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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 45 – A Very Special Holiday Season. 



When we woke up on Christmas morning, Noah and I headed downstairs after realizing we were the last ones to get out of bed.  Since Noah, Cheryl, and I had exchanged gifts with each other before we came here; Noah wasn’t quite as antsy as he would have been otherwise.  We merely wished everyone a Merry Christmas as soon as we saw them. 

And Merry Christmas to you too,” my mom and Cheryl replied, since they were in the kitchen together. 

Dad was sipping on his coffee at the time, so he wished us a Merry Christmas after he swallowed. 

You can grab a drink and sit down at the table as soon as you tell us what you want for breakfast,” Mom stated next.  “We’re making omelets this morning, and you can have a Greek omelet with black olives, chopped spinach, and Feta cheese, or a spinach and bacon omelet.  I can also make you a Western omelet with ham, shredded cheese, chopped onions, and bell peppers, or you can come up with your own omelet.”  

Can I just have a cheese and bacon omelet?” Noah asked. 

Certainly, coming right up,” Mom agreed.  “How about you, honey?” 

I’ll have a Greek omelet,” I answered. 

John, do you want a Western omelet like usual, or are you feeling adventurous today?” 

The Western omelet will be fine,” he mumbled. 

Ok, you boys go sit down and Cheryl and I will whip up your omelets, along with what we want,” Mom agreed. 

I was amazed to see them working side-by-side at the stove, with one using the burner on the right and the other using the burner on the left.  Mom must have really taken a liking to Cheryl, because she’d never done anything like this before.  I learned later that Cheryl made Noah’s and her omelets, while Mom made Dad’s, mine, and hers.  There was also a bowl of home fries for anyone who wanted some, and then we all sat down to eat together. 

After the meal, Noah and I insisted that the ladies let us do the clean up, since they’d done the rest of the work, and then we all gathered in the living room to exchange presents.  Noah wanted to give them our gifts first, so he handed one package to my dad and another to my mom.  Dad told Mom to open hers first, so she did. 

Well, what is it?” Dad asked, since Mom was staring at the box with her mouth hanging open. 

They got each of us a MobileHelp medical alert system,” she stated, still not believing what she saw. 

They’re from Noah, Cheryl, and me, because we’re splitting the cost.  It’s mobile, like its name implies, and it has GPS, so you can use it anywhere.  If you need help, the customer service rep will know exactly where you are so they can send help.  I got Dad the type he can wear on his wrist, while I got Mom the kind she can wear around her neck.  Even though I know you’re together most of the time, there are times when you’re apart and this will come in handy if something happens during that time.  It will also mean that I won’t have to be as worried about you from now on, since I know you’ll be able to get help in an emergency.” 

Thank you.  It’s a very thoughtful gift,” Dad agreed. 

Yes, thank you very much, all of you,” Mom added. 

What’s this?” Dad asked after he opened the other present. 

It’s the manual for the walk-in tub that I purchased for the downstairs bathroom.  I know it hasn’t been easy for either of you to get in and out of the tub in recent years, so this will take care of that problem.  The business card stapled to the manual is from the person I dealt with at American Standard, and all you have to do is call him to have it delivered and installed.” 

Oh, I’ve seen those on TV and they look wonderful,” Mom gasped. 

Yes and this one has a whirlpool, a heated seat, a quick drain, and a handheld shower attachment,” I informed them.

Damn, this must have cost you a small fortune,” Dad followed. 

It’s worth it to know that you’re both safe and are able to take care of yourselves.” 

Thank you very much, but now it makes our gifts to you seem paltry in comparison,” Dad groused.   

I’m sure they’re just fine and we’ll love them,” I countered. 

I agree,” Cheryl added.  “Besides, it was worth it, since you’ve accepted Noah and me as part of your family.” 

Yeah, can I call you Grandma and Grandpa from now on?” Noah asked.  I thought my mom and dad were actually going to melt after he said this, since they’ve always wanted a grandchild.

Oh, that would be lovely, dear,” Mom agreed. 

Yes, we’d like that very much,” Dad confirmed. 

Noah had just weaseled his way into their hearts, the same way he’d done to me. 

Now, it was their turn to hand us presents.  Cheryl and Noah encouraged me to open mine first, and in one box I found another suit, and in the other an expensive dress shirt and lovely tie. 

