Date: Mon, 23 Dec 2019 12:28:06 -0500 From: Eric Murphey Subject: Transitions First Christmas Chapter 8 This is a holiday story. Giving is better then receiving. Have you gifted Nifty Transitions First Christmas Chapter 8 Eric woke up the next morning with both boys pressed against him. He looks at them and smiles. They apparently in the night had awakened and came in here. They didn't even wake him when they did. He slips out from between them and goes and takes care of his morning needs. He reflects on the past few days and is just really surprised and pleased at how fast he has fallen in love with Joey. He knows for certain he would give his life for either of them in a second. Eric slips on his robe and heads down to the kitchen to make some coffee for him and the construction crew. Yesterday they got the garage framed up. Larry said he thinks they will get it done either today or tomorrow. He makes a cup and as he adds the sugar he hears Larry's truck pull up. He glances at the time and its only 615. Larry is pretty early today. Eric walks to the door to let him in. "Good morning Larry. Come on in and get some coffee to get the old heart pumping." "Absolutely." They go to the kitchen and Eric gets Larry a coffee and they sit at the table. "Larry do you think you can be Santa on Saturday and Sunday as well. That way we can get more kids?" Larry laughs. "Hell buddy I would be Santa every day if I could. The wife is so excited she is going to the store today to get ingredients for cookies. I honestly don't know who is more excited her or me." "I think my boys are. But, you do seem pretty full of energy today." "I just love to help out kids. It just always makes me feel great." "How could it not?" They sit and talk a few minutes when Alejandro appears and just scoots up on Eric's lap. Eric wraps his arms around him and kisses the top of his head. "Good Morning young man. I trust you slept well last night from the looks of your hair." Larry says smiling. Alejandro touches his hair and it is all standing up and he tries in vain to smooth it down. "Morning Mr Larry. Yeah I slept good." Eric can feel tension in his usually calm boy. "Buddy is something bothering you this morning?" "How did you know Poppi?" "Dads just know these things. So whats up buddy?" "This sounds like its family stuff. I reckon I will go ahead and get things set up for when the rest of the crew gets here." Larry says excusing himself. Once Alejandro hears the front door shut he starts. "Poppi its Joey. Hes really scared about the talent show Thursday." "I don't see why. Hes a very talented boy. I know he is going to do great." "I know that too. But, hes still scared." "Its natural to be scared. Especially performing in front of people. A lot of people at that." "What can we do to make him not scared?" "Nothing. He is going to be scared no matter what we say or do. But, It will help for us to be understanding and supportive of him." "Yeah. Poppi I just wish we could make him feel better." "Me too buddy. I may have an idea. I don't know if it will work or not. But, when you see me do something I wouldn't normally do just go with it OK?" Eric says kissing the top of his head. "What are you going to do Poppi?" "I'm not sure just yet I can. But, you will know." "OK." They sit for a while Eric rubbing his young sons tummy a few minutes both just thinking. "You want eggs, toast and sausage for breakfast?" "That sounds good." Alejandro says halfheartedly. "Don't worry about it buddy. I think Joey is worried enough for all of us." "Yeah I hear ya Poppi. But, your still worried." "I'm the Dad Its my job to worry, not yours." "As you always say easier said then done." "True. Why don't you go get Joey up and I will start breakfast." "OK Poppi." Alejandro says kind of sad. "Keep a smile on your face. Don't let Joey know your worried for him. If we act like he will be great he will worry less." "He will be great Poppi." "We know this. We just have to let him know this." "Yeah." Alejandro says and goes to wake his brother. Eric gets up and grabs the things from the fridge. He starts off the chicken apple sausage that he and Alejandro love. Hopefully Joey does as well. He starts frying it up and then when its done both boys appear in the kitchen. Joey seems worried. "Good Morning Joey." Eric says with a big smile and picks him up and hugs him, also giving him a big kiss on the lips. "You feeling good this morning?" "Yeah. I'm OK." Eric sits him down and gets out a couple different jellies for the boys toast. He fries the eggs over light like Alejandro likes. He asks Joey how he likes his eggs and he says any way is good for him. So He makes Joeys over soft too. While making the eggs he pops bread in the toaster. Once they are done with breakfast Eric says to the boys. "You boys go get ready for school. I will clean up this mess today." "OK." They both say and head upstairs to get dressed. They both come back a few minutes later laughing at each other. "Whats so funny guys?" "We both dressed the same." Eric looks and sure enough both have on Jeans the same tennis shoes and a Detroit Red Wings hoodie Eric had gotten them. Both looking just cute as can be. Eric glances at the clock. "You boys better get your coats on the bus will be here shortly." They do as asked and are out the door in a minute. Eric kind of hates school days because he doesn't know what to do with his time. He goes and checks his emails and responds to most. He sees that Lorraine accepted the position at his company which is good. He knows that it will pay her more and help their family. Not to mention she was told once she finishes her degree she will get a nice raise as well. So that's good for them. They deserve it a hard working young couple like themselves. He also has an email from a franchisee in Florida that has 22 stores he wants to part with so the owner can retire and is asking Eric if he wants them. The price seems fair and he doesn't have any in Florida yet so he forwards it to his person in charge to check it out and to purchase them if everything seems good. He then has an email from his real estate division that a complex is available in Washington state. He looks over the numbers and decides its too much money for what they are getting. He tells them to offer a lower amount and if they accept then to proceed. He then scrolls through some other emails just some personal stuff. Nothing of great importance just some nice holiday wishes and what not. He responds sending some pictures of him and the boys. His phone pings and its Julia sending some pictures of them in the islands. She tells him they are having a great time. Asks how Joey is doing. He responds everything is going great. He sends a few more pictures he took of them sledding and having fun. After this he gets dressed and heads to the toy store so he can get some gifts under the tree for Joey. The ones that he had gotten the boys at the store the boys wrapped to give away. So he hasn't got any under there yet. He spends a good two hours and nearly a thousand dollars getting some toys for Joey. Poor boy doesn't have anything yet. But he will. Eric got a few new Lego sets for him because he noticed he and Alejandro when not gaming have been building a Lego city. Legos sure are fun and help kids imaginations grow. He drives home and wraps up all the gifts. He slips them under the tree and sits on the couch and thinks its only noon what to do now. He dozes a bit as he watches or more accurately looks at the TV. He wakes when he hears Alejandro shouting as they come through the door. "POPPI WERE HOME!! WHERE ARE YOU?" "In the living room guys." A moment later they show up and are instantly in hugs with Eric. "You boys have a good day at school?" "Sure did Dad." Joey answers for them. "You two leave your coats on." Eric says slipping his loafers back on he kicked off earlier. "Where we going Poppi?" "Its a surprise." "Its always a surprise with you Dad." Joey says. Eric smiles and they go get into the car and take off. They go to a nice clothing store and walk in. "Dad why are we here you need something?" "No. But, you boys do." A salesmen shows up. Eric looks at him and thinks my hes handsome He looks to be about 14 and has a slender build. Hes of Hispanic decent. Eric knows he cant be that young. But, it is a family owned business and he thinks he may be that young. "How may I help you gentlemen?" He asks. "My son has a talent show on Thursday and he needs a nice suit for it. So I want two suits one for each of my sons. Can you have them done by Thursday or is it too fast?" "Oh no sir we can accommodate you that quickly. What kind are you looking for?" "I'm not really sure lets look and see what we like." After going through several suits the boys both decide on a nice black suit. Pretty simple but, it looks very nice. The salesmen pins and marks the suits for alterations and both boys are so good while he does this. Once he is done Eric pays for the suits and they are ready to leave. As they reach the door the man walks to Eric. "Excuse me of I am being a bit forward here." He says and hands Eric a note with his number on it. It reads. I think you area very handsome man please call me. Daniel. Eric smiles and slips the paper in his pocket. Once they get to the car Joey asks. "What did he give you?" "His phone number." "You going to call him Poppi?" "No I don't plan on it." "Why not Dad. Don't you want a boy friend?" "When do I have time for that. I got you two wonderful boys to keep me busy." "He was really cute Poppi." "Yeah he was Dad. You should call him I think." "I don't know guys we will see." Eric thinks about it the entire way to the Stew Pot if he should call him or not. He finally decides no he will not. He has enough to do with the boys. He certainly isn't interested in anything or anyone that takes his time from them. But, he is tempted. Once they get there Marco greets them with his usual smile. Eric and the boys know the drill and are seating people, handing out drinks and dinners. The boys go and play with the other kids for a while. The little girl from the night before is there again. Once she is done eating she is instantly by Alejandro's side. She keeps holding his hand for a few seconds then she will let it go. Eric walks over to where the kids are playing and sits on one of the little stools. "Are you Alejandro's Daddy?" "Yes I am. Hes a nice boy isn't he?" She turns her attention to Eric and Alejandro slips away to play with some of the other children. Its not that he doesn't like her. He just wants to meet them all and get to know them. "Yes he is very nice. I told him I wanted to marry him when we get bigger." "Did you now? What did he say to that?" "He said he cant marry me because Cindy is going to be his wife." She says sadly. "Yes he tells me that a lot to that he is going to marry her. But, I am sure that you will meet lots of nice boys as you grow up and meet more boys." "I don't think so. All the boys I know are mean." "How do you mean?" "I don't want to talk about it. So whats your name?" "My name is Eric and what is your name? Or should I just