Post Fractalization

Chapter 3

“Yay, it’s Christmas!” Bree screeched as she dashed out of her room and into the sun porch....at five...in the morning.

The Bridgeton family was due in at noon. They were planning to stay at Rachel and George’s house when the Christmas celebration was over before heading back home the following day. Jennifer and Seth were sleeping on the attic pull-out leaving the brass bed for Molly and Owen. Ted and Allen were staying at Drew and Emmett’s.

“Justin,” Brian murmured as he poked his lover with his elbow.

“Mmm,” Justin grumbled as he rolled away from the offending bony protuberance.

“Justin, your daughter is out there making a racket.” Justin rolled toward Brian then cracked open one eye. Brian gazed at the glaring blue orbit.

“Why is it when Briana is making a racket, she’s my daughter?” The eyelids surrounding the blue orbit narrowed on their prey.

“For the same reason she becomes my daughter when the Squirt is covered head to toe in mud,” Brian said smugly recalling the afternoon when their waif decided to water her plants all by herself. Justin groaned. Brian’s logic was impeccable as always.

“So what do I do with an excited five year old at the crack of dawn on Christmas morning?” Justin asked in frustration.

“I’m sure you’ll come up with something.” Justin began to frown. “But if I were you, I’d try to reason with the Squirt. She’s a smart cookie. She’ll understand that even though it is Christmas morning and there appears to be thousands of presents under the tree all with her name on them, we should wait until a decent time before we scream the house down.”

Justin nodded in agreement. Bree could be a very reasonable child when she wanted to be.

“On the other hand, I find bribery often helps in situations like these. Offer Bree one present on the proviso that she goes back to her room for the next three hours and plays quietly.”

Again, Brian’s logic was solid. Justin left Brian’s warm arms to slip into a set of warm sweats then left their room to deal with the whirlwind in the porch before she woke up the whole cottage. Brian watched Justin leave the room as he settled back down.

“Bree,” Justin whispered as he entered the porch looking for his wayward child.

“Shhh,” Molly shushed. “She’s here and asleep,” Molly said drowsily. Briana had climbed up onto the brass bed, nestled between Molly and Owen then promptly fell back to sleep.

“Do you want me to take her back to her room?” Justin asked quietly.

“No, please let her stay,” Owen said, his eyes shining with love. Bree reminded Owen so much of Molly and especially Molly as a child. Jennifer had showed Owen most of Molly's baby pictures. He envisioned his own daughter with bright blue eyes and strawberry blond hair. He gently swiped the wisps of the fine blond hair off Bree’s face.

Justin smiled then went back to his room.

“All under control, Sunshine?” Brian asked as Justin crawled back under the covers to snuggle next to his lover.

“Yes,” Justin confirmed. “And I think Molly and her husband will make wonderful parents,” Justin murmured as sleep retook him.

“Just like her brother,” Brian whispered, kissing the blond mane then drifting back to sleep.

 

*****
 

“Helll-ooo!” Emmett called out as he let himself in through the front door of Brian’s end of the cottage. “Anyone awake?”

“Yes, as you can see, we’re all awake,” Brian groused as he was making breakfast. The whole cottage was indeed awake, and at a more respectable hour. “Where are Tweedledee and the other boys?” Brian asked after Ted, Allen and Drew.

“They’ll be down soon, some last minute gift wrapping or some such. I’m here to help with breakfast.” Emmett stepped up closer to the stove. Brian smiled appreciatively at his loyal friend of so many years. Together they quietly continued to make the family’s breakfast.

 

*****
 

Christmas dinner although somewhat short on family wasn’t short on food or fun. Brian played Santa, Emmett his faithful Christmas fairy and Bree, his angel. It was close to midnight when John sent Beau to accompany the boys back to Emmett and Drew’s cottage. John walked with the Bridgeton family back to Rachel and George’s house.

“This was a beautiful Christmas, Jackie,” Claire said as she kissed her son who escorted them all to the door.

“You, Brian and the boys did a wonderful job, son,” Steve affirmed as he patted John on the shoulder. “A real fine job.” John blushed at their praise.

John kissed Rachel and Emily and had a bear hug for George. Taking Dan aside, John had a few words with his father-in-law doctor.

“Dan, I, um...” John wasn’t quite sure what to say.

“John, I’ll be at the clinic bright and early on Wednesday. Just rest tomorrow then come to the clinic fasting. We’ll draw some blood and do a sonogram.”

“But how?”

“I’ve been a doctor for a long time. You’ve lost a little weight and you’re off your feed. Anyone with eyes can see that you’re hurtin’ too. Now go home, rest, ease off any heavy meals and tell my son that you’re not feeling well before he figures it out and gets angry that you’re hiding something,” Dan advised his son-in-law.

“Yes, sir. Goodnight, sir,” John said contritely then went back to Edna’s Treasures.

“Trouble?” Claire asked Dan before entering the bedroom she and Steve were going to use for the night.

