Date: Sat, 25 Feb 2023 09:15:00 -0500 From: JJ Rockwood Subject: Zachary All Grown Up Chapter 101 Zachary All Grown Up Chapter 101 By JJ [ jjrockwood000@gmail.com ] HEY LET US ALL GIVE WHAT WE CAN TO KEEP NIFTY ALIVE!!! IT HAS GIVEN EVERYONE COUNTLESS HOURS OF ENJOYMENT!! Chapter 101 It is Thursday December 28 at 7:30am. Zachary and I have been going to the gym and then stopping at the diner for breakfast. I have only seen DJ and Eric when they have come over to work out and then they leave to go on a family outing. I have only talked to Stephen a few times and he seems to be having a good time. Zachary says 'We are eating at the grandparent's tonight. My grandmother just reminded me. She also invited Stephen.' I say 'Well I'm sure he will be sleeping over if not tonight definitely tomorrow. There are only four nights before Monday.' Zachary made a face 'Don't remind me.' I laugh 'I'm not crazy about it either.' Zachary says 'You know I like going out for breakfast after we work out we should do this every time we are off and are alone.' I say 'You know we can also do an early supper after work we don't always have to rush right home or do our chores and then go grab something to eat.' Zachary says 'Maybe we can start in the spring. Right now I don't think I want to go home then go back out in the dark and cold. I want to hibernate.' I ask 'How old are you?' Zachary laughs 'Twenty-one going on twenty-two in five months. So what if I don't like the cold and dark.' I reply 'I get it.' At home while laundry is getting done Zachary and I are putting all our Christmas presents away. There is a knock at the backdoor and three out of the four grandsons enter. The two older ones say 'Morning' and head downstairs. Stephen looks at some of our presents sitting on the island and moans 'Papa not you too!' I look at him and say 'Not me too what.' Stephen says 'Putting all the presents away that means the tree is coming down. My mom made us bring all our things up to our rooms last night to put away.' I laugh 'You can't keep the stuff under there forever. It looks messy. I'm sure your mom will keep the tree up till the 'Epiphany.' He replies 'I don't know my dad already told us we have to help take the lights down Saturday.' I say 'I may do that myself but you still have your trees in both your rooms.' Stephen says 'Yeah I guess. I'm not taking them down till Easter.' I laugh 'Whatever you want they are yours.' He says 'Yeah they are. I'm going downstairs to watch them.' I answer 'Ok' and head upstairs with the last of the presents. Zachary says 'I don't think he realizes yet when he is going back to school.' I nod. By the time we get everything put away they are finished and I ask 'Anyone staying for lunch?' Eric answers 'I can't Papa. Molly is back and we are going to the library so she can finish a paper.' DJ says 'The library why not do it online.' Eric looks at him then DJ goes 'Duh alone time.' They laugh. DJ says 'I can stay for lunch.' I look at Stephen and he says 'Me too.' Eric hugs me and leaves and I start getting things ready. Zachary asks 'Do you have a schedule for winter training from the coach?' DJ answers 'No but Mike's older brother says we should start by the middle of January.' Zachary says 'Unless Coach is busy you will but no later than the end of the month.' I ask 'So who is staying here New Year's Eve?' DJ answers 'Definitely Stephen but I think Eric and I may be able to stay home. Papa I'm 15.' I say 'I get it' and I nod toward Stephen who is quiet. DJ rolls his eyes then says 'Well maybe seeing next year I will be 16 and a junior I probably won't be around I will come and hang out with you guys' and he nudges his brother who smiles. Lunch is chicken soup and grilled cheese sandwiches. DJ says 'I don't think we will get to use our sleds this year. There is no snow in the forecast for the next ten days. Nothing is even frozen so we can ice skate.' Zachary asks 'Didn't you guys go ice skating the other day?' DJ answers 'Yeah but the place was crowded.' Stephen says 'I got to use this thing to hold on to so I could skate and my mom says by next year I will need new skates these are getting small already.' I say 'Tell your dad if he needs help with the lights to call us. Seeing there is no snow in the forecast I can leave my lights up till the following weekend.' DJ says 'Okay.' Stephen goes 'Hummpf.' DJ says 'Stephen, Dad is going back to work Tuesday just like we are going to school. You know he gets busy in the new year with taxes.' Stephen says 'I guess but why do we have to go back so fast.' I explain 'It all how the holiday falls some years like last year you had more days, this year you don't and it will be that way for a few years then you have more days off for a couple of years. Go get your calendar and I will show you.' Stephen says 'No. I don't get it I know you aren't lying.' DJ says 'We only go back to school for a week or so and we have a day off.' Stephen asks 'Really.' DJ says 'Yeah.' After lunch I'm surprised both boys leave. Stephen says 'I'm playing air hockey with my dad but I will see you at supper at Noni's. Oh yeah I am sleeping over.' I answer 'Okay.' Zachary and I are sitting at the island munching on what's left of the gingerbread house. We still have half a house left. Zachary says 'The boys have devoured theirs did you see at breakfast Christmas morning it was almost gone.' I say 'Yes I did notice. I'm glad it doesn't go to waste. You know if you want you should freeze some for yourself unless you and Stephen are going to attempt to make gingerbread cookies.' Zachary says 'Maybe we can try a few different recipes and find something we like and you can just buy one house instead of two. Other than this there weren't any gingerbread cookies that came out of bakery that I liked. They were too spicy or something. Noni never made any.' I say 'My grandmother did and they tasted like this. They were my mom's favorite but I don't think she ever got the recipe. She made mostly sugar cookies and anginetti. At Christmas, press cookies, thumbprint, along with the sugar. I will tell Stephen to bring his cookie book with him.' Zachary says 'That's a good idea.' Before we knew it was time to go across the street. Stephen was already there. As usual it was Christmas Eve all over with what we ate. Zachary says 'You know I think all these things taste better after a day or too.' We all agreed to dessert Maria brought out some aginetti that her sister Roseanna made but no one wanted any. They wanted