Date: Thu, 1 Dec 2022 14:39:01 -0500 From: JJ Rockwood Subject: Zachary All Grown Up Chapter 98 Zachary All Grown Up Chapter 98 By JJ [jjrockwood000@gmail.com] ALL OF US NEED TO STEP UP TO THE PLATE AND GIVE SOMETHING TO KEEP NIFTY UP AND RUNNING GIVE WHAT YOU CAN. EVERYTHING LITTL HELPS. THANKS!!! Chapter 98 It is Friday August 4, 2023. We have had a hot humid summer everyone's garden is thriving. Nothing really exciting has happened over the past few months. Stuart graduated from eighth grade and is on his way to high school. Eric is entering eighth grade and Stephen will be going into first grade. We have only lost one game in bocce so it looks like we may make the tournament. Fleet week was great the two of us had a chance to dance and hold hands, etc. it is one hell of a week. Charlie even joined us on the Saturday and made him stay with us in our room. We all came back on the train Sunday morning. The only sad part was that Jerome our personal concierge was leaving the plaza in June. Jerome says 'I have an opportunity to go back home in Pennsylvania and start another chapter of my life.' I say 'We are happy for you and it must be fate, we are shortening our December trip by a few days.' Jerome says 'Can I ask why?' Zachary answers 'It is because of me. I don't have as much vacation time as Jared and it is rough to go back and have to work and complete a lot of other things.' Jerome says 'Hey I can understand that. I will know who will be taking my spot before I leave and your names will be on the list of prioritized guests.' We both thank him and exchange addresses and cells. I go downstairs with him to book Christmas it will be from December 2 to December 5. The three days are enough especially without Jerome being there. Charlie and Jerome seemed to hit it off and exchanged cells. On the way home I ask 'Charlie have you been dating anyone?' Charlie says 'Uncle Jared not really. It is not from trying but maybe I should lower my standards.' Before I could voice my opinion Zachary spoke up and says 'You better not. There is someone out there for you.' Charlie not belittling him or dissing him says 'The romanticism of youth. I was always that person.' Zachary says 'So why change now would you be happy with someone that didn't respect or love you. I could see lowering your standards if you were looking for one of the Hemsworth brothers but would you have been happy being Sebastian's wife?' Charlie says 'Geez no not at all. Zachary never lose the way you look at life.' I am beaming with the proudness of a new father. Zachary says with the devil in his eyes 'Well I'm sure you miss his other attributes. It seems to run in their family.' We all laugh at that. I ask 'Charlie how is your family?' Charlie answers 'My mom and brother and his family are coming up in July to see me for a week. I have to plan a few day trips.' I say 'That is great.' Charlie says 'It is. Have you talked to any of the Aunts?' I laugh 'Not since last summer. But I have accepted it and told Anthony to do whatever he was comfortable with.' Charlie says 'I'm sorry I can't help but feeling this was partly my fault.' I scoff 'Not at all. I was not comfortable with the whole idea of a family reunion to begin with. I am very much at peace with what I said and my decision. Damn Republicans they live in their own fantasy world.' Charlie laughs. I end with 'Charlie the only thing I regret is that you don't have a relationship with your Dad. Michael is Michael but he is still your dad.' Charlie looks at me and says 'Uncle Jared I have you and Uncle Anthony, my brother and my mom that is all I need. Like you I have accepted what my dad is.' Changing the subject Charlie asks 'How do know that Sebastian's attribute runs in the family?' Zachary laughs 'His younger brother Sean was given the nickname 'Meat' by his teammates on the football team.' I say 'We have seen his father at the gym before work.' I didn't go into the jacking off Zachary and I have witnessed. Charlie says 'Hmm I wonder about Samuel.' We all laughed at that. We haven't seen Charlie since then but have spoken regularly. He had a great visit in July with his family. When we arrive home I can hear my grandsons in the pool. They are all there except for Stuart but there are additions Eric's friend Denny is there and so is Molly. Eric is talking with Molly and DJ and Denny are playing with Stephen. Molly is quite pretty she will grow up to be a beautiful woman. Stephen spots me and yells 'Papa you are home. Where is Zachary?' I answer 'He went across the street