call you princessa?" "Your silly." She says giggling. "I'm not a princess." "Well I certainly think you are pretty enough to be one. So I think I will just call you princessa." "No." She says giggling. "I am Luisa." "Oh so its Princessa Luisa then?" "No silly just Luisa." Eric is really enjoying talking to the little girl. But, he kind of wants Joy here because obviously something is happening to this girl that she isn't to happy about. Boys making her do stuff. That could be a lot of things. "We will have to ask Santa about that on Saturday I guess. Are you going to be able to come see Santa?" "Maybe it depends on if mommy has friends come over or not." She says looking down and losing all the joy from her face. "Well, I certainly hope you can Princessa. Because I know Santa and hes going to bring his wife and everything." "Even Rudolph?" She says her eyes again filled with excitement. "I don't know. Rudolph may not make it because the Reindeer have to get rested up for Christmas. They got to fly all around the world." "Yeah he probably does need to rest." She says looking a bit dejected. Eric thinks how the hell can I get a red nosed reindeer to make this little girl happy. "Yeah but, I bet you can see him on TV. I know they will show him in his special." "Yeah maybe if mommy doesn't have friends over." "Is my monster bothering you?" Eric looks up to see a very thin obviously drug abusing woman who is anywhere from 20 to 50. Drugs seem to ravage people. Its a wicked truth and a real shame. "Are you referring to Princessa Luisa as a monster? If so she is anything but that." Eric says getting more pissed by the second. "You don't know her. She wont do anything shes told. Shes a little terror. You want her you keep her. You can have her. No wait your rich I know who you are. You give me $500 you can have her." Eric stands up wanting nothing but, to beat this woman. This little girl is just precious. Instead he reaches in his pocket and pulls out his money clip and hands her $500. She just looks at him and leaves. Luisa watches this and looks at Eric. Then watches her mom leave her behind like an old shoe or something. Eric sits back down shocked and isn't sure what to say or do for the little girl. "So are you my daddy now?" "I um. I um. I don't know." Alejandro is playing close by Eric gets his attention and says to not let Luisa leave with anyone. Even her own mother. He has to make a phone call. "If anyone tries to take her scream for help. As loud as you can." Eric says to him. Joey sees something is up and he walks over. Eric walks away to call Joy. Alejandro lets him know all he knows. So both boys each have one of her hands in theirs. They take her in the corner where they can see everything going on. They see Eric walk into the kitchen his phone to his ear. "Joy its Eric. I don't know what to do so I called you immediately. I just had a women offer to sell me her daughter for $500." "My god Eric what did you do?" "I didn't know what to do. I was afraid she would sell her to someone that's not a nice person and well, you know what I mean. So I gave her the money and she took off. She was on something I am sure of that." "Where are you?" "I'm at the Stew Pot. Joy she alluded to the fact that boys are mean to her and make her do things she doesn't want to do. I imagine I know what that is. But, I don't want to. Shes just this precious little girl." "Stay there I will be there in 10 minutes. Don't let her mother take her anywhere. Or even get near her." "Are you fucking crazy. I wouldn't let her within fifty feet of her." Eric says very loudly. Getting Marcos attention. He walks over towards Eric. "OK. Hurry." "Whats going on Eric?" "That women just sold me her daughter." Marco just looks down and rubs his forehead. "Sometimes people just suck." He finally says. "Yeah. I called Joy. I am sure you know her." "Yeah shes a great lady." Marco says. He can kind of see something in his eyes when he says that. "You uh got a thing for Joy?" Marco turns beat red giving away that he does. "Um no of course not. Even if I did I make like twenty grand a year what could I possibly give her?" "Your heart." "Yeah whatever that's worth." "Marco I have known Joy nearly my entire life. Shes a great woman and all she would want is your heart. Besides shes single and lonely." "Maybe I will think about it next time I see her. Shes going to be busy tonight for sure." "Yes that is a certainty." The entire time they are talking Eric keeps scanning between the door his boys and Luisa. "Go over there with them. I know that's where you want and need to be." Marco says. "Thank you." Eric says hugging Marco. Eric's a bit emotional right now. He walks back over to the kids and sits down in front of them but where he can still see the door. "Poppi Luisa said you bought her? Is that right?" "Yeah Dad what gives?" "We will talk about it when Joy gets here. Now lets play with Princessa Luisa. Go get some toys for us to play with guys." Eric says. The boys do as they are told and go and get a doll for Luisa and a couple trucks for them. They didn't get Eric a toy. When Luisa gets the doll she hold it close to her like its a newborn. She is gently rocking it saying. "Sh Sh Sh everything's going to be alright. Mommy loves her little girl. She wont let anything bad happen to her." "See you are a good mommy already." She looks up at him and smiles. "I have a very good friend who is going to be here in a few minutes and I want you to talk to her. She is really nice. Will you do that for me?" "Maybe I don't know." "Is it Joy Poppi?" "Yes it is son." Alejandro looks at Luisa.. "You will Like Joy. She is really nice. She made it so I can live with Poppi.. Because before that my life was really bad." "Yeah me too." Says Joey. "She is real nice. You will like her. I know I do." "I don't know maybe if Eric stays with me I will." She says. "I don't know if I can stay with you. But, I will if I can OK?" "OK I will talk to her if you can be there." Luisa says. "I don't know if I can. But, if I can I will be OK?" "OK." Alejandro says. "Hey Luisa what did the baby corn say to the momma corn?" "I don't know what?" "Wheres Pop Corn." This busts up the little girl she is laughing hard as is Joey. Eric is chuckling on the outside and groaning on the inside. "Your funny," She says still giggling.. Joey chirps in. "Where do cows go on Friday nights?" Everyone waits. "To the Moooovies." Luisa starts laughing again. "The Mooovies. That's where Pop corn was." she says. Making them all laugh. Eric feels like he needs to add to this joke party. "What kind of key opens a banana?" He waits a second. "A monkey." "Your so silly Eric." Luisa says giggling. Eric sees Joy walk in and he holds up his hand for her to wait a minute. "Princessa. Look over there that's my very good friend. I have known her for almost all of my life. Shes a very nice person. Can you see how nice she is with her just standing there?" Joy is smiling at them thinking how cute this scene looks. "Yeah she looks nice.." "That's cuz she is." Alejandro says. Eric nods to Joy who walks over to them. "Eric who is your pretty little friend?" "Joy this is Princessa Luisa." Eric says. "He is so silly. Its just Luisa." She says giggling. "I know hes silly. I have known Eric since I was around your age I think. Is he telling you silly jokes already?" Luisa starts laughing. "They all are. They are all silly." "Yeah they are. That's for sure. Eric called me and said you might need my help. Can we go somewhere and talk a little while to see how I can help you?" "Only if Eric can come with us." She states very matter of factly that it is going to be that way or no way. "I told you I may not be able to. That is up to Joy if I can or not. She is the boss. So what she says goes." "Its OK Eric can come with us." Eric wants to be a comfort to her but, he really doesn't want to hear what he thinks he may hear. Its always just horrible the abuse people inflict on kids. "Let me go ask Marco if we can use his office for a little bit." She says. "Your boyfriend?" Eric says. She gives Eric a strange look then smiles. "If I could be so lucky." She says and walks away. She comes back a few minutes later and says for them to come with her. The boys start to help the others clean off the tables. "Boys when your done go in the kitchen and wait for me OK. Hang around Marco." "Sure thing." They agree. They go into the office and there are two chairs in front of the desk and one behind. Joy sits in one and Eric helps Luisa in the other and sits behind the desk. When Luisa sees this she goes and sits on Eric's lap. Eric just shrugs at Joy. They talk and Joy asks lots of questions about what happens at her house. And what her moms friends do with her mom and with her. Luisa is very very vague and hints around about what happens. But, isn't very open about it. After about twenty minutes Joy looks at Eric and he knows she wants to talk to him without the girl present. "Hey Luisa I am going to take you out to my boys for a few minutes so my friend Joy and I can talk is that OK with you?" "Sure your boys are nice like you." She says smiling. So he takes her to the kitchen and the boys take up a stance on either side of her. As her protectors. Eric goes back and sits down in the office leaving the door open so he can see the kids. "I think that her mother has been pimping her out." Eric says. "Yeah I kinda thought that was what was happening." "Can you take her home tonight?" "Joy what am I going to do with a little girl? I don't no anything about girls." "PK I understand. I guess I will put her in an emergency shelter tonight. You know the ones where we put the older kids who are kind of juvenile delinquents. Sure they will probably be OK to her." "Just stop with your guilt. Will it just be for a night?" "I promise it wont be for long." "Just until shes what heading for college?" Eric says loading it with sarcasm. "No. I will find her somewhere safe and nice for her it may take a week of two. But, I will I promise." "You promised." Eric says knowing her promises are like his. They don't break then unless they have zero choice. They would cut off their hand to keep a promise to the other so he knows its true. "Yes I did. I may have someone in mind for her. But, I have to talk to them first. If not I know a couple of others." "OK but, I need to let her know its not forever just for a little while." "Just don't fall in love with her." Joy says. "Too late. Shes so sweet." "Yeah I think she likes you a lot too." Joy says smiling. "I would love to keep her Joy. But, you are really the only girl I have been around. I wouldn't have a clue how to raise a little girl. Especially one that's been through so much already." "I know Eric. I know." She says rubbing his shoulder. "I just feel like I am letting her down." "Eric buddy. You are most assuredly not. You are right you haven't a clue about girls. Boys I would place a hundred with you and never doubt it. Girls would eat you alive." She says laughing. "Yeah I can tell the boys no. But. I don't think I could tell the little Princessa no." "Like you ever tell