The next few days just seemed to fly past and soon it was Christmas Eve. Jacob was slowly coming to grips with his new family. For the first time in as long as he could remember, he felt good about his life. He truly came to think of the two men who saved him from his past life, as his new fathers. He didn't care if they were rich, or if they were famous; all of that meant nothing to him. He fell for them because of how they treated him, the way he felt when he was with them. The only thing he really feared, was that he would have to leave all this behind. He didn't want to leave Anita, or Joseph for that matter. Having new grandparents was something that he was enjoying.
He smiled as he came down the stairs, heading for the living room. The huge tree seemed to fill the room with its glow. He knew that most of the gifts beneath those green branches were his, but, he secretly wondered how his new family would react once they opened the gifts that he had picked out. It hadn't been easy, getting the gifts without each of them finding out. He smiled, knowing it would all be worth it come morning.
"Ah, Jacob, dinner should be served soon, dear." Mrs. Powell was lighting some candles on the mantel. Without another word, he moved over to kiss her cheek. As he stepped back, he saw the glow of the room now filling her as well; never before had he ever had this effect on someone, he rather liked it.
"And what are the two of you getting up to?" came a masculine voice from the door. Jacob turned to smile at his new grammpa; he was truly loving this new family.
"You know that we aren't up to anything, Grammpa." Jacob said as he nearly leaped at Mr. Powell, who caught him with open arms. Henry wrapped his arms tightly around his new grandson, twirling him around, causing Jacob to giggle. His sudden appearance in their lives had brought with it many changes and consequences. As Henry looked down at the young boy in his arms, he was reminded of how Alex was at that age; it brought old memories to surface. He missed playing with a child; having Jacob in the house showed him that much, as well as how empty the house felt. He pondered about how they would handle the three of them leaving in less than a day.
"Come on, let's see if the table's set," Mr. Powell suggested, Jacob giggled as they walked to the dinning room, his feet never actually touching the floor, staying always on top of his grandfather's shoes. Amanda watched as her husband led her new grandson across the house. It seemed as if she couldn't imagine their lives without Jacob, even though he had only been a part of their lives for a little over a week, he was such a part of the family now and she couldn't wait to have another chance to spend time with the darling child she was now getting use to calling her grandson.
As she stepped out of the living room, she met her son as he came down the stairs. Quickly stepping over to him, she took him in her arms and hugged him securely to her. When she finally released him, he looked down at his mother, "What was that for?" he asked.
"What was what for?" Chris asked as he came up behind his boyfriend. Without another word, Amanda swept past her son and took her would-be son-in-law into her arms, hugging him just as deeply. Before pulling away, she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him down to kiss him on the cheek. Chris couldn't stop his body from reacting, blushing deeply.
"Hey! I didn't get one of those" Alex pretended to pout, his hands on his hips as he pushed out his lower lip to emphasize the poutiness. His look caused his mother to laugh at her son. Before she could reach out and pull her son in for a kiss though, Chris beat her to it. Quickly planting a passionate kiss on his lover's lips, leaving a somewhat stunned Alex standing in front of them. Alex was so surprised that his beloved had come so far now, that he was secure in showing their emotions in front of his parents.
Now it was Amanda's turn to pretend to pout. "Well? What about me? I didn't get one of those, either." She blushed herself when both young men got side by side and kissed a cheek at the same time. She could have stayed in that moment forever if not for the sudden flash bringing all three of them suddenly back to the present. All three of them looked in the direction of the flash only to be momentarily blinded by a second flash. As their vision returned, they saw a smiling Jacob holding a camera in his hands. Before they could even say a word, Jacob turned and was off, down the hall, still giggling as he went.
The two young men blinked blankly at each other before Mrs. Powell suddenly burst out laughing herself. Without another word, she was after her new grandson, to catch up with him and see about getting that camera from him. She was determined to take a picture or two of him; perhaps she could get her two sons to take a picture while holding their son. Amanda smiled to herself as she strolled down the hallway, if she could get that picture, she knew that she would really enjoy having it blown up to put in a nice frame. She finaly caught up with Jacob while he was coming back out of the dining room, probably coming back to check and see why his two fathers hadn't come in yet.
