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**Additional Note:** There will be sexual scenes throughout this story, but it won't be predominately sex.  
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Watching Noah Grow by Erastes
Copyright 2018 by Erastes
Chapter 44 – Getting Ready for Christmas. 



We returned to work and school on Monday, and Noah’s team practiced the entire week.  He had his first basketball game on Friday of the following week, and I met Cheryl at the school, since it was a home game.  She’d waited for me just inside the gym, and then we located a good spot to sit in the bleachers so we could watch the action.  Noah wasn’t a starter, but he got some playing time in each half, and I was impressed with how well he did.  His team was victorious, so I went down to congratulate Noah and Coach Rich after the game, while Cheryl left to go home so she could start fixing dinner. 

I’m gonna shower, so I’ll talk to you about the game on the ride home,” Noah told me before racing off to the locker room. 

Good game, Coach.  Have you ever coached basketball before this year?”

Yes, but it was quite a few years ago, before I was married and Jason was born.”

Well, I wouldn’t have guessed it by the way the team played.  You’ve done a good job with them so far.” 

Thanks.” 

As soon as Noah finished his shower and we got in the car, he looked over at me and spoke.  “So how do you think I did?” 

I thought you played very well, considering this was your very first game ever.” 

Thanks, but I didn’t play that much.” 

Maybe not today, but if you keep practicing hard then I think you’ll end up getting more and more playing time.” 

He seemed satisfied with my response, and we rode the rest of the way in silence.  When we got to the house, we went over to see how his mother was doing and she told us dinner was almost ready.  “You can set the table while I finish up,” she offered. 

While we were eating, Cheryl told Noah that she thought he’d played well too, and then we both began questioning him about what he wanted for Christmas.  He gave us several ideas, and we were satisfied with his response, and then Cheryl and I talked about it in more detail while Noah was doing his homework.  During that time we agreed on who would get him the specific items he’d mentioned, and knowing the things he wanted took a great deal of pressure off of our Christmas planning. 

 

Noah had three more basketball games before the Christmas break, and he got about the same amount of playing time in the next game.  However, it seemed that he was getting more time on the court in the final two games, so it appeared that Coach Rich was getting more confident in Noah’s ability and progress.  The team went into the holiday with a 3-1 record, which wasn’t bad. 

One evening during that time Gus called, and as soon as I recognized his voice I wondered if he and the other two were ready to start joining us again, or if this was about something else.  It didn’t take long before I discovered which it was. 

I checked to see if the school was gonna open the pool again this year,” he eventually stated, “but I was told there was no money, cuz of budget cuts.” 

Yes, I also called the school and discovered that as well.”

So are you gonna celebrate New Year’s Eve like we did last year?” 

Actually, I haven’t made up my mind yet.  I’ll have to talk it over with Noah and his mom first, and then I’ll let you know.” 

Ok, and we’re hopin’ you’re gonna do it again.”

As soon as I got off the phone, I sat down with Cheryl and Noah so we could discuss this.  After I told them what Gus had said, I looked at them to get their reactions. 

I’d rather have Jason this time,” Noah stated.  “They haven’t wanted to come here for a long time, and now they only want to come cuz they know it will be fun.”

That might be, but I think it might be more fun for you if more people showed up.  It would allow us to do different things this time, but it’s entirely up to you.  Shall we invite them all, or just Jason?” 

Noah thought about this for a couple of minutes before he answered.  “Ok, let’s invite all of them.  I’ve missed those other guys, but I was just mad that they stopped comin’ here.” 

I know, but they explained why they were stopping for a while, but they said they’d probably want to join us again later.” 

Ok, let’s do that then.” 

I now turned to Cheryl and spoke.  “What about you?  I don’t want to leave you all alone, but I’m not sure that you’d enjoy being part of the boys’ club.” 

When you call Gus back to let him know you’re going to do this, I’ll talk to his mother when you’re done.  I think it would be nice to spend some time with Debbie and Monica again and we can have another girls’ night.” 

