All right everyone, here is Chapter 6. Not sure if this is the last chapter or if there will be an epilogue. Let me know what you guys want. But if it is the last chapter, I want to thank everyone for reading my story, especially those who left comments. I really, really, really appreciate it since it motivated me to write and finish the story. This is only my second story . The first one I started four years ago and it still isn't finished, LOL. Anyway thanks again!
Chapter 6
"I want to go back! Please, I promise to be a better person!" Caleb cried. He paused, not hearing the sound of sirens anymore. Rays of light were streaming in and Caleb reached up to rub his eyes. He cautiously opened his eyes again only to see streaks of sunlight peeking into the darkened room. He sprang up clutching his body and examining the room, not believing the sight before him.
"I'm alive!" Caleb exclaimed as he jumped out of bed rushing towards the windows to open the curtains. He gasped as he was greeted by a bright and sunny day, such a stark contrast to where he had just been. Only in southern California would it be perfect beach weather in December. Caleb couldn't help but break out into a grin. He loved California. It provided him with opportunities he never thought possible. It was here where he met the love of his life and produced two wonderful daughters. One daughter was still here and Caleb was anxious to make amends with her and her family. Bouncing down the stairs and humming some carols, Caleb made his way to the backyard only to draw in a deep breath at the sight he was presented with. The glistening blue-green ocean that seemed to stretch forever was an appropriate backdrop for the winding roads and multi-million dollar mansions that stood out in front. Caleb couldn't help but revel in the fact that he owned most of it as well. Yes, his life was good and it was about time he started to appreciate it and give back a little.
A noise behind him took him out of reverie as he noticed one of the gardeners trying to remain inconspicuous. The man was elderly, about sixty some years old, and the wrinkles and hard lines on his face indicated a long life of manual labor.
"Hi," Caleb said, causing the man to jump in fright. Obviously the man was intimidated by his presence. Caleb attempted to soften his tone. "It's the holidays. What are you doing here?"
The gardener looked confused. "You said no vacations," he responded quietly.
"Nonsense," Caleb scoffed. "It's Chrismukkah." He laughed at the gardener's bewildered expression. "Umm… I mean it's the holidays. Go spend it with your family."
"But-"
" No buts," Caleb interrupted. "If I don't see you gone in the next 5 minutes, I'll reconsider the raise I'm planning on giving you."
The gardener's mouth dropped open. After a second he recovered himself, thanked Caleb profusely and left but not before throwing suspicious glances behind his back to ensure himself that it was really Caleb Nichol who just gave him the day off.
Caleb chuckled to himself. The gardener probably thought he had gone completely batty. Going into the kitchen, Caleb glanced at the clock and was surprised to see that only a day had passed. His adventures only lasted one night; it had seemed so much longer. It was 2 days before Christmas and the second day of the holiday his grandson dubbed Chrismukkah. Caleb hurriedly got dressed as he realized he had a lot to do today.
After contacting the councilman's office, Caleb found Mr. Whitten and Mr. Livingston at a restaurant near the pier. Memories of the runaway kids shivering beneath the pier lingered in Caleb's mind as he made his way towards the two gentlemen.
"Mr. Nichol?" Mr. Whitten asked surprised, not believing his eyes. "What are you doing here?"
"Looking for you two. I wanted to apologize for my behavior yesterday; I was clearly in a bad mood," Caleb began, inwardly chuckling at the men's shocked faces. "However after thinking about it, I think this youth center is a great idea and the Newport Group will be glad to help. How soon will you need our assistance?"
The two men glanced at each other with wide eyes. Was this smiling almost jubilant man the same person that practically kicked them out of his office yesterday?
"As soon as you want," Mr. Whitten said finally, getting over his shock.
"After the holidays then," Caleb said smiling. "I would like to spend some time with my family. Oh and I'm sure they would probably like to help out with this center. My son-in-law Sandy is a public defender so he has a lot of experience dealing with troubled youth. And you already said my grandson Ryan was interested in helping out with the construction."
Caleb smiled as he walked away leaving the two men sputtering in confusion and one was repeatedly pinching his arm to make sure he wasn't dreaming.
"Dude man, look at what you've done," Seth moaned as he and Ryan watched Kirsten rush around to the stove, checking on the pancakes and bacon.
"What?" Ryan asked. "You liked the salmon last night."
