Date: Sat, 4 Feb 2023 21:55:48 -0500 From: JJ Rockwood Subject: Zachary All Grown Up Chapter 100 Zachary All Grown Up Chapter 100 By JJ [ jjrockwood000@gmail.com ] THIS NEW YEAR LET ALL OF US MAKE A RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT AND DONATE TO NIFTY!!! I hope everyone had a good Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, Festivus or whatever you celebrate. I want to wish everyone a Happy New Year!! Chapter 100 Christmas is upon us. Zachary and I went to the gym this morning and ran into Sebastian as we were finishing up. We exchanged Merry Christmas and left. It was strange that Zachary was coming home with me; he was using the last of his vacation days. I decided we would stop at the diner for breakfast as a change of pace. Zachary says 'Wow this is a good idea.' I answer 'We haven't eaten out just the two of us in like forever.' Zachary says 'I can't believe I am finished with everything except for making cookies with Stephen. How did you and Sr. make out with the air hockey table?' I answer 'With the two of us it still took almost two hours to assemble. But this table should last them forever it is sturdy and solid.' Zachary asks 'Can we handle getting it in the cellar?' I laugh 'It is heavy but not awkward to handle.' Our knees would brush up against each other every now and then and we would both smile at one another. I say 'I'm surprised you wanted to go workout at the same time we normally do.' Zachary laughs 'I guess you are rubbing off on me. I knew I had a lot to get done today and I wanted to get things done and out of the way. I bet you are happy we did.' I answer 'I would be lying if I said no. Doesn't it feel good that here it is a little after seven in the morning and we are out having breakfast?' Zachary smiles and says 'Yes but don't get used to it. Maybe tomorrow if Stephen doesn't sleep over.' My turn to laugh and say 'Hey take small steps and I would really be surprised if doesn't want to sleep over. So I think you are safe' Zachary gave me a devilish grin. At home we did laundry and I made a last minute shopping list. Zachary went over to Maria's and I texted Charlie. I wished him a Merry Christmas and a safe trip. I called my daughter to see if they needed help with anything and with Sr. home this past week they were like me everything was under control and on schedule. I told her I was going shopping in the morning and to let me know if she needed anything. I also received a text from Matt and Marc verifying our reservations at their B&B for the MLK weekend next month. It was only 9:30 and I decided to go sit in my recliner. I lit the tree and put on Christmas music. I must have dosed off because I awoke to someone groping me. Of course it was Zachary and he kissed me and whispered 'Let's go downstairs. I have everything set up.' Downstairs I found the couch covered with a sheet, there was cocoa butter and towels. Zachary took me in his arms and kissed me hard. I could feel his boner against mine and we undressed fast. I just about sat on the couch and he was on my lap. I smiled to myself as he groped, mauled and almost squeezed the breath out of me. I whispered 'Babe take it easy it is like you are trying to morph into me.' He smiled 'You don't understand I can't get enough of holding and touching you.' I answered 'I love you so much.' He blushed and says 'I love you too.' It wasn't long that I was pushing my cock against his ring. I almost cum every time I enter him just from the shuddering and the moan that escapes him. The two of us try to make it last but we are lucky if we go twenty to thirty minutes before either one or both of us get off. We stayed there till I go soft and he starts to leak. Then there is a mad dash upstairs where we both shower. I say 'I'm going down to spray downstairs so it doesn't smell.' Zachary starts making the cookie dough. I leave to go meet the bus and surprise my grandsons. It is gray and feels like snow but nothing so far in the forecast. The bus pulls up and stops there are a few more kids this year than before at this bus stop. Of course my grandsons are near the end of the line seeing that Eric is in the oldest group now. They are both surprised but I think happy to see me. Stephen is loaded with things and Eric is helping him. I ask 'So how was your last day?' Eric says 'Great we had a party and only did a little school work.' Stephen says 'Yeah we had a party and my teacher gave us all a present. How many days are we off for?' Eric says 'Including weekends eleven. I will mark your calendar later.' Stephen says 'Molly kissed Eric goodbye on the bus.' I laugh. Eric says 'How do you know?' Stephen says 'I turned around and saw it and so did Jacob. Did she give you a present? I gave Jacob a present and he gave me one too.' Eric says 'Yeah we gave each other presents.' I ask 'Will you see her over vacation?' Eric answers 'No Papa maybe not till near New Year they are going to spend Christmas with her grandparents.' Stephen asks 'Where is Zachary?' I answer 'Making the dough for your cookies.' Stephen says 'My mom wants to come home and change and put things away before I can come over.' I say 'I was going to suggest that maybe even rest your eyes for a minute.' Stephen laughs 'Papa I'm too old to take a nap.' I answer 'No one is ever too old to take a nap.' We get to their house and DJ and Meat are shooting hoops. When Meat sees Eric he lights right up but Eric plays it cool. Eric looks at me and rolls his eyes. I help the boys in with their things and leave. By the time I get home Zachary is finished with both cookie doughs and is cleaning up. I help him wash everything and put it away. I give him the update about Stephen and then we go and relax in the other room. I light the tree and the fireplace and Zachary puts on some Christmas music. The two of us were on the couch for almost an hour when the phone rang. Zachary lifted his head off my chest and whispers 'Guess who?' I laugh as we struggle to untangle ourselves. I answer 'Yes Stephen.' Stephen says 'Papa I'm ready can you meet me outside?' As I was about to answer Zachary says 'Tell him not to forget the cookie cutters.' I say 'Stephen your pal says not to forget the cookie cutters.' Stephen answers 'I did forget I will get them and meet me in a little time.' I get my hat and shoes on and head out. As I cross the street I can hear him singing 'Good King Wenceslas' in the distance. He spots