
"Really?" Mikey said smiling up at Doug with a sparkle in his eyes.
"Yup, yeah...how about you go talk to Brent and Greg? I need to talk with your folks for a minute."
"Okay," Tommy said easily, "maybe we can play pin ball again."
Once the boys were gone Doug headed over to the table where Tommy and Mikey's parents sat holding hands.
"Hi, folks I was wondering if I could sit and talk for a minute," Doug said, and when they agreed, he slipped in across from them and gave them a smile.
He laid out the plan for the gifts and he could see tears glistening in the mother's eyes even before he finished. The father was more subdued, but it was obvious he too was touched by this stranger's act of kindness and simply nodded his approval.
"They'll be so excited," the mother said, "You are a very nice young man."
"Oh, it's not just me, Brent and Greg are helping too. See we figure if we gotta' be stranded here on Christmas and away from our families we might as well enjoy ourselves as best we can, and what's more fun than watching a kid's eyes light up on Christmas morning when they discover Santa has been there?"
"Thank you very much," the man said in a voice thick with emotion, "You give me hope for the future, and before...not so much."
"There is always hope, especially when you have a nice family like yours. It's obvious you and your wife are very close and you have two great kids. "
"Thank you, they are my life," he said smiling at his wife and taking her hand once more.
"Well, I guess I should get back. If there's anything else we can do in the meantime, just let us know, okay?"
"We are fine, thank you."
"Okay, well...bye for now," Doug said scooting out of the booth. "I'll be watching for the two little ones to fall asleep and then Santa will do his thing," he chuckled.
"They will be so happy," the mom said smiling, "Thank you again, Santa," she added with a twinkle in her eye.
Doug found the two young boys with Brent and Greg at the pinball machine and when he walked up Tommy gave him a warm smile. "I beat em', both of em'," he said proudly.
"Well, is that right? Too much for ya', huh guys," Doug said looking at Brent and Greg and winking.
"Seriously, he's good," Greg said, "Really good eye hand coordination. I used to be like that when I was a kid."
"You are a kid," Brent laughed.
"Well, I mean a little kid," Greg said grinning, and looking younger than ever.
"I'm gonna go get a coke, anyone else want anything?" Doug said after watching the boys play for a few minutes.
"I could use one," Brent said, "Hold on, I'll go with ya'. Greg keep the boys entertained, will ya'?"
"Sure, no probs. Bring me a Coke when you come back."
"Boys, you want a soda or some milk?" Doug asked.
"Nope, I'm fine," Tommy said jamming the buttons on the pinball machine as if his life depended on the outcome of the steel balls.
"Milk," Mikey said grinning, "Chockit if they have it."
"Chockit, it is," Doug said smiling at the cute boy.
Once they were out of earshot of the boys Doug filled Brent in on his conversation with the parents.
"Great, I'm glad they're with us on this. It would have sucked if they said no."
"No danger of that. It's obvious they want the best for their boys, even if they can't give it to them right now."
"This will be so much fun," Brent said sidling up to the counter and motioning Tina over.
"Three cokes and a chockit milk," he said chuckling at Mikey's cute word for chocolate.
"Let me guess, the chockit milk is for the little one," she said smiling.
"Yup, how'd you guess," Brent said handing Tina a ten, "is that enough."
"Yeah, hon, let me get your change."
"Ah, keep it Tina. Merry Christmas."
"Why thank you hon. If that husband of mine don't get here soon I'm gonna be spending Christmas with the rest of you I guess."
"Have you heard from him lately?" Doug asked with concern.
"Yeah, bout a half hour ago. He was ten miles away then. Must really be bad if he's moving that slow."
"You sure he can make it?"
"Oh yeah, no doubt about that. He has a blade on the front, chains on the tires, and it's four wheel drive."
"Well, keep us informed, okay?"
"Sure will hon. Thanks."
"She's nice," Brent said as they walked away. Tina had gone into the kitchen and Mitchell was nowhere to be seen.
"Yeah, so's Mitchell, but you know...I can't help but wonder...about Mitchell I mean. If he lives here alone, he might actually be enjoying all of us snowed in here to keep him company."
