Date: Tue, 15 Dec 2020 19:59:41 -0500 From: JJ Rockwood Subject: Zachary All Grown Up Chapter 62 Zachary All Grown Up Chapter 62 By JJ [ jjrockwood000@gmail.com ] GUYS YOU KNOW THE DRILL LET US ALL DROP A FEW COINS TO KEEP NIFTY GOING!!! Chapter 62 I was up before Stephen but even I slept till after 7am. I got up washed and dressed and went down to make the waffles and my coffee. I decided to make some bacon too after all I'm sure when he goes back home he won't be consuming the bacon he has here and the majority of the time it is turkey bacon. I fried off the bacon and started making the waffles I made a few extra in case Zachary wanted to take them to work tomorrow. I went up to wake him up everything was in the oven staying warm. Stephen was laying there awake looking at the tree. I asked him if he was ready to get up I told him breakfast was ready. He wanted to lay there a few minutes more. I felt his forehead and he wasn't warm and I asked him if he slept alright and he answered he never woke up except to go to the bathroom and I was snoring and never woke up. I told him I don't snore and he laughed 'Papa you don't hear it because you are sleeping.' I told him to get up whenever he wanted we had the whole day to ourselves and went back downstairs. A few minutes later I heard his steps coming downstairs after I heard the toilet flush. I gave him his juice and asked him if he was ready to eat and he smiled and nodded I sat and ate with him once I served him. I asked if he wanted to go sledding seeing it was warm and sunny before the snow melted anymore, plus I knew other than maybe Friday this will be our last chance to go. He was excited at the idea. As we ate I asked him if decided on what cookies he was going to make tomorrow with Noni. He decided he wanted to make sugar and chocolate chip they were both his favorite and he could not decide. I told him we were having rigatoni with ricotta and venison meatballs. Stephen was happy. I cleaned up after we ate and he went to wash, brush his teeth and waited for me to give him what clothes to wear under his snowsuit. When we got to the hill there was another young Dad there with his two kids younger than Stephen. We said Hell-o and went about our business. The hill was getting kind of played out we were lucky that it was only us there for a little more than half of it was showing grass. The other family stayed only about 15 or so minutes after we got there. So we had the entire hill we sledded for a good 90 minutes. Stephen was getting tired walking up the hill which we did a couple of dozen times. Zachary called as we were getting ready to leave and Stephen told him where we were. We only talked for a few minutes for Stephen was doing a dance that he had to piss. He got a thrill out of peeing in the parking lot after I had to take the snow suit almost off of him in order to go. I made him laugh when I told him not to pee on the suit or his long johns. On the way home we stopped at the bakery to get a loaf of Italian bread for supper. Stephen and Zachary like to dunk it in the sauce. We got in near noon, I got the snowsuit off of him and left him in his thermals the house was warm enough. As is his job he took care of our boots, gloves and hats. He forgot we were having ham salad sandwiches and soup for lunch. Stephen told me he is going to miss going sledding when he goes home and I explained that if we don't get any more snow there will be no sledding up here either. After we ate he helped me clean up and was ready for his nap. He went right up to bed I covered him with a comforter and took a nap myself on the couch. I didn't need to work out today with all the exercise I got sledding this morning. Before I knew it I was being awakened by Stephen crawling on top of me and hugging me. He didn't feel warm and I asked him if he was alright and he missed me that's all. I made up my mind right then not to let this kid feel sad and to have him enjoy the next few days to the fullest. I told him to turn on the TV to see if there was something we could watch together there was time before I had to start supper. Stephen found The Walton's it was a tossup between that and Bewitched. What hurt was I knew almost every episode I watched with him and Zachary. Between my siblings and my kids and Zachary I knew the majority of them. Before we knew it I heard Zachary's vehicle so did Stephen and he went to the window. Stephen tells me that Zachary left his lunch and gym bag in the driveway and went across the street. Stephen tries to yell to Noni that he says she is on the front porch handing Zachary a box and something else on top of it. Maria spotted Stephen in the window and waved to him. Zachary made two trips in the first with the box and second with his gear. We went into the kitchen and Stephen climbed up on a stool at the island and waited for Zachary to come in on his second trip. I started getting things ready for supper. When Zachary came in he looked at Stephen and said 'What's up little man?' and Stephen answered 'Waiting for you I missed you when we went sledding today.' Zachary threw his gym clothes on the floor in front of the washer and went upstairs to see what else could be washed and to change into sweats by