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Eric is awakened by a very pleasant feeling of someone’s little mouth around his cock, bobbing slowly up and down. He lets out a moan, puts his hand down, and feels Alejandro's head as he suspected. Each boy has a unique way of sucking him, and he knew it was Alejandro. That, and the fact that he slept with Alejandro last night was kind of a clue. He isn't Sherlock Holmes, but in this instance he doesn't really have to be. He gently rubs Alejandro's hair as he bobs up and down on his cock. It doesn't take too long before Eric unloads his cum into Alejandro’s tight little mouth. Eric can't see them, but he imagines those ruby red lips wrapped tightly around his cock as he continues to blast his bliss into his boy’s mouth and feels Alejandro milk his cock head dry.
Once Eric comes down from his climax, he starts to grab his boy’s hard spike. Alejandro pulls away.
"No thanks, Poppi; you got to get to work, so you can get home."
"I think I can manage a few minutes to make my boy feel as good as he just did for me."
"No, you go get dressed and go to work," he adamantly insists.
"Yes, sir," Eric responds.
Alejandro giggles at this and rolls off Eric so he can get up.
As Eric is climbing out of bed he asks again, "You sure you don't want me to get you off?", hoping of course that he will say yes, because he loves to suck his boy to his zen.
Alejandro smiles and shakes his head no.
Eric is trying to figure out why he’s getting the sudden, unexpected though greatly appreciated, rash of blowjobs from him. He knows his son and that he usually doesn't do things without thinking them through. There must be something going on in that cute little head of his.
Eric takes care of his morning routine and gets dressed. He drives to the store and looks at the clock in the car which reads 5:22, so he has plenty of time. He opens the door to the store, turns off the alarm, and sits in the office to wait. He shouldn't have to wait long because the staff is due in at 5:30. With opening time at 6:00, that's enough time to get things ready, but barely. You just can't be late for this, otherwise it throws off your entire day.
He watches the cameras outside and sees that at 5:35, Todd still hasn't arrived. This is looking bad for him, Eric thinks. Eric goes and lets the other employees in and greets them in turn.
"Good morning, Penny and Michael. And I don't know you yet, but I will by the end of the day," he says to the third young woman.
"Um dude, you got fired. How did you get in?" Michael asks.
"Michael, what Todd has yet to learn is that I am Eric Murphey. I'm sorry I didn't tell you yesterday. I just really wanted to see what my crew thought of me before you knew who I was. I do apologize. Also here is the $20 back you gave me yesterday. I was so touched by that gesture! Thank you."
"Wow, you mean I gave the owner $20? You must think I'm cheap as shit or something."
"On the contrary. You are the kind of person I want working for me. One who is kind and generous to his coworkers. You are an amazing young man and I am sure you will be able to go places with an attitude like yours."
The young man doesn't now what to say so he says, "I better get to work, sir."
"Just call me Eric, and I will help you out."
They get everything ready by 5:55. Eric goes into the office with a cup of coffee and looks at the sales figures for the last few weeks to see if they can improve anything. It doesn't appear so; Chris is a great manager. As he smiles and leans back the door to the office opens.
"What the fuck are you doing in my office?!?!" Todd shouts at him.
Now Todd is about 5 feet 6 inches and thin as a rail. Eric stands up to his full 6 foot, 185 pound frame which towers over him.
"First, we need to get some things straight. One: it’s MY fucking office. Two: if you would take your head away from your fucking phone long enough to look and see the plethora of pictures of me in the office, like say this one with me and the governor shaking hands, you might have realized the error of your ways. And three: if you EVER talk to me like that again, or to ANYONE on the crew like you did yesterday, I will not only FIRE you, I will drag your sorry ass into the parking lot and give you the ass kicking you fucking deserve.
“Now sit your ass down. We are going to talk about your management and people skills."
Todd looks at the pictures and realizes the massive mistake he made yesterday. A look of pure doom crosses his face.
"Are you going to sit down, or will we consider this the last day you work for ME?"
He sits down softly and looks down at his feet. Eric retakes his seat.
"Now, let’s clarify a few more things. I had this shirt made special just for you," he says as he gestures to his oxford.