me and smiles and we head home. Inside he hands Zachary the bag of cookie cutters and sheds his jacket, hat, gloves and boots. I ask 'Did you eat lunch and rest your eyes?' Stephen answers 'Yeah I rested my eyes for a little time. Eric says it was about 20 minutes or so. Mom made me and Eric a peanut butter and banana sandwich.' I ask 'No jelly. Where were DJ and Stuart?' He answers 'Stuart is resting his eyes and DJ was doing something with Meat in the basement and Eric stayed with me in my room watching TV. Oh and Mom forgot to put jelly on them but they were good anyway.' I thought to myself maybe my little talk with Eric had paid off. Stephen says 'Zachary let's make cookies. Papa I am sleeping here tonight and tomorrow night okay.' I laugh 'Tonight yes, we have to see what your parents say about tomorrow they may want you home. After all I have a lot of fish to clean on Saturday morning.' Stephen says ignoring me 'Okay maybe I will. Hey Zachary I have no school for eleven days.' They make four dozen cut out sugar cookies that they will frost and decorate later. Then they knocked off six dozen press cookies or spritz. Stephen was in pig heaven exclaiming 'We have enough to eat for a long time.' Zachary says 'Yeah I will freeze some of the press cookies that should keep you in cookies for a month.' Stephen says 'Maybe I have been walking on the treadmill when I'm here and go up and down the stairs at home with DJ sometimes and I haven't had any cookies at home or at Noni's.' Zachary says 'See I told you that you can do it. What are we watching tonight?' Stephen answers 'You and Papa pick out the movie or TV show.' I say 'Seriously there is nothing you want to watch.' Stephen shakes his head and says 'Tomorrow I will.' I help them with the cleanup and Zachary puts all the spritz cookies away in tins. They decide to frost the sugar cookies tomorrow after breakfast. For supper we have leftovers I need room for the fish on Saturday and tomorrow we have to go over to Maria's for supper she needs to clean out her refrigerators. After supper's cleanup I sit with my grocery list and coffee and the other two have eggnog. I say 'Stephen let's get your shower out of the way so we can take ours.' I just about get the last word out of my mouth and he is up the stairs. He is half undressed by the time I get into the bathroom of course singing a carol. Zachary comes up with warm towels and he scampers off into his room. I follow him and ask 'Where are you sleeping tonight?' Stephen says 'In here with my tree if I stay tomorrow I will sleep with you in your room with your tree.' I answer 'Fair enough.' After he is dressed in his pajamas and on our way downstairs he sticks his head in the bathroom and says 'Zachary hurry up so we can watch a movie and Papa can take his shower.' When Zachary comes back downstairs Stephen says 'Papa go shower so we can watch a movie.' I go up and shower and Stephen runs up with warm towels as I am rinsing off and laughs and yells 'Woo hoo your butt is as hairy as DJ's and Zachary's.' I yell back 'Don't laugh too hard yours may be just as hairy or maybe hairier.' Stephen says 'No Papa no.' I get dressed and go downstairs and ask 'Zachary what do you want to watch?' Zachary answers 'I don't know you and I will watch 'The Bishop's Wife' Christmas Eve or day. We have seen almost every other Christmas movie.' I say 'Ok let's try 'Holiday Inn' if you don't like it we will watch something else.' Stephen says 'My Mom likes that movie she watches it when she wraps presents. Ewww there is singing in it.' I answer 'Well that is my choice put it on.' Stephen actually enjoyed parts of the movie. He asked a few questions at the end he says 'Papa why can't we have snow like that for Christmas?' I answer 'We did two years ago but who knows.' We all head up to bed and it doesn't take long for all of us to be asleep. I was up, did the treadmill, lifted and showered by the time Anthony picked me up. We met up with Mario and Maria at the store getting last minute things also. She reminded me again about supper tonight. As we were checking out my daughter and son-in-law were coming in. She asked 'Dad do you have room for some milk and eggnog for a day or two? I answer 'I already planned on it drop it off on your way home or have one of the boys bring it over when they come to use the treadmill.' We drop Anthony's groceries off and head back to my house. We go in and it is quiet. Anthony says 'Not a creature was stirring not even a mouse.' I laugh 'It is only 8:30. I'm sure once they smell breakfast they will get up.' Anthony had coffee, an English muffin and asks 'What time do you want to start tomorrow?' I answer 'If you don't mind can you be here for eight or so. This way we can eat afterwards and I really don't want to spend the whole morning cleaning fish.' Anthony answers 'How about I am here for seven-thirty or even seven. Just give me a cup of coffee to get started and we can knock it off fast. It only took us about an hour or so last year.' I say 'You don't mind coming that early?' He says 'Big brother like you I am always up early. No I don't mind at all. Then we can enjoy breakfast, relax and catch-up.' I answer 'It's a plan.' Anthony gets up to leave as Stephen is coming down they both say 'Fear not for unto you today I say good morning.' They hug each other and Anthony is out the door. I serve him his breakfast and sit and have mine. I ask 'Did you check on Zachary?' He nods and swallows some oatmeal and says 'He is buried under the covers and I didn't want to wake him yet. We have a lot of cookies to do.' While we are eating he is humming and I say 'After you two finish your cookies call your parents and see if you can sleep over again.' I get a big smile and he nods okay. Zachary comes down as Stephen and I are getting a second helping. Zachary gets his oatmeal and grabs a muffin and says 'After we eat we will knock off the cookies so they can dry and we can pack them away.' Stephen says 'Okay then we can do other things.' Breakfast finished the island is filled with cookies, frosting, sprinkles, etc. I go up and make the beds and straighten up. It didn't take them long to frost and decorate all the cookies. As they were cleaning up the phone rang and DJ and Eric wanted to come over and use the treadmill and lift. Zachary told them to wait an hour or so he wanted to use it. Stephen asked if he could spend another night and he