NEW YEAR'S EVE
DISCLAIMER: I don't own these characters.
Please send me reviews. I love hearing what you all think.
Author's Note: This is going to be long.
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JAG OFFICES
"Good morning Ma'am. Who is this?" Harriet asked with a smile.
"Morning Harriet, this is Ahmed. A good friend of mine." Mac said.
"Hi Ahmed, welcome to JAG." Harriet said extending her hand.
"Hello Miss. It is a pleasure to meet you." Ahmed said.
"Hey Mac, who's your friend?" Sturgis asked.
"This is Ahmed." Mac replied.
"How are you?" Sturgis said smiling.
"I am very well Sir and how are you?" Ahmed replied.
"Fine thanks." Sturgis said.
"Attention on deck." Tiner called out as the Admiral walked in.
"Good morning people. And who have we here?" The Admiral asked.
"This is Ahmed Mirza Sir. He is a guest here today." Mac replied.
"A guest? Interesting. Colonel may I see you in my office?" The Admiral asked.
"Right away Sir." Mac replied and followed the Admiral.
"Is she in trouble because I am here?" Ahmed asked Harriet.
"No of course not. Mac is like the Admiral's assistant, nothing to worry about. Would you like a donut?" Harriet said with a smile.
"That would be nice. Thank you." Ahmed answered.
"I can't seem to get enough of them." Harriet said leading Ahmed to the break room.
Ahmed just looked at Harriet and blushed, not knowing what to say.
THE ADMIRAL'S OFFICE
"At ease." The Admiral said. "Who is that young man?"
"Sir, he's the intruder from Quantico." Mac said. "He was granted residency and has been staying with me the last few days."
"Staying with you?" The Admiral questioned. "Is that wise? Is he the reason you took off from work yesterday?"
"Yes Sir. I didn't get a chance to fill you in. After some discussions it turns out that Ahmed's father was one of the men who got me out of Switzerland." Mac filled the Admiral in on everything that had transpired.
"So Webb is pushing things along to have him stay with the Andersons." The Admiral commented.
"Yes Sir. Since Harm and I are off we are going to take him there." Mac said.
"Mac isn't this all too convenient that you were the JAG on call and this is the son of your savior?" The Admiral asked.
"Sir, I really do believe it is all a coincidence. It was actually Bud's day but we switched. I was supposed to be on call January 2nd." Mac answered.
"I am going to trust your judgment on this Mac, I hope you are right." The Admiral replied.
"I am Sir." Mac assured him.
"Dismissed Colonel. See you at the meeting." The Admiral said and Mac took her leave.
MAC'S OFFICE
"Were you given a reprimand because of me?" Ahmed asked.
"No, not at all." Mac said with a smile. "I have a meeting to go to, I will be back soon."
CONFERENCE ROOM
"Good morning everyone." The Admiral said in a rather chipper tone. "Let's make this quick. Sturgis you are on call tomorrow, Bud I am advised that you are on for the 2nd and Alfred you are taking the third."
"Yes Sir, the three men replied in unison.
Just then the door opened. "Nice of you to join us Commander Rabb." The Admiral said.
"Sorry Sir. Beltway traffic." Harm said unconvincingly.
"Well now that we are all here, I just have one announcement to make." The Admiral began. "You are all dismissed until January 6th. I will cover anything that happens. Enjoy the New Year."
They all just looked at each other. Was he kidding?
"Thank you Sir." Mac said.
"Sir this is incredible." Bud said.
"I suggest you all leave before I change my mind." The Admiral said with a wink. They all got up and quickly filed out of the conference room.
MAC'S APARTMENT
"Ahmed, what do you normally do on New Year's Eve?" Mac asked.
"We don't celebrate like you do here." Ahmed replied. "Usually my mother would make dinner and we would pray for peace and hope my father would return."
"Well, maybe we can have a nice dinner tonight and then hang out here and watch the ball drop." Mac said.
"The ball drop?" Ahmed asked.
"Yes, every year there is a big party in Times Square in New York. At midnight a big ball is lowered to signify the end of one year and the start of the new one." Mac said. There was a knock at the door and Mac got up to answer it.
"Hey everybody." Sergei said walking into Mac's apartment with Elena.
"Hi Sergei, hey Elena. How are you?" Mac replied. "This is my friend Ahmed." They exchanged greetings. "What are you guys doing here?"
"Harm said to meet him here. With packed bags." Sergei replied.
"He didn't say anything to me." Mac said.
"Do I have to tell you everything?" Harm said as he walked in.
"Well if you are planning a slumber party at my place it would be nice if you told me." Mac said.
"I am not planning a slumber party here." Harm smiled.
"Then what's going on?" Sergei asked.
"We're going to New York?" Harm announced.
"We're what?" Mac asked. "Have you lost your mind?"
"No, I was able to get some rooms and thought it would be fun." Harm said smiling.
"This is amazing brother." Sergei said. "When do we leave?"
