Date: Wed, 23 Mar 2022 13:19:53 -0400
From: JJ Rockwood <jjrockwood000@gmail.com>
Subject: Zachary All Grown Up Chapter 90

              Zachary All Grown Up          Chapter 90


         By JJ               [jjrockwood000@gmail.com]


FOR THE HOURS OF PLEASURE THAT NIFTY GIVES WHAT IS IT TO GIVE A FEW COINS
TO KEEP IT UP AND RUNNING. GIVE WHAT YOU CAN EVERY LITTLE BIT HELPS!!!!

Chapter 90

Stephen and I finished out chores and went to watch 'The Honeymooners' he
still laughs about the mouse trap. Of course notices the lights sitting
on their kitchen table and what is on their tree. After that we start to
watch 'The Homecoming'. I ask 'Are you hungry?' He says 'I can eat
something so we pause it and I make him a peanut butter and jelly
sandwich and another tangerine. He asks 'Papa aren't you eating?' I have
the leftover oatmeal and a tangerine. We go back to the movie and after
he goes to the bathroom and as the movie is ending he falls asleep. I
carry him upstairs and cover him with a blanket and let him sleep.


Zachary comes in and I motion to be quiet and we sit at the island. I
should say I sit and he is on my lap. I ask 'Is Maria happy?' Zachary
says 'Yes and then mad that we didn't tell her. But my Dad explained if
certain tests didn't turn out good he would not be here and he couldn't
disappoint her that way. So she relented and of course proceeded to feed
him.' I say 'Stephen and I watched from the upstairs window and he was
happy for her.' Zachary says 'Noni told me that we don't have to stop in
the morning but she expects us for dinner at 2:30.' I say 'I know I told
her we would be there. If we eat an early breakfast we should be hungry
by then. I'm figuring we should be eating by 8:30. Those boys will be up
by seven if not earlier.' Zachary ask 'Will Andrea be expecting us for
dinner too?' I answer 'No it will just be Sr.'s mom and it will only be
leftovers from tonight. You remember we never had a Christmas dinner per
se because of all the food from tonight. We can go over for dessert later
if you want but I'm sure there won't be any problem if we don't go.'
Zachary says 'Only from Stephen.' I laugh and have to agree.
It is only 1:30 there really isn't anything to do till for another couple
of hours. I will let Stephen sleep for at least an hour figuring he will
be up late tonight. I have to get the two electric frypans set up outside
I will cook the shrimp out there. Zachary helps me set up two folding
tables and get a couple of extension cords.


We go in and sit on the couch and I light the fireplace. It is partly
sunny with blue skies. It is in the thirties outside and I wonder how
people in warm states can make it feel like Christmas. It should gray and
chilly with snow on the ground. I don't know if I could ever be able to
celebrate Christmas in shorts and flip-flops. We are nestled next to each
other and listening to music and looking at the tree. Zachary says 'I
like our trees but do you think we can have maybe a real tree one year?'
I answer 'Were you her when Anthony said this was the last year for them
having a real tree.' Zachary says 'No I might have been still sleeping.
Why?' I say 'Tonight ask him when he is taking his tree down maybe we can
go see it before he does. It is drying out and can become a fire hazard.
When we had a real tree growing up it was put up anywhere between
December 17 and Christmas Eve. It was down between January 1 and Three
King's Day. We won't be able to light the fireplace that often.' Zachary
says 'Forget it, just to have a tree up for two weeks or so.' I laugh
'That is why I think Anthony and I love Christmas so much we didn't see
it that much as kids. I don't mean it wasn't celebrated you have seen my
home movies. Ask Anthony or your grandparents the holiday was
different back then.' Zachary says 'Okay I will now I am curious.'

My cell phone rang and it was Andrea. She asks 'Where is Stephen?' I
answer 'Napping I am going to wake him up in a little bit. Why wasn't
that okay?' She says 'No actually I wanted him to take one if fact all
the boys are and I am going to try myself to close my eyes for twenty
minutes or so.' I say 'Do you want him to shower here and get dressed if
it would easier for you?' I know my daughter she was probably turning
red. Andrea says 'Dad if you don't mind it would be a big help. I will
send one of the boys over with what I want him to wear and to get
some eggnog and maybe milk.' I say 'No problem.' She says 'Dad thanks I
love you.' I answer 'love you too.'

I was at the island eating a piece of the gingerbread house when there
was a knock at the back door. It was Eric and he came in he had Stephen's
clothes and shoes. I told him to sit down and asked 'Do you want a piece
of gingerbread.' Eric answers 'Papa I never tasted it before.' I gave a
small piece and he smiled and gave him a bigger piece. I say 'Eric are
you ready for Christmas?' He answers 'I guess so.' He has my wife's and
his mother's deep dark brown almost black eyes. I ask 'Are you happy
living up here in Connecticut? Be honest.' Eric smiles 'Papa in the
beginning no but between my friends at school and having Ian and Jared
close by it is a lot better than it ever was in Virginia.' I say 'That is
good I am happy then. I will tell you again how proud I am for the way
you watch out for Stephen.' Eric turned red and says 'Papa you don't have
to say that he is my brother and like I told you DJ did that for me and I
know how good it felt and the girls love him and I guess that is another
reason DJ did it for me.' We both laugh and I say 'No that wasn't the
only reason DJ has a strong sense of being the oldest.' Eric says 'Papa
you should see the way he lights into Stuart at times when he starts on
Stephen and me. He told him if he ever catches him doing anything to us
on the outside at school or the bus he will regret it. He told him it
isn't cool being a showoff or a.' I finish for him 'An ass or if you
prefer a tool.' Eric laughs 'Papa you get it. How do you know?' I laugh
'Eric you have seen my parent's home movies. I'm the oldest I know.' Eric
says 'I forget that sometimes I don't think of you as old.' I ask 'Eric
you know you can come over anytime you want, not only in the summer to
swim, you are always welcome.' Eric got up and hugged me and says 'Papa I
know that it is just that.' I finish again 'Your gaming and cameras and
A/V clubs, I understand I just didn't want you to feel left out.' Eric
says 'I know that and so does Stuart.' He gets up to leave and I say 'Hey
aren't you suppose to take milk and eggnog.' Eric says 'No Mom doesn't
need it yet and doesn't have the room till after she starts cooking.' I
say 'Okay.' I give him another piece of gingerbread and he leaves.

Zachary comes into the kitchen and sits on my lap and grabs a piece of
gingerbread. He whispers 'I didn't mean to but I heard your conversation
with Eric.' I answer 'Why didn't you come in?' Zachary says 'You spend so
little time with him I didn't want to interrupt. He is a good kid.' I say
'I have to agree the only one I worry about is Stuart, by God I hope he
doesn't become like my brother Michael.' We both laugh and then I say 'It
will be what it will be. Stephen has been sleeping a good hour he needs
to get up. Do you want to go wake him up after all turnabouts is fair
play.' Zachary says 'I think I will and heads upstairs.' I hear him enter
the room and jump on the bed yelling 'Fear not for I bring you tidings of
great joy. Jared says it's time to get up.' I hear Stephen laughing and
snorting and I hear him get up and run to the bathroom. Stephen comes
down and I ask 'Where is Zachary?' Stephen says 'Fixing the bed. Papa he
had my clothes and shoes with him.' I explain how he is staying here till
it is time to eat and he more than overjoyed.


I gave him a tangerine and a half of a sandwich. We will be eating in
three hours or so and I know he will be nibbling on some gingerbread. He
goes in to watch TV and we follow. Now we are watching Rudolph and
Stephen asks 'Papa how old were you when this was made?' I laugh and say
'I wasn't born yet this was made in 1962 and I wasn't born till 1964.'
Stephen says 'A lot of these shows are older than you.' I say 'Yes the
majority of them but they were always on TV like now.' Stephen says 'So
your lights and stuff are older than you?' I answer 'Some of these were
my Dad's and Mom's. I told you that nativity is when I was your age when
my Mom bought it.' Stephen says 'I remember seeing that in the movies.'


After Rudolph I get things ready to start cooking. With the shrimp out of
the refrigerator I have room to make the three French toast casseroles. I
get that knocked out and put away and get Stephen into the shower. All
the time him singing carols. I get him dried and powdered and leave him
to dress. Zachary has cleaned up the mess from making the French toast. I
get everything ready to start frying and Zachary joins me and we knock
off the 25lbs in thirty minutes. They are in the oven keeping warm and
Zachary goes up to take his shower while I stuff the two trays of shrimp
and put them outside to stay cold. Zachary and I clean up that mess plus
what we could from the frying the two frypans are out on the deck cooling
but everything else is put away. I go up to take my shower and get
dressed. Stephen comes up with warm towels for me and says Papa 'Is it
almost time to eat I'm getting hungry.' I say 'Have a small Halo we will
be eating soon.'

I go down with the towels from the all showers and our clothes and
Zachary starts laundry. I laugh to myself he is so much like me he
doesn't like anything hanging around. We get our coats on and put the
shrimp in insulated bags and head across the street. I have the fried
shrimp and Zachary is carrying the two trays of stuffed shrimp and
Stephen is hanging onto me.

