Date: Tue, 24 Dec 2019 18:30:26 -0500 From: Eric Murphey Subject: Transitions First Christmas Chapter 10 I hope you all have a nice holiday. Send Nifty a gift so they can have one as well. Eric Transitions First Christmas Chapter 10 Eric woke the next morning Luisa snuggled up against him one leg over his belly and an arm resting on his chest with her hand on his face. Her fingers are slowing petting his cheek. He looks down and sees she is sleeping still but with a little smile on her face. Its going to be really hard to give her up. He thinks. He slips out of bed unnoticed and heads to the shower to clean up. While hes in there her hears a noise. He peeks out and sees its Alejandro. Who opens the door and lets himself in. "Poppi I have really missed sleeping with you since Louisa is here." "Why don't you come in to sleep? You know you are always welcomed anywhere I am." "Its just that we figured you wanted time with her since shes been through so much." "But, you guys have been through a lot too." "Yeah but shes a little girl." He says not meaning it mean or anything. "What you think little girls are more fragile then little boys?" "No its just that shes just so little is all." "Yeah." Eric says rubbing Alejandro's head. They wash up and get out to dry off. As they do Joey comes strolling in. "Darn it. I missed it." He says frustrated. "Guys. It will be OK we can find some time later maybe." "I hope so." Eric goes and gets dressed as does Alejandro. Joey goes and hops in his own shower to get clean. Eric heads downstairs and he looks in the fridge. Getting kind of bare. He may have to actually go to the grocery store. Gasp. He sees a can of cinnamon rolls. He preheats the oven like the can says to do. He pulls out the circular pan and puts them in. He waits a minute until the oven says its ready and puts them in. The coffee is made and he pours himself a cup. As he sits down Alejandro comes in and takes a spot on Eric's lap. "I've really missed you on my lap lately." Eric says rubbing is sons tummy. "Yeah me too. But, Its OK Luisa needs you more now then Joey and I do." "You are such a good boy." Eric says kissing the top of his head. Alejandro grabs Eric phones and starts playing a game on it he likes. As he is doing this Joey comes in dressed really nicely. "Why you dressed so nice buddy?" Eric asks. "You got me all those nice clothes seems like I should wear them." Eric just nods because how can you argue with logic. Joey sits down and Eric slips Alejandro over to his seat and gets up. He pours them both a glass of milk and sits it in front of them. They drink almost half of it right off. Eric just grabs the carton and puts it on the table, instead of getting up every five seconds to refill their glasses. While hes up he gets some plates and forks, and sits them in front of the boys. As he does this the timer goes off. Eric pulls out the sweet smelling rolls and pours the icing over the top of them. He sits them on the table and scoops out a couple for each boy. He thinks about having one and just isn't in the mood for something so sweet. He gets up and cuts up a bit of fruit for himself. A s he is eating he notices a hand every now and then snitching a piece of fruit off of his plate. One time its brown the other time its white. After about the fourth piece is taken he says. "Would you boys like some fruit?" Both look at him with innocent eyes. "No yours is good Dad." Eric just chuckles. "Should I make some more for myself then?" "I think you better." Alejandro says laughing. Eric gets back up and cuts up some more fruit for HIS breakfast. As he sits back down both boys reach for a piece. He just rolls his eyes. "You boys want another roll?" "Nah this is good." Alejandro says chewing a piece of fruit. He looks to Joey who cant answer because he has so much fruit in his mouth he looks like a chipmunk. He shakes his head no. Luisa walks in yawning and stretching her arms over her head. Exposing everything she has. Both boys take notice but don't say anything. She scoots up on Eric's lap and grabs a piece of fruit and starts chewing. "You want a cinnamon roll Princessa?" Alejandro asks. She nods her head yes. He gets up and grabs a plate and fork for her. He scoops one out and puts it on a plate. He sits it in front of her and grabs her a glass and fills it with milk. She takes it from him. "Thank you." She says and takes a drink. "OK guys and gal. After breakfast we have a little project I need your help with. So as soon as Luisa is done eating we need to get on it. Because we have to get it done before we go to the Stew Pot for Santa Clause." "Mr. Larry Clause." Luisa says between bites. The boys giggle a little at this. "Yeah but, he knows Santa so you better be nice to him." Eric says nudging her. "I will I like him and his wife too. She is really nice. I like they way she did my hair. It was pretty." She says. "Punkin your hair would be pretty however it was." Eric says kissing the top of her head. Once the Princessa is done with her breakfast the boys clear the table and put the dirty things int eh dishwasher. Eric puts the last 3 cinnamon rolls in a baggie and puts them in the fridge. He figures the kids can have them later for a snack or something. They all go to Eric's office and he grabs the cards