Family Life Part 41
\nThe Family
\nBy Patt<\/p>\n
Word Count: 2,407<\/p>\n
When Jim and Blair arrived home that night Max and Drew were standing there waiting for them. <\/p>\n
\u201cSo how did it go with Rafe today?\u201d Max asked. <\/p>\n
Blair smiled at them being nervous about their dad\u2019s day. \u201cIt was a perfect day. Megan made a cake for him and everything. It was really nice.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDid you have fun, dad?\u201d Drew asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cI had a good day other then having to chase a bad guy for two miles in my dress shoes, instead of my tennis shoes, it was a great day,\u201d Jim said happily. <\/p>\n
Drew started laughing and said, \u201cDid you catch him, dad?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOf course I caught him. I always get my man,\u201d Jim said as he pulled Blair into his arms. This made both of the boys laugh. <\/p>\n
\u201cWhere is Sam?\u201d Blair asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cShe\u2019s making a special picture for you and dad, so you have to stay out of her room until she\u2019s done painting it. Don\u2019t go in there, she\u2019ll throw a fit,\u201d Max answered. <\/p>\n
Jim smiled and said, \u201cWe\u2019ll wait until she comes to us, although, that might be an hour. You boys go check on her really fast and make sure she\u2019s doing all right.\u201d<\/p>\n
Max moved to his sister\u2019s bedroom and knocked on the door. All Jim and Blair heard was, \u201cDon\u2019t let poppy and daddy come in here.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jim laughed and said, \u201cIt must be some painting, eh?\u201d <\/p>\n
Drew said, \u201cYou know that big easel you got her for her birthday to paint on? Well, she\u2019s finger painting an abstract that she saw in a book. If you like abstract, it\u2019s pretty good. Not bad for a five year old.\u201d<\/p>\n
Blair smiled and said, \u201cI can\u2019t wait to see it. It\u2019ll be her first piece that we frame. She\u2019ll be thrilled.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou know if you boys ever want to do art for us, you just give it to us and we\u2019ll frame for our room. We have empty spaces for kid art, just waiting,\u201d Jim said. <\/p>\n
Max came back into the room and said, \u201cI have something I did for you when we first moved in. You don\u2019t have to frame it or anything, but I love drawing.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh go get it so we can see what you drew,\u201d Blair suggested. <\/p>\n
Max rushed happily upstairs to get his artwork that he had done. While he was gone, Drew said, \u201cI don\u2019t draw, so I don\u2019t have anything for you to hang up.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s not true, what\u2019s up there on the wall to the right of our bed?\u201d Jim asked. <\/p>\n
Drew ran upstairs to see what was hung up and he came down all smiles. \u201cYou framed the invitation and a poster size of the cake. When did you do that?\u201d <\/p>\n
\u201cWe did it two days after the wedding. We were so thrilled with the artwork you did, that we wanted to share it with everyone. Thank you, Drew,\u201d Blair said. <\/p>\n
Drew hugged both of them and said, \u201cThank you. It means a lot to me.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt means a lot to us, too,\u201d Jim reminded him. <\/p>\n
Max came walking down the stairs carrying a huge picture. It was two pictures put on the same poster page. One was a wolf and one was a black panther. Jim and Blair just stared at him and said, \u201cWhy did you draw those?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou have things in your room that have to do with them, so I figured one of you liked the wolf and one of you liked the panther. So I drew both. I know they\u2019re not fancy, but you said you wanted to see them,\u201d Max explained. <\/p>\n
\u201cI love it, Max. It\u2019s perfect just the way it is. We\u2019re going to frame it on our next day off. You boys spoil us rotten. There\u2019s not going to be any room left in our room at this rate,\u201d Blair said. <\/p>\n
\u201cI love it, too, Max. What do you think of it, Drew?\u201d Jim asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cI think he should have showed it to you when he did them six months ago. He was being a chicken,\u201d Drew teased. <\/p>\n
\u201cThank you both for giving up great things to hang up,\u201d Blair said happily. <\/p>\n
[[[maxart.jpg]]]<\/p>\n
Samantha came walking out of her room and said, \u201cOh daddy, oh poppy, are you ready to see your surprise?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re ready,\u201d Jim said cheerfully and walked towards his little girl and hugged her. <\/p>\n
She pulled both of the men into her room and showed them the picture that she had finished. It was a finger painting, but she covered the entire easel sheet with color. It was so bright, cheerful and wonderful that both men were too emotional at first. Then Jim picked her up and said, \u201cThank you, Sam. It\u2019s beautiful. We have a frame upstairs that will fit it, so we can hang it up as soon as it\u2019s dry.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOkay, daddy, I\u2019m glad you liked it. Poppy, did you like it?\u201d Sam asked hopefully. <\/p>\n
\u201cI loved it. It\u2019s the best finger painting I\u2019ve ever seen. You did a wonderful job. Thank you,\u201d Blair confessed. <\/p>\n
They walked out hand in hand with Sam to the kitchen, where Blair asked her if she wanted to help him make dinner. The two of them washed and began food preparations. <\/p>\n
Max walked up to Jim and said, \u201cCan I talk to you upstairs, alone?\u201d<\/p>\n
Jim said, \u201cCertainly. You can always talk to one of us.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jim walked up the stairs and dreaded this. He hoped it wouldn\u2019t be a sex talk. He hated talking about sex, but if it was, he was going to have to wing it. <\/p>\n
Max came up the stairs and Jim knew it was going to be a sex talk. Max was blushing already. <\/p>\n
Jim pointed to one of the arm chairs and said, \u201cSit.\u201d<\/p>\n
Max sat down and Jim sat in the next one and Jim said, \u201cOkay, I\u2019m all ears.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDad, I need to know what I\u2019m supposed to do with Misty next. We kiss all the time and we both like it. Sometimes I like so much that I almost explode if you know what I mean?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSo you\u2019re still in the kissing stage?\u201d Jim asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cShe\u2019s let me touch her breasts a couple of times, but it makes me feel like I\u2019m going to come in my jeans, so I don\u2019t do that anymore. What are we supposed to be doing?\u201d Max asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cFirst of all, it\u2019s normal to feel like you\u2019re going to come in your jeans. I still feel that way sometimes. So that\u2019s not a big deal, okay? Secondly, there is no script to follow when it comes to feelings. I would continue with the kissing and just spending time together and not worry about the next stage of sex,\u201d Jim said. <\/p>\n
\u201cWhat is the next stage of sex?\u201d Max asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s for people that are older than 15, Max. So I think we don\u2019t need to discuss it yet,\u201d Jim answered. <\/p>\n
\u201cBut I\u2019m almost 16 now. I want to do more,\u201d Max said openly. <\/p>\n
\u201cWell, you would touch her breast and rub them gently while you kiss. Then as things move on, you will be touching each other in your private parts,\u201d Jim said blushing. <\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s what we want to do,\u201d Max said. <\/p>\n
\u201cMax, I think you\u2019re still too young for it,\u201d Jim said. <\/p>\n
\u201cDad, she\u2019s already touched my penis, if that\u2019s what you\u2019re talking about. She asked to look at it and she touched it one night. It felt really good. Is this all right?\u201d Max asked as he blushed too. <\/p>\n
\u201cMax, I\u2019m going to get Pop for this. He\u2019s so much better at it then me,\u201d Jim got up and walked down the stairs and whispered in Blair\u2019s ear and Blair handed dinner over to Jim. Blair walked up the stairs and was up there for an hour talking with Max. When he was done, they walked down the stairs and Max had something in his hand. Max walked up to this bedroom and was up there for some time, until Jim called him for dinner. <\/p>\n
Jim wanted to ask Blair what had happened, but at the same time he didn\u2019t want to know. God, these kids were growing up way too fast. <\/p>\n
During dinner, Max didn\u2019t look at Jim once and Jim wasn\u2019t happy about that. He wondered if he had handled it all wrong. He had to talk to Blair about that. After dinner, Max and Drew volunteered to do dishes and load the dishwasher. So Jim asked Blair if he could talk to him. <\/p>\n
They walked upstairs with Sam following them. Jim blushed when he saw Sam and Blair knew he wanted to talk about sex. \u201cSam, will go you please go paint us one more picture to go beside the other one?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, Poppy, I would love to,\u201d Sam said as she rushed into her room to get ready to paint again. <\/p>\n
Blair pulled Jim into his arms and said, \u201cIt\u2019s all right Jim. You didn\u2019t damage Max at all. You told him what I told him but then I told him how sex happens. I also told him I thought that was a couple years away, but he disagreed. I told him how he always had to use a condom, and he could buy them at the drug store anytime on his way home from school or ask us to buy them for him. I gave him two to carry in his wallet in case. I tried to talk him out of it, Jim, but he\u2019s keen on having sex for the first time. So is Misty, it would seem. I hope the talk was good enough. I was strict, yet understanding I think. I hate to see them grow up. But he told me that Drew is asking all sorts of questions about whacking off. So it\u2019s time we had a talk with him.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBlair, you have a talk with him. I just get flustered and don\u2019t do a very good job at all. I even blush,\u201d Jim said sighing. <\/p>\n
\u201cSend Drew up and I\u2019ll tell him about the wonders of the shower in the morning, or at night. It\u2019ll be fine, Jim.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jim walked down the stairs and said, \u201cPop wants to talk to you.\u201d <\/p>\n
Drew looked up surprised and said, \u201cAm I in trouble?\u201d<\/p>\n
Jim hugged him quickly and said, \u201cNo, not at all. Go on upstairs he wants to talk to you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Blair had Drew upstairs for an hour and Jim wondered what was taking so long when Drew came walking down the stairs and said, \u201cI\u2019m going to have a shower before I go to bed.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOkay,\u201d Jim called back. <\/p>\n
Jim knew what he was up to and almost laughed. He seemed all right with the sex talk. Blair was really good at all of this and he hoped that it would help the boys. <\/p>\n
Max came walking down and said, \u201cMisty and I just talked and agreed that we\u2019re too young to have sex, so we\u2019re going to wait for another year. If we\u2019re still together then, we\u2019ll try it out.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jim hugged him and said, \u201cThat\u2019s why God invented your hands, Max.\u201d<\/p>\n
Max snickered and walked back upstairs. <\/p>\n
Jim got the bath ready for Sam and called her in. She jumped in the tub and Jim scrubbed her up and got her hair washed, rinsed and conditioned. When he was done, he pulled her hair up in a pony tail for the night and put her pajama\u2019s on. She brushed her teeth, really well and ran upstairs to get Poppy for book reading time. <\/p>\n
It didn\u2019t take long for her to fall asleep that night. Max came in and kissed her on top of the head when he came down. Drew was still busy in the bathroom, which made Jim almost laugh numerous times. <\/p>\n
!!!!!!!!!!<\/p>\n
All the kids were sleeping and Jim and Blair slid into bed. Jim pulled Blair into his arms and kissed him softly and sexily and said, \u201cWhat are the chances of me getting a little tonight?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI would say pretty fucking good, Jim.\u201d<\/p>\n
They kept the sounds down to almost nothing and made love like they hadn\u2019t made love in months. Jim loved when Blair was that receptive. Afterwards, Jim pulled Blair into his arms and kissed the back of his head and said, \u201cI love you more than anything in the world, Blair.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI love you too,\u201d Blair answered and snuggled in closer to Jim. <\/p>\n
They fell asleep quite quickly and knew that their children were growing up way too fast. <\/p>\n
!!!!!!!!!!<\/p>\n
At breakfast, Drew said, \u201cIs it poker weekend, Saturday?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt sure is. Everyone is going to be here. Did you want to invite some friends over to have something to do? Sam can just hang with all of us playing poker,\u201d Blair said. <\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t think that\u2019s a good idea, pop. She can hang with us until she falls asleep. She\u2019s not that big of a pain yet. She wrestles with Mark and Mike and Seth and Sam. She holds her own too. We\u2019ll invite Seth and Sam over this weekend and see how it goes,\u201d Drew answered. <\/p>\n
\u201cIs Uncle Simon coming to poker on Saturday?\u201d Sam asked. <\/p>\n
Jim smiled and said, \u201cYes, and he\u2019s bringing his boyfriend, Rafe. So you\u2019ll get to see both of them. Won\u2019t that be nice?\u201d <\/p>\n
\u201cOh I can\u2019t wait to see his boyfriend. Is he nice?\u201d Sam asked. <\/p>\n
Blair replied, \u201cHe\u2019s very nice and you\u2019ll like him a lot. Now let\u2019s all get ready for school. We have to take you before we go to work. Get hopping, everyone. That includes daddy.\u201d<\/p>\n
The kids all laughed as Jim hurried and finished his breakfast. He actually loved these moments in time. He adored being with Blair and the kids. Sometimes he disliked work because it took away from these moments. But so did school and life in general. Jim would have to get used to sharing. <\/p>\n
Blair and Jim cleaned up the kitchen while the kids got ready to go. When everyone was done, it was time. Jim drove them to school and Blair walked Sam in and then they dropped the boys off at the Jr. High. <\/p>\n
Jim and Blair talked about their kids all the way to work and knew that they were the luckiest men alive. <\/p>\n
The end. <\/p>\n
Family Life Part 42
\nProblems?
\nBy Patt<\/p>\n
Word Count: 2,208<\/p>\n
Warning: Sometimes I just like to have the guys argue. And tonight was one of those nights. So yes, they are going to argue, but know that it will turn out just fine. Be well. <\/p>\n
Blair walked down to records to see if he could hurry Jim up and Jim was at the counter flirting with Rebecca. Rebecca was married, so it was harmless, but it still bothered Blair a great deal. <\/p>\n
Jim must have heard him and he pulled away from the counter and stopped the flirting immediately. He turned around and smiled at Blair and said, \u201cI\u2019ve got everything, Chief. I\u2019ll be right up.\u201d<\/p>\n
Was he dismissing me? What the fuck? Blair turned around and stormed off and he was pissed off like he hadn\u2019t been in years. <\/p>\n
Blair walked upstairs and went to Simon\u2019s office and said, \u201cSomething has come up, I need some time off.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cRight this moment?\u201d Simon teased, because he knew that Blair was pissed, he just didn\u2019t know why. <\/p>\n
\u201cDo you want me to kill him while we\u2019re in the bullpen or while he\u2019s at home?\u201d Blair asked, not joking one bit. <\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, take the next three days off. Do you have a car?\u201d Simon asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cHell no, I rode with the jerk,\u201d Blair answered. <\/p>\n
\u201cStop downstairs and ask Michaels if he\u2019d run you by your house for your vehicle. He doesn\u2019t have to know anything else,\u201d Simon suggested. <\/p>\n
\u201cOkay, I\u2019m off,\u201d Blair yelled over his shoulder and saw Jim walking into the room. Jim stopped him and said, \u201cWhere are you going with your jacket on?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAnywhere but here, now take your fucking hand off of my arm,\u201d Blair whispered Sentinel soft. <\/p>\n
\u201cWhat\u2019s going on?\u201d Jim asked as he pulled his hand away from Blair\u2019s arm. <\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re in charge of the kids for the next three days. Think about today and see if you can figure it out. See ya,\u201d Blair said as he rushed to the open elevator. <\/p>\n
Jim looked over at Simon and Simon just shrugged his shoulders. Jim was going to have to figure this out himself. He was on his own, damn it. He didn\u2019t do well on his own, didn\u2019t everyone know that by now? <\/p>\n
!!!!!!!!!!<\/p>\n
Downstairs, Michaels had just finished talking to Simon and Simon told him Blair needed a ride to his house for his vehicle. Michaels bought it and when Blair got off of the elevator Michaels said, \u201cAre you ready to go? Captain Banks asked me to take you to your vehicle.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThanks, Michaels. It\u2019s really nice of you. Everyone was busy doing something. I guess I should bring my own SUV from time to time, eh?\u201d Blair asked making small talk. <\/p>\n
The two men started to the squad car and Michaels talked Blair\u2019s leg off. Blair was shocked. He didn\u2019t really even know this guy, but yet Michaels acted like he had known him his entire life. Blair finally relaxed as they drove off and he let himself enjoy the talking for a change. <\/p>\n
!!!!!!!!!!<\/p>\n
Jim walked into Simon\u2019s office and said, \u201cWhat the fuck did I do this time?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI have no idea, but he asked for three days, so I would suggest you tell the kids he had to work or something. He wasn\u2019t really thinking about anything, he was too pissed off. You should really keep track of what you do to piss him off, Ellison,\u201d Simon barked. <\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re mad at me too?\u201d Jim whined. <\/p>\n
\u201cWhat did you do today, Jim? Tell me what you did every step of the way and I\u2019ll tell you what you need to beg forgiveness for.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe were fine this morning and I told him I would go down to records and get something and it took a little longer than I had planned, but no big deal and he came down and I told him I had it covered, I would be right up. See, I didn\u2019t do anything,\u201d Jim explained. <\/p>\n
\u201cDid you talk to anyone down in records?\u201d Simon inquired. <\/p>\n
\u201cJust Rebecca,\u201d Jim answered. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe same Rebecca that is warm for your form? That Rebecca? Were you flirting, Jim?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI was just being friendly. She was friendly so I was being friendly back. She\u2019s married, Simon.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd so are you, need I remind you?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI was just smiling and talking to her. It was no big deal,\u201d Jim swore. <\/p>\n
\u201cWhat exactly did you say when you saw Blair standing there?\u201d Simon asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve got everything, Chief. I\u2019ll be right up, that\u2019s exactly what I said,\u201d Jim repeated word for word. <\/p>\n
\u201cJim, you dismissed him like he was some used up old hag or something. I can\u2019t believe you said that shit to him,\u201d Simon observed. <\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll make it up to him tonight,\u201d Jim replied angrily. <\/p>\n
\u201cWait a minute, you have no right to be angry with Blair. You\u2019re being an ass. What? Are you tired of being with him or something?\u201d Simon barked. <\/p>\n
Jim glared at Simon and said, \u201cI knew you would take his side. You always do.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is no side. There is only the jerk and only one that got shit on. Guess who you are?\u201d Simon asked sarcastically. <\/p>\n
\u201cI didn\u2019t even do anything,\u201d Jim swore again. <\/p>\n
\u201cThen why was Sandburg close to leaving your ass?\u201d Simon wondered. <\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t know why. So what if I flirted with her. He flirts with everyone he comes in contact with. Why aren\u2019t you mad at him about that?\u201d Jim asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cWell, he\u2019s going to be gone for three days, so you\u2019ll have plenty of time to think about it, won\u2019t you?\u201d Simon questioned. <\/p>\n
\u201cI can\u2019t believe he\u2019s just going to leave the kids. That\u2019s shitty, even for him,\u201d Jim snarled as he walked out of the office. <\/p>\n
Jim went and sat down at his desk and called Blair\u2019s cell phone, he heard, \u201cSandburg.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBlair, what are you doing? I need to talk to you. Right now,\u201d Jim said. <\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m making a nice dinner right this second and a nice dessert. I haven\u2019t got time to talk to you. I have three days off and I thought we could use a break. But I couldn\u2019t leave the kids with just you, because god only knows what you would tell them. So instead, I\u2019ve packed your bags and you\u2019re going somewhere for three days. Call your dad and see if you can stay there. I don\u2019t much care where you go, just know that you\u2019re working because that\u2019s what I\u2019m telling the kids. Now get your work done and get home to pick up everything and leave. Understood?\u201d Blair asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cWhat if I don\u2019t want to leave?\u201d Jim said angrily. <\/p>\n
\u201cTough shit. You either leave nicely, or we fight in front of the kids. Do you really want to upset the kids?\u201d Blair asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t even get to talk to you about it?\u201d Jim asked, calming down a little bit. <\/p>\n
\u201cYou can call me tonight after the kids go to bed and we can discuss a few things. But don\u2019t think I\u2019m a fool, Jim Ellison, because I\u2019m not.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAre you going to pick Sam up at day care?\u201d Jim asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cYes, everyone will be here when you get home. I will have already told them that you\u2019re going to be gone for three days. So they\u2019ll be prepared. Sam\u2019s not going to like it. She likes having both of us around all the time.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBlair, I want to talk to you, I don\u2019t want to leave,\u201d Jim pleaded. <\/p>\n
\u201cTough, I need time to think and so do you. You can call me in the evenings from where ever you stay. It\u2019ll work out that way better,\u201d Blair hoped. <\/p>\n
\u201cI love you,\u201d Jim whispered. <\/p>\n
\u201cSee you at 5:30. Bye,\u201d Blair said as he hung up. He knew he should have said he loved him, but right that second, he wasn\u2019t sure he did. He didn\u2019t like being dismissed from records like he was some little piece of ass that Jim kept around for when he needed it. <\/p>\n
Blair was instantly depressed thinking like that and thought about the kids instead so he would be in a happier frame of mind while he cooked dinner. <\/p>\n
!!!!!!!!!!<\/p>\n
Jim couldn\u2019t believe how fast this had all gone downhill. Now he needed to get a hotel room so he wouldn\u2019t have to tell his dad he had screwed up. Jim was certain that he was going to point out to Blair that he flirted all the time, why did Jim have to put up with it? Yes, Jim was going to be as tough as he could be while he begged for forgiveness. <\/p>\n
!!!!!!!!!!<\/p>\n
Jim walked through the door and Sam said, \u201cDaddy, I don\u2019t want you to have to leave for three days. Poppy said you are. Are you?\u201d<\/p>\n
Jim kneeled down on the floor and hugged Sam to his chest. \u201cYes, I\u2019m leaving for three days and I\u2019ll be back. Okay? I promise I\u2019ll bring you something nice from the trip.\u201d Jim hugged her closely to himself and felt like sobbing. When had this all gone to shit? <\/p>\n
He got up off the floor with Sam and hugged Drew and Max and said, \u201cYou help pop take care of things while I\u2019m gone, okay?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe will,\u201d Max answered sadly. <\/p>\n
Jim could tell he knew something was up. Jim hugged him and whispered, \u201cEverything will be all right.\u201d<\/p>\n
Then he hugged Drew and told him the same thing. He said goodbye to Blair and took his bags and walked out the door. <\/p>\n
Max walked into the kitchen and said, \u201cSo what did he do anyhow?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo one\u2019s business but ours, Max.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, it is our business too. He\u2019s our dad. You just made him leave and I\u2019m not happy about it. Why can\u2019t you figure things out here at the house?\u201d Max pouted. <\/p>\n
Blair pulled his cell phone out and called Jim\u2019s number. \u201cEllison.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cChange of plans. We\u2019ll be discussing things here at the house. The boys are on to us and don\u2019t want us separated. So bring your stuff back up stairs. Pretend you\u2019re shocked to not have to go, so Sam won\u2019t know what\u2019s going on,\u201d Blair suggested. <\/p>\n
In a few minutes, Jim came walking through with his suitcase and carryon and Sam said, \u201cDaddy is home already.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe trip got cancelled, Sam, so daddy will be here all week. Don\u2019t worry, okay?\u201d Jim asked. <\/p>\n
She hugged his legs and said, \u201cOkay, daddy.\u201d<\/p>\n
!!!!!!!!!!<\/p>\n