"You see on this sleeve I have four golden arches?"
Todd doesn't look up.
"Look at me when I'm talking to you," Eric commands, getting even more irritated. Todd looks up.
"Now as I was saying, these four arches represent the fact that I have won the Fred L Turner Golden Arch award four times. Do you know what that means?"
"No, sir."
"It is the highest honor a McDonald's franchisee can receive. The first year I won, it was only given to 37 franchisees world wide, out of 36,000 stores. It is given in honor of philanthropic work in my stores. So less than 1% of owners receive this award and I have four.
“You see the nine stripes on my other sleeve here?"
"Yes, sir."
"They represent the nine McDonald's Outstanding Manager awards I’ve received. It is given to only 10% of managers world wide. At your rate, you won't win one EVER.
"Now this one here is the Ronald Award. I have won it fifteen times. That's fifteen! It is given to owners who make outstanding contributions to strengthen the brand image by serving their customers and their local community. It also is given out only to the top 1% of owners in the company. Do you understand what I am telling you?"
"That you spend a lot of time getting awards?"
"Don't be a smart ass. My ten-year-olds are smart enough to keep their smart ass comments to themselves when they are in trouble. What it means is that I work my ass off and do what I can to help my employees and my customers.
“You have an option today, Todd. You can learn how to be a real person and learn to be a good manager. Or you can walk out that door, never to grace us with your presence again. The choice is yours. So what’s it going to be: leave or learn?"
"I have a baby on the way, so I guess I have to learn."
"You guess?" Eric's eyebrows rise up, signifying that he is extremely pissed.
"I mean, I have to learn."
"Alright then. The first lesson is that your customers ALWAYS come first, then your employees, then yourself. Because without them we are nothing."
"Yes, sir."
"Now the first thing we are going to do is you are going to go out and apologize to my employees for treating them poorly."
Eric can tell he isn't really wanting to admit he is wrong to the employees, but he reluctantly gets up and follows Eric out the door.
Eric walks up to the line and there is a lull in business so Michael is cleaning up the board.
"Great job keeping on top of the cleaning so early, Michael." Eric says, smiling at him.
Michael looks up and grins.
"Thanks, Mr Murphey."
"Please just call me Eric. I started just like you wiping down tables and taking care of customers. I'm no one special."
"I don't know. I think I will stick with Mr Murphey, if that's alright with you."
"If it’s what you feel comfortable with, then you do that. Todd?"
Todd steps forward and looks at Michael.
"I'm sorry if in the past I have treated you unkindly."
"It’s alright," Michael answers.
"No Michael, it’s not alright,” Eric insists. “No one should ever be treated with disrespect by one of my managers if they are doing what they are supposed to be doing. And even if they aren't, they still don't deserve to be treated poorly. There are better ways to take care of things.
“Now by way of apologizing for the way my manager treated you, I want you to accept this gift card for Walmart so you can get some nice toys or something else little Christopher Eric may need. Maybe even a gift for that girl of yours."
Michael grins and looks at Eric.
"I don't know, Mr Murphey, it really isn't that big a deal to me."
"It is to me. Please take it and enjoy it."
Michael takes the card and smiles.
"Thank you, sir."
"It’s my pleasure. Come on Todd, we got lots more amends to make."
Eric walks off leaving a smiling Michael, with a sad Todd following.
"Hi Penny. How are you today."
"I'm good. Thanks for asking, Mr Murphey."
"Penny, Todd has something to say to you."
"Penny, I'm sorry that in the past I have treated you rudely, and it won't happen again."
She smiles.
"Thank you Todd, that means a lot. You have made me cry in the past; I was so upset I didn't know what to do but cry."
A look comes over Todd's face.
"Penny, I'm so very sorry I made you cry. I didn't mean to. I guess I can be mean with words sometimes. I swear I never meant to upset you that much."
"I know, Todd. It’s just your way."
"Not anymore it’s not. Todd is turning over a new leaf and he’s going to be a good manager from now on. We are going to get him an outstanding manager of the year award in a few years."
Todd looks at Eric with disbelief in his eyes.
"You think I can really do that?"
I don't see why not. I've won it how many times and I'm just a regular guy who works hard"
For the first time today. Todd smiles.