the time he came back down Stephen was holding his nose. Zachary goes to him 'What?' Stephen says 'Hurry up the kitchen is starting to smell like swamp butt.' Zachary laughs and goes to sit on him and says 'I got your swamp butt right here.' As he rubs his butt on his lap Stephen screams 'Ewww Papa help I'm getting swamp butt on me.' I just laughed and told him he was on his own I was cooking. I am going to miss this and I'm sure they are too. Stephen asked 'What did Noni give him?' Zachary told him he would show him once he helped me get supper started. Stephen volunteered to set the island while Zachary went down to the basement to get a couple of things I needed. Just before we sat to eat Zachary got the box and showed him the box with eight giant red velvet cupcakes in it. Zachary told him how he made these for him with Noni so that he would have some red velvet cake before he left and he could also take a couple with him. Stephen looked at him and he looked like he was going to cry and he said 'You made these for me.' And he got off the stool and hugged him and told him 'Thank you.' Zachary looked at me with tears in his eyes and told Stephen he was very welcome. Then Stephen wanted my phone so he could call Noni to thank her which he did and told her what kind of cookies he wanted to make tomorrow when she asked him. We finally sat to eat and of course these two ate like they were starving. They both love cheese and sauce, actually there aren't too many things they don't like. After supper we all cleaned up and they were ready for dessert. Zachary also showed him what was the other dish contained it was pizzelle cookies for me and Zachary. Stephen passed he wanted a cupcake. The cookies were okay not as good as Maria's though and Zachary agreed. Zachary asked Stephen about the sledding and Stephen told him how it was good it was only the two of us. Zachary said we would all go Friday if the hill was still in good shape. By the time we were through with dessert it was past seven and I suggested his shower so Zachary and he could watch some TV. Stephen said after he went to the bathroom and ran up the stairs. I don't think the bathroom door closed and Zachary was on my lap and we kissed. Zachary was hard and so was I Zachary whispered it was only three more nights not to worry about making a midnight visit. I looked at him and put a hurt look on my face and said 'I guess the honeymoon is officially over.' Zachary looked rattled and started to fumble with words and I grabbed his face and said 'I'm kidding.' Zachary seemed relieved and massaged my boner. He explained he didn't like riding me all the time and was very nervous about Stephen. I told him I get it and not to worry. Just then the little one yelled out he was ready for his shower and loaded with laundry that had to be folded the two of us went upstairs. Stephen was already naked and shook his butt at Zachary and laughed. As he showered I helped Zachary fold and put away the clothes. Stephen yelled when he needed help with his hair. Zachary came up with a warm towel and waited for us to leave so he could take his shower. Stephen and I went downstairs and I warmed a towel for Zachary and brought it up. Geez he is beautiful I am really lucky to have such a good person inside and out. While I was upstairs we did mess around a little bit. I forgot to ask him what he wanted for lunch and if he wanted any waffles for breakfast. Stephen called up and asked what we were doing and Zachary went down and had Stephen help him pack his work clothes in his gym bag. I yelled down I was going to take my shower and the two of them to entertain themselves. I knew this would really be one of the last times they would be alone before Stephen left. I could hear them laughing and giggling as I got in the shower. By the time I came down they were watching 'Elf', I thought at least it wasn't the 'The Homecoming' for the umpteenth time. I got Zachary's lunch and breakfast packed and I could hear Stephen laughing at Will Ferrell. I sat at the island and checked what I had to do for tomorrow. Stephen had to be across the street for 10 and I had to be at the Berrios' for 10:30. Andrea had already texted me saying she would call when they were on their way. I went in and sat with them on the couch. Zachary at one end with Stephen leaning on him and me at the other end with that Stephen stretched out and Zachary had his head and I his feet which I massaged. When the movie was over we were all ready for bed and they proceeded upstairs as I locked up and turned everything off. When I went upstairs Stephen was in Zachary's room on his bed talking with him asking him about something about work. I was pleased that the bond between the two of them is growing. I told him when they were done to go pee and come to bed. I heard them whisper and laugh and then say goodnight and the little footsteps going to bathroom and washing his hands which were still wet when he came to bed and I rubbed them till they were dry. I asked him what they were talking about and Stephen said he thanked Zachary again for making the cupcakes and told him to take one to work. Stephen was asleep in five minutes and I waited another fifteen before I snuck out of bed and