A/N not mine, I own nothing but sort of the plot on this one.

A Christmas Carol, Plum Style.

I felt Bobby's breathing even out behind me, as he fell into a deep sleep. I wasn't sure I wanted to fall asleep. I don't think I wanted to know anything about Christmas future. Too many variables for me. Things could change in a heartbeat, a butterfly flaps it's wings in China and all that. There is nothing etched in stone.

Soon a small figure in a hood appeared at the side of my bed. Scaring the crap out of me. I thought the ghost of Christmas future was a big scary dude. This was more young child size, of course to someone else it could've been a spider, or a rollercoaster ride. It's all how you look at things. To me this was scary.

I was already being pulled along at a very fast pace. Lights were going by at a blinding speed. Have you ever watched Star Trek and that moment they go into warp drive? Yeah, it was a lot like that. We came to a stop, that my stomach did not like one bit. It could have been box of chocolate covered cherries I ate too.

The young child like figure, tugged harder at my hand as we came up to my parents house, once again. I still feel the urge to draw back and slow down as we get near. It felt off, almost as though the life was gone. Which was odd, since I saw my Dad's Buick, my sister's mini van and Mom's little four door there. Everything looked the same as years past, something felt wrong.

I cautiously looked in the front window. I didn't really recognize anyone. They seemed so much older. The girls looked almost grown up, even the baby wasn't baby any more. Grandma Mazur was missing, but her spot was open. I wasn't there either. No one was talking to anyone else. They just ate their meals in silence. It was a sad picture they made.

"Ma, I'm going to go help Grandma clean up from dinner. I need to get home as soon as we're done. I have a lot of papers to grade, and Anthony will be waiting for me." The girl that had to be Angie said. She looked just like her Mom.

"Okay, MA." I was stunned. What happened to change her so much? Who was Anthony?

"Mary Alice, did he go to the Morelli's"

"Of course he did Grandma. He wanted to be at his parents house."

"Imagine, after all those years, Joe had a son while in the Navy. I'm glad he makes you happy. At least your not acting like a horse any more. Mary Alice, when are you going to have a baby? Your not getting any younger."

"Grandma, I'm going to step out for some fresh air."

I watched as my now grown niece went outside and make a phone call.

"Aunt Stephanie, how I wish I was brave as you. I can't seem to break away from them. I love Anthony, I'm just not ready to be a Mom. I'm glad that you are happily..."

I wasn't ready, but I was being pulled away. I wanted to know why I wasn't with my family. I wanted to know more. Where was I? Who was I with? Wait...Joe, knocked someone up while he was in the Navy?

The Star Trek thing was happening again. I was little more prepared for the stop this time, but I still felt like I horked up my guts. This time we were somewhere I had never been before. I felt like an intruder when I looked inside.

The house was beautiful, and decorated tastefully. The small figure pulled me up to a window to peer inside. I was shocked by what I saw. A lone figure a sitting, with a glass of scotch in his hand.

He was older and the years had been kind. He watched the fireplace intently, as though he was waiting on someone or something to show. He stood and went to the mantle. Taking a picture down, his fingers lovingly traced it.

"Babe," was all I heard him say. I didn't hear anything else. I wanted to cry and scream. What right did he have? He pushed me away. He didn't want to bring me into his life. That's when I saw it, a small limp. Did he go on a mission that last Christmas? Didn't he think he was going to come home? Why lie to Tank and the rest of us?

I felt the tug again, this time I told the figure, "Make with the full on stop again and I will puke."

I heard the sound of a child's laughter ring through my ears. It made my heart stop for a second. Soon, I was giggling right along. Maybe the ghost of Christmas future wasn't so scary.

Our next stop was the Catholic cemetery. I was standing in front of my Mazur Grandparents headstone. I felt an overwhelming sadness as I saw the dates. It was only a few short years from now. I needed to make every second with her count.

I felt a gentle tug, and a small child looked up at me. She had big brown eye, black curls, and light brown skin. The smile she gave me was my own in return. All I could do was blink. I was suddenly sucked into what could only be described as a polar vortex. Swirling and swirling, but colder than heck.

I woke up in a cold sweat, with Bobby rubbing my shoulders.

"Steph? Are you alright? What's wrong?" He almost sounded panicked to me. I took a few deep breaths before I could even begin.

"It was just a dream...Hey, Bobby?"

"Yeah, hun?"

"Merry Christmas."

I watched him check the time and chuckle, before replying, "Merry Christmas, Steph."

"I'll be right back. I need to make a call."

"Who the heck is going to be up at 4:45am on Christmas day?"

"A very good friend."

I slipped out of my bedroom as he settled back into my bed. I grabbed my cell and prayed he would answer.

"Babe?"

"I know your going in the wind, just please be careful," I told him softly. "I understand why things need to be this way, but please don't ever think that I didn't understand your lifestyle. You may not realize this, but you'll always be my best friend."

"Don't go crazy."

"Don't get shot."

He disconnected and I felt a weight lifted off my shoulders. We may not ever have anything more, but I know he'll always be my friend.

I crawled back into bed and curled myself around Bobby. Sleep found me quickly.

It was almost ten by the time we were both up again. I invited Bobby to join me for lunch at my parents, and I was surprised when he accepted. We swung by Rangeman so that he could grab a shower and get changed.

We were fifteen minutes early and it looked like my Mom was going to go into shock. I'm never early and Bobby being in street clothes makes an impressive sight.

"Merry Christmas, Stephanie. Who is your guest?"

"Merry Christmas, Mom. You remember Bobby from Rangeman."

"Of course, I'm sorry, Bobby. I didn't recognize you out of uniform. I'm glad you could join us."

I think this was the first meal that I've enjoyed with my family for years. When I saw MA sit quietly in the corner to play with her stuffed horse, I went over and sat with her. I was able to head Mom off from any nasty remarks and throwing the toy out. Especially when she saw that MA was staying out of trouble and playing happily. My Dad even seemed more relaxed and actually spoke with Bobby about their respective times in the military.

I didn't realize how late it had become. I had never stayed longer then I had to before. It was almost 9 pm when we were saying our goodbyes.

My Mom pulled me into a hug and whispered, "I like him. Maybe now you can be happy. That's all I ever wanted for you."

I was surprised, not only did she hug me, but she likes Bobby. Once we were on our way back to my apartment i must have been to quiet.

"Are you alright, Steph?" Bobby asked me, the concern evident in his voice.

"I'm actually really good for once. I'm just amazed how wonderful today went. I've never had a nice meal with my family before."

"Maybe they're starting to see who you really are."

"I think they are. Thank you for going with me."

"Anytime" He replied before clearing his throat. "Steph, what are you doing for New Years Eve?"

"Nothing, other than sitting on my couch in my flannel PJs watching the ball drop. Why?"

"Would you like to go to a party in Philly with me? It's at my parents home, casual, low key..."

"I think I would enjoy that."

He stayed another night at my place and I learned so much about him. He always knew that he wanted to join the Army after high school, but when he became a medic he really found his passion. After he left the military he helped Ranger and the guys found Rangeman.

I told him about my dreams and a few childhood stories. He seemed to tuck a few into his memories, asking me more questions about them. We discovered that we shared a love of the beach. I told him how I would love to go to Italy and the Vatican and go to midnight mass on Christmas Eve.

As the sun rose and we began to fall asleep I could have sworn I heard him whisper, "I'll make those dreams happen, Stephanie."

A/N: One more chapter to come. It will tie everything up and answer a few questions that have been raised. Whatever your reason to celebrate this season, may it be a happy one.