he got the other day. "Now what we are going to do is on the inside of each card we are going to write. This is for you to get someone special a present with. Love Santa." "OK." They all say. Eric has to help Luisa with the spelling the first few times but, she soon has the hang of it. Once they are done Eric grabs the bundle of twenties he got for this and they start sticking a twenty in every card and then putting it in an envelope for Santa to give to each child after they tell him what they want. Eric knows some parents are shiftless and will take it. But, he thinks a lot will take them to the store so they can get a friend or the parent a gift. He thinks it will make the kids feel special to be able to get gifts for someone too. He looks and sees he only has 20 cards. That wont be nearly enough he thinks. He opens the safe in the wall and pulls out four more bundles of twenty dollar bills. So that will make a 100 cards. Once they get that done they put it in a gift bag that Eric had in his office from a gift someone gave him who knows when. No reason to throw it out its still good. Be a good steward to the environment and all. Once they are done he has Joey go put them in the front seat of the Escalade so they don't forget them. After that they got a free day. Nothing to do until they head to the Stew Pot later for Santa. They decide to just have a lazy day and lounge around and watch movies together. Eric gets a text. Joey looks. "Its from Miss Joy." He says handing Eric the phone. "Call me when you get an alone minute." It reads He puts Luisa off his lap onto the couch and he walks into his office, and shuts the door. "Hey whats up why the cloak and dagger stuff?" "Its not cloak ad dagger. I just wanted yo to be able to talk freely is all." She responds. "So whats up then?" "How well do you know Larry and Mary Smith." "Pretty well I suppose. Larry has done a lot of work for me over the years. Hes a top notch carpenter His wife is simply fantastic. I don't think she would say shit if she had a mouthful. Shes always got a smile on her face. I couldn't think of a more gentle caring woman. Why?" "Mary called me yesterday and they want to foster and hopefully adopt Louisa." "Oh." Eric says feeling a bit sad. "I thought that's what you wanted a woman for her to raise her." "It is. Its what she needs and deserves." He says glumly. "You fell in love with her didn't you?" "Yeah. How can you not. Shes just so dam adorable." "I knew you would. I think your right though. I think she needs a woman in her life that's able to guide her." "I think so too. Its not that I think some men cant raise their daughter and she grow up to be a fantastic person. I know a lot of guys do and my hats off to them. I just don't believe I am that kind of guy. I just want the best for her." "If you were me would you expedite it so they can have her before Christmas. Do you trust them that much?" "That's only 5 days away. I got to give her up so fast?" "Eric I think that honestly its for the best before you and she get too much more attached. Besides you know them and you can see her I am sure whenever you want." "Yeah I know your right. Its just I am going to miss her something terrible. Shes just so damn precious." "I'm sure she is. So what do you think?" "Yeah they would be really good for her. She already thinks the world of them. She says its Mr Larry Clause now." "Oh thats too funny." She says giggling. "When do we do this then. Give her to them?" Eric says still sad by the thought. "Well, its Saturday now. I can have a judge sign off on it today if I call the right one. Or we can wait until Monday." "No I think today would be better. Get her a little bit used to staying there before Christmas so she can enjoy it more." "OK I will call the judge then Larry and Mary and tell them the good news. I suggest that you let them all know soon. Because this can happen very quickly." "When does the government ever go quickly?" "When I'm in charge. I love you Eric." "Love you too." "I will call you when I know everything for certain." "Bye." Eric says and ends the call that's both happy and sad for him. Granted he knows its the best thing for her but, damn hes going to miss her. Eric walks back to the living room and sits in a chair next to the couch. Alejandro is very keen to interrupting Eric's moods. He goes and sits on his lap. "Poppi why are you sad?" He asks. This gets the other twos attention quickly. They turn to hear his response. Eric thinks a minute before he responds because he wants to say it so its right. "Well, that was Joy I Just talked to. She says that Mr Larry and his wife Miss Mary want to have Luisa come and live with them. I am sad because I know I am going to miss seeing Luisa every day. But, I am also happy that I know that Luisa is going to go to a home where she is loved so much that she wont know what to do with all the love." "Its kind of a weird feeling isn't it Poppi? Being sad and happy at the same time." "Yeah it is." They all sit a minute and no one says anything they just process the information they just got. "Luisa. How do you feel about it?" Eric asks. "I guess I am like you guys. Happy and sad at the same time. I really like Mr Larry Clause and Miss Mary. But, I sure am going to miss all of you." She says a