Thank you very much.  I’ll wear these to work, just like I do with the suit, shirt, and tie you gave me last year.” 

Yes, last year we gave you a blue suit, so this year we picked one in gray.  The store still had your measurements from last year, so the suit has already been altered and is ready for you to wear.” 

Thank you.  I love these.” 

Cheryl opened her gifts next and discovered a lovely sweater, a fancy blouse, and nice pair of slacks she could wear whenever she went out.  They also bought her a pair of jeans for work, since they knew she worked at the factory.

Thank you very much.  The sweater, blouse, and slacks look perfect, and I’ll wear them when I go out on New Year’s Eve.  The jeans will be good for work, so they’ll definitely get plenty of wear.” 

I hope you don’t mind that I snuck into your room and checked out your sizes when you were here at Thanksgiving.  I did it so I could pick out the right sizes for your gifts,” Mom added. 

No, I don’t mind at all and thank you very much.” 

I think we were all surprised that Noah had been willing to wait so long before he opened his present, but when he did; his mouth fell open in surprise.  “What did you get?” Cheryl pressed, since she couldn’t see the box. 

It’s an Xbox One,” he gasped.  “I’ve seen them on TV, and some of the kids at school have them, but I never thought I would have one.” 

We were told that it’s very popular with boys your age,” Dad offered.

Indeed it is,” I agreed as I looked at the details.  It was an Xbox One S 500 GB Halo Collection. 

Man, I’m sure my friends will want to play this when they come over to visit,” Noah gushed, thoroughly overwhelmed by the gift. 

I know you said you thought your gifts wouldn’t be enough,” I began, “but we’re all really pleased with what you gave us.  You did a terrific job and we thank you very much.” 

Cheryl and Noah then echoed my sentiments, as Noah raced over to give each of my parents a kiss and a hug.  “Thank you, Grandma and Grandpa.  I love this and I’ll tell my friends you gave it to me.” 

That alone was probably the best gift my parents received for Christmas.  They finally had a grandson, even if it wasn’t totally legit. 

The rest of the day was wonderful, and everyone was in a super good mood.  No matter what anyone might do later, nothing could have lessened how fantastic we all felt.  Now that we’d opened our gifts, we watched the Disney parade on TV, followed by the movie A Christmas Story, and then we enjoyed another big meal.  Mom had also made a cheesecake for dessert, so we each had a small slice of that later, along with some more Christmas cookies and a small glass of eggnog. 

We were all exhausted and just starting to come down from an adrenalin high when it was time to go to bed.  We made our way to the bedrooms after going through our nightly preparations and prepared for sleep.  Noah was so tired that he didn’t want to do anything tonight, but he did manage to tell me what a great Christmas it had been before he dozed off. 

Mom made waffles for breakfast the next morning, and then Noah rode with me when I borrowed Dad’s car to take Cheryl to the airport.  Noah kissed her goodbye and gave her a hug, and then I gave her a hug as well.  I also told her that we’d see her on Saturday after she got out of work, and I made sure she still had the key to my car before she went through security.  Once she disappeared from sight, Noah and I prepared to head back to my parents’ house. 

As I was heading out of the parking lot, I chose to take a circuitous route on the ride home so I could show Noah my old elementary school, as well as the Junior and Senior Highs I’d attended.  I also drove past the old ball fields where I’d played sports, along with some of the places I’d hung out with my friends.  My parents were slightly on edge when we walked through the door later. 

What took you so long?” Dad demanded.  “We were afraid you got in an accident.” 

No, I was just showing Noah around and pointing out some places from my past.  He always asks questions about what I was like when growing up and what sorts of things I did, so I figured I’d show him, as well as tell him about those places.” 

Don’t be mad, Grandma and Grandpa.  It’s my fault.  I wanted him to do it.”  Suddenly the tension in the room melted away. 

We aren’t mad, dear.  We were just worried,” Mom responded, and then she gave Noah a hug.  Damn, I wished I’d had him around when I was growing up, because then I might not have gotten into so much trouble with them.  It was never very serious trouble, but if he’d been there I bet they wouldn’t have been mad at all. 