was given permission. Zachary went down to run and Stephen and I put everything else away. When Zachary finished Stephen wanted to get on it. I got him on and let him walk at a brisk walk for about twenty minutes. I had to laugh after he finished he says 'Papa I feel good like I can run a race.' I answer 'That is good that means you like exercising.' I wonder if a six year old can experience endorphins. My other two grandsons arrived as Stephen was finishing up. DJ says 'Little bro you are getting good at this. You will be a little super hero before you are ten.' Eric added 'You and I can train together for cross country.' Stephen beamed. I say 'DJ can you spot your brother while on the treadmill?' Eric moans 'Papa I'm good.' DJ says 'I will run without my buds in so I can hear him.' Eric rolls his eyes. I say 'Listen I don't want to hear any shit. It only takes a second for something to happen. Both boys turn red and Stephen turned white. DJ says 'Papa don't worry I will pay attention till he finishes.' Eric 'Sorry Papa I will be careful.' Stephen says 'Papa I want to stay here. I can watch them.' I say 'Okay yell if you need anything.' I leave to go upstairs and I hear Stephen whispers 'I never heard Papa talk like that. He is mad like Andrea gets.' Then the other two say 'Don't worry we will talk to him.' I go upstairs and Zachary is standing there smirking. He puts his hand around my waist then rubs my ass. He whispers 'You are so sexy when you get mad.' With that he grabs a handful of ass and squeezes it. I laugh 'You heard that?' He nods and I kiss him. We go into the dining room kiss a few more times and pack up all the completed cookies. After that I go down and ask 'Who is staying for lunch?' Both boys say 'No.' Now DJ is lifting and Eric is getting ready to go on the treadmill. DJ says 'Eric you should come Molly won't be back till New Year's day. What is the big deal?' Eric says 'I will be the only eighth grader there. I don't know anyone.' DJ answers 'You know me, Meat, and Mike. The other guys aren't bad and there will be some girls there too.' Stephen asks 'Can I go?' DJ says 'No you are too young maybe in a few years.' I smile that was a good answer without hurting his feelings. I say 'You want to go to a party with girls? Will I have to check you for 'love bites.' Where is the party?' Stephen looked horrified and his brothers amused. Stephen shakes his head and says 'No that's okay I don't have to go.' DJ answers 'Meat's. His parents are letting him have a few friends over. Not on New Year's Eve but the night before.' DJ looks at Eric and says 'Meat told me to invite you.' Eric snidely answers 'I'm sure he did.' DJ says 'Seriously he did.' Not knowing the reason behind the sarcastic remark. I looked at Eric and it was my turn to roll the eyes. He laughed. Eric says 'It is a week away so maybe.' With that Stephen makes kissing noises and gets swatted on the butt. I say 'Let's get you showered Eric will wait to run so he will spot DJ.' Eric says 'Go we are fine.' DJ echoes 'Go I will see you before I leave.' Stephen is showered and in his room drying off and says 'Papa look it is getting cloudy maybe snow.' I look out and answer 'It sure does look like it. Are you hungry?' Stephen answers 'No not yet but I think I'm going to stay up here for little bit and look outside.' I say 'Well get on the bed and look out and look at your tree. I will plug it in.' I did this knowing full well it was his reasoning to take a nap. As I am leaving DJ comes up to say goodbye to both of us. I leave them alone and head downstairs. Zachary is facetiming with his dad and I grab a cup of coffee. DJ tells me Stephen is asleep, he hugs me and leaves. I go down to talk to Eric. Eric is a natural at jogging. This is going to be his forte; he has agility and grace it seems like there is no effort for him to run. I watch him for some time before he realizes I'm there. He smiles and takes out his buds and says 'Where is Stephen?' I answer 'Sleeping hopefully for at least thirty minutes.' Eric says 'He is too smart for his age with a lot of things and others he is still a little kid.' I laugh 'But aren't we all.' Eric smiles and nods. I ask 'You sure you don't want to stay for lunch?' Eric says 'No I have some things to do and DJ and I discussed how we are going to be here a lot during vacation so I'm sure we will be eating breakfast or lunch with you.' I say 'Is that a promise.' Eric says 'Yes it is.' I ask 'Now tell me why you don't want to go to Meat's party.' Eric says 'Papa I was telling the truth when I told DJ I would be the youngest there and some of those guys are jerks.' I say 'Ok I can see that but your brother wants you to go with him.' Eric laughs and says 'Papa do you think DJ would want me there if he knew the real reason Meat invited me.' I laugh 'You're right I didn't think of that. Was Denny invited?' Eric answers 'Up until last night he wasn't and that is another reason I don't want to go. I don't want Denny to feel bad.' I say 'You have a good soul grandson but would Denny do that for you? Also this may be a way of having him open up his eyes about Meat.' Eric says 'I would hope Denny would but that is not the point. I don't know if he will ever want to see the real Meat. If it wasn't for you I might not have seen the real him myself.' I say 'It might have taken time but you would have. I still think you should go. Meat isn't going to try anything with DJ or the other guys there that don't know he is gay.' Eric says 'Okay I don't know I will think about it but if Molly comes back early then definitely no.' I reply 'Do what you want. I just wanted to make sure you weren't doing this out of loyalty to Denny. It would be good to get to know other athletes' He wipes down the treadmill and we head upstairs. Zachary is still talking to his Dad and Eric leaves. I go up and check on Stephen and he is lying there awake looking at his tree and out the window and I noticed he plugged in the wreaths in the windows. I ask 'What are you doing? Are you hungry?' He answers 'Just wishing it would snow. Yeah I'm hungry.' I say 'Well we can see what the weather forecast is when we go downstairs.' I rub his back and smack his butt and he gets up. Zachary is just ending his call with his Dad and comes into the kitchen. I say 'Zachary can you get the weather forecast for Stephen as I throw something together for lunch.' Zachary sits next to him and opens up