to his grandparents.' Denny asks 'Sir what time is it?' I answer 'Almost 3 o'clock.' Denny says 'Guys I have to go my Dad is picking me up in 15 minutes in front of your house. Molly do you still want a ride home?' Molly says 'Yeah if it okay with your Dad.' Stephen says 'Can't you stay longer?' Denny says 'Sorry no we are leaving for vacation tomorrow.' Eric gets out of the pool with them and introduces me to Molly and Denny. They get their stuff ready and Eric says 'Papa I will be back. I'm going to stay with them till they leave.' Denny shakes my hand and Molly says 'Nice to meet you Eric's grandfather.' They leave and I smile and think to myself my thirteen year old grandson is so lucky. I ask 'Okay who is staying for supper?' Stephen answers 'Papa me of course it's Friday I'm sleeping over.' DJ says 'I can stay too.' I say 'Great.' I look at the picnic table and there are quite a few tomatoes. I say 'Well we are having tomato salad and turkey burgers.' Stephen says 'What no beans?' I laugh 'Yes of course beans.' Zachary enters the deck and says 'Is that Molly?' Both boys answer she is. Zachary says 'She is very pretty.' DJ agrees and Stephen snorts. Zachary goes in to change get things going and comes back out to be with the boys. Eric returns and Stephen makes kissing noises then says 'Show Papa your neck.' Eric laughs and says 'Stephen I can't wait till you get to be my age.' DJ chimes in and agrees. Stephen changes the subject and asks 'Papa are you and Zachary coming swimming?' I answer 'No maybe later I want to look at my garden.' Eric says 'You have to look at ours. Mom says she is going to have to learn how to can them. They keep coming.' Zachary hearing this says 'Tell your Mom to ask my grandmother she will show her.' I ask 'How long have you guys been swimming?' DJ says 'We came over after we weeded all the gardens after lunch.' We eat supper out on the deck. The conversation goes to their family vacation and school. They are going to Wildwood from August 14 to August 21. School starts August 30 and DJ's football practice starts August 14 to August 25. Stephen says 'You are lucky you get to stay at Papa's for a week.' I laugh 'Grandson you are here every day.' Stephen replies 'But I don't sleep here every night.' DJ says 'No one is here when I wake up and Mario takes me to practice and picks me up and takes me home. Just think you will be at the beach and on the boardwalk. I will see Papa for about as long as you do now.' Stephen says 'Yeah you are right. You better make sure you take the Gatorade with you. I have been making Papa buy it for a while there is plenty in the closet.' DJ answers 'I promise I will. Thank you for buying it for me.' Eric is quiet just observing his brother's interaction and smiling. Zachary says 'Eric Molly is very pretty.' I say 'You can tell she likes you. She may be the one. I met your grandmother around the same time.' Eric turns bright red and smiles but says nothing. I say 'Who wants to go school clothes shopping this weekend? There won't be many chances before your vacation.' I get three yeses. The summer has flown by and it is November 17, 2023. Next week is Thanksgiving. DJ's team has 10-2 record so far. They are tied for third place in the state if they win Thanksgiving morning they will be in second place and will go into the playoffs. Work has been busy and I only work overtime if I have too. Zachary will work a few hours a week. The three other guys will work the holiday weekend. It took a couple of weeks but Stephen has acclimated himself to first grade. It was a bit of a wakeup call that there wasn't much playtime. Honestly I think he missed his teacher this year he has an older woman. The older three seem to take everything in their stride. DJ, Eric, and Stephen are coming for supper so of course it is pizza and meatball subs. As I finish up our chores Zachary runs out to pick up supper. It isn't long before my grandsons are knocking at the door. They set the island with paper plates and drinks. Zachary returns and we all chow down. DJ and Zachary discuss the upcoming game. I ask 'Did you boys ask Stewart to come for supper?' Eric answers 'Yes Papa but he is going to another freshman dance tonight.' I say 'That is like the third dance they have had this year.' Zachary says 'Anyone can go but it is to get the freshman to socialize more.' I look at DJ and he says 'No Papa I wasn't planning on going actually more freshman show up at these things. Now next Friday's dance everyone will be there it will be huge.' I ask 'How did