Chapter 2 Time force Christmas
So what you think of the clients'? Do you believe that we made the right proposal?
Collins.
Earth to Collins.
Wes holds his head up. Staring at his partner and friend Eric. Who was. staring right at him.
I sorry you said something?
Eric blows out a frustrated breath. Remembering about the past month and how wes been sidetracked. Making Eric wanted to ask what is going on with him lately. Before it started affecting their partnership.
I said that what you think of the clients?
There alright Eric. Wes said pulling up to the parking lot of bio labs.
Both men got out of the car walking inside the building. Once they were inside Wes can see that the employees had been heard at work. Putting up Christmas decorations. Tinsel dangling in the fort of the fort desk. And walls along with Christmas wreaths. A huge Christmas tree in the center of the lobby. With fake Christmas gifts beneath the tree. Tinsel wrap around the tree with shiny Brite ornaments.
Wes turns to Eric. Who was looking at the Christmas decorations as well?
I guess someone been busy while we were gone this morning?
Look like it, Collins. Eric said as they look at the Christmas decorations. For another few seconds before heading to ' office.
What going on over there Wes asked? walking into the cafeteria. with his lunch in his hands. Seeing a crowd of Sliver Guardians some is sitting. Some are sitting at a nearby table.
Wes approaches the table seeing a Santa hat full folder pieces of paper inside. One of the Sliver Guardians looks up at wes. a few others follow as well.
Commander Collins. Would you like to draw a name out for secret Santa?
Secret Santa?
Yes commander we have every Sliver Guardian's name. Is in this Santa hat the all of us drew out a name. Whoever name we get we buy them a gift. We exchange gifts at the Christmas party.
That a very good idea, Wes said. About to draw a name out. When he heard an Eric voice.
What a good idea Collins Eric said. Gazing at Wes who was looking at him. Eric turns to the crowd of Sliver Guardians. With an uncomfortable look on their faces. He then stares at the table seeing Santa's hat putting all together.
Secret Santa all of the names of the Sliver Guardians is in this hat. I was about to draw out a name. Wes said reaching his hand out grabbing a name out of the hat.
Wes place the name in his pocket. But not before he noticed the look on Eric's face.
Aren't you going to draw a name out Eric?
Eric looks at Wes. Then at another sliver guardians. Follow by the Santa hat for a moment. Before he reaches his hand inside the hat drawing a name out from the hat. Stepping away from the group.
I didn't think that he would do it one Sliver Guardians said in a muffled voice.
He didn't do it last year said another.
Wes looks at the group of sliver guardians .before walking away from the table. Heading over to an empty table. Placing his lunch down. he took a seat seeing that Eric is nowhere to be found. Wondering where he goes after drawing a name out of the hat. Wes then pulls the paper out of his pocket.
A few floors up from the cafeteria. Eric was in his and Wes office trying to get some work done. He was about to reach for another pen. When he eyes the piece of paper. That he pulls out from the Santa hat.
He wasn't intending to do secret Santa at all. But with Wes standing right next to him .and another sliver guardian staring right at him. He didn't have any other choice but to play along this year.
Whoever name I draw out. I just regift the gift that I was given to last year's secret Santa. Problem solve Eric said to himself.
While opening the folded paper to see the name of the person.
a week before Christmas
Dad and I were wondering you had any plans for Christmas eve?
Wes and Eric standing near the back of the Silver Guardians SUV. On a mall parking lot. It the week before Christmas. Both rangers along with the rest of the Silver Guardians. Had been busy a few weeks
Mall security jobs to security jobs at private parties. Today they have just gotten done doing security at a store.
I already made plans Collins Eric said. Walking over to the passager side of the SUV. Not making any eye contact with Wes. Wishing this conversation would over with.
What about Christmas day? You more than welcome to join us for Christmas dinner.
Eric was about to say something when they heard a scream. Eric and Wes come rushing from the direction to where the scream. Seeing a woman who was middle age. Brown hair with a man pulling on the purse straps from the woman's shoulder.
''Hay'' Eric said. Witnessing the man shoves the woman down on the ground. Grabbing her purse before fleeing.
Eric chasing after the man. While Wes with to check on the woman. Eric ran as fast as he could trying to keep up with the man. Who was pushing shoppers aside?