went into Zachary's bed. Zachary was just falling asleep when I crept in and smiled and said he was happy I came to visit. I took off my briefs and we spooned and I asked why he was still awake. Zachary replied he was thinking about Stephen and how he was going to miss him and how much Stephen reminds him of himself at that age. I told him how Maria and I have said the same thing that he is and old soul like you. Then I said something which I automatically regretted even as I was saying it, 'That when I'm gone that the two of them would be a great comfort to each other.' I quickly followed with not that, that it would be for a long long time. Zachary looked at me and 'Nice save.' Zachary and I talked a little more than he started to doze off and I stayed till he fell asleep and went back to my own bed the little guy never moved. Before I knew it I heard Zachary's alarm go off and we passed in the hallway giving him a fast kiss and slap on the butt. I got his breakfast and lunch packed and took everything out to his vehicle when I went to warm it up. Zachary was down when I came back in and he held me to warm me up and he left saying he would text me as soon as he ogt to the parking lot. I locked up and went back up to bed, where I waited for the text and then fell back to sleep. I was woken up by Stephen getting out of bed and running to the bathroom I spooned him and and rubbed his hands and told him he has to learn to dry better. It was only six and we both fell back to sleep. I was up again a little after seven and got dressed and put on coffee and oatmeal and took out eggs and an English muffin for Stephen. Like clockwork I heard the toilet flush and the sink it was near eight and he came downstairs. I checked his hands and they were dry and I asked if he was ready for breakfast, he smiled and said 'Yes Papa. I asked if he still wanted poached eggs on English muffins and he nodded and then asked if he could have some oatmeal too. I told him of course and started him on that as I made his breakfast. Stephen eats with such gusto you know he seriously likes whatever he is eating. I waited to have my oatmeal till his eggs were ready so we would eat together. I asked him if he was happy to see his brothers and parents in a few days. He answered 'I am but I am going to miss everyone up here especially you, Papa.' To lighten it up I told him that was natural but just think before you know it the summer will be here and you will be back. Then the little shit says 'Papa do you think I may be able to stay the whole summer, you can work a little like you have been doing.' I just answered it is a possibility. We cleaned up the breakfast mess and played a game. Then I got a text from Andrea saying they were on their and I realized it was almost 9:30 and I told him he had to wash, dress, etc. it was almost time to go across the street. I also went up and got cleaned up and dressed. Stephen asked where I was going and I just said I had a couple of errands to do while he was across the street. Stephen helped straighten out upstairs and we got our coats on to leave we walked across the street and I went in with him. Maria had both doughs already made. She was looking at cookie cutters and asked Stephen if he a preference and he said just a round one. I kissed him goodbye and told him Zachary would come over after work to get him. He looked at me as if to say 'Hell-o I know that' and I left and walked around the corner as I was approaching the house two cars pulled up one with Sr. and Andrea and the other with Angie, Sr's mom. There also was a car in the driveway I didn't know but it was Darla's. We all said Hello and hugged and kissed and proceeded to the house Darla let us in and we were offered coffee and what not. I let the three of them go through the house with Darla and I stayed in the kitchen with the Barrios'. They told me they found a place in a gated community up north and they would be like 12 minutes from all their kids and grandkids. They were happy about moving but also happy that a young family was going to live here plus being Italian. They spent like thirty-five minutes going through the house with Angie asking all the questions but between Mr. Berrios and Darla everything was documented in black and white. Angie told Sr. and Andrea that it was a very fair price for what they were getting, if they wanted they could low ball them but also told them she couldn't do it with a clear conscience (she was a shark in the business world). Darla already had a contract ready to sign which Sr. and Andrea were taking to my lawyer and from there they were going to the bank to apply for a loan. Angie left for she had a lunch date and the rest stayed and talked to the Berrios and Darla. Mr. Berrios told Sr. he would leave the majority of the things on the work bench in the cellar and garage. They didn't have the room where they were going and his children already had everything. Sophia said she would leave whatever furniture no one was taking and Andrea told her politely she didn't need to do that, that they had an eight room house that had to be packed and moved. Darla said not to worry that what the family didn't need or want they would donate. Then it dawned on Andrea and