"Never thought of that."
"I mean, look at all the decorations and that Christmas tree by the door. Do you think he does that just for his customers? Or maybe he's really into Christmas and just doesn't have anyone to share his love with."
"God, you're depressing me now," Brent sighed, "Well, if our being here helps then maybe it's a good thing. Maybe this is what was supposed to be. I mean after all...I met you, and that's awesome. If we hadn't got snowed in here we'd have never met."
"Maybe, maybe not. Maybe I'd have ran across you back in town or something, but I see what you mean."
"Anyway, I'm glad for that...us meeting, I mean."
"Me too," Doug said smiling, "Come on let's go rescue Greg from the meanies," he joked.
The rest of the evening went as expected, it was boring for most, but it was warm inside and there were Christmas movies on TV to keep them entertained. The only excitement was the arrival of Tina's husband who declared it was too bad to try to get back home, so now one more was stuck at Mitchell's diner for the Holiday.
Tina's husband was a big bear of a man named Willy, but despite his burly appearance he seemed to be a warm and friendly person. Doug took to him right away, and he thought he and Tina made a nice couple. He wondered if they had any kids, but he supposed if they did they were probably grown by now since both appeared to be in their late forties.
Mitchell made sandwiches of the left over turkey and ham and there were still lots of side dishes and desserts and everyone was encouraged to eat their fill. Doug could only imagine how much this must be costing Mitchell and he decided to talk with Brent and Greg and see what they thought about taking up a collection among the patrons to help offset his costs.
"I think that's a great idea. I'm in for 20," Brent said digging in his back pocket.
"Me too," Greg said, not wanting to be outdone by his older brother.
"I'll match that and I'm sure most of the others will be happy to give too. Why don't you take the old couple over there Greg, as cute as you are how can they resist?" He chuckled, "And Brent, the family with the teenagers and I'll hit up the trucker and that couple over there."
Between the patrons and themselves they soon raised 200 dollars and went in search of Mitchell. He was cleaning the grill in the kitchen and whistling Jingle Bells when they pushed through the door and he gave them a huge smile as they entered.
"Hi boys, what's up? Need more food?"
"No sir," Doug said smiling, "What we've come for is to thank you for your hospitality and to give you this," he said thrusting the wad of bills out, "We took up a collection to help pay for some of the food and heat and all the rest. We'd have been in real trouble if you hadn't welcomed us in and fed us and gave us shelter."
"I didn't do it for the money," Mitchell said frowning, "See it gets really lonely here...especially around the Holidays and my customers are all the company I get...well and Tina, and Louise, my other waitress, who was lucky enough to have been off today," he chuckled, "so...having all of you here is like...well, like having family. And family don't charge family for hospitality."
"But, how can you stay in business if you give food away?" Brent said scowling.
"You think I run this place to make money?" Mitchell laughed, "This was my daddie's place before me and I took it over when he died. Not because it was a great money maker, but because it was something to do and a place where I could meet people and make them happy by serving good food at cheap prices. My old man left me a pile of cash, he had a huge insurance policy, so I fixed the place up and hired Tina and Louise and we do okay."
"Well, isn't there something you need or want? This money could be like...your Christmas gift."
"Hey, there is one thing you could do with the money that would make me happy," Mitchell said beaming, "Give it to that little family with the two cute boys."
Doug smiled and then told Mitchell about the plans for the presents for the two boys and how they had vowed to make sure they got to where they were going when the roads cleared.
"Perfect then. I'll grab a Christmas card from the back and you can put the money in it and write from Santa on the envelope and leave it with the other gifts," he chuckled, "Won't they be surprised?"
"That's an awesome idea," Doug agreed, "Thanks Mitchell, and Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas to you too boys. This has been the best one I can remember in a long time."
00000000oooo00000000
Christmas morning dawned bright and gloriously and with a promise of better weather ahead. The sun was shining and the snow had stopped sometime during the night and now had begun to melt.