your week go?' Eric says 'It was okay. The teacher gave us assignments for what was due for the end of the month so we can finish it before and be free next weekend.' Both DJ and Zachary say 'Do it get it out of the way.' Eric says 'I'm already three quarters finished.' I look at Stephen he says 'Boring I was moved from the second reading group into the first.' I reply 'That is great, good for you.' Stephen answers 'No it isn't that means we have to read more.' Zachary says 'So just think the more words you learn and get to know the more reading you can do about your favorite things like cookies and Christmas.' DJ says 'Squirt you can read the book I have about Scrooge or the real story of the Waltons 'The Homecoming'.' Stephen says 'Wow okay.' DJ says 'Oh yeah something did happen today after practice. But Papa you can't say anything to Meat's I mean Sean's dad.' I laugh 'What trouble did he get into now?' DJ says 'Not really trouble but he came out to Coach, me and our other friend Mike.' Stephen asks 'What did he come out of?' I say 'Why how for what reason?' DJ continues 'We were talking about the dance next week and Mike asks Meat are you asking this girl and Meat says no and then Mike asks about this other girl that likes Meat and he says no. I say what do you plan on doing going alone like us and see what happens. Just then Coach comes in and asks what are you three talking about finish up so I can lock up. Mike answers the dance. Meat stands up and says 'Listen Coach and you my two best buds I have to be honest. I'm gay.' Coach hugged him and sat with us. Mike tells him that is nothing to joke about his cousin is gay. Coach asks If he needs to talk to someone blah-blah. Meat tells he is good he just wanted us three to know and he will take it from there as who else he wants to know. I told him I have his back and Mike and Coach echoed the same. Zachary and Eric are little pale but no one notices but me. I ask 'Are you sure he is alright you don't think he will harm himself do you.' DJ says 'I don't think so he seemed relieved with how we reacted. When him and I were alone he told me his dad is doing to go to through the roof and laughed about it.' Stephen is totally confused and getting bored with the conversation. Zachary says 'Stephen guess what your new tree came yesterday we can get your little one and set it up here over the weekend. Do you know where it is?' Stephen answers 'DJ put it away in the crawl space in my closet along with the lights and everything.' DJ says 'I will get it out of the crawlspace tomorrow and will bring it over.' Stephen says "Call we will come help you. I don't want you to break anything.' DJ says 'Okay no problem.' Stephen asks 'Can we look at the new tree?' I say 'No we can't open it. You can do it at home next weekend after we finish the outside here.' Stephen says 'Awww really Papa.' I whine 'Yes really grandson,' Stephen laughs 'Ok Papa.' They cleanup and have dessert then the two older ones leave. I get Stephen showered and while he is getting dressed I say to Zachary 'After you shower. Keep him occupied downstairs I want to call Charlie.' While Zachary is showering Stephen is showing me where he wants to put his tree and says 'Papa I think I am going to sleep in here with my tree is that okay?' I say 'Wherever you want to sleep is okay with me.' Zachary comes in and Stephen shows him everything he showed me then say 'After my tree is here you have to sleep with Papa or you can sleep with me if the snoring gets too bad.' They both laugh. I say 'I don't snore.' The two laugh even harder. I say 'Both of you go down and watch TV.' I call Charlie and ask 'Do you have a few minutes to talk?' I repeat the story DJ told about Sean. I say 'I'm only concerned that this kid doesn't have really anyone to talk. Do you think you should get a hold of Sebastian so he could be there for him? I give this fifteen year old credit for having the balls to say something. Look at me and Zachary or even his older brother for that matter.' Charlie says 'Uncle Jared your situation is totally different. You are out to the people that count. I'm not that open at work. Hey look at these young guys you have to love them even Zachary he was honest with his feelings for you at sixteen.' I say 'Well listen if you don't want to get involved with this I will understand considering your history with Sebastian.' Charlie answers 'No I will for Sean's sake. I already know how I'm going to do it.' I laugh 'You do?' Charlie answers 'It is simple. I will call you right back if