He felt so stupid, but it was all he can afford.

He knows that if he asked his mom or either of his brothers they'd gladly give him any extra cash he might need. But he wants to buy this all by himself.

But that doesn't change the fact that as he sits there wrapping the tiny gift in old news papers he feel stupid.

He knows ma got him a new pair of skates, Jeremiah got him a new set of tires for his beat up car and that Angel had gotten him a subscription to Maxim.

He yanked a strip of tape off and tried to resist the urge just to throw the whole thing away.

A half hour later he waited silently in his seat at the kitchen table until everyone else had presented their gifts to Bobby.

Half eaten cake lays over the table, Jack keeps his eyes locked on his plate. He hadn't managed to eat more then a few bits before the nerves got to him and he just gave up.

"Jackie, honey," Evelyn's voice asked his gently. "Don't you have something you'd like to give to your brother?"

Jack looks up to see Jeremiah and Angel throwing grapes at each other, and arguing about something Jack can't understand. While they might not be paying any attention to him, Bobby's eyes are locked on his face.

"Um.." he slowly slid his hand into his pocket and pull out the small package. "It's not very good and I don't know if you'll like it but-"

"Jackie," Bobby cut him off gently, "It's ok. What ever you got me it good."

Jack swallowed hard and passed the package across the table, leaning pass Jeremiah to push it closer to Bobby. "It's Ok if you don't like them though-"

Bobby reached for the gift and ripped it open in one swift motion.

Jack held his breath, watching Bobby's face, feeling his own burn.

"This is…" Bobby stumbled staring down at the bright red shoe laces in his hand.

"Lame," Jack said quickly before Bobby or anyone else could say anything.

Bobby lifted his head and stared at Jack, "No. It's great! Exactly what I needed. Thanks kid, really…I mean it. Their perfect!"

Angel leaned over to look at the gift, he frowned slightly. "What I get you a full year subscription to Maxim and you really wanted shoe laces?"

Bobby rolled his eyes, "Hey it's not my fault I only have one observant brother who knows what I actually need."

Jack dropped his eyes to his plate and tried not to let anyone see the bright smile on his face. He flinched when he felt his mother's hand pat his shoulder.

He looked toward her, "Good gift Jackie,"

It was later that night, after everyone had already gone to sleep when Jack crept back down stairs for a glass of water.

He stepped off the bottom step and turned toward the kitchen when he stumbled. He caught himself quickly then looked down, trying to focus his eyes.

After a moment he smiled, red shoelaces beaming in the darkness.

Years later when they met at the church to morn their mother, Jack glances down at his brother's feet.

His eyes filled with tears and smiles.

All those years later, red laces still adorn Bobby's shoes.