Doug and the two brothers had stayed awake till they were sure the two young boys were asleep then quietly slipped the gifts over and placed them on the table in plain view for their excited eyes to see on Christmas morning.
Among the brightly wrapped packages was a large red envelope that held the 200 dollars the boys had collected and on it was written simply: From: Santa, to: A deserving family. Merry Christmas.
Doug had had trouble sleeping the night before, but now as he stretched and opened his eyes he felt remarkably rested. He glanced over at Brent who had insisted on sleeping in the same booth as he was, and smiled. He looked so peaceful in sleep, almost like an angel, and he wanted so badly to go to him and kiss him awake. Instead he sat up and the sudden movement caused the sleeping angel to grunt and open his eyes.
"Morning," Doug whispered.
"Morning, what time is it?"
"Early, but I suspect our sleeping princes will awaken soon," Doug chuckled, "and I sure don't wanna miss the looks on their faces when they see what Santa Clause left them."
"I need to go pee, wanna come with?" Brent said yawning.
"Okay, but no funny business," Doug teased.
"Aww...you're no fun. I promise, scout's honor."
Although there was some looking, that was the extent of it that morning. Neither thought this was the time or the place for anything more, and the waiting only made it seem more exciting.
Greg was just coming in for his morning pee as they started for the door and he gave them a yawn and a less than enthusiastic good morning.
"Were the two little ones still asleep?" Doug asked.
"Yep, all snuggled up like pups," Greg chuckled, "so cute."
"Well, hurry and get back. They'll be waking soon and you don't wanna miss the big show."
There was coffee already brewing and Tina fixed the boys a cup and a cup of hot cocoa for Greg, who didn't much care for coffee. As they sipped their hot beverages they kept an eye on the boys across the way and when suddenly Tommy began to stir they stiffened and gave them their full attention.
Tina and Willy, Mitchell, and most of the others were tuned in to the little drama about to unfold as well, and smiles filled their faces as Tommy noticed the gifts and let out an excited cry.
"Wake up Mikey, Santa came, he really did," Tommy said in his high pitched little boy voice.
"Huh?" Mikey said rubbing sleep from his eyes..."oh, brudder....he came, he came," he said excitedly as his eyes sparkled with pure joy and wonder.
The boys parents had been awakened by the two boys excited cries and were smiling across at them. It was the mother who first saw the envelope holding the cash and she nudged her husband who reached over with a trembling hand and picked it up.
"What's that papa?" Mikey asked, eying the gifts before him shyly now.
"I don't know son," he said softly, "but looks like Santa has left you and your brother some things. Go ahead and open them."
"Yes papa," Mikey said reaching for the elaborately wrapped gift, then looking at his brother who nodded and grabbed one of the ones with his name on it.
The look of pure wonder on their sweet faces as they discovered the gifts inside was worth more than gold, as every eye in the place witnessed the true meaning of Christmas. Christmas was a time of sharing, of loving, being with those who mean the most to us, and family. And somehow this little group, stranded on Christmas Eve had become like a family. Oh sure, once the roads were cleared, they would return to their lives as before, but for a short time they were together and happy despite the odds, and the miracle of Christmas was reborn in them again.
"Look you guys," Tommy said running over to where the three friends sat watching them with tears in their eyes, "I got Leggos and Mikey got a cool car and all this candy. Santa didn't forget us, and he even brought momma and papa some money."
"That's great buddy," Doug said, returning the hug that Tommy had thrown his way, "You must've been really good boys all year."
"Sometimes I don't feel like I'm so good, but I guess Santa must like me anyway," he laughed.
"Santa likes everyone," Brent assured him, "even my stinky brother," he said giving Greg a playful shove.
"I do stink a little," Greg admitted, "We haven't had a shower since we left your place."
"Ewww...don't remind me," Brent said making a face.
They were interrupted by the boys father, Carlos, who looked a bit teary eyed himself.
"Hello Carlos," Doug said offering his hand, "Have a seat. Greg would you go get Carlos a cup of coffee?"
"Sure how do you like it sir?"
"Black is fine," he said smiling at the younger boy before sliding in to the booth he vacated.