Jim and Blair were doing dishes, not talking to each other and Max came in and said, \u201cDrew and I are taking Sam upstairs so you two can talk. We\u2019re playing Guitar Hero, so you\u2019ll have some time to yourselves.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThank you, Max,\u201d Jim said as he hugged him quickly. <\/p>\n
Blair watched them all walk up the stairs and said softly, \u201cYou dismissed me today like I was some piece of ass you kept around for emergencies.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m sorry if I did that. But I need to ask you something and I want the truth,\u201d Jim said. <\/p>\n
\u201cSo ask,\u201d Blair said. <\/p>\n
\u201cHow many times a day do you flirt with females or males? Just count and answer me,\u201d Jim ordered. <\/p>\n
\u201cI flirt every day?\u201d Blair asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cYes, sometimes four or five times in a day. I have to listen to you sweet talk females all the time and sometimes males. It gets a little tiring, so I thought today what the hell. I\u2019m going to see why Blair get\u2019s such a charge out of it and I found out,\u201d Jim said. <\/p>\n
\u201cYou found out what?\u201d Blair inquired. <\/p>\n
\u201cI found out that it\u2019s great for the ego to have someone flirt back at you. It makes you feel like a totally different person. I felt like a million bucks, flirting with Rebecca, knowing she didn\u2019t mean it either, but it still felt good. And now I understand why you do it,\u201d Jim explained. <\/p>\n
\u201cI didn\u2019t mind the flirting so much, it was the being dismissed that angered me,\u201d Blair pointed out. <\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll give you that. You have every right to be angry about that. I\u2019m sorry I said that and it won\u2019t happen again. But the flirting, I think we\u2019re both okay to do that. It\u2019s not like we want someone else, we just like to see if we still have it,\u201d Jim said. <\/p>\n
\u201cSo just like that, we\u2019re going to be making up?\u201d Blair said. <\/p>\n
\u201cI was hoping for some sex tonight, so I could show you how much you mean to me,\u201d Jim said smiling. <\/p>\n
\u201cWorks for me. I don\u2019t like being mad at you anyway. You pointed out something I had never seen before. I\u2019m going to try and stop flirting so much, though. It\u2019s just not nice,\u201d Blair said as he slid into Jim\u2019s arms. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe might have problems every now and then, but we can work them out without having to separate. Let\u2019s always remember that,\u201d Jim replied. <\/p>\n
\u201cI love you, Jim.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI love you, Blair.\u201d <\/p>\n
The men finished the dishes and then went upstairs to get Sam ready for bed. Max and Drew were both smiling when they saw how happy they were. <\/p>\n
Life was good. <\/p>\n
Problems solved. \uf04a <\/p>\n
The end. <\/p>\n
Family Life Part 43
\nLife in the Fast Lane
\nBy Patt<\/p>\n
Word Count: 4,319<\/p>\n
Blair took Max down to the Motor Vehicle Department and waited for him as he filled out everything he needed to for his learners permit. Max was so excited, although, Jim and Blair didn\u2019t share that same enthusiasm. Once he was done, they took him over to the section to have the written test and he was only in there for about 20 minutes when he came out smiling. He sat down next to Blair and said, \u201cI think I aced it, pop.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI would think so after all of the studying you did. Are they going to call and tell you if you passed or what?\u201d Blair asked, not remembering how it worked at all. <\/p>\n
\u201cHe said it would be about ten minutes and they would call me up to tell me if I passed or failed. If I passed, then they\u2019ll take my picture for the drivers permit. If I fail, I\u2019ll never hear the end of it from Drew,\u201d Max said sorrowfully. <\/p>\n
\u201cWhy Drew?\u201d Blair asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s expecting me to pave the way for him. He wants everything to go perfectly so you won\u2019t have objections when it\u2019s his turn to get his permit. Which one of you is going to teach me to drive?\u201d Max asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m going to be your teacher, whether your dad likes it or not. He\u2019s too anal about everything. I\u2019m a little more laid back and might not bite your head off for every little thing. Don\u2019t you agree?\u201d Blair inquired. <\/p>\n
\u201cHave you ever taught a teenager to drive?\u201d Max wondered. <\/p>\n
\u201cActually I have and it didn\u2019t go too well. But I\u2019ve learned a lot since then and think I would make a far better teacher now. I\u2019m looking forward to teaching you and watching you get your license. Are you excited for the big birthday coming up?\u201d Blair asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cI was wondering if I could have friends over for a sleep over instead of a party, party. I want cake and ice cream, but no adults except you and dad. I wanted to ask Mark and Mike and Seth and Sam. It just sounded like fun to hang with each other and play video games all night long. What do you think of that?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMax, I think your dad wanted to have a pretty big get-together for your birthday. Everyone wants to share in it this year. This is our first birthday with you as our son. Do you understand?\u201d Blair questioned. <\/p>\n
\u201cOh that\u2019s fine too. We\u2019ll still be able to have our friends come, right?\u201d Max asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cOf course your friends can come. It\u2019s going to be a nice birthday party. Dad wants to have it all on video beings it\u2019s our first one and all,\u201d Blair explained. <\/p>\n
\u201cSo who all is coming?\u201d Max remarked. <\/p>\n
\u201cEveryone from Major Crime is coming and then all of your friends. Of course, Naomi is coming and so is grampa William. I don\u2019t know about Steven yet, but hopefully him too. It\u2019s going to be a nice day. We thought a barbecue would be nice. Does that sound all right with you?\u201d Blair asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt sounds great, pop. I think it\u2019s cool that you both want to make such a big deal out of my 16th birthday. It makes me feel more loved than I already am. I think it\u2019s going to be fun,\u201d Max commented. <\/p>\n
They called his name over the loud speaker and he got up nervously and walked up to the counter. Blair stayed back, even though he wanted to be with him to help him deal with rejection if need be, but there was no need. He turned and grinned wildly at Blair and followed the man over at the machine and smiled for his license picture. Blair was never so proud in his life. God, time was going way too quickly as far as he was concerned. <\/p>\n
Max walked up to Blair and showed him his new permit and grinned the entire time. \u201cWould you like a lesson in the parking lot?\u201d Blair asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cThat would be awesome. Thanks, pop,\u201d Max replied happily. <\/p>\n
For the next hour, Blair let Max drive up and down the side of the parking lot that had no cars in it. He also had him pull into the parking spaces and back up and pull out again. Max was doing beautifully. Blair knew he was going to be easy to teach, he could tell. Max wasn\u2019t scaring the hell out of Blair, which Blair was thrilled with. <\/p>\n
They changed places and Blair drove home pointing out different things he did as he drove to show Max how it was done. Max was so excited he could hardly see straight. When they got home, he was bouncing as they got out of the SUV. Jim was watching from above and knew the answer to his question immediately. Blair and Max were both happy. So things had gone well. Jim was relieved and he was also relieved to know that Blair was going to do all of the driving lessons. Jim wasn\u2019t as patient as Blair was. He knew this much, but he\u2019d do really well at giving him support and praise when he needed it. Jim was good at that. <\/p>\n
When they got upstairs, Max walked up to Jim and showed him his permit first thing. Jim hugged Max and told him how proud he was of him. And Jim meant it. These boys never ceased to fill him with pride. Jim and Blair were very lucky parents. Thankfully they would have quite some time before they were going to have to deal with this with Drew. At least another year and a half. That would give them time to rest up. Then they would have the big break before Samantha started driving. Jim didn\u2019t even want to think about that. <\/p>\n
Max ran upstairs to show Drew his permit and Blair smiled over at Jim. \u201cHe got 100 percent on the test. He knew he had aced it, but not by that much. He was so thrilled that I let him drive for an hour in the parking lot so he could get a feel for the SUV. I want to talk to you about something about his party too. We\u2019ll talk tonight after everyone has gone to bed,\u201d Blair said. <\/p>\n
\u201cSam isn\u2019t here. Conner picked her up to take her to a movie, so let\u2019s go upstairs and talk now. You know that Max is upstairs talking on the phone to his friends telling them the news. So come on,\u201d Jim pushed Blair up the stairs and Blair snickered all the way up. <\/p>\n
\u201cI remember a time when you used to push me up the stairs for other things,\u201d Blair teased. <\/p>\n
\u201cHey, don\u2019t start anything you can\u2019t finish, young man,\u201d Jim joked. <\/p>\n
\u201cSit,\u201d Blair commanded. <\/p>\n
Jim sat in the chair on the other side of their bed. Blair sat in the opposite one and said, \u201cMax would really like to have a sleepover with his friends for his birthday. He said it was fine that we do a party up for him, but I got the feeling that he really didn\u2019t want all of the adults here. He would never say anything, but maybe we should let him have a small party with his friends. And while we\u2019re on the subject of parties, are we going to get him a car for his birthday?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m fine with letting Max have a small party with his friends. Sometimes we push our friends on them too much, I think. I bought his car already and it\u2019s stored over at my dad\u2019s house in his garage. It\u2019s a compact car, but not a dangerously small one. It\u2019s not too fancy, but yet, no one is going to make fun of it either. It\u2019s a Ford Focus ZX5. It\u2019s really nice. It\u2019s loaded with anything and everything he could need in it and the color is not too loud that it\u2019ll make us nuts. I think it\u2019s better to have Gray\u2019s when it comes to cars. I would never buy him a red car, that\u2019s for sure. I bought it four days ago when I was helping my dad move that dresser in his spare room. He said he had a friend that had a brand new car that he had to sell. He bought it for his son, but his son has cancer and won\u2019t be getting out of the hospital. So he gave me a decent price on it, although I paid him more then he asked for it. It\u2019s brand new. He had just ordered it and paid for it when he found out about his son\u2019s illness. And Max and Drew don\u2019t need to know about that. Okay?\u201d Jim said. <\/p>\n
\u201cSo small party is in, new car is bought and paid for and I didn\u2019t even get to help. Bummer,\u201d Blair kidded, but really was a little bummed. <\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re going to be in charge of his small party. I saw a balloon for him that had a set of car keys on it that would be perfect for him. So I\u2019m going to make a list of things he\u2019ll need for the car and you\u2019re going to be in charge of getting them if you want to. I\u2019m sorry I didn\u2019t tell you about the car, but I wanted to wait until my check cleared the bank and it was ours for sure. Do you want to do all of the running around and stuff like that?\u201d Jim asked. <\/p>\n
Blair pulled Jim up out of his chair and gave him a huge kiss. Nice and sloppy, just like Jim liked them. Jim was really getting into it when Max said, \u201cHey dad, are you up there?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, we\u2019ll be down in a second,\u201d Jim called out. \u201cYou\u2019re a demon, you do know that right?\u201d<\/p>\n
Blair smiled at him and licked his bottom lip and then chewed on it. \u201cFuck,\u201d Jim growled as he pulled Blair into his arms again. <\/p>\n
\u201cJim, we have to go downstairs,\u201d Blair said laughing. <\/p>\n
Jim still didn\u2019t let go of Blair right away. Blair could feel Jim\u2019s hard cock pulsing through his jeans and Blair\u2019s. Blair loved that he could still do that to Jim from time to time. \u201cAre you going to let me go?\u201d Blair asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cMake an excuse, I have to calm down. I\u2019m really hot and bothered. This hard on isn\u2019t going anywhere but up,\u201d Jim growled again. <\/p>\n
\u201cOkay, I\u2019ll see you downstairs in a few minutes,\u201d Blair said making sure his cock was calmed down enough to make the entrance into the kitchen. <\/p>\n
\u201cOh by the way, I hate you,\u201d Jim whispered. <\/p>\n
\u201cI hate you too,\u201d Blair whispered back and smiled all the way downstairs. <\/p>\n
Blair walked into the kitchen and started talking to the boys right away. They didn\u2019t question why Jim wasn\u2019t there, so Blair let it stand the way it was. <\/p>\n
Max said, \u201cWe\u2019re going over to Mike and Mark\u2019s house, so we\u2019ll be back in a couple of hours. You two can have some alone time.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThank you, boys, that would be nice,\u201d Blair answered. <\/p>\n
They left and Blair locked the door and made a run for the upstairs. Jim was leaning against the dresser taking deep breaths, making Blair smile. He had done this to Jim with a little chewing and a lick with his tongue. He still had it. Blair walked over to where Jim stood and slid between the dresser and Jim and Jim said, \u201cHoly shit, I just got it calmed down. Don\u2019t touch me, all right?\u201d<\/p>\n
Blair chewed on Jim\u2019s lower lip again and then licked his lips and the inside of his mouth. Jim just pushed himself harder into Blair\u2019s body and moaned with need. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve got the place to ourselves. When is Samantha coming home?\u201d Blair asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cNot until after dinner,\u201d Jim said throwing Blair\u2019s body onto the bed. Blair laughed out loud and said, \u201cSomeone needs me really badly.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m going to fuck you like you\u2019ve never been fucked,\u201d Jim whispered and started taking Blair\u2019s clothes off and the front door opened. Jim moaned into Blair\u2019s chest and Blair just petted his head. <\/p>\n
Jim could hear the boys walking softly up to their room and Jim lost all interest in Blair. \u201cLater, okay?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy does it bother you to have sex with kids in the house? You do it during the night, what\u2019s the difference?\u201d Blair wondered. <\/p>\n
\u201cLater\u2026\u201d Jim growled and walked down the stairs. <\/p>\n
!!!!!!!!!!<\/p>\n
Max and Drew came downstairs to get a drink and Jim was in the kitchen. \u201cOh man, I thought you were upstairs, you scared me.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, I\u2019m thinking about what to start for dinner tonight,\u201d Jim said as he opened up the pantry. <\/p>\n
Blair walked in all smiles and said, \u201cThe boys had other plans?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThey got in trouble, so we had to leave,\u201d Drew said softly. <\/p>\n
\u201cWhat kind of trouble?\u201d Jim asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cThey were supposed to be cleaning up their room and the living room instead of playing Wii with us. So they got in trouble and their mom sent us home. She was really angry,\u201d Max said. <\/p>\n
\u201cYou haven\u2019t been there very long, why would she be so angry about you being there and playing Wii, if you just got there?\u201d Jim wondered. <\/p>\n
\u201cThey were supposed to have it done before we ever got there and they never even did any of it. So they\u2019re grounded. They can\u2019t come for my birthday party,\u201d Max said sadly. <\/p>\n
\u201cYou don\u2019t even know when your birthday party is, Max,\u201d Jim said. <\/p>\n
\u201cTheir mom was really mad and she said they weren\u2019t allowed to hang out with us anymore,\u201d Drew said. <\/p>\n
\u201cYou have got to be joking?\u201d Blair asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cNo, she was really angry. She said that we might get our stuff done for us, but her boys have to do their own. Then she held the door open and said that the boys wouldn\u2019t be coming to my birthday party. She was really angry at us,\u201d Max explained. <\/p>\n
\u201cI wonder what brought that on,\u201d Blair snapped. <\/p>\n
\u201cDon\u2019t get mad at her. We must have done something wrong and we just don\u2019t know what it is. She\u2019s usually very nice,\u201d Drew pleaded. <\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m going to have to call her and ask what you boys did to offend her. It\u2019s important that we find out what\u2019s going on,\u201d Jim said. <\/p>\n
He picked up the phone and dialed Mrs. Benson. When she answered the phone Jim could tell she had been crying, \u201cHello?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMrs. Benson, this is Jim Ellison. Our sons came home and said they did something to offend you and I was wondering if you could tell me what it was. They need to know what is right and what is wrong. If they did something terrible at your house, I would expect you to tell me about it.\u201d<\/p>\n
She started crying and said, \u201cThey didn\u2019t do anything. They were just here at the wrong time. I just found out that my husband is leaving us, just like what happened to Denise, Seth and Sam\u2019s mom. I\u2019m still in shock. I\u2019m sorry I took it out on all of them. Tell the boys I\u2019m so sorry. Please forgive me.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIs there anything we can do for you?\u201d Jim asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cDo you know of any apartments opening up in this school district that a single mom could afford? I can\u2019t afford this one without my husband\u2019s income. Well, he\u2019s not coming back. So we\u2019re going to have to move. I don\u2019t want to move them away from the school because it\u2019s been so good for them. If you hear of anything, would you let me know about it? We have one month left on the lease,\u201d Mrs. Benson said. <\/p>\n
\u201cMrs. Benson, what is your first name. I think it\u2019s important that we know each other by first names,\u201d Jim said. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s Sarah,\u201d she answered sadly. <\/p>\n
\u201cWell Sarah, try not to worry. We\u2019ll find you something, I promise,\u201d Jim said before hanging up the phone. <\/p>\n
\u201cWhat happened?\u201d Max asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cShe was upset because her husband just informed her that he was leaving them and she took it out on your boys. She said she\u2019s sorry about that. But they only have one month to find another place or then they have to move out of the school district. So we\u2019ve all got to find her a place,\u201d Jim suggested. <\/p>\n
\u201cAre there any more units in this building?\u201d Blair asked. <\/p>\n
Jim dialed Mr. Stanley\u2019s number and heard him say, \u201cHello?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMr. Stanley, this is Jim Ellison, I was wondering if you have any units left in the building that need work and are cheap?\u201d Jim asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cI just so happen to have a new one, that is in need of a lot of hard work, but it\u2019s mostly dirty. Not in bad shape at all. The people left it and didn\u2019t pay me, so it\u2019s mine to sell. It\u2019s not as big as yours, but it\u2019s in decent shape. You could put two kids upstairs and in the small room downstairs put an adult. I take it it\u2019s someone with kids?\u201d Mr. Stanley asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cYes, she\u2019s alone and has two boys. It would be so nice if we could offer it to her for a good price,\u201d Jim commented. <\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll tell you what, Jim, if she wants to rent it, I\u2019d give it to her for $500.00 a month plus utilities. Do you think she would be able to afford that?\u201d <\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll call her right now and ask her if she could swing it. I hope so, because they\u2019re good kids and need a nice home. This is an excellent family building, if I do say so myself,\u201d Jim said. <\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll wait for your call,\u201d Mr. Stanley answered. <\/p>\n
Jim called Sarah back and said, \u201cHow much is your rent now?\u201d <\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s $1,200 a month, plus utilities. I can only afford about six by myself,\u201d Sarah replied. <\/p>\n
\u201cThere is a unit in our building that the landlord would give it to you for $500.00 a month, but it\u2019s only big enough for the boys to have the loft bedroom and you would have a very small bedroom on the first floor. So I didn\u2019t know how you felt about that. It\u2019s much smaller then the one we have. It\u2019s half of ours. We have two units. What do you think of that?\u201d Jim asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cI think it would be perfect. Tell him I\u2019ll take it, in fact, let me call him and I can fill out the paperwork tomorrow after work. Thank you, Jim. That was so nice of you to check for me,\u201d Sarah replied. <\/p>\n
Jim gave her the number and then hung up the phone. Another family will be moving in to the building,\u201d Jim said smiling. <\/p>\n
Max hugged him quickly and said, \u201cMark and Mike will be so happy in this building with Seth, Sam and Daryl. This is great,\u201d Max said happily. <\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t want to burst any of your bubbles, but you all forgot Mary. There is no room for a five year old,\u201d Blair said sadly. <\/p>\n
\u201cThere would be if we got a nice sofa bed or futon for Sarah for the living room and Mary could have the little room under the stairs. How does that sound to everyone?\u201d Jim suggested. <\/p>\n
Blair picked up the phone and dialed Sarah again. \u201cHello?\u201d <\/p>\n
\u201cHi Sarah, its Blair Sandburg. Jim and I completely forgot about little Mary. So we wondered if it would be too crowded if you put her in the little room under the stairs and you could sleep on a futon in the living room?\u201d <\/p>\n
\u201cWe were just discussing that, Mr. Stanley and I. I told him it might be cramped, but it would be our own home, so that would be nice. I\u2019m going to fill out the paperwork for him tonight and he\u2019ll call me tomorrow with the answer. Thank you so much for thinking of us. It\u2019ll be nice having the boys all in the same building won\u2019t it?\u201d Sarah asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cI think it\u2019s going to be great. Now about Max\u2019s birthday party. It\u2019s in three weeks, are you going to be able to let the boys come for that?\u201d Blair asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cOh yes, the boys can\u2019t wait to come. They said something about spending the night. If you would like, I could take Samantha that night and the girls could have a slumber party here,\u201d Sarah suggested. <\/p>\n
\u201cSarah, that\u2019s a great idea. She loves little Mary. We\u2019ll work out the details later,\u201d Blair said before he hung up the phone. <\/p>\n
All of them talked about anything and everything having to do with the party, the moving and the cleaning. Max and Drew wanted to surprise Mrs. Benson with a clean apartment. So Jim had to call Mr. Stanley and ask him if they could do that before he gave the keys to Sarah. Mr. Stanley thought it was a wonderful idea. <\/p>\n
!!!!!!!!!!<\/p>\n
The day of Max\u2019s birthday, William came over and said, \u201cHappy Birthday, Max.\u201d<\/p>\n
Max hugged him and said, \u201cThank you, grampa. I\u2019m having a party with my friends tonight, did you hear about it?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI not only heard about it, but I also heard that you just got your drivers license. Wasn\u2019t it just three weeks ago that you got your permit?\u201d William asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cYes, it was fast. Pop taught me how to drive and dad showed me how much car insurance was going to cost. It\u2019s scary,\u201d Max admitted. <\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m just here for one reason and one reason alone,\u201d William said happily. He handed a card to Max and smiled as Max opened it and Max said, \u201cGrampa, I can\u2019t believe you started a savings account for me, with $500.00 in it. Thank you so much.\u201d<\/p>\n
Blair and Jim were stunned. They hadn\u2019t expected that. But Jim went upstairs and got the balloon he had filled the day before and brought it down the stairs. \u201cHappy Birthday from us, Max.\u201d Jim handed him the birthday balloon that had a picture of car keys on it. <\/p>\n
[[16th.jpg]]<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat does that mean?\u201d Max asked excitedly. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt means, your grampa drove your new car over here and will need a ride home before your party starts. Are you ready to go downstairs and see your car?\u201d Blair asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cI can\u2019t believe this. A car? I thought maybe a Wii game, but a car?\u201d Max kept hugging Jim and Blair over and over again. <\/p>\n
\u201cThere are a lot of rules to follow driving this car. You\u2019re going to sit down and learn them all before you take my dad home,\u201d Jim said. <\/p>\n
\u201cCan I see it first?\u201d Max asked. <\/p>\n
William smiled and said, \u201cLet\u2019s go down, here are your keys. There is a full lot down there and you have to figure out which one is yours.\u201d<\/p>\n
