33

Thank you for all your reviews on the last chapter I am glad you were amused by Alan's antics. Thank you to EJB86 I shall continue to update as quick as I can - you are most welcome! I couldn't let the boys leave without experiencing one last Christmas on the farm before IR takes off.

It was wintertime, snow was falling and covered the Tracy homestead four foot deep in places. It was early morning and still dark outside the only light stemming from the two lit rooms on the ground floor, the amber ambience spilling onto the snow. Usually they went all out with colourful fairy lights across the veranda and the light up reindeer but this year was a much more conservative affair.

Grandma Tracy was in the kitchen preparing the turkey. She had got up early to get it started before the boys came down. She busied herself with making a brew to wake her up, she was so tired these days. She didn't know if it was because she was simply old or if it had started when she lost Grant. Either way; she was sure she'd muster some energy when the boys came down, it was hard not to be invigorated by their endless get-up-and-go attitude. She smiled at memories of earlier Christmases when they were children. They would have certainly would have been up by now. Alan and Gordon in particular had been known to run down at four AM or earlier. She grabbed the trays she needed and flicked the oven on, she sighed loudly. Christmas was about family time together; it was always an occasion she looked forward to but this year the day filled her with apprehension. It wasn't a normal affair for it was the first one without Grant or Lucille. She was already pining for Grant's presence. He would have risen early with her and would be grabbing the firewood ready for the traditional opening of the presents by the fire, she imagined him coming in through the door and grabbing her in a one handed hug from behind as she tried to get on with preparing the dinner but he would always persist for her attention whispering silly things in her ear until she would turn around and smile warmly at him or swat him away playfully. Those were the moments she missed, those little moments of love and affection and the laughter they shared. The unbreakable bond forged over forty years of marriage. She forced the pan in the oven and shut the door wiping her face.

"Mom I was going to help." Jeff walked in and helped himself to the coffee.

"Oh, its ok I've got it down to a fine art, maybe you could grab the wood?" he nodded as he took a sip of coffee and sat down at the table. Ruth was so proud of her son. He'd come a long way in just under six months, she just hoped today wouldn't set him back too far. She joined him at the table with the remaining half cup of her own coffee. She was still in her dressing gown but Jeff was already fully dressed. He'd never been one for lounging in his PJ's - Scott was the same. "So how are Kyrano and Tin-tin settling in?" The villa on the island they had now dubbed Tracy island (thanks to Gordon's nickname for it) had reached completion last month. Jeff had invited the Kyrano's to move in as soon as possible. If the family thought it was weird, they hadn't commented. Dad had formed a fierce bond with Kyrano, almost protective his mother pondered. Personally, any man who had saved her son would be welcome to live as one with her family.

"Yeah great, once he got over the shock of being invited! He's still insisting on running the household, kitchen and overseeing the final construction work on the silo but from what I gather he's very happy and so is Tin-tin. She's looking forward to living with the boys, there weren't many adults her age in the village and as an only child she was pretty lonely. Kyrano thinks it will be good for her to live in a larger household with kids similar to her age." Jeff smiled.

"And what do you think she'll make of it?"

"I'm worried she'll think she's descended into a madhouse; her father's house was mighty peaceful. She could be in for a shock. Tin-tin's such a gentle polite young girl I'm concerned they'll corrupt her." He frowned before caught his mother's eye and chuckled along with her.

"Are you still sure you want to stay here for a bit longer?" Jeff asked.

"Yes! How many times Jeff. You and the boys should go and get settled first. There's still plenty to do around this old farm. Until I have found a suitable farm manager I will stay on and join you when our belongings have all being shipped or stored. Anyway, while the boys are still studying I ought to be here in case they need anything."

"Well as long as you're sure, I don't want you to feel like your being left behind. I really don't mind you living with us mom, its been a godsend, I don't know what I would have done without you and I know we'd all miss you terribly especially the boys." Jeff and Virgil were set to move to the island at the start of the new year ready to begin the engineering works with Brains that would set up the silo ready for the aircrafts that were currently being built at a private secure location belonging to Tracy industries. John and Alan would be enrolled at Tracy college and living on campus. Scott and Gordon were still serving for now.

The banging of the living room door signalled the arrival of the youngest. "Presents!" He made a beeline for his stash. "Not until your brother's are here!" called Grandma from the kitchen. Alan dropped the present and walked into the kitchen all forlorn. "Merry Christmas son!" Jeff gave him a brief hug, Alan leaned into him before sitting in his own chair. "Merry Christmas too."

"Right! This log pile's not going to bring itself in." In the time they had been talking it had already got lighter outside, Jeff could see the frost and snow on the windows. He hoisted himself up out of the seat. It was going to be freezing out there. He pulled his old coat off the hook and shoved his feet in his boots. "Not going to offer to help your old man then?" Jeff looked over his shoulder.

Alan glanced over his shoulder as if looking for someone else. "What me? I'd love to father but look I'm still in my PJ's without a dressing gown. You wouldn't want me to catch a chill, now would you?"

"You're a cocky devil"

"I know" he grinned as his grandma popped a pumpkin latte in front of him, never too early for one of those. "Thank you."