We are the last to arrive and perfect timing the pasta is almost
finished. We all sit and start eating. First we have the angel hair with
lobster tails and angel hair with alici (anchovy) and olive oil. For the
non-fish eaters there is the manicotti and stuffed shells. My grandsons
did try the fish and also had the other pasta. I was happy Stephen liked
the lobster tails. Anthony's two oldest didn't even attempt the fish but
little Anthony did and liked it. While we were eating the stuffed shrimp
were baked off and the second course was the stuffed and fried shrimp,
broccoli salad and stuffed escarole and artichokes and all the boys tried
everything. Becky even tried a shrimp. We sat at 5:15 and didn't finish
till near 6:30. Andrea was happy after all this work she didn't want to
rush through the meal. By seven the women started cleaning up and coffee
was put on. There wasn't a lot to clean everything was condensed down and
Maria and Andrea used disposable pans where they could. Maria took some
shrimp home and manicotti for Mario and Dan. Anthony and Becky didn't
want anything to take home they were having a big meal tomorrow. I took
some leftovers home in my dishes and trays when I went to get the
gingerbread house and some of Andrea's milk and eggnog. Zachary came with
me and we held hands. As I put the things away Zachary threw the clothes
in the dryer and started another load.

We walked back talking about how great everything and everyone was. They
were just putting out the desserts when we got back. All the boys loved
the gingerbread house but no one would take a piece until Anthony broke
off a piece. I heard Eric tell Stuart and DJ to try it was good. There
were Maria's cookies, Andrea made cookies and Becky made pignoli cookies
and rice pudding.

While we were sitting there Anthony says 'If you want to see our tree you
better come before Wednesday seeing it won't make it to New Year's Day.'
Becky says 'But you figure it will be almost two weeks that it has been
up so Monday Anthony and I are going to buy an artificial tree.' I say
'Zachary was thinking he would like to try a real tree next year.' Maria
spoke up and says 'No way it isn't worth the mess or the danger involved
and I don't think they even smell the way they use to.' Becky says 'They
don't not the trees that are grown around here, you need to go to Vermont
for a balsam.' Dan says 'I don't remember really having a real tree when
I was small and believe it or not I haven't seen that many tree lots in
Canada. I guess maybe out in the country but they seem to be more firs
then what we know as trees.' Mario says 'We only had a real tree for a
few years. They were nice but my brother had a fire because of a tree it
almost destroyed their house.' Dan says 'I remember that they came to
stay with us for a couple for a few weeks.' Zachary says 'What was the
cause?' Mario says 'A combination of things a dry tree and faulty lights.
My brother could squeeze a dime good and back then they sold a lot of
inferior products.' Zachary looked confused. Mario explained 'You could
buy a lot of cheap stuff that weren't up to code, back then you could get
away with things. It happens today but not that often there are stricter
laws but still some things sneak by.' I say 'If you want a real tree next
year maybe we can put it on the deck this way it can stay up longer or
maybe find a place in the yard and plant a small Douglas fir or blue
spruce.' Suddenly Sr. says 'You know that is a good idea I may do that
too.' Anthony and Mario say they might too.


Stephen comes in and stands next to me and I give a piece of gingerbread
and ask 'What have you guys been doing?' He answers 'We watched your old
movies.' I laugh 'Again how did you get the others to watch them.'
Anthony is listening. Stephen says 'It was actually their idea. We only
watched the Christmas parts.' Anthony says 'Really?' Stephen says 'They
wanted to see the toys you guys got and how much.' Anthony laughs 'That
makes more sense.' Stephen says 'Uncle Anthony didn't Papa or your Mom
and dad record you when you did your play?' I laugh 'Only our Mom was
able to go the rest of us had to work and she didn't want to take the
camera.' Becky says 'What play?' Anthony says 'When I was in
kindergarten. I was the angel Gabriel.' Anthony says 'Stephen should we
show her?' They both started 'Fear not for behold I bring you tidings of
great joy' and they both did the complete gospel verse. Even his sons
came in and listened to the both of them and were amazed at their Dad.


Stephen says 'Papa we saw when you got your sled. Was that your best
Christmas?' I answer 'Yes one of them.' He looks at his Dad and says
'What was your favorite gift? Sr. says 'The year I got a Huffy Pro bike
I thought it was the coolest.' Then he asks 'Mom?' Andrea says 'That was
easy the year I got my Easy Bake oven. I loved it.' Stephen pointed to
everyone. Becky says 'The year I got my Barbie Dream house.' Dan says 'My
first chemistry set.' Mario says 'A rifle.' Maria says 'A new dress.'
Zachary says 'The year I got my Flexible Flyer sled.' Anthony says 'My
Flexible Flyer.' Finally he looks at me and I say 'You know the answer to
that.' Stephen says 'Your Flexible Flyer.' Stephen says 'Uncle Anthony do
you still have yours? Papa and Zachary have theirs.' Anthony says 'Yes
Stephen I do it is in my cellar. Do you have a Flexible Flyer?' Stephen
says 'Yes I do it is in Papa's garage. Zachary bought it for me last
year.'


At this point Little Anthony came in and asked 'When are we leaving I'm
getting tired.' Becky says 'Soon go tell your brothers.' They left and
Maria and Mario and Dan were getting to leave too. Everything was cleaned
up and put away. Actually there was nothing left to do. Zachary and I
helped the grandparents and Dan home and were told 2:30 for dinner. We
went home and got the three French toast casseroles and some eggnog and
brought them back to Andrea's. We stayed a little longer and discussed
what time tomorrow. I just said 'Call me right before you put the French
toast in the oven and we will be over.' Stephen and the boys say
goodnight. Stephen says 'Papa do you have to go.' I say 'Yes it is
getting late and all us adults are tired it has been a long day. Santa
isn't coming till you are asleep and I will be here in the morning.' DJ
says 'Let's go up and I will stay with you till you fall asleep.' I say
'Goodnight' and hug them and all of them head upstairs. I ask the parents
if they need a hand getting everything out. Sr. says 'Everything is ready
to go. There is nothing this year that has to be put together thank God.'
Andrea says 'I got everything in garbage bags upstairs.' Just then
Stephen calls for me. I meet him on the stairs and ask 'What is wrong?
Stephen says 'My presents for everyone are at your house.' I say 'I know
I will bring them over tomorrow. I didn't forget now go to bed.' He
kisses me and says 'DJ is already sleeping, wave to me when you are
walking home.' I tell I will and he heads back up to bed.

The night was quiet and cold. The stars and moon were out and we turn
around and look up and wave to Stephen and head home. We get in and go
upstairs and get into sweats and head back down to the couch. I light the
fireplace and put on some music. Zachary asks 'Do you want anything to
drink or eat?' I say 'No, I'm stuffed but not tired yet, what time is
it?' Zachary says 'It is only a little after ten.' He sits next to me and
puts his head on my chest. I say 'You know tonight it has been a year
since you asked me to marry you. I have been thinking maybe next month we
can go away for a weekend and get married. What do you say?' Zachary
looks up and says 'No I don't want to do that?' I felt the color drain
out of my face and Zachary saw that too. Zachary says 'It is not that I
am saying no to getting married I don't want to do it that way. I want my
grandparents, dad, Stephen and the rest of the family and Anthony there.
I realize it may be too much for the young ones and I am willing to wait.
Maybe the fall they will all be a year older and it will be 2023 in a
week maybe things will change. But I definitely think we need a winter
ski weekend away next month. I would like to get you in a ski lodge or
maybe a cabin in the woods so I can have my way with you. There is MLK
weekend next month and President's Day in February.' I say 'Whatever you
want I will go along with. Maybe tomorrow we should start trying to look
into reservations.' Zachary says 'Good idea.' I say 'You know 'The
Bishop's Wife' is going on in a few minutes do you want to watch it?' He
grabs the remote as an answer.

Zachary says 'To me this movie is what Christmas is all about without
being syrupy.' I reply 'As a kid I thought it was dark and nothing
cheerful about it and nothing to do with Christmas but as I got older the
more I watched it the more I got the story and characters. My parents
both liked this movie they had it on VHS and DVD. Are you ready for bed?'
Zachary says 'Yes I'm beat and tomorrow is going to be another long day.'
I laugh 'That is what Christmas is all about.' I turn off the fireplace
and the tree. I lock up and we head upstairs. The outside lights and
candles stay lit all night. I look out and I know Mario's are on and look
at my daughter's and kind of happy theirs are also.


We strip down and climb into bed and spoon. Zachary turns and says 'Good
night I love you.' I answer 'Goodnight love you more.' With his head in
my chest within a few minutes he is asleep.


I look at the clock on the dresser and it reads 5:30 and I have to piss
badly. Zachary is cradled in my arms and I am trying to figure a way of
disentangling myself without waking him. I manage to do it and run to the
bathroom and piss like a racehorse. I'm too wide awake ot go back to bed
and I throw on my sweats and go down and get on the treadmill. I don't
jog I just do a fast walk to get the blood flowing. My mind is trying to
wrap my head around what Zachary wants as far as our marriage goes. I am
very impressed with his thinking and cannot disagree with it in the
least. Next I want to get on the laptop and see what reservations I can
make this late in Vermont or New Hampshire or maybe even upstate New
York. I don't think it would be wise to travel more than three to four
hours we will only have three days. I stay on the treadmill for an hour
and go upstairs put coffee on and grab the lap top. I couldn't believe it
I booked a room at great inn in Bennington for MLK weekend. I booked a
Friday and Saturday with checkout Sunday and we will still have Monday
free. We both like having a day to ourselves before we go back to work. I
will let him pick the one for President's day weekend. I was happier than
a pig in shit.