They all went downstairs, including a very excited Sam. She was as happy about it as Max was. <\/p>\n
They all walked out into the parking lot and like Max was drawn to it, he went right to the dark grey Focus. \u201cThis is it. I just feel it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jim hugged him and said, \u201cYou\u2019re not disappointed that you didn\u2019t get a little sports car or something?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDad, I was expecting a Wii game. Honestly, I was. I never would have asked or expected a car. This is awesome,\u201d Max said bouncing. <\/p>\n
\u201cCheck out the interior and then we\u2019ll go upstairs and we\u2019ll hear the rules of the road before you drive grampa home. Turn the CD player on. There is a special song on it for you,\u201d Blair said. <\/p>\n
Max sat inside the car and started it and pushed play on the CD player. It went to where the CD was and started playing, Life in the Fast Lane. Everyone started laughing and Max looked like he was going to cry. <\/p>\n
Blair said, \u201cOkay, out of the car and let\u2019s go upstairs for the rules. Come on, we have a party to plan yet too.\u201d<\/p>\n
As they were walking up the stairs, Sarah Benson walked out of her loft apartment and smiled at them all. \u201cWhat\u2019s going on?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDid you get all moved in already?\u201d Jim asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cYes, the boys and I had help from my brothers with their trucks. So we\u2019re all moved in, we just have to find places for everything. It\u2019s quite a bit smaller then what we\u2019re used to. But it\u2019s great. We couldn\u2019t be happier. Mary loves being so close to Samantha and don\u2019t forget Samantha, you\u2019re staying with us tonight,\u201d Sarah said happily. <\/p>\n
\u201cI can\u2019t wait. This will be my first time staying at Mary\u2019s house,\u201d Samantha answered. <\/p>\n
\u201cI got a car, Mrs. Benson,\u201d Max said lit up with happiness. <\/p>\n
\u201cHow nice. You just be sure that you always wear your seat belt and no speeding. Understood?\u201d Mrs. Benson asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cUnderstood. We\u2019re going upstairs to learn the rules of the road right now,\u201d Max said as he walked on by. <\/p>\n
Sarah said, \u201cThanks again for everything, Jim and Blair. The little room for Mary is perfect for her bunk beds, so she can have friends over and everything. It\u2019s going to work out perfectly.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re glad it all worked out. We\u2019ll see you tonight when we bring Sam down to you. Thanks again for keeping her,\u201d Jim said. <\/p>\n
\u201cSee you later,\u201d Sarah said as she walked down the stairs. <\/p>\n
William said, \u201cWill I get in trouble if I fall asleep during the talk about the rules of the road?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, you won\u2019t be able to see the kids for two weeks. So be on your best behavior,\u201d Blair joked. <\/p>\n
\u201cLet\u2019s get to it, then,\u201d William said and they all walked upstairs smiling. <\/p>\n
The end. <\/p>\n
Family Life Part 44
\nThe Student
\nBy Patt<\/p>\n
Word Count: 2,549<\/p>\n
Thank you to Helena for the idea. It didn\u2019t work out as I had planned, but it turned out all right. Car repair just isn\u2019t a big thing with me. \uf04a<\/p>\n
Max and Drew were driving home from their first day back at school. They went to year round school, so they had only six weeks off for the summer. Boy had those six weeks gone by quickly. <\/p>\n
\u201cSo what is your favorite class so far,\u201d Drew asked his brother. <\/p>\n
\u201cI think it might be the beginning Mechanic\u2019s class. I\u2019ve always wanted to learn all about fixing cars. At the end of the class I\u2019m supposed to be able to change a tire with ease, change my oil filter, change my oil, replace an old fan belt with a new one and change my brake pads out. That\u2019s what the class is about this year. I figure with dad\u2019s help I might be able to get this one. Besides having a car now, I should know how to do this stuff anyhow.\u201d Max was actually more thrilled with the class then he let on. He liked spending one on one time with Jim or Blair. <\/p>\n
\u201cWould you mind if I learned it too? I don\u2019t know anything about cars,\u201d Drew asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cI think I\u2019d like it to be just me and dad, Drew. You can learn the class next year and have him teach it all over again. Don\u2019t look all butt hurt, man. Oh all right, you can learn with me and dad.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo Max, you\u2019re right. You should be able to learn with just dad. I\u2019m sorry, it won\u2019t happen again. It\u2019ll give me something to look forward to next year.\u201d Drew actually looked like he meant it, so Max calmed down a little bit. <\/p>\n
Drew cranked the music up and they were singing and dancing in their seats all the way home. <\/p>\n
\u201cWhat is this CD?\u201d Max asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s from a guy on face book. His name is Joey Alpha. My favorite song is called Rush. That\u2019s what\u2019s playing right now. I slipped it into the CD player last night when I received it in the mail. He\u2019s pretty good for being an unknown. I guess everyone has to start somewhere. What do you think of it?\u201d Drew asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cI like it. It\u2019s different. Good choice, Drew.\u201d <\/p>\n
They listened to the lyrics of the rapping CD all the way home and were very happy with it. When they parked in the parking lot Drew pulled the CD case out of the cabinet in the car and showed it to Max. Max looked it over and said, \u201cCool cover. Whoever designed it was good. I never heard of That Sweet Chin Music-The Showstopper EP by Joey Alpha, but it\u2019s going to be a big hit. Thank you for putting it in the car, Drew.\u201d<\/p>\n
!!!!!!!!!!<\/p>\n
When Jim, Blair and Samantha walked into the house, dinner was cooking. Drew was making it for a change. <\/p>\n
\u201cHey Drew, are you taking our jobs away from us?\u201d Blair teased. <\/p>\n
\u201cHi pop. No, I just felt like making beef stew and saw we had all of the fixings for it and went to town. School was super easy today. My favorite class is calculus.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jim smiled. \u201cWell, I won\u2019t be helping you with any homework, that\u2019s for certain.\u201d<\/p>\n
Drew and Blair both laughed before Drew said, \u201cI rarely need any help when it comes to math. I\u2019m pretty good at it. Dad, Max started a new class that he might need help with.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jim went to the bottom of the stairs that led up to the boys\u2019 room and yelled. \u201cMax, come down and tell us about your first day.\u201d<\/p>\n
Samantha smiled at Drew and said, \u201cI had a really good day at kindergarten. I think I might be smart. The teacher doesn\u2019t yell at me or anything.\u201d<\/p>\n
Blair kissed her on the top of the head. \u201cHoney, she shouldn\u2019t be yelling at you anyhow. If she does, you make sure and tell us.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOkay, poppy.\u201d<\/p>\n
Max walked down the stairs and looked happy to Jim and Blair, which they liked seeing after the first day of school. <\/p>\n
\u201cI have a favor to ask, dad. I\u2019m in beginning Mechanic\u2019s class and I need a study partner to help me learn the ropes. Would you be willing to be that partner?\u201d Max asked hopefully. <\/p>\n
What could Jim do, but smile? \u201cOf course I\u2019ll be your study partner. What are you going to be learning?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe start with changing a tire with ease, changing a fuel filter, changing oil and replacing it with new oil, recycling the old oil, changing fan belts and changing the brake pads. Does this work for you?\u201d Max asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cI would love to help you, Max and if it\u2019s all right, I think your pop should learn the same things. He\u2019s always said he wanted to learn more about cars, so that he doesn\u2019t have to leave it all up to me. You still want to learn, Blair?\u201d<\/p>\n
Blair beamed with happiness at being asked. \u201cAre you sure you don\u2019t mind having me in the class, Max?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe more the merrier. This is going to be fun, I just know it,\u201d Max said. <\/p>\n
Drew felt a little left out, but didn\u2019t say anything. He realized he wasn\u2019t driving yet and wouldn\u2019t need to know these things yet. <\/p>\n
Jim started to set the table and said, \u201cIs this for the first semester? It wouldn\u2019t take that long to learn all of that, so it must be broken down into parts. It\u2019s going to be fun, Max and Blair.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI have homework tonight,\u201d Samantha said. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ll help you as soon as dinner is done,\u201d Blair replied. <\/p>\n
The evening went well, dinner was as good as it smelled and Max and Drew were doing the clean up in the kitchen, so that Jim and Blair could help Sam with her homework. <\/p>\n
Jim couldn\u2019t believe how much homework a kindergartner had, but what did he know? <\/p>\n
!!!!!!!!!!<\/p>\n
The next night when Blair walked in the door, Max rushed up to him and said, \u201cCan we use your car as the testing vehicle for the year?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSure, you know I don\u2019t mind using my SUV for anything. What are we doing tonight?\u201d Blair started to get things out for dinner as he talked. <\/p>\n
\u201cChanging the tire and putting another tire on. Dad, I have to be timed and you have to give me a grade on what you think I should get for doing it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jim frowned. \u201cReally? We have to grade you on it? I\u2019m not sure I like that part of it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s going to be fine, dad, just you wait and see.\u201d Max got all of his paperwork ready for the tire changing test. He sat down and began to read up on changing a tire and didn\u2019t even notice that everyone else was busy working in the kitchen. <\/p>\n
Blair watched Max studying and realized that he needed to study the papers too. After all, if Jim had to grade Max, he would have to grade Blair also. He found himself somewhat excited about being the student again. Blair said, \u201cJim will you stir this until it\u2019s done. I\u2019m going to study the paperwork on changing a tire before we actually do it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jim burst out laughing. \u201cBlair, you\u2019ve chanced a tire before.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBut I don\u2019t know that I did it correctly. So I\u2019m going to study up. I don\u2019t want Max outshining me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Max snickered from the dining room table and shared his papers with Blair. He had finished the first part all ready. Now he needed to go on to the second page. Blair began studying and smiled at how wrong he had done it every time he changed a flat tire. He was going to learn this and do it right if it was the last thing he did. <\/p>\n
!!!!!!!!!!<\/p>\n
They were in the parking lot and standing beside Blair\u2019s Maroon SUV when Jim said, \u201cYou boys ready to go?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDad, I asked today and the teacher said that it depends on how the class does, but it\u2019s either for six weeks or twelve weeks that we have to learn this. You have to grade me on everything I do, and I\u2019m supposed to work on the changing a tire until I do it perfectly. Then I can move on to the next thing. So I\u2019m set.\u201d<\/p>\n
Blair smiled and Jim said, \u201cLet\u2019s let Max go first. We\u2019ll see if he does it the correct way. Let me see the diagram once more.\u201d Jim took the sheet from Blair and saw that Max was giving him the evil eye. <\/p>\n
\u201cOkay, Max, time to start changing the tire.\u201d The first step was to find the car’s spare tire, jack and tire iron. The spare tire was mounted on the back of the tailgate and Max found the jack and the tire iron were all inside the tire itself. Max remembered how it came off so he could put it back on the right way. <\/p>\n
He took the tire off of the tailgate and pulled out his handy-dandy air pressure gauge. He tested the tire to be sure it wasn\u2019t going to go flat too. The air pressure was perfect. <\/p>\n
The next step involved removing the flat tire. Max had to make sure that the car was in park and the emergency brake was set. The SUV was parked on a flat surface, so this was good too. Max knew better then to attempt to change a flat if the SUV was on a slope or if it is sitting on dirt. Using the tire iron Max loosened each wheel lug. The wheel lugs were certainly very tight. Max had to use all his strength but Max had those babies loose in no time. He loosened each by turning them counterclockwise. <\/p>\n
Now, at this point, he didn\u2019t want to actually remove the lugs. He just wanted them loose. Once Max accomplished this, he moved the jack underneath the car. He guessed where the proper jacking points were but knew he could look them up in the owner’s manual if he had to. He had read the owners manual earlier and thought he was in the right spot. <\/p>\n
Max maneuvered the jack underneath the jack point and started to raise the jack. It was a screw-type scissor jack, which meant Max simply turned the knob at the end of the jack using the provided metal hand crank. He raised the jack until it contacted the SUV’s frame and continued expanding the jack. Max raised the SUV with the jack until the flat tire was entirely raised off the ground. Once it was done, Max removed the wheel lugs completely. He was able to remove them by hand. He set them aside where they couldn’t roll away. He removed the tire on the SUV and laid it next to the vehicle. <\/p>\n
Max then positioned the spare tire over the wheel studs. This was the most physically challenging part of the whole process. He had to hold up the tire and try to line up the holes in the wheel with the protruding wheel studs located on the brake hub. He found balancing the tire on his foot while he moved it into position worked like a charm. <\/p>\n
After Max had the spare tire hanging on the wheel studs, he screwed each of the wheel lugs back on. He started them by hand. He was very careful not to cross-thread them. The lugs screwed on easily. Once each of them was snug and he couldn’t tighten them any further by hand, he used the tire iron to finish the job. At this point, he didn\u2019t need to get the lugs super tight. He just needed them snug for now. Max made sure that the wheel was fitting flush against the brake hub. <\/p>\n
Once that was all done, he carefully lowered the jack. He pulled the jack away from the SUV. The final step was to tighten down the lugs completely. He knew he needed to do it then, because the tire was on the ground and it wouldn’t rotate around like it would if it was still hanging in the air. <\/p>\n
That was it. Max put the pretend flat tire in the space where the spare tire was and put the jack and tire iron back underneath it. With the spare installed, Max then closed up everything and wiped his hands down with the wipes that he had brought out. He then wiped off the spare tire and anything else that looked greasy or oily. Max turned around and said, \u201cHow did I do?\u201d<\/p>\n
Both Jim and Blair stood them in shock. He had done everything exactly right. Jim finally found his voice and said, \u201cOther then speeding it up just a little bit, this was perfect. I\u2019m giving you an eight out of a ten, because I want you to do it faster tomorrow night. Then I\u2019ll give you a ten. How does that sound?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAll right, I did it. I did it right. I now know how to change my tire. Okay, pop, it\u2019s your turn.\u201d<\/p>\n
Blair did the same things Max did, but this time Max saw what Jim meant about going a little faster. Blair went much faster then he had and he was doing the same things. They were all correct, too. When Blair was done, he cleaned up and turned to Jim and said, \u201cSo what do I get, teacher?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re a great student, Blair. You get a ten. Did you see how much faster pop did it then you did?\u201d <\/p>\n
Max nodded and smiled. \u201cCan I do it once more and see how I do this time?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cKnock yourself out. Blair, why don\u2019t you go upstairs and be sure that Sam gets into the bath tub and get\u2019s set for school tomorrow?\u201d<\/p>\n
Blair turned to Max and said, \u201cGood luck, Max. You did an excellent job tonight. Anyone could see that you had done your homework.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThanks, pop. Okay, time me, dad.\u201d Max began going through all of the steps once again, but this time much faster. He recognized that he knew the steps, he had been nervous before. Now he was calmer and more relaxed. He finished the entire job and looked at Jim and said, \u201cHow did I do?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThis time you were a lot faster and I\u2019m giving you a ten out of ten for this one. It was perfect. Great job, Max.\u201d<\/p>\n
Max cleaned up all of the tools and put them in the toolbox he was carrying around with him. He then locked up Blair\u2019s SUV and he and Jim walked up the stairs to join the others. <\/p>\n
\u201cI can\u2019t wait to do the oil and filter change. That looks very interesting. Maybe we\u2019ll be doing that in a couple of days,\u201d Max said. <\/p>\n
Jim couldn\u2019t help but smile at the enthusiasm Max had for the class. \u201cWhen we do the oil change, you\u2019ll learn all about saving the old oil and recycling it at Checker Auto. It\u2019s one way of saving the planet. So that will be an interesting part of the class.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThank you so much for helping me with this dad. You\u2019re the best.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jim smiled and so did Max all the way up the stairs. <\/p>\n
The end<\/p>\n
Family Life Part 45
\nQuality Time
\nBy Patt<\/p>\n
Word Count: 3,186 not including the recipe at the end. That\u2019s another 257 words. <\/p>\n
This is another fine idea given to me by Helena. Thank you, Helena you\u2019re the best. <\/p>\n
Thanks to all of my members on my Family Life Yahoo list. If anyone would like to join it, just send me an email at PattRose1@aol.com .<\/p>\n
!!!!!!!!!!<\/p>\n
Jim and Blair walked through the door and heard Samantha crying in her room. They had asked Max to pick her up at day care because they were going to be late. <\/p>\n
Jim and Blair both rushed to her bedroom and saw a sad little girl sitting on her bed, wiping tears from her face. <\/p>\n
Blair sat down on the bed with her and asked, \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong, pumpkin?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMax and Drew get to go somewhere with grampa Ellison and I\u2019m not invited.\u201d The little girl sobbed even louder now that she had an audience. <\/p>\n
Jim looked over at Blair and tried for a smile. \u201cI\u2019m going to run upstairs and see what this is all about.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThank you, daddy.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, thank you, daddy.\u201d It was amazing how quickly the waterworks were turned off when she was getting the attention she thought she needed. <\/p>\n
!!!!!!!!!!<\/p>\n
Max came walking down the stairs as Jim was walking up. \u201cMan, I didn\u2019t even here you come in. I\u2019m sorry, dad. I won\u2019t leave her down here alone again. I had to tell Max something and I wasn\u2019t up there for very long.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMax, it\u2019s all right. Calm down. Now what is this business about you going somewhere with grampa and Samantha isn\u2019t invited?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGrampa knows you\u2019re off tomorrow, so he said we get to go camping. He doesn\u2019t want to take Samantha because we\u2019re staying in tents. We\u2019re roughing it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jim smiled when he thought about roughing it for his dad. That meant really nice air mattresses, battery run lights and fans and a cook stove that was as good as a house has. <\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s fine. Samantha can have a fun two days with her poppy and her daddy. It\u2019s not a big deal, Max. You and Drew are allowed to do things without Sam, you know that, right?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSometimes we feel guilty. I hope that she\u2019ll stop crying while we\u2019re gone,\u201d Max said sadly. <\/p>\n
\u201cMax, as soon as she finds out that we\u2019re going to do something with her, she\u2019ll change her tune, I promise.\u201d<\/p>\n
Drew walked down the stairs and said, \u201cGrampa is going to be here in one hour to pick us up. We\u2019re getting an early start.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAre you sure you\u2019re going to be all right with Sam throwing her little fit and all?\u201d Max asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cFollow me and watch how this works,\u201d Jim said as he led the way into Sam\u2019s room. <\/p>\n
\u201cHi daddy, do I get to go camping?\u201d <\/p>\n
\u201cNo Sam, instead you\u2019re going to go to the museum, the zoo, you\u2019re going to get your pictures taken and if you\u2019re really good, you get to pick a new book out at Barnes and Noble. What do you think of that? You\u2019ll have your poppy and daddy all to yourself all weekend.\u201d<\/p>\n
She jumped up from Blair\u2019s lap and hugged Jim\u2019s knees. \u201cYay, I love the museum. Can I buy Drew and Max a book at Barnes and Noble if I\u2019m really good?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou sure can. We\u2019ll find something good for them to read. Now let\u2019s go in and start dinner. The boys have to leave in an hour,\u201d Jim said. <\/p>\n
They all piled out of Samantha\u2019s room and worked their way into the kitchen and before long dinner was cooking and making the place smell divine. Sam loved Chinese food and Blair had promised her some Beef Broccoli Stir Fry. Blair didn\u2019t go back on his promises. <\/p>\n
While Blair was cooking up the Beef and Broccoli, Jim fried up the rice. By the time they were both done, it was exactly at the same time. Dinner was done. Max, Drew and Sam had set the table and even set an extra place in case grampa got there and was hungry. <\/p>\n
William arrived about two minutes into the meal and washed his hands quickly so he could join in with the dinner. <\/p>\n
\u201cAll right, who\u2019s choice was this meal?\u201d William asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cMine, grampa, mine.\u201d Samantha was wiggling in her seat raising her hand wildly. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt was a very good choice, Sam. It\u2019s delicious isn\u2019t it?\u201d <\/p>\n
\u201cYes, grampa it is.\u201d Sam finished her meal and said, \u201cWhat are we having for dessert?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI was thinking a nice cool ice cream cone would taste good after heating up the kitchen so much. What do you think, Samantha?\u201d Jim asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cYes, daddy, that sounds good.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSo do you all have plans for this weekend while we\u2019re gone?\u201d William wondered. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re going to take Sam to numerous places all weekend long. We don\u2019t often get Saturday and Sunday off, so this will be nice for her.\u201d Blair got up to start clearing the table, but Jim beat him to it. <\/p>\n
The boys helped Jim and then went up to get their gear for the trip. Max knelt down in front of Sam and said, \u201cWe\u2019re going to miss you like crazy, but you\u2019ll be having so much fun, I\u2019m afraid you won\u2019t miss us at all.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sam hugged Max hard. \u201cI always miss you and Drew. I love you. You\u2019re my brothers.\u201d<\/p>\n
Drew got down and hugged her too. <\/p>\n
William said, \u201cLet\u2019s get this show on the road. Jim, we\u2019re going to be up at Widow\u2019s Peak, in case you need us for anything. Otherwise, have an excellent two days off.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThanks, dad. Maybe next time you have a weekend to spare, you can take Sam to the movies,\u201d Jim said with a smile on his face. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe will go see a movie next weekend.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh goody, I love movies, grampa.\u201d<\/p>\n
William loved this little girl. Everything made her happy. She was just so even tempered. <\/p>\n
\u201cGoodbye Drew. Goodbye Max,\u201d Sam called out as they walked out the door. <\/p>\n
!!!!!!!!!!<\/p>\n
\u201cSam, come here and let me read to you about a new museum that just opened up,\u201d Jim said holding a paper in his hand. <\/p>\n
Sam went and jumped on his lap and waited for Jim to tell her what was what. <\/p>\n
Jim began reading, \u201cCurious GeorgeTM: Let\u2019s Get Curious!, Cascade’s Children\u2019s Museum\u2019s newest original exhibit, opens June 17, 2010 at the Cascade Children\u2019s Museum! Introducing young children into the world of Curious George, the exhibit leads visitors on a fun, meaningful interactive math, science and engineering-based adventure while it emphasizes the central role that parents and caregivers play.<\/p>\n
The immersive exhibit environment takes place where Curious George and The Man with the Yellow Hat live. Insatiably curious, George lives to find new things to discover, touch, spill and chew. Learn like George \u2013 through direct experiences and problem solving. The Curious GeorgeTM: Let\u2019s Get Curious! exhibit is sponsored by 3M.<\/p>\n
Exhibit Features:<\/p>\n
Apartment Building
\nOperate wheels to move Curious George on pulleys from window to window. Climb the fire escape and climb inside to play with color, light and shadow.<\/p>\n
