Chapter 5

John and Maxwell dropped their toothbrushes into the holder sitting by the sink, then gargled on mouthwash. They moved the Crest mouthwash around in their mouths then spit into the sink.

"Ahh," John sighed.

"Ahh," Maxwell echoed.

"Okay, young man. Time for bed. Ready?"

"No..."

"Come on, now. You know it's your bedtime, buddy."

"Oh, okay."

John picked his son up and layed him atop his shoulders in a piggyback ride holding his son's ankles.

"Time to spread your wings, my co-pilot."

Maxwell held his arms out wide as John used his right hand to cover his mouth.

*STATIC* "This is your captain speaking. Please take your seats and fasten your seatbelts. Shaw Airlines is prepared for takeoff. Thank you. *STATIC*

Maxwell laughed as he went 'flying' down the hallway to his bedroom, his father making airplane noises for effect. John stepped into Maxwell's bedroom and stopped by his son's bed.

*STATIC* "This is your captain speaking. Please remain seated until the flight has come to a complete stop. Thank you for flying Shaw Airlines. *STATIC*

John lowered Maxwell to his mattress. Maxwell began jumping up and down, then plopped backfirst onto his bed.

"Hey," John said sitting on the mattress and began tickling his son on the stomach. "What did I say about jumping on the bed? What did I say?"

Maxwell's hearty laughter filled the room. "Daddy, stop!"

"You little monkey," John said stopping the tickle-fest.

"I'm not a monkey. You are."

"I wasn't the one jumping on his bed. You were. So that makes you a little monkey."

"If I'm a little monkey, that makes you a big ape."

John gasped. "What did you say? Me? A big ape? That does it!"

More tickling progressed as father and son laughed together. It was these little moments that John loved the most. Just being with his son.

"Okay, you," John said after a few more moments. "Hop up and get under the blankets, please."

Maxwell did as was requested getting under his dinosaur-covered comforter set. John tucked his little boy in then sat next to him on the mattress.

"You know I love you, Maxwell. Right?"

"Of course, Daddy. You know I love you, right?"

"Yes, son. I do."

"Why do you have to go away?"

"Oh, it's just part of the job. Daddy has to go and make things right."

Over supper, John told Renee and their son that he had to leave them for a while. It was work-related was all he said.

"I don't want you to leave."

"You don't?"

"No. I want you to stay here with me. I love having you around."

John smiled and reached forward to rub Maxwell's left cheek. "You know how happy that makes me to hear you say that?"

Maxwell smiled up at his father. "Could you tell me the story on how you and mommy met?"

"Hmm. That seems to be your favorite story doesn't it?"

Maxwell nodded.

"Very well. Scoot over, tiger."

Maxwell moved himself to the left as John sat beside him on the left. Maxwell was nestled up against John's side.

"Now," John said draping his left arm over his son. "Remember I was only 26 when I met Renee, your mom, and I was doing classes for the police academy."

"Right, daddy."