I had my coffee and ran up and too a shower. I slipped back into bed and
spooned Zachary. He moaned as I pushed my boner between his legs. I
started singing 'Good King Wenceslas' in his ear. He squeezed his thighs
together and began to sing with me. I turned him around and he smiled and
says 'Merry Christmas boyfriend' and kissed me. I smiled and say 'Merry
Christmas to you too Boo.' Zachary says 'You have been up.' I smiled 'I
did the treadmill had coffee and showered it is almost eight and I'm
figuring Andrea should be calling anytime.' Zachary says 'Let me get up
and get dressed we have to get our gifts ready to bring over.' I say
'Let's just lay here for a few minutes.' Zachary says 'Jared don't tempt
me I can feel your boner between my butt cheeks but I really have to
pee.' I laugh and let him run to the bathroom. When he is he runs back to
bed and climbs on me our boners playing dueling swords. He kisses and me
and says 'Come on get up we have to get going you already showered and
everything I have to get ready.' I moan and say 'Okay go get ready.'
While he is getting washed and dressed I bring all the presents down. We
are going to have to drive over there is too much to carry. I get back
inside from loading Zachary's Explorer and Zachary is on the kitchen wall
phone and is smiling. He says 'Papa just walked in.' I hand Zachary his
keys and say 'Go start your vehicle.' I grab the phone and say 'Hell-o
and thank you and a Merry Christmas to you grandson too. Yes we will be
there in ten minutes or so.' Zachary comes in and we get our coats, lock
up and leave.


On the way Zachary called his grandparents and Dad to wish them a Merry
Christmas. We pulled up and unloaded all the presents. Sr. opened the
door and helped us in. We not only had our presents but some of Stephen's
presents. I helped my daughter finish off the three packages of bacon and
asked 'Everyone should we eat first before we open presents.' The looks
on my grandson's faces were priceless and Andrea says 'The French toast
has at least another thirty minutes or so I didn't put it in till you got
here.'

We all went into the living room and I gave out the three biggest
presents first. They were Flexible Flyers for DJ, Eric and Stuart. I say
'DJ I had to get you one even though you are older. You weren't old
enough for one when you moved down south. I've etched your names in all
of them and the date so there is no confusion.' DJ not trying to tear up
came next to me and hugged me saying 'Papa I'm glad you did I will keep
it forever.' Stephen says 'Now we all have one.' Eric and Stuart liked
their gift cards for Milford Camera and the cash. DJ liked his clothes
and gift cards. Stephen was surprised with his present. I got him ice
skates, white socks, gift card for DVDs and some clothes. The grownups
got Le Creuset and Lowes gift cards.

Now it was Stephen's turn, he was proud that he got everyone presents on
his own. He made stuff for his parents and was partners with his brothers
for his parents. On his own with his money he got Eric and Stuart shirts,
he gave his parents gift cards to the movies, Zachary the sweatshirt I
got in New York and DJ the varsity jacket. Then he gave me a hoodie and a
homemade calendar for 2023 every month there was a different photo of him
and me. With all the present exchanging finished we sat for breakfast.


Stephen asked 'What time are you going to Noni's to eat?' Zachary says
'We have to be there for 2:30.' I ask Sr. 'What time is your Mom coming?'
Sr. answered 'She is coming for 1:30.' Zachary asked 'How come she wasn't
here last night?' Andrea answered 'There is a group of them that get
together on Christmas Eve now that they are all widows or divorced. There
is like six or seven of them.' Sr. adds 'Plus she doesn't like driving
that far at night and wouldn't hear of staying over.' Stephen says 'I'm
coming over to Noni's after you eat for dessert and my other grandmother
leaves.' Zachary laughs 'I'm glad and so will she.' We cleaned up
breakfast and the boys set up the table downstairs for their dinner.
Andrea says 'Dinner is going to be a breeze all it is reheating.' I
suggested 'Please do not reheat the whole thing do what you know is going
to be eaten you can't keep reheating the fish and sides like that they
will go bad. You know what your family will eat and oyu can always warm
more up.' Andrea says 'Thanks Dad that food cost too much to waste.'


Stephen whispers 'Papa can I come over tomorrow and maybe sleep over
too?' I whisper 'Yes as far as coming over to visit but we will have to
see as far as sleeping over your parents may want to do things with all
you boys.' Stephen wasn't happy but got it. With all our gifts in hand we
left and headed home there was still a few hours before we had to go to
dinner.


Zachary and I brought all our presents upstairs and put them in the
office/computer room to be put away later. I say 'Do you want to open our
presents now?' Zachary's eyes beamed 'Can we?' I nod amused at his
excitement I thought I have another Stephen. We go our separate ways to
gather our gifts. We meet down in the living room. I light the tree, the
fireplace and put on Christmas music.


I make him go first. I have gotten him the usual workout clothes, a new
pair of work boots, underwear and of course white socks. Then there were
the two hoodies from A&F and when he saw the corduroy blazer his eyes lit
up and I didn't realize till later why he was smiling. Now for my turn
Zachary got me extended brief underwear, thermal tops some workout
clothes and of course white socks. Then the last thing was the same
corduroy blazer I got him only a different color. I laughed and realized
why he was smiling this was the second year in a row we both bought each
other the same thing. Then I gave him the print out of our trip to
Vermont in a few weeks. Zachary says 'I'm paying for half.' I say 'No you
can plan and pay for the weekend in February for President's Day.'
Zachary answers 'Great that is only fair.'

It is 1:30 and I say 'Let's take a shower and get ready for dinner.' We
bring all our presents up and hang up the jackets and jump in the shower.
The two of us get off while in there and I smile that we are hard again
by the time we finish washing. We shave, brush teeth and get dressed. I
grab a bottle of wine and champagne and we head across the street.

Dinner was great. We both like lamb and there were only a few sides it
was a great change from the fish we would be eating for the next few
days. (Not that I mind that!) All of us help clean up and then we did
presents. Zachary gave his Dad the champagne to have for New Year's and
he gave Mario a hunting knife and the new Heat gloves and he gave Maria
new cookie sheets, two cookbooks she talked about and gift cards for the
two diner/lunch places she likes. I gave them gift cards to the casino
and Dan a gift card for Amazon. We both got white socks and grocery store
gift cards for me and BJ's gift cards for him. Maria's house phone rang
and Mario laughed and says 'Gee I wonder who that could be probably
Roseanna.' Maria says 'Hush she already called twice today.' Mario says
'Ha like that means anything.' Looking at his phone Zachary says 'I think
it may be your other grandson.' Maria says 'Ah yes my Stephen.'


Maria picks up the phone and we hear her say 'Merry Christmas to you too
again. Of course, no we are going to have dessert now. Okay I will. Dress
warm it is cold out.' Maria calls out to Zachary 'Go out the back door
and help your little brother.' Zachary laughs and gets up and leaves the
rest of us guys pick up the scraps of wrapping paper and go into the
kitchen. We are sitting at the kitchen table when the two of them come
in. Stephen goes right to Maria and hugs her and then Mario and Dan
leaving me last but he comes and sits right by me. Mario asks 'Did you
have a good Christmas? Stephen answers 'I did. Did oyu and Noni?' Mario
answers 'We did. Do you know you have some presents here?' Stephen's eyes
grew wide 'I do? I brought presents for you and Noni.' Mario says 'You
didn't have to.' Stephen says 'I wanted to. Zachary had to help me.' With
that he gets up and whispers something to Zachary and Zachary hands him a
box for Mario and then two other presents for Maria. I have no clue what
he got them. Mario opens his and it is a book on growing pumpkins. Maria
has a cookbook filled with cookie recipes and he made her a calendar like
mine only with photos of him with her and Mario. That made her eyes fill
up and she says 'I'm hanging it right on my cabinet door.' They both
thanked him and Maria told Zachary to go get the presents that are on the
bed in his room.


Maria asks 'Did you have a good dinner?' Stephen answers 'Yeah all shrimp
and the stuffed shells we made and that green stuff that is like
spinach.' I ask 'Where is your grandmother?' Stephen says 'She is getting
ready to leave she was playing cards with Eric and Stuart.' I say
'Weren't you suppose to stay home till she left.' Stephen says 'She told
me and DJ we didn't have to stay because she was leaving as soon as she
beat Stuart and then she started to laugh.' I ask 'What were they
playing?' Stephen says 'I don't know something with a number. My Mom was
giving out the cards.' Mario says 'Twenty-one.' Stephen says 'Yeah!!
That's it and Stuart was losing.' Zachary came down with the presents and
gave them to Stephen. Stephen opened them and got the old slingshot back
from Mario and a reindeer sweater and gloves with a string attached to
them. Zachary says 'Cool I wish I still had gloves like these.' Stephen
looked at him and them like he was nuts. I ask 'Do you know how to wear
them?' Stephen shakes his head. I tell him to get his coat and put the
gloves through the sleeves. Zachary says 'You will never lose or forget
your gloves. I liked these when I was kid.' Stephen got the gist and says
'Thanks Noni they are neat.'