"Yeah, but that could have been a fluke. This is the Kirsten we're talking about. Tall, blonde, strong Anglican features, cute button nose Kirsten. Despite being quite formidable in the meeting room, definitely not in the kitchen."
"Oh, I think your mom is pretty formidable in other areas as well," Sandy interrupted, entering the kitchen and wrapping his arms around his wife, nuzzling her neck. Kirsten giggled.
"Ugh, you guys," Seth said disgustedly. "Can you get a room please? Or else I'm going to barf in Mom's pancakes." A grin spread over Seth's face. "Hey! That's a thought. Then we don't have to eat it!"
"Ow!" Seth exclaimed as Sandy wacked him on the head and Ryan punched his arm.
"Stop making fun of your mom's cooking," Sandy scolded.
"E tu Dad?" Seth muttered, rubbing his arm and head. "How did mom get you onto her side?"
Sandy grinned wickedly. "Well son…"
A horrified expression crossed Seth's face. "Actually never mind! I rather not know!"
Kirsten laughed and pulled Seth to her, ruffling his hair.
"Mom! Don't mess with the Jew-fro, seriously."
"Umm, Kirsten," Ryan interrupted. "I think the bacon is burning."
"Oh," Kirsten exclaimed as smoke started to fill the room.
"Ah, that's more like it," Seth said happily, sinking into the kitchen stool. "I was afraid that the real Kirsten had been kidnapped."
Ryan threw away the burnt bacon and took the pan away from Kirsten. "Here let me do it."
Kirsten smiled gratefully. "Thanks Ryan. I think you boosted my self-esteem so much last night that I thought I could do this. Perhaps more lessons are in order?"
"Sure," Ryan agreed with a smile.
The sound of a slamming door alerted the family that someone was here. Their faces fell as they watched Caleb strut into the kitchen.
"Caleb," Sandy said dryly. "I would say nice to see you but my ma taught me not to lie."
"Funny considering you're a lawyer," Caleb automatically responded but instantly regretted his words as soon as they left his mouth. "Sorry Sandford, I didn't mean that."
Sandy looked at Caleb strangely. Caleb never apologized for anything especially to Sandy. Truth be told, Sandy actually enjoyed the antagonism between himself and Caleb; his best material originated from it.
"Dad?" Kirsten piped up. "What are you doing here? If it's about work, I told you I won't do it until after the holidays."
"Don't worry Kiki," Caleb said, pulling a startled Kirsten into a hug. "The project has been pushed back till after New Years so I can enjoy Chrismukkah with my family."
"You want to celebrate Chrismukkah?" Seth exclaimed excitedly. He rushed outside and stood out there for a moment before coming back frowning.
"What was that?" Caleb asked confused.
"Just checking if hell froze over," Seth replied cheekily.
"Seth!" Kirsten scolded glaring at her son. However she was tempted to go outside and see if pigs were flying when she saw Caleb burst into a fit of laughter and pulled Seth into a hug.
"I don't know why I never appreciated your sense of humor before," Caleb chuckled as he pulled away from a shocked Seth. "You don't need to be a football player or a real estate mogul. You can make millions as a comedian."
Seth's eyes grew wide. As far back as he could remember his grandfather never complimented him on anything, especially his sense of humor. Caleb always looked at Seth as if he was from another planet and Seth had overheard Caleb numerous times muttering to himself how Kirsten could have produced such a child.
"Thanks Grandpa," Seth answered gratefully, shooting bewildered glances with Sandy.
"Are you sure you're feeling all right?" Sandy interrupted. "Starting any new medication?"
"Sandford," Caleb chuckled, grabbing his son-in-law's hand to a firm handshake. "I see where Seth got his sense of humor since we all know Kiki isn't funny." Sandy couldn't help but smirk while ignoring Kirsten's glare.
"Really Caleb, are you sure you're okay?"
"Never been better!" Caleb exclaimed. "Have I ever thanked you for being the best thing that ever happened to my daughter?"
Sandy wasn't usually at a loss for words but he could only look at Caleb with his mouth hanging open.
Caleb chuckled again. "Guess I haven't. I know I've been giving you a hard time all these years Sandford but it's clear that you make my daughter happy and will do anything for her. You're a wonderful dad, much better than I ever was."
Caleb heard a sniffle and turned around to see Kirsten tearing up.