those boys no." "I do just the other day Joey wanted a video game I told him no." "Yeah once you said no." "Yeah well they're good boys." Joy just shakes her head and laughs at him. "Have fun tonight. I will call you tomorrow when I know more." She says and leaves. "You fucking better." Eric tells Marco that they wont be staying to eat tonight and he understands. He goes over to the boys and Luisa. "OK you three we are going home. Get your coats on. You boys help Luisa with hers." "So I'm going to live with you?" She says excited. "Not forever just for a little while until Joy can find you a better place with people that know about little girls." "Not forever?" She says looking sad. "No but, for a little while though. So that's better then nothing right?" "I guess." The boys have gotten their coats on and got Luisa's. It was easy to tell which one it was because it was the only child's coat left hanging. Eric looks at it and its pretty thin and not in great shape. Well, there is always tomorrow. He needs to get her some clothes anyway. Since she literally just has whats on her back. They all get into the car. The boys have her sit in the middle and they make sure she is buckled in well. "You got a nice car Eric." She says. "Thank you. The boys and I like it." Luisa just chatters away the whole time back to the house to the boys. They are nice to her and talk away like shes always been there. I got good boys. Eric thinks. Once they get back Eric pulls in front of the house instead of the garage. He just likes going in the front door sometimes. He just loves seeing the double stair case wrap around when he walks in. He loved it when he was a kid and it still impresses him. The boys get out and Alejandro helps Luisa out. "How many partments are in this place?" Louisa asks. "None its all ours." Joey says. "Wow its huuuuuge." "Yeah its real big that's for sure." He answers back. Once Eric opens the door They all step inside. Luisa looks around and is in awe. She sees the piano and walks to it. She touches a key making it sing. Then another and smiles. "Joey why don't you play a song for the Princessa." Eric says. "OK. He says smiling." Eric takes all of their coats and hangs them in the closet. Little Louisa back at his side. Eric goes and sits on the couch to listen to Joey play. He picks a neat fast paced song Eric knows. But, cant place. Alejandro is sitting next to Eric and Louisa is on his lap for a minute. Then she hops down and is dancing around and just smiling. Eric looks at Alejandro and he too is smiling at the little girl having fun. Joey sees shes liking it and starts another song. After that one Eric says to them. "I'm kind of tired would you all like some Chinese food for dinner?" "Never had it." Joey says. "Its good you'll like it." Alejandro says. "If he says its good Ill try it." Joey responds. "Eric I'm not really hungry. But, I will try it. If that's OK." "Sure its OK. I know you just had dinner. So if you want to try some that's just fine." Eric gets up and heads to his office to get the take out menu. Luisa is his little shadow now. He sits at his desk and she is on his lap in a second. He maneuvers around her and opens the drawer with take out menus and calls. He orders his favorite the Beef and Broccoli. He also gets Beef and snow peas. He orders Alejandro's favorite the sweet and sour chicken. He also kind of wants some General Tsaos chicken and some sesame chicken. He also orders several egg rolls and some Almond cookies. Alejandro doesn't care for them. But, the others may like them. If not he wont be sad having to eat them all. They tell him it will be about 45 minutes and hes OK with that. He slides Luisa off of his lap and heads out to the living room where the boys are. Luisa by his side holding his hand. He sees Joey by the tree looking at the gifts. "Dad?" "Yeah buddy?" "There are presents under the tree for me." "Yeah." "Why?" "Because." "No really Dad why?" "I don't understand what your asking me Joey." "You got me all kinds of stuff already. Why is there more?" "Because its fun for me to buy things for people I love." "You also see there is a lot under for Alejandro too right?" "Yeah. But, you didn't just buy him tons of stuff." "Yeah I really did. I just bought him all new clothes for school. Just as I did for you. Should he not get presents because I got him things he needs." "No but, hes your real son." "What are you my pretend son?" "No. Yes. Maybe. I don't know what I am." Alejandro is watching TV and paying no mind to their conversation. "Alejandro." Eric says to get his attention. "Whats Joey to you?" "My brother why?" "So hes your brother just like that." "Yeah. What else would he be?" "See Joey. You are a part of this family. Just because a judge hasn't said it yet to make it legal. Doesn't mean its not true." "So you really think of me as your son?" "Let me answer that with a question for you. Deep in your heart do you really think of me as your Dad?" Joey thinks a moment he walks around the tree to see Eric better as part of it was obstructing his view. He looks at Eric long and hard. "Yeah in my heart and soul you are." "So there is your answer Joey." Joey doesn't say anything and he leaves the room. Eric watches him walk by him and he sees he is going upstairs to work this out. "Poppi should I go talk to him?" "No I think he needs to think for a while. Its a hard time for him. He feels like hes part of a family. But, not really. Like you felt when I first brought you home." "Yeah I member that. It was hard for me to figure out. I knew you loved me. I knew I loved you. But, I wasn't sure how things worked like that." "Then you realized its whats in your heart." "Yeah. But, your wrong. I'm gonna go talk to him. I know what hes feeling." "If you think its best. You would know better how he feels then I do." Alejandro walks by Eric and heads upstairs. He so wants to follow. But, realizes its best to let them discuss it among themselves. Eric walks over and takes a seat on the couch. Louisa sits on his lap. He puts it on Disney channel and a silly show is on and Luisa is watching it. She is giggling as she does. Eric isn't really paying much attention to it. He has his arms wrapped around her, his hands resting on her tummy. She is gently rubbing up and down his hands, fingers and the little bit of exposed arm. Its actually relaxing as she does it. Hes thinking about the boys upstairs and what he can do to make Joeys transition to the family easier. About fifteen minutes later Alejandro comes back and sits next to them. "Is he understanding better now?" "Yeah hes just confused still. But, he will get it." Alejandro snuggles up to Eric. They all turn their heads towards to music when the piano starts. Eric is listening and doesn't know this song either. But he really likes it. Joey plays for a good while. Actually until the door bell rings for the food. Eric went and paid for the food he gets the bags and carries them to the kitchen. He tells the boys to set the table for dinner. Eric pulls all the containers out of the bag as the do that. They all sit down and Joey looks at the food in the containers not knowing what any of it is. He doesn't say anything he just watches to see what the others get. He follows suit and just starts eating. Eric puts a bit of everything on a plate for Luisa. Who is apparently going to always sit on his lap. So he sits the plate next to his. "This is really good what is it?" Joey asks. "That's sweet and sour chicken. The other you have is General Tsoas chicken. I like it but, it is a bit spicy sometimes." "I like it too. We don't get it much though." Alejandro says. "Is that a hint?" Eric asks. "Maybe?" Alejandro says smiling. "Hint noted then." Eric says smiling back and then tweaks his nose. Making Alejandro giggle. They finish dinner and they all empty the dishwasher because Eric finally remembered. He has Luisa putting up the silverware. Then they all clear off the dirty dishes and put them in. Afterwards they just watch some television and later in the evening Eric made some popcorn tossed in some peanuts because its good that way They had some cokes and enjoy it all. "Boys go get in the shower. I need to give the Princessa a bath before bed." They all head upstairs Eric turning off the lights as they go. The boys turning them on in front of them. The boys turn to go into their rooms and Luisa follows Eric to his. He takes her to the bathroom and turns on the water in the big tub. He finds a nice temperature and makes sure she tests it too so its not too hot for her. During this time she has stripped naked and is waiting next to Eric as the tub fills. "You want bubbles in your bath?" She just smiles. So Eric gets under the sink and gets out some Mr Bubble. Sometimes Alejandro likes a bubble bath in the big tub. Eric thinks he really just likes playing with his boats he got him. But, that's OK too. Eric pours in a generous amount and the tub starts filling pretty well and the bubbles are getting to be mountainous. Which is always fun for kids. He lifts up the little girl and puts her in the tub. He lets the water run a bit longer so its kind of deep up to about her nipples. He gets a wash cloth and sits it on the side of the tub. He then gets some of Alejandro's tub toys and tosses them in so she can play a little. She is just kind of watching Eric do all of this. "So are you going to fuck me now?" She asks. Eric isn't sure he heard her right. Well. He hopes he didn't anyway. "Excuse me?" "Are you going to fuck me now. I don't mind I like you and if you are that's OK. I wont scream or nothing." "No I don't have any intention of doing something like that with you. I'm just giving you a bath. Is that what usually happens to you?" "No usually they just have me get naked and suck their thingies then they put it in me. Sometimes in my butt too." "I'm sorry that men have done that to you. But, no I have never had sex with a girl and never even thought about it to be honest Princessa. Would you be more comfortable if I left you in here by yourself?" "No I like you. Will you get in with me?" "I'm not sure its a good idea. You might think I want to hurt you or something." She looks at him very serious. "You wouldn't hurt me. Your a nice man. I really want you to get in there is lots of room." "I'm going to take a shower when your done." "That's silly just get in." "I just don't think its a good idea." Eric says. With this Luisa's face crinkles up and she starts crying. "You don't like me is why." "That's silly of course I like you." "No you don't." She spits at him. "Is it that important to you I get in?" "Yes." "OK. If its important to you I will get in. But, I wont try anything funny." Her tears dry up quickly and a smile replaces them. Eric gets undressed folding his clothes and putting them on the seat he has in the bathroom. He can tell he is being watched as he does. He walks over to the tub naked as the day he was born feeling very self conscious. She scoots forward giving him room to climb in. He gets in behinds her and she scoots back pressing against him. "See this is nice." She says. Eric is