Maria had made coffee and put out eggnog for the boys and all the
desserts. Stephen says 'Noni you make the best cookies and cakes.' Mario
says 'She definitely does.' Maria asks 'Stephen your Mom says that you
will be having lunch at home this week but you can come for supper on the
nights I have Jared and Zachary.' Stephen says 'Okay I don't want to go
the whole time off without coming here.' Zachary whispers 'Suck up.'
Stephen whispers back 'Swamp butt.' After that Stephen runs to the
bathroom. Mario says 'Like clockwork must be all the escarole he has been
eating.' Everyone laughs. I ask 'Don't you have to go to your sister's?'
Maria says 'Yes we should get going they want to see Dan.' Zachary says
'Go we will straighten up and I will come back later to spend some time
with you later on.' Maria says 'You two can come back to eat. There is
nothing to clean up really just the cups and the pot.' We all get ready
to leave I say goodbye to Dan knowing I wasn't coming back the four of
them should be together.


With all our presents we head back across the street and drop everything
inside and suggest a walk it was just getting dark. I called Anthony and
asked if it was okay to drop over for a few minutes to see their tree.
Anthony says 'We finished eating and were just sitting around.' We walked
over and looked at all the houses on the way. Stephen says 'Papa, yours,
mine and Mario's houses are the best.'


Anthony had a lot of lights outside and the house looked nice. Stephen
commented 'Eww little lights and no candles in the windows.' I shushed
him and told him it would be impolite if he says anything. I say 'Look on
the two front windows there are wreaths that have candles in them.'
Stephen says 'But there a zillion other windows that don't.' Zachary says
'Don't say anything you will make them feel bad.' Stephen quietly says
'Okay.'


The tree is beautiful for a real tree perfectly shaped. Stephen says
'Uncle Anthony you have the same lights like Papa.' Anthony smiled and
says I do. Do you like them?' Stephen nods and goes to find the boys.
Anthony says 'I just bought fifty bulbs today on Ebay no one bid on them
for fifteen dollars. I guess because it was Christmas.' I laugh and say
'That was a good deal in fact a great deal.' Anthony says 'But I haven't
seen too much for the bigger outside bulbs.' Zachary says 'That is
because Jared bought them all up during the summer.' I smile and nod and
Anthony punches me.

Becky made coffee and we sit and have dessert again the boys come in and
they all look beat. Becky asks 'Where should we go to get a tree
tomorrow?' I say 'Lowes this is where I got mine and you can use these
lights on them and Zachary got one for his grandparents last year too
after Christmas.' I take out my phone and show her a photo. She liked the
tree. I told Anthony he has to keep checking Ebay all the time the bulbs
are always turning up. Becky says 'I wish I could find more of those
wreaths I have in the front window. My parents had six and now there are
only two.' Anthony says 'We had them as kids didn't we?' I say 'You
remember that? We had them in all the windows that was about twenty or
twenty -one but they started to fall apart and then my Dad bought the
candles. I have four or five I would give them to you but they are
different.' Becky says 'I wouldn't take them from you.' Zachary says
'There are four windows upstairs you should use them next year.' Anthony
says 'I only remember them for a short time. What happened?' I say 'They
dry up and fall apart and things go out of style you couldn't find them
anymore. You know when you see a red or blue or orange bulb in a window
candle it is someone from our generation. For the past forty years people
have only used white or clear bulbs in their candles. That isn't
Christmas to me. Becky and Anthony agreed. Zachary says 'Why don't you
look on line if you know the brand etc.' Anthony grabbed his phone and
found at least twenty listings for the cellophane wreaths.


I say 'It is getting late we should get going.' All of Anthony's family
looked tired. Stephen must have napped he was raring to go. As we got
home the grandparents were just pulling up and Zachary went over to spend
time with them and his Dad and Stephen and I went home.


Stephen asks 'Papa can I stay over?' I answer 'Don't you want to go home
and be with your presents?' He answers 'Why they will always be there.' I
think I have created a monster and say 'If your parents say it is okay
you have to go to bed now. Zachary and I are going shopping very early
and you can't stay alone.' Stephen asks 'How early?' I answer 'Earlier
then when you go to school it will still be dark out.' He then asks 'Why
where are you going?' I say 'We have to go buy Christmas stuff for next
year and it is all on sale.' His expression changes and he says 'I want
to go I might see something I want for my room.' I say 'Call your parents
it is up to them. They may want you home.' I hand him the phone and I
pretend I'm not listening to the conversation. I hear only his side I
hear him say 'But why Mom. I have been home for two days. You and Dad
always see me. I may want to buy something. You promise. Alright I will
be home in a little bit.' I am getting a glass of milk and a chunk of the
gingerbread house for him. I ask 'What did they say?' Stephen put his
head in his hand and says 'I have to go home. They want to see me. Andrea
says they will take me shopping tomorrow too and I can sleep here maybe
tomorrow night if you let me.' He dunks the gingerbread in his milk and
says 'Papa I have to sell some of my old toys again to get money. I only
have $85.00 at home. DJ and I count it every week. How much do I have
here?' I tell him the last time I checked it was around $150.00 give or
take a few dollars.' He says 'Wow I still have a lot with all the
presents I bought. My grandmother gave us money for our bank book and a
$100.00 dollar bill for us to spend. I'm bringing it here to put it with
my money.' I say 'You don't need to sell anything if you want to get rid
of them we can donate to kids that can use them. If oyu want to earn
money you can earn it doing chores here and weeding my garden.' Stephen
says 'Okay you promise.' I answer 'I promise.' He finishes his snack I
bundle him up and grab all his gifts and bring him home.

We walk in and Andrea and Sr. are sitting in the kitchen having coffee
and munching on cookies. Stephen says 'Hi Dad Hell-o Andrea.' Sr. laughs
and Andrea says 'I will give you Andrea come here and give me a hug and a
kiss.' Which he does and laughs and then shows them what he got from the
grandparents. Stuart comes in and sits and makes fun of the gloves on the
string calling Stephen gay and a baby. Without a word and a swift
movement he turned around a belted Stuart right in the face. The parents
and I were stunned but not as much as Stuart whose nose started to bleed.
Stephen just looked and says 'You're an ass you know that' and turned
away not in the least concerned his brother was bleeding. Andrea got up
and took Stuart to the bathroom to take care of him, I did notice she had
a smirk on her face. Sr. and I looked like proud parents and Sr. says
'Bud you want something to drink with your cookie?' He answers 'Okay.' DJ
and Eric come in and want to know what happened. Stephen says 'Stuart was
being a tool again and I punched him in the face.' Looking at his Dad and
me he says 'I will hit him again if he bothers me.' The two brothers also
looked proud but were smart enough not to congratulate him in front of a
parent. Eric says 'Well where is he?' Stephen says 'Andrea is fixing his
bloody nose.' DJ says 'Bro you gave him a bloody nose?' Stephen looks at
his two brothers and smiles and nods discreetly. Stephen says 'Papa help
me bring my stuff upstairs and I want you to bring something back.'

We go up to his room and put the presents by his tree with some of the
others he brought up. He takes an envelope out of his drawer and says
'Put this envelope in with my hidden money at your house. Okay.' I answer
'Okay.' I sit on the bed and say 'Is there anything you want me to look
for tomorrow while we are shopping?' Stephen says 'Christmas dvds I don't
have and I want a nativ you know a manger you know like you have. I want
to put it on my bureau next to the tree.' I say 'So every year like Uncle
Anthony you can say 'Fear not I bring you tidings of great joy.' Stephen
says 'Yep that's what I am going to do.' I say 'Stephen I am proud of the
way you stood up to Stuart but don't tell anyone but DJ or Zachary I said
that. You shouldn't always use fighting as a way to solve a problem but
in some cases it can't be helped. You also have to face the fact you got
lucky he is bigger than you but don't let that ever stop you either. If
you start something you have to be prepared to finish it.' Stephen says
'Papa you don't know he is always bothering me.' I laugh 'Stephen trust
me I don't think he will be bothering you for a while if ever again.'
Just then DJ comes in and says 'Stephen you are the man. Woo-hoo Dad and
Mom are giving Stuart a talking to and he may get punished.' Stephen says
'No now he will always bother me.' We both say at the same time 'I don't
think so.' DJ says 'I guess Eric told Dad that he is always pulling this
crap with the both of you when no one is around. Stephen why didn't you
tell me? Dad told him he has no problem hitting him if he hears anything
again and that he has no problem using a strap on him. Stuart looked
scared.'

DJ had just left and I was getting ready to leave when Stuart came in. He
may end up with a black eye too and he says 'Hi Papa.' I nod then he
looks at Stephen and says 'Listen Stephen I am sorry for making fun of
you and calling you names.' Stephen looks at him for it seems like
minutes and says 'Okay but I am not saying I'm sorry for hitting you and
I will hit you again if you keep bullying me, Eric and my friends. I hope
your nose gets better soon.' With that he turns and goes back to getting
his pajamas out and Stuart leaves. By the look on his face I don't think
he expected Stephen to be so cold. I laughed to myself and thought his
name should be Jared. I tell him let's go down I have to get going.


