Date: Thu, 22 Dec 2022 10:22:49 -0500 From: JJ Rockwood Subject: Zachary All Grown Up Chapter 99 Zachary All Gown Up Chapter 99 By JJ [ jjrockwood000@gmail.com ] NIFTY GIVES ALL OF US HOURS OF FREE ENTERTAINMENT. DONATE WHAT YOU CAN TO KEEP THIS GREAT SITE UP AND RUNNING AND FREE!!! Chapter 99 It is Saturday December 9, 2023. Thanksgiving went smooth too much food as usual. DJ's team won on Thanksgiving but loss in the first round of playoffs by one point. Everyone's houses are decorated and Stephen likes his new tree he still needs a treetop. In all honesty it is a pretty tree. My house and Maria's along with my brother Anthony 's all have the old red cellophane wreaths with the electric candles thanks to that great find we made in Vermont. Stephen has one in his window too that faces our houses. Our trip to NYC was alright we had warm weather but were able to ice skate. Our suite of rooms was decorated as good as last year. The young man who took Jerome's place was excellent but not Jerome. He was a young man from Scotland with a cute accent his name was Patrick. The three days we were there were enough we got to ice skate, go through Central Park and shop. I just wish it was a little colder. I did order the two gingerbread houses like last year and did bring back a carrot cake and of course frosted sugar cookies. Today we hunted and only got one buck but he was big enough and it will be enough meat for both families. It was Mario who shot him and it took both DJ and Zachary to carry him out. Thankfully we were not that far into the woods. Maria and Mario will have Christmas Eve dinner with my family again along with my brother Anthony and his family. Dan is not coming in till late Christmas Eve or early Christmas morning but will be here for almost a week. I have already gotten the fish for Christmas Eve and things seem to be on schedule. I have only five days left of work and Zachary has eight. The way Christmas falls this year the shop will be open till Dec. 22. The guys will work the twenty-third which is a Saturday. There are only five days they can work during shutdown. Jim is letting two work each day this year since we are busy. Our Christmas party is Dec. 15 it is not only my last day but Jim's also. Thanksgiving weekend Sebastian started decorating the department with all the stuff he brought in and we kept from last year plus more lights. He couldn't finish because there was work so we all helped on the Monday. Sebastian also hasn't been in the greatest of moods. His cousin Stanley doesn't know why but Zachary and I do. It seems that over Thanksgiving weekend both boys told him they were gay. I didn't learn this from Charlie but from my grandson DJ. The Monday after Thanksgiving after practice Meat told him and their other friend Mike. DJ says 'The way Meat tells it they were hanging lights outside and Sebastian asks Meat 'Why aren't you going to the dance? You should go and meet a nice girl.' Sean says 'Dad I have no interest in that.' Sebastian says 'You just want to go to drink beer. You better not I will ground you till New Year.' Sean says 'Dad I'm gay. I like guys I don't want a girl.' DJ says 'Sean laughed 'My Dad almost fell off the porch railing.' Sebastian says 'I don't believe it.' Sean answers 'You better cuz it is true.' DJ continues Sean says 'The real kicker is that night at supper my Dad is quiet. My brother Samuel says 'If anyone gives you a hard time you better say it, both Sebastian and I will stand up for you.' Now my brother Sebastian has been sitting there all this time being quiet like my Dad and he answers 'Sam you may also have to stand up for me.' All of us look at him as to say why. Sebastian continues 'I am gay also and have kept it hidden for almost all of my life.' My Dad made a noise we thought he was choking on his food but as you Americans say it went down the wrong way. My Mom cried but said she always had a feeling. My sister kissed and hugged us. My Mom says 'Sebastian say something to them they are still you sons.' My Dad says 'I love you both but it is going to take some time for me to develop this.' He says 'That was it. He talked about work, the upcoming game and told my brothers not to refuse any overtime.' I ask 'Nothing was brought up about Charlie or anything?' DJ says 'Not that I know of. Meat said that him and Sebastian will talk at some point but they don't really see that much of each other.' I say 'Well it could have been a lot worse.' DJ says 'He isn't going to tell anyone else for the time being. Mike and I say we aren't telling anyone at school.' I had called Charlie to fill him in and to ask him for Christmas Eve. Charlie answered 'I am going home for ten days or so. I didn't spend that much time home last Christmas for the fact Sebastian and I were going away for New Year. I'm glad Sebastian was there for his brother. At least their Dad took