Jacob was surprised as his new grandmother suddenly swooped down and grabbed him into her arms, swinging him up as she hugged him to her chest, "Gotcha!" With that, she then kissed him on the neck as he suddenly giggled. She loved the sound of his laughter, knowing how much pain he had suffered, she thought he sounded like an angel when he laughed; just hearing him like that, made her smile before she hugged him tightly and then let him down to his feet. "Go get your dad's," she suggested as she playfully swatted him on the butt, pushing him down the hall back towards where she knew the two probably were.
This was their Christmas, time for just family. It always had been this way—Christmas Eve was for family; Christmas Day was a dinner party for family and friends to come and celebrate the season together. She wasn't worried about her son; he had grown up celebrating parties like these on the holidays; she wasn't worried about Chris, either; she was sure he would be able to handle pretty well. No, the one who still concerned her, was young Jacob. He had gone through so much this holiday, and had come so far in so little time. She worried that tomorrow's party would be too much for him. She made a mental note to keep an eye on him; if it ever seemed like it was getting too much for him, she would make a point of excusing herself and take him up to his bedroom.
Amanda led her two sons to the dining room; everyone else was already there. Jacob and Henry were already seated, talking to each other over something; whatever it was, it had smiles on both their faces. Anita was still bringing in bowls of this and platters of that as the three entered. "It's about time the three of you stopped wasting time," Henry stated, trying to put out a stern tone, though everyone knew it was just play, especially with the smile that he had plastered across his face. Amanda took her place, opposite her husband; Alex sat to her left, while Chris was on her right, sitting next to Jacob.
Joseph finaly came out pushing a covered cart. When he uncovered the platter, the most delicious turkey awaited their approval. Mr. Powell took the carving tools, making quick work of the bird, serving the plates that were passed to him. When everyone had been served, they all bowed their heads to say grace; Jacob was on one side, sitting next to Chris and Joseph was with Alex and Anita opposite them. Mrs. Powell looked around the table, this family that she had before her and smiled. She was pleased to be able to share this holiday moment with each of them, for they held a special place in her heart.
Finally, dinner over, Joseph and Anita started taking the leftovers to the kitchen to be put away; Amanda decided to help. The men, including young Jacob, made their way back into the living room. Jacob had been told that he could open just one gift before bed, but only one. Jacob bounced about, looking from one present to another, pondering what could be inside, which one might have something that he would be interested in opening. He took glances at tags, seeing who had given him what. Spying one from "Santa" he decided that that was the one he wished to open, quickly he picked it up, taking it over to the couch where his fathers waited for him.
"That one?" Alex asked, raising an eyebrow as he looked the gift over. It wasn't the largest, nor the most elaborately wrapped gift beneath the tree. Seeing the smile on his son's face, he knew before he answered what he would say.
"Of course, this one!" Jacob still seemed to have a bounciness to him even as he sat on the floor on the other side of the coffee table that sat between him and where his fathers sat watching over him. Jacob just sat there, the present in his lap. He studied it, as though examining it for any imperfections.
With a bit of laughter in his voice, Alex asked him, "Are you going to open that or just look at it until bedtime?" He teased his son. Jacob blushed slightly before looking back down at the gift in his lap.
"I haven't had a gift since... since..." Jacob tried to tell, a tear beginning at the corner of his eye. Before he could say another word, he found himself lifted from the floor, two sets of arms wrapping around him. Both of his fathers held him tightly between them. Jacob allowed the gift to softly roll from his arms as he was lifted off the floor, he didn't care about opening some gift, here, he had the greatest gift he could ever hope for, two wonderful fathers who loved him so much. With his arms free, he shifted within the arms that held him; clawing at one of his fathers, his eyes close. He didn't know who he was holding him; it really didn't matter.