confused not really knowing how to handle it. The boys sure they have always joined him in the shower. But, girls are just different. He just cant tell her no. He doesn't want to break her heart. Boys are just easier. She starts playing with the toys he put in. She is pushing around a boat and Eric gets another one he had put in and they are playing with the boats both laughing and having fun. After a few minutes of playing Eric says. "We better get you washed up now." She doesn't say anything and hands Eric the wash cloth and stands up in front of him. The water cascading off of her body leaving bubbles behind. She is a very pretty girl Eric thinks. He can understand why some men would want to have sex with her. But, girls just aren't his thing. Eric soaps up the wash towel and starts to wash her face then her chest and tummy. He turns her around and does her back and her but. She bends over when he does and he washes her little butt. He has her spin back around facing him and he carefully lifts one leg and she puts it on his chest. He starts at the top of her leg and works down. Then has her hold the side of the tub and he washes her little foot and toes. Which makes her giggle. The he does the same for the other. He rinses her off and she looks at him. "You didn't wash my poo poo." "Your what?" "My poo poo. She says grabbing her vagina. "I figured you should do that part yourself." "No you do it." She says pushing it towards him. Eric just sighs and rubs the cloth over it a few times and is done with that. "Now turn back around and sit down I will wash your hair now. She does as asked and Eric grabs the cup he has on the side of the tub for the boys to wash their hair with. He leans her head back and gently pours several cups of water over her hair. He grabs the shampoo and gently massages it in. He notices her eyes are closed as he does this. He lathers it up to super sudsy and then has her cover her eyes with the wash cloth so soap doesn't get in them. Even baby shampoo still burns a little. But, this is a coconut one Eric likes for himself. "I like how that smells. It smells pretty." She says as he is rinsing her hair. "I like it too. Its what I use for me." "Its nice." Eric grabs the bottle of conditioner and starts to rub that in massaging her scalp again. "It feels real good when you do that." "That's what my boys say too." "It makes me feel good." "That's the point Princessa to help you feel good and relax." "Its working." Eric finishes and rinses the conditioner out. "There you are princessa your done now. Why don't you play with the toys while I wash up real quick." "That's not fair. You made me feel all comfy. I want to wash you now." Eric doesn't want her to cry again. So he sits up and she starts with soaping up the wash cloth and washes his face and neck. She is being very gentle. Then she rinses that part off with the wash cloth. Then she starts lathering up his chest with the bar of soap. "Your furry on your chest." She says giggling. Eric just smiles. She scrubs his chest with the wash cloth and has him turn around. She then does his back and scrubs it too. She scoots down to the end of the tub and lifts up his foot and scrubs his toes and foot then the other. She works up and does his legs up to the knee. "You got to stand up now so I can get the rest of your legs." Eric stands as he is ordered to do? She rubs up his legs with the soapy wash cloth then she pushes him to turn around and she washes his butt working up into the crevice. Eric isn't exactly sure what to think by this. She slips between his legs and grabs his penis with soapy hands and starts to rub it in her little hand. Eric reaches down to stop her and she slaps his hand away. Then she rubs the soap on his ball sack and rubs the soap with her hands. She lathers up his pubes as well. She gets the cup and rinses of his private areas. Once she is done with that she leans forward and kisses the head of his still flaccid penis. "OK sit down and I will wash your hair." Eric does and she scoots behind him and wets his hair with the cup as he did for her. She is standing up so she can do it. She slowly and gently massages in the shampoo. She takes a long time doing it and her little fingers feel so nice rubbing his head. After a few minutes she has him lean back so she can rinse the shampoo out. Then she gets the conditioner and does the same. She takes a good long while doing this and Eric is loving how good it feels. Once she rinses out the conditioner she scoots in front of him. "Did that feel good?" "Yes it felt wonderful. You wash my hair better then the boys that's for sure." "Of course I do. Boys are always in a hurry." Eric leans forward and kisses her little brown tummy. "Thank you." He says as he does. She wraps her hands around his head and holds him close to her. Kind of hugging his head. She holds him there for a minute at least. "I like you Eric. You didn't even get big when I rubbed your wiener." "Was I supposed too?" "I don't know. Most men do when I do that." "I'm not most men. Now lets get out and find something for you to sleep in. I think one of my t shirts will make a decent nightgown for the night." "I will like wearing something of yours. It will make me feel safe." Eric just smiles. They get out of the tub and Eric pulls the plug. He gets on his knees and dries the little girl. Her poking her butt out at him so he can get it good and dry and then her poo poo. Eric tries to get her to dry it but she just pushes it back at him. So he runs the towel up and down a few times hoping that's good. He grabs another towel and wraps her hair up in it so it will dry faster. He then dries himself as she watches. They walk out to Eric's dressing area. He gets out a t shirt that's small for him. She pulls off the towel and slips it over her head and wiggles her arms through the holes. Eric looks at her and she is just precious looking. He slips on a pair of sleeping pants and a t shirt. Grabs his robe and has her sit on the couch. He goes back in the restroom and grabs a brush. He gently brushes her hair. He says to her he needs to go tuck in the boys and he will be back in a few minutes. He turns on the TV to a cartoon and hands her the remote. She sits back and holds the remote in her lap. He walks from his room and he goes to tuck in Alejandro first as has become the custom. "I wish you sweet dreams and only happy thoughts." Eric says as he kisses Alejandro on the fore head. "Poppi I think Joey realized tonight as we were watching TV that this was real. That he really is part of the family." "What makes you think that?" "Just the way he looked. His eyes were smiling all night." "Yeah I noticed that too." "It will be easier for him now." "I hope he has it figured out." Eric says. "I know hes still scared about tomorrow." "Yeah but, I think the suit will help. Because how can you feel all jittery when you look as good as that." "Yeah maybe." Alejandro says doubting Eric logic. "I know you don't believe me. But, you will see." Alejandro just rolls his eyes at him. "So is Luisa staying with us for good Poppi?" "No just for a little while. I don't know anything about raising little girls. I don't want to damage her more then she already has been. Joy is going to find her a good home. I'm sure of that." "She can stay here. I don't mind. I wouldn't mind having a sister." "No I don't think so buddy. Like I said I don't know anything about little girls." Eric kisses his forehead again and tucks him in. He walks over to Joeys room and walks in. He likes the new room and the yellow is nice too. "So how you doing buddy?" Eric says as he kisses him n the forehead. "I'm kinda worried about the talent show." "I don't know why. You are so amazing at playing the piano. I don't think even your music teacher can play as well." "Aw your silly." "No I am serious. You are that good." "You think?" "No. I know." Joey is gently rubbing his fingers up and down Eric's cheek. While they are talking. "I like when your face in kind of scratchy." "Do you? Well, Alejandro hates it so that's good for me. One boy likes my clean shave. One likes it scruffy, So im good all day long." Eric says smiling. "You know I understand now about us." "That's good." "Yeah Alejandro says it took him a while to figure it out too. He said he kept thinking he would wake up and it would be over. Or that they realized they made some mistake and he would be back into the crappy life he had before." "Well, I am glad you figured out you aren't going anywhere. Hell you can live here when your my age if you want. I don't ever want you boys to leave. But, I know that's part of it. Being a dad, that if your a success at it. Your boys can go out and live in the world and succeed. I am thinking I am doing a good job." Eric's says with a fake frown. Joey pushes Eric mouth back into a smile with his fingers. "I love you Dad." "I love you too Joey." "Dad Is Luisa going to live with us forever?" "No buddy just until Joy can find her a good home. I told Alejandro the same thing. I don't know anything about little girls." "It would be OK if she did Dad. She needs people to love her too." "I know buddy. But, I think that other people will be better that know about girls." Eric says and kisses him on the forehead goodnight. Eric walks to his room. Hes thinking about the day. He hadn't really had to go through the confusion in a way with Alejandro because he wasn't talking at that time. He could see he was kind of stand offish in a way. But, he noticed the change in him after about a week or so after he finally got home. He was just calmer like he knew it was going to be OK. He walks back in and sees the little girl on the couch her knees up and her little poo poo shining in the light. I've got to get her some panties tomorrow he thinks. "Louisa sweetie I need to take your clothes down and get them washed so you can have something to war tomorrow that's clean." He says walking into the restroom and picks up her discarded clothes. He walks back out and out the door her following close behind. "Punkin you can stay and watch TV if you want." "Noo I like being with you." She kind of whines in a frightened little girl voice. "OK But we are just going to put things in the washer is all." "Its OK." She says. Eric walks down the back steps to the basement and puts her clothes in the washer and gets it started. He picks her up and carries her back up the two flights of stairs. Once they get there he walks down to the spare bedrooms and turns on the light in the first one. "OK We are going to see which room you want to sleep in tonight." "I want to sleep with you." "Princessa you need a bedroom." "I never had one before. I always just slept on the couch before. Please can I sleep with you." She says her face scrunching up about to cry. "How about I fix up the couch in my room and you sleep there?" "But, I want to sleep in your bed." "No I think on the couch is good enough. I'm not going to change my mind about it either. So if you want to cry go ahead."" Eric says. Trying to put his foot down. If she puts up any argument he knows he will cave. "I guess that's OK." She