Over the next couple of days I showed Noah more places from my past, and I also introduced him to some of the people I knew when we ran across them while we were out.  The rest of the time Noah chose to hang out with my mom and dad, and they pampered him more than they’d ever done to me.  Noah was eating it up and loving every minute, since he’d never had a chance to hang out with his biological grandparents.  His dad’s mother had died when he was young, and his dad’s father was in a nursing home in another part of the country.  Cheryl told me her mother had been suffering from Alzheimer’s for years and didn’t even recognize them now.  She also admitted that she never really knew her father, because he’d walked out on her mother shortly after she was born.  Therefore, this was all new and thrilling for Noah, just like it was for my mom and dad.   

I think we were all really sad when it was time for us to leave, and Mom and Dad made Noah promise that he would speak with them whenever I called home.  He said he would, and they promised to visit us this year for my birthday.  They also inquired about Noah and Cheryl’s birthdays, so I knew they’d be sending them both birthday gifts as well.  I hoped they weren’t going to spend too much money doing these things, because I didn’t want them to run out of money.  Even though I knew they weren’t destitute, they didn’t have a lot put aside for their golden years, so I hoped it would last for as long as they needed. 

Instead of looking out the window on the flight back, Noah spent his time telling me how much he liked his new grandparents and the things he got for Christmas.  He also said he was looking forward to New Year’s Eve and spending time with me and his friends.  I had a bunch more ideas about things they could do, as I considered the various items Noah had been given as presents.  This should be a really fun time. 

Cheryl was waiting for us at the airport when the plane landed, and she was eager to welcome us home.  Before we’d left my parents’ house, I had to go out and purchase a small duffel bag to put my clothes in so I could carry them on the plane and use my suitcase to carry Noah’s Xbox home.  Now, we lugged everything into the house, and Noah started bugging me to connect the Xbox up to my TV almost as soon as we got through the door. 

We don’t got a TV, so can you hook it up over here?” he whined. 

Yes.  Just give me a couple of minutes to catch my breath first, but what kind of talk is ‘we don’t got’?  The correct statement is ‘we don’t HAVE a TV’.” 

I know, but I’m just too excited to think about what I was saying.”

I smiled and nodded slightly in understanding, but he barely let me have the two minutes I’d requested before he started teasing again.  When I was finally ready to get started, he had to wait a little longer while I read the instructions for setting it up.  He wasn’t happy about this either, but he understood it was necessary. 

As soon as the Xbox was hooked up and operational, he wanted me to show him how to use it, but I was as clueless as he was.  After doing a little research and reading up on the finer points, Noah and I muddled through the first game together.  When we finished, he asked me to play again, and since none of the games lasted for very long; we ended up starting over several more times.  Slowly, we began to get the hang of it. 

We only stopped to have dinner with his mother, and she rolled her eyes at us when she found out what we’d been up to.  “Boys and their games,” she scoffed as we went back to play again. 

We stopped for the final time when it was time to go to bed, and then I told Noah that he’d have to play it by himself tomorrow, because I had a lot of things to do in order to get ready for work on Monday.  We would only work one day before having the next day off for New Year’s Day, but I’d be entertaining the boys that evening after a long day at work. 

I finished my usual chores as quickly as I could on Sunday, and then I spent the rest of my time planning for the following night and getting everything set up.  Noah wasn’t happy that I couldn’t spend any time with him, but after I explained I’d either be able to spend time with him now or make sure everything went well on New Year’s Eve, he finally relented. 

I attempted to keep what I was doing a secret from Noah, so I asked him to stay on his side of the house after dinner so I could arrange things without him seeing what I was doing.  I even locked the inside door so he couldn’t sneak over the following day, since Cheryl had agreed to let him stay home by himself.  I left later than she did for work, and she got home earlier than me so he wouldn’t be alone for very long, but I’d also agreed to drive home to be with him for lunch.  Although I didn’t do it often, I took an extended lunch hour to make this happen, so he was only alone for a couple of hours both before and after lunch. 

After work I drove over to pick up Gus, Glen, and Sam first, because Coach Rich had agreed to drop Jason off at the house.  As soon as he arrived, we introduced everyone and Noah explained how he knew each of them.  Once that had been taken care of, we were ready to eat. 

I’d already called to have pizzas delivered to the house for dinner, and I’d purchased potato chips and cheese puffs to go with it, as well as offering to make a small salad for anyone who wanted one.  I was pleased to see that each of the boys did, since I’d been emphasizing the need for them to eat plenty of vegetables if they wanted to grow big and strong. 