he answers his phone now. If not I will let you know whenever I do talk to him. I hope before I see you next week on Thanksgiving. Andrea says we are eating for 2:00.' I say 'Okay I'm going to shower. See you next week.' I shower, dress and go downstairs. They are watching a 'Charlie Brown Thanksgiving'. I ask 'No one wants a snack or eggnog?' They both answer No at the same time. I laugh and say 'I don't believe neither of you aren't hungry.' Stephen says 'Papa we had some eggnog while you were in the shower.' I say 'That makes more sense. What do you want for breakfast?' Stephen answers 'Papa you can never guess I want oatmeal with English muffins and honey.' I say 'You don't mind oatmeal now that it is cooler' Stephen says 'It's okay.' Before we go to bed I fill Zachary in on my phone conversation with Charlie. Zachary says 'You would surprise me if you didn't call and I'm happy Charlie doesn't mind getting involved.' In bed Stephen says 'I can't wait to put my tree up tomorrow. Papa you will put the lights on for me?' I answer 'Of course I will show you how it is done.' I rub his back and he is asleep. The next morning after I do the treadmill and lift I get the oatmeal made. I made it with evaporated milk it will fill those two up more. That is how my mom made it on cold mornings for us kids. After my shower as I am getting dressed Stephen whispers 'Morning Papa.' I say 'It is still early you don't have to get up if you don't want.' The little con says 'Papa I was thinking maybe you and I can over and get my tree and things. By the time Zachary and DJ get it will be time for supper.' I say 'Only if you try to sleep a little longer.' Stephen says 'I will try.' I answer 'That is all I ask.' I put my socks on and head downstairs. Stephen actually slept for a good amount of time when I heard the toilet flush and the sink. He came downstairs full of piss and vinegar. He says 'Papa I'm starving is breakfast ready?' I answer 'Here start on your oatmeal as I make you a muffin.' Stephen says 'How come this taste better?' I answer 'On weekends or real cold mornings my Mom made it this way.' Stephen asks 'What way?' I say 'With sweet milk.' He then asks 'Why don't you make it this way all the time?' I laugh 'Because we would all be fat. That is why.' He says 'Okay but why?' I answer 'With canned milk all the water taken out of it so it is just fat and milk. This is what they use to feed babies to get all the vitamins.' Stephen says 'Oh.' We eat and I tell him to go up and get dressed and tell Zachary what we are doing?' He bounces upstairs. I leave everything because I know he will eat more when we come back. I text my daughter that we are coming over and what we are doing. On our way over we see Mario stringing lights on his back deck. He asks 'Where are you two off to so early with your wagon?' Stephen says 'Going to get my tree to set it up in my and Zachary's room. Zachary got me a bigger tree for my room home.' Mario says 'It is getting near that time to do all of those things.' Stephen says 'Mario why are you putting lights back here?' Mario says 'That is because of you so you can see them from your window when it is dark and cold.' Stephen says 'But what about your front porch?' Mario says 'Don't worry little one I still have plenty for out there.' Stephen says 'You do?' Mario says 'I got my brother's he cannot use them anymore so his family gave them to me.' Stephen says 'Oh good I like those big old bulbs. Well see you later.' The two of us continue and Andrea meets us at the door. She says 'Try not to make too much noise your brothers are still sleeping.' Stephen whispers 'Okay.' It doesn't take us long to get the tree and everything else and load it on the wagon. Andrea says 'Dad have a cup of coffee with me.' I say 'Sure.' Stephen looks at me like I'm nuts and I say 'Relax it isn't 9am.' He comes and parks himself on me. I say 'Are you all set for Thanksgiving?' She says 'Yes I have everything bought all I need is to make my schedule. Will you make the mashed sweet potatoes and peas and onions? Maria and I are making homemade pasta squares for the soup today.' I say 'Yes I can do that and anything else you need.' Stephen ran to the bathroom and we both laughed. When he came back she asked 'What did your Papa make you for breakfast?' Stephen says 'Ma he made oatmeal with baby's milk it was real good. Can you make it sometime?' Andrea says 'Baby's milk?' Then it hits her you made oatmeal the way Noni made it for us.' I say 'Yes that is right.' Stephen says 'Noni?' Andrea