she told Sophia whatever dressers they didn't want to leave that she would have storage for the boy's clothes and if no one was going to take the dining room set she would buy it. Sophia said whatever she left was for them no charge and seemed happy that something of hers would be in the house. The kitchen had a huge island which I liked. We left close to noon I suggested them coming for lunch but they had an appointment with the lawyer for 12:30 and wanted to be at the bank and on the road before rush hour. Andrea was going to come out tomorrow to see Maria while we were sledding and surprise Stephen at lunch. Just then I realized I hadn't backed any of Stephen's clothes and I should do that tonight. I went home and worked out and got things ready supper tonight was lamb chops with sweet potatoes and asparagus. It was near 2:30 when Andrea called the contract was perfect and they have applied for the mortgage would I handle the inspection when it came up and I told them not a problem. The closing is set for the end of the month, the banks are slow right now. I asked if the Berrios' would be able to be out in that time. Darla had told her that the place they were moving into was already for them that all her siblings and children and nieces and nephews were coming down Saturday and Sunday to clean out the house and they were moving the following week. I asked if they were sad and Darla honestly felt that they were happy for the fact they would be closer to everyone and that it was too much for Sophia to keep up with it. I felt a little better after all they were 84 and 85 years old. I just ogt off the phone when Zachary came in and he unloaded his gym bag and lunch tote. We ahd our pants off in two minutes and sucked face and jerked each other off we came in ten minutes. Zachary cleaned the both of us went upstairs looking for more dirty clothes started the laundry and went across the street to get Stephen. Stephen came back with three tins of cookies. There was one for me and two to take home with him for his parents and brothers. Stephen was excited he forgot we were having lamb chops and him and Zachary went out to start the grill while I put together the French toast for tomorrow I made two just in case he wanted some before he left on Saturday. Stephen set the island up and I gave Zachary the lamb chops to grill. Stephen said he napped and he heard Noni talking to his mom on the phone. Stephen then says 'Papa something is up I heard Noni say to my mom that it was good news that maybe everything will be set by the end of March.' I told him 'I don't know what does he think it is?' Zachary came in just then with the lamb chops and I put them in the oven to keep warm while the other sides were finishing up. Zachary asked 'What is going on?' Stephen repeated the whole conversation over again and Zachary remarked 'It is like a sponge.' So as I dished everything out I asked Stephen again what does he think it is? After swallowing some of his food he answered 'hopefully another baby so I can move up here because there will be no room.' Zachary choked on his food and Stephen looked at him as if to say 'What?' I told him I didn't think so, I asked him if he ever saw someone who was going to have a baby and he told how at pre-school his friend Jack's mom was. I asked him he remembered what she looked like and Stephen said she had a big belly. I then asked does your mom look like that and he looked sad and shook his head and said no. Zachary chimed in and told him it doesn't mean anything bad. Stephen says 'It probably means at the end of March everything will be back to the same thing because I am home. But I am still saving my money for a plane ticket back up here.' Zachary told him he should, that he is going to miss him. Stephen goes 'You will?' Zachary told him 'Of course if you haven't figured that out by now, I think of you as a little brother.' Stephen got up and hugged him and Zachary kissed the top of his head. When Stephen got up to go to the bathroom, I whispered to Zachary that the house was a go and they should be moving in the end of March beginning of April. I told him I would give him more details later. I told them after we cleaned up from supper we should start to pack his suitcase so as we don't forget anything. Stephen wanted to say no, but I told him you don't want to forget anything. He nodded and Zachary told him he would help. Zachary said he would take of the supper cleanup for us to go start and throw down what needed to be washed. Stephen and I went upstairs and we packed almost everything except what he would be wearing to bed for two nights and clothes for two days. I told him we would leave the two snowsuits here for next winter seeing they were both kind of big and the hats and gloves Maria gave him of Zachary's. It didn't take long to pack everything and there was still room for his cookies. I told him let's go down and have dessert and he told me his stomach was growling for some cookies. I told him let's go maybe Zachary can use some help. We went down and Zachary was just coming in from cleaning the grill outside and he was finished I got the cupcakes and cookie tins out and we all sat again. By the time we were through it was time to