''This is commander Myers need back near Santa village. I chasing a purse thief. Repeat I need back up said, Eric. As he and the purse thief getting closer and closer to Santa village''.
Having Eric worry for a lot of reasons. He was about to call for back up again. When he heard a formal voice coming from his headset.
I right behind you Eric said, Wes. After making sure that the woman was alright. And two sliver hill police offers to show up.
While getting the woman's statement. Wes immediately took off. When he heard Eric calling for back up.
We can't let him get inside Santa village. The last thing we all need is a hostage situation Eric said. Thought the headset.
''This is commander Collins close all exits to Santa village no one gets in no one get out. Repeat close all exits.'' Wes said heading to the other Sliver Guardians thought his headset too close.
Wes, I try to cut him off by going this way Eric said. Thur his headset. going the another diction
While Wes keeps on the purse theft. They were about four feet from the close off exits to Santa village. When Eric tackles the man to the ground. Two policemen and Wes help Eric hold down the man. So that the policemen handcuff him.
Wes looks up seeing Eric heading the woman her purse back.
Here your purse ma Eric said. Handing the purse to the woman.
''Thank you so much. I was putting my bags in the car when the man came right behind me. again thank you and Merry Christmas.'' The woman said as she walks away over to a group of policemen.
We did an excellent job today Wes said. who is now next to Eric.
We sure did Collins.
About Christmas dinner, your welcome to join us Wes said. Walking away going over to the other Silver Guardians.
Eric follows a few minutes later.
a week later
''Alright, it's time for secret Santa.'' one of the Sliver Guardians announce. Getting the attention of the other people in the room.
Today is the day before Christmas eve and the day of the office Christmas party.
The whole floor where the Sliver Guardians work is cover with Christmas decorations. A refreshment table next to the door with cookies, chips, sodas carrots sticks, sandwiches, and eggnog. Where Wes and Eric are standing by. Wes wearing a Christmas red sweater. With Santa in the fort with dress pants Eric wearing a dress shirt and khaki pants. Looking on as another sliver guardians exchange gifts.
Who name did you pull out of the Santa hat Collins?
I gad you ask I be right back Wes said. Walking away from Eric seeing Wes heading to the there office.
Eric looks on as he saw some of his follow Silver Guardians continue exchanging gifts. Eric then turns to see walking in over to the refreshment table.
Enjoying the party Eric?
It alright sir.
Our offer still stands.
I don't want to invent.
You, not Eric. Wes and I don't want you to think you are going to invent.
Eric was about to say something. When Wes come walking to them. With a red gift bag in his hands.
Hey dad I didn't think you were able to come.
I ended my meeting early.
It Christmas time work can wait until after Christmas. Mr. Collins said. Working away from the refreshment table. When he saw an employee that he needed to talk to. Leaving both Eric and Wes standing.
So who your secret Santa Collins? One of the Sliver Guardians asked? who walking over to them.
I don't know this was on my desk Wes said. Holding up a green Christmas card with a Christmas gift on the fort side of it.
A Christmas card asked? Overhearing his son talking.
Yeah, it said that my gift is on the way. Merry Christmas your secret Santa. That all it says, Wes.
Yes that all is to say, dad. What do you think Eric? Wes asked. Turning to his right to where Eric. But he wasn't there.
Wes and Mr. Collins look around the room but couldn't find Eric.
Where Eric go? Wes asked himself.
Maybe he in the office Wes.
If you looking for commander Myers he left commander Collins he is already gone
Gone both Wes and said.
I saw him leave 15 minutes ago I feel sorry for the one person. Who was his secret Santa? Or the person who is their secret Santa.
Maybe he steps out for a second to get some fresh air Wes said. To himself hoping he was doing just that.
Later that evening at the Collins mansion. Wes was sitting in his bedroom. Looking at photos of his about the day that he met them. The first group of friends became friends. Didn't what anything from him, not money. Or to get close to his father. They became friends with him because of who he is on the inside.
Christmas is always lonely for him. He thought that this year would be a difference. He knows that his friends are back in the year 3000. He was hoping that he could spend Christmas with Eric. Since they have been partners they have been getting along very well. Just about two weeks ago Eric saves him. When a man was about to stab him in the leg. over a stolen computer game.