their press and sugar cookies. Maria says 'It's a shame. I am going to end up giving them to the birds and squirrels.' Mario answers 'You should tell her no one likes them with the lemon flavoring the right way is with anise.' Maria answers 'I have and so have her daughters but she likes them.' I say 'That's all that counts more for her.' Maria says 'I told her three times I didn't want them but she still insisted. Stephen I see you brought your new cookie book.' Stephen answers 'Zachary and I are going to look at the cookies he wants to make gingerbread.' Mario made a face and Stephen laughed. Maria says 'I like them but never made them because Mario and Dan didn't like them. They can have a real strong ginger and clove taste if you're not careful.' Zachary says 'That's why I brought some of the gingerbread house for you to taste it is real mellow.' Maria says 'I had plenty at Andrea's I had it one day last week with coffee.' Stephen says 'Yeah Noni came over the other morning.' She says 'You and Stephen eat it.' Mario says 'It's supposed to be warm this weekend. I think I will take down my lights and get out of the way.' Stephen grabs his head with his hands and says 'Nooo not you too. My dad is doing that.' Mario asks 'Zachary what is the weather for the next week or so?' Zachary looks at his phone and reports 'Fair weather for the next fourteen days with normal to above normal temps. No rain or snow.' Mario says 'I guess they will stay up till the Three Kings.' Stephen says 'Yea!!' On the way home Stephen says 'Eric and I counted 23 trees on the sidewalks when we all went to the movies the other day. My dad says it's because people put these real trees up to damn early.' Zachary laughs 'Your dad is right they become a fire hazard they dry out.' At home I say 'Let's get our showers out of the way.' Stephen says 'Me first.' Zachary says 'I'm second.' After I shower I find the two of them are looking at the cookie book sitting at the island. I ask 'Is there anything interesting in there.' Stephen answers 'Yeah but we don't know how they will taste.' I look at them and say 'Get your recipes out and compare the ingredients and you can take it from there. I'm sure there are new cookies you can try too.' They put the book down and decide to go watch a movie.' Stephen sleeps in his bed by himself with his tree on. Zachary and settle into ours. I get up to pee about 2:30 and go in and turn Stephen's tree off and leave on the window wreaths. Knowing full well that after Monday we will all be back to having oatmeal for breakfast every day. I decide on scrambled eggs and turkey sausage today. I am finishing off the sausage when Stephen's comes down. I look at the clock it's a little after seven. I say 'You're up early.' He answers 'My mom has been waking us up early and making us go to bed only a little later so we stay on you know the word.' I say 'Schedule.' He laughs 'Yeah that. What are we having for breakfast?' I tell him and the reason why. He smiles. He has his juice and runs to the bathroom and I know to start our eggs. At breakfast I ask 'Is there anything you want to do today?' Stephen answers 'Can we go to the place that sells my nativity I want to buy something.' I say 'Sure maybe they will have a sale going on.' As we are getting ready to leave his brothers arrive and I tell them we should be back for lunch and they better be spotting each other. At the store mostly everything is marked down. Luckily because he is just starting there were a lot of things he could use. Stephen bought a couple of shepherds and a few more sheep. Zachary and he bought a couple of small pieces for Maria's village. They had them wrapped up they were giving them to her later on. By the time we got home Eric was running and DJ was doing sit-ups. They stayed for lunch again saying 'Papa we won't be coming over tomorrow to work out.' Stephen says 'Why?' Eric says 'You know dad wants to get an early start outside and not spend the whole day doing it.' DJ says 'Everything is coming down except for the wreaths in the windows and the big tree. Mom wants him to leave the lights around the front door and the back door for you Stephen.' Stephen asks 'What did he say?' DJ answers 'It won't hurt for another week or so they are covered by the roofs so even if the weather turns bad nothing will happen to them.' I look at Stephen and say 'See you still have lights to look at. I'm going to leave my lights up on the back door like last year too.' Stephen just nods. DJ and Eric leave to go home and Zachary and Stephen go to bring Maria what they bought. With the house empty I call my nephew Charlie. When he answers I ask 'Can you talk?' Charlie answers 'I was just going to call you. I got in this morning and was debating whether or not to take down Christmas.' I ask 'Have you put up a lot of things?' Charlie laughs 'Yes I kind of went overboard. I have a big tree but there are only a few ornaments on it.' I ask 'Why is that?' He replies 'Uncle it is so heavily flocked with the glow from the lights. I seriously think it would take away from the beauty of the tree. I will send you a photo. I bought it from a Christmas shop up here.' I ask 'What else did you do?' He laughs 'I even have some lights outside that were on a timer while I was gone nothing on the house but all my shrubs and bushes so if anything went wrong the house wouldn't catch fire.' I ask 'When do you go back to work?' He answers 'Not till the Monday after New Year's I think it is the eighth and that is only because there is practice for the teams. School doesn't start till the end of the month.' I say 'Okay I was hoping you would say something first but how was being home for Christmas?' Charlie laughs 'Just as you would expect. I was home for two weeks and saw my dad twice. He was civil, didn't ask any questions but listened in on every conversation I had with my brother, mom and other cousins. Even my brother noticed that. But all in all it was good. He did say to me "How often do you see your two Uncles?" and I told him not as often as I would like but we talk or text a few times a month.' I laugh 'I guess nosy or jealous why ask?' Charlie says 'Who knows. Guess what Aunt Marci is coming down to visit for a week after her kids go back to school. Have you guys heard from her?' I answer 'Not in about 18 months ever since that blowup that summer this is the second year we haven't gotten a card.' Charlie says 'I'm sorry.' I say 'As we get older we see people for what they really are and