answers 'My Noni my grandmother, Papa's mother.' Stephen says 'Oh and you know Papa says if we always ate it like that we would all be fat. Maybe you should give it Eric and Stewart.' I laugh and Andrea says 'Those two will never get fat. They are built like your Dad.' Just then Sr. comes in all dressed and says 'Who is like your Dad?' Stephen hugs his dad and says 'Eric and Stewie are built like you.' Sr. says 'There is nothing wrong with the way any of my sons are built you all are perfect got that.' Stephen says 'Yeah.' Andrea says 'You are built like your Papa, Uncle Chris and Uncle Anthony.' Sr. asks 'Are you here to help test the lights?' Stephen laughs 'No I came to get my tree and stuff so I can put it up in my room at Papa's.' Sr. asks 'Are you moving over there?' Stephen says 'No Dad. Zachary bought me a bigger tree for my room here.' Sr. says 'A bigger tree I'm going to have to charge you something for the electricity you are using now.' Stephen says 'That's okay I have money at Papa's and here from my summer job weeding the gardens.' Andrea says 'You have an answer for everything.' Stephen just smiles and we leave. On our way home he starts singing 'Good King Wenceslas' and asks 'Papa is it too early to play Christmas music?' I answer 'I guess not it usually starts playing the day after Thanksgiving. But I don't see why you can't listen to it while you put up your tree.' Zachary is doing laundry when we get home and helps us empty the wagon. He and Stephen bring everything upstairs while I put the wagon back in the garage. When I get back inside I ask 'Who is having my oatmeal and muffins?' Zachary says 'I haven't eaten yet I was waiting for you guys to eat.' Stephen says 'I want more I like it like this.' We all sit and eat. Stephen says 'Zachary your Poppi is putting lights on his back porch so I can see them from my room.' Zachary says 'Wow good for you where did he get the lights?' Stephen says 'From someone who isn't using them anymore they are old like ours.' I say 'I guess your Aunt gave them to him seeing that they weren't going to be used anymore.' Zachary says 'I'm glad that will make my Poppi happy to have something of his brothers.' Zachary asks 'Do you need my help or can I do my workout and chores?' Stephen says 'I don't think so unless Papa gets tired.' I laugh 'You never know.' We finish breakfast and Zachary heads downstairs and Stephen and I clean up the breakfast mess. Upstairs Stephen shows me where he wants his tree. I have to get something to put down so the bureau doesn't get scratched. Once I get the lights on the tree I go get a step ladder so he can put on the ornaments. I help by putting the hooks on and let him put them where he wants. Damn the kid has a pretty good eye every now and then he questions me about what I think when he isn't sure. Suddenly he shouts 'Papa I don't have a treetop for my new tree.' I say 'Don't worry between what I have and maybe Maria we can figure something out.' By the time we were finished Zachary came up from his workout and says 'Wow you guys are done already. It looks real nice. You did a good job. Well I'm going to take a shower.' Stephen says 'Wait let me go to the bathroom first.' Zachary says 'Go and don't stink up the place that much.' Stephen laughs and whacks him on his way out of the room. Zachary sits next to me on the bed and kisses me. Actually kisses me a few times until we hear the toilet flush. Stephen says 'I'm going to sleep in here tonight okay?' Zachary says 'Sure I guess I will sleep with Jared then.' Stephen says 'If it gets too loud come in to sleep.' They both laugh and I whack each one of them on the butt as I get the ladder to put it away. I say 'These boxes have to go down to the cellar.' Zachary says 'Let me do it now before I shower.' Down in the cellar Stephen says 'Papa can we look for a treetop now.' I answer 'No I will look during the week as I get my outside lights ready. We have a week to find something don't worry.' Zachary asks 'What treetop?' Stephen says 'I don't have one for my new tree.' Zachary says 'You can't use the one on your tree here it is too small you will need a bigger one.' Stephen says 'Wow that's right.' Zachary says 'We will go ask Noni later she saves everything she has some old ones that I remember.' Stephen thanks him. The day speeds by and as soon as it is dark out Stephen runs upstairs to turn on his tree. Stephen yells 'Papa there are two bulbs out where did you put the spares?' I tell him 'I have to go downstairs and get some. We will do that after supper