The Doctor Gets a Visitor
by: E Walk

(Copyright 2007 by the Author)
 

The author retains all rights. No reproductions are allowed without the author's consent. Comments are appreciated at...

 

Chapter 2

Christmas Eve

 

We went to the garage and got into Jeff's car. He looked at me and said, "Dad, I think I need a garage door opener if we are going to go anywhere."

 

"Oh yeah! Let me get it," I answered as I went to the workbench and brought it back. With the door open, Jeff backed out and drove us to the Episcopal Church. As we walked into the church, Jane, my Office Manager, and her husband Hank met us. They were two of the ushers. Jane gave us both a kiss and ushered us to a seat on the center aisle of the second row. When she turned to leave, she winked at us.

 

Jeff looked at her and said, "Thanks, Mrs. Thompson."

 

It was like a cat took my tongue. The church was beautifully decorated and everyone was very festive as they came in and sat down. The church was full by the time the organist started playing the prelude.

 

The processional began. The Bishop was present tonight, so it was something special. The pastor, Father Gilbert, began the service and then announced that instead of the homily there would be a silent portrayal of the birth of Jesus by the youth of the Church. "They will be accompanied by Mr. Jeff Wilson singing. He has asked that you join him in singing the first three carols as the participants come forward."

 

Jeff looked at me and smiled. He then walked to the front and stood off to the side while the organist began playing the first song. As Jeff sang, Hark the Herald Angels Sing, the angels came forward. Then Jeff started to sing While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks and the shepherds came in with their lambs. Next came We Three Kings of Orient Are and the three wise men came in. Finally Jeff started Away in a Manger and the Mary and Joseph came in carrying a doll representing Jesus. As everyone got settled the lights went down and spotlights shown on Jeff and the manger. He began to sing O Holy Night without any accompaniment.

 

It was totally quiet in the sanctuary when he finished. All of a sudden the littlest angel went up to Jeff and said in a little voice, "Oh Mister, the Baby Jesus needs a lullaby to get to sleep.

 

Jeff looked at him and said, "I will sing if you young people and the congregation will help me."

 

The little angel led Jeff to the manager and they both knelt and Jeff started to sing Silent Night. Everyone joined in and the church resounded with the voices. As Jeff started the last verse, the young people quickly but quietly departed leaving Jeff kneeling by the cradle by himself.

 

When the spotlight closed down, Jeff slipped back to the pew and just leaned his head against me.

 

The lights came up and the Bishop was standing in the pulpit. "Ladies and gentlemen, that was one of the most emotional renditions of the birth of Jesus I have ever witnessed. Mr. Jeff Wilson and the littlest angel are to be commended for reacting so well to the birth of Jesus. As we go forth tonight after we light our candles, I want to remind you that what you witnessed here is something that each and every one of you need to carry in your heart as we enter a new year. As everyone lit their candle, they stood quietly. The Bishop came down and whispered to Jeff.

 

Jeff nodded and started sing Joy to the World as the recessional went and by. When the people started to file out it became very quiet. Jeff finally sat down and looked at me. "Dad I need some food. I am on melt-down." Jeff looked at me with his big blue eyes.

 

Just as we were walking out of the church, Jane came over to us and kissed us both and said, "That was the most memorable Christmas Eve service we have ever had.

 

Father Gilbert came up to Jeff and asked, "Would it be possible for you to sing at the next two services also? This has been a wonderful experience for the entire congregation. The Bishop and I would like very much for you to be here."

 

"Sir I would be honored to do the services but I have only had a snack since breakfast and I really need some nourishment," Jeff answered.

 

"I'll order some pizzas and salads. What kinds do you like?" Father Gilbert asked.

 

"I like any kind of pizza," answered Jeff.

 

Before the Father could go anywhere Jeff added "I will need the little angel to assist me if I am going to do it. It wouldn't be as meaningful if it were just me. I also need the manger to be in the middle of the altar area."

 

"Toby is my grandson and I am sure that he will be glad to do it with you if you share your pizza with him. Hey Toby, Mr. Jeff would like for you to help in the next two services. He even said he would share his pizza with you," Father Gilbert added.

 

"Gramps I would love to share his pizza. Maybe I could learn to sing like an angel from him," Toby answered.

 

Just then Hank Thompson, Jane's husband, came in with the pizzas and salads and large containers of drinks. "I figured these might come in handy. After I heard young Jeff sing and saw how he and Toby connected, I figured they would need some help getting the strength to do the next service."

 

"Hank you are amazing," said Father Gilbert.

 

"Grand dad, what kind of pizza did you get?" asked Toby.

 

As he opened the boxes, Hank answered, "Well come and see."

 

As we were sitting down the Bishop joined us and asked, "May I say a blessing?"

 

Toby looked at him and said, "I think Jeff should say the blessing tonight since he seems to understand the importance of the night."

 

"I agree young Toby," said the Bishop.

 

Jeff looked around and said a very simple but meaningful prayer of thanks for the night and all that it stood for.