it better than mine.' I replied 'Who knows as my brother gets older he may come around.' Charlie laughs 'That really would be a Christmas miracle.' Stephen didn't care that he didn't get to sleep over last night. He helped his Mom make sugar cookies and frosted them with Eric. Today while we were hunting he and Maria went through her unused Christmas decorations to see if she had any tree toppers. As luck would have it she found two an angel and a star. They were foil and plastic and both lit up. He called me as soon as he we home. Stephen says 'Noni says 'I can have both of them. Papa she bought them at this store called Woolworth's there was a price on them they were .59 cents. Can you come over put one on for me?' I answer 'Once I change and shower. I have to bring our hunting clothes over so your Mom can wash them.' Stephen says 'Okay make sure you and Zachary check for ticks My Dad is checking DJ now on the back porch.' I chuckle 'Oh yes Zachary and I are going to check each other real good.' After our self-exams of each other and our shower Zachary says 'While you are at Stephen's I'm going to wrap a few gifts and take a nap.' I answer 'Okay I was going to ask if you wanted to come with me.' Zachary gave me a squeeze on my butt and a kiss and says 'I just did in the shower.' I laughed and hugged him and we both started getting hard again. Kissing him goodbye say 'I may come back alone.' I winked and left. The sun is out and the temp is in the fifties warm for December. I knock on my daughter's back door and I leave the garbage bags filled with our clothes on the back porch. Andrea opens the door saying 'Dad bring them in I'm ready for them DJ's are in the dryer.' I ask 'Where is everyone?' She answers 'Sr. is working from home downstairs, he wants to take off the week before Christmas, Eric and Stuart are in the den doing something and the other two are upstairs in Stephen's room waiting for you.' I ask 'How did the cookies come out?' Andrea laughs 'I had a critic, I can't wait till he is big and strong enough to do the mixing. They did come out good I froze them and left a few for them to eat.' I laugh 'You should see him with Zachary. Stephen gives directions and Zachary is the muscle.' I head upstairs and they are both watching TV. I say 'Hell-o grandsons.' They both answer 'Papa.' I say 'Where are the tops? Which one am I putting on?' Stephen answers 'I don't know I like them both. DJ do you like the star or the angel?' DJ answers 'It is your tree you decide either one is okay.' Stephen looks at me and before he asks I say 'I am partial to stars but the angel is nice too. Use the star this year and the angel next year.' Stephen says 'Okay the star.' I ask 'Did you test them?' DJ answers 'We haven't even taken them out of their boxes.' I take it out and plug it in and it works I give Stephen a couple of spare clear bulbs in case it burns out. I attach it to the tree and connect it to the lights. Stephen says 'Noni told me she used these on her first trees when she just got married and they didn't have a lot of money.' DJ says 'Hey you can't go wrong for .59 cents. She wrote 1970 on the back of them. What is Woolworth's?' I say 'Google it and you will see. They kind of disappeared. My Noni use to take me as a kid. There was big one downtown. Stephen you would have loved it at Christmas they had everything.' DJ says 'They were called 'five and dime stores.' I answer 'Everything was inexpensive but not junk.' I say 'Stephen you haven't said anything about a Christmas program at school. What's going on?' DJ says 'Yeah I have only heard you say 'Fear not I bring you tidings of great joy a few times while you were setting up your nativity.' Stephen laughs and jumps on him and says 'Fear not DJ. I'm going to fart' and he lets one rip on him. DJ moans 'Oh bro you better go check your underwear that is nasty.' I say 'You had eggs for breakfast.' Stephen nods and laughs. After they both calm down I ask 'Well do I have to go to school to see you?' Stephen says 'No Papa we are only singing a few songs. I guess the first graders don't do anything else.' DJ says 'Yeah you will probably be singing for the next few years if I remember right it was only the kindergarten and the three upper grades that had plays.' I say 'I will come if you want me too.' Stephen says 'I don't know.' I say 'On Christmas Eve I am going to make you and my brother Anthony recite it before we have dessert.' Stephen just shrugs. I ask 'DJ are you and Eric coming for breakfast tomorrow?' DJ answers 'Yes I don't see why not.' I answer 'Good I guess I will see you tomorrow then. I'm going back home.' Stephen says 'Wait Papa I am coming with you.' I say 'Okay if you want or you can come later.' Stephen says 'No now I haven't been with you and Zachary since the other night.' Then he says 'DJ you can watch TV here but when you go turn off my