the bullshit gets tiresome. Hey do you have plans for New Year's?' Charlie answers 'Nothing definite. Why?' I reply 'You are more than welcome to come down here. We are babysitting for three out of the four boys. It might not be as exciting as going out but you are welcome.' Charlie laughs 'Thank you but I have no problem staying home alone.' I tell him about Eric's running and he is happy and says he will send some weight training info to my work email. We say goodbye and I go in to nap. I was on the couch for all of five minutes when my phone rang. It was my brother Anthony. Anthony asks 'Are you busy? I answer 'I just came in to rest my eyes what's up?' Anthony laughs 'Sorry Jared I can call you back.' I laugh myself and say 'I am awake. I just talked to Charlie.' I filled him and asked again 'So why did you call?' He answers 'We are going shopping Monday instead of Sunday right?' I say 'Yes before we all go back to work and school.' Anthony says 'That's what I thought. Also what are you guys doing New Year's Eve? Do you want to go to New Haven and get pizza with us or maybe the Rock for fish?' I say 'I have three out of the four boys sleeping over so it will be five of us plus your brood so it is up to you. I think pizza would be better for everyone we just had fish. That is something we can do this summer.' Anthony says 'My Jared is going to a sleepover and maybe number two son also so it will be only three or four of us. Where do you want to go? I will try to make a call.' I reply 'You have a choice of three places find out who can accommodate nine at one table. They don't take reservations you know that it's first come first serve there. Worst scenario we do takeout and you guys all come here.' Anthony says 'Wait my patient is always telling me to call her if I need something. Let me try her first.' I say 'Okay' and we hang up. I just closed my eyes when the other two came in the back door. I hear Zachary whispers 'Shhh he must be resting his eyes.' Stephen laughs 'Maybe he isn't snoring.' I turn and say 'I'm not sleeping wise guys.' Stephen says 'Good can I watch TV?' On goes the TV and 'Green Acres' is on and Stephen says 'Look Lisa is shoosting that thing outside trying to cook something.' I say 'That is an old fashioned generator they use them to provide electricity.' Stephen says 'We had one in Virginia when the lights went out. It didn't look like that but it was loud.' I laugh 'I told you this is a real old one.' Zachary comes in and they are both laughing watching the show. When it was over I ask 'Did Maria like what you bought her?' Stephen says 'She got mad and said stop spending your money. I told her I have money and all the stuff was on sale.' Zachary says 'She calmed down after that. My Poppi has decided he is taking in some of his things tomorrow seeing that it is going to be warm. I told him we would help him.' Stephen is quiet. Zachary added 'The nativity, the bushes and the porch are coming down. But he is leaving the lights on the front and back doors for Noni and Stephen.' That made Stephen smile. I ask 'Stephen are you supposed to help you dad tomorrow?' Stephen answers 'I wasn't told I had too but I will help you with Mario's.' I say 'I will ask your mom later. I have to find out who will be here for supper New Year's Eve.' Stephen asks 'Why?' I reply 'We are going out for dinner with Uncle Anthony and his family.' Zachary looks at me. I say 'Yes it was his idea.' I wasn't saying where we were going in case plans changed. The rest of the night was business as usual. Saturday morning I was done with my workout and showered by six thirty with a towel wrapped around me I snuck into bed with Zachary. Stephen decided he wanted to sleep with me last night. I think with the holiday slowly slipping away he needed some comfort and I think to make sure I wasn't taking my outside things down. Zachary moaned as I spooned him and ground that firm butt of his into my crotch. I whispered 'Good morning Boo' into his ear. He whispered 'Morning I like be awakened like this.' He rolled over and faced me and we kissed and played dueling swords with our boners. But not for long for the fact we could hear Stephen run to the bathroom. I went downstairs and put coffee on and decided to make oatmeal seeing we were going to be outside. When I went back upstairs I could hear Stephen in with Zachary talking. I went in and got dressed then went into their room. The tree was on and Stephen was sitting on the bed. I ask 'What are you guys doing?' Zachary answers 'Just wondering if we could get a bigger tree to fit in here?' I ask 'Whose idea was this?' Zachary says 'Mine, I like big trees.' Stephen looks like he wants to shit his pants. I say 'Stephen what are you going to do with this beautiful small tree.' He answers 'I don't know maybe see if I can put it in Zachary's room at Noni's.' I say 'I don't know she might not want the mess of another tree and anyway how often do you nap there now plus how can fit a bigger tree in here.' Stephen says 'Not so much but I do go up there to look at the pictures and play or to grab a hat or something.' I say 'Don't say anything to her until you two think this thing through. It seems a shame this is such a nice little tree.' Zachary says 'Fair enough' looked at me and winked. I say 'The oatmeal is almost ready who wants an English muffin to go along with it?' They both answer 'Me.' At breakfast Zachary says 'I told my Poppy we will be there for nine.' I laugh 'I'm sure he will be starting before then.' While I clean up the breakfast mess they go up and get dressed. I was right as we crossed the street Mario had the nativity figures unplugged and lined up on the sidewalk ready to go in the shed, had all the lights off the bushes and was working on the porch. The two of us started bringing the figure into the back, Stephen was able to bring the baby Jesus and his crib. It didn't take long to complete that job next I started wrapping the lights while Zachary went in to get the totes from Mario's cellar. It took us less than an hour to finish and put everything away. Mario was true to his word the lights on the front and back doors were left up. Maria wants us to stay to have something but I look at Zachary and Stephen and say 'If you two want to stay you can. I want to check on Sr. and the boys to see if they need help if not I will be right back.' I go around back and the four of them are almost done. Then I see that Meat is there and he is helping Eric bring the filled totes into the garage. I ask Sr. 