In the kitchen the other three boys are having their snack. I'm glad they
are eating the gingerbread house. Andrea says 'Dad I have a favor to
ask.' I say 'Go ahead.' Andrea says 'We have been invited to go out on
New Year's Eve would you mind babysitting DJ and Stephen. Eric and Stuart
are staying over at their A/V club friends.' Sr. says 'You may have
Stuart too. I'm not sure if he will be going.' Stuart lost the color in
his face. Stephen says 'Dad let him go. I already talked to him and he
knows what I want.' Sr. says 'Okay you can thank your brother for that.'
Stuart says 'Thanks Stephen' and the three go to watch TV. As soon as
they were out of the room I started to laugh and I grabbed Stephen and
put him between my legs and rubbed his head. The parents looked at me and
wanted to know what was so funny. I say 'Stephen I am going and I will
see you tomorrow.' Andrea tells him to go get ready for his shower. He
kisses and hugs me and goes upstairs. Once he is gone I say 'You're
thinking what a great kid you have there and you do. Upstairs he wouldn't
give Stuart the time of day he never apologized for hitting him in fact
he told him he will do it again if he bothers him or anyone else. The
reason he told you guys to let him go to the party is so he wouldn't have
to share DJ, Zachary, or myself that night.' Sr. says 'I can see that.'
Andrea says 'Dad I already thought it, but he is going to be just like
you, both him and DJ.' I laugh and say goodnight and leave.

I meet Zachary on my way home and we go in and straighten up whatever
needs. I lock up and we go take a long hot shower (get off of course) and
head to bed. I go down double check that everything is locked grab a
bottle of water and head back up. The lights will stay on again tonight
and tomorrow they will be put back on the timers.


In bed Zachary says 'I'm glad my Dad came home it made my grandparents
happy. His flight is at 7:15 and he will be at work for 11:00am. Geez he
really loves his job.' I say 'Are we going to the gym or working out at
home? What time does Lowes open tomorrow? Zachary says 'We can go to the
gym if you want seeing Stephen isn't here and Lowes isn't opening till
7am so we have plenty of time.' I say 'That is a good point Stephen will
definitely be here tomorrow night.' I tell him about New Year's Eve and
the fight. Zachary got quiet. I say 'Should I tell her I can't babysit?'
Zachary says 'No not at all it will be fun. It is the name calling that
is bothering me that is why I don't want to get married yet. Geez if he
hit Stuart for calling him gay what would he do if anyone on the outside
called you or I gay. I say 'I didn't think of that everyone in our circle
has been supportive now I get what your Dad and Maria were saying.' With
that he kissed me and turned over and we fell asleep.

We got to the gym by five which was like sleeping in late for us. The
place was filling up fast even Sebastian showed up before we left telling
us too much food and drink for two days. We were at Lowes in plenty of
time and saw Anthony and Becky ahead of us in line.


The doors open and we went in luckily there were more returns and people
getting other sale items then Christmas. Becky found the tree I had and
they got it on a wagon there were only a few left. Zachary got some
ornaments for Maria and the tree in our bedroom and more branch garland.
Zachary got wrapping paper for the both of us. I looked at the nativities
and didn't see anything that Stephen was looking for. Anthony and Becky
found some ornaments that were repro of the ones we had as kids and
bought them and I bought a box of small ones for Stephen's tree. I got
another cordless drill that was on sale and a small step ladder that was
cheap. I said goodbye to my brother and Becky and we headed to a gift
shop to see if they had nativities. Everything was on sale there and
Zachary got two houses and some other pieces to Maria's village that were
being retired and marked down a lot. Zachary showed me a few things that
I should get for her from Stephen which I did. Again there weren't any
nativities to my liking. Zachary says 'I think there is one more store we
should try. If not there is always on line.' Zachary was right I found
what I wanted. They weren't exactly the same but were close and he could
add to it every year there were a hundred or more pieces. I got him the
basic 12 pieces and the stable. Zachary got him more sheep and shepherds
so he could recite his speech to them. This was good I was done with
shopping and we headed home we only had a tangerine and two bottles of
water each. I ask 'Do you want to stop at the diner and get breakfast?'
Zachary says 'No all I want is some fruit and a nap.' I laughed.


On our way home we pass Sr. and Andrea with Stephen and I knew it would
be two minutes before my phone rang. Zachary answered for me and put it
on speaker and I told him I got his nativity and will talk to him when he
gets home. We unload and put everything away except what has to be given
to Stephen and Maria. We have a couple of pieces of fruit each and he
says he is going across the street after he puts our gym clothes in the
wash and makes the bed. I head for the couch and a nap.


Zachary comes back about an hour or so later and joins me on the couch.
He says 'Noni wants us to come for supper she wants to finish up the fish
and pasta from Christmas Eve.' I know how she thinks this food will be
good for a few more days but these older folks get nervous thinking it is
still like when refrigerators weren't that good. I say 'Sure but at some
point we will have to start eating what I have here.' Zachary laughs
'Between us and Stephen that won't be a problem and she is figuring
Stephen will be coming too.' Sleep overtakes us and the next thing I know
the phone is ringing.

Stephen says 'Papa what are you doing?' I answer 'I was taking a nap.'
Stephen says 'I just woke up from mine.' I look at the clock on the wall
and it is only 2pm.  I ask 'How long did you sleep?' Stephen says 'I
didn't have lunch yet I fell asleep in the car and then woke up later on
the couch.' He yells 'Ma how long did I sleep?' I hear Andrea say almost
90 minutes and he repeats it. Then he says 'Papa I have to eat lunch and
DJ is going to play a game with me.' I say 'Have your lunch and play your
game then pack clothes and I will get you later we are eating dinner at
Maria's. I say 'That is if you want to stay over.' Stephen says 'Papa
hell-o why do you think I'm talking to you.' Then he whispers and giggles
'Papa, Stuart's nose is swollen and he has some black and blue mark under
his eye.' I say 'Hmm I figured he would have a black eye.' Stephen says
'Papa you are smart is that what that is?' I say 'That is what that is.'
The call ends I go back to the couch.

Zachary cuddles next to me and I whisper 'We are having company tonight.'
Zachary says 'Wow who would have guessed. You know you should bring his
nativity and ornaments over to him so he has it there.' I say 'Hmm that
sounds like a good idea.' Before I know it Zachary is sleeping again.


We get ready to go across the street Zachary goes straight to the
grandparents and I go get Stephen. I go in and Andrea and Sr. are making
a shopping list I say 'I guess you are out of milk again.' They both
laugh and I say 'Well I still have a gallon of yours.' Andrea says 'Keep
it for Stephen and you can freeze eggnog right?' I say 'Yes I usually
keep 8 to 10 in the freezer for Zachary during the year but I don't buy
it till New Year or later.' She says 'DJ and Stephen said you did and
they both like it better than milk at times.' I ask 'How is Stuart?' Sr.
laughs 'I don't think he will be bullying anyone for a while. He has a
nice shiner and nose isn't broken but I think damn near close.' The nurse
turns around and says it isn't but if the swelling doesn't go down by
tomorrow I will bring him to the doctor. He is breathing fine through it.


I go up to Stephen's room and he is looking at his tree. I say 'Look what
I got for you.' I show him the ornaments and the nativity. We set up the
nativity and he says 'Papa I like yours better but this is okay too. I
say 'I couldn't find one like mine but this was the closest.' Stephen
says 'My Dad and I looked too. You know Papa I was thinking I want a
bigger tree next year for my room.' I say 'How come?' Stephen answers 'I
just do. I have the room DJ helped me measure.' What are you going to do
with this one? Put it in my room at your house.'  Say 'But you sleep with
me.' He says 'Not all the time and I nap in there and my clothes are in
there.' I say 'What did your parents say?' He answers 'They say I have to
buy and take care of it.' I say 'We can look tonight or tomorrow on-line
and see what is out there.' I get a hug and he says 'Thanks Papa.' The
two of us pack his backpack and go downstairs. I stop in the other boys'
rooms to say Hi. I get a good glimpse of Stuart's nose and eye. (Eric is
smirking behind him)I think to myself damn Stephen did hit him good. DJ
is sleeping in his room and we continue down. Stephen kisses his parents
goodbye and we leave.