Chris felt the fingers clinging to his shirt, the warmth of breath so lightly against him that it sent a shiver through his body. He had always thought that Alex would be the emotional one, the one who would gain such a connection with the boy; he wasn't sure how to act. Alex smiled at his awkwardness. Gently, he placed his hands on his lover's shoulders, turning and pushing him towards the door. He thought it would be good for his lover to get a bond with their son. Jacob shifted, pulling himself higher so that he could rest his head over his father's shoulder. Instinct took over, and Chris's arms gathered his son up, cradling him, holding him close to his strong chest. He no longer needed prodding from his love; he knew the way.
As he took the first step up the stairs, Anita came around the hallway and was about to say a goodnight. A quick gesture of his hand to his lips, told her that the little one in his arms was asleep, she smiled and mouthed a 'Goodnight' to him. He silently blew her a kiss as he continued, carefully taking the steps as slowly as he could, so as not to wake his son. Chris moved as quietly as he could, not wanting to wake the small child he held in his arms. Pushing with his hip against the door leading into the bedroom that Jacob had been sleeping in since he had come into their lives so recently. This was the first time that Chris was the one to put him to bed, he was a little unsure of what to do. Of course, he knew the basics, what he had to do; he just had never put it into practical use as it were.
Silently, he scolded himself; he was a new father; he would be doing this from time to time and just had to get used to the idea. Gently, he lowered Jacob onto the bed, taking off his shoes first before reaching for the boys jeans. Jacob was awake enough to push them down towards his knees before rolling onto his side. Chris pulled back the covers, trying his best not to wake Jacob more than he had to. Jacob yawned, snuggling into his pillow as his father pulled the covers back over him, tucking him in. Without even knowing why, Chris leant over, lowering himself to kiss the boy's exposed cheek. As he straightened up, he heard the whispered words," I love you, Daddy." With that, Jacob was gone, drifting into a world of dreams.
Chris had no sense of time, no idea how long he had been standing there, watching over the child asleep before him, before his love slipped quietly in behind him and wrapped his arms about his waist. Chris unclasped his lover's fingers, only to entwine them with his own. The two of them looked lovingly at their son, the very thought that this young boy was now theirs gave them a swelling sense of pride and joy, he was their miracle, the greatest gift they could have ever hoped for. Hand in hand, they slipped from the room, closing the door till it was but a crack open, just in case they heard Jacob call out for them in the night.
Alex's parents were just coming up to the top of the stairs; they, too, were hand in hand, headed to bed themselves. A warm glow surrounded both couples. Amanda released her husband's hand, stepping over to her son, hugging him, placing a kiss lightly on his cheek before taking his lover in her arms and giving him the same kiss. There was no need for words to be spoken, good tidings of sweet dreams, each couple retreated to their respected rooms for the night, they all knew that the morning would come all too soon and that there was still much to be done throughout the day. Chris and Alex slipped out of their clothes, and slid under the covers and into each other's waiting arms. "Merry Christmas, my love," Alex whispered as he pulled himself into his lover's strong chest.
"Merry Christmas," Chris replied before planting a soft kiss on the top of his lover's head, smoothing his hair before the two of them slipped into their own dreams.
Though the house was still, it was shrouded with a glow of love and warmth, a warmth that Mrs. Powell felt and knew she would miss. "Darling, what are we going to do once the boys head home?" she asked as the two lay in bed together. Henry lowered the book he had been reading, placing it on the end table. Rolling onto his side, he faced his wife; seeing the concern on her face, he wondered himself. It had been so wonderful having the house full of noise, seeing the glow the place seemed to take on by the presence of their new grandson.
"I don't know." He finally said before taking her into his arms, pulling her into his chest. Allowing his fingers to flow through her hair, he continued thinking of what to do about the situation. Amanda lifted her head, looking up into her husband's eyes; wordlessly, he tilted his head down to kiss her on her soft lips. Pulling his arms tighter around her, he pulled her up along his body, allowing her to nestle in the crock of his neck, her head over his heart. She listened to the steady beating of his heart, the sound of it lulled her off to sleep as she lay across her husband's chest.