Wes was about to call Eric. To see if he alright after he didn't come back to the party. And if he wants to come over for Christmas eve. When he heard the doorbell ring.
Wes ignores it thinking that Phillip and his father would answer it. He just grabs the phone. When he saw Phillip standing in the doorway.
Wes there some people downstairs wanting to see you.
Wes places the phone on his bed walking out of his bedroom heading to the stairs. He stops at the top of the stairs. When he saw four people standing near the doorway talking to his father. The four people stop talking looking up to him. With a huge smile on their faces. Wes forms a smile on his face. When he saw the four people that he is looking at. Is none other than his rangers and his friends?
Wes still standing from the top of the stairs. Can't believe what he was seeing right his friends are here. Here in the year 2001 with him. But why are they back after leaving three months ago?
Aren't you going to came down here and give us a huge hug Katie said?
Wes quickly walks downstairs to meet his friends. When he finally reaches them the first person he hugs was Kaite. Who gave him a very big huge hug. The next one was Trip. Then Lucas asked him had he been working out since they been gone. The last one Wes hug was Jen. Who been standing next to . The whole time. Both of them hug for a very long time.
I can't believe you all is here right now.
''Is something wrong?''
''A mutants or Ransik escapes ?''
No Wes everything is alright. We here because it Christmas and we want to spend it with you here in the year 2001. Jen said looking at Wes who was looking at her with another smile on his face.
Your welcome to stay here said. Seeing the look on his son and his friends' faces.
You sure we don't want to be an unwanted house guess. Jen said looking at his friends
You are not an unwanted guess. Wes has been living here since you all return to your time. Just until he can back move into the clock tower.
Is still being repair?
Yes, I can move back in a few months. Wes said grabbing his friends' bags leading them upstairs to their guestrooms.
Leaving both and Phillip standing near the fort doorway happy.
Christmas eve
The Christmas decorations looking very nice. Jen said sitting in the living room in the Collins mansion. Along with Katie, trip, Lucas, and Wes.
Enjoying a cup of hot cocoa. Catching up on what has been going on. Since they with back to the year 3000.
You along with Eric are commanders of the Sliver Guardians? How is that working out? Katie asked taking a sip of hot cocoa.
It going well Eric and I am working together as a team. We had a few arguments. But It got better the past month. We may not be the best of friends. But we are partners as of right now. I find with that right now.
Partners huh. Trip asked looking at Wes about to say something. When Mr. Collins comes walking inside the room.
Wes, had your secret Santa gift even show up yesterday?
I have forgotten all about it never show... Wes stop in mid-sentence. He turns got up and quickly walks out of the room.
Jen follows wanting to know where Wes is going.
Wes, what is going on? Where are you going Jen asked? Looking at Wes who has his coat on and a red gift bag in his hands.
I just remember that I haven't delivered my secret Santa gift yet. I will be right back. Wes said walking out the door.
Eric was setting on in the living room of his trailer. Wearing sweats pants and an army sweatshirt. Trying to enjoy a cup of hot cocoa that he mead earlier today. But all he is tasting is nothing but water.
This is how he has been spending his Christmas since he turns 18. All alone with no one but himself. Eric was about to go to his little kitchen area to make some coffee. When he heard a knock coming from his door. Thinking that it was his next-door next-door-neighbor. When he opened the door. It wasn't his neighbor. It was the last person he wasn't intending on seeing today at all.
Collins, what are you doing here? Is something wrong? Eric asked about to grab his work bag that is next to the door.
Eric, I come inside. Wes asked to hope that Eric would let him inside. Instead of having this talk outside in the cold. A few minutes later he saw Eric step aside.
Sure you can come inside for a moment. Eric watching Wes walk inside his trailer. A part of him is a little uncomfortable to let Wes see where he lived. Because of both of their backgrounds.
Wes looks around the trailer for a moment. Seeing the living room that has a couch, a tv, and a few pictures. Then the kitchen area has a few dirty dishes and a teapot on the stove. He turns around where he was standing. When he heard a soft sound seeing a birdcage with few birds inside it.
So what you want to talk about. That you have to come all away clear across my house and how you know where I live Collins?