And I’ll supply the wine,” I offered, as my way of thanking her for taking me off the hook. 

Now, all I had to do was to make plans for that night so it wouldn’t turn into a major bust.  I had to do this on my own, because I wanted it to be a surprise for Noah as well, so besides getting ready for Christmas I had something else on my plate. 

When I picked Noah up after his next to last basketball practice before the break, he informed me that the coach told the team that they were off the entire time they were on vacation.  He said he would have an open gym on the Thursday and Friday after Christmas for anyone who wanted to come shoot hoops or possibly play in pick-up games.  Noah told Jason that he wasn’t sure if he would be able to come to those, but he made sure Jason knew he was invited to our New Year’s Eve celebration.  The coach and his wife were happy to agree to let Jason join us, because it meant they could go out and celebrate alone. 

Cheryl, Noah, and I had some details to discuss about Christmas, since the holiday fell on Tuesday this year.  Upper management at the factory had announced that we were going to work on Saturday, December 22, and then they would give us Wednesday off instead.  No one complained, because it meant we’d have four days off for Christmas this year, from Sunday through Wednesday.   

Cheryl and I also agreed that we’d exchange gifts after dinner on that Saturday, so we wouldn’t have to lug everything with us when we went to visit my parents.  We’d also pack in advance so we’d be ready to leave for the airport early on Sunday to catch our flight.  I was planning on taking vacation days on the Thursday and Friday after Christmas as well, so I could spend more time with my folks.  The problem was that Cheryl hadn’t worked at the factory for a full year yet, so she didn’t have any vacation days.  Therefore, she would fly back on Wednesday and drive my car home, but Noah wanted to stay with me.  Cheryl said it was all right with her and agreed to pick us up at the airport on Saturday, so everything was set. 

As the holiday approached, we were all running around trying to finish our Christmas shopping and getting ready for the trip.  Luckily, we completed it all in time, so on the Saturday before Christmas, after Cheryl and I got home from work, we sat down to exchange gifts. 

I wanna give you my presents first,” Noah announced, and his face glowed with excitement. 

After we agreed, he handed each of us a package, which we opened immediately.  He’d given me a new jogging outfit, which consisted of a pair of shorts, a tank top, and a pair of sweats for the cooler weather, and I knew his mother had helped him select these items. 

Thank you.  They will come in handy and get plenty of use.” 

I then looked over as Cheryl opened her gift.  I’d helped Noah pick out a lovely pair of earrings and a necklace that she could wear when she dressed up, because they were too fancy for work. 

Thank you, honey.  They are lovely,” she told him, and while she was giving him a hug she mouthed the following message to me.  ‘You let him spend too much on this.’

I merely smiled and shrugged my shoulders, and then it was time to pass out our gifts.  Cheryl gave Noah his presents first, and they included an AKASO K88 Quadcopter Axis Gyro Drone, because she knew how much he loved playing with my RC car.  She also gave him a Hamper Hoops by Wham-O, so Noah could score each time he took care of his dirty clothes, and she also give him a flashing LED baseball cap that he could wear when we went jogging.  Finally, she gave him a tabletop air hockey game that he could play with me or his friends. 

Thanks, Mom.  These are all great and you never gave me this much before.” 

I’m only able to do it because Uncle Brian helped me get a better paying job, and it’s to make up for the Christmases I wasn’t able to do as much for you.” 

It was alright, cuz I understood, but thank you for doing this now.”  He then gave his mother a huge hug and a kiss. 

This is for you,” she said as she handed me a present.  

I opened it and found a flashing LED baseball cap, just like the one she’d given Noah, and there was also a gift certificate to a local sporting goods store.  “That’s so you can pick out a new pair of running shoes,” she explained.  “I’m sure you’ve worn out the old ones jogging with Noah so often.” 

Thank you.  These are great gifts,” I agreed.  “I’ll be sure to use them both wisely.” 

