Dear Santa...it's Little AJ - Part 2/11
See part 1 for all disclaimers
5:43 PM
AJ and Harm sat playing cars on the floor as Bud and Harriet cleaned up in the kitchen. "Uncle Harm, where did Aunt Mac go again?" AJ asked
"Iraq," Harm told the boy hoping he would understand.
"Where's that?"
"In the Middle East."
"Where?"
Harm chuckled to himself, knowing AJ didn't understand. "Do you have a map?"
"I've got a world in my room." AJ smiled as he stood up. Once he was standing he took Harm's hand and pulled him up the stairs. They walked into his room which was covered with toys from his loving family and extended family. "Here."
Harm walked over to the ball on the ground which was decorated like a globe. He kneeled on the floor and found Iraq. "Right here."
"Where are we?" AJ asked as he looked at the small red splotch on the ball.
Harm turned the ball and pointed towards the east coast of America. "We're right here."
AJ took the ball from him and placed one hand on America and the other one on Iraq. "How will she get there?"
"By plane."
AJ smiled quickly at Harm as he thought of an idea. "If Aunt Mac can get there by plane, we can get there by plane. Then we can bring her home."
"We can't, AJ. I wish we could," Harm sadly said.
AJ dropped the ball and hugged Harm. "I want Aunt Mac to come home."
"Me too, AJ. Me too." Harm held the boy to him, wishing Mac wasn't going to Iraq.
8:45 PM
"You ready for bed, Sweetie?" Harriet asked as she stood in AJ's room.
AJ shook his head and crawled into bed. "Yes, Mommy."
Harriet pulled the covers over him and kissed his forehead. "So do you want Dr. Seuss tonight or an adventure story?"
AJ thought for a few seconds. "Can we write my Christmas list?"
"I thought we were going to do that tomorrow?" Harriet asked knowing the Toy-R-Us catalog was sitting on the kitchen table.
AJ pleading looked at his mother. "I only want Santa to bring me one thing."
"What's that?"
"Aunt Mac," AJ stated as if that was the only possible answer to give.
"AJ…" Harriet started.
"That's all I want, Mommy. I promise Santa if he brings me Aunt Mac I'll be good forever."
"I don't think Santa has that much pull, honey," Harriet softly said.
"I want Aunt Mac to be home, Mommy. I don't want anything else." AJ nearly screamed. Then before Harriet could say anything else he threw himself face down into his pillow and ignored his mother.
Harriet stared at AJ as Bud walked into the room. "What's wrong?" Bud asked as he held Jimmy to his chest.
Harriet looked confused at her husband. "AJ's just upset."
"I want Aunt Mac," AJ said into his pillow.
Bud exchanged a concerned look with Harriet. Harriet patted AJ on the back then kissed his head. "I think it's best if Daddy and I just leave you be. Good night, AJ."
"Night, Mommy. Night, Daddy. I love you." AJ called from his pillow.
Bud, Jimmy, and Harriet left the room wondering about their oldest son.
End Part 2