The table is all set and they are waiting on us. Maria says 'Sit
everything is ready.' There is stuffed shells, manicotti, stuffed shrimp,
and fried shrimp and the angel hair with alici (anchovy) and olive oil
and broccoli salad. Stephen and Mario are in their glory with all the
different pasta. Maria says 'You have to come back Wednesday or Thursday
for the lamb.' Zachary asks 'Are you going to the club for New Year's
Eve?' Mario says 'Yes us and three other couples.' Maria says 'My sister
Roseanna wants us to come over on New Year's for dinner. But I'm not sure
if I want to. I may just want to stay home and relax. It has been a busy
holiday season this year. Mario asks 'What are you doing?' Stephen
answers 'They have to babysit me and DJ my Mom and Dad are going out.'
Mario asks 'What about the two Hollywood camera men?' Stephen says 'They
are going to a party but Stuart almost wasn't able to go.' Mario laughed
'Why was he bad?' Stephen says 'Yep.' Mario was shocked and says 'Really
I don't believe it.' Stephen says 'He was.' By the quietness Mario
decided not to press it. After dinner we cleaned up Stephen went to the
bathroom to make room for dessert. I told Mario and Maria the story.
Mario of course beamed over Stephen and Maria just said 'Stephen had to
reach his limit to do it.' Zachary says 'Just like David and Goliath.' I
say 'I saw Stuart today what a shiner he has. Hopefully he learned his
lesson.' Maria says 'Maybe I shouldn't have gotten him those gloves.'
Zachary says 'Noni they have them for adults. Stuart is a bully he has
been bothering Stephen and his friend since school started.' Mario says
'Maybe it is time for the boxing gloves.' I laugh and Maria frowns. I say
'I was that age when my grandfather and father showed me how to box.'
Mario knew but Maria and Zachary hadn't a clue. Zachary says 'You know
how to box?' I say 'Yes and so does Anthony. My brother Michael always
whined and cried when he got hit so they never forced him.' Mario goes
'Just because you know how to defend yourself doesn't make you a bully.'
Stephen comes in and says 'Noni I got a nativity today. Papa bought it
and some ornaments for my tree.' Maria asked 'Where did you buy it?'
Zachary answered 'At St. Joseph's store and he can add pieces whenever he
wants.' Maria says 'A Fontanini those are nice. Come look at the
ornaments Zachary bought me.' They both left for the living room. After
dessert of cookies we went home. Stephen says 'Papa pretty soon it will
be dark all over.' I am puzzled 'What do you mean dark all over?' Stephen
answers 'Christmas is over everyone will be taking down all the lights
and stuff and it will really be dark out. My Dad says maybe before go
back to school he wants to take the lights down outside especially if it
going to snow.' I say 'Stephen even Mario and I do that especially if it
going to be a big storm. You know that last year when you were here all
the outside stuff was down before we got that big snow storm. The cold
and snow puts a lot of strain on the wires. I don't know if there is snow
coming and anyway you don't want it now when you are home you want when
you are in school so you get the day off.' Stephen says 'Papa you know my
Dad said the same thing to Eric and Stuart when they were complaining
they couldn't use their sleds.' Zachary says 'Don't worry the tree in the
living room will be up till Valentine's Day at least.'

Stephen went up to shower as soon as we got in. Zachary asked 'Can I see
those wreaths you were talking about.' I say 'Stay with Stephen while I
run downstairs. It will only take me a minute.' I can hear them laughing
when I come back upstairs. I say 'They are on the island but wait for me
to take them out of the boxes.' Stephen finishes up and runs into his
room to get his pajamas on. He yells 'Papa come in here.' I answer
'What's up?' He answers 'Look we can put the tree right here on the
table in the corner.' I say 'Ok let's look for another tree.' We head
downstairs with Stephen singing a carol. Stephen asks 'What are these?' I
answer 'These were my parents. Zachary wants to see them.' Stephen asks
'What does the box say?' Zachary says 'Good-lite cellophane wreath
equipped with a General Electric bulb made in Bridgeport, Ct. These were
made in Bridgeport?' I say 'Good-lite had a factory there.' I take them
each one of them out of the boxes four out of the five are in great shape
the fifth is falling apart and could never be used but parts can be saved
for spares.' Stephen says 'Plug them in. Plug them in.' They all work and
Stephen says 'Papa they are neat you have to use them next year.' I laugh
and say 'If they survive another year.' I would need another ten if I
wanted them in all my windows. Zachary looks on Ebay and finds quite a
few of them. A lot of them were in bad shape and the money they wanted
was ridiculous. I say 'Look at the price these costs .68 cents and they
want$40.00 for these on line I will never pay that. Stephen if we can't
find any by next year you can put one in the window that faces my house.'
Stephen says 'Okay thanks Papa.' I carefully put them back in their boxes
and bring them downstairs.'

Zachary goes up to shower and I ask 'What are we watching tonight?'
Stephen says 'I don't know. How about Mr. Magoo Scrooge we haven't
watched that yet. Papa when did that on TV?' I look at the box and answer
'It came out the year I was born 1962 just like Rudolph did.' I ran up
with a warm towel for Zachary and snuck in a few kisses and copped a feel
or two. We all turned in late actually late for me and Zachary it was
9pm.


The next morning I got up and went to the cellar and got on the
treadmill. Did that and a little lifting and went up to start breakfast.
I knocked off pancakes and bacon other than Christmas morning we really
haven't had big breakfasts. I go up and shower and look in on Stephen and
go lay down with Zachary. I get under the covers with him and make him
moan.


We kiss for a few minutes and both of us are hard. I take him in my mouth
and it isn't long before he shoots a big load down my throat. I lick and
clean him up. He dives under the covers and attacks me. His mouth is so
warm I try to hold off but I can't. He peeks his head out from under the
covers and says 'Morning that was a nice wake-up call.' We kiss again and
I get out from under the covers and wipe the last droplets of cum from
his and my cocks and straddle him. I lay on him for a few minutes when he
hears Stephen yawning. I jump up and wrap the towel around me and go back
to my bedroom.


Stephen is laying there with his eyes half shut. He whispers 'Papa you
are naked.' I say 'I just got out of the shower.' I get clothes out of my
drawer and go get dressed. I come back in and sit on the bed rubbing his
back and ask 'Are you ready to get up? I made breakfast.' Stephen says
'Yep I am hungry.' I say 'After you go to the bathroom go and see when
Zachary is getting up.'


I head down and set the island. I can hear the two laughing and talking
upstairs. Stephen comes down and says 'Zachary will be down soon. Papa he
was sleeping and smiling he must have had a good dream.' I say 'You do
too sometimes.' I give him his juice and ask 'Do you want eggs with your
pancakes and bacon?' Stephen answers 'Just one.' I get our plates ready
and make his egg and mine at the same time. I ask 'What do you plan on
doing today?' He looks at me and answers 'Nothing I have been going
everywhere the last few days.' I laugh and say 'Geez you sound like you
have had to go to work or something.' Stephen says 'Papa my tree we never
looked for them yesterday.' I say 'Ok after breakfast while Zachary is
working out.' Zachary comes in and says 'What are you guys doing while I
am working out?' Stephen says 'Getting a tree for my room.' Zachary says
'You have a tree.' Stephen says 'I want a bigger one.' Zachary says 'Oh.'


After we eat and clean up Zachary heads downstairs and I grab the laptop.
There are plenty of trees but nothing that either one of us like and the
ones he did like were on backorder. After looking for an hour I say 'We
have a whole year and there are a few stores we can check. I didn't buy
your tree till around Halloween and who knows next year there may be one
you may like better than what we have seen.' He finally agrees and then
the phone rings and it is Andrea. I give Stephen the phone and I can tell
he is not happy. He hangs up and says 'Papa I have to go home for lunch
and the rest of the day.' I ask 'How come?' Stephen puts his head in his
hands and says 'My Mom says her and my Dad is home and they want to do
stuff with us.' I say 'That makes sense you should be happy they want to.
We have a whole week to see each other and you are staying here
Saturday.' Stephen says 'Yeah I guess so.' I get him dressed and I walk
him home.


They are taking them to the movies today and as a surprise to NYC
tomorrow to see the tree and the Rockettes. That perked Stephen up and I
left as they decided on what movie to see. Zachary was just coming down
from his shower and asks 'Where is Stephen?' I relayed the story and I
say 'We probably won't see him till Friday.' Zachary says 'That is good
they are doing things as a family. But I think I am going to miss him.'

The next few days we went back to the gym to work out and came home and
had breakfast and relaxed the rest of the time it was nice spending time
with each other. Thursday we were going over to Maria's for supper and
Stephen was going too and planning on sleeping over. At supper he told us
about the trip to NYC. He liked the train ride and the big tree and the
ice skating rink. Zachary asks 'Did oyu have any hot chocolate at the
rink?' Stephen says 'No the line was too long and we had to catch the
train.' I ask 'Did your brothers like it?' Stephen says 'DJ liked
everything but was getting bored and Stuart and Eric liked the theater.
It was big and a lot of stairs.' Maria says 'It was always a beautiful
theater.' Stephen says 'You were there?' Maria says 'When Dan was little
we use to go in all the time at Christmas. They also showed a movie along
with the Rockettes.' Stephen says 'Oh and Papa I can sleep over tonight
but I have to go home after breakfast my Dad wants to take the lights
down outside. He says there may be a snow storm coming next week. Today
Andrea made us bring all our Christmas presents up to our rooms so now
there is nothing under the tree.' Mario gets a kick out if the way he
says 'Andrea'. Maria says 'That makes sense before you know it will be
time to get ready for school. I took everything out from under my tree
today too.' Mario says 'I think I will bring in the nativity figures
tomorrow I heard the same thing about the weather.' Zachary says 'We will
help you.' Stephen moans 'See everything is coming down.' Maria says 'The
candles in the window are staying up and so is my tree. I'm sure your Mom
will do the same.' I say 'The same for me.' Stephen says 'Papa on the
train ride guess what I saw.' I say 'What?' Stephen says 'On the way home
the train stopped a few times and one of the times there was a house that
had those same red wreaths as you and there was a Santa head on the door
like we have that the other people who lived there left.' Zachary says
'See they are still around.'