The sun hadn't even risen for the day when Jacob woke in his excitement. He bounced out of the bed; for a brief moment, he forgot his manners, opening the door to his fathers' bedroom. Taking the distance in a few quick steps, he leaped onto the bed. Alex and Chris sat bolt upright at the sudden drop of extra weight on top of them. Both of them just stared at their son, the huge grin and twinkle in his eyes told them that they just couldn't be upset with him. Chris nudged his lover in the ribs with his elbow, "Looks like someone's son has some extra energy to burn," he said with a hint of laughter in his voice.
Alex sighed, "Why don't you go down and see if breakfast is ready?" he suggested, watching as Jacob bounced back off the end of the bed. Looking at the criminal next to him, "Just remember," he started, playing with his lover's hair, "if he's my son, that makes him your son as well darling." With that said, he grabbed a fist of hair, pulling his lover's face back to plant a passionate kiss on his lips. The kiss was interrupted, not by their son, returning to let them know one way or the other about breakfast; no, it was Alex's mother.
"Good morning and Merry Christmas, boys," came her sweet voice. She was respecting their need for privacy, besides the fact that she had seen young Jacob bounding away from their room, heading downstairs; she knew, at least, that the two of them were awake. She did not look into the room, just standing outside the still wide open door. She was still looking forward, towards the stairs, where she had seen her young grandson bounding off. "Why don't I let the two of you get dressed and meet us down stairs? I doubt that your son will want to wait too much longer before tearing into his presents."
With that, she stepped away from the door, heading to the kitchen to get herself a cup of coffee. She knew that they would be a while; even she would have lingered in bed a bit longer, save for her sudden need for caffeine. Anita was in the kitchen, leaning over a counter as she read her newspaper; she didn't need to be asked; she merely pushed the all too familiar cup across the counter to her boss as she entered. Without looking up at her boss, she looked at the clock on the microwave, "A bit earlier than you usually are," she stated offhand.
Amanda took her cup in hand, sipping on the coffee, enjoying that first rush. Holding the cup between the fingers of both hands, she sighed, "What a morning!" That sigh caused Anita to look up as she tilted her head to the side. There was something about her boss, something that seemed to have changed overnight. She couldn't put a finger on it but she was sure that it would come to her eventually. Amanda looked up, seeing that she was being watched funnily, "What?" she asked.
"Nothing...." Anita said offhand, still not sure what had caught her eye. "There's just something... I don't know...something different about you this morning."
Amanda was about to ask further when the conversation was interrupted, " 'Morning," Alex said between yawns as he ruffled his own hair. As he looked through half-closed eyes, he could have sworn that his mother had a glow about her. "You okay, Mom?" he asked as he sat down for his own cup of coffee. A cup of steaming coffee was soon deposited before him, just the way he liked it, not too sweet and just the right amount of creamer. As he took a sip, a strong arm curled around his midsection, pulling him back in a firm embrace as a set of moist lips planted a sensual kiss on the side of his neck.
" 'Morning, love." Chris said as soon as his lips were free. Seeing his soon-to-be mother-in-law giving him a sly look, he quickly darted over to kiss her on the cheek with yet another " 'Morning, love," before sitting down. As he had kissed his new mother, he felt something different about her, yet, as he looked at her, there wasn't anything different from all the mornings that he had seen her since they had been introduced only days before. He sighed deeply, 'Only days,' he thought to himself; he knew their time here was almost at an end for this trip, as they had to get back. He needed to get back to work, training for the next exhibition fight. He sighed again; he knew that the next couple of days would be bad—not for him or for Jacob, but for Alex. He would be in a flurry to find a job once they got home.
Chris hadn't said anything, actually, no one had said anything since that first evening; so much had occupied their time, no one seemed to have time to dwell on that portion of the past few days. It was a heavy thought that was coming to bear on Alex's mind though; he didn't want to say anything, didn't want to spoil the holidays. Not for himself, he didn't mind, but he refused to tarnish this special day for his new son. He had no idea how long it might have been since his young charge had last had a real holiday, a day without sadness.