"Yeah, I can. Why can't I?"
"I see no reason why you can't. Come on, we have more amends to make."
Eric hands Penny a gift card and tells her to get something nice for herself. All day long Todd makes apologies and Eric hands out gift cards.
Around two o’clock, a man walks in with a few children. They all look like they have had better days. Eric smiles at them with Todd is at his side, as he has been all day, shadowing Eric to learn how to be a person who respects people. He hears the man before they walk up to the counter.
"OK guys, we only got ten dollars, so you can't get sodas, but you can each get a McDouble. We will get one large fries and share."
The littlest one, a boy of about five, smiles at his dad.
"OK, Daddy. It’s nice to have a treat," and gives his dad a hug. Now Eric can't think of anything but his little Joey stealing a dollar so he can have a little something to eat.
They walk up to the counter and the man orders.
"I would like 4 McDoubles and a large fries please. Also can I get some small cups for water?"
Eric is looking for a way to give the man more without hurting his pride. He wants so much to help this man. He only has ten bucks and is treating his children. Eric rings it in, takes the man’s money, and gives him back his change.
"Excuse me, sir. This sounds crazy but I would like to talk to Chris. I met this little boy named Alejandro on Saturday and he told me to talk to Chris about a job. I mean, he was just a little guy about eight or nine, but he just seemed so confident and sure that I should talk to Chris about a job. I just had to try."
"How did you meet Alejandro?"
The man looks around, embarrassed.
"It’s embarrassing really. I was at the food pantry and met him there. It’s just that we need a little help to get by sometimes."
"Sir, we all need a little help at times," Todd assures him, and surprises the shit out of Eric with his empathy toward the man. "I tell you what, if its OK with you, I want to go ahead and make the kids Happy Meals and get you whatever you like. All on me."
"I couldn't do that. I wouldn't want to get you in trouble with your boss. But thank you for your kind offer," the man responds.
Eric can see that the three children are excited at the idea.
"Seeing as how I'm his boss, I don't see a problem with it. Now what would you really like to have?"
The man isn't sure what to say, but his youngest boy offers, "Can I get a cheeseburger Happy Meal please?" He displays a wide smile and has hope in his eyes.
"Absolutely you can, young man. It would make my heart happy to do that for you," Eric grins at him. The other two boys, both under ten, agree that sounds really nice too.
"It would be my pleasure to get you what you really want to eat," Eric invites the man, smiling.
The man is slightly embarrassed but says, "Would it be alright if I just got a Big Mac. I don't want fries or a drink. Just the sandwich will be enough."
"Don't be silly. We will get you taken care of. Now go have a seat and we will bring it out to you," Eric says as he hands the man some drink cups.
The man and his children walk away smiling and head to the drink station. Eric turns to Todd.
"I'm really proud of you that you would do that."
"Mr Murphey, I know what it’s like growing up poor. My mom tried really hard but struggled. I always had what I needed. It may not have always been the best, but it was good enough. Eating out was something we rarely did, and when we did I couldn't ever get what I really wanted because it cost too much. I never complained because I knew she tried real hard. But sometimes trying just doesn't get everything you want."
Eric pats him on the back.
"Good job. Now let’s get their food for them."
They get the trays loaded and Eric is a little heavy-handed with the fries, giving them each a rather large portion that overflows the container. They walk out and put the trays on the table for them.
"When you get done eating please let me know. I want to talk to you about a job before you go."
"But your shirt says Eric, not Chris," the man observes.
"Yes. If you keep reading, you’ll see that underneath my name it reads ‘Owner.’"
"Oh, I didn't notice that part," he admits.
"Just come let me know, OK." Eric gives him a sincere smile.
"I sure will, sir."
"Just call me Eric."
"OK, sir," he answers before he could think of calling him Eric.
Eric and Todd walk back and take care of a few things. A few minutes later the man walks up to let Eric know he is done eating.
"Great. Do you have a few minutes to talk, then?"
"I got the next three days, sadly, until my next shift."
"OK then, let’s go talk a few minutes. Come on, Todd."