"Kiki-," Caleb started affectionately as he approached his daughter.
"Whatever medication you're on Dad, please keep taking it," Kirsten joked.
Caleb smiled. "I can't believe how stupid I've been, Kiki. You're a lot smarter than I ever gave you credit for. The company would be in shambles if it wasn't for you. I know I don't say it, but I'm damn proud of you Kiki."
"Oh Dad!" Kirsten sobbed as she pulled him into her arms. "All I ever wanted was your approval."
Caleb sighed. "You always had it, Kiki. You never asked for anything from me so I didn't think you wanted my approval. Hell, I know you can get by without me. That's what I'm scared of."
Kirsten smiled. "I'll always need you Dad."
"And I need my family," Caleb finished.
Caleb heard the sliding door opening and lifted his head to see Ryan trying to sneak out of the kitchen while Seth and Sandy were busy watching the scene between Kirsten and Caleb.
"Ryan! Where are you going?" Caleb asked, causing the boy to jump.
"Ummm… just giving you alone time with your family," Ryan answered quietly, not meeting Caleb's eyes.
"You are Kirsten's son, thus making you my grandson. You are family," Caleb answered solemnly. Ryan's head snapped up as he gave Caleb an incredulous look.
"Don't look so surprised, boy!" Caleb exclaimed as he approached Ryan and laid a hand on his shoulder. He felt Ryan stiffened and Caleb immediately took his hand away. "I know I haven't always treated you well Ryan."
Seth snickered and Caleb threw his dark-haired grandson a look before turning back to Ryan whose eyes were back to staring at the ground.
"I thought you were here to take advantage of my family. However I see now that your addition has only made my family stronger. I've never seen Kirsten, Sandy, and Seth happier. Anyone with a brain can see the impact you made on this family." Caleb said seriously before breaking out into a grin. "If it wasn't for you, Seth wouldn't have had two girls fighting over him last Thanksgiving."
"Grandpa!" Seth whined. "Do you have to bring that up again?!"
Caleb ignored Seth as he watched Ryan take in his words and raise his head warily. "What do you want from me?" Ryan asked suspiciously.
"Nothing," Caleb started but then he remembered his comment to Mr. Whitten. "Actually wait. Two men from the councilman's office came to me wanting the Newport Group to help build a youth center. I agreed to take on the project and I also offered your help as well. I hope you don't mind. I know you want to be an architect and well it's nice to have a grandson interested in the family business!"
"Dad! That's wonderful that you agreed to help with the project," Kirsten interrupted approaching the two. "I thought it was a great idea but wasn't sure if you would approve."
"I think the youth center will be a wonderful place for the community," Caleb replied. "What about it Ryan? Will you help me out?"
Ryan still looked wary. "If you're sure."
"Oh Ryan, you'll be great," Kirsten said, going over to put her arm around Ryan. Caleb noticed that Ryan didn't flinch at her touch. "Dad, Ryan has been helping me with the Anderson project and you wouldn't believe what he's come up with. The youth center will be lucky to have his help."
Caleb couldn't help but smile at the blush spreading over Ryan's face as he snuck a look at Kirsten.
"Do you want to do it Ryan?" Kirsten asked.
Ryan smiled at Kirsten and then directed his gaze back to Caleb before shrugging. "Sure, I'll do it."
Caleb nodded. He knew that Ryan was agreeing to this partially because he couldn't say no to Kirsten. Caleb wasn't bothered by this fact; he realized that his relationship with Ryan wasn't going to change overnight but he hoped that his earlier attitude towards the boy hasn't tarnished the possibility of a better relationship in the future.
"Is anyone hungry?" Sandy interrupted. "The bacon is starting to get cold."
"Oh yeah, the bacon," Kirsten said excitedly. "Dad, do you want to stay for breakfast?"
"Did you cook it?" Caleb asked cheekily as Kirsten playfully smacked him.
"Yes! " Seth pumped his fist into the air. "Finally someone is on my side in this matter. Come on Grandpa, you can come sit next to me."
Caleb laughed as he settled into the seat offered by Seth as the rest of the family took their seats as well. Various platters were being passed around as Seth and Sandy continue to joke about Kirsten's cooking with Kirsten pouting playfully and Ryan looking on amusedly. Caleb grinned to himself. Chrismukkah was starting to become his favorite holiday.
The End?