Sidewalk Produce Stand
\nPlay customer or sales person and explore shapes, sorting, weighing and counting with fruit and vegetables.<\/p>\n
Construction Site
\nDesign a building, make use of a bounty of building materials and get to work constructing different structures and using machines to move materials.<\/p>\n
City Park
\nEnjoy the urban green space: rest or give a hug to a full-size Curious George! <\/p>\n
Mini Golf
\nUse pipes, ramps, funnels, turntables, bumpers and force to experiment with physics and engineering as you putt through three holes of mini golf.<\/p>\n
Space Rocket
\nStep up to the rocket Curious George took on his space adventure! Pose for a picture with George in his space suit and e-mail it home. <\/p>\n
Farm
\nTake a vacation to the country and visit the farm. Experience cause and effect and use wind power to move yard art like whirligigs, windmills, windsocks, and wind chimes. Build your own whirligig or windsock and care for the farm animals.<\/p>\n
Museum Within the Museum
\nLearn new things about George when you visit the Museum within the Museum. Follow H.A. and Margret Rey\u2019s work, the escape from France to safety during World War II that saved the Curious George manuscript, and Curious George throughout the years.<\/p>\n
What do you think about this, Sam?\u201d<\/p>\n
She jumped up from Jim\u2019s lap and rushed into the kitchen and said, \u201cPoppy, we\u2019re going to a Curious George Museum tomorrow. I can\u2019t wait. We all love Curious George.\u201d<\/p>\n
Blair smiled. \u201cThat\u2019s going to be great fun, Samantha. I can\u2019t wait to go. We\u2019ll go first thing in the morning and beat the rush.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIs it time for bed yet?\u201d Samantha was bouncing in place. <\/p>\n
\u201cNo, not yet. We still have to take a bath and get ready for bed. Are you tired already?\u201d Jim asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cNo, I just want it to be tomorrow,\u201d Sam answered. <\/p>\n
Blair pulled her towards the bathroom and said, \u201cThen let\u2019s take your bath and we\u2019ll get ready for bed. You can go to bed early tonight if you\u2019d like.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, please.\u201d Sam ran and got her underpants and pj\u2019s and rushed into the bathroom for her bath. <\/p>\n
Jim smiled at how willing she was to go to bed early just so she could get up earlier. She was going to be bouncing off the walls tomorrow morning. <\/p>\n
By the time, they got done and she was in bed, it was 9:00. Jim knew she wasn\u2019t going to sleep right away, so they were safe with her not getting up at 4:00 in the morning. They both read her a book and she was half asleep when they left her room. <\/p>\n
\u201cMan, do you know how lucky we are? We always wanted a family but now we not only have them, but it\u2019s working out well too. God, I\u2019m happy,\u201d Blair said. <\/p>\n
Jim pulled his lover into his arms and just held him for some time. \u201cI think we should go to bed early, if you know what I mean?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m going to go get ready, you shut lights out and lock up the place,\u201d Blair said. <\/p>\n
They both knew they were very lucky men and it worked out well, because tonight they were going to get lucky too. <\/p>\n
!!!!!!!!!!<\/p>\n
The next day they went to the museum with Sam chomping at the bit. Even the building of the museum was cool. It was painted in dark browns, reds and bright yellows. They parked and Jim paid their way in as Blair took Samantha\u2019s hand and walked into the place. <\/p>\n
The first thing they saw was a big poster of Curious George, that you could stand your child against to have their picture taken, so of course, Jim pulled out the camera and took two shots. He knew that one of them had to be great. It was so damn cute, it wasn\u2019t even funny. <\/p>\n
[curious.jpg]<\/p>\n
They got there at 9:00 a.m. and they left at 4:30, after having lunch in the Curious George restaurant. Even Jim and Blair had a good time. This place was worth every single dime that it brought in. The tickets were quite expensive, but it was worth it. <\/p>\n
\u201cI think I\u2019m going to donate tickets to Sam\u2019s class for this museum. What do you think of that?\u201d Jim asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cThat would be great, Jim. Think how much fun they would all have and not everyone can afford to go.\u201d He whispered. <\/p>\n
\u201cGood, then let me buy them now and we can send them on Monday when she goes to school,\u201d Jim said. <\/p>\n
Blair said, \u201cYou go ahead, we\u2019re going to sit in the SUV and wait for you. We\u2019ll cool down the vehicle while we wait. Throw me your keys.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jim did just that and he was off and running for the class tickets. He wasn\u2019t sure how many to buy, so he just paid for 30 tickets and hoped that would be enough. He could always buy more. <\/p>\n
!!!!!!!!!!<\/p>\n
As they drove to the mall, Samantha asked, \u201cWhere are we going now?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe thought the book store would be a nice place to hit before you get too tired. You can pick out a new book. Anything you want, within reason,\u201d Blair said. <\/p>\n
\u201cOh goody, I want a Curious George book. I love Curious George.\u201d Samantha was so happy that she was glowing. <\/p>\n
Jim and Blair just smiled. They got to the book store and took her to the children\u2019s section and she started looking at books. She picked out a Curious George that she didn\u2019t have yet and held on tight to it, but continued to look to make sure that there was nothing else she\u2019d rather have. She found a book on butterflies that she really liked and sat down in one of the little chairs they had there for the kids and tried to make up her mind. <\/p>\n
\u201cJim, why can\u2019t we let her get both books? She was so good today, she deserves both of them,\u201d Blair whispered. <\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re right, she does deserve them and we should thank our lucky stars that she even likes books. A lot of children don\u2019t.\u201d<\/p>\n
Blair walked up to her and said, \u201cHow would you like to get both of them?\u201d <\/p>\n
\u201cThat would be great, poppy. Thank you, thank you, thank you.\u201d She was hugging him tight with every thank you she called out. Then she hugged on Jim for a while. \u201cNow can I pick out a book for Drew and Max?\u201d<\/p>\n
Blair and Jim had forgotten about that, but Sam didn\u2019t. She picked out a cool looking book for each of them. They were like hardback comic books. Jim didn\u2019t know if they even read this type of book, but Sam wanted to get it for them. So that\u2019s what she did. <\/p>\n
They went and paid for the books and decided to call it a day. Sam was very quiet in the back seat and Blair turned to say something to her and realized she was sleeping in her booster seat. \u201cOh man, look how uncomfortable she looks.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jim looked in his rear view mirror and said, \u201cIt must not be, if she can sleep like that.\u201d Samantha was leaned over to one side, head hanging and no where to lean. <\/p>\n
\u201cI had a good day, Jim. Thanks.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy are you thanking me, you\u2019re the one that found that museum. I never would have even known about it. So thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n
The rest of the ride home was uneventful and Jim and Blair just held hands the entire way home. <\/p>\n
!!!!!!!!!!<\/p>\n
Sunday morning, Jim got up and said, \u201cYou know what would be nice today?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe could take Samantha to Penney\u2019s and have her picture taken. It\u2019ll be her first one and then we\u2019ll have something new for our wallets. Then next weekend we can take the boys for theirs. What do you think?\u201d Jim inquired. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe could go to the zoo first, Jim. Or rather take her for pictures first, and then change her at Penney\u2019s into shorts and go to the zoo from there. How does that sound?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSounds like a winner to me. We\u2019re going to need two days off to rest up from our days off.\u201d Jim laughed easily as he started some breakfast for the little one that was just about to come out of the room. <\/p>\n
Blair loved that Jim could sense her being up already and knew when to start things for breakfast. Blair forgot now and then how cool it was to be a Sentinel. Jim needed little help these days, so when he got to watch him in action it made his heart flutter with excitement and awe. <\/p>\n
Jim looked over at Blair and smiled when he saw the look on his face. Jim knew what he was thinking without even asking. <\/p>\n
!!!!!!!!!!<\/p>\n
At Penney\u2019s they got her picture done in record time. The woman said Sam was very photogenic. Jim and Blair were glad that they seemed to think they had turned out all right. Then they showed them the digital pictures they had and Jim and Blair went ahead and placed their order while they were there. The woman wasn\u2019t kidding. Sam looked angelic. Blair paid for everything and then they left for the zoo. <\/p>\n
!!!!!!!!!!<\/p>\n
\u201cDo you think Max and Drew missed us?\u201d Sam asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m sure they did. They probably couldn\u2019t even sleep last night because they missed us so much.\u201d Jim loved teasing their little girl. <\/p>\n
When they got to the zoo, they paid and started right out. Jim got them each a bottle of water and they were off. Jim knew where she would be going first. She loved to watch the polar bears swim under water. She would sit and watch them for an hour if you let her. They were not going to let her that day. They had things to do, people to see. <\/p>\n
They spent about ten minutes on each exhibit and finally Sam asked Jim to carry her and they knew it was time to leave. <\/p>\n
Again, on the ride home, she fell asleep and Jim and Blair talked quietly and held hands. It had been a remarkable weekend. They wished they had more like this one. But they rarely got two days off in a row. They better just be happy with what they had for now. <\/p>\n
!!!!!!!!!!<\/p>\n
At eight that night, Drew and Max came walking in the front door with huge smiles on their faces. <\/p>\n
\u201cSomeone had a good time.\u201d Jim observed. <\/p>\n
\u201cWho did? We did?\u201d Sam asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cDid you have a good time, Sam?\u201d Drew asked as he hugged her tight. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe had the best time in the world. I bet we had way more fun then you,\u201d Sam gloated. <\/p>\n
The boys told them all about their camping trip and how they wore poor grampa out. Then they took all of their things upstairs and unpacked and got ready for bed. They were exhausted. It had been a great weekend for all of them. Sam followed them upstairs with their new books she had picked out for them. <\/p>\n
\u201cThank you, Sam. I love comic books. Especially the hardback ones because they last longer,\u201d Drew admitted. <\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, Sam, thank you very much,\u201d Max added. <\/p>\n
She hugged both boys and said goodnight and then flew down the stairs. <\/p>\n
\u201cDaddy and poppy, I had a really good day.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re glad Samantha. Next weekend you\u2019ll be picking out a movie to see with grampa,\u201d Blair reminded her. <\/p>\n
They got Sam ready for bed and then went up to tuck the boys in and got themselves in bed too. They felt like such whimps. It was only 9:00, but they had had a busy, busy weekend. <\/p>\n
Jim pulled Blair into his arms and held him close. He listened to Blair\u2019s heartbeat, then stretched his hearing out and listened for the other heartbeats and before long he fell asleep with the sounds of all of them beating in his head.. <\/p>\n
This is how life should be. It doesn\u2019t happen this way, but it sure was nice now and then. <\/p>\n
The end. <\/p>\n
BEEF BROCCOLI STIR-FRY <\/p>\n
2 tbsp. soy sauce
\n1 tbsp. cornstarch
\n1 tbsp. white vinegar
\n1 tbsp. minced ginger
\n1 tsp. minced garlic
\n1\/4 tsp. red pepper flakes
\n3\/4 lb. lean round steak, fat trimmed
\n2 tsp. vegetable oil, divided
\n1 sm. bunch, 1 1\/2 lb. broccoli
\n1 bunch green onions, sliced diagonally
\n2 carrots, sliced diagonally, 1\/8 inch thick
\n3\/4 c. beef broth or water<\/p>\n
Combine first 6 ingredients in a bowl; stir until mixed. Slice steak across the grain 1\/8 inch thick; toss with soy mixture and let stand 10-15 minutes. While you\u2019re waiting, make up your fried rice and let it sit until you\u2019re done. <\/p>\n
Meanwhile, cut broccoli flowerets from stem, peel stems and slice 1\/4 inch thick. <\/p>\n
Heat wok or large stir-fry skillet over high heat; add 1 teaspoon oil. When almost smoking, add beef and stir-fry 1 minute. Remove from heat.<\/p>\n
Add remaining teaspoon of oil to wok. Add broccoli, carrots, and green onions; stir-fry 1 minute.<\/p>\n
Add broth and cook, scraping bottom of wok, until vegetables are tender, 5-7 minutes. Return beef to wok and heat through. Serve over fried rice. <\/p>\n
FRIED RICE <\/p>\n
4 cups boiled rice
\n3 tablespoons olive or peanut oil
\n1 tablespoon dry green (or other) onion
\n1\/4 teaspoon garlic powder (or 2 cloves fresh)
\n2 tablespoons dried mushrooms
\n2 whole eggs
\n1 tablespoon soy sauce<\/p>\n
Saut\u00e9 rice in oil for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add green onions and mushrooms. Cook for several minutes. Combine eggs with soy sauce and stir into pan. Cook until eggs are fully cooked.<\/p>\n
Family Life Part 46
\nSpirit Guides
\nBy Patt<\/p>\n
Word Count: 4,406<\/p>\n
This is another idea sent to me by Helena. I am most grateful for ideas because sometimes I have none. LOL So everyone send me your ideas. Please? PattRose1@aol.com<\/p>\n
The loft was quiet and everyone was sleeping but the Jaguar and the Wolf were watching over the children. At one point, Max woke up and swore he saw a panther in his bedroom but went back to sleep when he realized this wouldn\u2019t ever happen. About an hour later, Drew woke up and saw the panther and sat up in bed and watched him watching Max. Drew knew he was sleeping, but yet this animal didn\u2019t seem mean. He seemed to be there for a reason. What could the reason be? He watched as the panther walked back and forth from one side of the room to the other and finally walked out of their bedroom. Drew lay back down and knew he was safe. This beautiful animal could have hurt him, but didn\u2019t, so it must be a good sign. He fell back to sleep and had wonderful dreams of panthers. <\/p>\n
Sam woke up at 4:00 and saw a wolf on her bed. \u201cHi, what\u2019s your name?\u201d<\/p>\n
Of course the wolf didn\u2019t answer but that didn\u2019t stop Sam from asking questions. \u201cWhat are you doing here? Are you lost? Do you need help finding your way home?\u201d <\/p>\n
The wolf just wagged its tail slowly and Sam smiled. She cuddled up to him and fell back to sleep. <\/p>\n
The children were safe for right now. But the Jaguar and the Wolf knew it wouldn\u2019t always be. <\/p>\n
!!!!!!!!!!<\/p>\n
Jim was fixing breakfast and Max and Drew walked into the room. \u201cGood morning, boys.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMorning, dad,\u201d Drew answered. <\/p>\n
\u201cWhat are you cooking?\u201d Max went over and sniffed the air like Jim did. <\/p>\n
\u201cHot cereal and bacon and eggs. Now sit down, Max. Drew would you get your sister up?\u201d Jim asked. <\/p>\n
Drew went to get Sam up and found her already up and ready for school. She walked out with Drew and said, \u201cGood morning, daddy.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jim smiled at all of them and served them their breakfast. As they were eating Sam said ever so casually. \u201cThere was a wolf in my bedroom last night. He was very nice. He lay on my bed and watched over me. He was very sweet.\u201d<\/p>\n
Blair walked into the room just in time to hear this and said, \u201cYou saw a wolf?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, he wasn\u2019t mean, poppy. He was very sweet and I could tell he was watching over me,\u201d Sam said. <\/p>\n
Blair looked over at Jim as Jim shrugged his shoulders. <\/p>\n
\u201cWell that\u2019s weird, because I saw a panther in my room last night. But for only a moment,\u201d Max mentioned. <\/p>\n
Drew smiled and said, \u201cI saw the panther too. He was pacing in the room and didn\u2019t seem mean at all. Almost like he was looking out for us.\u201d<\/p>\n
Blair said, \u201cIf you see them again, tell us. We\u2019d like to hear about it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAre you making fun of us?\u201d Drew asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cNo, quite the opposite, I\u2019m very concerned and interested,\u201d Blair answered. <\/p>\n
Sam went to brush her teeth after breakfast and Jim said, \u201cBoys, we have spirit animals and they are the Wolf and the Jaguar. We don\u2019t know why you were able to see them, but we\u2019re going to have to try and figure it out. If you\u2019re seeing them there might be something going on that we need to watch more closely.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSo they\u2019re your spirit animals? No wonder they seemed too nice. They wouldn\u2019t have hurt us,\u201d Drew said. <\/p>\n
\u201cYou make sure and tell us if anything is going on at your school. Promise?\u201d Blair asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cPromise,\u201d Max answered quickly. <\/p>\n
The boys got up to get ready for school and Jim just smiled at how easily they had accepted the idea of spirit animals and went with it. <\/p>\n
!!!!!!!!!!!<\/p>\n
As they drove to the station, Blair asked, \u201cSo what do you think about the animals appearing to the kids?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI would say they\u2019re in danger. But from who? There has been nothing we\u2019re working on that would be dangerous for them. I don\u2019t have a clue as to why they appeared.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI might have to meditate tonight and see if I can reach them. We need to have answers. I\u2019m going to be a wreck until this is taken care of,\u201d Blair said. <\/p>\n
\u201cMaybe they\u2019re just watching over them. Let\u2019s not make a big deal out of nothing,\u201d Jim stated. <\/p>\n
The rest of the drive was uneventful. They talked about anything and everything that might have to do with the animals, but they couldn\u2019t figure anything out. <\/p>\n
!!!!!!!!!!<\/p>\n
Blair looked up from his desk and a man was standing there and Blair smiled. \u201cJeff, how are you doing?\u201d Blair got to his feet and went around his desk and hugged the man. <\/p>\n
Everyone in the bullpen was watching, because Jim didn\u2019t look like a happy camper. <\/p>\n
\u201cI wondered if we could have lunch today. I was in the neighborhood and thought I would stop by,\u201d Jeff asked. <\/p>\n
Blair turned to Jim and Jim smiled letting him know that it was fine with him. Jim didn\u2019t even know who this was, but he was going to find out later. <\/p>\n
\u201cOh my god, Jim, I\u2019m sorry. This is Jeff Bender. We were in school together. Jeff this is my partner, Jim Ellison.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jim stood up and extended his hand to Jeff. Jeff shook it and Jim didn\u2019t like him. He shook his hand and could sense something right off. He just wasn\u2019t sure what it was. <\/p>\n
Blair went and told Simon he was leaving and then he told Jim goodbye and he and Jeff were off to lunch. <\/p>\n
Rafe walked by and said, \u201cYou want to have lunch with me and Brown?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, that would be nice. I\u2019ll be ready in a moment,\u201d Jim said as he tried to finish up his file he was working on. He couldn\u2019t get Jeff off of his mind. He seemed like a freak. Jim didn\u2019t like him one bit and would be happy to tell Blair all about it on the drive home that evening. <\/p>\n
Jim walked to the elevator when they were all done and the three men walked across the street to the diner and walked inside. Blair and Jeff were sitting in a booth and Blair hadn\u2019t seen them come in because his back was to Jim and the guys. But Jeff saw him and gave Jim an evil glare. <\/p>\n
Henri said, \u201cDid you see that shitty look that guy gave you? What did you do to him?\u201d <\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s having lunch with Blair and must think that he\u2019s getting much more then lunch,\u201d Jim answered. <\/p>\n
\u201cWell, Blair knows how to take care of himself, so not to worry, Jim,\u201d Rafe assured him. <\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m not worried, I just hate to see him have to punch someone out in front of the station. Makes for bad press,\u201d Jim teased. <\/p>\n
The guys ordered and Blair and Jeff got up to leave. Jim could tell that Blair wasn\u2019t too happy with Jeff which made Jim smile even more. As they walked by the table Jeff glared at Jim and Blair smiled at the three guys. \u201cSee you all in the bullpen.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jim just waved and couldn\u2019t keep the big smile from his face. This Jeff dude was trouble, but Blair seemed to be handling it himself well enough. <\/p>\n
They stood outside the diner and Jeff hugged Blair and kissed him. Blair shoved Jeff away from him and shouted, \u201cWhat the hell was that?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI missed you and wanted to let you know that you\u2019re still number one in my book,\u201d Jeff said. <\/p>\n
\u201cWell, you\u2019re not number one in mine, so stay away from me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Inside the diner, Jim, Henri and Rafe were all snickering. <\/p>\n
They continued to watch as Blair began to rant and rave to Jeff. Every now and then he would shove Jeff out of his personal space, which made Jim smile all the more. Jeff was shouting back and Blair just turned on his heel and walked across the street and into the station house. Jeff looked at the diner window and could see all of the guys laughing in their booth. This pissed Jeff off even more. <\/p>\n
!!!!!!!!!!<\/p>\n
When Jim and the guys got back to the bullpen nothing was said to Blair. They could tell he was angry enough without any help from them. <\/p>\n
Jim couldn\u2019t help it, he had to ask. \u201cSo what\u2019s the deal with the kiss?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh shut up. You know I didn\u2019t want the fucking kiss. I shoved that fucker and yelled my lungs out at him. He still smiled. He\u2019s an idiot. I don\u2019t remember him being so stupid, but I guess I\u2019m dumb too. He asked me out on a date. I told him I wasn\u2019t only married, but we had a family. He laughed. Do you believe that? He laughed at the thought of us having a family. He told me you weren\u2019t the settling down type. As if he knows what the settling down type would be. He\u2019s an idiot. I\u2019m so pissed off, I can hardly think anymore. You know what I really want to do?\u201d Blair asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m afraid to ask,\u201d Jim said. <\/p>\n
Blair got closer to Jim and he said, \u201cI want to fuck your brains out.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSo go ask Simon for a little time off. Tell him I have a sensory headache and we need time to relax. He\u2019ll buy it. Then we can go home and fool around before the kids come home.\u201d Jim whispered back. <\/p>\n
\u201cGood idea, I\u2019ll be BACH.\u201d Blair rushed to Simon\u2019s office and came back almost immediately. \u201cSimon says he knows about the fight downstairs and he\u2019s making us wait until we\u2019re off work to discuss it. He knows our tricks, damn it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jim smiled and said, \u201cIt doesn\u2019t matter Chief. You still can have your wicked way with me tonight. Not to worry.\u201d<\/p>\n
!!!!!!!!!!<\/p>\n
Jeff was standing outside 852 Prospect Place when two young men walked up to the door. Jeff asked, \u201cDo either of you know where Blair Sandburg lives?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSure we do, he\u2019s our pop. Do you know him?\u201d Drew asked and Max stepped on his toe to get his attention. When Drew looked at him, he put a finger to his lips as in \u2018shut up\u2019. <\/p>\n
\u201cI had lunch with him today and wanted to have dinner with him tonight, but I forgot to get his home number and the number of the apartment,\u201d Jeff said. <\/p>\n
Max pushed Drew through the door and said, \u201cSorry, we can\u2019t help you. We don\u2019t give that information out to anyone. Come back later when he\u2019s home and talk to him then.\u201d<\/p>\n
Then Max pushed Drew up the stairs as quickly as he could. There was something odd about this man and Max didn\u2019t like him at all. Once they got upstairs Max made sure that Jeff was no where in sight and he opened up the door and they went in, with Max slamming shut behind them. He then locked and bolted the door, but he could hear someone outside the door. He headed for the phone and Drew said, \u201cDon\u2019t call and make a big deal out of it. They\u2019ll take off work and Simon will be mad at us. We can handle this until they get home,\u201d Drew asked. <\/p>\n
The phone rang and Max answered it on the first ring. \u201cHello?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHi Max, could you do us a favor?\u201d Jim asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cSure, name it.\u201d Max was glad to hear Jim\u2019s voice. <\/p>\n
\u201cCould you pick Samantha up for us? We won\u2019t be home until after 6:00 and you know how they get grumpy if we\u2019re late picking her up.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSure, we\u2019ll go get her now,\u201d Max answered. <\/p>\n
\u201cThank you, Max. If you two wanted to start dinner, that would be all right with me and pop too.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe can do that too.\u201d Max wanted to get off the phone before Jim started asking questions. <\/p>\n