"I wanted to thank you...for all of this," he said making a sweeping motion with his hand, "You have given me faith in myself and in my fellow man again. I will try my hardest to repay your kindness by doing what is right for my family and then helping others who need it."
"That's all we want," Doug said smiling, "I know us being trapped here on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day was not something we'd hoped for or planned for, but in a way it turned out to be a blessing for a lot of us. I've made some good friends and I've got to share in the wonder and joy of two little boys when they saw Santa hadn't forgotten them," Doug said wiping a tear from his eye.
"I will never forget this day and you all are welcome in my house anytime. When I get a house, I mean," he chuckled, "And I think that will be soon."
"I know it will," Brent said smiling, "I want you to call my dad as soon as you get settled. He has a big remodeling business and he is always looking for experienced workers. Here's his number," Brent said pulling a dog eared business card from his wallet. I'll talk to dad and tell him to be expecting your call."
"Thank you so much, you have all done so much now..."
"It was our pleasure, right Doug?"
"Yes sir, I don't know when I've had such a satisfied feeling inside."
Greg returned with the coffee then, but Carlos had said all he needed to say and excused himself and took the coffee back to the table where his wife sat waiting. Tommy joined his family again as well and was gingerly inspecting the contents of the Lego box and eating candy.
"That was fun, we should do this again sometime," Doug teased.
"Hey, we could make it a Holiday tradition, but...I don't want you meeting any new guys."
"No worries there," Doug said daring to squeeze Brent's hand, "I need some time to get to know this one first."
The snow plows came later and the snow continued to melt as the temps climbed into the 50's. It had been a freak snow storm, but like most snow storms in the region, it didn't last long. Willy was able to pull the couple's van out of the ditch and jump start it and by two o'clock that afternoon the young family was on their way to grandma's house.
There had been a tearful farewell at the diner first though, the young boys hugging everyone and thanking them, and there was not a dry eye in the house, especially Mitchell's who hated to see the Holiday end. He sighed as he watched everyone leave that day, but there was food to fix and hungry travelers would no doubt be stopping by soon.
Tina went home with Willy when Louise came to relieve her and when they shared the tale of the stranded group she laughed and said she always missed the fun.
Doug followed Brent and Greg to their folks' house, and despite his worries over what his family might think of them bringing a stranger home with them, he was accepted warmly and with open arms. He joined them for dinner that evening, but afterwards he told Brent that he really should make a brief appearance at his parents' house.
As they stood in the driveway saying their goodbyes Doug realized just how attached he had become to Brent in just the short time they'd known each other.
"Don't suppose I could go with ya' and have you introduce me as your new BF?" Brent teased.
"God I wish I had balls that big," Doug laughed, "Maybe next Christmas...if it works out."
Brent made a pouty face, "Already having second thoughts?"
"No, no way!" Doug said daring to hug Brent who was shivering from the cold, "I don't want to let you out of my sight for fear you'll find someone else. I guess I'm kinda sprung, in case you haven't noticed."
"You are?" Brent said smiling brightly, "Me too," he said leaning in and kissing Doug warmly and wetly, "There, that should tell you how I feel. So don't go worrying and hurry back, okay?"
"I...can I see you tomorrow?" Doug asked smiling so big his face hurt.
"You better. Call me, or better still just come on over. My rents love you, Greg loves you, and I really love you."
"Your folks are awesome. Thank them again for me. Well, I better get going. My mom will lock me out if I don't get there before 10."
"Well, if she does, come on back. You can sleep in my bed."
"Yeah, I'm sure your folks would love that," Doug laughed.
"My folks know I'm gay and they'd be glad to know I have a great boyfriend like you."
"Do you think they know I'm more than just a friend?"
"Well, my parents are pretty sharp. I'm pretty sure they sensed something was up with us. The doe eyes I kept giving you might have been a giveaway," Brent laughed.
"They didn't seem to treat me as if I were taking away their baby boy, so I guess it's okay."
"Not to worry, they trust me and they know I'm a great judge of character."