come down and eat.' Zachary asks 'Did you leave your tree on?' Stephen says 'No I'm not up there that is wasting the bulbs.' Zachary says 'Smart thinking.' We have homemade barley soup and sandwiches for supper. Zachary says 'We are running low on cookies. But we have to use what is in the freezer to make room for Christmas cookies.' Stephen says 'Yeah we will be making a lot this year.' I say 'You two know how to bake we don't need to freeze a lot you can make them fresh. We need the room for Christmas Eve shrimp and of course your eggnog.' They both say 'Yeah.' I ask 'What did Maria say about a treetop?' Stephen answers 'She has a lot of old angels and stars and will get them out for me to pick.' I say 'Okay good. My grandparents always had an angel, my dad always insisted on a star except when we were all young we had a Santa Claus. I have to look I may still have it.' Stephen says 'I don't care as long as it is old. I don't know if I want a Santa though.' I look at Zachary as if to say this may be the year his belief ends. After supper as they are doing the cleaning I go down to the cellar to get him the spare bulbs. We go up to get his shower out of the way and to replace the bulbs. In the shower he is singing 'Good King Wenceslas' again and I ask 'What do you want for breakfast?' He answers 'Papa I think my brothers are coming for breakfast so an egg sandwich, Eric doesn't really like waffles or pancakes.' I say 'Okay we will have that but call later to make sure they are coming.' Zachary comes up to shower while Stephen and I are in his room. I have Stephen call Eric and they are coming for breakfast. It has become a pretty regular thing at least three Sundays out of the month. As I am making the usual lists for Sunday shopping the two are watching the movie 'Elf' I have to admit it is growing on me but I wasn't crazy about it in the beginning. I am drying off from my shower my phone rings and it is Charlie. I answer and tell him to give me a few minutes to get into my room and to finish drying off. Charlie says 'Unc I finally got a hold of Sebastian this morning. I guess he has been working a lot of overtime.' I say 'Yes we are very busy.' Charlie says 'This is what I told him. I started how I was down there Friday to see my family and how my cousin told us how one of his good friends came out to him and their coach. So he says 'Why do you tell me this?' I answer 'Because it was your brother Sean. I think you should be there for him. Uncle Jared there was dead silence on the other end I had to say 'Hell-o are you there.' Sebastian answered he was and says 'Are you sure it was my brother?' I told him how my cousin only told us because my Uncle his grandfather works with your dad so yes it is your brother. My cousin said how your dad was going to go through the roof when he finds out. So I think it would be a good thing if you had your brother's back. I ended with I know it isn't any of my business but Sebastian the guy is only fifteen years old.' I say 'That was an excellent way of putting it out there without no pun intended outing anyone. What did he say?' Charlie says 'Nothing really other than thanking me for my concern and letting him know. He still holds a grudge since I ended it with him. That is on him not me. I think the fifteen year old Sean is more mature than he is. I don't know how involved you want to get DJ in this in case Sean approaches him.' I answer 'If you don't mind I will explain your involvement with Sebastian. I trust him with that after all it has been over a year that he knows about Zachary and me.' Charlie answers 'Not at all I trust your instincts in this matter. I just hope Sebastian helps his brother.' We talk a little longer and hang up. Stephen is in bed for eight o'clock and asks 'Can I keep the tree on till I fall asleep.' I answer 'Yes always I will turn off when I go to bed.' I go back down wake Zachary up and finish my shopping list. When I climb into bed I notice there is a towel put down. I look at Zachary and even though his eyes are closed there is a smirk on his face. I whisper 'Did you lube yourself too?' He turned over and with a big shit eating grin on his face answers 'I sure did but if you don't want to I can go clean up.' I growl and kiss him. We spoon and I push my boner towards his ring. Zachary moans into his arm and our dance begins. It doesn't take more than fifteen minutes and we both cum. I stay inside him till I go soft. He whispers 'I have to get up and so do you I need the towel I shot my load in it and I'm starting