The silence was broken when Alex's father came in for his morning paper, unlike the four that were sitting about, he refused, simply hated, the idea of having a cup of coffee in the morning. Anita was already pouring him his usual—a nice tall glass of tomato juice with a celery stick. Alex cringed in his chair; how his father could stand to drink that stuff he still couldn't come to grips with. The relative silence was broken by the nearby cry, "Dad! Come on, you're wasting the morning!" Alex smiled at the sound of his new son, calling out to him from the living room. With a chuckle, he got to his feet, moving towards the beckoning voice calling out to him, pausing but for a moment before grabbing his lover's ear and tugging on it sharply.
"You're his dad, too; come on," Alex stated as he drew his lover along with him, leaving behind three laughing adults in their wake. Chris was dragged by his ear; he was pretending that it was the most painfull experience in his life. Of course, his love knew that it was all a show, one that he wasn't about to bite into that story. Jacob was missing; then, a sudden movement of the tree and he came crawling out from under the well-decorated branches, pushing presents aside as he dragged a large one that must have had his name on the tag. Alex let go of his partner's ear; there was no longer a reason for the charade; the two young men walked, hand in hand, over to the large couch and sat down, both of their faces beamed with joy and pride over the same thought, that this small bundle of energy was now their son. Alex looked at his lover, seeing the same glow, and thought to himself, 'What better gift could we ever hope to receive for Christmas?' and had no answer.
Alex's parents came in soon after; his father's arm wrapped over his mother's shoulders; they also had the same glow—the glow of proud parents. They took in the whole room; they didn't even flinch when they thought of how this was their family, their two sons and their grandson. To them, it was as natural for them to accept as if their son was married to a woman. They both realized that there were many parents out there who were less accepting of their children; it made them sad to think that so many children would end up on the streets or worse just because their parents couldn't accept who their child loved. For them, there never had been a moment when they ever had thoughts of discontent over his way of life. They accepted that this was how he was meant to be and wouldn't change him for any reason.
The four adults in the room were not concerned about the gifts or the packages wrapped in shiny paper that were stacked beneath the tree, each one looked at the excited boy and thought the same thing—that he was the greatest gift that the holiday had brought to them. Finally Jacob started tearing the wrapping from a box that caught Alex's attention; he had been the one to put it beneath the tree and wanted to see the expression on his new son's face when he pulled out the stuffed teddy bear that he had gotten him. He hoped that it would put a smile on his son's face to light the entire room up. As the box was opened and the gift inside revealed, he was rewarded with just that. Jacob looked up at his father, his eyes twinkling with new joy, "I love it, Daddy!" he exclaimed as he bounded over to give his dad a hug.
Alex kneeled, holding his son close as he spoke, "There's more, if you press his tummy...." letting it trail off for his son to be surprised.
Jacob pressed on the teddy's belly, "I love you, son" came clearly from the bear in his father's voice; Jacob hugged the bear tightly to his chest, a tear slowly starting to form at the edge of his eyes as he was suddenly overcome with emotion. Once more, he gave his dad a bear hug. The two of them suddenly came back to reality, pulled back by the flash out of the corner of their vision, they both turned to see Alex's mom holding a camera. Alex had a smile stretching from ear to ear, so proud of his new family. Chris was stunned by what he heard. He knew that his lover had gotten the bear for their son, but he had no idea until that very moment he had recorded. Quickly, he began rummaging through the pile of still unopened gifts, looking for the one that he had wrapped himself.
Finding the suspect package, Chris removed it from it's hiding spot and placed it before the stunned Jacob. Jacob looked up with bewildered eyes, never in all of his years had he ever had such a holiday, so many presents, so many gifts. He felt so loved at that moment. He took a little too long admiring the gift, wondering in silence what could possibly be next for him to be surprised with. "You can go ahead and open it," Chris suggested. That was all the urging it took; paper was carefully peeled away to reveal the brown cardboard box within. As the top was opened, the paper parted, Jacob withdrew the soft leopard in the white Japanese Kendo style Gi robe that Chris had picked out for it.