his laptop. They see there is a chance of snow flurries more like mood snow than anything else. I make salads with tuna and tomatoes to use up the old romaine. After the cleanup they go and watch TV till it is time to go for supper. The two of them are in good moods. I think the excitement of Christmas is getting to them. I was surprised they were watching an old movie that really wasn't Christmas. I heard Stephen say 'There were lights on the tree in the church and nothing on the tree in their house.' Zachary answers 'Look they use oil lamps in their house and have a wood burning stove a lot of people in the farmlands didn't have electricity right away. Just like that other movie we watched with Jared.' Stephen says 'But they have cars and telephones.' Zachary says 'It is easier to run phone lines then electricity.' Stephen says 'I don't get it.' I walk in and try to explain it better but I don't think he gets it. At supper Maria asks 'Well how did your cookies come out?' Stephen says 'Not as good as yours but they taste okay.' Mario and I look at one another and wink both of us thinking what a little con man. Zachary whispers 'Suck up.' With which Stephen turns to him and smiles. Zachary says 'Noni I think they came out good but I will let you be the judge.' She asks 'What else did you do today?' Stephen answers 'Watched an old movie about a little girl and her cousin and family that lived on a farm. Noni they had no lights on their tree not even candles. The girl had to give a speech in church on Christmas Eve and didn't even say 'Fear not.' Maria says 'But the speech she gave was beautiful it makes me cry every time I see it.' Mario says 'There were circus animals in it and her and the cousin went sailing in a bathtub and almost drowned. Stephen nods and says 'She gave up her calf to the people who had a fire.' Maria says 'Didn't you two recognize her mother she plays Samantha's mother in Bewitched?' Zachary and Stephen look at each other as if a light bulb went on in their heads. Mario asks 'What is the name of that movie?' Zachary answers 'Our Vines have Tender Grapes.' Stephen says 'Yeah but I didn't see one grape other than the jelly they put on their pancakes at supper one time.' Maria laughs and hugs and kisses him and says 'You remember the pancakes huh?' Stephen nods. Another night without any dessert for the boys but they had eggnog. When we were leaving Maria told Zachary what time to be there the next morning to make the stuffing for the shrimp. On the way home Stephen says 'I think I like these red wreaths better than just plain candles. I want to buy some for my house.' Zachary answers 'When we go to Vermont next month we will look. How many windows do you have?' Stephen shrugs 'I don't know. Let's go count.' I say 'We have plenty of time to do that before we go away. Any how it is getting late.' Once inside I say 'Let's get your shower out of the way.' I didn't even finish my sentence and he took off for upstairs. By the time I got upstairs he had plugged his tree in and was half undressed. All this time he was singing his favorite carol. He got so carried away he got soap in his eyes and panicked. Zachary came up with his towels and says 'You are sleeping with Jared tonight, right?' Stephen didn't answer and Zachary spoke up 'Well if you would rather sleep in here with your tree that's okay.' Stephen says 'Okay but you or Papa can sleep in here too there is room.' I say 'Zachary and I will play 'rock, paper, scissors, Spock, lizard.' Stephen says 'I want to watch.' Zachary says 'After we all are through with our showers.' Downstairs as I was getting things setup for the morning they came into the kitchen. Zachary says 'Best two out of three.' Zachary won the first round but I won the next two. So it was decided I was sleeping in the double bed with my grandson. Zachary smiled at me knowing he was to have the bed all to himself. Stephen asks 'Zachary will you practice this tomorrow with me so I can get better at it?' Zachary says 'Sure when I come back from Noni's tomorrow.' I say 'You guys go watch what you want. I'm heading up to bed.' Neither one seemed to mind. I locked up and went upstairs. I was woken up and hour or so later with Stephen getting into bed and he whispered 'Papa goodnight I love you.' I reply 'I love you too grandson.' He says 'Papa I really like these wreaths.' I say 'I'm glad goodnight.' The next morning I got up worked out, showered, and snuck into my bed to maul Zachary who was a willing participant. I couldn't stay long it was almost seven. I looked in on Stephen plugged in his tree and turned off the window wreaths which were on all night. It was going to be a cloudy gray winter day. Anthony arrived a little after seven and we knocked off all the shrimp and cleaned up by 8:45. We sat with coffee and oatmeal. Anthony says 'Jared this taste like Mom's. Did you make it that way?' I answer 'Yes the only thing different is canned milk instead of water. I thought I told you before.' Anthony says 'You might have. I should make it while the boys are off from school they are not big fans of oatmeal.' I say 'They will like it this way. I never asked does Becky like the tree you guys got last year?' Anthony says 'You have to come over and see it. She loves it and said we should have done this years ago. Why don't you stop like last year on Christmas day we aren't going anywhere.' I say 'That is a good idea.' I start making English muffins knowing that Zachary has to go across the street. It isn't long when we hear laughing and the two of them coming down the stairs. Stephen says 'Morning Papa, Uncle Anthony.' Zachary says 'Morning guys. I will take a muffin with me. I'm running late.' Stephen says 'Don't make Noni mad. We won't get any cookies.' I wrap a muffin and he is out the door. Zachary laughs and is out the door. As I am getting him his oatmeal, I ask 'Did you turn off your tree?' Stephen says 'Yeah I have to do it at home so I just do it when I leave the room.' Anthony says 'That is a good habit to have in case something happens.' Stephen says 'I guess but my Dad gets mad.' I say 'Tell your Uncle why he gets mad.' Stephen says 'Uncle Anthony I have a big tree in my room this year with a lot of lights on it like Papa uses and he says the electricity will go up.' Anthony says 'I don't blame him for that. How big is your tree?' Stephen says 'Big.' I say 'Just a little smaller than ours.' Anthony says 