'Do you need an extra set of hands?' He answers 'No we are good in fact we should be done soon. What a difference using the bigger bulbs a lot easier.' I tell Sr. and DJ and Stuart goodbye and go in to check on Eric. I go into the garage and Eric seems relieved to see me. Meat is handing the totes to Eric who is stacking them on shelves. I notice that Meat would touch Eric's leg or thigh as he was handing him the totes. Eric knew I was there but Meat didn't. I say 'It looks like you guys have things under control. Eric your Uncle Anthony wants all of us to go for supper New Year's Eve what are your plans now that Molly is home?' Meat looked like a deer caught in headlights. He shook my hand and left. Eric laughs 'Papa you couldn't have timed it better. I was about to drop a tote on him.' I laugh 'I saw him cop a free feel here and there.' Eric says 'I'm going to call him on it the next time he does it. I will let him think he got away with it then again if he doesn't do it again it might have been innocent.' I say 'Grandson he had a boner he knew exactly what he was doing, he is either a real hound dog or has it bad for you.' Eric makes a face and answers 'Ewww Papa I never noticed that.' I laugh 'How could you. You were standing above him. Are you going to his party tonight?' Eric says 'No I will be with Molly but tomorrow I will be with you guys all night. Molly and her cousin have to babysit and I'm not allowed to be there. Those were strict orders from her dad and uncle' I laugh 'Wait to you have daughters you will see.' We come out of the garage and I leave as Eric goes to finish with his dad. I stop at Maria's to pick up Stephen and he is eating again. I laugh 'What are you eating now?' He smiles 'Noni had some French toast warming in the oven so I had a slice.' Maria offers me coffee which I take and Stephen asks 'Is everything down over there?' I answer 'It should be by now everything but the two doors.' Maria says 'When you have your own house you can keep your lights up till Easter.' Stephen says 'I just might.' She mumbles something in Italian pats his head and gives him some orange juice. The three of us leave soon after and on the way home Zachary whispers 'They are talking snow for next Friday or Saturday.' I roll my eyes. I just get in and the phone is ringing it's my brother. We have reservations for Sunday at 5:30 at Sally's his connection got us a table to fit ten. I say 'I thought she worked at Pepe's.' Anthony says 'She does but her niece works at Sally's and my patient moonlights there too. So they like the both of them and not about to give up a big party of ten. Did you hear there may be snow next weekend? I may be taking down my lights this week after work.' I reply 'Zachary just mentioned it too. I may be doing the same thing.' I say 'You should come by here by 4:45 we should go in two cars.' Anthony answers 'Nonsense we will take Becky's minivan all of us will fit even if the little kids have to sit on laps. It's only a twenty minute ride.' Then he whispers 'Don't be surprised if I'm sitting in the back seat with you she seldom lets me drive her vehicle.' I laugh 'Gotcha see you tomorrow.' The rest of the day is spent watching TV and without Stephen realizing it taking some of the decorations down inside. While he was showering he says 'Papa I know you put away the Christmas stuff that was in the kitchen and dining room and in the hallway.' I say 'I had to; there is a lot of stuff here and with the cooking and all I don't want it to get dirty and smell. The trees and the nativity and the stuff on the fireplace will be up for another month.' Stephen says 'I guess that is why mom takes all that stuff down too.' I ask 'What are you watching tonight?' Stephen says 'The Sword in the Stone.' I say 'There is some Christmas in that.' Stephen opted to sleep in his/Zachary's room tonight. His reasoning tomorrow he would be sleeping with us and wouldn't see his tree for another week. In bed Zachary says 'Have you noticed he is making that room more his own with little things?' I answer 'I have. I guess he is growing up. Maybe I should let him have a bigger tree in there.' Zachary giggles 'I knew you would give in.' I answer 'Don't say anything to him I will surprise him if he brings it up again. You realize tomorrow night we have to sleep in clothes.' Zachary pushes his naked ass up against my boner and says 'Good thing it's only for one night.' I laugh. I thought to myself it was inevitable that Stephen is developing into his own person. Zachary nudges me asking 'Hey are you okay? I asked you something and never replied.' I answer 'My mind was wandering. What did you want?' Zachary turns and faces me 'You are thinking he is outgrowing you aren't you?' I just smile. He continues 'Knock it off. Out of all of them this one will never be far from you. Look how DJ is close to you and I have noticed you have become Eric's confidant. Stephen is like Anthony and the rest of them these bonds will never be broken. Take it from me I know because that is how I feel.' He kisses me and puts his head on my chest. I laugh 'But you also perv on me.' Zachary bites my nipple 'Oh yeah.' We kiss and spoon and fall asleep. The next morning I make pancakes with turkey sausage for breakfast after my work out. I figure these last two mornings kind of a last hurrah for the boys especially Stephen. I keep everything warm while I make my shopping list for Monday. I go upstairs to shower and find Stephen awake just looking out the window. I sit on his bed and rub his back 'Are you okay?' He says 'Yeah the cooking woke me up. But I'm not ready to get up.' I say 'I'm going to shower stay in bed for as long as you want.' I shower and go into our room to get dressed and Zachary is laying there watching me. I shake my butt and he smiles. I sit on the bed to put on my socks and he sits up and puts his arms around me and kisses my neck. Zachary whispers 'I love you.' I turn and kiss him and say 'I love you more.' Right on cue I hear little feet patting their way to the bathroom. Zachary giggles gives me a squeeze and gets back under the covers. I meet Stephen in the hallway and we go downstairs. I yell back to Zachary breakfast is ready. Downstairs I make him a plate and ask 'Is there anything you want to do today?' Stephen answers 'Can we go for a walk around the neighborhood? I want to see who has their stuff still up and then I want to go back after supper and look.' I say 'Good idea we can burn off some