Since she had passed out everything she had, it was my turn to give them gifts.  I handed Noah his presents, one at a time.  One of the things he’d mentioned was that he wanted a baseball glove, because Jason had convinced him to tryout for the baseball team as well, so I bought him the best one I could find for someone his age.  I also bought him a pair of baseball cleats, the kind with rubber soles, and there was also a gift certificate I’d placed on top of those items. 

What’s this for?” he asked as he picked it up and examined it. 

It’s so you can pick out a bat too.  That’s something I couldn’t do without you with me, so we’ll do it one weekend before baseball season starts.” 

Ok.  Thanks.” 

Hold up, because you’re not done yet,” I announced, which kept him from getting up.  “There’s one more present for you to open.” 

But you’ve already given me enough stuff.” 

Maybe, but this one’s from Santa Claus.  I ran into him while I was shopping and he asked me to make sure you got it, because he knew you weren’t going to be home for Christmas.” 

Awww, there’s no Santa Claus.” 

Then maybe I should give this back to him,” I teased as I pulled the present away. 

Nah, that’s ok.  I know there really is a Santa Claus,” he added, so I pushed the package back in his direction.  He grabbed it and held onto it tightly before he added, “But Santa Claus is you!” 

He giggled as he opened the last package and found a Franklin Sports MLB Electronic Pitching Machine.  “That’s so you can practice hitting whenever you want.  It will pitch six AERO-STRIKE white plastic balls, one every ten seconds, so you’ll have time to get ready for each one.  We’ll pick up a wifffle ball bat for you to use with it when we go to pick out your other bat.” 

Noah jumped up and came over to give me hug and kiss, and I saw Cheryl smiling broadly as I glanced over his shoulder.  “This is the best Christmas ever,” Noah squealed before going back to check out everything he just got. 

While he was doing that, I handed Cheryl her presents.  There were two boxes, one larger than the other, and she looked at me oddly.  “I think someone overdid things this year,” she muttered as she opened the first.  It was a Brookstone Massaging Bed Rest. 

You work way too hard, so I thought this might help when you came home after a rough day.” 

Thank you.  I’m sure I’ll get plenty of use out of it.”

When she opened the second box, she found a Shiatsu Foot Massager with Heat.  “You also spend most of your time on your feet, so I thought this would help out with your tired and aching puppies.” 

These are very thoughtful gifts and I know I’m going to love both of them.” 

Oh, you’re not done yet.  I have one more gift, but this one is for you, Debbie, and Monica to share.” 

Then I already know what it is.” 

I then handed her the final gift, which was a California White Wine Trio, since I’d discovered that most women prefer white wines.  In the set were bottles of two different Chardonnays, along with a Chenin Blanc. 


”As promised, I thought the three of you would enjoy these when you get together on New Year’s Eve.”   

Thank you.  I’m sure Debbie, Monica, and I will thoroughly enjoy them.  It’s a good thing I’m going to be spending the night there, because that’s a lot of wine for just the three of us.” 

Then invite a couple of friends to join you,” I joked, which caused her to wave me off with her hand. 

Now that we’d opened all of our gifts, we decided to double check and make sure we’d packed everything we needed for our trip to visit my parents the following day.  I’d told Cheryl that my aunt and uncle wouldn’t be there this time, since they were spending the holiday in Florida again, so we just had to pack our presents for my mom and dad.  Once that had been taken care of, we turned in so we’d be well rested for the long day ahead. 

After we woke up the next morning, I took them out for breakfast before we headed to the airport, because I didn’t want to leave dirty dishes or scraps of food behind while we were gone.  After we put our suitcases in the trunk, I drove over to Denny’s for a bite to eat.  After we’d placed our orders, Noah talked excitedly about the plane trip and only quieted down while he was shoveling food into his mouth.  Once we were full, we loaded back into the car and I drove to the airport, and after we took our luggage out of the trunk I gave Cheryl my car key. 