to leak.' I help him up and we both hit the bathroom clean ourselves up and head back to bed. I go into Stephen's room and find him sleeping outside of the covers at the foot of the bed facing the tree. I pick him up and put him into bed and cover him. He mumbles 'Thanks Papa.' I turn off the tree and go back to bed. Zachary is just getting into bed when I come into the bedroom. Zachary asks 'Did he wake up?' I say 'For a second when I put him into bed and covered him.' Zachary laughs 'When I came up I saw him facing the other way.' We got settled and I told him how Charlie called but still don't know if Sebastian will get involved. I'm hoping how they are so family oriented he might. Zachary says 'It is a tough situation. Geez fifteen it took me all I muster to tell you at sixteen.' I smile 'I'm glad you did I wouldn't want to see you or anyone else not being able to talk to someone about something so important. What helps is that you, Sean, and even Sebastian are big and strong enough to take care of yourselves physically what about the ones that can't. High school is rough enough without this too.' I'm exhausted and it isn't long before we are asleep. The next morning I knock off the Canadian bacon before I get picked up by Anthony. The store is jammed with people getting everything they need for Thanksgiving. BJ's wasn't as bad as Shoprite but busier than normal. With everything put away I concentrated on breakfast. Stephen came down as Anthony and I were having coffee. I gave him some juice to hold him till we ate. Stephen asks 'Uncle Anthony are you have Thanksgiving with us?' Anthony says 'Sorry no we are having company coming up from Florida.' Stephen says 'Uncle Anthony come up and see my tree Papa and I put it up yesterday.' He asks 'You have tree here?' Stephen says 'Yeah Zachary bought me a bigger one for room and Papa and he got me lights and stuff when they went away that time.' I say 'Go up this way Stephen you can ask Zachary if he is getting up.' They no sooner go upstairs when the other two grandsons show up. They finish setting the island and I take orders and wait for the other two to come back down. Stephen and Anthony come back down and Stephen says 'Zachary will be down as soon as he washes and dresses.' Anthony says 'Jared the house really looks great. I like everything especially the roll top desk and your bedroom.' Stephen says 'Uncle Anthony really liked my tree he says it looks like it came from the olden days.' Zachary comes down and helps me cook the eggs and we all sit and eat. Anthony says 'Jared my in-laws want to see your house but they don't want to impose.' I ask 'How long are they here for.' Anthony says 'They are arriving Tuesday and staying with us until Saturday then going to Becky's brother's for a week then leaving from there.' I say 'Geez you know how crazy it is here from Thanksgiving till Sunday with the cooking and doing Christmas.' This house is going to be... but I guess I can have them over Wednesday or Friday.' Anthony says 'No they will be here probably next summer it can happen then. Becky already explained that this is a busy week for all of us and they understand.' Eric spoke up 'What if I make a virtual tour of the house? I can get Stuart to help me and I can post it. Uncle Anthony you can show them on your laptop.' Anthony and I say at the same time 'You don't mind?' Eric says 'No if I had time I would use the old movie camera.' I say 'Ok this afternoon would be the best time before things get hectic around here.' Eric says 'Good I have the time.' DJ says 'This is cool I have one brother who is going to be the next Spielberg and another brother who is going to be a famous baker.' Stephen gets a smug look on his face. The big game on Thanksgiving was talked about for the rest of the meal. Anthony left. Stephen and Zachary went upstairs to straighten up and clean, Eric went on the treadmill first so he can come back over and film. DJ helped me clean up the breakfast mess. We finished fast and I told him I needed to talk to him. The two of us sat at the island and I say 'Listen Sean may approach you at some point it may be as early as tomorrow.' DJ looks confused and asks 'What happened?' I say 'Let me start at the beginning Sean's older brother Sebastian Jr. used to date your cousin Charlie they were together for almost a year and I called Charlie to ask him if he would call Sebastian to tell him about Sean. I did this only out of concern for a fifteen year old shouldn't be dealing with this on his own. Blame it on me being a