calories before and after supper.' Zachary comes down and goes right down to the treadmill. I have the news on and the weather is calling something significant for Friday going into Saturday. Stephen looks at me 'Maybe we can go sled riding next weekend.' I say 'That is a good possibility.' Zachary goes and showers after his workout and comes down to eat. He asks 'What are you guys doing today?' Stephen replies 'We are going for a walk and you can come if you want.' Zachary says 'I have my chores to do and have to get some stuff ready for work on Tuesday.' Stephen says 'We are going tonight after supper too.' Zachary answers 'Okay I will then.' With breakfast out of the way Zachary heads upstairs and Stephen goes up to get dressed. DJ and Eric knock at the door. I am surprised to see them so early. I am informed their mother has been getting them out of bed early. I ask 'How was the party and your date?' DJ answers 'It was okay a little boring but alright.' Eric smiles 'It was pretty good.' DJ laughs 'Stop rubbing it in. Papa come down I will tell you about it while I lift.' The three of us head downstairs. I tell Eric to get on the treadmill I will spot DJ. DJ says 'Papa he has real hot sister and I met his oldest brother that works in your shop. His dad had nothing but nice things to say about you and Zachary. He told me I am built like you.' I ask 'How many people showed up?' DJ replies about twenty there were more guys than girls. People were coming and going only a bunch of us guys were there from the beginning to the end. They had a lot of food. There were chips and all that stuff and two giant subs. Plus water and soda. His mom made cookies they weren't as good as Stephen's though.' I say 'So the party was a success.' DJ laughs 'Yeah it was for basically it being a "sausage fest".' I roared at that. DJ says 'Meat told me he really likes someone but didn't tell me who. He said the guy doesn't like him that way.' I ask 'So he isn't seeing anyone?' DJ made a face and I say 'Sorry it really isn't any of my business.' DJ goes 'No Papa it isn't that. I don't agree with what he is doing.' I say 'Oh.' DJ continues 'He is seeing someone but it is only physical and Meat said the person is really into him. I don't like that.' I look at Eric who I know has heard the whole thing and he looks sad. I say 'DJ did you tell Meat that?' DJ laughs 'Yeah and he laughed and told me I was as bad as his dad.' I say 'Don't let anyone change your principles or ideals. Meat is a player and more and more the players are getting paid back these days.' DJ laughs 'That's funny I told him the same thing.' I ask 'So who is he seeing someone from school? Don't tell me from an App.' DJ laughs 'Papa you have to be eighteen I think for that. He won't say. So I guess he has some ethics.' I laugh 'Maybe.' To change the subject I say 'Eric now what did you and Molly do last night?' Eric says 'I was invited for supper and it was okay her parents were nice.' DJ asks 'Did they interrogate you about everything?' Eric laughs 'Her dad tried and Molly told him to stop and he laughed. He knows you play football and asked if I was. I told him I was doing track, cross country and maybe swimming. He told me if I decided on baseball he would help me I wanted.' I say 'Okay that's good you won over her dad. What about her mom?' Eric says 'She likes me and told me she has seen me with Stephen at school a couple of times; she helps out a few times a month.' DJ asks 'So you were never alone with her?' Eric smiles 'After we ate her dad helped her mom cleaned up and told us they were going upstairs to watch TV they had a busy day and for us to behave. So we were alone the rest of the night.' DJ whistles 'You lucky dog.' Eric says 'Papa they took down all their stuff outside the only thing left was the tree.' I laugh 'You have to tell Stephen. We are going for a walk to see what is still up after he gets dressed.' Stephen comes down says 'Hi guys. What do you have to tell me?' Eric says 'Molly's parents took all their Christmas down except for their tree.' Stephen says 'Papa why is everyone doing that?' I reply 'Stephen everyone has to go back to work and it is easier to get it out of the way.' Stephen continues 'But it isn't even Three King's yet.' I say 'I know but a lot of people still keep their things up till then. Come on let's go for our walk.' Stephen looks at his brothers 'Papa did you check them for "Love bites"?' Eric loses his footing for a second on the treadmill and DJ laughs hard. I answer 'Yes they are good. Let's get going. DJ keep your buds out of your ears and spot Eric.' DJ answers 'Don't worry I will.' On our walk there are a few more trees at the curbs and there were a few people taking down their lights and stuff. I say 'There are still a lot of people with their things still up.' Stephen replies 'Let's see tonight when we walk.' The mailman is just delivering the mail on our street when we get back. I say 'Stephen go run the grandparent's mail in so they don't have to come out.' He scampers off and rings the bell. Maria answers 'What are you and your grandfather doing? Stephen answers 'We took a walk to see who still has their lights up and we are going around after dark to see whose are on.' Maria says 'Okay have a good time tonight and Happy New Year.' Stephen says 'Happy New Year to you and Mario.' When we got back in his brothers were already gone and Zachary was just finishing up his chores. Stephen stayed and watched me put together two French toast casseroles for tomorrow's breakfast. I ask 'Is there anything in particular you would like for supper Wednesday night?' Stephen answers 'Can we have lamb chops or rigatoni with ricotta.' I answer 'Yes we can; maybe even liver over the weekend.' Stephen answers 'Okay we have had a lot of fish since we have been home.' I say 'I agree but it is good.' We have a small lunch we will be going to eat in a few hours. The three of us go into the living room to relax before it is time to get ready. They put on the TV and before you know the three of us are sleeping. Anthony and his family are here right on time. Becky is driving and the nine of us do fit comfortably in the minivan. Anthony, Zachary, Eric, and I sit in the back seat with lil Anthony and Stephen on our laps. DJ and Anthony's number two son Robbie sit in the front with Becky. Anthony teases Becky all the way into New Haven about her driving etc. She gives him jabs right back they have a great marriage. Luckily we got a parking spot right near