\u201cAll right, what\u2019s wrong? Did something happen after school today? Or during school?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo really, dad, we\u2019re fine. I just have a lot of homework and I need to get started on it soon.\u201d Max hoped that would work. <\/p>\n
\u201cOkay, we\u2019ll see you about 6:30. Thanks again, Max.\u201d Jim said before he hung up. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe have to go and get Sam at day care,\u201d Max announced. <\/p>\n
\u201cOkay, let\u2019s go now.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat man is down there. What if he\u2019s still watching us?\u201d Max thought this was a simple question. <\/p>\n
\u201cMan, you are making something out of nothing. Now let\u2019s go get our little sister and we\u2019ll start dinner for them.\u201d<\/p>\n
Max took a piece of paper down and described the man in the parking lot and that he had said he had lunch with pop. Max wanted to be sure that his dad and pop knew who took them if they were kidnapped. <\/p>\n
They both headed towards the front door and saw the Jaguar pacing in front of it. It growled at Drew when Drew tried to get to the door. Both boys stood back and didn\u2019t know what to do. Then the Wolf entered the room and paced with the Jaguar. Max said, \u201cI have to call dad now. We have no choice.\u201d<\/p>\n
Max dialed the number and the two animals lay down in front of the door. \u201cEllison.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDad, it\u2019s Max. I need help.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong, son. Tell me.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is a man in the parking lot who was asking about pop and he was following us up the stairs, I heard him do it. I was afraid to go back downstairs and face him but then the Jaguar and the Wolf showed up and they won\u2019t let us near the door. What should we do?\u201d Max was very scared and Jim could hear that in the young mans voice. <\/p>\n
\u201cYou stay put, we\u2019re coming right now. I know who this man is and we\u2019ll deal with him when the time comes. For now, you stay inside the loft and don\u2019t leave it for anything. Unless you see smoke coming underneath the door, you\u2019re not leaving the loft. Understood?\u201d Jim asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cUnderstood. So you\u2019ll get here fast?\u201d Max asked anxiously. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re going to send Brown and Rafe to the loft and we\u2019ll pick up Sam. So watch for Brown and Rafe, okay?\u201d Jim said. <\/p>\n
\u201cHurry\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cStay in the loft.\u201d Jim hung up the phone and started shouting out orders to Brown and Rafe who quickly got their tails to their vehicle. They didn\u2019t want anything to happen to Max and Drew. <\/p>\n
Jim went in and told Simon what was going on and Simon said, \u201cGo and pick up Samantha. Don\u2019t worry about us. In fact, I might go to the loft too. See you there.\u201d<\/p>\n
At that moment both Jim and Blair saw the Jaguar and the Wolf pacing in front of the elevator and they rushed to get on. They knew the kids were in danger. <\/p>\n
!!!!!!!!!!<\/p>\n
The fire alarm went off in the building and there was some smoke over on the side of the building and Max turned to Drew and said, \u201cI don\u2019t know what to do. Dad said not to leave unless there was smoke coming under the door. Well, there isn\u2019t. But what if it does?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI think we need to go downstairs. Everyone will be down there. We\u2019ll be safe, you just wait and see. Brown and Rafe will be here soon and we won\u2019t have to worry about that man ever again. Bring your car keys,\u201d Drew ordered. <\/p>\n
Both of them grabbed their back packs and rushed out the door to be met by the man from the parking lot. <\/p>\n
\u201cFancy meeting you boys here. Would you like to come with me without making any trouble, or do you want to make a fuss and I\u2019ll drag you down? If I can\u2019t take both of you, I\u2019ll take one of you. What will it be?\u201d Jeff said. <\/p>\n
\u201cWhat do you want us for?\u201d Max said. <\/p>\n
\u201cShut up and walk to my vehicle. Hurry it up, both of you. I know you probably called Blair and told him I was here. You shouldn\u2019t have done that. Now I have to hurt you both.\u201d Jeff shoved them through the front door and moved them towards a big SUV. Max saw Rafe and Brown and saw that they saw them, so Max was relieved about that. Now they just needed to get away. Max used all of the strength in his body and hit into Jeff as hard as he could and it knocked Jeff right over. His gun went sliding under cars. Drew ran for the gun as quickly as he could and Jeff held on to Max and said, \u201cYou\u2019re going to be sorry now.\u201d<\/p>\n
Drew walked up to him and said, \u201cLet my brother go.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat are you going to do, shoot me?\u201d Jeff asked, smirking like a mad man. Which worked because he was a mad man. The mad man heard a loud growl and turned to look and see what had made the sound, but he saw nothing there. He knew he had heard something. It sounded vicious. He kept looking around and became very nervous. He knew there was an animal close by. <\/p>\n
Brown walked up and said, \u201cGive me the gun, Drew.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cLet Max go right this moment and things might not go as hard as they can for you,\u201d Rafe explained. <\/p>\n
Jeff held on to Max around the neck and said, \u201cI\u2019m going to snap his neck. What do you think about that?\u201d Again he heard the growl and stepped back a little further, because he felt like something was in front of them now. <\/p>\n
At that moment, an arm came around Jeff\u2019s neck and jerked him back so hard that he let go of Max. Jeff looked up a little dazed into the very angry eyes of Jim Ellison. Jim wanted to kill him in the worst way, but he didn\u2019t, he knew he had to do the right thing in front of the boys. He pulled his cuffs out and arrested the fucker and shoved him over to Brown and Rafe. Then Jim pulled both Max and Drew into his arms. \u201cThank God you\u2019re all right. You are all right, correct?\u201d<\/p>\n
Max started to cry and so did Drew. Jim just held them close and promised that everything would be all right. They didn\u2019t have to worry about that man again. He wouldn\u2019t be out of jail for years and years. Then he told them how much he loved them and that seemed to calm them down somewhat. Blair and Samantha came rushing up and Blair said, \u201cAre they okay?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cJust scared, Blair.\u201d <\/p>\n
Blair grabbed Max and held him close to him and Jim continued holding on to Drew. Neither boy worried about how it would look to passers by. They didn\u2019t care how it looked. They had been scared out of their minds. They were glad to be in their fathers\u2019 arms.<\/p>\n
Simon was carrying Sam and said, \u201cCome on, let\u2019s take this upstairs. The boys need to calm down.\u201d<\/p>\n
Brown said, \u201cWe\u2019ll take care of the paperwork downtown, but we\u2019ll have to come back and ask Drew and Max questions later tonight. Is that all right?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOf course it\u2019s all right,\u201d Simon answered. \u201cDo your job just like you would for anyone else. We\u2019ll see you in a few hours.\u201d<\/p>\n
As they walked up the stairs, Drew and Max pulled out of their fathers\u2019 arms and began to get a little calmer getting closer to home. <\/p>\n
Once they got inside, Jim sat the boys down and they discussed the entire afternoon. Jim told them they had done a good job and he was proud of them both. <\/p>\n
\u201cI tried to shoot him, but nothing happened when I pulled the trigger on the gun,\u201d Drew said sadly. <\/p>\n
\u201cDrew, you don\u2019t know how to handle a gun and you could have shot your brother instead of the idiot. So it\u2019s better that it didn\u2019t work. We\u2019re going to take you boys for gun classes. I want you to be able to use a gun if you had to and were in that situation again. We\u2019ll make it a family affair. I don\u2019t want you to ever pick up a gun again not knowing how to use it. Promise me?\u201d Jim said. <\/p>\n
\u201cI promise. I\u2019m glad I didn\u2019t shoot my brother. I would have just died,\u201d Drew said quietly. <\/p>\n
Simon called for dinner to be delivered and the boys ate a little bit, but not much. Sam wasn\u2019t sure what had happened but she was happy watching SpongeBob in her room. They could all hear her giggling from time to time and this made the rest of them smile, including Max and Drew. <\/p>\n
At 9:00, Brown and Rafe came up to question the boys. Jim and Blair got Samantha ready for bed and read her books to her. She didn\u2019t know what was going on, but she knew it concerned her brothers. \u201cI hope Drew and Max are all right.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019ll be fine, sugar. Now it\u2019s time for you to go to sleep,\u201d Blair answered. <\/p>\n
\u201cGoodnight, poppy.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGoodnight, daddy.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jim and Blair both kissed her and wished her happy dreams as they walked out the door. <\/p>\n
!!!!!!!!!!<\/p>\n
When they walked into the living room they noticed that Max and Drew both seemed scared again. Jim sat next to Max and Blair sat next to Drew just in case the boys needed them. <\/p>\n
Before long, they were done and everyone left that didn\u2019t live there. Jim said, \u201cWould you like to sleep with us tonight? You can bring up sleeping bags and sleep on either side of the bed.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah,\u201d Max shouted and rushed upstairs to get into his pj\u2019s and picked up his pillow and sleeping bag. Drew did the same thing and they rushed right back up the stairs to Jim and Blair\u2019s room. <\/p>\n
Blair said, \u201cDo either of you need to talk any more before we go to bed?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, I\u2019m tired and I have to take a test tomorrow,\u201d Drew whined. <\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, we\u2019re tired. But thanks for the offer, pops.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBrush your teeth and all of that before you settle down for the night,\u201d Jim ordered. <\/p>\n
!!!!!!!!!!<\/p>\n
When Jim and Blair went upstairs at about 11:00, the boys were sound asleep on the bed. Jim snickered and said, \u201cWant to share the floor with me?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re sorta old for sleeping on the floor, Jim. Let\u2019s blow up an air mattress,\u201d Blair said seriously. <\/p>\n
\u201cSounds good to me. You get the air mattress and I\u2019ll get the sheets and blanket for it,\u201d Jim replied. <\/p>\n
They blew up the air mattress and the boys didn\u2019t even notice. They made the bed and got into it and Jim whispered, \u201cThey\u2019re such good boys. This could have gone down badly. I was scared out of my mind.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThink how I felt, having to stay behind with Sam. I wanted to leave her with a stranger for a moment and then I came to my senses and realized you could handle it without me being there. Were the Wolf and the Jaguar there?\u201d<\/p>\n
Jim smiled. \u201cYeah, they freaked Jeff out big time. That\u2019s why I got him so easily. He was scared out of his mind. They were growling and snarling at him and he couldn\u2019t see them. But he heard them.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI wish they would have stayed around so we could have told them thank you,\u201d Blair said softly. <\/p>\n
\u201cThey know how we feel about those boys. They don\u2019t need to be told.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWill you hold me tonight, Jim?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll hold you any night, Blair. All you have to do is ask.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jim pulled Blair into his arms and held him close to his heart where he belonged. Jim listened to all of the other heartbeats, making sure they were all beating correctly and he said, \u201cEveryone is fine. We can sleep now.\u201d<\/p>\n
Blair was the first one to go to sleep and Jim was just about there when he saw the wolf and the Jaguar walk up the stairs and into the room. They jumped onto the bed and slept with the boys. Jim knew this was a sign that they would always be watching out for them. The Guides knew that the children belonged to Jim and Blair and they understood that they would defend them just like Jim and Blair. <\/p>\n
That was the last thought that Jim had that night. Everyone slept without any nightmares at all. <\/p>\n
!!!!!!!!!!<\/p>\n
The next morning, Jim woke up and saw Drew and Max at the end of the bed smiling at them on the floor. <\/p>\n
\u201cGood morning boys. What\u2019s up?\u201d Jim asked as Blair began to wake up. <\/p>\n
\u201cDad, do you think we could take Karate lessons during the week somewhere?\u201d Drew asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cI think that\u2019s a wonderful idea.\u201d Jim smiled at both of them. <\/p>\n
\u201cAnd pop, do you think we might be able to see a shrink and tell him about this?\u201d Max asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cYes, Max, it\u2019s important that you both get physical and emotional help for this, so we\u2019ll take care of both of them this week. Don\u2019t you worry about a thing. You boys just worry about your tests today and nothing else. Dad and I will take care of the rest.\u201d<\/p>\n
They all got up and began to do their thing in the bathrooms and before long they were ready for breakfast. <\/p>\n
Sam came out smiling and said, \u201cThe Wolf slept with me for a while last night. It was nice.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s good, Sam.\u201d Jim answered. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe had some animals in our bed too,\u201d Drew said. <\/p>\n
Sam said, \u201cWill you tell me about yours?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWell see it\u2019s like this, Sam,\u201d Drew started and that began the very long story of Spirit Animals and how they guard you when dad and pop can\u2019t. It was a good story and they also told her that she couldn\u2019t tell others about it, because they didn\u2019t have Spirit Guides. Drew had done such a good job that Blair and Jim just continued making their lunches up for the day. It was going to be a good day. <\/p>\n
The end <\/p>\n
Family Life Part 47
\nMistakes
\nBy Patt<\/p>\n
Word Count: 3,002 <\/p>\n
I got this idea from a prompt book, given to me by Maggie. The prompt is, \u2018I knew it was a mistake the moment it was over.\u2019<\/p>\n
Thank you, Maggie. <\/p>\n
Jim was lying in bed with Blair the next evening after all of the mess was taken care of at the station house. Jeff Bender was sure to be going away for a very long time. Jim was thrilled to death. The only thing that would have made him happier is if they could have put him on death row. Jim knew this was unreasonable, but he could still day dream couldn\u2019t he? Jim did however notice how quiet Blair was all day long. This bothered him some and he figured it was because it was a friend of his and he had gone crazy and Blair felt like it was his fault. But if Jim were to ask him, he would find out that\u2019s not what was bothering Blair at all. <\/p>\n
He pulled Blair into his arms and whispered, \u201cDid you get those appointments made for the boys with Dr. Marshall?\u201d<\/p>\n
Blair pulled away from him and said, \u201cI thought you would have done it. I was a little busy today, Jim.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI thought you were off taking care of things. You were gone for a long, long while. I just took it for granted that it was taken care of. I\u2019m sorry. Where were you?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI was in Internal Affairs being questioned before the trial comes up for Jeff,\u201d Blair said softly. <\/p>\n
\u201cThey wanted to tell you what to say and so on, I would guess, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, they wanted to know about how I knew Jeff and if we were ever lovers.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jim didn\u2019t say anything for a few moments and finally said, \u201cAnd?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd what Jim? What do you want to hear? Didn\u2019t you realize that he was an old flame when he came in? I figured you did because you didn\u2019t look very happy about him being there. Yes, we were lovers.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jim moved all the way over to the other side of the bed and said, \u201cWere you going to mention this to me or what?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re talking about it now, Jim.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOkay, so what was the deal with him?\u201d Jim tried to be calm, but inside he was steaming mad. <\/p>\n
\u201cI knew it was a mistake the moment it was over. I slept with him once and that was it. He was a jerk and I refused to see him after that. That was the best thing I could have ever done. Then he left town for awhile, but IA told me he was in a hospital for the last 4 years trying to get over a nervous breakdown. Jeff told them that he never got over me and he just wanted what I had. A life with a family and all of that. So now the DA is wondering if they\u2019re going to go for the crazy card. You know, the insanity plea. It would make sense to me. He might be out in five fucking years. You gotta love those mistakes you make through your life.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jim didn\u2019t say anything, he just sat there staring at Blair. Blair waited patiently, but Jim still said nothing. <\/p>\n
\u201cWhat? You\u2019re not going to talk to me now?\u201d Blair asked him. <\/p>\n
\u201cI never would have gone to lunch with an old lover.\u201d Jim sat up and took a deep breath as if that would help anything. <\/p>\n
\u201cYou asshole, you did go to dinner with an old lover and she almost raped you if you remember right. God, you\u2019re such a jerk. I\u2019m sleeping on the sofa.\u201d Blair grabbed his pillow and started down the stairs. Jim didn\u2019t follow him at all. This bothered Blair more then he could understand. Blair didn\u2019t understand any of this shit. But Jim being a jerk wasn\u2019t helping matters. <\/p>\n
Blair lay down on the sofa and he heard Jim tossing and turning in their bed. This pissed Blair off even more. How come he was downstairs instead of Jim? Blair gathered his stuff up again and walked back up the stairs. When Jim looked at him, he glared back. \u201cIf you want to sleep alone, you sleep on the sofa.\u201d<\/p>\n
Blair threw his pillow back on the bed and climbed in hoping that Jim would apologize at any moment. Instead, Jim took his pillow and walked down the stairs. <\/p>\n
Oh this is fucking great. This is just what the boy\u2019s need right now. He\u2019s so mature. Blair pounded his pillow and tried to get comfortable and then lay there with his eyes open. <\/p>\n
Jim lay down on the sofa and he tried to get comfortable. It was a really nice sofa to sit on, but sleeping on was another story. It was hard as a rock. Jim was used to his nice medium soft bed. He liked sleeping in that bed. He liked sleeping with Blair. Hell, he loved sleeping with Blair. <\/p>\n
Both men just lay there for about an hour. Finally Blair couldn\u2019t stand it any longer and whispered, \u201cJim, if you can stand lying by me, please come upstairs so the boys won\u2019t be upset in the morning.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jim was up in a flash. He hated giving in all the time. Now he could say Blair did. That\u2019s so mature, Ellison. <\/p>\n
Jim slid into bed and stayed on his side. Blair didn\u2019t push him in the least. He left him alone. At least the boys wouldn\u2019t wake up to Jim downstairs in the morning. <\/p>\n
\u201cGoodnight, Jim.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGoodnight, Blair.\u201d<\/p>\n
The two men continued to lie there wide awake for the next two hours and Blair moved over towards Jim\u2019s body and felt Jim stiffen up. \u201cWhat? I\u2019m used goods now or something?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m going to need more then one night to think over all of this. I\u2019m sorry, it\u2019s just how I feel.\u201d Jim pulled away from him even more then he had been. <\/p>\n
Blair went to the other side of the bed and curled up in the blanket for warmth. Oh God, what have I done? Blair started doing deep breathing exercises and began to feel himself relax. Before long he was asleep. Jim wasn\u2019t as lucky. <\/p>\n
Jim rolled over and looked at the curled up bundle on the bed and wondered if he was overreacting. There was no one to really ask. Jim needed to sleep on this and think about it the next day. He could be civil in front of the kids and that\u2019s all that mattered right now. Neither of the men wanted to hurt the kids. <\/p>\n
!!!!!!!!!!<\/p>\n
When Blair woke up that morning, he knew he had to teach his classes, so he got ready and left. No one was even up yet. He went to Simon\u2019s house and knocked on the door. Simon opened it right up, already dressed and drinking his coffee. \u201cWhat are you doing here this early, Sandburg?\u201d<\/p>\n
Rafe came wandering out of their room and blushed when he saw Blair standing there. \u201cThere\u2019s no need to blush, Brian. He knows we\u2019re an item. Go get dressed and have a cup of coffee. I need to talk to Sandburg.\u201d<\/p>\n
Rafe left the room and Simon shoved Blair into the chair in the living room. \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n
Blair told him all about IA and how they were going to use the insanity defense for Jeff Bender and that Jim blamed Blair. When he was done he looked up sadly and said, \u201cI\u2019ve never seen him like this before.\u201d<\/p>\n
Simon sighed and said, \u201cFirst of all, he\u2019s being an idiot. What happened six years ago doesn\u2019t have anything to do with now. What about Carolyn? Did he forget about that?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI reminded him of that and he didn\u2019t seem that concerned with that. He looked at it much differently. Simon, if I didn\u2019t know better, he thinks I\u2019m filthy now.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou did tell him when you started sleeping with him that you\u2019d slept with other people, right?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, I told him. There were two others. I didn\u2019t name names, but I told him he wasn\u2019t my first. He told me I wasn\u2019t his either, so we both laughed and moved on. It\u2019s never come up since. But I didn\u2019t like the way he was looking at me last night. I don\u2019t deserve that. I can\u2019t help that Jeff is nuts and went crazy at the loft. I can\u2019t take blame for everything, am I right?\u201d Blair asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cOf course you\u2019re right. Let me tell Rafe and see what he thinks about it. Maybe he\u2019ll see things differently then we do,\u201d Simon said as he walked into the kitchen to get Rafe. <\/p>\n
Rafe came out and sat down and said, \u201cTrouble in paradise, eh?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou could say that again.\u201d Blair answered. Blair went on to explain the entire thing to Rafe and told him what was said, what was done and how he felt about it and then sat back and waited for Rafe\u2019s opinion. <\/p>\n
\u201cFirst of all, you should have slapped him upside the head. He\u2019s treating you badly and you don\u2019t deserve any of it. I wouldn\u2019t put up with it. I know you have kids to consider but he doesn\u2019t care does he? He\u2019s being a jerk. Let him think all he wants and you sleep farther and farther away from him at night. He\u2019ll come around and when he does, make him beg,\u201d Rafe said almost smiling. <\/p>\n
\u201cOkay. I just wanted to be sure I wasn\u2019t doing something wrong,\u201d Blair said as he got up to leave for the academy for his classes. He loved teaching those guys and girls, so at least he had that to look forward to. <\/p>\n
\u201cSee you later, Sandburg,\u201d Simon said patting him on the back as he walked him to the door. <\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll be a little late today because we have exams at the academy. Just reminding you,\u201d Blair remarked. <\/p>\n
\u201cSee you later,\u201d Rafe called out and watched the sad man leave. <\/p>\n
\u201cThis might get ugly,\u201d Simon stated after he had shut the door. <\/p>\n
\u201cNah, it\u2019ll be fine. Jim will come around, you just wait and see. He\u2019s crazy about Sandburg,\u201d Rafe assured him. <\/p>\n
!!!!!!!!!!<\/p>\n
Jim woke up to the empty bed and felt saddened by it. He hadn\u2019t even heard Blair\u2019s alarm go off that morning. He got his things and took them downstairs to get ready for work and get breakfast for the kids. Someone had to keep life as normal as they could and he was the only one there, so he guessed it was him. <\/p>\n
When Jim came out of the shower, Sam was sitting at the table eating Coco Puffs and talking to Drew and Max. <\/p>\n
\u201cGood morning, kids,\u201d Jim said softly. <\/p>\n
\u201cGood morning, daddy. Did you sleep well?\u201d Samantha gave him one of her darling looks and he melted. <\/p>\n
\u201cYes, I slept just fine, thank you. How about you?\u201d Jim asked her. <\/p>\n
\u201cI kept waking up because you and poppy were fighting. I don\u2019t like when you\u2019re fighting.\u201d Sam continued to eat her breakfast and waited for Jim to reply. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe weren\u2019t fighting, Sam. We had words about a couple of things that didn\u2019t have anything to do with you guys and we worked it out. Poppy is teaching his class this morning as usual, so stop worrying.\u201d<\/p>\n
Max frowned and said, \u201cI think it\u2019s because of Jeff, right? You\u2019re mad because he was in love with pop too?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhere did that come from? No, we are disagreeing about some things, but nothing about that. So stop worrying. I promise, everything is fine.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, if you promise,\u201d Drew said, \u201cthen you must mean it.\u201d<\/p>\n