few tears rolling down her cheeks. Joey is next to her and he puts his arm around her. "Its going to be good for you. You'll see." "I know but, I love you guys. I want to stay here." "Princessa. It is for the best that you go and stay with them. You will have a very happy life with them I'm sure. Besides you already like them a lot. So it will be fun for you. Especially being the only child in the house. You are going to be spoiled in a day." She smiles. "You think so?" "Princessa I know so. Lets go get you dressed in your prettiest dress. Because I think you will be moving today. I want you to look as absolutely pretty as possible so when you get to your new home it will be perfect." "OK." She says starting to get a little excited at being the only child and getting spoiled. Not like Eric doesn't already do it. They all go upstairs and they decide which is her prettiest dress. They choose a pretty pink dress with ruffles on it They help her get dressed and they all tell her how pretty she is. Eric brushes her hair out and braids it like Mary did because Luisa seems to think this is the best way. Once he is done his phone rings. Its Joy. Damn that was fast he thinks. "Hello?" "OK they are so excited they were both shouting they were so happy. They cant wait to come and get her." "When will they be here?" "In about two hours Larry and Mary said they wanted to go buy a ton of toys and things to put under the tree first." "OK that will give me time to get her things packed then." Eric answers. He sees tears start down both boys cheeks. He wipes them away with his free hand. Luisa is just sitting there not really knowing what to think. Eric ends the call quickly because they all know what ts about to happen. "So this is it guys. Lets get Luisa's things packed up. I think we can just put it all back in the shopping bags I got them in. I think I put them in the kitchen. Why t'don you boys go check." He says and they do that. Walking like they are going to a funeral. "Eric if you would have fucked me could I have stayed here?" "Princessa. That has nothing to do with it. I doubt Mr Larry will make love to you either. But, he will still love you." "What if he does?" "I suppose if you want to and he does too then its your business. But, if you don't want to you let someone know. O?" "OK but I like him I would if he wants too. Even Miss Mary." "That's OK if you want too. But, like I said I doubt that they will." "So I'm going to stay there for how long?" "I think until you go to college. They said that they want to adopt you and make you their real daughter so that's forever." "That will be cool because they are really nice." "Yeah they are. I think you will be really happy living with them." "I think so too. But, if I'm not can I come back here?" "Yeah I think so." "OK." She says and walks over to him and wraps her little arms around his neck and gives him a hug. "Are you scared?" "A little bit." "Its OK that's natural. You don't know what to expect really. But, I think it will be all smiles and sunshine now for the Princessa." Eric says kissing the top of her head not wanting the hug to end. Finally he breaks the hug, and pulls her up onto his lap. "I am sure going to miss you. But, I think wait I know that we will all look back and think this was the best most perfect thing to do." "I hope so." A few minutes later the boys got back after finding the bags. They all carefully fold and put everything into the bags. They carry them all downstairs. Eric is glad he kept the shoe boxes because a dozen pairs just tossed into a back would just seem wrong. They walk back down and finish the movie. Luisa sitting on Eric's lap and the boys each holding one of her hands. The movie ends and Eric gets up and goes to heat up the left over roast that Mary made yesterday for the kids lunch and his too. They all enjoy the leftovers and Eric gets out the left over cinnamon rolls and heats them up in the microwave. The kids enjoy them for desert. Once they are finished and they load the dishwasher Eric sees its pretty full and turns it on. As they finish the door bell rings. Eric knew they were here he saw them pull up through the kitchen window. But, no one heard because the water was running. They all walk to the front door and Eric opens it to reveal two very happy people. Larry is showing every tooth he has and Mary is as well. "Luisa we are so glad that you are coming to stay with us." Mary says. "Glad hell we are so happy we are bursting at the seems." Larry says bending down to swoop up the little girl in his arms. He immediately starts tickling her tummy. Which makes her laugh in delight. "Larry you put her down." "Mary I ain't gonna break her." He says pulling her in to him. She wraps her arms around his neck to hold on. "Yeah Miss Mary he ain't gonna break me." Luisa says smiling. `Oh boy am I going to have my work cut out for me keeping those two in line." She says with a big smile. "You are going to love every minute of it." Eric says. "You bet I am." "Miss Mary we got all of Luisa's things packed up for you. Do you want us to take them to the car for you?" Joey asks. "Are you trying to get rid of her that fast?" Mary asks. "No we don't want her to go at all. But Poppi says that you will do a better job raising her because you