Eric grabs three sundae cups and puts some ice cream in them. He takes three apple pies, and puts them and the sundae cups on a tray. Eric takes the tray out with him, and Todd serves a pie and a sundae cup to each child.
The boys all smile and the middle boy speaks for them all, "Gosh, thank you sir," with a huge smile plastered on his face.
"You are very welcome! I know my boys love this, and I figured you might as well."
Eric, Todd and the man take a seat at a table a few feet away from the boys and start to talk.
Eric starts off, "Chris is on vacation, and normally I wouldn't talk to someone about being hired in his store, because that would be stepping on his toes. I don't like to do that; it is his store to run how he sees fit. But Alejandro is my son and is a very good judge of character. So I think I will take the time to at least talk to you and get the ball rolling."
"I appreciate your time, and your son is a very nice boy."
"Yes he is. Now why don't you tell me a little about about yourself."
"My name is Matt Saylor and I worked at the factory until they shut it down. I luckily will still get my retirement benefits, but that doesn't do much good now; I got about thirty years until I can get that. I'm going to school now to get a degree in business management. The state is paying for it since we all lost our jobs, and I am really thankful for it. But right now it’s hard just earning enough to almost get by. It’s hard being a single dad with three boys."
"I know the feeling, and I don't have financial struggles added on top of it," Eric empathizes.
"I met your son and for some reason I just opened up to him."
"He has that way about him. He gets people to open up to him who normally wouldn't. He has a caring soul."
"I could feel it; I suppose that’s why I told him everything I did. He told me that you pay more than $10 an hour and I just had to try for my boys."
"I know exactly what you mean. I would do anything for my three."
"It’s just been really hard, you know. Since their mom passed away, it just seems like everything that can go wrong, has. Right afterward, the factory closed. Then the car broke down and I can't afford to fix it. Life is just a real mess right now. Your son gave me a little bit of hope, I guess." the man says, wiping a tear from his eye. "Sorry, I guess I'm just a big baby."
"No, it’s perfectly fine. It’s a hard time in your life. A few tears are to be expected. It takes a real man to let them go," Eric tells him and touches his arm that is resting on the table.
"So can you work any shift? I know it’s probably hard with three boys to find a sitter."
"I live with my sister and her husband. After my wife passed and I lost my job, well, the bills mounted up pretty quickly. My brother-in-law and I have been friends for years, starting well before he married my sister. He invited us to stay with them. I pay part of the bills and all of our groceries. With the funeral costs and everything else, I'm slowly getting it all paid off; it’s just taking forever. I appreciate their help but I just want to get back on our own feet again. It’s kind of crowded in their house; it’s only three bedrooms. I know they aren't ever going to say anything about that, but I know they will be happy when we get our own place again. My sister watches the boys and my friend helps out some, too. So yes, I can work any shift."
"What shift would be best for you?"
"Any works. My sister works first shift and my brother-in-law is on second shift. I can work whenever because they will be able watch the children."
"They won't have a problem with it?"
"No, they will be glad to do it. It will give them more time with their nephews, who they love. The boys love them, too."
"You said you are going to school for business administration. Do you have any management experience?"
"Yes, sir. I was the line foreman for nine years at the plant. We led the plant in production," he relates with a bit of well-deserved pride.
"Now I know from talking to Chris that he needs a mid shift manager. That shift is from 10am to 6pm. Would that be alright?"
"That would be perfect, actually! I can get the boys off to school and then spend time with them after work."
"It pays $16.50 an hour, is that OK?"
Matt smiles, "That would be great."
"It also comes with several benefits as well. You get day-one insurance as a manager. We have matching 401K programs up to 5% of your gross earnings. We have a tuition reimbursement plan if you want to continue with your schooling after you graduate.
“When can you start?"
"I would love to start tomorrow, sir. But I feel it’s only right to give my current employer two weeks’ notice. Even though this is a great job, I still have to do what’s right. I tell my boys that all the time. Sometimes the right thing is hard to do, but it’s still the right thing to do. So you kind of have to."
"I certainly respect that as an owner of a business. It’s hard when people leave with no notice. So let me get your number and information. I will send over a text with a link you can use to fill out the paperwork. I will let Chris know he will have a new manager in two weeks after he gets back from vacation."