"As soon as Mac and Ahmed pack." Harm said. "Ahmed, I was thinking we could spend a few days in New York and then take you to the Anderson's."
"That's a great idea." Mac said. "But has everything been approved?"
"Got a call from Webb earlier. So get packing." Harm said.
"You heard him." Mac said to Ahmed.
NORTH BERGEN, NEW JERSEY
Five hours and a very scrunched ride later they arrived at the Days Hotel. Located right outside the Lincoln Tunnel in New Jersey. It was as close to New York as a person could get without being in the city. The 12-story high rise was not a typical Days Hotel. The large lobby was decorated with classic furniture. There was a large brass and glass chandelier, on the whole it looked like a posh hotel than an economical one. Harm walked up to the front desk.
"Reservations for Rabb." Harm said.
"Yes Sir, two rooms?" The clerk replied.
"That's us, and a rollaway in one of the rooms." Harm said.
"Already taken care of. We have you for 3 nights. Is that correct?" The clerk asked.
"Yes it is." Harm said taking out his credit card. "When I made the reservations I was told there were shuttles to New York tonight."
"Yes that's correct. The transportation desk is right around the corner to your left. The elevators are to the right and your rooms are on the 10th floor." The clerk stated handing Harm the keys.
"Thank you." Harm said. "Ok, here we go. The ladies in one room and us men in the other."
"Sounds good to me." Elena said. "This is all so incredible Harm. Sergei said he had a great big brother but this is beyond great."
"Thanks Elena. Before we go up to the room, let's go to the transportation desk. I figure we should go to the city tonight."
They all went over to the transportation desk and got the necessary information. They then went to their rooms.
ROOM 1017
"This is so amazing." Elena said to Mac as she unpacked. "Does Harm do this often?"
"He is always full of surprises." Mac said. "So what's going on with you and Sergei?"
"He's a great guy. He is so sweet and just so thoughtful." Elena said.
"Doesn't hurt that he's good looking and has a cute rear end." Mac said laughing.
"No that doesn't hurt at all, but Harm's no slouch either." Elena said playfully sticking out her tongue.
"Very true. Those Rabb men, you gotta hand it to Harm Sr. genetically he did something right." Mac said with a big smile.
"Mac, I have to ask." Elena said touching her lips. "How are Harm's kisses?"
"Wonderful. I can feel them in my knees." Mac said.
"How about, well you know?" Elena asked.
"Amazing." Mac said laughing. "What about you and Sergei?"
"I think I am falling in love." Elena said.
"Really? That is great." Mac said.
"I am not sure how he feels so I am not saying anything." Elena said.
"I know he cares about you, a lot. He's always with you." Mac said.
"I am wondering if he will invite me to your wedding. If he does it's a good sign." Elena said. "Oh Mac, I didn't mean to sound like I was trying to wrangle an invitation."
"You didn't, of course you are invited. With your own invitation." Mac said with a smile.
"Hey Mac, don't tell Sergei that. Please. I really want to see if he asks me." Elena said blushing a bit.
"You little devil." Mac said with a laugh. "You got it."
ROOM 1019
"I wonder what they are laughing about?" Sergei said trying very hard to hear what was going on next door.
"Two women? They are talking about us." Harm said with a laugh.
"Us? Why?" Sergei asked.
"Sergei, think about it, your girlfriend my fiancé together in one room. Trust me it's us they are talking about." Harm said.
"Ok." Sergei said with a shrug.
"Excuse me, what do I wear to this party?" Ahmed asked.
"Be comfortable and warm. We are going to be outdoors." Harm replied.
"Outside?" Ahmed asked.
"Yeah, it's a big outdoor party. Actually people just stand around and wait to see the ball drop." Harm said.
"Oh, Mac told me about that earlier." Ahmed said.
"I suggest we get the ladies." Sergei said and they went next door.
"You guys ready?" Harm asked.
"All set. Ahmed, are you going to be warm enough?" Mac asked.
"I'll be fine." Ahmed said.
"Mac, stop mothering." Harm joked. Mac just shot Harm a look. They went down to the lobby and out to the shuttle.
TIME SQUARE
Times Square located in the heart of the Theatre District of New York City was abuzz. Crowds were not unusual; this was after all the City That Never Sleeps. In light of events that had taken place in the last year, one thing could be said about New Yorkers; they kept going. With heads held high no one was going to stop their celebrations. Last year they celebrated and watched as a new mayor was sworn in, this year the celebrations would be even greater.
Ahmed looked around in amazement. He had never seen anything like this. He held Mac's hand tightly, or was it that Mac protectively held on to him. Sergei and Elena lagged a few paces behind. Harm walked on the other side of Mac with his arm linked in hers. They found a spot to stand among the throngs of people. One good thing is that they were squashed together and it helped to keep warm. They all talked and laughed, they made friends with the strangers standing around them. In the distance they could hear the music, they couldn't see the performers but it didn't matter.
"Where is Dick Clark?" Sergei asked. "Doesn't he do a show?"