Maria says 'What wreaths?' Stephen says 'My Papa has these red wreaths
that have a light in them. He only has four they were his Mom and Dad's.'
Maria says 'I have six in my closet they were from when I was small I
bought them for my parents. When I got married I took them but never used
them  here I didn't have enough but I kept them in my closet because it
was cool and dark. I forget I have them they are way in the back and when
I was putting away my presents I saw them on the shelf.' Stephen says 'My
Papa's are Good-lite.' Maria laughs and says 'So are mine.' She gets up
and goes and gets them. Stephen says 'Look they are the same.' She took
them carefully out of each box and plugged them in. They were like brand
new. Stephen says 'I like them.' Maria says 'Jared you are welcome to
them.' Stephen says 'Yeah.' I say 'Hold onto them till Thanksgiving I
need ten more you only need three if we can find them online before
then you will be able to use them. I have enough for one side of my house
and one for Stephen to use.' Maria says 'Okay fair enough but I am not
spending a lot. Look mine were only .59 cents each. That goes for you too
Zachary it is a waste of money especially when you can't see them in
person.' Zachary says 'Okay I get it.' We have dessert help clean and
leave.

On the way home Stephen wants to walk around the neighborhood. He says
'Papa who knows what will be left up after tomorrow.' I say 'Okay.' The
three of us walk a few blocks. There are already trees at the curbs.
Stephen says 'Geez they look dead.' I say 'That is the trouble with a
real tree.'


We get home and he runs up to the bathroom and then to shower. Zachary is
next and then I follow. I go down to find them watching Shrek's
Christmas. I say 'Hey I'm going to bed everything is locked make sure you
turn everything off.' I must have dozed off for I never heard them come
up and didn't realize it till Stephen was climbing into bed. He whispers
'Papa are you awake?' I answer 'I am now what is on your mind?' He
giggles 'Papa tomorrow is Friday already and it's time to go back to
school.' I answer 'Huh there is still Saturday and Sunday.' Stephen says
'Papa you don't get it we always have Saturday abs Sunday off that is no
big deal.' Now I open my eyes and look at him and ask 'Are you sure you
are only five? That is a pretty smart way of looking at it.' Stephen
whispers 'You know I am five and Eric told me and DJ that this morning
and he is right.' I say 'Well Eric is right but the days always go by
fast when you are having fun. Don't you want to go back to school and see
your friends and teacher?' Stephen is quiet and took a long time to
answer and finally says 'Yeah I guess like DJ says like it or not we have
to go. It sucks first Christmas is over and so is vacation.' Now it was
my turn to laugh I say 'Grandson get used to it you have another twelve
years of school. Now what would you like for breakfast tomorrow?' Stephen
thought about it and says 'When DJ and I sleep over I want waffles, bacon
and eggs but tomorrow I guess English muffins with honey and scrambled
eggs.' I say 'I can do that for both days.' Stephen yawns 'Goodnight Papa
I love you.' I say the same to him and watch him fall asleep.

The next morning I am up do my work out, shower and sneak again into bed
with Zachary. I spoon him and he turns and faces me. He says 'I heard
voices last night but couldn't hear what you were saying.' I gave him the
rundown on our conversation and say 'I know exactly how he feels I never
liked school in the beginning I wanted to be home with my Mom and I told
you before how I always felt about Christmas ending. Ha I wonder if it is
genetic or do a lot of people feel that way.' Zachary says 'It could be I
never minded school I loved Noni and Poppy and your wife Carol but you
were at work and if I went to school you would be home right after I was.
For Stephen he loves being with you and Noni so he doesn't realize that
when he was here last year you took off time to be with him. But the love
for Christmas I think is genetic with you two. As far you not wanting to
go to school you were a Momma's boy didn't you say Anthony was too as far
not wanting to go to school. As for me I was a little gay boy that
couldn't wait for my hero to come home so school helped the day pass by.'
I laughed 'You forget you didn't want to go to school when you first
started I picked you up that was the only way Maria and my Carol got you
to go.' Then I remembered it was only a few months after his Mom had
passed. I say 'But in your case it was completely different you were
being thrown into a whole new world. I'm sorry I shouldn't have made
light of it.' Zachary looked at me says 'There is nothing to be sorry
about I missed my Mom but God forgive me I missed you more.' And he
blushed and looked down. I held him and kissed him and rubbed his ass and
back. Then we both heard little feet, thankfully running for the bathroom
and shutting the door. I jumped up put the towel around me and snuck
quietly downstairs. I came back upstairs and yell from the bedroom
'Stephen where are you?' I hear a muffled 'I'm in the bathroom.' I get
dressed and as I am finishing he is coming out and crawls back into bed.
He asks 'Papa did you work out?'  I answer 'Yes, then took a shower and
went down to put coffee on. Are you going to stay in bed a little more?'
Stephen says 'Just a little I want to lay here and look at the tree for a
while.' I rub his head and say 'Okay I will be in the kitchen come down
when you are ready.' Stephen says 'Is Zachary still sleeping?' I say 'Yes
I looked in there when I came up and didn't see you in bed. When you get
up check to see when he is getting up.' Stephen answers he will and I go
down.

There is nothing for me to do till they come down except have my coffee.
I put on the news and there is a potential Nor'easter coming for
Wednesday. So after we help Mario I think I will take mine down too
except for the back door that will give something Stephen to look at. I
go down and pull out the tubs for the outdoor lights. After my coffee I
cut an orange and leave a bottle of water out for Stephen and go out and
see what I can do before they come down. It is funny it takes longer to
put up than take down. In less than thirty minutes I filled the three
tubs with lights and the branch garland. All that was left was the back
door that was staying up and the extensions that had to be wrapped up. I
got everything in their proper tubs and brought them in to be taken
downstairs. I got three of the four put away when Stephen says 'Papa not
yours too.' I say 'I left the lights on the back door so you will see
them every time you come in. There is a good shot at a blizzard in a few
days and I don't want this stuff to get buried.' Stephen says 'Like last
year?' I say 'Yes there is a chance.' That kind of pacifies him he
remembers the amount of snow we got. I ask 'Is Zachary getting up?'
Stephen answers 'Yes he is in the bathroom. I motion to the orange and
the water as I bring the last tub down. While I am downstairs I hear
Stephen tell Zachary what I am doing.


I make four English muffins and while they are eating them I scramble
eggs. Zachary has three muffins and Stephen eats one and they both devour
the eggs. It is getting near nine and Maria calls Zachary to say Mario is
heading outside at nine. He finishes getting dressed and leaves. Stephen
helps me clean up the breakfast mess goes to the bathroom and I get him
dressed and we go over to help. By the time we get there they have almost
everything down and Zachary and I carry the nativity figures downstairs
as Mario and Stephen fill tubs with lights and garland. Mario leaves the
lights on his front and back doors for Stephen.


Andrea calls to tell me that Sr. and the boys are outside starting to
take down their things. After finishing up at Mario's we go through the
backyard to find that having three grown sons does make a big difference.
They had the most lights and decorations and by the time we got there
ninety percent of it was down. The tubs were all marked and we helped
bringing them into the garage. Unfortunately for Stephan his dad didn't
leave anything up like Mario and I did for him he looked disappointed but
didn't say anything. Andrea came out and says 'Stephen if you want to go
back to Papa's for a little while seeing everything is finished here.'
Stephen says 'Bye see you after. Come on Zachary let's go see our sleds
it is supposed to snow.' I look at my daughter I know something is up.
After Zachary and Stephen get out of hearing distance my daughter says
'Seeing that everything is going fast and smooth. I want the three boys
and Sr. to help me take everything down inside except the tree in the
living room and candles in the windows.' I say 'You know you are going to
give this kid a trauma.' Andrea says 'Dad I go back to work too Tuesday.
We put up a lot of stuff this year more than normal.' I say 'Honey I
understand he has his tree and you can let him keep one candle in his
window no one will see it except the grandparents and me if he wants.'
She continues 'We already took the tree down in the basement and if I
could get away with it I would take the main tree down too. But I am
going to leave that up till next weekend along with the candles it will
be close to the Epiphany.' I answer 'I get it believe me.' I kiss her
goodbye and head home thinking this kid is not going to be happy.


I decide if he wants to sleep here till he goes home Monday afternoon to
get ready for school I will tell my daughter. I know how I felt as a kid
when the decorations came down. They are in the garage and I hear Zachary
say 'We have to ask Noni for some old candles.' Stephen says 'Why?'
Zachary explains 'To grease the runners of our sleds. Jared showed me how
to do it when I got my sled. It will keep the runners slick in the snow.'
Stephen is looking at Zachary the way he does to me and DJ and he says
'So you will go fast like we did last year.' Zachary nods. I yell 'Who is
hungry?' They both answer 'Me.'

I make grilled cheese for the both of them and they eat gingerbread for
dessert. Zachary says 'I saw that Stuart's nose is still kind of swollen
and he still has a black eye.' Stephen says 'Yeah Eric told me he hopes
it is better before school starts.' Zachary says 'What about the party?'
Stephen shrugs his shoulders. I say 'Tonight we are eating the shrimp and
all the leftovers from Christmas Eve for supper.' Stephen says 'Papa am I
staying for supper?' I say 'You are and if you want to sleep over you
can.' Stephen answers 'I want to but I have to ask first.' Zachary looks
at me as if to say 'What is going on?'