"I am sure glad I met your son!" Matt says, smiling and shaking Eric's proffered hand.
"Me too, because I think he found me a great new manager."
"I’ll do my best."
"I have no doubt about that."
They part ways. Afterward, Eric and Todd go to the office to fill out the end of shift paperwork. Eric zips through it in about twenty minutes.
"You’re quick at that," Todd mentions.
"I should be. I've been doing it my whole life I think."
They sit in silence as Eric finishes the paperwork. Once he does, Todd looks at him.
"You know you changed Matt’s life?"
"No, I didn't. Alejandro did."
"Mr Murphey?"
"Yes, Todd."
"As you were talking to Matt I realized that I have been taking my job for granted. I mean, I knew I get paid better than a lot of people around town. But I have been with the company for a while now. I just got used to it, I guess."
"Yes, you started with the company when you were 17 and you are 23 now. You have received the maximum allowable raises the entire time except at your last two reviews, you got nothing and there were negative comments on them. You would have thought that was a clue that you were slipping."
"I know you’re right. But I was mad at Chris, thinking he had it out for me. So I was angry, and now I realize I was just being an asshole."
Eric smiles at him.
"Sometimes realizing a negative about one’s self is hard to do. But I think we’ve got it nipped in the bud."
"Yes, we do. Sir, it’s time to go; see you in the morning."
"Actually it will be Vicki tomorrow. I have an event I have to attend, well that I want to attend, for my son Alejandro. But I will see you Thursday."
"I look forward to it."
As Todd is walking out the door he looks at Eric.
"I really want to thank you for not firing me. I know I deserved it."
"I try to give people chances because I know I've gotten more than my fair share of second chances. Don't make me regret it."
"I won't, Mr Murphey."
He leaves, and Eric soon follows suit as the new management shift comes in to take over. Eric drives home and lets Buddy free from his crate area. Buddy is thrilled to see him.
"I think you smell hamburgers and aren't really that thrilled to see me, Buddy," he says as the dog is sniffing Eric and wagging his tail.
Eric walks Buddy around to the front and the dog takes care of his business. They go inside the garage just as the bus pulls up and his boys get off and come in the house.
Alejandro races to Eric and jumps in his arms.
"I love you, Poppi."
Eric hugs him back.
"I love you too, my little man."
"Poppi?"
"Yes?"
Alejandro giggles, "You smell like french fries."
"I can't imagine why," Eric chuckles.
"So dad how did it go with the manager guy who fired you?"
"Yeah Ba, I been thinking about it all day. I like your shirt, too; it’s super cool."
"I still say you should have fired him. Most people would think the same thing," Joey maintains.
"A lot of people would say I should have had you arrested for stealing. So aren't you glad I don't think like most people?"
Joey looks down.
"I know, dad. It’s just that he completely disrespected you, and you should have fired him. Or beat him up like you did that one manager that called Alejandro that name. I don't want anyone to treat my dad bad."
Eric is feeling like putting the screws to Joey for some reason. But just for fun, not to be mean.
"What name would that be?"
"I'm not saying them. But you ‘member."
"Why won't you say them?"
"Because he’s my brother and I love him. I can't even think the words without getting mad."
"What words?"
"You know."
"No, enlighten me."
"I'm not saying them and you can't make me," Joey says angrily and storms off.
Eric thinks, “Well, that didn't work like I had planned.”
"I better go talk to your brother. I think I pushed the wrong buttons to mess with him."
"That was pretty mean, Ba."
"Yeah Poppi, you go tell him your sorry."
"I'm going now."
He puts Alejandro back on his feet and Buddy attacks him with puppy kisses, making him giggle.
"I missed you too, Buddy. Sorry, but I missed Poppi more. You will have to get used to it."
Alejandro gets on his knees, hugging his Buddy and getting doggie kisses all over his face. He is still giggling as Eric walks into the house and up to Joey’s room.
He finds Joey face down on his pillow, crying.
Eric turns his head to the side and thinks, “Aaw shit. I'm such a bastard.”
He walks over to Joey’s bed and sits down. He starts to gently rub his crying boy’s back, and softly tells him, "I'm really sorry, Joey. I was trying to be funny, but it wasn't funny at all."