"That show was taped last month, but he is probably on the stage." Elena said.
"It's not live?" Harm asked.
"Some of it is, but the dancing
is taped in advanced. Didn't you ever watch Friends?" Elena asked laughing.
"Oh please, the last thing Harm watched on TV was Leave It To Beaver." Mac
laughed.
"That's not true." Harm said with a playful pout. "I watched the Brady Bunch too."
"What time is it?" Ahmed asked.
"It's 11:53. Seven more minutes." Mac said with a smile.
"You didn't even check your watch." Ahmed said.
"Don't ask Ahmed, none of us can figure out how she does it." Harm said.
"Well tonight it's not a big deal," Mac said pointing towards the ball. "There's a clock right there."
They talked and laughed some more. Then they heard the countdown begin.
The crowd yelled and the group joined in…
"10…9…8…7…6…5…4…3…2…1 HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!"
Sergei turned to Elena and kissed her.
Mac was still holding Ahmed's hand but she turned to Harm and kissed him. "Happy New Year, I love you." Mac said.
"I love you too, Happy New Year. Forever?" Harm said.
"Always." Mac replied.
They both turned and faced Ahmed. He was watching the crowd. He has a smile on his face but in his eyes one could see sadness and despair.
"Happy New Year, Ahmed." Harm said putting an arm around him.
"Happy New Year, my new little brother." Mac said giving him a hug.
"Happy New Year to you all." Ahmed said feeling secure. Moving along with the crowd they left Times Square and walked toward Fifth Avenue.
If Times Square was the place to be on New Years Eve, Fifth Avenue was the place to window shop. They walked up to 50th Street and then across to Fifth Avenue. There they stood at Rockefeller Center looking at the world's most famous Christmas tree. It was covered with lights and looked spectacular. From there they walked south looking at the windows of Cartier's, and Tiffany's. After admiring the beautiful pieces in the windows they walked down to Lord and Taylor's. The windows of this store were truly amazing. Every year they did special displays for the holidays. This year was Christmas at the turn of the century, after that the walked to 34th Street.
"This is where the miracle happened." Mac said with a smile.
"Miracle?" Ahmed asked.
"Yes, there is a movie called Miracle on 34th Street. It's about a man who thinks he is Santa Claus and actually has a lawyer convince the court that he is. It's just a sweet movie." Mac replied.
"I never saw it." Ahmed told her.
"Well, you should. One day you will." Mac said with a smile.
It was getting close to 1am and they need to get back to the pick up stop to return to the hotel. They made it with seconds to spare, shuttled back to New Jersey and went to bed. It was a wonderful evening. They would spend the next few days sightseeing and exploring New York. When Friday came, Sergei and Elena took the train back to Washington, while Mac, Harm and Ahmed continued onto Vermont after having breakfast with the Gainey's; the family they met in Puerto Rico.
MEANWHILE IN AREAS AROUND WASHINGTON, DC
THE ROBERTS HOME
Harriet and Bud sat on the couch snuggled up in front of a fire. Little AJ had long since been asleep. The small bulge on Harriet's belly had been growing rapidly, with less than four months to go, they were both excited. They sat and listening to music and talked about the new addition coming in April. At the stroke of midnight, Bud leaned down and kissed Harriet's belly, he then kissed his wife. They continued to sit long after the New Year began.
LATHAM HOME
Bobbie and Sturgis had decided to spend a quiet evening together. They weren't up to a big noisy party. They wanted to be alone when the New Year started. It was their first together and they wanted it to be memorable. They danced and talked the night away. When the New Year began they were too busy making love to realize it was 2003. They brought in the New Year as one and if all went well, they would be one forever.
CAVANAUGH HOME
Meredith and AJ walked into her home at 1am. They had spent the evening celebrating at a Georgetown restaurant. With the other patrons the toasted each other and rang in the New Year. Now, together they sat reading sonnets and sharing some more champagne. It was a quiet romantic way to spend the first hours of the New Year. They had the exciting evening she wanted and the quiet romantic one he wanted.
TINER'S APARTMENT
Jason, Lisa, Victor and Irena spent the night hanging out together. The men made dinner while the women relaxed and were amazed. At midnight they went out to the street and watched as firecrackers popped and sparklers lit the sidewalks. No one would have ever thought this group would be together for New Year's but it was an unlikely friendship between two servicemen that had turned into a brotherhood.
WEBB'S HOME
Clayton Webb was totally out of his element. He was excited for New Year's Eve. He had even requested the day off. Something he had never done before. Anna came over and cooked dinner. He watched her as she moved around his kitchen. She was so comfortable and at home there. Webb actually had thoughts of making this permanent.
ACROSS TOWN
She spent New Year's Eve alone. Next year would be different. She promised herself that much.
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Just in case anyone wants to see Rockefeller Center or Times Square here are some links.
http://www.nyctourist.com/xmas_rockcenter1.htm
http://www.timessquarebid.org/new_year/index.htm