says knowing she isn't going to win this battle. He heads back to his room and puts her in a chair. He gets a sheet, big fluffy pillow and a thick blanket. He puts the sheet on the couch tucking it in and puts the pillow on the end. He lifts the blanket in the air and lets it float down onto the couch. "Come here Princessa lets get you tucked in. So we can all get to sleep." She walks over and he lifts her up on the couch and he pulls the cover over her. He reaches down and kisses her fore head. "Sleep well Princessa. I know you've had a long day." "Eric will you lay with me for a little while until I go to sleep? Please?" "I suppose that's OK." Eric stands up and she lifts the covers for him to get under them. He lays down and she cuddles up on laying her head on his chest. After a few seconds she slips her hand under his t shirt and lifts it up and lays her head back down. "Is that better then?" "Yeah I just wanted to feel you against me is all." Eric understands the boys want the same thing. As she is going to sleep she is running her fingers through his chest hair. As she dozes off it becomes slower and less. After a good while he can feel the change in her breathing as she slips off to sleep. Eric lays a few minutes more to allow her to get into a deeper sleep. Once he thinks she is there he carefully slides her off of him and gets up. He covers her back up gives her a kiss on the cheek and whispers. "I sure hope your little life gets better, You sure deserve better that's for sure." He gets into bed and covers up. He dozes off pretty easily. He is dreaming happy dreams all night about his boys. He wakes smiling and having to pee like nobody's business. He sees that the princessa has joined him in bed and is literally on top of him. He just looks at her pretty little face. Brushes her long hair from her face. He slides her carefully off of him and he rushes to the bathroom and takes care of his morning needs. He thinks a second. Neither boy was in bed with him this morning. The boys probably figured that Luisa was sleeping with him and they wanted to let her feel comfortable. He misses Julius he thinks. His smiling happy face. The sad part is that they will be home two days after Christmas and then they leave for a vacation to Florida. So another week of no Julius. Of course that depends on if Luisa is still here or not. Eric grabs is phone as he goes down stairs. First he puts Louisa's clothes in the dryer then heads to the kitchen with that done. He sits the phone on the table and makes some coffee. When its done he grabs a cup and puts in his usual two spoons of sugar He sits at the table and texts Julius. I miss you buddy. Eric texts. It being only 6 am here he didn't think he would get a reply. When his phone pinged at him. He opens the text and there's a picture of Julius just grinning ear to ear. Followed by Miss you too. Hows Joey and Alejandro? Follows a few seconds later. They are both good. What are you doing up so early? Its 8 here silly. Yeah I didn't think about that. Are you having fun? Shoot yeah we are acting like rich people staying at the Westin. Family actin like we all rich now too. Your too funny Mom says you gone be gone when we get back Yeah we are going to Florida. I'm sure missing you. Hows Rich doing? He be fine. He lovin the beach and all the pretty boys. I act like I get mad but I don't care He give it all to me his love too. You are a great boy you know that another smiling picture pings and says I know under it Tell your mom and Rich we miss them too Tell the boys I miss them too Love you Julius Love you too Eric thinks about telling him about Luisa but decides against it. Eric sips his coffee and reads the news. Blech is all he can think as he does. He glances at the clock and it reads 615. He thinks he needs to wake the boys in about 45 minutes or so. As he is thinking this he hears the piano playing very softly. He walks out to see Joey playing. He sits on the bench next to Joey. "You still nervous?" "Yeah." "Don't worry you will be great I know it." Eric says wrapping his arm around Joeys shoulder giving him a squeeze. "I know I will be OK. I just never played in front of a lot of people before. I only played in front of Gram, you guys and the class." "I have an idea I think will help you. We will do it after school after we pick up your suit." "Dad if you think it will help I will try it. I feel like Im going to puke to be honest." "Aw buddy you will be good I know it. Why don't you practice a while and I will go make some breakfast. I will make you a couple poached eggs and some toast. I think that will sit on your belly OK." "OK Dad." Eric gets up and heads back to the kitchen and makes a couple eggs and some lightly buttered toast for his nervous boy. Once its done he sits the plate on the table and lets Joey know its ready for him. He walks upstairs to get Alejandro up. He does so by kissing his face all over and Alejandro wakes up smiling and giggling. Eric lets him know to go ahead and get ready for school. He hops out of bed and races to the rest room. Eric heads to his room to check on Luisa. She is still all covered up laying the center of his bed. He then walks back down stairs and makes Alejandro and him some oatmeal. Its pretty cold outside today. He figures it will keep him warm from the inside out as he waits for the bus. He sees Joey has barely touched his food. "Eat Joey. I assure you that once you have you will feel a bit better. A full tummy makes lots of things seem better," Eric says not really knowing if its true. He just wants him to eat. Joey eats a bit more as Eric gets the oatmeal ready. He puts two bowls on the table and makes some toast for Alejandro and butters it. He puts out the peach preserves Alejandro seems to like them best. Once he gets to the table he instantly grabs the peach preserves and puts a thick layer on each piece of toast. Eric thinks maybe he should slow him down on all the sweets he doesn't want to lead him down a path to diabetes. Eric sits and enjoys his oatmeal and has a slice of plain toast with it Sometimes he just likes it plain. Joey finally gets done and Eric has him go get ready for school. Alejandro finishes and races to get his coat. The boys come barreling down the stairs one on the part that comes down on the left and the other on the right. They race out the door with I love yous and go to the bus. He goes and cleans out the clean dishes from the dishwasher and puts in the dirty dishes from breakfast. He wonders where the hell Larry and his crew are. They are usually here by now. He peeks out the window to see if he missed them coming in. Nope not a worker in sight. Eric heads upstairs to go get dressed. He slips on a pair of slacks and an Oxford. Pulls on a pair of loafers. As he is walking downstairs he hears the crew showing up. He puts the coffee he made for them in a carafe with some mugs sits it on a tray, grabs his coat slips it on and carries it out to them. "Mornin guys. How is everyone today?" He asks as he walks with the tray so they can get a cup and some coffee. "We are doing great. We went this morning and got a bunch of hot wheels cars and some little baby dolls so Santa can give each kid a little present when they talk to him." The foreman says. "Oh that's a great idea. I wish I would have thought of that." "Yeah we were talking and we just love the idea and wanted to help a bit more." Another says. "You guys are truly awesome. I know the kids will love it. Do you guys want to help out on Saturday and Sunday?" "A team of wild horses couldn't keep us away. Our wives and girlfriends will be there too. We are all excited as kids on Christmas morning to do this." "I know the feeling." Eric says. "Guys I got some things I need to get done this morning. I'm going to leave the house unlocked in case anyone needs the bathroom or more coffee. Please help yourselves. It may be a while before I leave I have a special guest staying for a few days and she is still sleeping I don't want to wake her up." "Oh a lady friend." One of the guys says and kind of smirks. "No its nothing like that shes 6." "Oh gotcha," He says "Sorry." "No biggie I understand." Just then Larry pulls in and gets out of his truck. Eric looks at the foreman. "What a slacker this guy is." He says to him. Making the guy hes talking to laugh. "I know huh." After he says this he sees his front door open and Luisa is racing to him. "You left me all alone." She is screaming, tears streaming down her face, running through the snow in just a t shirt and no shoes. Eric snatches her up fast and starts racing back to the house to get her out of the cold. "I didn't leave you punkin. I just wanted you to get your sleep and I brought out some coffee to the workers is all." "I woke up and I was scared." She says hugging him tight. She is looking over his shoulder and whispers in his ear. "You do know Santa Clause." After she sees Larry. "I told you I did. Now lets get you some breakfast and then get you dressed we got lots to do today." "OK." "I am sorry I scared you though. I will try not to do it again OK?" He says and kisses her cheek as they get into the kitchen. He stands her on a chair and she sits down. "Now Princessa Luisa. What would you like for breakfast?" "Just some cereal is good with me." "OK your wish is my command." He says bowing at the waist making her giggle. He does love her giggles. He makes some toast and pours her some juice. He gets out the Capn Crunch and pours a partial bowl. He puts some milk on it as the toast pops up. He butters it and puts it on a napkin grabs a spoon then sits it all in front of her. "Thank you Eric." "Your welcome." Eric sits down as she takes a bite of cereal then a bite of toast followed by a sip of Orange Juice. "Aren't you gonna eat?" "No I had some oatmeal with the boys before they went to school." "Oh." She says and finishes eating. Once done she gets up and grabs her bowl and glass and puts them in the dishwasher like they all did last night. "Did I do that right?" "You sure did. Now lets go get you dressed." She follows him back down to the laundry room. He pulls her still warm clothes out and hands them to her. She strips of the t shirt and puts on her warm clothes right there. Eric just shrugs grabs the shirt form the floor and tosses it in the washer. "Lets go get your shoes and coat we got lots and lots to do today." "What are we gonna do?" "I have to go to the bank and then we got to make you look like a proper princess and get you out of jeans and tennis shoes. So we need to get you some clothes. Then we got to do some things for the boys. Then Joey plays the piano at the school tonight." "I don't need new clothes I like these." She says. "That may be. But, you need more then one outfit." She just shrugs. Her and Eric walk out front to get in the car. He makes sure she is buckled in properly. First stop is the bank where he withdraws $2,000 in cash. He gets it all in $100 bills and has the teller put a grand in each envelope. Then he thinks a minute and gets another two thousand out in twenties, and $500 for his pocket. He then heads to the