Jeff shook his head. This was the only problem with his mother moving in. Since she had been here, they had been doted on and it showed. Still they were happy which was amazing considering the year they'd had so he let it slide. He grabbed the battered wicker basket and headed out to the barn. Thankfully it had already been split by Virgil all he had to do was dump it in the basket then he could be straight back inside in the warmth again. His breath fogged in front of him as he made the short walk across the yard. He didn't know how he was supposed to feel today. Sure, he'd had several Christmas away overseas and even a couple in space away from the family so he was no stranger to wiling the holidays away alone or with his colleagues but this was the first Christmas he had spent at home without his wife. It was an alien concept and hard to wish everyone Merry Christmas when it blatantly wasn't going to be a happy affair for him or them. He wanted to be happy especially for the boys and his mom, this was going to be hard on them all. He didn't want to add to the underlying sadness that already loomed over their festivities. He made quick work of dumping the logs in the basket before lifting it up, grunting with the effort. He needed to work out more if he was going to rely on the back-up plan, he'd been developing for IR. So far John and Virgil were a definite yes, Alan a probably (If Jeff could just keep him focused) but the other two were still deliberating. That left Jeff with a problem especially with Scott's role as it was pretty essential. Scott was set to be the field commander without him they'd have no one to carry out those vital initial assessments or to coordinate operations on the ground. So far, the only solution Jeff could see was that he would have to do it. He was hoping it was only a temporary fix until Scott saw how successful it was and could maybe finally be enticed to join. He was still confident Gordon would join eventually but he really wasn't sure about Scott. Jeff could sense how conflicted he was by the choice; he really could go either way. Jeff pushed his shoulder into the door before dumping the basket on the floor and trying to ignore his protesting back. He was definitely having to get back into training again. His mother needed to stop feeding him as well he reflected, not happy with the basket scraping against his cushioned belly as he lifted it up.

Virgil swung by and lifted the basket clean off his dad. "Thanks son. I had it you know."

"I know but it's Christmas and I felt like demonstrating the gesture of goodwill."

"At least one of you learned some values" Jeff stared at Alan who was engrossed on his game already, completely oblivious.

Jeff grabbed a light and lit the kindling, the fire crackling into life just as John made his entrance. He systematically dropped a small gift into each sack placed around the living room. Seeing as there was five of them putting all the presents under the tree had turned out to be a bit of a free for all as kids. Between them and the dogs the tree had fallen over several times in their youth with smashed baubles and lights, to the point where their mom had devised having a sack each that was named and spread out around the room instead. It worked and was now ingrained in Tracy Christmas tradition. John took a seat next to his bag. Alan was already arranging his around him disappointed at how much the gifts seemed to dwindle as you got older. Virgil was content playing Christmas tunes on the piano (His bag was near the stool he was poised on). There were two blank spaces where Scott and Gordon would usually sit. They were both posted away this Christmas and hadn't been granted leave. Jeff missed them; it made the family even more incomplete this year. If he was lucky, they may get a chance to phone in.

His mother came in and took a seat in the armchair so Jeff squished in between Alan and John on the sofa. Alan was waiting for the signal from his father but just as his dad opened his mouth the phone rang. It was Scott. Alan threw himself backwards the frustration visible on his face. Virgil's face quirked into a smile at his reaction, he was always so impatient. Alan just needed to learn how to chill.

"Hey son!"

"Merry Christmas!" they all shouted as Scott grinned on the screen.

"Merry Christmas to you all too." He settled back in his chair at his desk.

"So busy day?" enquired Jeff.

"Yep I'm delivering a briefing in twenty minutes then we are out all day. When I eventually get back, I've got the rotas for the next six months to work out. How about you guys?" Scott was not looking forward to that headache but he was relishing the opportunity for a Christmas flight.

Virgil had come to sit on the arm of the sofa. "Well I've started with the festive numbers already and by the smell coming from the kitchen grandma's already been busy too."

"I have indeed, roast turkey with all the trimmings." She added.

Scott looked gutted. "It sounds delightful, I'm sure gonna miss not being able to join you around the table for that one." They would get a Christmas dinner today but it would be no where near as good as his grandmothers.

"Don't worry Scott when you and Gordon are next home, we will have another Christmas meal together just for you." His face immediately brightened. Virgil laughed he knew his way to his brothers' heart was his stomach.

"We'll go for a walk around the farm this afternoon to burn off this colossal dinner too." Jeff added.

"Did you get our gift?" asked John. "You can have the others when your home, don't worry I will protect them from Alan." Alan glared whilst Scott laughed.

"I did in fact I have it here." He pulled it from his desk draw and popped it on the table. "Shall I do the honors?"

"Yes! Can I open mine?" Alan asked.

"Alright go on!" Jeff gave in.

There was the rustle and ripping of paper to Jeff's left as well as on the screen. Scott found a small box which he popped open. He pulled out the custom military grade flight compass. It also had built in GPS capabilities and an emergency distress flare. Scott marveled at its compact size as he flipped it open. "Wow dad this is really neat, thanks!"

"Your welcome son."