 

Before anyone could say anything, Jeff and Toby dove into the pizzas. The adults at the table just watched in amazement. The Bishop, Father Gilbert and I each started to eat our salads, as did the other adults. I went to get some pizza. Jeff said, "Dad one piece only. Remember, you are on a diet,."

 

When I got back to table he put his hand on my stomach and said, "Remember, we are going to get rid of the extra bulge."

 

Toby put his hand on my stomach and said, "Yeah, you really need to do something about this or people are going to think you are pregnant."

 

"Toby, that wasn't very nice," said Jane.

 

"But Grandma, it's the truth," Toby answered.

 

Father Gilbert announced, "Time to get ready for the next service."

 

Toby and Jeff devoured one last piece of pizza. I looked at Jeff and whispered in his ear, "You are going too be full to sing."

 

"You wish old man," He flipped back as he rubbed me on the thigh. "Let's go get a good seat."

 

We went into the sanctuary and were ushered to the front pew. Toby joined us and sat between the two of us. When the time came for Jeff to sing he took Toby with him and they sat on the top step leading to the pulpit. Jeff began to sing O Holy Night and when he was finished Toby looked at him and said, we need to sing a lullaby to the Baby Jesus and the two of them got up and went to either side of the manger. They sang Silent Night together without the congregation participating.

 

The ushers started lighting the candles and the Bishop came forward and said the Benediction and added, "Let us depart in peace as Jeff and Toby will lead us in singing Joy to the World." He motioned for the guys to lead the recessional while the congregation sang before departing silently.

 

When the last person had left Jeff and Toby came to me and asked, "Might we have something cold to drink?"

 

"Sure," I answered and took them to the soda machine in the Fellowship Hall. They were just about finished when the Bishop and the Father and Toby's family came over. They hugged both boys. Since the guys had agreed to sing at the 11 o'clock service. Toby's two sisters interrupted. The younger daughter, Georgia said, "How come Toby gets all the attention? We can sing too."

 

Jeff looked at the two girls and asked, "Would you like to join us in the last service?"

 

They both nodded their heads.

 

Jeff announced, "Dad I am taking them to the house to get my guitar. We can plan on what we are going to do. Bishop is it okay if we surprise everyone even you and Father Gilbert?"

 

"Jeff as long as it is in keeping with the night you can do whatever you want," answered Bishop Lancaster.

 

"Would it be okay if we had a dish of ice cream while we talk?"

 

I looked at the Thompsons and they nodded their heads. "Okay permission is given as long as you all make sure that you are back here in time."

 

With that there was a loud shout and the four young people left. "Bishop, I have no idea what they are going to do," I told him.

 

The Bishop looked at Father Gilbert and said, "I am not worried are you Andy?"

 

Father Gilbert said, "I am sure that whatever they plan will set this congregation on its ear."

 

"Frank, I heard that. I can't believe you are letting this newcomer take over the services tonight. Although I do admit he has done a fantastic job. This congregation could learn a lot from that young man. For all I know he is corrupting my great Grandchildren as we speak. Oh hello Doctor, it's nice to see you here. I am surprised that you are even talking to all these people," the voice ranted.

 

I looked to see who was speaking. It was Mrs. Tillison, one of my patients.

 

"Mrs. Tillison, I think that I have a pretty big stake in what is happening here tonight since Jeff is my son," I answered.

 

"Oh, I didn't think you were married. I thought you were gay." She came back.

 

Thank goodness the four young people came in with big smiles on their faces. "Grandmother Tillison, I am glad you could make it tonight" said Toby. "You have got to hear Jeff. Isn't he wonderful?" asked Toby.

 

Then Candy, the oldest girl, said, "Grandmother he is the most handsome man I have ever seen. Too bad he is too young for you."

 

"Why Candy. Why would I try to get Jeff to be my date?" She asked.

 

"Well we all know that you have a discerning eye for good looking men. I think with Jeff you are just going to have to drool," added Candy.

 

Thank goodness Father Gilbert came over and announced, "Time to get your seats everyone."

 

With that everyone went into the sanctuary and sat down. The four young people were sitting with me when Mrs. Tillison came in and joined us. She squeezed herself between Jeff and me. When it came time for the young people to perform, they slipped into their places. Candy the oldest Thompson girl was sitting by the manger and she started to sing Silent Night as she held the doll.

 

When she finished, Toby started to sing the Little Drummer Boy as Jeff played the music on his guitar. When he and Georgia got to the manger and the song concluded. Georgia began to sing What Child is This? As she finished, the lights went down.

 

When the spotlight came up the four young people were sitting looking at the manger and Jeff sang Oh Holy Night one more time. When he finished the two guys went and got the Bishop and the two girls got their grandfather, Father Gilbert, and the group moved to the steps.

 

Toby spoke up and said, "Everyone join us in singing Joy to the World as we light our candles in memory of the star that announced Jesus' birth that first Christmas night. Keep the lights of Christmas in your heart and remember why we celebrate this special evening."

 

I looked at a Mrs. Tillison and she had tears streaming down her face. She turned to me and said, "Your son has some magically quality about him. I really want to get to know him."

 

As we arrived at the exit, we were met by Jane and Hank. "We really need to get you home Mother," said Jane.