get Stephen showered and up we went. Zachary came up with the warm towels and we made out while Stephen washed, it was only a few minutes but it felt good to hold him. Stephen finished up and Zachary went next I came up with warm towels and dried him off till Stephen wanted to know what was taking so long. I told them again to pick something to watch. By the time I came down they were watching 'The Grinch' the animated one followed by 'Charlie Brown Christmas' I told them I was going to bed and locked up and told them not to forget we were going sledding tomorrow. I don't think I was in bed 15 minutes when Stephen came up and climbed into bed. We talked a little and he fell asleep by 8:30. I woke up about 11 and slipped out of my bed and slipped into bed with Zachary. He stirred a little then when I slipped my boner between his thighs and under his balls he moaned and woke up. He turned over and smiled and said 'Hi' and kissed me. Zachary laughed and said you can't wait two more days and I shook my head and kissed him. I filled him in on everything going on with the house and he was pleased. Then we heard Stephen kind of cry and I got up and dressed and went back to my room. Stephen was having a bad dream. I held him and asked what happened he said the Grinch took me and Noni and Mario in his sled and was locking you up in his cave and told me I would never see all of you again. I assured him it was just a dream not to worry we were all safe. Zachary was at the door and heard the whole thing and I whispered goodnight to him and got back into bed with Stephen. I slept till seven and got up and got dressed went downstairs to start breakfast. I went up a little after eight to wake them up I got Stephen up first and told him to go wake up Zachary. I heard Stephen quietly try to wake him like his usual yelling or jumping on him. They got up and came down and both of them set the island for us. As usual these two eat like they are starving. As they cleaned up I went and got Stephen's snowsuit and clothes ready. We got to the park near ten. No one was there and there were only two tracks to sled on the snow was really disappearing. We were getting the close to rounding the curve as far as winter goes. We sledded for almost two hours and with the two of us there Stephen was able to go down himself. It was almost noon when I said if you want to eat at Maria's we have to leave now. Stephen didn't mind he was getting tired going up the hill. I knew he had thermals on under the snowsuit no clothes and I suggested to save time he should keep the snowsuit on and stay in his thermals at Maria's and he agreed seeing he was coming home to nap. On our way there Stephen asked Zachary if he would have lunch with him and Noni. Zachary agreed but asked 'Why?' Stephen told him this was his last day having lunch with Noni and she will be alone till he comes back and you work now and you should spend more time with her. Zachary recorded the whole thing and sent it to Maria. When we got home I noticed that one of Angie's cars were in the driveway so I was happy Andrea was here. I mouthed to Zachary who it was. Stephen says Noni has company and Zachary right away says that maybe it one of the old ladies from her club coming to kiss and pinch you before you leave. Stephen goes 'Ewwww don't leave me alone stay next to me.' Zachary promises he would. They say goodbye to me and cross the street and I unload the truck putting the sleds away. I had hoped maybe for a little alone time with Zachary but I will survive. They knocked and walked in and Zachary had his phone ready and Stephen was calling to Noni he had a surprise for her as they were taking off their boots. Stephen had his snowsuit have unzipped as he walked into the kitchen waiting for Zachary before he went in. Stephen walked and saw him mom sitting there talking with Maria. He ran to her and started to cry. Andrea and Maria had tears in their eyes. Stephen asked 'Why are you here? Where is dad? You know I'm not leaving till tomorrow. Will you have pizza with us tonight?' Andrea says 'First let me look at you. I think oyu have grown while you were here. Wow the snowsuit fits you good. I came up with your dad while he is going to court with Grandma Angie, and I thought I would surprise you and Maria. I know you are leaving tomorrow and I think it would be better if you and Papa have supper tonight.' Stephen finished taking his snowsuit off and in his thermals Maria patted his ass and Andrea told him you are going to be built like Papa and DJ. With that Stephen stood a little taller and said Zachary too. Andrea added and Zachary too. As they ate lunch which was barley soup and tuna and egg salad sandwiches Stephen told them about sledding and what else he has been doing. He also told Andrea he wants more chores to do so he can get more money to pay for his plane ticket or Uber trip back up here. Andrea told him that wouldn't be necessary that she had a surprise for him. Stephen looked at her and asked 'Are you going to give me the money to buy a ticket?' Andrea told him something better. Andrea started 'We are moving up here permanently all of us. That was another reason I came with your dad. We already found a house and we should be