Scott looked up to see Alan opening his present from him. It was a set of custom racing gloves with enhanced grip and touch screen compatibility. "Ohhhhhh these are sooooo cool! Thanks Scott!" Alan stuffed them on apricating the dexterity. They were far superior to his current pair. Scott smiled it appeared he had chosen well.

"Your welcome. Right I've got to fly but I'll try and catch up again soon. I think I'm off new year's but I need to double check."

"Bye!" they waved in chorus.

"Well it was nice to see him, it's a shame he couldn't come home though." This was the second Christmas in a row Scott had been away now. It was sad that Scott had missed the last Christmas with his mom. Jeff made a mental note to check in on him later to make sure he really was ok.

"Right shall I play Gordon's message?" John loaded it ready to play, Gordon wasn't always available due to the strict communications policy so he had pre-recorded a message.

A video image appeared of Gordon in Sunglasses with the most god-awful patterned shirt. It was a garish green and orange. There was a background of a sun kissed beach and palm trees with steel drums beating to a summery tune. He had an umbrella cocktail in hand.

Hey! Happy holidays your lucky lot! Some of us are still working – sorry I can't be there! As you can see, I'm enjoying a hotter Christmas here in the pacific. I'm practicing for Christmas next year on the island (He flipped the glasses down his nose before popping them on again). By now father Christmas should have delivered my presents for you. You must open them together, at the same time or it will spoil it ok? Think of me as your tucking into your Turkey and pulling the crackers – count yourself lucky I haven't been there this year to mess with the bangers (He chuckled to himself. He'd nearly singed Virgil's eyebrows off last year) …or have I? hahaha. I am sure you will have a very peaceful but let's face it, boring Christmas without me. Oh, and by the way – don't touch my stuff Alan and that includes Christmas gifts! Bye byeeee bye! He waved off like a maniac.

"I don't know what he's on about I'd never touch his stuff!"

"Yeah that's why you had to have a shower this morning when you triggered the trap he'd left in his room." John rolled his eyes.

"I did not!"

"I wondered why there was flour all over the landing!" Virgil laughed.

John turned his tablet back round with a picture of a shocked Alan face full of flour, it all down his chest and in his hair. He looked like the ghost of Christmas past. John and Virgil bent over double pissing themselves whilst Jeff shook his head in amusement.

"How did you get that?!" Alan cried outraged.

"Gordon must have set up a camera and rigged it to send an auto email of the offender to me. Alan you should know better! Even Grandma doesn't go in there while he's away!" John was still crying it was too good. This picture was an actual gift in itself.

Grandma nodded. "It's true I leave his laundry in the airing cupboard."

Alan sat with is arms crossed. He was the only one not amused. Jeff coughed. "Right shall we open the rest?"

They all nodded in agreement and started to work their way through their gifts except for Jeff and Ruth who waited so they could watch the boys. "Hey! This one's from Gordon he says, you have to open all of mine together at the same time, like in the video." Virgil set it on the floor like it would explode, hell it probably would. The other boys followed suit.

"Well?" Asked John.

"You first" said Alan.

"Once bitten twice as shy huh?" asked Virgil.

"Shut up! How about on the count of three?" Alan suggested.

"Boys maybe you should open these outside?" Jeff was worried now, lord knows what Gordon had been up too.

"3, 2, 1!" they all pulled the ribbon on the little gold packages.

Boom! Each little gold box emitted an explosion of coloured foam shooting up in the air in circular columns, despite taking precautions they all got covered, diving to avoid the worst of it. It ended in moments. Virgil was just wiping the foam from his face when poof! The confetti cannons went off with streamers and multi-colored bits of paper sticking to their hair, their faces. John spat some out and used his dressing gown to clean his face. He was laughing, the little shit! He thought. He dug into the bottom of the box tentatively worried what else might occur. Then he found an instant camera with a small note that read, take some pictures for me. xoxox

John snapped one of Virgil who still look dumbstruck. He showed it to his father who laughed. Virgil took one of Alan who looked confused before quickly grabbing the camera and taking a picture of all of them. What a god damn mess! Jeff opened the card from Gordon addressed to him whilst the boys were messing around on the floor with the camera.

Hi Dad,

Sorry about the mess, please don't be too mad. I know this Christmas would be hard without mom and grandpa and I wouldn't be there to lighten the mood. I just wanted to be able to bring a smile and to create a happy memory in spite of everything. I know today would be hard for you, don't feel you have to put on a show for us – leave that to me! We are all here for you if you need us.

Child number four – you know the gifted one

Jeff snorted at the last comment. He was touched by his son's gesture, it was making him emotional. His mother looked concerned so he passed her the card. He watched as she read, her expression one of fleeting sorrow to a warm smile. They both turned to look at the three boys as they tried to mush foam in each other's faces John and Alan had ganged up on Virgil and tried to pin him to the floor, they had got him on his knees he was straining to stand up before a pile of foam up the nose distracted him enough to get pummeled. "Aggghhh! Get off of me!"

"Boys watch the tree dammit!" Jeff leapt up to grab it just before it toppled over. Grandma went to check on tea. Some things never changed.