It’s so I don’t forget to give this to you before you return home.  Put it in your purse so you’ll have it after you fly back, since you’ll be returning before we do.” 

She nodded her understanding, placed the key in a pocket of her purse, and then we carried our suitcases into the terminal and checked in.  After our luggage was taken to be put on the flight, we cleared the security checkpoint and waited in the boarding area for our flight to start loading.  Noah was fidgety and kept asking when we’d be getting onboard, and I kept assuring him it wouldn’t be too much longer.  I think he was relieved when our flight was announced and we finally made our way onto the plane. 

We let Noah have the window seat again, and I sat next to him.  Just like before, he pointed out everything he could discern as we flew to our destination, but he would also ask me to explain things when he couldn’t tell what they were.  Shortly after the plane touched down, we disembarked and I led them to the baggage area to retrieve our luggage.  We then carried our suitcases out to the public section of the terminal and looked for my parents.  It wasn’t long before I spotted my dad. 

I take it that Mom didn’t come again.” I stated. 

No, she fixing lunch for us, so she said she’d see you when you get to the house.” 

Dad hurriedly reached out and shook my hand so he could prevent me from hugging him in public again, but he couldn’t stop Cheryl and Noah from doing it.  I guess he must not have felt that was as bad, because he didn’t make a big deal about it when it happened. 

After making our way to his car, Dad drove to the house and Mom greeted us shortly after we entered.  “It’s nice to see each of you again,” she stated cheerfully.  “I hope you’re hungry, because lunch is almost ready.  You still have time to freshen up first, and then you can head into the dining room and get comfortable.  I’ll bring the food in shortly.”

We left our suitcases next to the staircase.  We would take them up to the bedroom later, after we ate.  The three of us washed up quickly and used the toilet, and then we went to the dining room to join my parents.  Mom had everything waiting for us when we returned.  She’d fixed each of us a Chicken Cordon Bleu that she’d purchased from Schwan’s, along with French fries and a small salad.  It was delicious and we all enjoyed it, and once we finished Cheryl and I helped Mom clear the table before we all went into the living room to chat. 

Do you have plans for tomorrow?” I asked my mother.  I was fairly certain I already knew the answer to that question and had basically asked it for Cheryl and Noah’s benefit. 

I’m in the process of making several different batches of Christmas cookies, and I’ll probably be doing that throughout the rest of the day and part of tomorrow.” 

Why are you making so many cookies?” Cheryl wondered aloud. 

It’s because we’re going to walk around the neighborhood and pass the cookies out on Christmas Eve.” 

Oh, that’s a marvelous idea,” Cheryl quipped. 

I’ve got a better one.  Why don’t we sing Christmas carols at each house before we give them the cookies,” I offered. 

What do you think of that idea, John?” my mother asked my father. 

I guess if you don’t poison them with your cookies, then we might as well make them deaf with our singing.” 

Oh, don’t be so grumpy,” she spat back, and then she turned toward me.  “We’d love to do that with you.”

How about you two?” I asked Cheryl and Noah next. 

I think it will be fun,” Noah answered. 

Me too,” Cheryl agreed.  “And if your mother doesn’t mind, I’d love to help her make the cookies as well.” 

Actually, that would help a lot, since I have so much to do.  Thank you for offering.”  Once again, I was mildly shocked by her response.

After we finished lunch, Cheryl went out to the kitchen to help my mom, and I took Noah out for a walk so I could show him around the neighborhood.  Along the way I pointed out the homes where my friends used to live, the places where we played, and I told him about the things we’d done.  He also asked me questions about the various boys I’d hung out with and if I’d ever done the same things with them that I did with him.  I pointed out that I had with a couple of them, but not all, and then he wanted to know exactly what we’d done.  I only told him enough to satisfy his curiosity, and eventually we made our way back to the house. 