Sally's we only had a half a block walk. Stephen was happy he saw a lot of decorated houses on the drive in. Becky whispered 'If traffic isn't bad I will take go by the green to see the big tree.' I say 'Don't worry it's New Year's Eve traffic downtown may be heavy.' Our meal was great and they did not rush us. Both Anthony and I ordered pizzas to take home. We would take them for lunch a couple of times. On the drive back there were more houses lit up than on the way there. I invited them in for coffee and dessert but they were eager to get home and relax. Stephen didn't forget we are going for a walk when we reach home. DJ says 'Seeing we all have to take showers I will go first while you guys are walking.' I reply 'That is a good idea.' Eric says 'I think I will stay too and get mine out of the way before you all come back this way the hot water will recoup.' I say 'Go.' The three of us start walking and Mario and Maria are leaving to go to the IA club. Maria asks 'How was your pizza?' Stephen answers 'It was great Noni.' She says 'Happy New Year and Stephen stop over before you go home tomorrow after breakfast.' Stephen says 'Okay.' There were still a lot of houses lit but there were more trees by the curbs than this morning. On our way back Andrea and Sr. stopped on their way to their party. Andrea says 'You and your brothers have fun tonight.' Stephen says 'I will. Happy New Year.' She whispers to me 'I know he won't be happy but can you bring him home by three or so tomorrow.' I nod and they are go on their way. We cover a few more blocks and I realize we have been out walking for almost forty minutes. I say 'How about we turn around now.' Stephen says 'Papa a few more streets after this I won't be able to see anything till next year.' Zachary says 'Sure it isn't that cold yet.' I say 'Fine four more blocks.' We only ended up doing three from what we could see there weren't any more houses lit. DJ and Eric were already showered and in their sleeping gear. I got Stephen in the shower and he was quiet. I say 'What should we watch tonight? Maybe let your brothers pick something?' Stephen answers 'I guess as long as it is Christmas.' Zachary comes up with warm towels and stays so he can shower next. I sit on the bed while he starts to get his pajamas on and say 'Hey Stephen I know you are sad but you will see everything will be fine once you get back to school.' He looks at me with tears in his eyes and hugs me. I continue 'Listen if we kept Christmas up for a long time then when it did come around it wouldn't be as special as it is. Yes I agree with you that Christmas should be celebrated till the end of January and I try to do that and so can you when you get older. Some countries do celebrate it for that long. Not everyone is a Christmas nut like me, you and Uncle Anthony. But you are lucky when I younger than you and maybe up till DJ's age I only saw Christmas two maybe three weeks. No one put anything up until a week or so before Christmas and it all came down on New Year's Day maybe Three King's but that wasn't often.' Stephen asks 'Didn't your mom and dad like Christmas?' I laugh 'You have seen the home movies they loved it. That is how things were done back then. Ask Maria and Mario. When you get older you can do what you want.' Stephen says 'I guess but when I am DJ's age I'm telling Andrea everything is staying up till February.' I say 'You can as long as you are the one taking it down. Come on let's go down and have some cookies and see what your brother's want to watch.' I look up as I pick up Stephen's towels and Eric is in the doorway he looks like he would cry. He hugs me and whispers 'I couldn't help but hear you two. Papa that was really nice the way you talked to him.' I look at Eric and answer 'Only because I know exactly how he feels. It is all from experience.' Stephen is oblivious of us as he finishes getting dressed and then turns off his tree. Eric says 'Papa you are the smartest person I know.' From behind us Stephen adds 'He is.' We go down and I have Stephen run up with warm towels for Zachary. I hear laughing and when he comes down DJ asks 'What did you do squirt?' Stephen says 'I scared Zachary he didn't know I was in the bathroom when he farted a long big one and I told him he better not do that in bed.' DJ says 'That's from the pizza.' I take out all the cookies and give them milk or eggnog. Zachary comes down and I say 'Stephen took you by surprise.' Zachary turns red and nods. I ask 'Ok what movie are you watching it is DJ's and Eric's choice but it has to be Christmas or has to have Christmas in it.' DJ says 'A Child's Christmas in Wales' I read to read it for my English class this year.' Eric says 'Ok.' Stephen makes a face. I say 'I think you might have watched it last year when you were here or maybe the year before. It is good you will like it. Don't wait for me I'm going to shower now.' Zachary came up with warm towels and we spent a few minutes alone. He told me the three boys are enjoying the movie. I get dressed and start a load of towels from everyone's shower. After the movie they watched a couple episodes of 'Green Acres'. It was getting late but I figured they will be getting up early and I know Andrea will keep them from napping. At 9:30 I say 'Stephen let's get to bed. You two can stay up a little longer just turn everything off the house is locked up.' Stephen doesn't give me an argument I'm sure all the walking he did today has made him tired after saying goodnight to his brothers we three head upstairs. I announce 'I'm sleeping in the middle. Stephen you sleep on this side so in case you have to get up and Zachary on the other side.' I turn off the lights except for the tree. In bed Stephen whispers 'Ya know I wish I could have a big tree like this in my room here.' Zachary lying behind me nudges me. I say 'Well maybe Zachary and I can figure out something and see if we can fit a bigger tree in there.' Stephen says 'Okay thanks Papa' and he rubs my hand and arm that is holding him. During the night he got up to pee and runs back to bed. He whispers 'Papa it is cold.' I hold him tight till he warms up. I wake up my normal time and slip out of bed get dressed and cook off some bacon while I'm waiting for Anthony. The store isn't that crowded but it still takes us a long time with all the shopping we have to do. I enjoy my coffee while waiting for Anthony to come back for our second run. I tell Zachary to set his phone for when the French toast has to come out if