tree so Dad doesn't yell.' DJ answers 'You can turn it off now. I'm going on my bed and take a nap. Papa see you in the morning. Bye Stephen.' The two of us go down to get his coat, hat and shoes. On the way home Stephen says 'Papa when will it snow?' I answer 'It really isn't cold enough but it isn't even winter yet.' I ask 'Are you getting excited for Christmas?' Stephen says 'Yeah I can't wait for the cookies.' I ask 'Did you mail your list to Santa? Stephen answers 'Papa I made a list but I gave it to Mom.' I continue 'Don't you believe in Santa?' He replies 'Papa I'm almost seven and Jacob and I aren't sure. Some of the kids in my class say only babies believe. I asked DJ and Eric and they both told me ask you.' I say 'I see. Well when we get home I will tell you exactly what I told your Uncles Anthony and Chris, your Mom and Zachary.' Stephen got a little worried look on his face. Once we get settled I give him some milk and a halo. I tell him exactly what I told all the others in the past. In the middle of it Zachary came in grabbed a halo and sat and listened. Zachary says 'I can show you online everything Jared is telling you is all true.' When I finished Stephen says 'Okay Papa I get it. No one at school ever said it that way. They just keep saying there is no Santa.' He goes into the living room and turns on the tree and TV and yells 'Papa what are we having for supper? I'm getting hungry.' I look at the clock and say 'Come get another halo we aren't eating for a couple of hours. We are having barley soup and chicken sandwiches.' Zachary looks at me and says 'Jared I love him. I now know what you mean as far as keeping them young forever.' He goes into the living room and sits with Stephen on the couch. I hear Zachary ask about the cookie making last night. After I finish making the chicken salad I go in and hit my recliner and tell the two of them 'I'm going to rest my eyes for a minute.' They both laugh. I must have slept a good thirty or so minute. The other two were asleep at different ends of the couch and the TV was off. I got up quietly and went to piss. I looked at my phone and saw a text from Eric telling me he was coming for breakfast tomorrow. I texted back asking what he wanted for breakfast and he didn't want bacon and eggs he had them that morning so whatever. I sat and finalized my shopping list and what I was going to make for breakfast. My Christmas shopping was complete except for liquor and stocking stuffers which would be scratch tickets, chocolate oranges( that I dislike), and popcorn balls which I bought right after Thanksgiving when I saw them. Very unlikely you will find them now. I even got a few for Anthony he likes them as much as I do. Zachary and I went in partners on an air hockey table for the boys. They have come a long way since the one I had as a kid and a lot more expensive. I also got the four of them ice skates and some gift cards for clothes etc. The grownups are all getting gift cards. For Zachary I have gotten clothes, gym clothes, running shoes and work boots and of course white socks. We are still figuring out a way to get the air hockey table over to their house and into the cellar. It looks like the 'elves' are going to be busy Christmas Eve. I went in and woke Stephen up only for the reason he won't sleep tonight. He went to the bathroom and came and sat with me at the island. He says 'Papa I'm hungry when are we eating?' I answer 'As soon as I heat up the soup and make your sandwich.' Stephen asks 'Are you going to wake up Zachary?' I say 'We will let him sleep a little longer he was up early today and he did a lot of work. Plus I'm sure once he smells the soup he will wake up.' As the soup was starting to simmer and I was finishing making four sandwiches Zachary appeared in the doorway. Stephen looks at me and says 'Papa you do sure know everyone. He did wake up.' While we were eating I ask 'Are you guys making cookies together or only with Maria?' Zachary says 'We can do some here. I'm only helping with the stuffed shells and manicotti tomorrow. That is if you want to?' Stephen says 'Noni says she is not making cookies till she finishes everything else and to tell her what I kind I like.' Zachary says 'Let's get a calendar we can't make them that early.' Stephen says 'There is one in Papa's desk I'll get it.' They both look at the calendar and Zachary points to the week before and says 'I'm sure Noni will start baking on the Dec. 19th or 20th. I am off the twenty-first and second. When is your last day of school?' Stephen answers 'I don't know. Papa can you call my Mom?' I call and find out their last day is Dec. 21 and it is a half day. Zachary says 'Okay we can do it that Thursday and Friday.' I interrupt and say 'As long as you are finished by the twenty-third. The shrimp have to be cleaned that day.' Zachary says 'We will be finished. Now what do