'Wow you have to show it to me Christmas Eve. You are just like your Papa we had a tree in our room.' I laugh 'You mean in my room.' We talk a little more and Anthony leaves. I say 'Let's go upstairs and straighten up.' We make the beds, get Stephen washed and dressed and grab the dirty laundry. Zachary is coming in as we are coming downstairs and Eric and DJ are with him and they head downstairs. Stephen goes downstairs with his brothers and the phone rings. It is my daughter she says 'Dad do you mind if Stephen stays again tonight? It is totally up to you. I want him to be home for at least three or four days and this will be a good negotiating strategy with him. A six year old I have to do this with plus it will help me get things done here I can put the other three to work and they can take care of themselves.' I laugh 'Of course he can stay and I really don't think you will have a problem with him wanting to stay home with DJ and Eric as long as they are around and he will probably come over when they work out. She says 'Dad do you and Zachary have plans for New Year's Eve? I may need you to babysit again if you can.' I answer 'Let me check with Zachary I don't know if he wants to do something.' Andrea says 'Of course I can always have my mother-in-law stay here.' We hang up and I go and sit in my recliner. Zachary comes in and kisses me. I ask 'What are the boys doing?' Zachary answers 'DJ is lifting and Eric is spotting him and Stephen is asking a lot of questions.' I say 'Andrea asked if we could babysit New Year's again. I told her I have to check with you.' He looks at me and answers 'Someday I would like to but that would be just a romantic dinner. Right now I'm fine staying home with you and the boys.' I say 'Are you sure? I can say No and we can have a nice quiet dinner here or find someplace to go out and eat.' Zachary looks at me upset and says 'Jared please stop feeling you that you aren't treating me like your partner. You are and you do. We are alone here four nights every week; we are going away in a few weeks. I'm sure the next few or more nights Stephen will have to stay home. So stop please.' I get up and hug and kiss him and say 'Okay I get it and I will try to stop.' We hug and kiss again and say 'Oh he is staying over again tonight. You are smart Andrea told me he will be home for a few days she wants him home.' Zachary says 'Oh boy that won't sit well with him the way the holidays fall this year all of us go back to work and school January 2.' I say 'Geez even I forgot about that. That sucks.' I go downstairs and DJ is running and Eric is finishing lifting with Stephen watching him. Stephen says 'Do I have to go home with my brothers?' I answer 'Only if you want to. Your Mom asked if you could stay another night.' Stephan says 'Yeah another night!' DJ and Eric laugh and Stephen takes off to use the bathroom. I say 'Poor kid doesn't realize he will sleeping at home probably for the next four nights. It will be up to you to entertain him.' DJ and Eric both say 'Really?' I say 'Yeah your Mom wants all of you together for a few days.' DJ rolls his eyes. I laugh and say 'Well how often is it that all of you are together doing things?' DJ mumbles 'Yeah I get it.' I then say 'I was asked to babysit again this New Year's where are you guys going or doing?' DJ says 'Right now I will be with you. Meat's party is on the thirtieth and after that party last year no one is having anything.' Eric says 'I will be with Molly. I am going over to her house.' I ask 'What about Stuart?' Eric says 'The A/V club is having something he is sleeping over one of guy's houses.' DJ laughs 'The tool is the only one with plans.' Eric says 'Papa I will bring my sleeping bag over?' I say 'Why?' Eric says 'Where are we all going to sleep?' I answer 'You and DJ can sleep in Stephen's bed and Stephen will sleep with Zachary and me.' Eric says 'Are you sure? I don't mind.' I say 'Eric unless someone gets sick from now till then it will be fine. Zachary just reminded me do you guys realize everyone goes back to school and work on January 2?' Both grandsons look at me and DJ groans 'Papa we are not trying to think about it but that is why Eric and I have finished all our assignments; next week is going to fly by. I don't think Stephen knows it though. He's gonna be pissed because Christmas will be over and then have to go back to school the next day right after New Year.' Eric says 'Especially if the 'rents do like last year and took a lot of the stuff for the New Year.' I forgot all about that because of the big snow we had coming even my outdoor stuff was pulled in. The boys finished and left and the three of us had lunch. The rest of the day flew by. I got up Christmas Eve morning and had my routine done by 6:30. After I showered I climbed back into bed with Zachary. Stephen slept with me last night. I spooned him and whispered 'Merry Christmas Eve. Do you realize we haven't had sex in two days?' Zachary turned over our boners playing dueling swords, kissed me and giggles and it will probably be another two days before we will so get over it.' I got on top of him and pinned him and say 'Get over it.' Zachary rolling his eyes to top of his head sighs and whispers 'Take me Stud.' I laugh and kiss him and say 'I love you.' He whispers 'I love you more.' We kiss and mess around until I hear Stephen run into the bathroom and I grab my towel and quietly go downstairs. I put on coffee and run back up to find him in bed looking at the tree in my room. I ask 'Are you hungry?' He answers 'A little. Did you lift and run? Can you stay with me for a little while?' I say 'Yes I did. Let me get dressed and finish making the coffee and I will be back.' I climb into bed and ask 'What are you thinking about?' Stephen answers I like this tree even though it has the little lights on it. Papa but it needs more old ornaments there are still a lot of the new ones on it.' I say 'Maybe we will find some when we go away. What do you want for breakfast?' Stephen says 'Can we have eggs and ham in a wrap or on an English muffin. No wait I want those eggs that you boil and I can dunk bread into them.' I say 'That is a good idea we haven't had them in some time.' The rest of the day is spent doing chores that won't get done for the next few days. Zachary ran across the street to see his dad when he arrived and Stephen is watching Christmas movies that are on TCM and holiday episodes