Once more, he pressed the tummy, listening intently for the recorded message. Chris's voice came softly from within the plushy: "I love you soooo much." The message was more than he could take, flinging himself into the open arms of his father. Chris stumbled backwards from the onslaught, quickly wrapping his hands around the shuddering form of his new son. Though he had only just gotten up, the two most precious gifts that he had gotten from under the tree had done him in, he was exhausted mentally and emotionally and needed a chance to rest and recover. Chris cradled the form of his new son, holding him till he felt the soft rhythm of his breathing telling him that he was asleep. Chris looked up, not sure what to do. Alex got to his feet, beginning to move over to take his son from his beloved; something in Chris made him stop. With a motion of his head, he indicated that this was his turn.
Without another sound, Chris fumbled to his feet as best he could, trying his best not to wake the small form in his arms. The glow from Alex's parents was enough for him to smile, but seeing the smile on his lover's face made him so overjoyed that he thought to himself, "What better Christmas gift could I get?'
With that thought in mind, he moved slowly towards the stairs, leaving the three adults behind to talk amongst themselves. He barely made it to Jacob's bedroom when he realized that it would take some manuvering to free one hand to open the door; fortunately for him, he didn't have to. The door opened, seemingly on it's own accord, as Anita came out from freshening up the bed. Before a gasp could fully escape her lips, she placed a hand over her mouth as she didn't want to wake the slumbering child in Chris's arms.
With a bright smile, she stepped away from the entrance, holding the door open for him to enter with ease. As she watched the new father gently lay his son down, pulling the covers back so that he could tuck him in, she softly moved out into the hallway, not wanting to make a sound. Softly she pulled the door closed behind her as she backed away.
"Gotcha!" Hands grabbed at her waist, she gasped out, her hand coming to her chest in fright. Turning, she confronted the now laughing Alex. "Oow," he cried out in mock pain as she slammed a fist into his chest. He put on his best pouty face, sticking out his lower lip and giving her his best tearful eyes. Try as he might though, he couldn't win her sympathy.
"Well, at least your better half knows how to act in this house," she said playfully. "Some people seem to have regressed to a child-like state." She turned to walk away with that statement, only to find her way blocked as a pair of hands snaked around her waist, pulling her back, back into Alex's body.
"You know that you are as much a sister to me as if you were born so," he whispered into her ear as he held her in a tight hug. "I know I don't say it enough, that I'm not around as much as I used to be, before meeting Chris, but I do love you." He tightened his grip around her, hugging her to him to prove how much he cared. Anita smiled, enjoying the feeling of love that she felt flooding over her. She knew that it was true—this was her family, as much as if she had been born into it. Without breaking the grip around her, she turned in his arms, wrapping her own arms around the chest that she was held against.
"I know," she whispered into his shirt. In her mind, she missed her true family, missed them so much. Even with all the love the Powell's shared with her, the feeling of belonging and family, she still felt a deep twinge, a wish to share with her true family. Granted, she was able to call and talk to her parents, sometimes even some of her siblings, but the phone was nothing compared to being able to hold, to touch, to embrace her family in her own two hands. She was resigned in knowing that her love was returned, the economy just didn't allow for her to take time off to go half way across the country to see them right now; she sent what she could to help support the family, to help keep the house, the home that she grew up in, in the family.
Finally, with a soft sigh, she pushed against the warmth that she held onto, "Your hubby is in there putting your son down. I think you should go in and be with them." It was a statement, softly spoken, but with such warmth that Alex knew that she was longing to have the same family as he now was gifted with; in the back of his mind, he made a mental note to talk to his parents in private sometime about this. Anita needed a life outside of the home, needed friends, a chance at love and a family. Even as he released her from his embrace, he thought out names of guys that he knew that might still be in the area and still be single. He would have to check to see if he still had numbers to call on them and see what they were up to, but that would have to wait.
With one of his warm smiles, he slipped over, silently opening the bedroom door to see his beloved, laying on the bed next to their new son. He stepped quietly to the opposite side of the bed, laying down as softly as he could. With their young son between them, the two locked eyes, having the same warm smile on their faces. Yes, this was what they truly wished for, for Christmas. All the two of them could hear, was the soft breathing of the small sleeping form between them.