you want to make?' Stephen says 'Press cookies for sure there are never enough and sugar cookies?' I say 'You made them last night.' Stephen says 'Papa they will be eaten up by everyone before Christmas all my brothers ate the ones my Mom left out.' Zachary says 'No problem we can do both. Ask Noni if we can use her cookie cutters?' Stephen says 'No I will ask my Mom for ours they were Papa's anyways.' Zachary laughs 'Jared's?' Stephen says 'Yeah they were Papa's moms.' I laugh 'That is right. I forgot all about them.' Zachary says 'I will have all the dough made by the time you get out of school that Thursday.' Stephen asks 'Are you sure you can make it all alone?' I wink, laugh and say 'Can you?' Zachary looks at the both of us smirking and says 'If I run into trouble I will wait for you or call Noni.' I turn away trying not to laugh while Stephen says 'Okay. Papa that means I have to sleep here those nights in case we are not finished and maybe while you clean the fish.' I answer 'Definitely on the Thursday night but as far as the others let's see what your parents have to say about it.' There was no dessert for them. They have finished everything in the freezer. They had only eggnog. I laughed and say 'You guys will lose a few pounds before Christmas which is good so you can pig out on everything.' Stephen says 'Not funny Papa maybe you should buy something tomorrow at the store.' Zachary says 'No don't. Stephen we can do this. It will be like cleaning out our bodies.' Stephen says 'Okay if you say so.' I tell him to get upstairs so he can get his shower out of the way. He runs upstairs singing 'Good King Wenceslas'. Everyone was showered and ready to watch TV. They decided on 'The Star' it is neat little animated thing with a lot of familiar voices. I got up and without them realizing it put together two French toast casseroles. I knew Eric would like these. After the movie we headed up for bed. Stephen is really enjoying his small tree in his/Zachary's room. I miss him in bed but am also very happy having a naked Zachary next to me in bed. Discussing Christmas Zachary came up with a good idea. He says 'Both you and Sr. are off the week before Christmas why can't you and him put together the air hockey in his garage and you and I can bring it in late on Christmas Eve and put it the cellar that is where it will be anyways.' I say 'That is a great idea he has a four car garage. I will run it by him tomorrow.' We kiss and hold each other till we fall asleep. I am up, dressed and cooked off Canadian bacon and was ready by the time Anthony comes around and picks me up. As usual in between stores I came home and put the French toast in the oven and woke Zachary to set his phone to get up in an hour to take them out. At BJ's I got Christmas pajamas for Zachary, Stephen, and myself. They had feet like little kids. Anthony bought them for his whole family. On the way home Anthony says 'I'm finished with work Tuesday and even that will be an early day.' I say 'Why open at all?' Anthony answers 'I have four patients that I have to see at least once a week and they won't be back till after the first of the year. They are in too much pain if they go to long without a session.' I say 'So you are home like the rest of us.' Anthony says 'Yes and I will be here next Saturday to clean fish with you. Do you want to go to the cemetery today? I haven't been there since Thanksgiving weekend.' I answer 'Sure I haven't been there since Zachary and I put the Christmas pillows down the week of Thanksgiving.' We get back to my house unload all the groceries, etc. Zachary has left the French toast in the oven to keep warm and he and Stephen had set the island but they were not in the kitchen. I run upstairs with the pajamas and few other things I didn't want them to see. As we were getting ready to bring things downstairs to the fridge and freezer I heard them downstairs. Zachary was on the treadmill and Stephen was blabbing away. I ask 'How much longer do you have to run?' Zachary answers 'About twenty minutes. I already lifted.' Stephen says 'Papa he is strong he has big arms and pecs.' Anthony says 'You know what pecs are?' Stephen smugly says 'Yeah Stewie calls them man boobies.' Zachary almost lost his footing on the treadmill. Stephen says 'Look at him run, he is faster than DJ.' I say 'Let's go upstairs your brothers should be coming and let Zachary jog in peace.' Stephen says 'Okay but Zachary doesn't mind me being here right?' Zachary gives him a thumb up. Upstairs I give Stephen his juice and Anthony and I grab coffee. Anthony asks 'Are you getting excited for Christmas and Santa?' Stephen says 'Uncle Anthony, Papa told me about Santa and yeah I can't wait.' Anthony says 'Jared told me about Santa too, but don't say anything too little Ant he isn't questioning Santa yet.' Stephen says 'I won't but if he does I'm gonna