All three of the kids went back to eating and Jim relaxed somewhat. This might get messy and Jim hated messy. He was going to have to figure out something. <\/p>\n
\u201cOh by the way, Drew and Max, I\u2019m going to call a doctor for you today and get some appointments made. So don\u2019t think we forgot. We\u2019ve just been super busy.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThanks, dad. Would you like us to take Sam to day care today?\u201d Max asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cThat would be nice. I\u2019m not quite ready to go. I need to clean and pick up a few things before I leave,\u201d Jim answered. <\/p>\n
Jim saw them all off and got the place picked up, dished done and clothes all put where they belonged. When he was done he left for work. He was in no hurry. Blair wasn\u2019t there anyhow. This was going to be a slow morning. Then he realized that he missed Blair on those mornings he taught. Did he still miss him? Or did he feel differently about him now? Time would tell. <\/p>\n
!!!!!!!!!!<\/p>\n
Blair came walking into the bullpen, happy as can be. Rafe said, \u201cWhy so happy?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cEvery single person in the class passed the test. I guess it doesn\u2019t happen that often, so they were all quite impressed. I know I was sure pleased with them all. They\u2019re a great group. You and Brown should come by some morning and talk to them. They would love talking with seasoned cops. What do you think of that idea?\u201d Blair asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cWait a minute. Seasoned cops? We\u2019re either full of good flavor or we\u2019re old. Are you telling us we\u2019re old?\u201d Brown asked trying not to laugh. <\/p>\n
\u201cNo, man, I meant you were full of good flavor.\u201d Blair laughed all the way to his desk. \u201cMorning, Jim.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jim just looked at him oddly. Jim didn\u2019t know what to make of this Blair Sandburg. He didn\u2019t seem too upset about last night at all. In fact, he was in a good mood. Life wasn\u2019t fair sometimes. <\/p>\n
\u201cMorning, Sandburg,\u201d Jim replied. <\/p>\n
The morning flew by. Blair made the calls to Dr. Marshall and got the appointments made for Saturday\u2019s so the boys wouldn\u2019t need to miss school at all. He filled Jim in on the news and Jim was relieved that he didn\u2019t have to do it. He hated talking to doctors offices. <\/p>\n
Lunch time came around and Conner asked Blair, \u201cWould you like to have lunch with me, Sandy?\u201d<\/p>\n
Blair turned to Jim and Jim shrugged, so Blair took that as a yes. \u201cSure, Conner, that would be nice.\u201d<\/p>\n
The two of them were leaving and Blair said, \u201cDo you want me to bring you back something from the diner?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, I\u2019ll get something out of the machine,\u201d Jim answered. <\/p>\n
Blair smiled at him and said, \u201cOkay. See you later.\u201d<\/p>\n
Now Jim was really thrown for a loop. Blair never let him eat from the machines at the station. Why would he now? Did Blair not care anymore? Had he pushed Blair as far away from him as he could? Ellison, you\u2019re a stupid fuck. Jim loved calling himself names when only he could hear. <\/p>\n
!!!!!!!!!!<\/p>\n
Blair had a fantastic lunch with Conner. Conner didn\u2019t bug him about anything. She was attentive and let Blair talk all he needed to. Then Blair realized she was being a really good friend. He had needed all of that. \u201cConner, don\u2019t worry about me, okay? I\u2019ll be fine. It\u2019s going to take a couple of weeks before I feel right about anything again.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSandy, why don\u2019t you make an appointment with Dr. Marshall on Saturday\u2019s too? I would think you could use some help also.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou know what? I might do that when we get back. Thank you for being such a good friend. Now let\u2019s get back to work before they send out a posse.\u201d<\/p>\n
!!!!!!!!!!<\/p>\n
Blair walked back into the bullpen and saw Jim eating a Twinkie and wanted to scream. But instead he smiled and said, \u201cHey partner, did I miss anything good?\u201d<\/p>\n
Jim threw the Twinkie in the trash and said, \u201cAs a matter of fact, they called from the DA\u2019s office and said they are going to try Bender on the insanity defense, so they\u2019re getting everything all ready. Looks like he\u2019s going to cop a plea so the boys won\u2019t have to go through a trial. That part of it is good, but you\u2019re one of the main people they would have called. Both sides. Just warning you, partner in case it still goes to trial.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jim didn\u2019t look all that sorry about it. But Blair didn\u2019t give him the satisfaction of winning. \u201cThat\u2019s fine. I\u2019m going to make an appointment to see that shrink too and hopefully he can help me get through it. Nothing else happened? No phone calls or anything?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, it\u2019s been dead for the last 70 minutes,\u201d Jim said. <\/p>\n
Blair had to smile internally at Jim noticing how long Blair had been gone. Blair was driving him nuts already. And this was only the first day. <\/p>\n
They both worked on things at their desks and Blair made a few phone calls, but that was about it. When five o\u2019clock rolled around, Blair got up to tell Simon he was leaving. <\/p>\n
Simon shut the door and pushed Blair into the chair. \u201cDid you talk to him?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNot really. And it\u2019s driving him nuts. He\u2019s used to having me the talker, bugging him non-stop. Now I\u2019m not, he doesn\u2019t know what to make of it. Honestly, Simon, I don\u2019t care. I\u2019m doing okay. I love the man, I\u2019m not going to leave him, but right now I\u2019m fine the way things are. He\u2019s going to have to come around.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd if he doesn\u2019t?\u201d Simon asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cThen I will. But I\u2019m hoping he\u2019ll come to his senses. See you tomorrow.\u201d Blair said as he left Simon\u2019s office. <\/p>\n
Jim waved at Blair as Blair got on the elevator. Jim was totally lost. Blair acted like he didn\u2019t care that Jim was mad. He acted like he had someone else on his mind. Who the fuck would he have on his mind?<\/p>\n
Jim was going to have to figure this out. But until then, it was time to go home. <\/p>\n
TBC\u2026<\/p>\n
Family Life Part 48
\nDrunk on Love
\nBy Patt<\/p>\n
Word Count: 2,616<\/p>\n
Warning: This is the second part of a two-parter story and if you haven\u2019t read 47, you might not know what\u2019s going on. More angst but a happy ending in sight. <\/p>\n
Thank you to everyone who is reading this series. I hope you\u2019ll continue to enjoy it. <\/p>\n
A smiling Blair walked into the loft and said, \u201cHoney\u2019s I\u2019m home.\u201d<\/p>\n
Max and Drew laughed. Max said, \u201cSomeone is in a really good mood tonight. Why?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou know that test I\u2019ve been dreading for the last week? Well, I gave that dreaded test today and they all passed with 90% or more on the scores. I\u2019m so happy, I can just sing.\u201d Blair grabbed Sam and swung her around the room as he sang the song from SpongeBob. <\/p>\n
Max and Drew continued to smile and laugh. They loved to see Blair this happy. Max frowned and said, \u201cDid dad seem okay at work today?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh yeah, he was cool about me going to lunch with Conner and he was cool with me taking the time to make all of the appointments I made for Saturday, by the way. I\u2019m going too and he seemed fine, why?\u201d Blair asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cHe seemed a little down this morning,\u201d Drew answered. <\/p>\n
\u201cWell, whatever it was, he must have gotten over it. Should we all make dinner? Or should we wait for dad and all go out to eat tonight?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSam yelled out, \u201cClaim Jumper. Yay, I want to go to Claim Jumper.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThen that\u2019s what we\u2019ll do as soon as dad gets home. Did he call or anything? He should be home soon I think,\u201d Blair said hopefully. <\/p>\n
Max said, \u201cCan we finish our homework while we wait for dad?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSure, you never need to ask about doing homework. Get busy, boys. Sam, do you have any tonight?\u201d<\/p>\n
Sam smiled. \u201cMax and Drew already showed me what to do and I did it all. It was easy. They said I\u2019m smart.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd they\u2019re right,\u201d Blair said as he laid a kiss on the top of her head. He went into the kitchen and got a glass of tea and said, \u201cDoes anyone need anything.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo thank you, pop,\u201d Max replied. <\/p>\n
\u201cThanks, but we got everything before we sat down,\u201d Drew agreed. <\/p>\n
\u201cI could use another juice,\u201d Sam answered and they all laughed. She wondered why. Sometimes they laughed for no reason and she always wondered why. She hated being five years old sometimes. <\/p>\n
At 6:00, Blair called Jim on his cell phone. <\/p>\n
\u201cEllison.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, where are you? The kids and I are waiting to take you out to eat tonight. How does Claim Jumper sound?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat is up with you, Sandburg? Why are you so fucking happy all the time? I\u2019m not coming home right now. Go out if you want, but I won\u2019t be home until bed time. I have some thinking to do.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSo I\u2019ll cook here. Think here, Jim. It will worry the kids if you don\u2019t come home. Come on home,\u201d Blair pleaded. <\/p>\n
\u201cI said I have some thinking to do. I\u2019ll be home about 9:00 or so. Have a good time at the restaurant.\u201d Jim closed his cell and didn\u2019t even say goodbye. <\/p>\n
Blair pulled himself together and said, \u201cDad got a call as he was leaving, so he\u2019s going to be late. So it\u2019s just the four of us tonight. Come on, let\u2019s go eat.\u201d<\/p>\n
The kids all bought it and they went to Claim Jumper for dinner. They all had a good time, eating, talking, laughing and more talking. Blair really enjoyed these kids, they made his heart swell with more love then he ever knew he had in him. He was going to make up with Jim tonight because Jim was missing out on all of this because Blair had been stubborn. One of them had to make the move. So it would be him. That was fine with Blair. He loved Jim more then life itself. <\/p>\n
As they were driving home his cell rang and he answered, \u201cSandburg?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHow mad are you?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHi dad, we\u2019re just heading home from the restaurant. Are you going to be home soon?\u201d Blair asked ignoring his question because of the kids. <\/p>\n
\u201cJust tell me how mad you are. Are you going to be able to forgive me?\u201d Jim asked and Blair realized Jim had been drinking. <\/p>\n
\u201cAlready have. Why don\u2019t I get the kids settled and then I\u2019ll meet you at the office in say ten minutes?\u201d Blair asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m at O\u2019Malley\u2019s. O\u2019Malley took my keys away. Do you believe it?\u201d Jim asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cYes, I do. Tell him thank you for me. I\u2019ll be there in a bit, bye Jim.\u201d Blair closed his cell and put it back in his pocket. <\/p>\n
\u201cIs he all right?\u201d Drew asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cYes, he stopped with the guys to have a beer and he doesn\u2019t want to drive after drinking a beer. So I\u2019m going to go and get him and bring him home.\u201d <\/p>\n
\u201cGood. That\u2019s where he belongs,\u201d Drew said angrily. <\/p>\n
\u201cDrew, he can stop and have a beer if he feels like it. He had a tough day today. I didn\u2019t. I had a great day, but some people didn\u2019t. So let\u2019s cut him some slack, okay?\u201d Blair asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cYou always stick up for him when he\u2019s being a jerk,\u201d Max said. <\/p>\n
Sam started crying. \u201cDaddy is being a jerk?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, Sam, Max was joking. Weren\u2019t you Max?\u201d Blair said. <\/p>\n
\u201cYes, Sam I was joking.\u201d <\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s going through something right now and we all need to stand behind him. Understood?\u201d Blair ordered. <\/p>\n
\u201cUnderstood,\u201d Max said caving quite quickly. <\/p>\n
Understood,\u201d Drew said. <\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t understand. Where is my daddy?\u201d Sam started crying again. Max put his arm around her and said, \u201cI was teasing, Sam. He\u2019s coming home in a little bit. So while pop goes to pick him up, we\u2019ll give you your bath and a snack before bed, how does that sound?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou can\u2019t see me naked. Only daddy and poppy can. You silly. Don\u2019t you know the rules?\u201d Sam asked as she stopped crying instantly. <\/p>\n
\u201cI guess I forgot them. I won\u2019t forget again, Sam. We\u2019ll just have a snack and read you a book, how does that sound?\u201d Drew asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cOh goody. I love when you read to me, Drew. I love when Max reads to me too. Maybe you could take turns.\u201d<\/p>\n
Blair smiled as he looked into the back seat. Jim was definitely missing out on a lot tonight. Blair was going to be sure and point that out to him. <\/p>\n
Blair got the kids settled at the house and he drove over to O\u2019Malley\u2019s and Rick smiled at him when he walked in. \u201cHe\u2019s in a booth away from my customers. He\u2019s whiney. Make sure and tell him about that.\u201d<\/p>\n
Blair smiled and found Jim in a booth leaning on the table almost asleep. He saw Blair and shot right up. \u201cAre you mad? Are you going to forgive me?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy would I be mad at you, Jim?\u201d <\/p>\n
\u201cBecause I\u2019m an asshole. I treated you like shit last night. I had no right, no right at all. I wouldn\u2019t let my sorry ass back in the house if I was you,\u201d Jim slurred. <\/p>\n
\u201cThen I\u2019m glad that I\u2019m not you, because you\u2019re coming home with me. We have a family Jim. You can\u2019t just leave them when things don\u2019t go right. The boys are upset with you because they know you\u2019re drunk and I have to pick you up. You could have been out with us as a family.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jim leaned into Blair and sniffed a couple of times and Blair wondered if Jim was crying. Jim never cried. This is probably as close to crying as he got. Blair kissed the top of his head and said, \u201cI forgive you and I want you to come home now. I love you, Jim.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jim still didn\u2019t move and Blair was afraid that Jim had passed out, but Jim said, \u201cYou still love me?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI adore you, man. Don\u2019t you know that?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy didn\u2019t you tell me about Jeff?\u201d Jim asked point blank. <\/p>\n
\u201cBecause you never asked for names, as I didn\u2019t from you. And then things started getting crazy and we didn\u2019t have a chance to talk about Jeff in any way other then we wanted him to be dead for taking our boys. Right?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cRight. You\u2019re always right. I love you so much, Blair. I keep screwing things up. One of these times one of us is going to leave and not come back.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWell then, stop leaving, Jim. That would be my sage advice to you. Now come on, we need to get you home.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI have to blow my nose and I don\u2019t have a Kleenex.\u201d<\/p>\n
Blair smiled and went to the bar and got two napkins and handed them to Jim. So he had been crying. Blair was shocked. He had known Jim a long, long while and he had never seen him lose control like that. This made Blair feel good, actually. He smiled all the time that Jim was blowing his nose. Jim composed himself and walked out the door with Blair holding him up. <\/p>\n
\u201cJesus, how much did you have to drink, Jim?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cTwo drinks, but I hadn\u2019t had anything to eat all day and it hit me sort of hard,\u201d Jim explained. <\/p>\n
Blair got him in the SUV and buckled up and he said, \u201cWould you like a Wonder Burger?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh god, you are so good to me.\u201d He leaned against the window and Blair knew that he was fighting with his emotions. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ll get a hamburger to go, okay?\u201d Blair suggested. <\/p>\n
\u201cI would love one.\u201d<\/p>\n
Blair took him to the drive thru and got the hamburger and onion rings to go. Then he parked in the parking lot and said, \u201cYou eat while I talk.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jim didn\u2019t have to be told twice. He started eating like he hadn\u2019t seen food in a month. <\/p>\n
\u201cI love you, you big lug. No matter how angry you make me, I\u2019m always going to be here for you. So just stop doing it. And I\u2019ll try to stop doing it to you. We\u2019ve got to get better at this, okay?\u201d<\/p>\n
Jim leaned across the seat and the seatbelt snapped him back into the back of the seat. Blair undid his and leaned in for the kiss Jim had wanted to give him. They kissed for a few minutes and Blair said, \u201cOkay, I want one of those onion rings. They taste wonderful in your mouth.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jim fed him the rest of his onion rings and he ate his hamburger and he was very happy. Blair could see that he had swollen eyelids from crying, but other then that he looked okay. He was doing fine. <\/p>\n
\u201cDo you love me, Jim?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDuh\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI want an answer, big guy.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, I love you very much. I\u2019m sorry for everything in the last two days that I have done.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd you know what? Think how much fun we\u2019re going to have, having makeup sex.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNot tonight though. I\u2019m really tired, Blair.\u201d<\/p>\n
Blair laughed as he drove out of the Wonder Burger and realized the honeymoon was over. <\/p>\n
When they got home, Jim hugged both of the boys and kissed their heads and told them he was sorry. Then he got down on his knee and kissed Sam goodnight. Blair went and got her ready for bed. Drew said, \u201cDad, do you need us to help you get up?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, I do.\u201d Jim said snickering. <\/p>\n
Jim smiled at Max but could tell Max was angry with him. \u201cI promise I won\u2019t miss family night again. I mean it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI hope so, because one of these times, he might get tired of it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Drew said, \u201cShut up, Max. They\u2019re our parents. They\u2019ll take care of things. You don\u2019t tell him what to do.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jim pulled both of them into his arms again and said, \u201cThank you for taking such good care of pop for me while I was taking a break. I\u2019m back now and intend on staying, so stop worrying, Max.\u201d<\/p>\n
The boys helped Jim get up the stairs and out of his clothes and Jim fell back on the bed and was instantly asleep. <\/p>\n
Max laughed and said, \u201cHe\u2019s not much of a drinker is he?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI guess not. Gosh, I\u2019m really glad of that.\u201d Drew covered Jim up and they walked down the stairs. <\/p>\n
They got ready for bed and told Sam and Blair goodnight before they went upstairs to their room. <\/p>\n
Blair got Sam settled in for the night and closed up the loft, locked everything and shut off all of the lights and walked up the stairs. What he saw there was wonderful. Jim had knocked the covers off and was lying there with his cock hanging out of his boxers. <\/p>\n
Blair went over and kissed that cock and put it back where it belonged, but not before Jim said, \u201cMaybe a little make-up sex?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou little shit. You heard me coming didn\u2019t you?\u201d Blair said. <\/p>\n
\u201cSentinel here, remember? I not only heard you come up the stairs, but I could smell your need. This made my need come to a head. Oh get it?\u201d<\/p>\n
Blair moaned at the thought of sex jokes from a drunk. But Jim was not only drunk, he was drunk with love. And so was Blair. <\/p>\n
Blair pushed him back on the bed and took that cock down his throat. Jim wasn\u2019t being quiet at all. He was moaning and groaning with need. Blair put his hand over Jim\u2019s mouth and Jim started sucking on Blair\u2019s fingers in time with the sucking motion on his cock. Blair was so turned on, he could hardly wait to come. So he started rubbing his cock on Jim\u2019s leg as he continued to suck and Jim was getting closer and closer and louder and louder. Before long, Jim threw his head back and shouted \u2018Blair\u2019 before Blair could stop him. Oh well, if nothing else, the boys would know that their dad was back to business and business was good. Blair started humping Jim like mad and came with a shout himself. <\/p>\n
Once his breathing was back to normal, he got the wipes and cleaned both of them up and put Jim\u2019s boxers back on. Jim was sound asleep already. Blair got everything done and then put his boxers on next. He slid into bed and had to shove Jim over to make enough room for him. Jim woke up and said, \u201cWas I taking up the entire bed?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, you\u2019re a bed hog.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSorry. Come here.\u201d Jim pulled Blair into his arms and kissed him and said, \u201cOh essence of Ellison.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou complaining?\u201d Blair said. <\/p>\n
\u201cHell no. I love you, babe. I have to go to sleep now.\u201d And like that he was out. <\/p>\n
Blair giggled to himself and thought now he had something new to tease Jim about. He was glad of that. <\/p>\n
It wasn\u2019t long and Blair was sleeping soundly next to Jim. <\/p>\n
In Max and Drews room, Max said, \u201cThey need walls on their room.\u201d<\/p>\n
Drew laughed and said, \u201cBut it\u2019s nice to have them back to normal.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, it is. I love both of them so much. I hate to see them fight.\u201d Max hated admitting things to Drew, but sometimes he did anyhow. <\/p>\n
\u201cNight, Max.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNight, Drew.\u201d<\/p>\n
And the loft was finally silent. It was a good night for all. Even when bad things happened, they usually turned out good. This was life with the Sandburg-Ellison family. <\/p>\n
The end<\/p>\n
Family Life Part 49
\nWhat You Say
\nBy Patt<\/p>\n
Word Count: 2,421 <\/p>\n
Jim and Blair were upstairs getting dressed for work when Blair said, \u201cPlease don\u2019t take this the wrong way but I have to tell you something that\u2019s bothering me.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jim immediately panicked and replied, \u201cWhat? What did I do this time?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou need to change your clothes. I\u2019ll pick out something different for you to wear,\u201d Blair said as he pulled things out of the closet. <\/p>\n
Jim said, \u201cBut Chief, why would that be bothering you? You don\u2019t like the way I look in my clothes?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI do like the way you look in your clothes, that\u2019s the problem, so does everyone else. Monica in records told her friend Stacy that you had buns of steel and those pants showed them off. I can\u2019t have my man showing other people his ass.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jim smiled and pulled Blair into his arms. \u201cI think this is the nicest thing you have ever said to me. Why do you care what Monica or Stacey thinks about my buns? I don\u2019t get it.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBecause you belong to me, man. I thought you understood that.\u201d <\/p>\n
Blair threw a pair of doctors that were too big over to Jim and Jim said, \u201cChief, these don\u2019t fit, remember?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019re perfect for work. From now on, you\u2019re buying your pants a little bit larger and looser. Now as for a shirt. Monica also said she can see your nipples when you get cold through these shirts, so they\u2019re out from now on. You\u2019re going to wear this shirt today.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m a little freaked out that this Monica person watches me that close. Blair, I think you should take care of that,\u201d Jim suggested. <\/p>\n
\u201cOh, no need. I like when they admire my property, I just don\u2019t want them seeing too much. And they are never allowed to touch, you do know that, right?\u201d Blair asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cGeeze, Chief if someone touches my ass, I\u2019m yelling for backup.\u201d<\/p>\n
Blair said, \u201cThat\u2019s my boy.\u201d <\/p>\n
Again, Jim kissed and hugged his main man. Jim couldn\u2019t believe how turned on he was getting from all of this talk. <\/p>\n
\u201cOh and one more thing, Jim. You can\u2019t wear boxer briefs under your clothes from now on because people see the line it makes and know you have them on.