I’d decided on pizza so Cheryl wouldn’t have to fix something before she went to spend the night with Debbie and Monica, and she came over to eat with us before she left. 

You’re gonna be with our moms tonight, aren’t yuh?” Glen commented before she left. 

Yes.  You boys are going to celebrate here with Brian, and I’m going to bring in the New Year with your moms.” 

You look really nice,” Noah told her before giving her a kiss and a hug goodbye.  She was wearing the sweater, blouse, and slacks my parents had given her, along with the necklace and earrings she got from Noah, and I had to agree that she looked terrific. 

Don’t forget the wine,” I reminded her. 

Oh, it’s already in the car,” she stated, and then she said goodbye and took off.

Almost as soon as we finished eating, the boys wanted to know what we were going to do next.  I told them we were going to play some games and they were going to compete against each other, and then I asked if any of them had ever played with an Xbox before. 

I haven’t, but do you got one of those?” Gus wanted to know. 

Yes.  My parents gave Noah one for Christmas, so I want you boys to go into the living room and practice for a while so you’ll be able to compete against one another later.” 

Jason was the only one other than Noah who had ever played before, so those two played first and Jason gave tips to the other three about what they needed to do.  He also gave Noah some pointers, so he’d improve as well, and then I got the various games underway. 

I’ve set up four different stations and you’ll each play against one another.  The winner will score one point, and we’ll play two games at a time, with you boys rotating and playing each other.  We’ll start with Battleship and Connect Four, and then we’ll move on to Air Hockey and the Xbox.” 

Wow, you’ve got Air Hockey too?” Sam asked amazed. 

Yeah, my mom gave me that for Christmas.” 

Dang, you made out really well,” Gus observed, sounding a little jealous. 

The boys seemed to have a great deal of fun playing each game, and the one sitting out was having just as much fun watching the others compete against one another.  After they’d competed at all four stations, I had one final contest for them.  As I was placing the four kitchen chairs back to back in the shape of a cross, Sam spoke up. 

Oh, I know what we’re gonna do now.  We’re gonna play Musical Chairs.” 

You’re correct, so get ready and try not to be too rough.  Oh, and you’ll be disqualified if you try to pull the chair to you, rather than just sitting on it where it is.” 

I added that warning because of something that had happened the previous year, and then I got my laptop so I could play a music video on YouTube.  I chose Richard Wagner’s Ride of the Valkyries for this purpose, and because it’s only five minutes long I had to start it over multiple times before we had a winner.  We removed a chair each time I stopped the music and eliminated a boy, until there was only one chair left.  The boys did their best to knock each other out of the chair they were trying to sit in, but no one attempted to grab a chair. 

When we finished, the boys wanted to play it again, and since I was happy to do that for them, I set the chairs up one more time.  When we finished, I looked at my score sheet so I could announce the winner.  I was shocked when I saw it was Jason.  He was the second youngest and second smallest, but it helped that he’d won all of the competitions on the Xbox, along with the second round of Musical Chairs.  He’d scored more points than anyone else, but there wasn’t any prize, so he just got bragging rights for the rest of the night. 

Now that the competitions were over, I told the boys it was time to clean up and put on their pajamas so they’d be ready to go to sleep after we rang in the New Year.  I had them lay out the sleeping bags on the floor first, which included the four sleeping bags I had for Gus, Glen, Sam, and Noah to use, and the one Jason had brought with him.  Gus and Sam wanted to shower together, so I let them go first, and then Jason and Noah wanted to go together next. 

Will you give me a bath again?” Glen asked. 

Aren’t you getting a little old for that?” 

Nah, cuz I liked when you did it the last time.”

Ok, I’ll tell you what.  Why don’t you shower with me and I’ll wash you then.” 

Glen was happy to do that instead, so after all of the boys finished and were in their PJs, I had them put on their footwear too, as well as placing their coats and hats where they could get them easily.  Someone in the neighborhood had set off fireworks last year, and I expected he might do the same this year, so I wanted the boys to have everything ready so they could race outside in time to see most of it. 

Once those things had been taken care of, we had chips, cheese puffs, and the Christmas cookies my mom had sent home with me, and I poured each of them whatever they wanted to drink.  As I was eating my share, I turned on the TV so we could count down as we watched the ball drop in Times Square.  I then handed each boy a noise maker and two party poppers so they could set them off at midnight and make as much noise as they wanted, seeing we were the only ones in the house. 