Dollar Tree and buys a few boxes of cards for this idea. He then heads to check on his idea for Joey for after school. He talks to a super nice lady about it. She assures him it will be more then OK and is excited at the idea. Then he heads to Macy's and finds the cutest purple crushed velvet dress for Louisa. He has her try it on and when she steps out of the dressing room she is stunning. "That is perfect for a Princess for sure." He says making her blush. Then he finds some white hose for her. They find several cute dresses for her. They get a few night gowns and some slippers for her. Loads of panties and cute t shirts. A few pairs of jeans because even princesses don't sled in dresses. He finds her some adorable patent leather shoes to match the dress. He gets her a few other pairs in different colors and styles. Girls have so many choices he thinks as he keeps getting more. He ends up getting her an even dozen pairs of shoes. One pair she insisted of was tennis shoes. They head back home. He puts the cards and the envelopes of twenties in his office on his desk. He is going to have the boys help him with this. He knows they will love the idea. Eric makes himself and Luisa a turkey sandwich for lunch and has a few corn ships with it and a Coke. He watches the noon news and after puts on cartoons for Louisa and he promptly dozes off. He wakes at 230 thinking what the hell. Why do I keep dozing off like this? Guess I am just getting old is all. He slips his shoes back on he has kicked off. He heads to the kitchen and makes a little snack for the boys. OK make isn't the word. He got out a box of Tasty Kakes Chocolate cup cakes. He and Louisa sit and eat one themselves and enjoy a glass of milk with it. Eric takes Louisa upstairs and they tote the many, many bags of new clothes for her up to one of the bedrooms. "I know you want to sleep in my room for now. But, we are going to put your clothes in here. If you decide you want to sleep in here that's OK too." "I like the color. But, I want to sleep in your room." The room is a soft pink. Eric helps her put on the pretty new dress and helps with the hose after she puts on new panties. He then puts her shoes on. They head to his room and he grabs a comb and combs her hair and puts it in a french braid. He thinks maybe I do know something about girls. But, she needs someone better then me for sure. They head back to the living room and continue watching some cartoons. The boys come in from school Alejandro as usual full of energy and Joey still looking like well just worried. Eric sits out a glass of milk for them as they eat their snack. As they are eating Louisa walks in the kitchen in her new outfit. The boys both stop eating and talking. "Wow you look really Pretty in the new dress." Joey says. "Yeah Poppi is right you are a Princessa." Alejandro says. She smiles showing all of her pearly whites and blushes. "OK boys lets go get your new suits and then we are off to help Joey with a thought I had. Why don't you put on your black dress shoes so you can just wear your new suits out of the store so we don't have to change later." Both boys race upstairs and change their shoes and head back down. They all get into the Escalade and head to get the suits and to what Eric hopes will calm Joeys nerves. "How many cars do you have Eric?" Louisa asks as the boys help her in. "Just the two." "Oh." They get to the tailors and they boys try on the suits and they fit them perfectly. They look absolutely stunning. Eric had also purchased some new dress shirts for the boys and nice red ties. He helps them tie them and they look like a million bucks. Eric then drives to the mall seeing its right at 4 and they don't have to be to the school until 730 for the program they all go in. Eric looks at them and smiles. "I want you guys to go buy each other a present for Christmas, and one for Luisa." He whispers the last part. He hands them each a $100 bill. Both boys smile at Eric and take off. After he tells them to be back here in an hour. Eric sits down with Louisa and just people watch until they return about 45 minutes later. Eric is watching the man playing the piano and the boys sit next to him. Louisa of course on her throne, his lap. They have little smiles on their faces like they were up to no good. But, Eric doesn't figure they did anything too bad. Otherwise mall security would have let him know. Probably went to the arcade. No biggie. The man playing the piano finishes his song and gets up to go take his break. Eric walks over and sits on the bench. He starts to play the only song he knows on the piano. Silent night. Which Rich had taught him. He was playing and well, was just horrible to put it mildly. Both boys come over and sit next to him. Louisa is standing behind "Poppi I can do better then that." Alejandro says and winks at him. Knowing this is the time. "Really lets see it then." So Eric scoots over to let Alejandro sit in the center of the bench. He plays it and is nearly perfect. A few people are stopping to watch. Not many just four or five. When Alejandro finishes they clap for him. "Why don't you try Joey. Its just a few people watching." Eric suggests. Joey looks around and there are people milling all about and not really paying attention. Except the few that are standing there. He thinks sure. They rearrange on the bench and Joey starts to play Moonlight Sonata. Not a Christmas song. But, a beautiful song. Joey is pounding away at the keys on the baby grand and his eyes are closed as he plays. The people who are milling about slow down and stop. Eric is watching and knew this would happen. His boy has got some serious skills. Once he finishes this song. He breaks into Clare de Lune without pausing or opening his eyes. Eric is gently rubbing his back as he plays and he can feel the tension dissipate from his body as he plays. By this time about a hundred or so people are gathered around just listening to this boy genius play. Once he finishes he opens his eyes and the crowd just breaks out into applause. Joey is mortified and his face turns beat red. Alejandro whispers something in his ear and Joey smiles then starts playing a jazzy version of Winter Wonderland. He is bobbing up and down tapping his foot on the pedals to get the sound he wants. Eric can tell he is truly having a great time playing this song. He is smiling and bobbing his head as he looks around watching the people smile back at him. With this Louisa is dancing around. Eric gets up and is dancing around with her. Laughing and smiling. Once Joey finishes he gives a pause so people can clap again. He breaks out into another jazzy version of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. Which delights Louisa because she knows it. Once he finishes with this the crowd which has grown to probably two to three hundred claps again. Then Joey is feeling pretty calm by now starts playing Silent Night which Eric had pretty much butchered earlier. With this Eric picks up Louisa. Joey starts singing the song not too loudly but, loud enough that people can hear and instantly the mall is quiet, as he sings. "Little louder Joey." Alejandro prods. Joey starts singing a lot louder. Eric sees tears from people in the crowd through his own. Louisa wipes the tears from his face. He thinks his boy has the voice of an angel. When he finishes Alejandro stands up on the bench and shouts to everyone. "This is my brother Joey and tonight at the school he is playing to help the Children's clinic raise money so that kids can get the medical attention they need. If you can make it out great. If not and you want to help the children's clinic we would be more then happy to collect any donations you would like to give them and we will give it to them tonight after the show. So if you want form a line and I will collect the money and my brother will play a few more songs." Eric just shakes his head and smiles, as he sees people line up in front of Alejandro. Who is still standing on the bench. Joey starts playing Santa Clause is coming to town. Banging out the song on the keys. Everyone that hands Alejandro money he hugs and tells thank you. A lot of them rub the top of Joeys head as they walk by. Most know Eric and say a quick hi as well with a hand shake. A lot add a quick word at how beautiful his daughter is. Thing is that after they hand Alejandro some cash none of then leave. They just retake spots around the piano and keep listening. Alejandro cant hold all the cash he is being handed. So he hands it to Eric. Who has put Luisa down so she can dance some more. Eric just slides it one of the shopping bags. Joey starts in on an old James Brown song. Pappas got a brand new bag. But, instead he is singing I got a brand new Dad. Making Eric and Alejandro smile and laugh. The line of people doesn't seem to be shrinking that want to make a donation. So Once this song is done Joey starts in on an old big band classic Stompin at the Savoy a nice fast paced song. He hammers it out on the keys. Eric sees the man who is paid to play is just standing there smiling at Joey. Joey starts playing It Had To Be You now. As his list of Christmas carols he knows is pretty limited. People are dancing around and having fun. Apparently following Luisa's lead. He really jazzes it up and is having a great time playing. Finally the line has dissipated of people that wanted to make donations. Joey finishes and looks up and sees the guy who is supposed to be playing. "Oh I'm sorry sir. I will get out of your way so you can play." Joey says standing up. When Joey stands up the entire crowd cheers and is whooping and hollering for one more song. The regular piano guy says. "I think you better or we may have a riot." Smiling as he says it. Joey sits back down. Eric, Alejandro, and Luisa standing behind him. He starts out slowly. He starts singing the classic BB King song he heard the other day in the car. To know you is to love you. He is swaying back and forth and singing in a raspy blues voice that sounds absolutely amazing. He Belts it out as well as B B ever did. People are just looking on amazed that this voice is coming from a little white boy. Once Joey finishes the song he stands up on the bench to accept the applause he is getting. When it dies down He shouts to them. "Thank you so much for all the donations to help the kids and the staff at the children's clinic. I know they will appreciate your help." With that he gets another round of applause. The boys grab their shopping bags and then Eric picks up Louisa he tells her to hang on then puts his hands on the boys shoulders to lead them through the now massive crowd of maybe even 500 people. Hard to say but its a lot. All of them cant help but to touch him as he walks by. They get to the Escalade and the boys get in the back helping Luisa and Eric gets in the drivers seat. "Wow Joey you had them loving you." Alejandro says. "Yeah you did buddy." Eric says. "It felt really cool to play and all those people liked it." "Like I knew they would." Eric says. "So you had that all planned didn't you Dad." "I told you I had something planned to make