that are on the retro stations that they have seen a hundred times. I get Stephen showered and dressed before we start cooking the shrimp. We sit for dinner at 5:30 everything was perfect and great. Stephen took Anthony up too see his tree. Anthony says 'You are just like your grandfather. What a great tree and I like your nativity. You should come over tomorrow with Jared to see our tree.' Stephen says 'Okay.' Downstairs Maria suggested that the two of them do their gospel verse from St. Luke. Stephen stood next to a sitting Anthony and the both of them started 'Fear not' and continued without missing a word. I looked at my brother and grandson and my eyes filled up and the only a few noticed. That was Zachary, my brother and his eyes filled up and my grandson Eric who came over and squeezed my shoulder. Of course Andrea and Maria had to wipe their eyes and Becky beamed at her husband. Dan clapped and says Stephen you have a terrific memory and I hope you never lose it.' Dessert was brought out and everyone told Stephen and Zachary their cookies were good. Again Becky's pignoli cookies were great just like my Dad's. Before they left both Anthony and Becky told me make sure to stop tomorrow night for coffee. Anthony says 'I also invited Stephen too so bring him. I'm sure the boys will want to see him. I can't get over how they still get along with all your grandsons seeing they are in different schools' I answer 'First they have our personalities and they are getting older. Who knows they may all end up at the same high school?' Mario, Maria and Dan left soon after. Zachary and I helped carry the pans and leftovers before we left Maria says 'We are eating for 1:30 and Jared I won't force you to come eat dinner but I expect you for dessert. I told Andrea I would like Stephen to come over too.' She hugs and kisses me and I say 'I will see you for dessert. Thank you.' Before we go back we run home to get the French toast casseroles for the morning and to drop off my leftovers. Stephen is with his brothers hanging their stockings when we get back. While we are alone Sr. says 'I will text you when they are asleep. Hopefully I will be awake.' I laugh 'Me too.' I say goodnight to my grandsons they seem to be tired after all it is after bedtime. I say 'Andrea text me after you guys open your presents and are ready to put the French toast in. On the way home we hold hands and look at the stars and all our houses lit up all the lights will be on all night. Inside I say 'I have to take a shower, I have gotten sweaty and gross all night.' Zachary says 'We still have to move the hockey table.' I moan 'Geez your right.' We go sit in the living room and look at the tree and fireplace. Zachary puts on TCM and we start watching a holiday movie. About twenty minutes later Sr. texts and we head over. It actually with the three of us does not take long to get into the cellar. Twenty-five minutes later we are home and I or I should say 'we' jumped in the shower. As beat as I was I did manage to get myself and Zachary off. He went to bed and I went down to make sure everything was secure. I got into bed and whispered 'Merry Christmas.' Zachary answers 'Merry Christmas what time is it?' I answer 'Almost eleven.' Zachary says 'Hmmm night.' I kiss him and close my eyes. Christmas morning I am wide awake at five. I get up and piss and jump back into bed. Zachary says 'Your feet are cold but your boner is like a piece of hot iron.' I laugh 'Rub my feet they will warm up fast.' He rubs my feet with his and snuggles into my chest. He says 'Merry Christmas.' I answer 'Merry Christmas.' We kiss and he is sleeping again. I lay there thinking we can go to the gym tomorrow early and then wherever he wants to go shopping if he wants to. I know I don't need anything and then maybe breakfast. Finally after sleeping for not that long I get up and go down and make myself coffee. I'm surprised Zachary is down before the coffee is finished not that he drinks it. I say 'Wow you are up.' He smiles 'It's almost seven. I'm sure we are going to get a call at any time. I'm going to bring down their presents.' I just finished my coffee and the phone rang. It was Stephen. He says 'Merry Christmas Papa. Mom says to come over and thanks for the air hockey game.' I say 'We will be over in fifteen minutes.' Zachary comes down with three filled bags and says 'We could walk it isn't that cold out.' We get dressed and leave. Stephen opens up the back door and we go inside. The boys are gathering all the wrapping paper from the first round. I ask 'When did you guys get up?' DJ answers Stephen woke us up at six.' Andrea is finishing off the bacon and sausages and says 'Wait for me. I want to see what Zachary and Papa gave you.' The boys say 'Thanks for the air hockey Zachary and Papa.' Andrea comes in and round two begins. The boys like their ice skates, clothes and gift cards and so do the parents. Now it is our turn we both get hats, sweatshirts, and Zachary gets gift cards and I get gift cards for BJ's. Stephen gives us both things he made in school for our work benches. After breakfast the boys go down to play the air hockey and Stephen calls Maria to wish her Merry Christmas. She tells him to come over for dessert but not before his other grandmother leaves. Zachary goes down to play along with Stephen. Sr. and I help clean up the breakfast mess and the wrapping paper. They are eating for 1pm and again I give my daughter instructions on reheating everything. We all go down and set the table while the boys play. I look at Zachary and give him a sign I am ready to go. They were almost finished and I looked at my grandsons and seeing the fun they were having I was glad I got this. We say goodbye and head home and decide to stop and say Merry Christmas to the grandparents. We go up the back steps and Maria says 'I'm glad you stopped come in I just made fresh coffee for Dan. We all exchanged greetings and sat down. There was coffee and panettone and biscotti. I ask 'You are not going over Roseanna's later?' Maria says 'Not till tomorrow. We will go in the afternoon and just to pick and have dessert. Her family is growing and her kids have decided to take turns having the holiday which is better for her.' I say 'That is good. That they realize the work that goes into it.' Mario agrees and says 'But like you and us she still makes a lot of the traditional stuff for them.' I say 'I can understand