Jen, Trip, Lucas, and Katie is here.
Your friends from the year 3000?
Yes, they here to spend Christmas with me. I guess you already know that wes said. As he looking at Eric. Who was looking at him.
I don't know what you talking about Collins.
You can cut the act, Eric. I know it was you who invited them back here. I also know that you are my secret Santa. Wes said waiting for an answer.
I don't know what you talking about Collins.
Come on Eric you didn't show up with a gift at the party yesterday. You seek out of the party and never return to the bio lab at all. When I with to get my gift from the office. I notice that one of the open a little bit. The cabinets that had the tech that we can contact the others.
Wes looks at Eric again with a smile on his face. He was about to say something. But Eric beat him to it.
Yes, it was me Collins I was your secret Santa. Now if you excuse. I want to get back to my Christmas. You know where the door is. I see you at work after Christmas.
Eric, why didn't you tell me yesterday?
Collins secret Santa.
I not buying it. There more than secret Santa going on here
You wanted the truth fine. I notice lately that you have been missing your friends. Sure I was the one to happen to pull your name from the Santa hat. And couldn't think of a gift to buy for you. I thought of having your friends here for Christmas. I know it would make you feel will happy.
I don't have all of my friends. I looking at one right now. Who is all alone on Christmas eve. Saying for days that he would spent Christmas all by himself. Then spend it with his friends. Wes said seeing that Eric have a faraway look on his face. That same look that he has seen a few months ago. When the city was burning. Eric opens up to him for the very first time.
Christmas is always lonely for me I spent it all alone. While both of my parents work. we had a tree with a few gifts. But when I return to school. I had to hear how my classmate's Christmas was. How they didn't get everything they wanted.
One Christmas when I was 13. Things were bad at home my dad had lost his job and money was thin. To the point that we had to have Christmas down at a soup kitchen. One of my classmates along with his parents. was there to help out saw me. I never forget the look on his face. I know that he tells everybody... and I was right he did.
He told everybody that I was poor. He and along with his friends. You may have had good Christmas. When you were growing up. But I didn't. Eric said who turn away from Wes.
Trying to fight the tears that are about to fall from his eyes. After what he tells him about his past Christmas as a child. No one ever knows about it, not ever . Wes is the very first person he told. Will he feel sorry for him or will he do what his classmate did? Tell the other Silver Guardians. But Eric didn't think he would herd Wes would say next.
I may have gotten everything I wanted for Christmas. But I spent most of my Christmas alone. Because my dad would be on a business trip. The whole holiday season. This is the first Christmas in years he is home for.
Let me ask you this. You ever thought about who pull your name from secret Santa?
Eric had thought about it for a few days who was his secret Santa. But decided whoever it is didn't get him anything. Like the person who pulls his name last year.
Eric turns back around and saw Wes placing a red Christmas bag. The same bag he saw yesterday at the party. On the coffee table.
I'm' your secret Santa Eric.
Eric walks over to where Wes at grabbing the Christmas bag. Open it to see two pairs of red karate gloves.
I have been noticing that your other ones are wearing out so I got you some new ones.
Thanks, Eric said picking up the gloves trying them on.
I want you to join us for Christmas Eric. No one should be alone for the holidays. You can spend the rest of the holidays at the Manson. You can bring your birds. Wes said hoping that he said yes.
Alright, Collins I spent the holidays with you, your friends, and . Eric said walking over to the back of the trailer leading to his bedroom.
I know I can convince him. Wes said looking at birds.
Christmas day
Eric would like some ham? Wes asked looking at Eric his father and his friends. Who are all sitting at the dining table. Getting ready to have Christmas dinner.
Christmas day had been going great so far. They woke up around six in the morning to open gifts. It turns out that Eric didn't just mead sure that Jen, trip Lucas and Katie mead back to the year 2001. He took them Christmas shopping as well.
After they open their gifts they all have breakfast and watch the Christmas story. Thought out the day Wes can see that Eric was having a great time. He even talks to his friends a few times. Since he came here yesterday.
Yes, I like some ham. Eric said raised his plate
When everyone got what they wanted. They all started eating. talking laughing remembering their time here in the year 2001. They all smiling including Eric. Who for the first time in years wasn't alone on Christmas.