“No, no,” Dan reassured the astute woman. “I think John is experiencing a bit of a gall bladder problem. I instructed him to come to my clinic on Wednesday. If that’s what it is, it’s an easy problem to fix. He’ll be back building houses in no time.”

“I’ll hold you to that.”

“Don’t worry, Miss Claire, that boy of yours is tough as nails.” The in-laws bid each a good night then retired to their rooms.

 

*****
 

“Hey,” Brian greeted his brother as John came through Brian’s door. Brian watched John lock up just out of habit. Only family ever came to their lane.

“Hey,” John replied. “Did Beau come back?”

“Yup, a few minutes ago. I gave him a piece of turkey as a reward,” Brian admitted. “We’re making hot cocoa,” Brian said as he stirred a pot. John gave Brian a look.

“The kids are out for the count, even Gus. Jenn and Seth have turned in. Molly had a craving,” Brian said as if he really needed an excuse to make hot cocoa. “So do you want some?”

“Yeah, maybe a little, it’s cold out there.”

“Here.” Brian poured two mugs. “Bobby’s on your side. Take this back to him and tell him.” Brian had eyes. John took the mugs of cocoa to his end of the cottage.

“Is John all right?” Justin asked as he came into the kitchen. Brian was pouring the remaining cocoa into four mugs. He set the pot into the sink to soak then handed Justin two of the mugs.

“Not sure, but he will be,” Brian said.

“Okay,” Justin said, taking whatever Brian said as gold.

“Come on, Sunshine, let’s go bring the breeders their cocoa then go to bed,” Brian snarked. Justin rolled his eyes as he followed his spouse out to the porch.

 

*****
 

“Babe,” John began as he opened the door to their room with his offering of cocoa.

“Mmm, I thought I smelled chocolate,” Bobby said as he inhaled the rich aroma of the cocoa.

“I wish I could take credit for it but Molly had a craving that Brian could not say no to.”

“I like hot cocoa before I go to bed, makes me feel warm inside.”

“I thought that was my job,” John smirked.

“Always but cocoa can’t hurt.”

“No it can’t.” John paused as he sipped the warmed milk. “Bobby, I haven’t been feeling well lately. Nothing specific but something’s off. I have an appointment with your father on Wednesday.” John held his breath while he waited for Bobby’s reaction.

“Finally!” Bobby exclaimed.

“Huh?”

“I knew something wasn’t right, and did you think I wouldn’t notice the weight loss?”

“Why didn’t you say anything?”

“Because, you big lug, I was hoping you’d tell me on your own.”

“Oh,” John said contritely.

“What time do you have to be there?”

“Early.”

“I’m coming with you, no argument,” Bobby said sternly.

“No argument,” John agreed.

“Good, then finish your cocoa and let’s go to bed. I need you to keep me warm,” Bobby said with love in his voice.

“Yes, sir,” John said with a smile.

The lovers finished their cocoa then snuggled down to sleep.

 

*****
 

Meanwhile in Pittsburgh, Christmas was winding down at the Novotny-Horvath household.

“Here, sweetheart, have another glass of wine,” Carl said to his wife. She had been sitting on the sofa shifting restlessly and grimacing for the last hour.

“Thanks,” Debbie said having a long drink from the full glass. That was at least her fourth, but she didn’t have to drive anywhere. All she had to do was get up the fucking stairs to her bed. She glanced over at the stairs and groaned to herself. They suddenly looked very long and daunting.

“I think you should take another pain pill,” Carl told his wife.

“No, I’m fine,” Debbie said curtly.

“Maybe we should go,” Lindsay said. “You look uncomfortable, Deb, and we’ve been here all day.”

“You fucking stay where you are. I want to spend all of Christmas Day with my family … even if it is a smaller family than usual.”

“Then take a pill, Maw,” Michael said sticking a pill in her face. He had decided he had watched her suffer for long enough.

“They make me loopy,” Debbie sighed turning her head away. “Just ask Carl.”

Carl chuckled. “It’s kind of an interesting performance actually.”

“Shut the fuck up, honey, or I’ll have to hurt you,” Debbie threatened.

“You’ll have to be able to get off that couch by yourself first,” Carl chuckled again.

“From your lips to God’s ears.”

“Maw, take the damn pill,” Michael repeated.

“Oh, for fuck sake, all right.” Debbie grabbed the pill and stuck it in her mouth washing it down with the remains of her glass of wine. “Another wine, garcon!” she ordered Carl.

“Yes, ma’am.” Carl took her empty glass and replaced it quickly with a full one. Debbie took another drink.

“You should be careful with wine when you take those pills,” Melanie warned.

“I’ll be out of it any minute now anyway,” Debbie replied.

“Well, dinner was great as always. It was kind of nice having a smaller group for Christmas,” Lindsay observed. “But I did miss Gus.”

“He’s growing up just like my Michael,” Debbie said looking fondly at her son. “Soon he’ll be going away and you won’t see very much of him just like Michael.”