that but if I didn't do it. Then it wouldn't be like Christmas.' Maria agrees and says 'Plus when you have six kids under six and it is easier that they are in their own house.' I say 'That is true we were all hauled off to our grandparents there wasn't any excuse for not going other short of death. Being the oldest I enjoyed it my sisters use to get whiney and so did Michael come to think of it.' Zachary says 'Noni do want us to set the dining room table before we go?' Maria says 'No there will be only the four of us maybe five looking at me. Why create the mess?' Mario laughs 'I could have told you that.' Maria says 'This kitchen is huge.' I add 'Homey and warm. That is always the perk about having a big eat in kitchen plus a bigger dining room.' I get up to leave and tell them I will see them at dessert. Zachary kisses them and we are out the door. At home Zachary brings our presents upstairs by the time he comes down I am on the couch. He snuggles next to me and says 'Let's do our presents now we have a long time till I have to go to over for dinner.' I moan but get up to get what I have hidden. We both come back loaded with presents. I say 'I told you not to buy a lot I really didn't need anything so why?' He laughs 'I said the same thing what is your excuse? I say 'I asked first.' Zachary says 'Because I love you and wanted to.' I say 'Hey that was my reasoning.' So now we separate the piles and start opening. It was all the standards workout clothes, running shoes and work boots and of course white socks. I did surprise him and get new floor liners for his Explorer. He in turn got me two vintage Pyres coffee pots a large and a medium brand new in their boxes. Also spare parts for the inside which are also glass. I ask 'Where did you find these?' Zachary says 'Online a guy was cleaning out his dad's hardware store and this was all new/old stock. I remember you saying these pots make the best coffee. I bought enough of the inside parts so that you can use your mom's before you use these. I also got these for you and my Poppi and he empties a bag of GE outside replacement Christmas bulbs. The other Christmas stuff there was wasn't anything we could use but you look later and there are a lot of other household things.' I grabbed him and kissed him and say 'Thank you these are some of the best presents I ever got. They must have cost a fortune.' Zachary says 'I bet you spent more on my floor liners than I did. Either people weren't looking for this stuff I don't know. I was the only bidder on the pots and lights but the spare parts I had to watch right up to the last minute. Let's take a look and see what this guy has left.' He comes back with his laptop and says 'Here look there is still plenty of things some are ending today.' I go and sit at the island as Zachary picks up the wrapping paper and puts our gifts by the tree. I looked at the Christmas things first, granted they were from the 50's and 60's but nothing we could use. I looked at the Pyrex and saw some things that I could use and get for Andrea. I gave her my wife's bowls, etc. since I had my Mom's. I told Zachary to bid on about eight things and we would know by tomorrow night whether we won or not. After all of that we went back to the couch he still had an hour or so before his dinner. We both nodded off and good thing the phone rang Zachary just had enough time to wash up and change. The phone call was from my son Chris and his family. Before he left I told Zachary to give me enough time to change and clean up. We kissed and he left. I had a nice long conversation with my son, his wife and granddaughters. I told Chris that we would definitely be out there this summer. With Covid restrictions and everything else it has been two years since we had seen one another and that was at Andrea's for Thanksgiving in Virginia. Chris and I email every day at work and Andrea and him text often. After the call I heat up some of the left over manicotti from last night. I'm not that hungry and I eat an orange. Zachary text me and says to be over in twenty minutes. I clean up and change clothes grab their presents and head across the street. I have a cup of coffee with Sambuca. The grandparents like their presents. Dan insists that Zachary and I to visit him this spring. We talk about work and he really loves his job and is happy Zachary is doing well in the shop. Maria says 'Stephen should be calling anytime. It is almost 3:30.' Zachary laughs 'He is probably handing his grandmother her hat and coat.' Dan says 'The little guy reminds me so much of you Zachary at that age. Don't you think so Ma?' Maria says 'Yes he does even your father gets a kick out of him.' Just then the phone rings and Maria answers 'Yes of course make sure you button your coat. Yes he is here.' Not even three minutes later the bell rings and in walks Stephen carrying gifts and he yells 'Merry Christmas.' Zachary helps him off with his coat, gloves, and hat. Stephen takes off his boots and put on slippers. Zachary says 'You have slippers here too. I'm not surprised.' Stephen laughs and says 'I have a lot of stuff here.' Maria says 'That's right.' Sitting between Mario and me he has eggnog and is munching on a cookie. I ask 'How was your dinner?' Stephen says 'Good I had manicotti and some shrimp.' Maria says 'Did your grandmother leave?' Stephen says 'Yeah she had a good time she beat Stuart and Eric at air hockey she was good at it. My dad says she played a lot when he had one like it. Zachary guess what she gave us money for our bank books and a 100 dollar bill each for us to but what we want.' Zachary says 'Don't lose it.' Stephen says 'No I will give it to you or Papa this week and you can put it with my money you know where.' Zachary says 'Good idea.' Dan says 'You hold his money?' Stephen says 'Him and Papa have it hidden there. I have money there and hidden in my room. DJ and Papa count it for me.' Dan asks 'How do you earn your money?' Stephen answers 'In the summer I have to weed Papa's, Mario's and my Dad's garden and I get an allowance for doing stuff at home.' After the eggnog and a few cookies he heads to the bathroom.' While in there Maria tells Dan the story why he started saving money. Dan says 'They sold his toys on Ebay?' I answer 'They tried they weren't old enough so they returned bottles tried to have a tag sale. I think he had close to a couple hundred dollars saved up and he realized DJ would