tell him to talk to you and Papa.' Just then the two other grandsons come in and Zachary comes up from downstairs. Zachary says 'You guys eat I'm going to grab a shower.' Stephen says 'Do it fast.' While we are eating Anthony says 'Stephen explained to me about pecs.' DJ and Eric laugh. DJ says 'You can thank Stuart for that he was making fun of Eric's and my chest.' Eric adds 'He called them man boobies and DJ says they are pecs not boobs.' Stephen is eating and smirking through the whole conversation. DJ says 'I told you Papa he can really be a.' He stopped and Stephen says 'A tool.' Anthony says 'Like a hammer?' Stephen laughs. Anthony says 'You guys lucked out again and got a deer fast.' DJ says 'Unc it was huuge and heavy. I'm glad Zachary was there.' Stephen says 'And no one had any ticks except the deer.' DJ says 'Oh we forgot to bring your clothes back Mom finished them.' Eric says 'I can go get them.' I say 'No I will get them when I bring Stephen home later. There is a 'Hummpf' that comes from the other end of the table. Eric and DJ smile. After we eat and cleanup I say 'We are going to the cemetery. Who wants to come?' DJ says 'I'm going on the treadmill and lift.' Stephen and Eric say they will. Zachary says 'I have to go to Noni's we might be not back in time. Can we go again during the week?' I say 'Of course one day on our way home from work. But I'm also glad that someone will be here while DJ is lifting. In fact DJ why don't you lift first? (without looking at him) and don't roll your eyes.' Eric laughs 'Papa you must have eyes in the back of your head.' Anthony chimes in 'He does.' The cemetery is crowded with people getting the graves ready for the holiday. We stop at Zachary's moms first and Stephen tells Eric whose grave it is. Then we stop at my wife's grave and again he explains and Eric says 'Stephen I came here with Mom for Mother's day.' When we get to my parents I notice he takes Eric's hand and nudges him as Anthony squats down and rubs the stone. I stand next to him and grab his shoulder like I always do. I say 'Anthony you know they are looking down at us and Dad is telling Mom these two are thoroughbreds.' Out of the corner of my eye I see Stephen is observing and listening and Eric's eyes are filled up. Anthony grabs my hand that is on his shoulder and squeezes it. Anthony whispers 'I wish all these kids could have known them.' I answer 'They have through the home movies they have gotten a good glimpse of our childhood.' After a few more minutes he gets up and I give him a bear hug so he can discreetly wipe his eyes without anyone seeing him. I softly ask 'What do you do when you are here by yourself? He answers 'I talk to them and I laugh with them and cry with them. I tell them what is going on and sometime ask for advice. What about you?' I answer 'About the same thing but I do that at home too when I'm alone and something reminds me of them.' Anthony says 'I don't get that luxury at home that much.' I laugh 'You will baby brother you will.' When we get home the house is empty. Eric goes down to do his workout and without me telling him Stephen follows. I go up and finish the beds and straightening up and get our things ready for work tomorrow. I get a text from Zachary saying that Stephen and I have to come for supper to eat the 'rejects' of the stuffed shells and manicotti. We have to be there for 4- 4:15. From downstairs Stephen calls to me and I go down. He says 'Papa I have to go to the bathroom. I say 'Go I will stay here till Eric is finished.' This gave Eric a chance to lift more, but I warned 'You don't want to bulk up too much if you are going to run or swim. I will ask Charlie how much you should be lifting.' Eric nods his acknowledgement. Stephen yells down asking do we want anything and Eric answers 'No I am almost finished we are coming up.' I say 'Eric he is hungry listen. Stephen eat a piece of fruit if you are hungry.' Stephen answers 'I'm gonna have pear.' Eric laughs 'He is like a bottomless pit at times.' I ask 'Are you getting ready for Christmas?' Eric says 'Yeah all of us boys pulled our money together to get presents.' I ask 'What about Molly and Denny?' Eric answers 'I got Molly a book and a necklace. I don't know what I should get Denny it's not like we are.' He stops and I say 'Hey how about a gift card for the movies or what he likes to eat. It is thoughtful but not really personal.' Eric lit up and says 'Thanks those are good ideas. He is kind of mad at me anyways. I ask 'Now why I thought you guys had that all figured out.' Eric says 'Papa sit down. I got to tell someone this.' I dread what is about to come. I say 'Maybe you should talk to Zachary or DJ someone younger who's with it.' Eric says 'No Papa only you I don't want anyone to know yet and you are one of the smartest people I know you have seen a lot.' I say 'Ok go ahead tell me' and