 

"That's alright, Janie. Jeff and Doctor Wilson are taking me home."

 

Then she turned to me and before I could answer, Jeff interjected. "Grandmother Tillison, we would be glad to take you home if you don't mind riding up front with me."

 

She looked like a giddy schoolgirl and said, "Janie I think I am falling in love again."

 

We helped her with her coat and Jeff walked her carefully to the car, since it had started to snow. I had never been to her house. It turned out to be a mansion from the early 1900s and was beautifully decorated.

 

"Mrs. Tillison your house is beautiful," Jeff said as he stopped the car.

 

We both escorted her to the door. Before she could open the door, an elderly lady opened it. "Aggie, I was so worried about you. I thought you would be home after the second service. What happened?"

 

"Cora, calm down. This young man here has the most beautiful voice and I fell in love with him. That was easy since I already love his father. The only problem is that they are both so young and won't go to bed with me," laughed Mrs. Tillison.

 

Then she turned to us and said, "From now on the two of you will call me Aggie. None of this Mrs. Tillison crap. I am too young to be married." she then turned to each of us and gave us a kiss. "Oh by the way, Jeff, this is Ms. Cora Washington, a very special friend of mine." She turned to Cora and said, "You already know Jack but this is his son, Jeff, who has come to live with him and go to college here. Cora, what are you still doing up? Jane and Hank will be here before long to take you to Omaha."

 

"I know," said Cora. "I heard Jeff sing tonight but you never stay for all three services. It's nice to meet you Jeff. You sure do sing like an angel."

 

"Goodnight guys. Don't do anything I wouldn't do," Mrs. Tillison laughed.

 

"Goodnight lovely ladies" Jeff said as we departed.

 

As we crawled back into the car, Jeff said, "Dad that was one of the most unique experiences I have ever had. Mrs. Tillison seems to be a wonderful but exotic character. She does her own thing and makes no bones about it. I hope I can be like that when I am her age."

  

"Jeff how old do you think Mrs. Tillison is?" I asked.

 

"I guess she is probably in her late 60's," he answered.

 

"You lose. She is 86 but she acts like she is 16," I laughed. "Jeff, let's go home and go to bed."

 

"Does that mean we are going to make love tonight? Dad I think I am too tired for much activity," he giggled.

 

He had been driving very carefully because of the snow. He pulled into the drive and clicked his opener. His bay door opened and he pulled in.

 

"Dad, Toby's dad was going to take him home and give him some hot chocolate and cookies. Could I have some too?" he asked.

 

I opened the refrigerator and looked in the pantry. "Son I am sorry, my shopping expert didn't pick up the fixings for that when we were shopping today, but I do have some eggnog that says to fix with rum. Will that do?" I asked.

 

"How boring," Jeff laughed. "I can have that anytime but okay."

 

I fixed us each a small cup of eggnog and poured in some rum. We moved to the sofa in front of the tree. I looked at Jeff and said, "I am sorry there are no presents under the tree this year but maybe we can do better next year."

 

"Don't worry about it, Dad. I know I didn't give you any warning and just being here with you is all I need." With that said Jeff leaned over and gave me a kiss on my lips.

 

"Dad I am going up to get ready for bed. Give me ten minutes and then come up," Jeff ordered.

 

I made sure the house was secured and stood in front of the small tree and thought to myself, "What has happened to my life? It used to be so quiet, but I don't think it will ever be the same."

 

"Dad, are you coming to bed?" Jeff called.

 

"I'll be there in a minute son," I called back as I started to climb the stairs very slowly not realizing how tired I was.

 

I opened the bedroom door and there was a naked Jeff lying on the bed with a big red ribbon tied around his body with a note.

 

I stopped and my mouth must have dropped open as I just stood there.

 

"Dad, Santa left a package for you. Look at the tag and see what it says," Jeff urged.

 

I carefully went over to him and opened the note. It read, "Dear Doctor Wilson, I didn't know what to give you this year so I brought your son to you. He is giving his soul to you and he has made his body available to use as you see fit."

 

"Jeff, do you know what you are suggesting?" I asked. "I'm your father. I can't just take your body and use it." I then looked into his eyes and said, "Jeff, I'm just so overwhelmed by everything that has happened today that I can hardly comprehend it all."

 

"Dad, I don't want you to just use my body. I want you to love me and make love to me. Remember that we are both adults now," Jeff answered and then he added, "Get ready for bed, Dad. I am really tired."

 

I took my clothes off and went to the bathroom. When I came out, I went to get into bed with my boxers on.

 

Jeff looked and me and admonished, "No, no! Dad, drop the boxers. This is a naked-only bed."

 

I hesitated but then did as I was told. I crawled into bed and Jeff rolled toward me. He gave me a long tender kiss and said, "Goodnight, Dad." He turned with his back to me and pushed as close as he could get.

 

I put my arms around him and whispered. "Good night son." He went to sleep almost immediately. I couldn't get over how wonderful it felt to have this beautiful young man next to me.

 

"I wonder what surprises are in store for tomorrow," I thought as I finally fell asleep.

 

To be continued...