back here in about 45 days. When we go home we will mark a calendar like you did with Papa.' Stephen went to her and hugged her and told her she was the best mom. Then he asked 'Where are we living how far from Papa, Zachary, Noni, and Mario?' Zachary piped up and said I think you will be very happy when you find out. Stephen looked at him and asked how do you know and Zachary answered I just got a feeling. Then Maria said took Stephen by the hand and took him to the back door and pointed to the Berrios' house. Stephen says where Mr. Berrios lives. Then adds Mrs. Berrios gave him cookies but they came from the store and not as good as yours. Zachary mumbled 'Suck up' and Stephen looked at him and answered 'Swamp butt.' Andrea and Maria just looked at one another and observed the bond that was there. Andrea knew for sure this was the best thing that could have happened for her family. Stephen went and sat on his mom's lap and kissed her. Stephen turned to Zachary and said to call Papa and tell him. Andrea told him Papa knows already that they were here yesterday to sign papers and look at it. We spent the whole morning with Papa. She also said if it wasn't for Mario and Papa we would have never known about it. Andrea said that Mario is going to put in a door in the fence in the backyard so you can come over here and Papa's anytime you want. Stephen looked at Maria and she said he is already working on it in the cellar. But you can't cross the street to Papa's unless we know or at least not till you get older. It was 2:00 when Andrea said she was leaving and wanted to beat the rush hour. Stephen asked her again if they wanted to come for pizza. She told him she would see him in the morning and hugged and kissed him and Maria and Zachary. They stayed a little longer and helped Maria clean up then it was time for him to leave. Stephen looked like he wanted to cry and he held on to her and told her he would miss her a lot. Maria fighting back tears told him to be a good boy and she would see him very soon. She also said to leave the snowsuit she would wash it and for Zachary to carry him across the street fast. Just then Mario came in and he was glad Stephen was still there and Stephen went to shake his hand and Mario picked him up and hugged him and also told him to be a good boy and he would see him in a few weeks. Zachary swore later to Jared that Mario's eyes were wet. As Zachary carried across the street he waved to them as they stood on their porch. By the time Stephen got inside he was crying a little. Zachary took off his boots, hat, and gloves. Jared put him on his lap and told him it would be okay he will be back before he knows it. Stephen fell asleep and brought him up to Zachary's bed and he put out the big calendar so Stephen would see it when he wakes up. Andrea called when she got to her in-laws. The judge threw the case out of court that Sr's siblings hadn't any grounds to stand on. The judge had affidavits from Angie's employer saying she was more than capable to do her job and that her father-in-law had actually made that will out four years ago. The bank had called and the closing was February 18 and she would let me know when the inspection would be. I told her we would be there by 7:15 seeing the flight was at 8:45. She told me about lunch and she always knew this would be a good move but after seeing him with Zachary and Maria she says there is no doubt. I told her about him coming home upset over saying goodbye and how he was napping. We said goodbye and I told her I would see her in the morning. She also asked me to hire a painter and someone to clean the hardwood floors. I ordered the pizza to be ready for 4:30pm I didn't want to rush through dinner he really didn't have many any dirty clothes other than his underwear and socks. Zachary was already nodded out on the couch I set my phone to wake me at 4:00. I could maybe catch 25 minutes or so of sleep. My phone went off and I woke up feeling rested Zachary was still sleeping and I went up to find Stephen awake I asked him if he wanted to go with me to get the pizza. I told him he didn't have to that Zachary was downstairs. Just then Zachary came up and said 'Who's been sleeping in my bed?' Stephen giggled and said 'Me and it's my bed too.' Zachary told us he was going to get the pizza for us to stay here and relax. I started to give him the money and he said 'No.' I got the calendar and I circled the 45th day and told him this is when he should be back barring no problems and to take the calendar home and mark each day off like he does here and bring it back when he comes. Stephen was excited about the responsibility. We took our time eating and Zachary washed whatever clothes he had left and we packed everything else the only thing that would be left here was his underwear he slept in. He was going to sleep in one of our long sleeve thermals and his briefs and Zachary's crew socks. I think us adults were more antsy then him. The night went by as usual for him supper, dessert, shower, and TV. The only thing he mentioned about going home that he wouldn't be able to watch whatever he wanted now. Zachary told him that he may have his own room in the new house and that he would buy him a small TV and a DVD player and buy him some of his favorite movies for his birthday. Stephen told him you don't have to I can always come over here to watch TV. Zachary replied I don't have to but I want to and I know Jared will tell you can still come over anytime you want. Stephen laughed and mimicked Jared. I asked 'What was so funny?' 