When we returned, we carried our suitcases upstairs so we could shower and change before going downstairs to have dinner.  I wasn’t sure if Cheryl had helped my mom prepare the meal too, although she helped to serve it, so it seemed as if she’d made a great deal of headway in a short period of time.  Mom didn’t generally let anyone help her in the kitchen, including her sister, so Cheryl had just broken a barrier that no one else had ever penetrated before.  I think my dad was also taken aback by his wife’s sudden about face. 

The women also cleaned up the kitchen after the meal, and then they continued making cookies.  They only stopped when it was time to sleep, and then I carried Cheryl’s suitcase upstairs for her, since she hadn’t done it earlier.  We then retired to the same rooms we’d used the last time we were here. 

Once we’d undressed and climbed into bed, Noah asked me to suck his penis again, so I dutifully did what he requested.  Of course, he wanted to return the favor and attacked my penis next, and then we cuddled with one another as we fell asleep. 

When Noah and I went downstairs the next morning, Cheryl was already in the kitchen helping Mom with breakfast.  They’d prepared cheese blintzes topped with strawberries they’d thawed out, and since we aren’t Jewish, Mom also put a couple of sausage links and bacon strips on each plate as well.  Noah washed it down with a large glass of orange juice, while the rest of us had a small OJ, along with a cup of coffee. 

The breakfast was very filling, so while the ladies were cleaning up the kitchen and working on more cookies, Noah went into the living room to see what was on TV.  Since he was occupied, I helped Dad repair a couple of problems around the house that he couldn’t do by himself.  When we finished, we joined Noah in the living room and watched Jim Carrey’s version of A Christmas Carol. 

After the movie ended, we went out to see what the women were up to.  They had finished making the last of the cookies, so we chatted about something else.  Since we were still quite full from breakfast, we agreed to just have a late lunch/early dinner today, and that way we could get an early start going around the neighborhood. 

When the time came to do that, we dressed warmly in layers, since we knew we’d be outside for a considerable amount of time.  Dad and I carried the bags with the paper plates filled with cookies covered in Saran Wrap as we headed out the door.  After we had Noah ring the doorbell at the various houses, we would start singing a Christmas carol as they opened the door.  Once we finished the song, Noah would hand them a plate of cookies next. 

Since we knew most of these people, they usually invited us in for a few minutes, and we’d go inside long enough to say hello and introduce them to Cheryl and Noah.  Each time we would have to apologize for not being able to stay longer and explained that we had many houses to stop at and numerous cookies to deliver.  They would thank us for stopping by and we’d wish each other a Merry Christmas before we moved on to the next house. 

We covered every home on both sides of the street, as long as someone was there, but we still ended up with a couple plates of cookies when we returned to the house.  This was in addition to what Mom had set aside for our use, so there were plenty of cookies for us to nibble on.  I went out and poured each of us a glass of milk, and then we sat down to eat a couple of cookies before we went to bed. 

That was a great deal of fun and I really enjoyed doing it,” Cheryl stated in between bites. 

Me too,” Noah agreed. 

It’s the closest thing to an old fashion Christmas that you’ll ever experience,” my dad announced, and I knew we all felt warm and fuzzy inside from taking part.



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I wish to extend my thanks to Donny and Emoe for editing these chapters for me and offering their suggestions. 

 

E-mail responses to the stories, story suggestions, or other 'constructive' comments or advice may be sent to:  ErastesTouch@aol.com  - but please put the story title in the subject line, so it doesn't get deleted as junk mail. 

 

My other stories:

http://www.nifty.org/nifty/gay/adult-youth/different-points-of-view/

http://www.nifty.org/nifty/gay/adult-youth/a-throw-away-kid/

http://www.nifty.org/nifty/gay/adult-youth/the-guardian/

http://www.nifty.org/nifty/gay/adult-youth/chance-of-a-lifetime/

http://www.nifty.org/nifty/gay/adult-youth/all-the-worlds-a-stage/

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Although the boys in these stories sometimes have unprotected sex, I strongly urge all of you out there to be smart and protect yourselves from various sexually transmitted diseases by using taking appropriate precautions before engaging in sex.