\nMonica and Stacy have discussed this at great length. So only boxers while at work. While at home, you can wear your boxer briefs,\u201d Blair said sternly. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe kids already left for school, right?\u201d Jim asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe haven\u2019t got time for anything, Ellison, so get your mind going in another direction. God, you are such a slut,\u201d Blair kissed him and headed towards the stairway. <\/p>\n
Jim pulled Blair over to the bed and tossed Blair onto it and then jumped on top of him. Jim began to kiss him like crazy and chewed and sucked in all of the right places. <\/p>\n
\u201cAll right, a quickie, but it has to be really quick. We don\u2019t want to piss Simon off.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jim reached over and grabbed the phone and called Simon. \u201cBanks.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSimon, this is Jim. We\u2019re going to be running a little late today, so is it all right if we come in at about ten?\u201d Jim asked sweetly. Blair was unbuttoning Jim\u2019s shirt as he waited. <\/p>\n
\u201cNo it\u2019s not all right. Get your butts off the bed and get in here. You think I didn\u2019t want to stay home a couple of hours later? We all do, but we all don\u2019t get to. Get you asses down here.\u201d Simon hung up the phone very loudly and Jim pulled the phone away from his ear. <\/p>\n
\u201cHe said to get our asses down there now,\u201d Jim said panting from Blair licking his chest. <\/p>\n
\u201cOkay. Well, it\u2019s not from lack of trying, eh?\u201d Blair said as he pulled away from Jim and they both got up. <\/p>\n
\u201cGod, now I\u2019m going to have a hard on all day long at work. Fuck\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
Blair pushed Jim back onto the bed and undid his pants. \u201cI\u2019ll take care of that for you.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cTurn around and I\u2019ll take care of yours at the same time,\u201d Jim ordered. Blair listened and flipped around as quickly as he could. <\/p>\n
Both men got down to business and they were both coming in each other\u2019s mouths within minutes. They hurried and cleaned up and straightened up their clothes and took off for work. <\/p>\n
!!!!!!!!!!<\/p>\n
Jim saw Monica from Records and blushed. She smiled and seemed to love it. Jim was embarrassed to know what she thought about him now. He wished Blair hadn\u2019t told him that stuff that morning. <\/p>\n
Blair saw the red face and said, \u201cSomeone said something to you?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, I saw Monica and I was embarrassed for her to be looking at me. It bothers me knowing she would say that.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cShe\u2019s not the only one, Jim. There are many that talk about you. I hear about them what they say and I actually hear them saying things. Do you want to hear the rest?\u201d Blair asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cNo\u2026\u201d Jim almost ran from his lover. The last thing he needed was to have to worry about anyone else saying things about him. <\/p>\n
Conner walked up to him and said, \u201cHave you lost a bit of weight, mate?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, why?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBecause your pants look like they\u2019re about to fall down on their own. Monica just got done saying something about Sandy isn\u2019t feeding you enough,\u201d Conner said with a smile. <\/p>\n
\u201cWait until I tell him that.\u201d Jim left in a huff and didn\u2019t even say goodbye before he went hunting up Sandburg. <\/p>\n
He found him talking to Rafe and interrupted rudely, \u201cChief, I need to speak to you.\u201d<\/p>\n
Blair said, \u201cRafe I\u2019ll talk to you after I talk to my rude partner.\u201d<\/p>\n
Rafe laughed all the way back to his desk. \u201cWhat now?\u201d Blair asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cThey think you\u2019re starving me and that you\u2019re not taking good care of me at all,\u201d Jim said softly. <\/p>\n
\u201cSo they\u2019re still staring. We\u2019re going home for lunch and we\u2019ll give them something to stare at.\u201d Blair said as he sat down at his desk. <\/p>\n
Jim didn\u2019t even want to know what Blair meant by that. He just sat at his desk and hoped that Simon would ask them to work through lunch. <\/p>\n
!!!!!!!!!!<\/p>\n
Blair went to Simon\u2019s office and knocked on the door. \u201cSimon we\u2019re going to go ask questions about the Snyder case and then we\u2019re going to lunch. So don\u2019t think we left work early, we\u2019re working.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOkay, see you later in the day or maybe even tomorrow. Good luck with the Snyder case. I hope that gets wrapped up soon,\u201d Simon answered. <\/p>\n
Blair left Simon\u2019s office with a big shit eating grin on his face. This scared Jim even more. <\/p>\n
\u201cCome on, we have to ask some questions about the Snyder case and then close it up and then we\u2019re stopping for lunch at our house.\u201d Blair walked to the elevator and didn\u2019t even wait for a reply from Jim. <\/p>\n
They got on the elevator and Blair smiled at him. \u201cWhy do you always look so worried when I have ideas?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou scare me.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI scare you, Jim?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, you scare me to death. I have no idea what\u2019s going on right now, but I have a feeling I\u2019m not going to be complaining about it.\u201d Jim tried to smile as hard as he could. <\/p>\n
Blair laughed out loud and said, \u201cYou kill me.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThis morning you said that there was something that was bothering you on your mind, was it just my clothing?\u201d Jim asked as they walked off the elevator and to the SUV. <\/p>\n
\u201cYes, it was pretty much the clothing issue. But I guess they\u2019re going to undress you with their eyes no matter what. So I\u2019m going to at least enjoy the view too.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSo I get to change out of these pants that are two sizes too big for me?\u201d Jim asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cYes, and we\u2019re going to give them something new to look at.\u201d <\/p>\n
They drove over to ask the questions about the Snyder case and figured it out and got the arrest taken care of. They sent the suspect they arrested with the black and white and they went home for Jim to change and eat lunch. <\/p>\n
Jim was driving and casually said, \u201cShould I start listening to see what people say about you? Or will it just make me crazy?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh you are such a sweet man. I doubt that anyone is saying anything about me. They\u2019re too busy looking at your buns of steel.\u201d Blair smiled at his love. <\/p>\n
Jim was determined that he was going to hear something said about his lover so he could tell him something that night. \u201cCould I pick out what I want you to wear to work?\u201d Jim asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cJim, I can\u2019t very well say that we both spilled something on our clothes at lunch. That\u2019s just too weird. I\u2019ll wear whatever you want tomorrow. What do you want me to wear?\u201d Blair wondered. <\/p>\n
\u201cThose tight blue jeans that you wear around the house. God you look good in them. They show off your assets really, really well. Anyone could see exactly how many inches you are in those jeans.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh my God. You let me wear those around the kids? What are you insane?\u201d Blair blurted out. <\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m in love and I like seeing your assets. So there.\u201d Jim smiled and drove into the lot outside their building. <\/p>\n
\u201cYou fix us something to eat really quick while I pick out your clothes,\u201d Blair said. <\/p>\n
\u201cSounds fair.\u201d <\/p>\n
Once inside the loft, Jim started making the sandwiches and Blair went upstairs and was up there for quite some time. Blair came walking down carrying a skin tight tee shirt and Jim\u2019s best tight blue jeans. \u201cThere you go. That\u2019s what you\u2019re wearing today.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jim laughed and sat Blair\u2019s sandwich in front of his chair. \u201cSit down and eat. Do you want milk or juice?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cJuice, please,\u201d Blair answered. <\/p>\n
They ate lunch and Jim finished up and slid back and said, \u201cDo you really care what they say?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, I sort of do.\u201d Blair replied. <\/p>\n
\u201cWell, I only care what you say, so stop worrying about anyone else. From here on in, we don\u2019t care what anyone thinks about my butt or your dick,\u201d Jim said. <\/p>\n
\u201cGet dressed really fast so we can get back to the station. Hurry up.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jim slipped out of his clothing, including his boxers and slid the boxer briefs on, then the tight jeans and finally the skin tight tee. When he was done, he smiled because all he could smell was Blair\u2019s pheromones. \u201cWant me to take care of that for you?\u201d<\/p>\n
Blair smiled. \u201cIf you don\u2019t mind.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jim went between Blair\u2019s legs and gave him the fastest and best blowjob he ever had and then licked his lips and kissed Blair. \u201cNow, let\u2019s go.\u201d<\/p>\n
Blair pulled himself together and they walked downstairs, with Jim sporting quite the hard on himself. <\/p>\n
Blair smiled and said, \u201cDo you want me to take care of that for you?\u201d<\/p>\n
Jim looked down at himself and said, \u201cNo, I want people to know what you do to me.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh man the things you say,\u201d Blair said as he held hands with Jim to the parking garage at the station. He knew by the time they got to the garage, Jim would be calmed down anyhow, but it was a nice thought. <\/p>\n
!!!!!!!!!!<\/p>\n
Jim walked into records and saw everyone\u2019s jaw drop. \u201cProblem, ladies?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, no problems at all, Detective Ellison. It\u2019s good to see you,\u201d Monica said cheerfully. <\/p>\n
\u201cI need some files to take upstairs, who can help me?\u201d<\/p>\n
Four women all rushed to the same spot at once, almost making Jim laugh. \u201cI need all of the records that we have on Ben Snyder. Could you get those for me as quickly as possible?\u201d Jim asked. <\/p>\n
Two women took off to get the records and Monica said, \u201cYou look different this afternoon then you did this morning.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBetter or worse?\u201d Jim teased. <\/p>\n
\u201cOh my gosh, way better. This morning you looked like you were starving, this afternoon you\u2019re dressed like you usually do.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI didn\u2019t know that you watched me so much. Do we have a problem?\u201d Jim continued to tease, but she didn\u2019t know that. <\/p>\n
Monica was trying to think of something to say when the two others came up with the files Jim needed. <\/p>\n
Stacey said, \u201cHere you go, Detective Ellison. And might I add, you look very handsome today?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAll right this is enough. Stop staring at me and stop watching me or I\u2019ll complain to Captain Banks. I\u2019ll bring you all up on charges. I don\u2019t need this shit.\u201d Jim turned and walked out of the room, almost laughing his ass off. <\/p>\n
The girls all gathered together and Monica said, \u201cSomeone is talking. Who?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t know, but from now on, we\u2019ll keep our Detective Ellison remarks to ourselves until we get off work and can discuss them at the bar. Deal?\u201d Stacey suggested. <\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, the last thing I need is to lose my job over watching a guy\u2019s ass. Nothing is worth that. Even if he does have a great ass,\u201d Monica said. <\/p>\n
Stacey giggled and said, \u201cThat\u2019s not keeping the opinions to ourselves, Monica.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, it\u2019s going to take me awhile to get used to having to watch what we say. Geeze, you wouldn\u2019t think it would bother him so much, would you?\u201d Monica asked. <\/p>\n
Jim leaned against the wall smiling as Blair walked up to him and Blair said, \u201cWhat did you do?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not what I did. It\u2019s what I said,\u201d Jim slung his arm around Blair\u2019s shoulders and they walked side by side to the elevator and got on. <\/p>\n
Both men were happy and Blair was thrilled that he got to admire Jim\u2019s form up close and personal all day long. <\/p>\n
Both men knew that those women were going to talk about all of the men. They were as bad as the men about having little comments. But Jim knew now that he wouldn\u2019t have to worry about Blair hearing them as much now. He was pretty sure he put the fear of God into all of the women in records. Or at least he hoped so. <\/p>\n
Jim couldn\u2019t wait until that night and he was going to make sweet love to Blair for making his day more exciting. <\/p>\n
The end<\/p>\n
Family Life Part 50
\nCooking with Drew
\nBy Patt<\/p>\n
Word Count: 4,263 not including the recipes. Recipes are 770 extra. <\/p>\n
Another big thank you goes out to Helena for this idea for the story. I hope it turns out well. \uf04a If nothing else, there are some good recipes at the end. <\/p>\n
Drew was happier then he\u2019d been in ages. He was assigned his dinner menu for his test coming up in cooking class and he decided that he and Blair would do it together. Jim was helping Max do the car things, so maybe Blair could help him with the cooking class. He was given a five course meal that he had to cook and serve and then Blair would have to grade him after he took pictures of all of the finished products. Drew sure hoped that Blair had time otherwise he would have to ask Daryl or someone else. <\/p>\n
When Max and Drew arrived that day, Jim, Blair and Sam were already there. <\/p>\n
\u201cHey guys,\u201d Jim called out from the kitchen, stirring something on the stove. <\/p>\n
\u201cWhy are you guys home so early?\u201d Max asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cIf I didn\u2019t know better, I would think you weren\u2019t happy to see us,\u201d Blair joked. <\/p>\n
\u201cYou know what I mean, why are you off so early?\u201d Max walked into the kitchen and got a banana and started unpeeling it while he waited for an answer. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe closed a big case today and Simon told us to take off. We figured we would. Tomorrow we might have to work late, so we take those early days when we can,\u201d Jim answered. <\/p>\n
\u201cPop, I have something to ask you,\u201d Drew said very seriously. <\/p>\n
\u201cSure. Do you need to talk to me alone?\u201d <\/p>\n
\u201cNo, we can talk here. I\u2019ve got a big test coming up for my cooking class and I have to have a partner for my test. He has to watch me make everything, take pictures of the finished products, eat everything I made and then grade me on it. A lot like Max\u2019s class in mechanics. But this one we get to eat. I was assigned my five course meal today. I picked Italian and I got it,\u201d Drew said. <\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s wonderful. I would be proud to be your partner. When do we have to do this?\u201d Blair asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cI have to make it twice actually. Once for practice and once for the test itself, so it\u2019s going to take a couple of days at least.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI have this weekend off, so how about you practice on Saturday and cook and serve on Sunday?\u201d Blair said. <\/p>\n
\u201cI have enough money in my allowance to buy all of the ingredients. We\u2019re supposed to do that ourselves too,\u201d Drew added. <\/p>\n
\u201cWhatever you need, we can help too, Drew. It\u2019s not like I want you to pay for both days. You could give your practice dinner to Denise, Seth and Sam. You can practice on them. How does that sound?\u201d Blair asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cGood thinking, I didn\u2019t even think about having two meals here right in a row. I\u2019m so excited. And pop, you have to grade me tough too. You can\u2019t just say, I did well. You have to say why I did well and things like that. There are a lot of questions that you have to answer on the sheet that the teacher gave to me. Then the teacher is going to draw names towards the end of the term and that person will be in charge of making the dinner he was graded on, for the class. I can\u2019t wait for all of this.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jim came by and hugged Drew and said, \u201cYou\u2019re a good cook, Drew, so you don\u2019t have to worry about doing well. Are you going to tell us what you\u2019re going to be making?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNot until Sunday,\u201d Drew answered. <\/p>\n
\u201cWho would like to wash up and set the table? Dinner is almost ready. I figured we\u2019d eat early and then go see grampa for an hour or so after dinner. Does that sound okay to everyone else?\u201d Jim asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cI love seeing grampa.\u201d Sam was bouncing in place at the thought. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe all love seeing grampa. So that\u2019ll be a nice break. We get out and maybe have an ice cream cone coming home?\u201d Max suggested. <\/p>\n
\u201cIce cream in the SUV? Surely you jest,\u201d Jim said very seriously. <\/p>\n
Blair laughed and said, \u201cWe\u2019ll take ice cream and cones over to grampa\u2019s. Let me call him really fast and make sure he\u2019s home.\u201d Blair did just that. <\/p>\n
!!!!!!!!!!<\/p>\n
After dinner, Blair and Drew were on the clean up detail. As Blair washed and rinsed, Drew loaded in the dishwasher. <\/p>\n
\u201cSo are you going to make me wait until Sunday to know what we\u2019re going to be cooking?\u201d Blair asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cNo, I\u2019ll tell you because I need to have you get the ingredients with me anyhow. Caesar Salad with a special Caesar Dressing, cheesy garlic bread, Asparagus Casserole, Lasagna and Strawberry Tiramisu. What do you think?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat sounds delicious. I can\u2019t wait for the preparation or the eating of the dishes. It\u2019s going to be great, Drew. I\u2019m glad you\u2019re so into cooking. I knew two people when I grew up that were chefs. Both of them cook like crazy to this day. One of them is 86 and the other is 80. They never lost it. Being a chef stays with you forever. They taught me how to make many things, but I never was as good as they were. One thing I know is they were very patient and kind. Not like some of the chefs you see on television. Do you watch all of the cooking shows, Drew?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, I watch everything that comes on the cooking channel. I\u2019ve learned quite a bit from them alone. Our teacher keeps us posted about different dishes that are going to be on that evening or later that week. I try to watch everything he recommends.\u201d<\/p>\n
Before long the two of them were done with the kitchen. Jim walked in and said, \u201cDid you two forget we\u2019re going to ice cream over to grampa\u2019s? There is a little girl in the living room that thinks you\u2019re lost or something.\u201d<\/p>\n
Both Blair and Drew laughed and walked out to get ready to go. Samantha saw Drew and said, \u201cFinally.\u201d<\/p>\n
They all laughed as they got ready to go downstairs and leave. <\/p>\n
!!!!!!!!!!<\/p>\n
Once they got to William\u2019s house, Drew and Max were telling grampa all about their classes and the helpers they had in Jim and Blair. Samantha asked, \u201cGrampa, could you and me go see a movie this weekend? Daddy is helping Max and poppy is helping Drew. I\u2019m going to be all alone.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat a wonderful idea, Samantha. I\u2019ll come on Saturday and pick you up and we\u2019ll see one or maybe two movies for the day. How does that sound?\u201d William said. <\/p>\n
\u201cYay\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
Blair said, \u201cI brought the ice cream and the cones, can I do it in the kitchen?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, I\u2019d prefer that over the living room, Blair.\u201d William loved to tease these boys and tried to do it every chance he got. <\/p>\n
\u201cVery funny, William.\u201d Blair took off with Samantha for the kitchen and he was set to make the ice cream cones. <\/p>\n
Before long they all had ice cream cones and they were sitting at the dining room table eating them. William said, \u201cWhat time can I pick Sam up on Saturday?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWell Max and Jim will be working on his project all day long and I\u2019m going to be helping Drew, so anytime you want would be good for us. Thank you, William.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou don\u2019t have to thank me for spending time with my grandchild. I love these kids.\u201d<\/p>\n
Max, Drew and Samantha all smiled and you could see they were crazy about their grampa too. <\/p>\n
When they finished the ice cream, they sat and talked for about an hour and then they needed to get home to get Sam ready for bed. They all said their goodbyes and took off for the drive home. <\/p>\n
\u201cThanks for taking us to see grampa,\u201d Drew said. <\/p>\n
\u201cYeah, we had a good time. We always do when we see him. He\u2019s a fantastic grampa,\u201d Max added. <\/p>\n
\u201cI love grampa too,\u201d Sam finally said. <\/p>\n
This made Jim feel so good and Blair too. He was glad that William was in their lives and was so good to all of them. <\/p>\n
!!!!!!!!!!<\/p>\n
Once everything was done that night and everyone was in bed, Jim slid in beside Blair and said, \u201cLooks like we\u2019re going to have a busy weekend.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI can\u2019t even remember what we used to do before we had kids, do you?\u201d Blair teased. <\/p>\n
Jim decided he better remind him of what they used to do a lot. Blair put a pillow over his face, so he wouldn\u2019t make any noise and wake the kids up. <\/p>\n