“Maw, I’m here all the time,” Michael protested. “And we just live a few streets away.”

“I know, but it’s not the same as having a little one around,” Debbie said becoming rather maudlin as the drug kicked in. “Even my granddaughter is growing up.”

“Yes I am, grandma,” JR piped in.

“Sweetheart, you’re so beautiful, I … I just love you so mush.” Debbie was starting to slur her words.

“I think we better go,” Lindsay said softly.

“No, no, please shtay.”

“Come on, Mel,” Lindsay prodded.

They stood and looked at Carl for permission. He nodded in agreement.

“I’ll get your coats,” Carl said heading upstairs to retrieve the pile of coats on their bed.

“Bye, Deb. Christmas was lovely,” Melanie said.

Debbie yanked the mother of her grandchild down into a bone crushing hug. “Thank you for being here, and for giving me my wunnerful, wunnerful granddaughter.”

“You’re very welcome,” Melanie said trying not to laugh. It was hard to tell if Debbie was sloshed or stoned, but they seemed to be having the same effect whichever it was.

Everyone hugged Debbie and donned their coats. Debbie held on tightly to each of her guests and whispered increasingly unintelligible comments to them before letting go. JR was the last and it seemed like Debbie might not let her go at all.

When they were finally able to pry the girl out of Debbie’s grasp, everyone except Michael and Ben headed out. They were going to stay and help Carl get his wife up the stairs.

“Okay, Deb, let’s get you to bed,” Carl said after he closed the door on their guests.

“It was a wunnerful party,” Debbie sighed.

“Yes, wonderful,” Carl replied. “Sit up, honey.”

“Wunnerful, wunnerful,” Debbie mumbled as she let Carl help to get her to the edge of the sofa.

“She sounds like Lawrence Welk,” Ben laughed as he helped to hoist his mother-in-law off the sofa.

“You’re just so wunnerful, Benjie. The bestest son-in-law in the whole wide world.”

“That’s great, Deb. Now, one foot ahead of the other. Come on, atta girl,” Ben encouraged. He had one of Debbie’s arms and Carl had the other. Michael brought up the rear as they tried to get Debbie to climb the stairs.

“Wunnerful, wunnerful Christmas,” Debbie muttered as she continued to plant a foot on each step at Carl’s direction.

“Almost there, Deb,” Ben said as they approached her bedroom.

“Wunnerful,” she mumbled as they lowered her onto the bed.

“I think she’s already asleep,” Michael said as he looked at his mother sprawled across the bed.

“Cover her up, and say a prayer of thanks,” Carl chuckled. “I couldn’t have done it without you.” He spread a blanket across his wife.

“Merry Christmas, Carl,” Michael said with a smile as he headed for the door.

“Wunnerful,” Debbie mumbled in her sleep.

 

*****
 

“It’s getting late,” Raph said looking at his watch. “You should be getting to bed, young man.”

Curtis made a face. “I’m not tired. I’m too excited.”

“Let him stay up. We can sleep in as long as we like in the morning,” Hector advised.

“It sounds like you all will have so much to remember about your first Christmas together,” Seamus said. “I don’t see the problem with enjoying it for as long as possible.”

“Me either,” Curtis said with a big smile.

“Looks like I’m overruled,” Raph laughed. “But that’s okay. Christmas only comes once a year.”

“What did you like best about your first Christmas with your new dads, Curtis?” Seamus asked.

“Um…”

Seamus frowned and was about to ask if there was a problem when he felt Raph touch his arm. He looked at the man, as Raph shook his head indicating for Seamus to wait.

“I liked being here,” Curtis began. “It’s nice and warm. Last year I was on the streets of Pittsburgh and I was freezing.”

“My goodness, I didn’t realize…” Seamus responded.

“That’s all over with now,” Hector said with a comforting smile at his son.

“Yep,” Curtis agreed. “I liked Christmas dinner, Mr. Griffin. Everything was delicious, but especially the apple pie.” Seamus smiled. “And I love my new iPod.”

“Sounds like you have had a very good Christmas, Curtis. I’m glad to have been part of it,” Seamus said honestly.

“I’m really glad you were too,” Curtis said with a big grin. “That pie really was awful good.”

“That sounds like a hint,” Seamus laughed. “I think there’s just enough for another small piece for each of us before we call it a night. What do you say?”

“I say yes,” Curtis agreed immediately.

“I’m going to have gained twenty pounds by the time we go home, but I’m in,” Raph said.

“Me too,” Hector added, as he got up to go help Seamus get the pie and drinks.

When they left the room, Raph turned to his son. “Has this really been a good Christmas, son? I wanted it to be something you would remember.”

“It’s been great, Dad. I’ll have so much to tell Billy when I go back to school. All the kids will be jealous. I’ve never had that happen before.” The smile on Curtis’ face threatened to split it open.

“Then we’re good.”

“Absolutely. Merry Christmas, Dad.”

“Merry Christmas, son.”

And it definitely was.

 

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