"Thanks, I won't let you down," Doug said sincerely, squeezing Brent a little tighter.
Eventually Doug pulled away and reluctantly started for his car, Brent close behind him. They hugged again at the car door and then Doug got in as Brent watched with sad eyes.
They waved as Doug pulled out of the drive and Brent watched until Doug was out of sight. Then sighing he went back inside to find Greg waiting for him.
"You got it bad big bro, don't ya'?" Greg said patting his older brother on the back.
"What? No, just...okay, maybe. I never felt this way about a guy before," he admitted.
"Well, he's a great guy and it's obvious he's crazy over you, so...don't worry so much. Just enjoy it."
"Think mom and dad knew what was up with us?"
"Oh yeah, and they think it's great. Mom said she was glad you'd finally found someone special. They think Doug is awesome."
"He is," Brent sighed, "and to think...all we've done is kissed so far," he added with a laugh.
"Well, you have all of holiday break to fix that."
Across town Doug pulled into the drive of his family's modest two story home and parked behind his father's pickup truck. He turned off the ignition and just sat there for a moment, steeling himself for what lay ahead before finally climbing out and heading toward the front door.
He had just reached for the door knob when suddenly the door was thrown open wide and his 8 year old Nephew Robert launched himself at Doug nearly knocking him down.
"Hey buddy, what's all the excitement?" Doug said completely taken off guard by his nephew's unusual behavior.
"I just missed you Uncle Doug," he said sweetly, "and Daddy said you were trapped in a snow storm. Is that right?"
"Let him come inside Robert," Doug's brother Fred chuckled, "hey little bro, how goes it?"
"Good, really good," Doug said surprised at his brother's enthusiastic greeting. Were things changing between them?
"Come on in, mom and dad are watching It's a Wonderful Life and Becky is upstairs with the baby."
"Baby? Wait, I know we don't see each other that often, but when did you have another kid?"
"Oh, it's not ours," Fred laughed, "We're just keeping it for one of Becky's friends and her hubby. They went out to dinner and a movie and should be back soon."
"Dougie," Doug's mom said as he entered the cozy family room where his parents sat watching the new 50" big screen Doug and Fred had gone halves on for Christmas. It had been delivered by the store the day before the big snow storm and the two were enjoying it immensely, "Thank you so much for the TV, you and Fred that is, now your father can actually see the picture without his glasses," she laughed.
Doug's dad just grunted, "I'm not blind Edna, or deaf," then turning to Doug, "How have you been son? Glad you finally made it. That snow storm was a stinker."
"Fine dad," Doug said wondering if his family had been replaced by pods while he was away.
"Have a seat, have you eaten?" his mother said jumping up, "there's plenty of left over turkey..."
"I ate at Brent's house," Doug said, then wished he'd been more diplomatic about it, "he's a friend I met at the diner...uh, where we were snowed in."
"Well, you'll have to bring him around for us to meet. I'm sure he's a nice boy if you like him."
Oh God, this was like something out of The Twilight Zone, Doug thought, where are my real family?
"Uncle Doug," his nephew Robert said tugging at his arm, "Wanna' see the neat stuff I got for Christmas?'
That reminded Doug that he had given away his only nephew's Christmas presents, and though he still had those for the rest of his family in the car, he felt awful that Robert had nothing, even if he'd re-gifted them to some very special boys.
"Oh Robert...I'm so sorry buddy, but I um...I don't have anything for you buddy. It's a long story, but I'll make it up to you first thing tomorrow. We'll go shopping...if it's okay with your dad, and I'll buy you something really neat."
"That's okay," Robert said smiling, "I don't mind waiting. Come on, you just gotta see the cool remote control car I got," the boy said dragging Doug toward the living room.
The tree was lit up there and beneath it were a half dozen still unopened packages as well as the toys Robert had unwrapped there.
"You got packages to unwrap Uncle Doug," Robert reminded him.
"Uh, yeah...maybe later. Now let's have a look at that car..."
