LOC10
Coming home from the school Christmas pageant, Roy wrapped his arm closer around Joanne; their life was almost back to normal. Day by day Jo had been getting her strength back and all the tests and x-rays proved her cancer was gone. Yes, they had a lot to be thankful for.
Their benefactor had left for food for Thanksgiving and helped pay off the lingering medical bills. Both parents knew they didn't have enough for Christmas but it would be a small one, knowing their family came first and they had explained this to the children.
As the headlights hit the front of the house, brightly colored paper reflected back at them and the children screamed, "Santa Claus! Santa Claus!"
"Just settle down, please," Joanne turned to the back seat as the car pulled into the driveway.
Two bundles of energy raced from the car and headed towards the front door.
"Looks like our guardian angel has been at it again," Roy smiled.
"Yes, Roy. I just wonder who it is, don't you?" Jo took Roy's arm as they made their way to the porch.
Two large bags of groceries greeted them, along with two large boxes of presents. Both boxes overflowed with brightly colored paper and bows.
"Look, Mommy," Jessica could hardly contain herself. "Look at all the presents!"
"Yes honey I see them, now go in the house. Your father and I will take care of things."
Roy carried the heavy boxes of presents and put them under the tree. Joanne had taken both bags of groceries into the kitchen and then squealed with delight.
The paramedic rushed to the kitchen as his wife showed him champagne, caviar and smoked salmon along with candy for the children's stockings.
It was going to be a good Christmas after all.
****
John stood there looking at the keys on his counter. Somehow he was hoping Roy would have thrown them at him or least put up a bigger fight. He ran his hands over his tired face and sighed heavily.
Being a firefighter and paramedic he ran into burning buildings, saved heart attack victims and sometimes seen so much blood he seemed to be drowning in it, yet his best friend's wife gets breast cancer and he runs away like a fricken, scared kid. No, he deserved this; Roy deserved a better partner and friend than he could ever be.
*****
Christmas day found the DeSoto's up early as Jessica and Chris could hardly contain themselves. Wrapping paper quickly became a big pile, boxes and bows littered the carpeted floor. Christmas music played in the background while Roy snapped photos for the family album. A light rain patted on the windows and Joanne had started a fire in the fireplace. It was a picture perfect Christmas, one she had dreamed of while going through her cancer therapy.
However, she knew someone was missing, someone with an infectious smile and a laugh to make her children smile. Roy was helping Chris with his toys, but Joanne wondered if he felt the missing person too.
****
Gage had decided to work Christmas day, not because he had too, but because he had no desire to sit alone in his apartment. The Stanley's had invited him over but it just didn't feel right. The rain still hadn't let up and now the men with families had brought in an old fashioned turkey dinner. Maybe it would have been better to stay home he lamented, and have his Hungry Man Turkey dinner like he had done before meeting Roy DeSoto.
He was in the dorm, away from all the happy cheerful people. Laying back on his bed he put his hand over his eyes and tried to get some sleep. Sleep, blessed sleep was all he wanted now. No more overtime—Joanne DeSoto had been cleared of her cancer and life went on. Gage snorted and then opened his eyes and sat up.
"Mr. Gage," a brown haired six year old boy looked at him.
"Yes," Johnny groaned as the smell of turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pie filled his nostrils and his stomach betrayed him.
"I'm supposed to get you for dinner," the boy offered his hand.
Sighing, Johnny got to his feet and followed the boy into the dayroom. A tree was in the corner and someone had found a station with Christmas music. Putting on a smile, Gage made his way around the room, making sure to be the last person in the buffet.
*******
On the T.V. the DeSoto's were watching Dick Clark's New Years Rocking Eve. Jessica was asleep in Roy's lap and Chris was asleep in Joanne's. They sat on the couch and looked at the revelers in Time Square.
"Life's too short Joanne, we are going to New York for vacation this year!" Roy declared and realized how much he might have lost.
"Roy honey, we don't have to. You know I've always wanted to go to New York but . . ." Joanne sipped her champagne and smiled at her man.
"No, we're going, with the money we got from the pancake breakfast. I'm not going to let life slip by us," he leaned over and gave her a wet, sloppy kiss.
"Roy," Joanne sipped her champagne. "I have an idea. I think we should throw a party, a thank you party for everyone who helped us through my breast cancer. Including the guys at the station, Rampart, well just about everyone."
A smile filled Roy's face.
"Yeah honey, that's great. Maybe our guardian angel well be in the group and we can thank them in person," Roy watched as the ball fell in Times Square. "Happy New Year Babe." Roy kissed his wife deeply, set down the champagne glass and hugged.
Setting down her class, Joanne returned the passionate embrace and then whispered, "Mr. DeSoto let's get the kids to bed and I'll show what New Year is!"
Roy grinned as he carefully lifted Jessica off his lap, turned off the T.V. and pinched his wife's butt as she got up from the sofa.
*****
Truth be known, Johnny had the T.V. for background noise, not paying attention to all the bowl games on the tube. Yesterday he had cleaned his house, did laundry, grocery shopping, cleaners and all the little things he had pushed aside to help the DeSoto's. He had been invited to a New Year's party but his heart just wasn't in it. His whole life had been wrapped up in the Desoto's vicariously and now it was gone.
He pulled the blanket higher and sucked on his now lukewarm beer. He had gotten up to go to the bathroom and took a few pieces of cold pizza for breakfast. One more day and then he would be back on shift, thankful he didn't work New Year's Eve. Gunshot wounds, car accidents and domestic disturbances filled the night on those shifts. Now it was a new year and he had a thought to think about.
What was he going to do?