we are not back. As we are leaving BJ's my daughter is coming in she reminds me what time she wants Stephen home for. When Anthony and I get home Zachary and Stephen are setting the island. DJ and Eric are still sleeping. I tell Stephen to go wake his brothers. I make scrambled eggs as the bacon is warming back up. I know Eric will appreciate it. The boys come running down the stairs chasing Stephen and laughing. Anthony asks 'What is going on?' Eric says 'We were racing that's all and gave him a running start.' Anthony says 'Did you hear we might be getting a lot of snow next Friday or Saturday you guys can finally go sledding.' I ask 'Are you busy this week?' Anthony answers 'I only have to go to work tomorrow and Friday. These are patients that need therapy at least once a week. With the snow coming I am taking down the lights Wednesday or Thursday depending.' Stephen looks at me and I ask 'How much snow are we supposed to get?' Anthony answers 'They are hedging just saying substantial.' I say 'Well I will make a decision depending on how much snow.' Anthony says 'I would wait too but next week I have a full week at work and I was taking them down for Three Kings anyway they will be down a few days earlier everything else is staying up till the end of January.' I say 'I may do the same thing.' Anthony asks 'Who's ready for school?' DJ says 'Not me the only one is maybe Eric so he can see Molly.' Stephen laughs and makes kissing noises. Anthony looking at Eric says 'They are jealous.' Stephen says 'Not me.' DJ says 'I am.' Anthony leaves after he helps clean up. The three boys help me do the dishes etc. and Zachary goes up too tackle changing the sheets on the beds. By noon DJ and Eric are ready to go home and they tell Zachary to come over about 1:30 they want him to play air hockey with them. As they are leaving DJ says 'Stephen, Mom wants you home by 3:30 okay.' Stephen looks horrified and I say 'Yes she wants you guys to get settled early she told me this morning.' Stephen says 'Okay.' They hug us and leave. Zachary says 'Hey Noni wants us to come over remember help me make the beds and get dressed and we will go.' I say 'I think I will come with you too.' Thirty minutes later we are crossing the street Stephen knocks and Mario opens the door and says 'Happy New Year.' In the kitchen Maria is putting the finishing touches on plates of struffoli. I say 'I have not had these in years my Noni use to make them every New Year's Day and my dad did a few times but my siblings weren't big fans of it.' Maria says 'I haven't made these in about thirty years myself Dan and Mario weren't crazy about them either but my sister use to bring me a dish. Here try them let me know what you think.' I took a few and say 'Maria these are good the right flavor my Noni's at times tasted like cardboard. Here Stephen try them.' Stephen says 'They are okay but not as good as your cookies.' Zachary passes until I look at him and he gives them a try and says 'You won't get fat eating these.' Maria laughs and says 'That is the whole point these are to bring in the New Year and also a cure for a hangover. I have a dish for my sister and one for you Stephen to bring to your mom.' Zachary says 'I will bring them. I'm going over in a bit to play air hockey.' She offered us lunch and the only two that had soup was Zachary and Stephen after that Zachary left. Maria looked at Stephen and says 'You have to smile stop thinking about this is your last day you are making yourself more sad.' Stephen says 'I try but I keep thinking about it.' Maria says 'Last year you went through the same thing then by the time your first day was over everything was back to normal.' Mario says 'If things stayed the same we would all be bored nothing would be special.' Stephen says 'Papa told me that last night.' Maria says 'You will be here after school on Wednesday like normal and having supper with Jared and Zachary.' Stephen smiles at that. They have to bring Roseanna the struffoli and we head back home. I say 'Put on what you want to watch.' It isn't long before there is a knock at the back door and it is Eric. I say 'What's up? Did you forget something?' Eric answers 'No Meat came over to play and I had to get out of there. He was staring at me and he rubbed up against me a few times and I called him on it and he was blaming it on that he was trying to ruin my shot. Papa I think Zachary caught on so if he asks; you can tell him.' I say 'Are you sure?' Eric says 'Yes actually he told Meat to knock it off.' I ask 'Where was DJ?' Eric answers 'He was in the bathroom.' I ask 'Are you going to say anything to Denny tomorrow?' Eric says 'I don't know. Nothing probably I will wait to see what he says about anything.' I reply 'That is smart. I just hope that if things go further with those two they are smart enough to use protection. I also hope that Denny doesn't think by going further it will make Meat like him more. Geez he is so young. All of you are.' Eric says 'Molly already told me that sex isn't even an issue and if that is what I'm looking for to move on.' I gasp 'When did this happen? How old is she?' Eric says 'The other night when I was there. She will be fourteen in March.' I laugh 'This is what I mean about girls being more mature than guys.' We go into the living room and watch TV with Stephen. It is after three and with us keeping him busy he didn't nap. I say 'Time to go grandson.' He gets his boots and jacket on and don't go the long way it is still too light to turn the lights on. I go inside and Sr. is setting the table for supper they are having two big chicken pot pies. Meat is gone and Zachary is playing Stuart. When they are finished I say 'Stephen did you ever show Zachary your new tree?' Zachary says 'Come to think of it you never did.' They go up and Sr. says 'He looks like he lost his best friend. I hope he grows out of it. I never did.' Andrea says 'By tomorrow afternoon everything will be back to normal. All you tough guys are so sentimental.' Sr. says 'It isn't so much that but the fact we had good home lives where we didn't want to go back to school.' I say 'That's the truth.' We are asked to stay that there is plenty and I tell them we have a lot to do ourselves and 3:45 in the morning will be here before you know it. Zachary comes down and I tell Stephen if he wants to call me before he goes to bed. There are hugs and goodbyes all around and we leave. Zachary and I take the long way and I make a note to myself to tell Stephen that everyone