are a strong vibrant woman and will teach her to be the same. He says he cant do that and that you can. So we don't want her to go no. But, we want her to be the best she can be. If Poppi think it is right we do too." "But, we don't like it a lot either. We kind of like having her around." "Boys she can come visit anytime she wants." Larry says to them and to her as well. He reaches in his pocket and pulls out a handful of butterscotch candies. He offers one to Luisa and she takes one then he offers one to the boys. They too take one and unwrap it and put the paper in their pockets. Luisa doesn't have that option so Larry takes it from her and puts it in his pocket. "Your going to make her a diabetic." Mary says. "Oh I will not. A piece of candy isn't too bad." "Larry smith I saw you got a five pound bag of those. Don't think I didn't see it." She says playing with him smiling the entire time. The boys pick up a few bags and Larry pops his trunk on his couple year old Cadillac. The boys pile it all in and shut the trunk. Larry sits Luisa down. "You better get your coat." He says to her. Before she does she gives each boy a hug and a kiss on the cheek. Telling them both that she loves them. Then Eric picks her up. She wraps her arms around her neck and hugs him tight. "When will I ever see you again?" She asks. "In about 3 hours at the Stew Pot I imagine." He says to her. "Yes sweetie so not too long." Mary says. Eric sits her down and helps her on with her coat. Both of his boys are crying. "Guys its for three hours." "Dad its more then that. She wont be here when we get back either. But, we know your right. It sucks though." "Yeah it sure does." Eric says wrapping his arm around Joeys shoulder and pulling him into him. They all stand in the door and watch as they load Luisa into the back seat and Larry fussing and making sure she is buckled in right. Mary just giggling at her husband fussing like he is. The boys are all smiling as well. Once the pull off Eric leads the boys back into the house by the shoulders. The go back to the living room and watch another movies feeling very somber. Eric has his arms wrapped around each boys shoulder as they watch. It just seems so calm without the little wild fire in the house. Once the movie is over the boys decide they want to play some video games and go to Alejandro's room to do so. Eric thinks he wants to move the games to the basement soon like the boys asked him to do. It really does make more sense then his idea. Not to mention Carlos was really happy with the idea too. Eric did get his wish though from last night. He had wished that Luisa will find a happy loving home. He smiles at that thought. He sits back and watches a silly show hes seen dozens of times and dozes off for a while. The boys thundering down the stairs wakes him. He glances at his phone and realizes its nearly time to head to the Stew Pot. "Boys grab your coats or we are going to be late." They make a mad dash for them and Eric grabs his on the way tot he truck. They all get in and buckle in for safety and off they go. Once the arrive they see a lot of kids. Which is fantastic. That was the goal to help as many kids as possible. He sees probably 60 or seventy kids. He is thrilled. He and the boys walk into the Stew Pot and see the play corner has magically transformed into Santa's visiting area. Larry's crew was by earlier to transform it Marco says smiling. Eric has the bag of cards in his hand. He thinks he is glad he made the extra cards. He doesn't want anyone left out. After a few minutes everyone is sitting down and Eric the boys and some other volunteers start serving the meals. Everyone is smiling and happy the kids because they get to see Santa. The parents because there kids will at least get some Christmas this year. Every one is laughing and having a great time when Luisa's mother comes staggering in. High on something. "You mother fucker." She screams at Eric in a slurred voice. "I want some more money from you." "You will never get another dime from me." He says matter of fact. Marco rushes into the kitchen to call the cops. He knows that she has a warrant out on her now because he and Joy have been talking back and forth a little. After that he heads back out to try to get her out so she doesn't ruin the mood for everyone. He sees Eric has already got her by the arm leading her out. Once they get outside its all Eric can do not to punch her in the face for what shes done to her little girl. "You fucking pervert you give me more money or you give her back to me." "I will do no such things." "I know you fucked her. I just got to get her to tell the cops you fucked her and then you wont have nothin." "Problem with your story is. Is that I am not like you. I didn't fuck her as you so crudely put. She is actually in foster care now." "You no good piece of shit." She screams and tries to hit him. But, she is so high he just steps aside and she ends up making herself fall down. At that time a cop car pulls in and they quickly cuff and stuff her. Off she goes as quickly as she came in. When Eric walks back in both his boys are next to him in an instant making sure he is OK. "I'm fine boys really." He says after they ask him fr the fourth time. One woman starts singing a song to lift the spirits