The others joined them shortly, and despite Doug having told his mother that he'd already eaten, she was carrying a saucer with a piece of her carrot cake and a glass of milk. Suddenly Doug flashed back to his childhood. Every year his mother made her famous carrot cake and each year Doug would have a slice beneath the Christmas tree. Suddenly his eyes were filled with tears as he accepted the gift of his mother's love.
"Thanks mom. No way I could resist your carrot cake, it's the best," he said, leaning in to kiss her cheek.
"So tell us about your little adventure, being snowed in and all," Fred insisted, and Doug began.
He told them everything, even how he had met Brent and fallen hopelessly in love with him. He expected to see a look of repulsion on their faces but instead he saw something else. Was that resignation and acceptance there? He wrapped up the story, saying that despite the circumstances it had been a great Christmas and had restored some of his faith in his fellow human beings.
"That was nice, what you did for those boys," Robert said patting Doug's arm, "I'm glad they got the toys. It makes me feel good inside."
"Me too buddy," Doug said giving his nephew a one armed hug, "So, anyone want to help me get the rest of the gifts out of my car?"
Fred and Robert volunteered and on the way to the car Doug just had to ask the question that had been eating at him since his arrival.
"What's happened to everyone?" Doug said not bothering to elaborate.
"You mean with the folks? Well, I don't know for sure, but I think it might have had something to do with Robert here."
"Robert? What did you do buddy?" Doug said giving his nephew a loving look.
"Well...I just told grandma and grandpa that you were gay and they needed to get over it," he laughed.
"You didn't?" Doug laughed out loud, "Did he? Oh my, that must've gone over well."
"From the mouths of babes, as they say. It seems that there has been some diversity training at Robert's school and he took it to heart. He even made me and Becky feel like we weren't doing our part, so...we had a long talk with mom and dad and some of the other relatives, and well...I think things will be better now."
"Wow, that's so awesome. I was dreading coming home for Christmas and I got the biggest surprise of my life. Come on, let's get these things inside. I want to spend as much time with my new family as possible," he chuckled.
Things with Doug's family were better after that Christmas and when he finally introduced Brent as his boyfriend, his mother and father accepted him with grace. His brother vowed to visit Doug more often and to even let Robert stay over when possible and Doug felt as if he'd finally been accepted for who he was.
He was a frequent guest in Brent's home as well and was there the night that Greg introduced his new boyfriend, a cute black boy named Leroy, who turned out to be an awesome guy.
The Mendez family, Carlos, Ellen, Tommy, and Mikey, lived with their grandmother for six months then moved into their own home that had been remodeled by Carlos and his fellow workers from Brent's dad's company. Carlos turned out to be a very knowledgeable and dedicated employee and was soon made supervisor. He and Ellen were active in their church and did volunteer work, helping struggling families in their area.
Doug and Brent and Greg were frequent guests in the Mendez house and the two boys, Tommy and Mikey loved their surrogate uncles. When Robert was in town he often stayed with Doug and Brent (who had moved in together shortly after the New Year) and sometimes they would pick up Tommy and Mikey and take the three boys out for an evening of fun. Tommy and Mikey came to be good friends with Robert and the families by proxy became friends as well.
So many lives had been changed for the better and all because a handful of people were Stranded on Christmas Eve. Sometimes what we think is a burdon becomes a blessing. And so we end our little story. Merry Christmas from Doug, Brent, Greg, Ellen, Carlos, Tommy and Mikey, Mitchell and Tina, and all the others who played a part in this wonderful Christmas tale.
The End
Thanks once again for your support over the years and I value your emails and your input. Please address all emails to kewl_dad1@hotmail.com I promise to answer all of them in a timely fashion.
Kewl Dad
12-16-18
Happy HolidaysI have updated my story list if you see any missing please let me know.
Other stories by Kewl Dad
* Denotes Series, rest are short stories
Dougie's Story #Part 3 of a series
My Best Friend's Dad *Related story to My Son's Best Friends
My Little Runaway #Part 1 of a series
My Son's Best Friends *Related series to My Best Friend's Dad
Tommy Boy #Part two of a series
It's Amazing What Sex Can do for a Guy (as smoothoperator52)