father. Charlie told Sebastian but isn't sure he will get involved he hopes so though.' DJ asks 'Charlie is gay? So is Sebastian?' I answer 'Why are you surprised I am and so is Zachary.' DJ laughs 'Yes and even that is... I guess so what is that saying don't judge a book by its cover. Believe me Papa I don't have a problem with any of this.' I touch his arm and say 'I know. But listen here is the story that Charlie told Sebastian. He told him how he was here Friday for supper and you told us only for the reason that I worked with Sean's dad and you were concerned. So if Sean doesn't get into how Sebastian knows Charlie you can be oblivious to the whole gay thing.' DJ says 'Okay but no one knows when or if this will happen exactly. So how come Charlie and Sebastian stopped going out?' I laugh 'Believe it or not Jr is a carbon copy of Sr. with the way he thinks. When he got hired in the shop he wanted Charlie to quit his job, sell his house and move down here. In other words stay home and cook and clean. Charlie told him no way.' DJ laughs 'Wow Sean is not like that at all and neither is Samuel.' I say 'I feel sorry for their sister.' DJ says 'Sean says she is a spitfire and is always arguing with the father. She is almost through with college.' The two come down from upstairs with laundry to do. Zachary says 'Upstairs is finished.' Stephen says 'DJ come up and see the tree.' DJ gets up and heads back upstairs and Eric comes up and asks if I will spot him he wants to lift. I go downstairs with Eric and ask 'How are things going?' Eric smiles 'Good Papa.' I ask 'How is Molly?' Eric blushes and says 'Good.' Then I ask 'How about Denny?' Eric says 'Ah okay I guess.' I sense a problem but wait till he finishes his presses and ask 'Trouble in paradise.' Eric laughs 'You can say that.' I say 'I won't press you but you know I'm here.' Eric says 'Papa I know you told me that enough. (he rolls his eyes)It's just I'm okay with the way things are and he wants to go further.' I look at him and say 'You mean sex.' Eric nods and is red. I say 'Don't you ever let anyone force you to do anything you aren't comfortable with and that goes the same for you in forcing someone to do anything they don't want to do. Can I ask why?' Eric says 'Papa there isn't any place we can do anything without getting caught. I'm content with holding and kissing. What if we are naked and someone walks in? Denny thinks it is exciting. I don't.' I say 'Eric some people get off on the thrill of getting caught. Do what your head tells you?' Then I pointed to the head on his shoulders this head I mean. Eric laughed and hugged me and says 'Papa you have to be the coolest grandfather.' We go upstairs and he leaves and says 'I will be back soon to do the video.' Zachary says 'Upstairs is ready and it won't take long to get things set here.' DJ and Stephen come down and Stephen goes to work with Zachary. DJ says 'Papa he put all the ornaments on himself. He has an eye for detail.' I reply 'Yes I did the lights and he did the rest he would question something but he had the answer. I guess from observing our trees and movies and TV shows.' DJ goes down to work out and I get my Thanksgiving list out with a cup of coffee. The rest of the weekend flew by and it is already Tuesday. After lunch I tell the guys that there is work available for Friday and Saturday and they all can work if they want. Of course the three guys say yes and it is only Zachary and I that aren't coming in. Wednesday after lunch Sebastian and Zachary pull out all the tubs of the Christmas decorations that Sebastian brought in last year. Jim comes in on his way home and wishes everyone a happy Thanksgiving and drops the bomb there may be work on Sunday for only one person and he will email Stanley and me when he finds out. No one works over today and we all race to get to the parking lot it is going to be a zoo with very few people working over. On our way home Stephen calls and wants to sleep over. I answer 'I don't know it is going to be hectic in the morning with DJ's game and getting ready for the big meal. Let me think about it.' Zachary says 'Let him sleep over. He can help with some things and it is one less person that Andrea has to worry about getting out of the house.' I say 'You are right call him back and tell him he can stay and to have DJ pack him something decent to wear to the game. He has enough thermals and everything else at our house.' JJ I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!! PLEASE DONATE TO KEEP NIFTY A GREAT FREE SITE!!!