This is how Blair and Jim loved to have their days end. <\/p>\n
!!!!!!!!!!<\/p>\n
Friday night, Blair and Drew went grocery shopping. Blair couldn\u2019t believe the amount of things that Drew had to buy for this test. He wondered what kids did that didn\u2019t have that much money. Although, the teacher would probably not give this type of meal to someone that was on a sliding scale. <\/p>\n
They started out at 6:30 that night and didn\u2019t get home until 9:30. When they came walking in, Blair said, \u201cAre you guys going to help us or what?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSorry Chief, we were playing the Wii game and lost track of time.\u201d<\/p>\n
They all walked downstairs and got the remaining bags, including Samantha. She liked to help out. <\/p>\n
Jim looked at all the recycle bags on the counter and said, \u201cHoly shit. Who are we cooking for?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDaddy, you\u2019re not supposed to say that word. Did you forget?\u201d Sam asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cYes, daddy forgot. I\u2019m sorry. I\u2019ll try not to say it again.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou say it all the time,\u201d Sam said as she got a stool to help put things in the pantry. <\/p>\n
Blair and Drew did most of the put away work because they knew exactly where they wanted things. Drew was so excited about the next day spending all that time with Blair, and then again on Sunday. Drew needed some attention, sometimes Max took a lot of it and then there was Sam. Drew found being the middle child sort of sucked, but he wasn\u2019t going to complain now. <\/p>\n
!!!!!!!!!!!<\/p>\n
Jim got Sam down for the night. Blair had gone to bed early, so she missed out on seeing poppy, but things went well otherwise. The boys were in bed and supposedly sleeping. Jim hoped so. He was hoping to get lucky three nights in a row. <\/p>\n
When he locked up everything, shut all the lights out and got upstairs, he saw his sleeping Guide, so exhausted that Jim didn\u2019t have the heart to bug him about sex again. Instead he got ready for bed and slid in beside Blair and pulled him in for the night. <\/p>\n
Blair woke up for a second and said, \u201cI love you, you big lug.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI love you too.\u201d<\/p>\n
!!!!!!!!!!<\/p>\n
Saturday, Blair told Jim and Max they were on their own. They couldn\u2019t come into the kitchen for any reason. Blair put a cooler with ice water and Gatorade in it and set it next to the front door. Blair didn\u2019t want any interruptions for Drew. This was an important day for him. <\/p>\n
Drew took out the first recipe and said, \u201cI just need you to watch me and if I have questions I can ask you if I\u2019m stuck on something. Okay?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSounds good to me. I\u2019m just going to watch and learn. Blair sat at the bar and watched Drew hold the recipe card and take out all of the ingredients that were needed for that recipe. Then he watched him make the Caesar Salad and the dressing and he couldn\u2019t believe some of the ingredients that it called for. But he asked Drew if he could just taste the final dressing when he was done. Drew let him lick the spoon. Blair thought it was the best dressing he had ever tasted in his life. <\/p>\n
Blair had the digital camera ready and took pictures as Drew finished preparing them. It was going to be included in his grade. Blair was going to make up a booklet of pictures of the food to go along with the papers. <\/p>\n
\u201cOne thing done, four to go,\u201d Drew said. <\/p>\n
Drew took the next recipe and got all of the ingredients for that and got it all ready. It was fairly simple to do. The cheesy Garlic Bread was fast, simple and easy. Then he set them on the stove, ready to go into the oven when the time came. <\/p>\n
The next thing on his list was the Asparagus Casserole and that was fairly simple too. Blair watched in awe at how easily the cooking chores seemed to come to Drew. He seemed very much at home in the kitchen and was totally relaxed as he cooked each item. Once he was done with that, he set it aside and said, \u201cI\u2019m going to bake the lasagna first and then these other things while the lasagna cools off.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSounds good to me, Drew.\u201d<\/p>\n
Drew got all of the ingredients out for the lasagna and went about the chore of making sirloin steak lasagna. It was much better then being made with hamburger or Italian sausage. This was delicious. Drew talked to Blair the entire time he was cooking and never lost touch with what he was doing and didn\u2019t burn anything. Blair was very impressed. <\/p>\n
It took about two hours to make up the lasagna and then Drew put it in the oven. \u201cWow, that took forever, didn\u2019t it, pop?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cMaybe, but it\u2019s going to be so worth it tonight. Did you tell Denise and the boys that dinner was on us tonight?\u201d Blair asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cOh yeah, she said she can\u2019t wait. A night off is something she rarely gets to see. So she\u2019s excited about it. She said she would like to fill out one of the score sheets too. She thinks the testing dinner should be as important as the final one. So maybe we could copy the one I have for you, so she could fill it out.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s fine. What\u2019s next on the agenda?\u201d Blair asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cDessert. It\u2019s called Strawberry Tiramisu. I\u2019ve never had it and never made it before, so this is something totally new for me,\u201d Drew remarked. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt sounds good. I don\u2019t know that I\u2019ve ever had it either,\u201d Blair answered. <\/p>\n
Blair watched Drew take out all of the ingredients for dessert and get things started. What Blair was most impressed by was the fact that Drew could talk to him while he made things. He never seemed to miss a beat. Blair was having a very good day. <\/p>\n
At noon, Jim walked in with his eyes closed and said, \u201cMax and I are going to go grab some Chinese for lunch, are you two hungry?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou have to ask?\u201d Drew teased. <\/p>\n
\u201cOkay, we\u2019ll get lunch for the two of you. Grampa already took off ages ago with Sam, did she say goodbye?\u201d Jim asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cNo, she must have been really excited, plus I told her the kitchen was off limits while Drew was cooking.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDrew, the kitchen smells wonderful already,\u201d Jim said as he walked out of the room. <\/p>\n
Drew started laughing and Blair said, \u201cWhat are you laughing at?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDad. He can smell exactly what I\u2019m cooking in here and yet he just closed his eyes, like that would end the suspense. He cracks me up sometimes.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHe cracks me up too, Drew. He\u2019s a cutie pie, that\u2019s for sure.\u201d<\/p>\n
Drew went right back to making the dessert and Blair was amazed at how simple Drew made it look. Blair had never seen them made before and didn\u2019t have a clue as to how it was done. Now he did. <\/p>\n
Drew cleaned up all the pots and pans that were done being used and dried them and put them away. He looked over at Blair and said, \u201cWould you like to play cards until lunch comes and the lasagna comes out of the oven?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s a good idea. I like spending time with you anyhow. It\u2019s been awhile since just the two of us did anything. This has been really nice.\u201d<\/p>\n
Drew smiled as he grabbed the deck of cards for 5000 Rummy. They hadn\u2019t played it in a while, so he was a little rusty, but he caught up quickly. When Jim and Max got home, they asked if they could play as long as they didn\u2019t go into the kitchen. <\/p>\n
As soon as lunch was done, Drew wiped down the table and then dealt the cards for all four of them to play. <\/p>\n
\u201cSo did you learn anything good today, Max?\u201d Blair asked. <\/p>\n
\u201cYes, I learned how to change my oil filter and the oil. I had to put the oil in a milk cartoon and then we took it to Checker Auto on the way to lunch. You can recycle it there.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jim said, \u201cI really like spending time with you boys. So next time there is something that comes up, I\u2019d like to switch with pop and work with Drew and Max can work with him. How does that sound?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWell, it all depends on what it is, Jim. I don\u2019t know how to put a lot of things together in the car. Drew and I should both be watching you guys. But that doesn\u2019t stop you from taking just Drew out on a Saturday if you want. And Max can spend the day with me. We can go to museums, movies or anything that we want to. I like family time.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSo do we,\u201d Max agreed. <\/p>\n
The timer went off in the kitchen and Blair said, \u201cOkay guys, go play Wii for a while. We\u2019re busy here.\u201d<\/p>\n
Drew and Blair went into the kitchen and got the lasagna out. It looked wonderful. It smelled so damn good, it wasn\u2019t even funny. <\/p>\n
Blair looked at the times and put his casserole in and the Tiramisu in and set the timer. He was very excited. <\/p>\n
Drew looked at his watch and said, \u201cI can start a little later tomorrow, so it\u2019ll be closer to dinner. I\u2019m done a little bit early tonight. It\u2019s only 3:00 and everything is almost done. I was afraid I would be slower.\u201d<\/p>\n
Blair smiled. \u201cThat makes perfect sense to me, Drew. I\u2019m so proud of you. You have kicked butt and took names with this project. I thought you would slump off towards the ending, but you never gave it a thought. You\u2019re going to make an excellent Chef someday.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThank you, pop.\u201d Drew felt like hugging him, but didn\u2019t know if he should. Blair must have sensed it because Blair said, \u201cYou can hug me anytime you want, Drew.\u201d<\/p>\n
Drew gave him a huge hug and then Drew started cutting the lasagna, as it started to cool. \u201cWill all of you help me take this down to Denise, Seth and Sam?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSure will. We can all whine that we\u2019re having leftovers tonight while Denise is having a super meal.\u201d Blair loved teasing his boys. <\/p>\n
!!!!!!!!!!<\/p>\n
An hour later, Jim, Blair, Drew and Max took everything downstairs to Denise and her boys. As they walked upstairs, Jim said, \u201cWhat are we having for dinner tonight?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cLeftovers from Friday night,\u201d Blair answered. <\/p>\n
\u201cSomehow I feel cheated,\u201d Jim said laughing all the way upstairs. <\/p>\n
\u201cBut think about the good meal you\u2019re going to get tomorrow night, dad,\u201d Drew reminded him. <\/p>\n
\u201cI know, Drew. I\u2019m joking.\u201d<\/p>\n
They all played cards until Sam got back with grampa. Then they all went out to dinner with grampa. Jim was thrilled. He didn\u2019t feel like leftovers that night. Not after smelling that wonderful meal they had delivered. <\/p>\n
!!!!!!!!!!<\/p>\n
Sunday was a good morning. Everyone seemed like they were in a good mood. Drew and Max went running with Jim and then they all took turns in the showers. Blair meditated and Samantha tried to. She wasn\u2019t that into Yoga or anything like that yet. <\/p>\n
At noon, Drew got ready and went in the kitchen to start preparations for the evening meal. He worked his little butt off getting everything done. Blair sat at the bar taking notes and marking things on his test score sheet. Blair noticed he seemed a little nervous that night. Blair wondered if he shouldn\u2019t have started earlier and had time to spare. Either way it was going to go well and taste delicious. <\/p>\n
At 5:00, Blair had the table set and Drew began to serve dinner. He brought out the Caesar Salads with the special dressing on it first. Everyone dug in and Samantha loved it. They all finished and Drew collected all of the plates and took them into the kitchen. Blair wanted to help him, but it was part of his grade to serve the meal too. He brought out the Cheesy Garlic Bread next and set it on the table and handed little plates for each of them. Then he brought out the Asparagus Casserole and set it in the middle of the table, leaving enough room for the lasagna that was coming out next. He served a slice to everyone and then served the casserole and they had the bread to go with everything. It was excellent. <\/p>\n
Jim took the first bite of the lasagna and said, \u201cThis has got to be the best I\u2019ve ever had. Drew you outdid yourself. It\u2019s the best. Jim sopped up the juices and sauce with his bread and made the right noises as he ate his dinner. <\/p>\n
Max said, \u201cI can\u2019t believe you made all of this today. It didn\u2019t seem like you were in there long enough to make all of this. It\u2019s great, Drew. I really like it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sam said, \u201cI love it, but you gave me too much. I won\u2019t have enough room for dessert. There is dessert isn\u2019t there?\u201d <\/p>\n
\u201cJust eat what you can, Samantha. Don\u2019t worry about dessert. You\u2019ll have plenty of room for it,\u201d Blair said. <\/p>\n
They finished eating and Drew started clearing off the table. \u201cNo one gets to leave, there is one more course. Dessert is coming up.\u201d<\/p>\n
As Drew took things into the kitchen, Jim said to Blair, \u201cI don\u2019t think I could eat anything.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cTough. He\u2019s worked hard on this. Now everyone is going to have a little piece, if nothing else.\u201d Blair got up and started taking a few things into the kitchen. <\/p>\n
Drew said, \u201cI\u2019m supposed to do that, pop.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cDrew, you\u2019ve done everything, you get dessert while I finish up with the stuff from the table. Make sure and grab the dessert plates,\u201d Blair said. <\/p>\n
\u201cAlready did, pop.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jim looked at dessert and said, \u201cOh my gosh, it\u2019s Tiramisu. I didn\u2019t know you knew how to make that.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI didn\u2019t, dad. I learned today. Or I guess it would have been yesterday. But it was fairly simple and I loved doing it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jim took a bite and said, \u201cI can now go to heaven.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat do you mean?\u201d Sam asked worriedly. <\/p>\n
\u201cI just mean it\u2019s really good.\u201d Jim almost laughed. <\/p>\n
\u201cThen why don\u2019t you say it\u2019s really good. Don\u2019t say you want to go to heaven. You die to go to heaven.\u201d Samantha made it clear to everyone not to say that again. <\/p>\n
Max and Jim volunteered to clean up after dinner. Drew looked drained. At first Jim was worried, but Blair informed him that he was just nervous and now he had to wait for his grade. <\/p>\n
When they were still in the kitchen getting the mess cleaned up, Drew came through and said, \u201cPop gave me an A+ and filled out all of the paperwork saying I did a really good job. He promised that he didn\u2019t just say it to say it. He said he meant it. Look at the pictures he took of each course.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jim hugged Drew and said, \u201cGood job, Drew. You deserved the A+. Pop would never say something just to say it. It\u2019s not in his nature. He\u2019s a teacher, remember that.\u201d<\/p>\n
Max smiled and said, \u201cI got an A today for my class. We both did well.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI didn\u2019t know you could give an A+ or I would have given you that too,\u201d Jim said disgustedly. <\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s okay, dad. I\u2019m happy with an A. When we first started I was afraid I was going to get a D.\u201d<\/p>\n
Drew laughed and said, \u201cYou always second guess yourself, Max. Stop doing that. Dad, you have to force him to realize he can do things and he\u2019s good at things. He has no confidence.\u201d<\/p>\n
After the kitchen was done, the table was all back to normal again, Drew said, \u201cI\u2019m going to go to bed.\u201d<\/p>\n
Max looked at his watch and said, \u201cIt\u2019s only 8:30, Drew.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m really tired. Night everyone,\u201d Drew said as he hugged them all goodnight. <\/p>\n
Jim said, \u201cIs he all right?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHe worked hard in the last two days, Jim. He deserves to go to bed early. Max, why don\u2019t you go up and read. We\u2019re going to bed early too,\u201d Blair said. <\/p>\n
\u201cOkay, goodnight all,\u201d Max said hugging everyone and kissing the top of Sam\u2019s head. <\/p>\n
The boys got Sam ready for bed in record time. Both men were tired. <\/p>\n
It had been a busy weekend, but a good weekend all the same. Neither of them would be worrying about having sex that night. Jim already knew that Blair was tired. <\/p>\n
When he slid into bed, Blair went into his arms and said, \u201cMake love to me, slow and sexy.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jim did just that. <\/p>\n
The end<\/p>\n
CAESAR SALAD DRESSING <\/p>\n
1 tsp. salt
\n3 eggs
\n1 1\/2 tsp. sugar
\n3\/4 tsp. dry mustard
\n3 tsp. lemon juice
\n1 tsp. Parmesan cheese
\n4-6 cloves crushed garlic
\n6 tsp. wine vinegar
\n1 c. plus 2 tbsp. oil
\n6 drops Tabasco sauce
\n6 drops Worcestershire sauce
\n3 tbsp. olive oil<\/p>\n
Mix in blender and refrigerate. Excellent, keeps well.<\/p>\n
CAESAR SALAD:<\/p>\n
1 lg. head romaine lettuce
\n2 c. croutons
\n8 bacon slices, cooked and crumbled
\n1\/2 c. Parmesan cheese<\/p>\n
Tear lettuce in bite sized pieces in a salad bowl, add croutons, add dressing, toss to coat. <\/p>\n
Serves 8-10. Note: Serve this with spaghetti pie or lasagna.<\/p>\n
SUPER CHEESE GARLIC BREAD<\/p>\n
6 garlic cloves
\n 1\/2 cup cream cheese cheese spread
\n 1\/4 cup mozzarella
\n 1 tsp Herbs de Provence
\n 1\/2 tsp paprika powder
\n 1\/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
\n a pinch of nutmeg
\n 1 small loaf French bread
\n Butter<\/p>\n
Slice the loaf into roughly 1 inch slices. Spread with butter and keep aside. <\/p>\n
Mince the garlic and saut\u00e9 in a small amount of butter along with the herbs until aromatic. <\/p>\n
Combine the cream cheese with remaining condiments, garlic and herbs. <\/p>\n
Spread the mixture thickly on the buttered slices and top with a sprinkle of mozzarella. <\/p>\n
Grill at 475\u00b0F (250\u00b0C) until the cheese melts and begins to brown. <\/p>\n
Note: Adjust all ingredients to taste.<\/p>\n
ASPARAGUS CASSEROLE <\/p>\n
3 c. asparagus, chopped
\n1\/4 c. onion, chopped
\n1\/4 c. celery, chopped
\n1 sm. can mushrooms, sliced
\n1 can cream of mushroom soup or cream of chicken soup
\n1 tsp. salt
\n2 tbsp. butter<\/p>\n
Cook vegetables until tender, not soft. Drain and add salt, butter, sliced mushrooms and soup. Put into casserole dish. Add toppings of your choice, cracker crumbs, Chow Mein noodles, onion rings, etc. Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes.<\/p>\n
GOURMET LASAGNA <\/p>\n
1 lb. lasagna noodles, not cooked (You can find these at the grocery store)
\n26 oz. jar spaghetti sauce (Your choice)
\n16 oz. jar Alfredo sauce
\n1 1\/2 lbs. ricotta cheese
\n1 lb. shredded mozzarella cheese
\n1 lb. shredded italian cheese blend
\n1 lb. Sirloin steak saut\u00e9ed and diced
\n1 small bunch fresh spinach (20-30 leaves), washed and patted dry
\nabout 4 oz. of mozzarella<\/p>\n
Layer in a pan 11 3\/4 X 9 1\/4 X 2 1\/2 inches. (Use an aluminum roaster pan.)
\nOn the bottom, combine a small 1\/3 of the spaghetti sauce and about 1\/2 cup water, and layer 1\/4 of the noodles. <\/p>\n
Now, add the following layers, one after the other, spreading each ingredient evenly: <\/p>\n
1\/4 of the ricotta, 1\/4 of the cheeses, 1\/2 of the spinach, 1\/3 of the Alfredo sauce, 1\/4 of the noodles, 1\/4 of the ricotta, 1\/4 of the cheeses, 1\/2 of the sausage, 1\/3 of the spaghetti sauce, 1\/4 of the noodles, 1\/4 of the ricotta, 1\/4 of the cheeses, 1\/2 of the spinach, 1\/3 of the Alfredo sauce, 1\/4 of the noodles, 1\/4 of the ricotta, 1\/4 of the cheeses, 1\/2 of the sausage, 1\/3 of the spaghetti sauce, 1\/3 of the Alfredo sauce, 4 oz. of mozzarella <\/p>\n
Cover with foil and cook for one hour at 325\u00b0F and then increase the temperature to 350\u00b0F and cook for an additional 40 minutes. (Or cook for 1 hour at 325\u00b0F, cool and refrigerate overnight, and then cook at 350\u00b0F for 45 minutes.) <\/p>\n
STRAWBERRY TIRAMISU <\/p>\n
1 1\/2 (8 oz.) pkgs. cream cheese, room temperature
\n3\/4 c. icing sugar
\n7 tbsp. Marsala (Italian dessert wine)
\n1\/2 c. sour cream
\n1 pt. ripe strawberries
\n3\/4 c. boiling water
\n2 tbsp. sugar
\n2 1\/2 tsp. instant espresso powder or instant coffee
\n2 1\/4 (approximately) 3.5 oz. pkgs. lady finger style cookies
\n1 oz. semi-sweet chocolate, grated<\/p>\n
Blend cream cheese, icing sugar and 5 tablespoons Marsala in processor until smooth. Mix in sour cream. Slice 1\/2 of strawberries; cut all remaining strawberries in half. <\/p>\n
Combine boiling water, 2 tablespoons sugar and espresso powder in medium bowl; stir to dissolve. Mix in remaining 2 tablespoons Marsala. Dip one lady finger briefly into espresso mixture, turning to coat.<\/p>\n
Place flat side up in bottom of 8 inch square GLASS baking dish with 2 inch high sides. Repeat with enough lady fingers to cover bottom of baking dish, trimming biscuits to fit. <\/p>\n
Spread 2\/3 of cream cheese mixture over lady fingers. Cover with sliced strawberries. Dip more biscuits into espresso mixture and arrange atop sliced strawberries in dish, covering completely and trimming to fit.<\/p>\n
Spread remaining cream cheese mixture over. Sprinkle with grated chocolate.<\/p>\n
Arrange halved strawberries around edge of pan. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours until set. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead). Cut into squares and serve. Serves 4-6.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Family Life Part 41 The Family By Patt Word Count: 2,407 When Jim and Blair arrived home that night Max and Drew were standing there waiting for them. \u201cSo how did it go with Rafe today?\u201d Max asked. Blair smiled … Continue reading