"No it wasn't!" Joey says, lifting his head and showing his tear-streaked face.
"I'm really, truly sorry. I didn't know it would have such an impact on you."
Joey turns his head to face Eric.
"How did you think it would affect me? You think I was going to dance around the garage singing spic, spic, spic, wetback, taco beaner? He’s my brother. I love him so much it hurts to think of anyone calling him that."
"But you weren't calling him that. You were telling it to me."
"Same difference to me. If I say it and he hears it, it hurts him and I ain't doing that to my brother."
"I understand now, and I am truly and deeply sorry."
"I know dad. It just hurts. It’s like what you say, glass shards crashing into your soul."
"That's close to what I say, and I understand what you mean. It won't happen again.
“Did you ask your teacher about tomorrow?"
"Yeah, she says it’s fine. You just have to call me in absent. I’ve got no tests or nuthin."
"Good, your brother will be so happy you are there."
"What did he do anyway to get an award?"
"You don't know?"
"No dad, Alejandro is always doing good stuff."
"He has been collecting food for the food pantry every Saturday."
"Oh that. He’s been doing that for ages."
"How come I didn't know. Wait, let me guess, brothers’ secret?"
"You are getting smarter, dad."
"I wonder sometimes. So set out your suit tonight for tomorrow."
"Which one? We should all dress like penguins. That would be so cool."
"I think we will be a bit overdressed."
"So, it’s cool."
"Alright, I will ask the other two and if one of them agrees I will agree."
"I know Alejandro will say no, but Tran might say yes."
"Why will he say no?"
"You know how he is, dad. He doesn't want the attention. He is too much like you. Wanting to help people in the dark and stuff."
"It’s what we are supposed to do; it’s what HaShem tells us to do."
"But sometimes you do it in public."
"Usually I do that when it’s the best way to achieve the goal. Like with your coat drive. Sure, I could have just bought a thousand coats and that would have worked. But think of all the people who helped and got joy from helping."
"I see what you’re saying."
"Now about the manager at McDonald’s who we we talking about. I want to explain to you why I handled it how I did instead of just firing him."
Joey sits up and props his pillow against his head board.
"I'm ready."
"OK. At one point when Chris promoted him, he had earned it. I know how Chris is and he won't promote someone just because he needs a manager. He will work overtime if he has to so until he can get the right person for the job. So he must have been a good worker at the time. The problem he was having is he was taking the job for granted and not doing what he needed to do to actually do the job. After I talked with him this morning and explained a few things, he saw what I meant and he really impressed me."
"You sure he wasn’t just doing that until you left, and then went back to being a jerk?"
"I'm pretty sure of it, because he saw what it’s really like out there today. When he realized what the job market is paying, he knew that he has it pretty doggone good. Now that he has his head back on straight, I think he will try to be the best manager he can be to try to earn back my respect. He didn't have any of it this morning, but today he gained a bit of it back. He will be thankful he is still working for me and will work harder than ever before. Soon, I bet within a year, he will step up and take over one of my stores somewhere."
"You think so?"
"I may see the world through rose-colored glasses, but I do know people."
"You seem to judge people pretty good, dad. Alejandro is better though."
"He really is. He sees good in people that I just can't see. Maybe he is the one with rose-colored glasses?"
"Maybe. But I don't ever want him to change from that."
"Me either. He has the biggest heart of anyone I've ever met."
"Bigger than yours?"
"Way bigger than mine."
"I don't know dad, yours is pretty big."
"Is it super-sized?"
Joey looks confused.
"It’s what McDonald's used to call the biggest sizes."
Joey giggles.
"Yep, that's you, super-sized dad." Joey laughs as he says it.
"Yeah, that's me, all 400 pounds of me."
"Dad, you’re so goofy sometimes," Joey laughs.
"I know. It’s fun to be that way sometimes."
"It is. Can I play a game for a while?"
"Do you have homework?"
Joey sighs, "Can I play a game when my homework is done?"
"You know you can. Let me go talk to Tran about the dress for tomorrow and see if he can go or not."
"Dad?"
"Yes."
"How come Alejandro has been having so many nightmares lately? I'm really worried about him. He has one like every night."