'I don't know it is hard to think of you as Jared, even mom and dad call you dad,' he replied. For the 25th time we watched 'The Homecoming'. I whispered to Zachary to order this movie and some of the seasons of the series he liked. Zachary ordered them and said they weren't that expensive either. After he leaves we will have of make a list of what old shows he liked to watch. After the show I locked up and we all went upstairs. Sleep came fast for Stephen and Zachary; it took me awhile to get settled. The alarm went off at 5:45 I got up and went and woke up Zachary he wanted to come for the ride too. We had to be on the road for 6:10. We got washed and dressed and I waited for the last possible moment to wake Stephen. He got up fine and once he went to the bathroom he was 100%. Luckily no frost or black ice and it was getting light out before we left. The lights were on across the street and Maria flashed the porch light when we pulled out of the driveway. We made good time and Stephen and Zachary were kind of quiet for most of the ride. Here it was February 5 and there were still houses with their lights still lit Stephen was happy to see that I think Zachary was too. We got to Greenwich about 7. The house was all lit up and they were in the driveway loading the car with suitcases. Stephen hugged his dad and mom then Angie when she came outside. They had a 15 minute ride the most to the airport. We loaded Stephen's bag he carried he had one bag of cookies in his suitcase and another Ziploc bag in his backpack. I had given him orange juice in a lidded cup and some raisins and a banana I know he will be hungry. I said goodbye to the adults as did Zachary then it was time to say goodbye to Stephen. Zachary went first and told him not to forget to call and that he loved him and hugged him. My turn came and he wouldn't look at me as so I squatted down and took his hands. I said 'Thank you for giving me such a great visit while you were here. Listen to your parents be good in school call me whenever you want. I love you and will miss you.' Stephen looked at me with tears and replied 'Papa you be good and take of yourself. Thank you for all the food you made me and all the things you did with me. I love you and will miss you too and I can't wait to come back in 45 days so this pain I have will go away. I told him you have the calendar in your bag to mark off the days. He hugged me hard and started to cry. I told him not to before you know it all of you will be back. Then he said to Zachary Thank you again for my sled. Everyone was visibly shaken and I said it almost 7:20 you better get going and we waited till they left and waved. We got in my truck and left. Traffic was light even coming back we were back in town by before 8:30 and I asked him if he wanted to go to the diner for breakfast and he said he didn't care. We didn't really talk much on the ride back neither of us felt the need to and that was okay we understood one another. At the diner I told him to help me make a shopping list for the week when we get home and see what he wants. He teased me and said you go back to work Monday like the rest of us. I groaned and told him it was nice only working 20 or so hours. We got home and I went upstairs to straighten up and make the beds and it hit me and I balled like a baby. Zachary came up to help and found me and held me and cried too. Zachary says I know that they are coming back soon but I still do miss him. Then I said you know by the time Tuesday comes we will be back to our normal lives again. We straightened up and went downstairs and I said do you want to take down the trees before I asked I knew what the answer would be. Zachary said 'No next weekend definitely.' I just nodded. Just then my phone rang and it was Andrea actually Stephen and he said they were just pulling into their driveway and that they would call tomorrow afternoon. I looked at the clock and it was already close to eleven and they were already home safe. I relayed the message to Zachary and told him to call Maria to let her know. I needed to find something to do. So I got out the flyers and started to make a list. I called Zachary in to help and I went down to check the freezer and fridge in the cellar. JJ TO ALL THE FANS OF THIS STORY A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR. I DON'T THINK THERE WILL ANOTHER CHAPTER TILL AFTER THE NEW YEAR. THANK YOU FOR STICKING WITH THIS STORY ESPECIALLY THE PAST FEW CHAPTERS. I KNOW SOME OF YOU ARE MISSING THE SEX. BUT I PROMISE THAT THE STORY WILL BE GOING BACK TO JARED AND ZACHARY's RELATIONSHIP AND DAILY LIVES. NOT THAT STEPHEN AND HIS FAMILY WILL BE DISAPPEARING. THANKS AGAIN AND FEEL FREE TO COMMENT AT ANYTIME I ALWAYS ENJOY HEARING FROM YOU. {jjrockwood000@gmail.com } PLEASE EVERYONE DONATE WHAT YOU CAN TO KEEP NIFTY ALIVE. THIS IS A GREAT SITE THAT HAS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE!!!