thinking a nice way of calling me old. Eric starts 'Well Denny found out there is another gay guy around and he kind of likes him.' I ask 'How does he know that guy is gay?' Eric says 'I don't know. I also know the guy and I wouldn't have thought that and Denny laughed at me and told me my gaydar doesn't work cuz I still like girls.' I shrug and say 'I don't think that has anything to do with it but go on.' Eric continues 'Denny told me he was going to hit on him since I have Molly and whatever and I told him he should.' I say 'Emotional blackmail.' Eric says 'Huh. Ooh I get it. Well anyway Denny talks to this guy and this guy tells him that sure they could do stuff but that he really likes someone else.' I say 'Geez poor guy can't catch a break.' Eric says 'Yeah especially since I'm the person this guy really likes.' I say 'Holy crap you guys are only thirteen.' Eric laughs 'Papa Denny is fourteen and I will be fourteen in a few months.' I say 'Almost five months. How old is this guy? Is he in your class?' Eric answers 'Papa almost sixteen and it is DJ's friend Meat.' Now my mind is reeling actually kind of laughing about what a small world. I ask 'Does Meat know about you? Eric says 'No because Denny and I made that pact and I also think because he doesn't want me to see him.' I ask 'How do you feel about Meat?' Eric blushes 'He is kind of hot and Denny says he is a good kisser.' I say 'Do you want my opinion or advice?' Eric answers 'Yeah that is why I am telling you this.' I say 'First off Meat is a player. If you really like someone why would you want to do 'stuff' with someone else let alone kiss them. I'm not saying he isn't attracted to you but you don't do the stuff he is doing. So that is all bullshit and unfortunately Denny doesn't see that but you are going to do whatever you want to do your boner is doing the thinking. Secondly Sean is too old for you even if you or he were a girl. There is a big age and maturity gap right now. And the proof is right there with what he is doing with Denny. I know that sounds hypocritical with me being with Zachary but he was eighteen not thirteen or even sixteen. Third do you and Denny know about HIV, AIDS, STD's? Just because you are young doesn't mean you are indestructible. Do you know how to practice safe sex?' Eric says 'We are just starting to learn about all of this in Health class.' I say 'I'm going to tell you what I told DJ when he was thirteen for a few minutes of pleasure you may find yourself being handed a death sentence. Even as far as Molly goes she is old enough to get pregnant. This isn't only a gay thing. Let me put it to you this way no matter how old you are every time you have sex with a different person you are having sex with everyone they did and vice versa. That is why there are condoms and abstinence and of course being smart. I'm not trying to scare you grandson but this is life. People are still dying from AIDS it may not be in the news that much but it is still out there and STD's are getting harder to treat with antibiotics. Just be smart.' Eric was quiet for a few minutes and then says 'See Papa this is why I talk to you. You tell me stuff I would never think of. I get it now even if Meat does hit on me I am definitely not interested. Denny is being dumb.' I say 'You can't say that. You might have figured it out yourself in time but until I said it you would done the same thing. That is the difference between a thirteen year old and a sixteen year old. Listen as you get older you are going to run into guys and girls that just want to have a good time and will say and do anything to get it. But there are also just as many people if not more who are sincere and loving, it is all part of growing up. Hopefully you will be able to feel out the players if you want. Eric you are thirteen years old you have so much time ahead of you. Just be smart and careful.' Eric says 'Thanks Papa I will.' The two of us go upstairs. Stephen is in the living room watching 'The Star.' Eric says 'Stephen I'm going I will see you tonight.' Stephen says 'Do you have to we didn't really do anything?' Eric answers 'I want to finish my homework so tonight we can watch TV or do something. Don't forget we still have to finish talking about Christmas.' Stephen perks up and answers 'See you at supper.' I interrupt 'No after supper we have to go to Maria's for supper but you should be home by the time your family is finished.' Eric leaves and Stephen goes on watching his movie. After getting the lunches and breakfasts ready for Monday I get our gym stuff ready. I give Stephen a light lunch. We head over to Maria's about four and Stephen is happy he is singing on the way. Supper was delicious you cannot beat homemade pasta. Stephen had seconds and told Maria he didn't want to take any home to keep when he would be there on Wednesday. Again there wasn't any dessert