"I wish I knew. It could be a few things. He told me he is scared he will lose me, that I will die. He knows that Buddy was beaten pretty badly, so maybe he is recalling that. Or it could be both. Or it could be that my birthday is coming up and he came to live with me right after that. It could be a mix of them all, or it could be just for no reason whatsoever. I don't know. I want him to see a therapist but he refuses. I know he can go months and years without talking as you know. So sitting in an office for an hour without saying a word is not a challenge for him."
"What’s Joy say, dad? She’s an expert with kids."
Eric sighs.
"We have talked about it a lot. She thinks what I just told you, that it will do no good unless he wants to."
"I really love him a lot dad. I want him to be all better all the time."
"I do too, Joey. I do too. But we can only help him in that aspect of his life if he wants it."
"Yeah. He’s too stubborn."
"Oh, you’re one to talk," Eric replies and laughs hard.
"Whatever, Mr ‘You can't have violent games.’"
"I stand by that one."
"You always do," Joey grins as he says it.
"Let me go find Tran. I kind of like your idea and I think I can sway Tran. If all three of us dress like penguins then he will have no choice."
"I like the way you think, dad."
"Even about violent video games?"
"I see your point on it. Doesn't mean I have to like it."
"No, it doesn't mean you have to like it, you just have to follow it. When you turn 18, you can have whatever games you want."
Eric gets up and walks out of the room after he kisses Joey and tells him he loves him.
As he is walking through the door he hears, "Dad?"
"Yeah?"
"I love you too."
"I know you do."
Joey gets off of his bed, gets his book bag, and mutters, "Stupid to have homework when school’s almost over."
He puts his books on his desk and starts in on it.
Eric heads to Tran’s office as he knows this is where he will be. Tran is at his desk working on something.
"Excuse me Tran, if it’s OK I would like to talk to you a few minutes."
"Sure Ba, let me finish this thought,” he says as he taps it into his laptop.
"What’s up, Ba?"
"Can you go to the award ceremony for Alejandro tomorrow?"
"Yes I can," he replies, grinning.
"Good. I know it makes me happy and I know Alejandro will be happy too. Joey thinks we should dress like penguins."
"Cool," is his response.
"So it’s a yes then?"
"Yes sir. What’s he getting an award for anyway?"
"He has been collecting food for the food pantry every Saturday."
"Yeah, since Thanksgiving. He deserves an award for that."
"Did everyone know about this but me?" Eric asks, kind of miffed.
"Ba, its not like that. He didn't want to tell me and Joey. He needed our help when the snow was deep. He couldn't pull the wagon by himself and we helped him when it was too high. Shoot I'm a lot bigger than him and I had a hard time doing it. But he sure was trying."
"Why didn't he ask me? I would have loved to help."
"Ba, think about it. What have you done since you found out about the award?"
Eric thinks a second then softly says, "Told everyone."
"He wanted it to be secret. He is doing it for him, not for awards. He told me it was to pay back all the people who helped him. He tries to make sure there are no hungry tummies in town every night. If he could, he would do it every day."
"He is such a good boy. How can I not brag about him?"
"Ba, if you figure it out let me know. Because he is one special little guy that's for sure."
"I better go tell him. Count on his favorite for supper tonight."
"Ba, you don't have to bribe him."
"I know but he’s just...I just want him always happy is all. He has had such a fucked up life."
"A lot of people have, Ba. But we love him. I can't tell him ‘no’ very much either."
"Neither can Joey. Thing is, he knows it too and never does take advantage of it."
"A two hundred dollar Halloween costume Ba?"
"OK, he rarely takes advantage of it.
Eric leans in, hugs Tran, and gives him a kiss.
"I love you, Tran."
"Love you too, Ba."
Eric walks out picturing Alejandro trying with all his might to pull a wagon of food through the snow. He can see him crying because he knows he is defeated and has to ask his brothers for help. Poor little guy, he thinks. He gets to Alejandro's door and sees his books on his desk in his finished spot. The boy is a bit OCD, Eric is learning. He has a spot for his books for when he is getting them ready to do homework, another spot as he is doing it, and a spot for when he is finished. But it makes it easy for Eric to know where he is at in his studies. He looks around his room and he isn't in there. He checks the bathroom and no little guy.
