A/N: THIS CHAPTER IS DEDICATED TO THE BOYS, OF COURSE, WOODY HAS TO HAVE A BACHELOR PARTY. RIGHT? SAME OLD, SAME OLD, I DON'T OWN ANYTHING FROM CROSSING JORDAN OR THE MUSICAL ANNIE. COMMENTS AND THOUGHTS ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED, SO PLEASE REVIEW.
CHAPTER 6: THE BACHELOR
Jordan came home later that evening to find Woody still there, sitting on the couch, fidgeting with the tv remote. "Hey, I thought you would be on your way by now.", she stated, kissing his cheek. "Yeah, I'll leave in a few minutes.", he called back to her. Jordan didn't answer, she was on a mission, looking franticly around the apartment. "I thought you were going by your Dad's, to help with the baking?…..Ah, Jordan what are you looking for?", Woody inquired. "I was there. Your aunt needs the cake topper and I don't remember where I put it.", she replied, agitated.
Jordan continued her search, turning the apartment upside down, looking through every inch of space. As she neared their bedroom, Woody remembered the new braces he had hid in his closet, wanting to keep them a secret until Saturday. Then out of the corner of his eye, he saw the bridal shop bag under the table next to the door. "Jordan, I think I found what you're looking for.", he sighed, relieved. "Where? Where is it?", she asked, breathlessly running out of the bedroom. He nodded to the table and smiled. "Jordan Cavanaugh, if I didn't know better, I would detect a hint of nervousness.", Woody chuckled. "Nervous. What do I have to be nervous about?", she asked, hands on hips, remarkably hiding her true emotions. Woody laughed, she smiled back. "C'mon, I'll walk you out.", she said, handing him his crutches.
The bachelor party was being held at a favorite pub, frequented by the guysfrom the station. Cal had kept everything else a secret. Woody had been dreading this party for weeks, thinking about what Cal had planned, knowing how his brother didn't always use his better judgment. Luckily spending the day with Dolly kept Woody's mind from wandering, until the drive there. He was told to be at O'Brien's pub at 8pm sharp, he arrived at 8:10, but couldn't bring himself to get out of the car.
There was a knock on the window, it was Cal. "Where have you been? We were starting to worry.", Cal stated as he opened the car door. "Jordan came home and I……", Woody started. "Well c'mon, let's get you to your party.", Cal interrupted. "Calvin, just what do you have planned?", Woody asked, standing eye to eye with his brother. "Come in and see.", Cal laughed walking ahead of his brother. Woody didn't move. Cal saw the look on his face and rolled his eyes, "Woody I wouldn't do anything stupid with half the city of Boston's police force in that room. Would I?", Cal laughed. I wouldn't put it passed you, Woody thought with a smile. He took a deep breath and started for the door Cal was holding open, thankful for the first time in months, for how slow he walked.
As he entered the private party space, the room erupted in cheers. Woody felt his face turn bright red. He always hated being the center of attention, especially in a environment he had no control over, Calvin was pulling the strings on this one, and Woody couldn't help but worry. Cal brought a slide show containing embarrassing photos of Woody growing up, he had expected that. There were a few poker games going on, some of the guys played pool, and others were playing darts. They had a dart contest on who could make the best shots from their seat, Woody won, hands down. Woody was really enjoying himself, Not such a bad time, he thought.
The night was winding down, when Cal jumped onto the small stage to announce the grand finale. Yells and whistles came from the crowd as Woody turned red for about the fourth time that night. Please Calvin, no strippers, Woody prayed. "Sorry guys, Tami and her amazing cake had another engagement tonight. And since the boy scout here, is the guest of honor, we've decided to do something he likes.", Cal announced, sparing his brother anymore embarrassment. Within five minutes of announcing the karaoke contest, more than half the room had disappeared.
Cal had Woody pick names, two at a time, out of a hat. Those two would have to sing a duet, to a song that Woody picked out. First up was Sidney and Garret, luckily they both drank enough to give them the courage to do this. Next was Seely and Bug, not a pretty picture. Then Uncle Charlie and Max. "I'm gonna kill you Calvin.", Uncle Charlie yelled. "Take a number." Max added, with a smile. Woody could not control his laughter, it seemed like years since he had this much fun, even though it was at the embarrassment of his family and friends.
Finally, it was Cal and Nigel's turn, Woody randomly pressed the buttons on the machine, and out came the song Tomorrow from Annie. The pair gave it their all, singing at the top of their lungs until they bumped into each other and fell right off the stage. "Cal? Nige? You guys alright?", Garret asked with a laugh. Woody started to clap between bouts of laughter. "You see Calvin. It's all fun and games until somebody gets hurt.", Woody scolded, amusingly. Cal picked himself up and gave his hand to Nigel. "You ready to go Woods?", Cal asked, limping and rubbing his elbow. "Here, I think you need this more than I do.", Woody offered a crutch to his brother. Cal gave him an annoyed smirk. "Hey Nige, my chair's in the car if you need it.", Woody called across the room. "Very funny Woodrow, making fun of our pain. And after it was done for your personal entertainment.", Nigel responded, equally amused.
After the goodbyes, Cal walked with Woody to the car. "So did you have a good time?", Cal asked anxiously. "Yeah it was great Calvin, thank you. I guess I underestimated you little brother.", Woody admitted. "See, I'm not totally incompetent. And wait 'til you see the limo I got for you.", Cal added. Woody thought about the last statement, and decided to push it to the back of his mind as he got into his car and headed home. He had too much fun tonight, he wouldn't worry about a thing...at least until tomorrow.