and both of them had eggnog while we had coffee. Mario asks 'You don't mind not having any cookies or cake?' Stephen answers 'No Zachary says we can do it this way we can pig out at Christmas.' Mario laughs. Maria says 'That is good clean your system of all the sugar.' Stephen wants to take the long way home to see the lights. Zachary helps his grandmother cleanup then goes straight home. When we get to Stephens' they are through with dinner and the boys are starting to take their showers. Sr. asks 'Did you have a good time at Jared's?' Stephen says 'Yes it was okay for only one night.' DJ comes downstairs and says 'Stephen let's get your shower done it is almost seven.' Stephen makes a face and I say 'Go I'm going too it has been a busy weekend and I'm going to bed early myself.' We hug and I say goodnight and grab our hunting clothes and leave. At home the two of us put our hunting clothes away for another year. Everything has been put out for tomorrow and the two of us head up to shower and shave. After a long hot relaxing shower ( yes we had sex ) Zachary heads into bed and I go down to lockup and check everything. Upstairs I look over at Stephen's his room is dark except for the wreath in his window. I smile and in my mind tell my grandsons goodnight. In bed I snuggle next Zachary. Zachary turns and caresses my face and says 'I haven't told you lately that I love you.' I look him straight in the eye and say 'I'm guilty of the same thing. But you don't always have to tell me I know it by the way you look at me.' Zachary says 'Yes I can feel exactly the same way.' I answer 'Then kiss me we don't need to continue this conversation.' We kiss and I pat his butt and say 'Unless you want to go into the other room or get a towel turn back over cause I'm hard again and it's getting late.' Zachary snickers and says 'It's not like I can't feel it.' He kisses me one last time and turns over and rubs my arm as I spoon him. Five minutes later we are both asleep. It's funny that in the winter it seems you just close your eyes and the alarm is going off. I'm up first washed, dressed and head downstairs to load the truck and warm it up. I go in and wake him and wait for him to come down. The gym is little busier with the holiday approaching everyone wanting to get in shape for the food and drink fest. Work is busy with everyone trying to get as much sold in this fourth quarter of the year. Samuel came down to have lunch with his father and Stanley they laughed and talked. I asked 'Samuel how do you like the job?' He answered 'This is a great challenging job and I enjoy working for Jim. I never thought I would have a job where I have ten days of with pay to enjoy the holidays.' Sebastian hearing that says 'You are not working shutdown?' Samuel answers 'No Papa there isn't anything we can do most of the vendors are closed like us.' I say 'That is true most of salary is off for shutdown.' Stanley behind them is rolling his eyes and smirking. To change the subject Samuel says 'Dad you did a good job decorating the department.' Soon our lunch was over and Samuel left. On the way home we stopped at the cemetery and visited all the graves again and I know it relieved the guilt Zachary felt for not going yesterday. We get home and it business as usual doing chores and getting things ready for tomorrow. We sit at the island with the mail me with a coffee and him with water. I say 'Only four more days of work.' Zachary punches me and says 'I have seven maybe next year I can save more vacation to be off like you.' I say 'We can give up Fleet weekend or Christmas in the city that would give you enough time to do that if you want.' Zachary says 'I would say maybe Fleet weekend we can go in for one day if you want. Christmas is nice but it was different without Jerome there.' I say 'Let's see what happens maybe when we are in Vermont next month we can maybe do a summer weekend there instead of Fleet weekend.' Zachary says 'I would like to keep Christmas at the Plaza like we did this year so we can ice skate, and just being there for Christmas. Maybe we can give up the February weekend I don't want to do the Poconos again.' I say 'There is nothing like New York at Christmas. The Poconos were alright but once was enough. I just don't want us to get in a rut.' Zachary laughs 'Jared our lives our too busy for that to happen. I'm not complaining.' I say 'No I am. Maybe when we are in Vermont we can see if we can do a weekend in September or October we won't use too much of your time or you can use sick time so you can more time off next December.' Zachary says 'Let's figure this out during shutdown. We will be in Vermont in about a month.' JJ I want to wish all my loyal readers out there a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!! Everyone stay safe and healthy. PLEASE SLIP SOMETHING TO NIFTY FOR THE HOLIDAYS AND NEW YEAR!!!