you feel better about tonight." "Yeah we talked to a nice lady this afternoon when I got my Princess dress." Luisa says smiling. "It was so flippen cool too when Alejandro told them to donate. That was so awesome." Joey says grinning ear to ear. "Yeah I saw all those people there and I knew that a lot of them know about the program and thought why not ask for some money to help." "That's why I am so proud of you two boys. Always thinking of ways to help other people." Eric says beaming. "Kids we have enough time for a nice dinner. Where do you want to go?" Without missing a beat both boys shout. "MCDONALDS!!" Eric just smiles because he figured that's what they would say. He thinks he really needs to expand their horizons a little when it comes to dining out. But, they are nine yer old boys and most all nine year old boys love McDonald's. They pull in the lot and Joey is slipping something from his bag into Alejandro's and now just the cash they collected is in the bag. "Dad can we count this before we go? I want to know how much is in there." "I got a better idea. Why don't we go in and you boys can count it in the office and I will help. How is that?" "Yeah." Eric really has no clue how much is there. But, he doesn't think counting it at a table is a good idea. He and the kids walk in the store with Joey holding the bag to his chest. They walk in and head back to the office. The Assistant Manager see him and follow him in. "Need something boss?" She asks. As she does Joey dumps the bag of cash onto the desk. "Holy crap." Joey says. "That's a lot of money boss you been robbing Salvation Army Santa's?" She asks laughing. "No Joey was playing the piano at the mall and we asked for donations for the Children's clinic and they gave us all this for the clinic." Alejandro says. "Wow. You must be really good." She says. "He is fantastic." Eric says. "Yeah he plays real good. I like when he plays fast songs I can dance to." Louisa says. "My goodness you look like a little Princess." "That's what the boys said too." Luisa smiles and blushes "Let me go get my purse. When I was a kid I got my shots for school there because we didn't have insurance. I want to help too." She says. She comes back and hands them a ten. "I wish I could give more." "Its OK Poppi says that we should give what we can and not hurt ourselves when we do." Alejandro says giving her legs a hug. "Yeah thanks a lot." Joey says hugging her waist. Hes a bit taller then Alejandro. "Thanks guys. Here I was feeling bad I could only give a little and you make me feel like I gave a million dollars." She says bending down giving them both a kiss on their cheeks. "When everyone gives a little it turns into a lot very quickly." Eric says. They all sit down and separate the bills by denomination. Eric is surprised yet not to see a few hundreds and fifties. There are a lot of twenties for sure. By the time they finish counting they had collected $3170. A pretty impressive haul for an hour of playing. Eric trades the smaller bills for hundreds from the safe. He had to have the manager open the safe as he didn't know the new combination. Why would he need it. Eric puts the cash in a bank bag and drops it back into the shopping bag. "Good job boys. We need to hurry up and eat now we need to be at the school in half an hour." The boys let the front counter guy what they want and he knows what Eric wants. Everyone knows what they boss eats. Its always the same and never varies. Eric orders a happy meal with Mcnuggets for Luisa. They go and sit down and wait for their food. An elderly couple come over and stand in front of the table. "Young man we were at the mall a little while ago and we didn't feel comfortable getting in line to make a donation. But, we wrote a check and were going to mail it tomorrow. Would you be so kind as to give it to them tonight for us." The lady says. "Good Evening Mr and Mrs Chambers." Eric says. "Good evening Eric." Mr Chambers says handing Joey the check, they leave after that. Joeys eyes nearly bulge out of his head when he sees how much its for. "Dad am I reading this right?" Joey says handing him the check. Eric looks at the check. "Do you think it says $10,000?" "Yeah that cant be right can it?" "Mr Chambers is a very wealthy man. He owns the largest real estate company in the state. So yeah I think it is right." "Holy crap." Alejandro says. "Yeah Holy crap." Joey says. "You boys did a lot of good today for a lot of people." "Yeah." Alejandro says smiling. As he says this their food arrives. Eric makes them put a napkin like a bib over their new suits and Luisa's dress so they don't stain them before the big show. They all eat and the boys take the tray from the table. Eric slips the check in his breast pocket. Joey comes back and grabs the bag with the cash as he feels so proud that he has it for them. They head to the school and before they get out Eric stops them. "Boys I know that this clinic has helped thousands of kids over the years. I know that in the past it has helped both of you as well. So its is very important to the community. Joey I told you that I would donate a thousand dollars for you. Here it is." He says handing the envelope to Joey with a thousand in cash in the envelope. Joey looks at it and is surprised. He had actually forgotten about it. Eric hands Alejandro the other envelope with a thousand dollars in it. "Thanks Poppi for letting us help." Alejandro says looking in the envelope. "You boys did more then that on your own. You collected over $13000 That's a pretty good chunk of change." "Yeah it is. I bet it will help a lot of people for sure." Joey says. "I have no doubt about that. Now slip that money in your pockets. I will hold the big bag of money for you Joey." Eric says. Joey hands it to him and he slips it in his coat pocket. They all go inside and Joey finds his way to where he is supposed to be and Eric, Alejandro and Luisa sit down and wait for the show to begin. It has the best from every class and well honestly some of the classes haven't got much talent. But, its kids trying to help other kids so its a good thing regardless. There are some kids that sing. One boy did magic tricks and was pretty good at it. The teachers had saved Joey for last. Because well not to brag but, he is the best. He walks out and sits at the piano. He sings his song to his Gram all of it. Eric had never heard all the words and is wiping tears from his eyes at the pain the boy has been through missing someone whom he truly loved and loved him. Eric looks over and Alejandro has tears streaming too. Hell nearly the entire crowd does. Once Joey is finished he gets up and walks off stage to massive applause. Eric think the boy better get used to it that's for sure. He sees Luisa dash by him and hug Joeys legs. He rubs her back. She motions him down and he leans over and she kisses his cheek. The crowd just all goes AWWW. The judges come to a quick decision and declare Joey the winner of the show. They usher him back out on stage and give him a check for winning of $250. He is stunned. Eric cant figure out why. "I don't want this money. Can I give it back?" Joey says to the principal. "We haven't had anyone do that before. But, sure." With that the principal asked him to play another song. Joey just smiles and walks back over to the piano. He sits a moment and starts playing a song. Eric hears a man behind him say. "Holy shit that's Broken beat and scarred by Metallica." Eric thinks back and realizes that it is indeed the song. Kind of appropriate for him to play Eric thinks. When Joey is done the principal comes back out on stage to the microphone ha ving Joey stand next to him. I don't think you all realize who exactly this boy is. It was his idea that started the coat drive for the kids in our community. Red is a good friend of mine and hes says that we as a community have collected right at 500 coats for kids that are in need. Joey tugs on the principals sleeve to get his attention. The principal bends down and listens to what Joey says and hands him the mic. "It wasn't me that came up with the idea it was my Dad. I just wanted to get a coat for my friend that was cold and didn't have a good coat." As he is looking out he sees Maria and her mom in the crowd. Eric had gotten them here for a surprise. As soon as Joey sees her and waves with a big smile. "So really it was my dad that got it big not me. Of course Mr Red is helping to clean them and Mr Pats son is picking them up too. So its really not me that did it. It was these great guys that did it. So please don't give me any credit for what I didn't do. But, everyone seems to like the way I play the piano so I will keep playing as long as you are donating. Because before I met my dad I used to go to the children's clinic because it was free. My mom didn't have the money to pay for that kind of stuff and even if she did I doubt she would have. The people at the clinic are super great people that just help kids. So as long as you donate I will play. Thank you." He says and he hands the mic back to the principal. "Well, you heard him folks. Form a nice line and start writing some checks and pull out your wallets and purses. Because I know I want to hear him play for a long time." At this the people got up and formed a line to donate some money to a very worthy cause. Everyone was very still as they listened to Joey play. Joey started with Jingle bells. After that Alejandro shouted to him to play Winter Wonderland like at the mall. Alejandro is kind of dancing around having some fun with some girls in his class. He is laughing and playful and it of course makes Eric smile. Maria's mom walks over to Eric and is speaking in very broken English. So he answers her in Spanish to make her feel more comfortable and to let her know hes fluent as well. So she starts speaking Spanish to him as well. Luisa is next to him holding his hand. "I had no idea your son is so talented." "Yes he seems to be good at everything he tries except pinball." "I think my Maria likes him very much." She says gesturing towards her daughter who has yet to take her eyes off of him while he plays. Once he is done with that song he starts playing I Could Write Book anther old big band song. Apparently his Gram liked big band. He is singing the words, and looking directly at Maria. Eric smiles and translates the words to her mother. "I think my son likes your daughter very much too." Eric says smiling. At this time Alejandro and Cindy walk up and Alejandro starts speaking Spanish to Eric. Not thinking he just transitions to it because that's what he hears. Its not even conscious. "Poppi can I go play with Cindy for a while?" Eric responds in Spanish. "Sure Alejandro just don't get your suit dirty or ruin it." "Thanks Poppi." Alejandro grabs Cindy's hand and they walk off. He hears Cindy say. "What were you guys talking about?" Eric just shakes his head. As Joey finishes the song he starts on It Had To be You. Still never taking his eyes off of Maria. "Eric thinks for a boy who proclaims hes gay he certainly seems smitten with Maria. Maybe he thinks hes gay because