Their nap was cut short by a light knocking on the bedroom door. It opened only a crack, just enough for Alex's mother to peek in. "As much as I would love to let the three of you sleep all day, there are things to do," she said softly. There was no longer a need to hurry with the unwrapping of gifts. Jacob was emotionally exhausted over receiving the signs of affection from his new fathers; there was time for that later. Their day was going to be hectic soon enough; they had plans that they kept yearly—going to church in the early afternoon before helping out at a local Community Center. Alex loved going there, handing gifts to all the children, now, he had a child of his own to care for beyond the holidays. Amanda was sure of her son, just as she was sure of his partner; the two of them would make good parents. She made a mental note to herself, though, to talk to the both of them in private, to let them know that they were not expected to be perfect all the time, that it was alright to make mistakes and to ask for help.
She had hardly gotten to the top of the stairs when she heard the door behind her; she knew that her three precious boys were close behind. Taking the steps slowly, by the third one, she had to stop, a sudden pain was starting to creep through her body. Trying to take a fourth, pain shot from her middle, coursing from head to toe. Folding in half, clutching at her stomach. Alex rushed to his mother's aid; "MOM!" he yelled, getting his father's attention from downstairs.
Her breathing was quick and erratic as she tried to regain her composure, holding a hand out, "I'm okay, just a little winded is all." She tried to cover the truth as best she could.
"No, you're not. We're going to call for an ambulance. You need to go to a hospital." Alex was frantic, scared to death about what this could mean, seeing only the worse case. Henry said nothing to his wife or son, simply reaching for the phone and dialing 911. He stepped into the living room to talk without upsetting his wife.
After a few minutes, he stepped back into the landing, looking up at his wife, "The lady on the switchboard suggested that we take her to the hospital ourselves, since we are close, it would be faster than waiting for them to come to us." He looked into his wife's eyes, seeing that she was about to protest. "Don't even think it, darling; we are going and that's that." With that being said, he grabbed his coat and reached for the keys.
"Alex and I will be right behind you with Jacob," Chris stated, holding his lover back. Alex strained against the restraining hand, looking into his lover's eyes with such need. "It's okay; I know you want to be with your mom, to be there for her, but we have to think of Jacob. We'll be right behind them." Alex started to break, tears forming at the edge of his eyes, afraid of losing his mother. He collapsed against his love, burying his head into the strong shoulder. Chris was a strong man; few people looked upon him and thought of him as some soft cuddly kinda guy, as they say; never judge by apperances. Chris wrapped his strong arms around his loving partner's. "It's all going to be okay love, I promise; no matter what happens, I'll be here, right next to you for whatever happens," he said while stroking Chris's hair as he spoke softly to him.
The next thing they felt, were Anita's hands on their shoulders. Turning, they saw her warm face as she held out their coats. Jacob was beside her, already dressed and ready to go. "Hurry up and get out of here, just, let her know that we are thinking of her." She spoke softly as she pushed them towards the front door. She did her best to hide her true emotions; she was the hired help, no matter how much she felt like family with them. She watched silently from the doorway, watching the three young men leave down the drive. The feeling of hands on her shoulders was like a switch being flipped; Anita turned and allowed herself to fall into the welcomed arms of Joseph.
Alex was apprehensive during the entire trip to the hospital, worrying himself sick over what could be wrong with his mother. Frantic, he rushed into the lobby, panting as he tried catching his breath.
"May I help you?" The older lady asked as she stepped over to talk to him.
"My mother was just brought in by my dad..." Alex barely could contain his anxiety as he searched for answers.
"Name?" The nurse asked, turning her attention to an unseen consol.
"Alex Powell..." He started off before being interrupted.
Looking up, "No, not your name..." She was patient; she knew that most people who passed through those doors, were rarely in complete control of their lives.
"Oh... yes..."Alex stammered in embarrassment, "Powell, Amanda Powell." He blushed as he spoke.