of the people back up. Joey goes and starts playing it on the piano. He leads the entire room for two songs when they see Luisa walk in. Dressed in the cutest red crushed velvet dress. White trim on it with white stockings and black pattern leather shoes on. On her head is a Santa cap. In her hands she is holding a set of bells she is ringing to beat all hell to get everyone's attention. "Hey everybody. I just saw Santa clause and his wife outside. I think they are coming in here." She shouts as loud and excited as she can. A moment later the door bursts open and all of Larry's crew are dressed as elves and they all form lines on the sides of the door and in walks Santa and Mrs Clause arm in arm. The entire room cheers. The children the loudest of course. Larry and his wife look just like Norman Rockwell's depiction of Santa, and Mrs Clause. Santa walks in and is waving his free hand at everyone. Mrs Clause walks him over to the throne they had for him. He sits down letting out several Ho Ho Hos along the way. Once he is seated he says with a booming voice. "Now I want all you boys and girls to come in front of me first then we will form a line and then you can tell me what you want for Christmas OK?" The kids all do as they are told even those that are 12 to 14. Everyone loves tradition. Santa Larry begins like this. "Now I know thanks to Louisa Clause." He says pointing to her and she is smiling ear to ear. "That last year even though some of you were good last year I forgot your house. I want to say I am really very sorry about that. That's why I made a special trip ere this year from the North Pole to tell you all how sorry I am I missed you and to make it up this year. SO Everyone get in line and then I will hear what you want for Christmas. Parents if you would please join your children in line to help Mrs Clause with some information to make sure we get the addresses right this year. So that's what they did. As they child was up on Santa's lap Mrs Clause was getting their address and their sizes for clothes and shoes as well. Once the child was done an elf who had eaves dropped comes over and tells her what the child wanted for Christmas. When the child gets off of Santa's lap Alejandro or Joey gives them a card and a cookie. As this is going on Eric gets a text from Ray saying he and Loraine cant make it tonight like they had planned but, his family made plans and just now told him and Loraine so they have to go to his folks house for a get together. Eric texts back and says that's fine he will see them again soon. Eric can see Larry s at times having a hard time with the kids. Not that they are bad but, he will wipe a tear away from his eyes when one of them asks for something. When they are all done the Elves tell all the kids to find a seat because the elves all have made some special toys for them for tonight. The kids all st down and the elves all start handing out small wrapped presents for the kids. Eric notices that there are several different colors of wrapping paper and quickly figures out that they are wrapped for sex of the child and ages. All the kids seem to be extremely happy with what the elves gave them. Like little girls got stuffed animals the older girls got Barbies and things like that. Once they are done and everyone is leaving to go home the workers and Santa and his elves all sit down at the table to eat. "Larry I saw you were having some trouble at times." Marco says. "Yeah these kids I tell you will break your heart. One little boy asked me to get his dad out of jail for Christmas. How the hell am I supposed to answer that?" "Yeah one just said he wanted his mom to find a good job." One of the elves said. "Thing is that not one of them asked for anything expensive or extravagant. Most of them just asked for one thing and that's it. Most of them were very specific. Like one boy about five years old asked for a fire truck with a ladder that extends out. But, not one that takes batteries because his family wont be bale to afford batteries. I mean shit what 5 year old thinks like that?" "Poor ones." Marco says. "Yeah well. If I get anything that takes batteries they will get a big ass block of batteries that's for sure." He says making people chuckle. After they get done eating they all clean up and hugs go around and everyone is excited about tomorrow too. Especially Luisa Clause in her new roll as one of Santa's helpers. She had made sure to mention that she has a pretty bedroom all pink that Larry Clause painted yesterday hoping she could come stay with them. Also that she has 18 presents under the tree. All just for her. She is so excited and happy. Eric is so happy for her and he knows he made the right choice for her and her future. The boys all climb in the truck and head home. Once they get there they make up a bunch more cards because they ended up using 90 of them. Its a good thing Eric keeps plenty of cash in the safe. Never know when something may come up you need a little cash for. They make up another 90 so they have an even 100 again. Then they all head off to bed as its been a long emotional day. The boys sleep with Eric for the first time in a while. They think about playing around for a while and decide they are just too tired. They snuggle up and head to sleep.