that's all he has been exposed to and what his mother told him he was. Eric is wondering if that's not the case. Joey starts playing Santa Clause is coming to town next and starts looking around at the crowd. He sees there is still a good line at the donation table. "I don't mean to sound rude, and tell me if its none of my business. But, will you be able to get some gifts for Maria for Christmas?" Her mom looks at the floor and mumbles. "No I cant this year." She says it like its something to be ashamed of. But, she works two jobs not having enough isn't something to be ashamed of when you work so damn hard. "Do you know the Stew Pot?" "Yes we go there sometimes when I don't have enough for groceries." She says still looking down. "The boys and I are helping Santa this year. I know he is going to be there Saturday and Sunday. I think you should have Maria come and see him." "Yeah Eric knows Santa I saw him at his house today." Luisa says in Spanish. "I really would like for you guys to come by. I know that Joey will be thrilled to see her again. As matter of fact. I would like to invite you guys over to our house one day so the kids can play and we can just talk. I think you are a very good person to talk to. Its nice to talk to an adult after being around my boys all the time. I love them but talking to a grown up is great fun." She just smiles. "As for this weekend I really would like for you to come to the Stew Pot. I know for a fact that my boys would like to get Maria a present. So if for nothing other then that stop by for that. I know its not far from your house. If you would like I can send a car like I did today. Also thank you so much for coming. As you can see it definitely made my son and your daughter happy to see each other." She looks over and sees they are still making eyes at each other as Joey plays. "Alright we will be there on Sunday evening I don't have to work then. But, we will walk no need to send a car. Its not so far." Eric smiles. "If you want when we are done we can all go back to my house and the kids can play and talk for a while." "I would like to. But, I have to get up early for work tomorrow." She says. "Oh your lawyer friend is helping me a lot." "I'm so glad to hear that. Did he tell you once you get your permanent Alien card to go see one of my managers for a job?" "Yes and he told me what you pay people too. I could work one job and make as much as I do with both jobs." "That's what I start people at. It goes up a couple times a year. So soon you can just work one job and make ends meet. Did he say when you might expect your card?" "He said since I was in the dreamer program and I have never been in trouble he thinks just a couple months." Eric is excited and just grabs her in a hug. "I'm so glad." Shes kind of shocked. But realizes hes just a genuinely nice person and hugs him back. The line has almost gotten to no one as most people have donated. A lot of people didn't leave they just went back to their seats to listen to Joey play. A few did leave but, most stayed. Joey looks at Eric and smiles. Eric silently claps his hands at him making him smile even bigger. Joey looks and the line is gone for donations. He starts playing and singing The long Day is Over. He sings like an angel. Maria's mom says. "Yes he does." Once he plays the final notes of the song. He stands up to walk away from the piano. Everyone that has stayed stands up and starts clapping for him. He turns red as a Coke can. But, he bows ans says thank you. He walks down the steps of the stage and walks to Eric and Maria's mother. "Dad we got to give them the money and the check too." "Yes we do. Go get your brother hes over there playing with Cindy." Eric watches as Joey walks to get Joey that Maria is by his side. He isn't sure who grabbed whose hand but they are walking hand in hand. She is chattering away at him Eric can tell she is complimenting him because he is turning red all over again. Then she kisses his cheek. Eris and Maria's mom are watching. Look at each other and smile and give each other a nod of yes they certainly like each other. Alejandro and Joey walk back over each with a pretty girl holding their hands. "You ready Poppi?" "Yes lets go give them the money from you guys and what you boys collected today." "Cool." Both boys say. They walk over to the table and Joey sees a nurse he knows from the clinic. He just smiles at her. "My goodness young man you are very talented. I had no idea or I would have had you play every time you came in." "I would have for you because you were always so nice to me.""Yeah he made lots of money for you guys. Give her the bag Poppi." Alejandro says excited and proud of his brother. Eric pulls out the bag and hands it to her. She pulls out the stack of cash. "Holy cow. How much is here?" She says surprised. "$3,170." Eric says. "But we ran in to Mr Chambers after and he gave us this check for you guys." Eric says pulling out the check and handing it to her. "Wow!" Was all she could muster. "I have this for you too." Joey says pulling out the envelope and handing it to her. She opens it and pulls out the money. "That is a lot of money are you sure?" "Yeah Dad said if I played he would give it to me to donate to you. Wait no he said he would give it to me either way. But I liked playing. I was really scared but, now I'm not. I liked it." "Well, thank you Joey," she says walking around the table to hug him. After the hug Joey says. "I just played it was Alejandro that thought to ask for money." She looks at Alejandro and smiles then give him a big hug too. "Do you boys realize how many children this much money will help?" "No but, I hope a lot." Alejandro says. "But, this should help a few more." He says handing her the envelope Eric gave him earlier. "You boys are just too much." She says pulling them both in for a hug. They both just turn red and say thank you. Eric turns to Maria's mother. "Would you allow me the privilege to drive you and your daughter home?" She smiles and says yes. They all walk out to the Escalade and the boys allow Maria to get in first and then Alejandro goes to the third seat having Luisa follow him. So Joey can sit next to Maria. Maria's mom and Eric sit in the front. She comments how nice his truck is. The have a nice conversation in Spanish about Joey and all his talents. How he is so good at bowling and that he writes his own music. They then just chat about everyday things as they pull up to Maria and her moms house. As they get out Eric gets out to walk them to the door. Because its the proper thing to do. "So we will see you Sunday then?" He says to Maria's mother. "Yes we will see you Sunday." She says smiling. Eric walks back to the truck he gets in and they drive home. Eric tells the boys to go hang up their suits and put their other clothes they had on earlier in the dirty clothes and to shower and get ready for bed. They don't have school tomorrow as winter break as they call it now starts tomorrow and runs until January 3rd. However, it is pushing ten and the boys and Luisa have had a long day. Eric hears the showers go off. He takes Luisa to her room. Storage closet it seems now. He helps her get out of the hose and rest of her clothes leaving the panties on. He slips a nightgown over her head and un braids her hair. She then slides off the panties. He thinks OK I don't like to sleep in underwear either. He walks with her hand in hand to his room. "I will be right back I am going to tuck the boys in." He heads out and tucks in Alejandro first. "Poppi. Joey did real good today huh?" "Yes he did. I think you aren't the only son of mine now with a love interest." "Yeah I saw that pretty girl Maria staring at him when he was playing. I think she likes him A LOT." "I think your right. I think he likes her A LOT too." Eric says emphasizing a lot as Alejandro did. "Her mom works two jobs and isn't going to be able to get her Christmas. I told her that you boys would want to get her something and that she needs to see Santa on Sunday night." "That's so cool Poppi. I cant wait to get her a present." "You remember what we got tomorrow?" Eric asks not thinking he never told him. "No whats tomorrow?" "I never told you. I thought I did." "Poppi you always do that." "I know I should make notes I guess." Alejandro is getting excited and a bit impatient. "So whats tomorrow Poppi?" "We are going to go see your Maria and her family for a Christmas dinner." "Yay I get to see Carlos." "You want to get him a present?" "Poppi you forgot already we are giving him the game systems you Got got for Joey. I love you Poppi." Alejandro says popping up and wrapping his arms around Eric neck and kisses his cheek. "I did forget. I love you too buddy." Eric says hugging him back and laying him down and covering him up. "Sleep well." "You too Poppi." Eric heads to Joeys room and sees Joey under the covers all but his head. He gets a huge smile on his face when he sees Eric walk in. "I had a lot of fun today playing." "I was hoping you would." Eric says and sits on the edge of the bed. "I was so happy to see Maria." "I thought you would be." "Yeah. I got to see Maria and make lots of money for the clinic so that's a good day for me." "That's a good day I think in anyone's book." "I wasn't even scared when we got to the school and I started playing. Well, maybe a little at first. But when I touched the first key I wasn't scared no more." "I was hoping that you wold see how good you are when you played at the mall and be more comfortable." "Maria said I looked really good in my new suit." He says smiling. "You really like her don't you?" "Yeah." Joey says blushing. "Well. Tomorrow we need to go shopping because Maria and her mom are going to be at the Stew Pit Saturday and I told her you would want to get he a Christmas present." "Cool can I?" "I wouldn't have said it if you couldn't silly." "Yeah." "I know just what I am going to get her." "What is it." "Cant tell its a surprise." "Fine be that way." Eric says smiling. "I really want you to know how very proud I am of you. I know it tool a lot of bravery to play in front of all those people. But, you did it because you knew it would help a lot of people. You are a great boy and I am proud to say your my son." "And I'm proud to say your my Dad." Joey says coming out from under the covers and hugging Eric. Eric hugs him back and kisses his cheek. He re tucks him. "Good night Joey. Sweet dreams." "You too Dad. But, honestly I don't want to dream because nothing is better then this." "Go to sleep silly." Eric walks out heads to his room and is smiling the entire way as he thinks about how special his boys really are. He gets undressed puts on his t shirt and sleeping pants. He goes to tuck Luisa into couch. He bends over and kisses her cheek. Your a special girl Princessa." She smiles. "Will you lay down with me while I go to sleep again?" Eric just lifts the covers and slides on next to her. She lifts his shirt and lays her head on his chest and runs her fingers through his chest hair again. Again she dozes off and he slips into his own bed and is snoozing in seconds.