has their houses still lit. Inside I ask 'What do you want for lunch and what should I make for supper?' Zachary says 'Let's take some pizza for lunch. How about pb & jelly sandwiches do we have any bananas? I will make them.' Zachary goes up to bring down our gym bags and get our lunch totes out. I start the oatmeal for breakfast and wrap two slices of pizza each for us. Later on as we are eating our sandwiches I say 'You were a witness to Meat's attention he gives Eric.' Zachary says 'I didn't like it. Eric is only thirteen and it wasn't hard to figure out Meat has the hots for Eric.' I laugh 'That much is true but there is more to the story. Eric came to me a few months ago to ask if he was gay.' Zachary eyes grew three times. I continue 'My grandson is bisexual he is attracted to Denny and Meat but not as much as he is to Molly. He and Denny have done some things but nothing serious Eric didn't want to' Zachary says 'I don't believe it he shows no interest in Meat.' I answer 'Meat disgusts him. He is playing his friend Denny and yet Meat claims that Eric is the love of his life.' Zachary says 'Meat is sixteen but the other two are only thirteen.' I say 'You were sixteen when you declared your love for me. I told you the same thing.' Zachary laughs 'But I wasn't getting off with anyone else.' I laugh 'Of course but I wouldn't touch you until you were eighteen. Meat is a player at sixteen.' Zachary says 'Eric is a smart and a good kid. Has he told Denny all of this?' I answer 'Denny was the one who told Eric that Meat was in love with him and stupid enough to keep doing things with him hoping he falls for him.' Zachary asks 'Did Denny tell Meat about Eric?' I laugh 'No and I don't know if it was out of loyalty to Eric or afraid that Meat would pursue him. I hope you are not mad that I kept this from you but I was told in confidence.' Zachary says 'Hell-ooo. I don't expect you to tell me something if you were told in confidence. I would have done the same thing and will do the same thing. Why are you telling me now?' I answer 'I got permission from Eric this afternoon because you were witness to it. Evidently no one else has picked up on it.' Zachary says 'That makes sense. I knew exactly what Meat was doing.' I told him about the garage incident and how Eric was going to give him the benefit of the doubt until I told him about the boner. Zachary laughs 'Was it that noticeable?' I laugh 'Yes just like his dad.' We just got settled in the living room watching the news and the phone rang and it was Stephen. He says 'Hi Papa what are you doing? I say 'Just watching the news. What are you doing?' He answers 'I took my shower and just got my pajamas on. I am in my room DJ and I are going to watch some TV. I'm looking out the window and I can your lights and everything and even a little of Noni's back door. My mom says 'I can leave the wreath in my window on all night.' I say 'I tell you what I will leave the two in your room here on till we leave for work; so if you get up during the night you will see them.' Stephen asks 'Won't they keep Zachary awake?' I reply 'Stephen he buries himself in his covers he won't even notice them. I tell you what I'm going upstairs to wave to you right now.' I go up carrying the phone and wave to him. He waves back and I say 'I love you grandson. Trust me tomorrow you will be fine. Have a good sleep.' He answers 'I love you too Papa. I will call you tomorrow. Good night.' I reply 'Goodnight.' We wave again and hang up. DJ looks out the window and I wave to him and go back downstairs.' Downstairs the local news is just ending I ask 'Did they say anything about the snow?' Zachary says 'If it stays on the same track there can be substantial snow but it is leaning more towards an ice event and that it is only Monday and it is still four days away. Oh yeah tomorrow is supposed to be sunny and in the forties.' I say 'Ice can be a bigger pain than snow. I think I'm going to take the majority of the lights in tomorrow. I will leave the front and back door but the bushes and the garages and the deck are coming down.' Zachary answers 'It won't take us longer than an hour. We can always leave them downstairs and put them away later. I'm sure Stephen wouldn't mind helping.' I say 'I think we will be able to get it down and put away all that goes in the same tote anyway.' I get up and go down to the cellar and grab the tote these lights will go in and leave it by the cellar door. Zachary says 'How about a shower? I can use one to help me relax.' I smile 'So can I.' We head upstairs and take a nice long shower after we shave and brush our teeth. Yes we did get off and enjoyed every moment of it. Afterwards Zachary says 'I'm heading into bed.' I answer 'I will be up shortly after I lock up.' When I come back upstairs I take the wreaths off the timer in Stephen's so they stay on all night and look across the way; his room is dark except for the wreath in his window. I say a little prayer that he sleeps well and wish him a goodnight. Our room is dark except for the tree and wreaths in the window those should be going off at 9pm. Zachary whispers 'Leave the tree on. We really haven't enjoyed it lately. You can always turn it off if you get up to piss.' I climb into bed and he turns toward me and asks 'Is Stephen asleep?' I say 'I hope so. He was in worst shape this year than last year. I have to remember to turn off the wreaths in his room before we leave. I left them on for him.' I ask 'You have a hard time understanding this don't you?' Zachary says 'I outgrew it but I get it totally. I always hated going back to school in August and January especially when I was young. I always loved Christmas but I hated leaving my Noni and your Carol even more. I've grown to love Christmas more by seeing it through your eyes and how much it means to you. Now poor Stephen has yours and Anthony's genes in him.' I told him about the little talk Stephen and I had last night. I say 'You know I don't really mind going back to work but I am sad that the holidays are over. It used to be worse but with you staying here since Covid it makes it a lot easier.' Zachary says 'Really?' I answer 'Yes when I was alone I was almost as bad as Stephen.' Zachary kisses me and says 'I love you.' I smile 'I love you too.' We spoon and the last thing I see is that it is 8:20. The next thing I knew the alarm was going off at 3:45. JJ All my fans thank you for all the letters!! PLEASE DONATE TO NIFTY. IT IS SO WORTH WHATEVER YOU CAN GIVE!!