have to come with him. DJ was the only one who knew why he needed the money and I was told and had to keep the secret.' Maria says 'He wanted to come up here so bad he wanted to take an Uber.' I added 'Once the parents found out and along with Sr.'s dad passing they decided to move back to Connecticut.' Dan says 'That boy is going far in life just like my son is.' I was happy that Dan showed a surprising show of emotion toward his son and by the look on Zachary's face I knew he was too. Stephen came out and Mario suggested that he go into the living room to open his presents. The three of them went and I can hear Stephen say 'Thank you' more times than ever. They come back and he had all the wrapping paper and Mario is carrying the presents. Stephen says 'Zachary look what Noni gave me. It is a Christmas cookie cookbook and I got white socks like you guys wear and a gift card to get more pieces to my nativity.' Zachary says 'This will make you want to read all the more.' Stephen says 'Now it is your turn.' He then gives out the presents he brought. Stephen got Mario new work gloves and a knit hat and a book on bocce techniques. Maria got a gift card for more pieces to her village, oven mitts, pot holders and a figure of two young boys one older and the other younger eating a cookie for her village. Stephen says 'My mom says they look like Zachary and me.' Maria says 'Darn they do, thank you.' Maria says 'It's almost 5:30 who's hungry how about some soup, sandwich or both?' The two boys split a lamb sandwich and all of us have a bowl of barley soup. The soup and the lamb are their favorites after eating Mario and I clean up and load the dishwasher for Maria while the boys munch on cookies. I say 'We have to leave I have to stop at my brother's before I go home.' Stephen says 'Noni I have to go too Uncle Anthony wants me to see his tree.' Maria says 'That's okay this is what Christmas is all about visiting friends and family. We have to go to my sister's tomorrow so I will see at some time while you are home.' Stephen says 'Yeah my mom wants us to do some things too.' Mario gruffly says 'Hey you have to do it; it isn't that often that all of you are home at the same time.' Stephen answers 'Yeah I guess. Thank you for all the neat presents.' They answer 'Thank you too.' Maria says 'In a few days you will come for supper so we finish up all the leftovers all of you.' Stephen hugs her and says 'Yea!' Outside I ask 'Are you guys up to walking?' Stephen says 'Okay but what about my presents?' Zachary says 'We can put them in the house and get them on the way back.' It is only a fifteen minute walk to Anthony's it isn't that cold and the sky is cloudy. On the way Stephen and Zachary rate the decorations. When we get to Anthony's Stephen is shocked and surprised. Anthony's house and bushes are decorated with big colored lights and all the front windows have the same lighted wreaths as ours. We knock and the first thing out of Stephen's mouth is 'Uncle Anthony your house looks a million times better than last year. It's cool.' Anthony laughs 'Thanks I guess. How come?' Stephen answers 'Cuz you are using the right kind of lights.' Anthony says 'Ahh okay I see. Then wait till you see our tree.' Stephen says 'Wow it is neat just like Papa's.' They did do a good job on their tree and the old lights are the best. After that Stephen finds his cousins and they show him their presents. In the kitchen I apologize for my grandson. Becky says 'Apologize for what he is just like his Uncle. Anthony has been known to be outspoken over the years.' We all laugh at that. We have a nice visit and Becky told us her parents are coming up for either spring break or Easter to visit all their kids. Anthony asks 'When do you want to do our shopping next weekend? We will probably have to go at some point this week for essentials.' I answer 'Not sure yet either Sunday or Monday. I may have two or three grandsons sleeping over. Not that it makes a difference other than what I want to do for breakfast. I will let you know.' Becky says 'The boys don't realize they go back to school on the 2nd.' I reply 'Stephen doesn't realize it either and to tell you the truth I am not that happy about it myself.' Anthony says 'Boo Hoo get over it.' Becky smacks him and says 'That is because he has to go to work this coming Wednesday and Thursday.' I laugh 'You are your own boss. You can do whatever you want.' We talk a little more and then leave. It's almost eight when we get home and Zachary runs in and gets Stephen's gifts. Zachary says 'Goodnight I will see you in a few days. Have fun and thanks again for the presents.' They hug and we proceed home the long way. On the way I ask 'Well did you have a good Christmas?' Stephen says 'Yes Papa it was.' I say 'What do your parents have planned for you guys?' He answers 'I think the movies, ice skating and going out to eat and maybe shopping tomorrow.' I say 'Wow all those things will be fun.' Stephen says 'I know.' Inside the boys are already showered watching TV and the parents are downstairs breaking down the dining room table. Stephen shows them his presents and is told to go take his shower it's getting late. I say goodnight and go upstairs and help him with his presents upstairs and put them under his tree. DJ comes up and gets him in the shower and I leave. When I get home Zachary has gotten our gym stuff ready for tomorrow and is waiting for me so we can shower. After showering and getting off and as we are drying off Zachary says 'I'm going to bed.' I go down with a towel wrapped around me and lock up all the lights stay on again all night as is tradition. In bed I ask 'Are we going shopping after the gym?' Zachary says 'We should get some wrapping paper and cards but I don't think anything else unless something catches your eye. Maybe some new stuff for the cemetery blankets.' I say 'Ok what time do we have to be at the gym by?' Zachary says 'To be safe 5-5:15 the stores open at seven.' I get up and set the alarm for 4:30 and climb back into bed. I ask him like I asked Stephen 'Did you have a good Christmas?' Zachary says 'Of course every Christmas I spend with you and our families is good.' I nibble at his neck and whisper 'Merry Christmas.' He turns over and kisses me and replies 'I love you. Merry Christmas.' I kiss him back and say 'I love you more.' He giggles and says 'I know.' JJ EVERYONE GIVE WHAT YOU CAN. DONATE TO NIFTY. THANKS.