While Stephen is in the bathroom I tell Zachary what is going on at his
house. Zachary laughs 'The poor little kid first going back to school,
now he is losing Christmas. This is the longest stretch for school they
don't get that many days off. One in January, one in February, Good
Friday and April vacation, Memorial Day and that's it unless they get a
lot of snow days and if they do there goes the April vacation.' I say 'I
know it isn't the end of the world but he is only five.' Zachary says
'You were just as protective with me and I'm sure with Anthony, Chris and
Andrea.'


My phone rings and it is Anthony. He says 'Do you have time to talk? I
have Charlie on the other line for a conference call.' I say 'Sure go
head set it up.' Charlie says 'Merry Christmas Uncles. Did oyu guys have
a good Christmas?' We both say 'Same to you and yes we did. I say 'Where
are you? And how was your visit?' Charlie says 'I am on my way home from
the grocery store. I got in Thursday.' Anthony asks 'Did everything go
well?' Charlie laughs 'I guess as well as I expected. It was great seeing
my brother and his family and of course my Mom. I actually stayed a day
longer than I planned to.' I say 'Are you still going skiing with
Sebastian?' Charlie says 'He should be here in a few hours that is why I
went shopping. I still am not planning on mentioning you or Zachary. I'm
playing dumb about his Dad. Uncle Jared I don't know where this going yet
and even then it isn't me to talk about other people.' I say 'His Dad
grilled the hell out of Zachary I have been on vacation. But don't worry
Zachary told him he didn't know you.' Charlie says 'Tell Zachary I'm
sorry.' I answer 'He is fine. He didn't like lying but with the person
his Dad is that was the best way to handle it.' Charlie laughed 'Real old
school.' I answer 'Definitely.'  Anthony says 'Okay okay I have to ask
how was our brother Michael?' Charlie says 'A total jerk-off. I talked to
him a total of seven minutes.' He told me I was a trader for being close
to you guys. Nothing about him turning his back on me, it was all about
him.' I say 'I'm sorry I was hoping he would come around.' Anthony says
'Me too.' Charlie says 'I told him to think and say whatever he wants and
he better hope he never strokes out or has a heart attack in front of me
because he will end up dying because I will step right over him and
leave.' Anthony asks 'What did he say to that?' Charlie laughs 'He turned
kind of white and I walked away from him. Then I turned and told him I
hope he has a will if not I still get to split a third with my brother
and will enjoy blowing every dollar of it.' We never said a word or
looked at each other the rest of the day.' Anthony says 'Damn Charlie you
know how to get to him his wallet and his mortality.' I say 'You are
definitely one of us.' Anthony says 'Your Uncle Jared is too much of a
gentleman to ask, but is Sebastian hung? His Dad is and the brother that
plays ball with DJ has the nickname 'Meat.' I say 'Anthony.' Charlie
laughs 'Let's just say it is ample, he has been blessed.' The three of us
laugh. Charlie says 'I will call you guys next week Happy New Year.'
Anthony and I stay on the phone and discuss shopping Sunday.

While Stephen is in the other room I relay to Zachary the conversation
with Charlie. Stephen goes down for a nap and the two of us go down to
the cellar for our own nap.[:-)]

I'm not surprised he is allowed to stay over but he has to go home for
clothes. After we eat Stephen and I walk to his house the long way. He
comments 'See Papa how dark it is more people took their stuff down.'
When we go in he looks around and sees all the decorations are down but
doesn't say anything and he goes up to get some clothes. DJ says 'Papa I
have a party to go to tomorrow night but I need a ride home will you or
Zachary be able to come and get me.' I say 'Of course you aren't staying
out till midnight.' DJ says 'No the two friends I am going with have a
10pm curfew so you can come about 9:30.' I say 'No problem text me or
call me with the directions tomorrow.' Sr. says 'The house is in that new
development by Uncle Anthony's on Blueberry Hill lane.' I say 'Okay just
text me the house number.' Stephen comes down and says 'Goodnight' to
everyone and we leave.

Stephen says 'You see Papa they took everything down.' I say 'Stephen the
tree and the candles are still up. Plus you have your own tree and
nativity. You can keep them up till Valentine's Day.' Stephen says 'Yeah
I guess.'


I get him showered and he goes down to watch a movie with Zachary while I
shower. I tell them I am going to bed and head up. I can hear the two of
them laughing as they are coming up the stairs. Stephen climbs into bed
and I ask 'What movie did you watch?' He answers 'A movie that was on TV
it was Scrooge but one I didn't see before. It was good but I don't know
anyone who was in it. Ask Zachary tomorrow.' I ask 'What were you two
laughing about coming upstairs?' Stephen giggles 'I told him to sleep
good tonight because he was sleeping with you tomorrow and you might
snore.' I say 'But I don't snore.' He whispers 'Papa you always say that
but you do.' We fall asleep.


I'm up and do the treadmill and workout breakfast is just oatmeal with
honey. I decide I'm going to make tonight special for the two grandsons.
I shower get dressed and head to the BJ's while they are still sleeping.
I get some nachos, cheddar, guacamole, sour cream and wraps. Then at the
deli I get some ham, turkey, and liverwurst and American cheese. I will
make beans and maybe run to KFC to get coleslaw.


When I get home and after I put on the oatmeal and put what I bought away
I go upstairs. Stephen is awake lying there and I ask 'What's up
grandson? How long have you been up?' Stephen answers 'Just a few minutes
I heard you outside on the deck and then come in. What were you doing?' I
answer 'I ran to BJ's to get a few things for tonight. Are you hungry?'
Stephen says 'Yes but I want to lie here a little and look at the tree.'
I say 'Okay come down when you are ready.' I finish off the oatmeal and
start my Sunday shopping lists. It is back to work in three days. Ughh I
know how Stephen feels.


I hear Stephen go to the bathroom and then he stops by Zachary/his room,
he then comes bouncing down the stairs.  I peel a tangerine for him and
give a bowl of oatmeal. I ask 'Do you want to do anything today?' Stephen
answers 'I don't know. How many days till school start?' I laugh 'You
have today, tomorrow, and Monday and on Tuesday you go back to school and
we go back to work.' Stephen goes 'Ughh.' I say 'Ughh I feel the same and
I was out longer then you. But we can't let it get to us we have to enjoy
these three days.' Stephen says 'Okay.' I ask 'Are you and DJ going to do
anything tomorrow?' Stephen says 'Papa he says we can play some games and
watch movies and go outside.' I ask 'Did you guys do anything while you
were home?' He says 'Papa we did a lot we played some video games, he and
Eric and me went for a walk to his friend's house and Eric watched an old
Christmas movie with us, he liked it because it didn't have color.' I ask
'Where was Stuart?' Stephen kind of snickered 'He wasn't feeling good he
was lying down in his room.' I say 'Gee I wonder what was wrong with
him.' Stephen says 'I don't know Papa he hasn't been around much.' All
the while he is smirking.


While we were eating Zachary came down and got a tangerine and a bowl of
oatmeal and sat with us. Zachary asked 'What are you guys doing?' Stephen
answers 'Papa wanted to know what me and my brothers have been doing.'
Zachary says 'Oh yeah you told me while we were watching Scrooge last
night.' Stephen excitedly says 'Tell Papa who was in it.' Zachary says
'It was one of the ones you like with Patrick Stewart.' I say 'Oh yeah
that is one of my favorite Scrooges.' Then an idea hit me and I say 'You
guys have to do your drawers. Vacation is almost over. If there is room I
have a couple of empty drawers either one of you can put your clothes in
them.' Stephen says 'Good I can bring some more clothes over.' Zachary
says 'Why not you have clothes here at Noni's and your house.' Stephen
says 'Ha-ha you bet. Yeah and Noni says she is saving some of your cloths
for me too.'

After breakfast the two go upstairs and brush their teeth. I hear them
laughing as Zachary is making the beds. They go into Zachary's/Stephen's
room. Stephen comes down looking for a garbage bag already some of his
last summer's clothes are getting tight. I tell them to save the least
tight for when he has to work outside. Some of the clothes are two years
old and Zachary is also getting rid of some things that don't fit. The
rest of the day easily floats by.

New Year's Eve is slowly approaching DJ will be here for 5:00 to eat
supper and will be picked up for 7:00 to go to his friend's house. In
about eight hours it will be 2023.

All of them are surprised at what we are having for supper. DJ and
Stephen both like nachos with cheese, guacamole, and sour cream. Making
their wraps was a big hit along with the baked beans and coleslaw. For
dessert later there will be cookies and whatever they wanted to drink. DJ
passed on the dessert and went to shower and shave the little beard he
had.


The movies were all picked out and the other two got settled after DJ
left while I made the French toast casserole for breakfast. Before DJ
left Stephen giggled and whispered 'DJ be careful don't get any love
bites.' DJ laughed.

JJ

To all who have taken the time to write. A big thanks I'm glad to see
after ninety chapters you guys are still following this story. The New
Year will find Jared and Zachary spending more time together as in the
beginning. Thanks again and feel free to comment, etc. at
[jjrockwood000@gmail.com ]


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