"Hmm, I wonder where he is. I guess I’ll take a shower and find him afterward. He’s right, I do smell like fries, and I don't want to," he says to himself.
He heads to his room, unfastening his tie and starting to unbutton his shirt as he walks in.
"Hi Poppi, I thought I would take a shower with you. I got to take one later and I knew you were taking one now. So it seemed smart."
Eric cocks his head trying to figure out what is going on in that head of his.
Eric takes off his shirt and tosses it in the laundry basket. He sits down on the stool by his closet, unties his shoes, and slips them off.
"So what are we going to do in the shower?" Eric asks, pretty certain he knows the answer.
"Well. Poppi, I been itching down there for a while. I thought maybe you could scratch it."
Eric knows something is up and he decides now is the time to address it. Not that he would mind making love to his son, but there is more to it than that and he wants to find out what. Alejandro has always been sexual. Usually once a week or so they do something. Lately it had been a few more times, not that Eric would complain. He loves them and when they want it he will gladly give it to them. He has only asked them once. Eric puts his shoes in their shoe house and sits next to his son so he can wrap his arm around him.
"Now tell me what’s going on."
"Nothing, Poppi."
"I'm not buying it, Senator."
Alejandro looks down, a sure sign he is about to lie.
"Really Poppi, it’s nothing."
Eric reaches out and pulls up his chin.
"I need to know. I'm worried about you."
Alejandro looks at him with tears forming in his eyes.
"I'm really scared, Poppi."
Eric pulls him into his lap, faces him chest to chest, and wraps both arms around his son, holding him tightly as he sobs against Eric. Eric lets him have his cry until he is finished with it. He just gently holds him, running fingers up and down his back.
When he calms down after a good fifteen-minute crying jag, Eric asks him, "Why are you so scared, buddy?"
"I'm scared I’m going to lose you, Poppi."
"I have plans to live to be a very old man."
"No, not just that. You're at McDonald's again."
"It’s only for two weeks and this week is half over after tomorrow. It’s just like when I was at KFC, I do my job and come home."
"Yeah but Poppi, you don't love KFC."
"You do make a valid point, my smart young boy. However much I love it, I love you much, much more. I would never do anything to be away from you for extended amounts of time."
"I'm just scared you will go back to McDonald's all the time."
"Alejandro, I promise I won't do that. Have I ever broken a promise to you?"
"No, not ever."
"Do you know why?"
"So I will always trust you."
"That's part of it, buddy. The other part is I love you more than my life."
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ericmurphey1971@gmail.com
If you noticed t the top of the pge you can click the link to donate to Nifty. I know they will appreciate it.
Every so often I get an email from a reader offering to get or do something for me. I always really appreciate that. But I honestly wouldnt know what to ask for. I am certainly not a rich man. I work around 70 hours a week to make ends meet and to save money for an apartment house so I can have passive income when I get the farm. I am always touched by that. I have thought about getting an account to accept donations and have asked a few others what they think if I did. I have been thinking about it for at least a year maybe longer. I still dont know how I feel about it. One reader I asked about it said its like getting a nice meal and giving tip for a job well done. I just worry that people will think thats why I am writing these stories when its not the reason. I write because I like to think of how things should be not how they are. How I wish people would be and act.
Anyway on a very positive note. When I moved to New York I had set some goals as my five year plan. I have just completed the last of them and am ready to start saving money for an apartment house. Im pretty excited about it. Becuase the goals I had werent exactly lofty just expensive. So through a lot of work and persistance and a bit of luck I am at the point I wanted to be at at this time. So that is a great thing. It seemed like it was never going to happen. But it has and Im thrilled.
Thank you to all of those out there who have been cheering me on. I apreciate it.
Also as always a big thanks to Zero on his help on this project. After editing School Daze I realized just how much he really does. I mean its not like I didnt know. Its just since I have been doing it on one story and not as well a him mind you. I realize how much it takes to make my stories presentable. So hats of to Zero. Ok Im starting the wave. Up and hey why arent you joining in?
As Always I wish you all
Peace love and Good Happiness
Eric