After counting down with the announcer on TV, streamers went flying through the air as the boys set off the poppers, and then they started blowing on the horns and making noise with the clickers and other items.  As soon as I heard the first rocket explode outside, I urged the boys to put on their coats and hats, and then we ran outside to watch the fireworks explode.  We got out there more quickly this year, so we were able to see more of the rockets explode, and I heard a collective groan when the boys realized the show had come to an end. 

After going back in the house, the boys offered their comments on tonight.  “This was even better than last year,” Sam stated with a huge grin. 

Yeah, the games were really fun,” Glen offered next. 

And I liked the fireworks,” Jason chipped in. 

Everything was really great, including the stuff we ate and drank,” Sam added. 

Thanks for doing this for us, Uncle Brian,” Noah told me next. 

Yeah, thanks, Uncle Brian,” the other four chimed back in unison. 

We all had a really great time,” Noah concluded with the other four nodding their heads vigorously in agreement. 

Ok, it’s time for you to turn in now,” I urged.  “Take turns using the bathroom first, and then slide into your sleeping bag.” 

Where are you gonna sleep, Uncle Brian?” Jason followed.  “There are only five sleeping bags.” 

I’m going to sleep on the sofa.  I brought out my pillow and a blanket earlier, so I’ll be close by if any of you needed anything.” 

After they climbed into the sleeping bags, the boys talked about tonight with each other for a while, but over time each of them gave in to his weariness and fell asleep.  When that happened the room grew quiet and the only sound I could hear was the gentle hum of their breathing, so I closed my eyes and drifted off too.  I was satisfied that I’d made it through another New Year’s Eve with Noah and his friends. 

When the boys woke up in the morning, I started making pancakes for them and continued until they were all full.  I made enough for me as well, and then the boys started to compete on the Air Hockey and Xbox again.  Glen chose to watch the parade on TV with me instead, and he even stayed inside when the other four got dressed and went outdoors to play basketball.  I had Glen take a break and get dressed too, and when the other boys came inside again a little while later, I let them each get a drink first, and then I said it was time to take them home. 

Can’t we stay a little longer?” Glen whined. 

I’m afraid not.  I told your parents I’d have you back by noon,” I replied. 

Dang, I wish we could stay longer, cuz this was a blast,” Jason offered. 

Yeah, it was,” the rest of them agreed. 

Maybe we’ll be able to do this again next year,” I told them, hoping it would make them feel better about having to leave. 

Ok, but we still wish we could stay longer.” 

I had them gather their belongings and then they loaded into the car.  They were a little crowded in the backseat, since there were four of them this time, so Gus had Glen sit on his lap until I dropped Jason off.  He thanked me and said he’d had fun once again, and then I waited until I saw him enter the house.  Once he was inside, I backed out of the driveway and headed in the direction of the apartment building. 

I didn’t see Cheryl’s car parked anywhere when I dropped the other three off, and they thanked me and said they’d had fun too.  Once they disappeared from sight, Noah and I returned to the house, and I saw Cheryl’s car in the driveway as I pulled into the other side.  After we went inside, Noah and I went over to see her. 

Did you have fun last night, Mom?” Noah asked. 

I certainly did.  How about you, honey?” 

Yeah, we had a blast.” 

I’m glad to hear that.  Oh, and Debbie and Monica told me to thank you for taking the boys and sending the wine for us to enjoy,” she said as she turned toward me.  “We all got a little buzz before we fell asleep, and we had a lot of fun watching the chick flicks too.”

Then it was worth it,” I confirmed.  “If you don’t mind, I’m going next door to watch the bowl games.” 

Can I come with you?” Noah asked when he heard my comment. 

It’s fine with me, as long as your mother doesn’t mind.” 

No, not at all.  You boys have fun and I’ll let you know when it’s time to eat.” 

Do you think you can plan our meals to coincide with halftime for the various games?” 

I’ll come over so you can tell me when that will be, and then I’ll plan accordingly.” 

Thanks.  That will be greatly appreciated.” 

It’s exactly what Noah and I did for the rest of the day, and we only got to spend time with Cheryl when we ate together.  When we finally went to bed later, we realized the holidays were officially over for another year and it was time to return to our normal routines once again. 



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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.