"Ah, yes. She's still being seen by the doctor; if you want to take a seat, I'll let them know you are here." She motioned towards the waiting room before tapping on the phone system. Time seemed to race by; every few minutes, Alex would get to his feet, pace around before sitting next to his lover. Finally, Jacob sat on his daddy's lap, curling up against his chest. Realizing that his state was affecting more than just himself, he calmed down a bit, allowing himself to drift away from his fear; it would do no one any good if he worried himself over things that they had no idea one way or the other.
"Thank you, Doctor," came the familiar voice of Alex's father's voice. With he weight of his son on his lap, Alex wasn't able to get to his feet; Chris quickly got to his, though. Seeing the strange look on his mother's face, Alex was confused, especially seeing the strange aura-like glow that his father was projecting. Mr. Powell walked over, hugging Chris so tightly, lifting the big guy clean off his feet.
His fathers actions startled him, this wasn't the time, how could he be some happy? "What the hell is going on, Dad?" Alex demanded, he was on his last nerve and not knowing was killing him to no end. He waited eagerly for an answer, looking from his father to his mother and back. "What's wrong with Mom?"
Henry beamed all the more, a smile threatened to crack his face in half if it got any bigger. "Nothing... there's nothing wrong with your mom." With that said, he released Chris, only to take up his son in his arms, swinging his lighter frame about, startling him with his sudden action. Alex struggled free; if his dad wasn't going to tell him what was going on, he was going to have to go to the source. Pushing hard against his dad's chest, he eventually was able to break free.
"Mom, seeing as how Dad's out of his mind, can you please tell me what the heck is going on?" Alex pleaded. His plea caused his mother to blush with embarrassment. As she opened her mouth to answer, a nurse came out to speak with them before allowing them to leave.
"Now, Mrs. Powell, although it is rare for someone your age, it is not impossible for a woman at this time in her life to become pregnant..." The nurse had a few fliers, pamphlets on nutrition and dietary needs which she held out for Amanda to take. Without realizing it, she had laid out the secret—the news that both parents were keeping from the three boys. It took Chris and Alex by surprise, to say the least. Alex looked from his father to his mother and back again, too stunned to say anything.
Finally, it was Chris who made the next move, clapping Henry on the shoulders with such energy that it caused him to take a step forward to keep from falling to his knees. "Well, I guess congratulations are in order," Chris said with as much emotion as he could muster. Alex barely made it to a nearby chair before collapsing. The news, truly, knocked him off his feet. He was too shocked by what he was just told by the nurse; here he had been so worried that something terrible was wrong with her, only to find out that she was pregnant.
"How did this happen?" Alex asked no one in particular.
"Well, I'm sure you already know how it happened, at least, you should if you paid any attention in sex ed class in school," Chris joked, causing Mr. Powell to laugh at his son's expense. Not so amused, Amanda stepped over to her son, not sure how to reassure him that she was going to be fine.
Alex blinked a few times, looking up into his mother's eyes; he could tell that she was concerned over his reaction and he knew that he had to say something … soon. "I never thought that I would be an older brother," he said. Getting to his feet, he pulled his mother into an embrace, trying hard not to hold her too tight, less he hurt the unborn brother or sister; even with that thought, he wondered which he would eventually have. Holding his mother at arms' length, he asked, "Which would you like? Another son or a daughter?"
Amanda went pale at the thought, 'Another son? Oh my god! I don't know if I could handle another one.'
Alex tried not to laugh but couldn't help himself; all these years, growing up an only child, struggling to cope with seeing his friends and their large families, struggling with the feelings of envy when he learned just how many brothers and sisters he had growing up. Oh how many daydreams filled his youth with having a younger brother or sister to play with, to teach how to play games or ride a bike. Now, here he was, a new father himself, having to think of how he would react to a new addition to his family. A smile crossed his face.
"Why are you smiling? " Chris asked bluntly.
"Oh... nothing... I was just imagining Anita's face when we get back and tell her what's up," Alex answered truthfully.
End Part 1...
Posted: 12/17/10