Disclaimer: This story is entirely fictional and not intended for minors or those judged unable by law to read this material. Any resemblance to actual people is purely coincidental and unintended.
The author reserves all rights to this work.
15 HARTFORD
The story so far: Martin revealed that Jimmy had asked him to look after Michael and that he had agreed. Michael then agreed to take up Martin's offer. Michael discovered that Michael was having nightmares and then Martin discovers what the nightmares were about.
Part 6 - Christmas
It was three weeks till Christmas. Everything seemed to be normal. The workshop was moving on as normal but there was a slight difference. Martin's way of management had changed slightly. He still had a strong sense of fairness, but the way he handled things were a little different. He no longer kept a steely silence when there was a mistake. Instead, he talked more with the person involved. Of course he almost never budged from his decision of whatever restitution had to be made. He just seemed a little more human than before.
Many of the technicians who came with him from the other plant were surprised at the gradual change. Some, who knew of his mother, attributed it to the fact that he no longer needed to tend to his mother and so had less stress to deal with. Only Sally, had different ideas. She had her suspicions but none of them proven, nor did she tell anyone her suspicions. Anyway, she liked the change, though she felt Martin could do better. She had thought of leaving the workshop once she got married, but with this change, she decided to stay on.
Martin, in reality, had changed because he had been to a counselor. If anything, he has gotten more comfortable about who he was. On the whole, Martin was happier and his technicians were also happier.
Since Michael had left the company, Martin had to replace him. The one who replaced Michael in the company was the guy who had the hobby of building computers.
Michael had started studies in the Academy. He was a hard worker and was quite well-liked by the professors and his classmates. He had joined a swimming club at the Academy and had made many friends there.
Though they were living quite near to each other, Martin and Michael only saw each other once a week, on Fridays. Michael had classes almost every night and so meeting each other was difficult. On Fridays, Michael had only two lectures which were in the afternoon. Usually the two would meet for dinner and Martin will send Michael back to his mother's place before going back to his own home in the suburbs.
Mrs. Watson was happy that Michael had continued studies and was grateful to Martin for helping out. She was glad that Michael now had a father-figure to guide him. Somehow she felt safe leaving Michael with Martin.
Michael had just been dropped off by Martin. Mrs. Watson waved to Martin who waved back. When Martin had gone, Mrs. Watson asked her son, "So, have you thought of what to buy for Mr. McBain?"
"I don't know, I didn't dare to ask him ..."
"Oh no, you shouldn't ask him. I told you to think about it last week, haven't you come up with something."
"Sorry Mom, I was trying to finish some assignments so that I won't have to spend my Christmas holidays trying to complete my assignments. Have you thought of anything?"
Mrs. Watson shook her head, "I thought of giving him something that he could put around his flat, a simple decoration piece."
"That would be nice."
"Good, you would have to come with me tomorrow morning to see if the piece I am thinking about will be good. I have never been to his flat; you have. Then you can bring it back and I won't have to bring it to work with me."
"Okay. I know I told him I would let him ask you, but Mr. McBain would like the family to have Christmas dinner at his house. He thinks that his mother would be thrilled to have some more people in the house this Christmas. His mother is suffering from dementia and is slowly losing her memory. He doesn't know if she would be able to remember Christmas next year, so he is hoping that she would at least be able to enjoy it this year. I just wanted to warn you. He is pretty desperate and probably wouldn't take no for an answer."
"But I have already ordered the goose and some food!"
"No matter, just tell him that you have ordered some things so that he would not have to cook too much. Tell him that it is your contribution."
"It would be late and it would be a bother for him to send us back!"
"I tried this excuse with him, he said he has enough room for the family in his house. He has two extra bedrooms in his house and Charlene and you could sleep in one room whilst Adam and me sleeo in the other. He had all the plans laid out."
"I guess I could not say that I have to work on Boxing Day?"
"He said he would drive us back the first thing in the morning if you had work on Boxing Day. I know that you could get the day off, like you always do, but I did not tell him that. Mom, I realise that you like a private Christmas dinner, Mom, but I was thinking that it would be our way of showing gratitude for all that he has done for me."
Mrs. Watson was not too happy, but she could see her son's point of view. "Okay, Mike. Just this once, but I'll put my foot down if he suggests New Year's!"
"I will, too. I had originally objected to the idea but I put myself in his shoes and realised that I would also do the same for you too. Mr. McBain is a proud man, Mom. He is also a man who likes his privacy. But he is changing all of that this year for his mother. He is definitely not doing it for himself!"
Mrs. Watson smiled. Her son was really getting more matured. He had just expressed to her how much he loved her. "I understand, Mike."
"Thanks Mom, I love you."
"I love you, too."
Just then, Charlene rushed past them and said, "Got to go to a party. See you!"
"Hold on there, Charlene!" Michael said in a loud voice.
Charlene turned and said, "But I'll be late!"
"At least tell us where you will be. If it gets to late, I can come and bring you home," Michael said.
"But all my friends will be there, I don't want a chaperone. It will be so embarassing!"
"The last thing I want to do is to embarass you. However, I also know how dangerous it is to walk back in some parts of the city. It is dangerous for even a guy! I don't want you to get raped out there!"
"You are over-reacting, Mike!" Charlene protested.
Michael was surprised, Charlene had never called him by his first name before. The boldest she had ever been was to call him 'big brother Mike'.
"Charlene!" Mrs. Watson said in surprise. Unlike Michael, she was not going to let this slip. "What did you just address him? When did you get so bold?"
"I will be fourteen in January! I am not a little girl any more."
Mrs. Watson wanted to retort her, but Michael put his hand on her arm. She looked back and Michael said, "Let me handle this."
"Charlene, you are getting to be a beautiful young woman but you are still only going to be fourteen. If a guy my size comes up and tries to be fresh with you, do you think you can resist him if he pulls out a knife?"
"But it would be embarassing!"
"Just tell me where you are going to be and what time the party ends. If it is too late, I will be there, or else you cannot go."
"That's unfair. The other girls do not have this problem."
"I only know that I care for my one and only sister and I love her. I want to make sure that she doesn't get hurt. The last thing I want to do is to suffocate her growing up!" Michael winked at Charlene, hoping that she would understand his signal.
"All right. The party is at Betty's place."
"Let's go outside and show me how to get there." Michael placed his hand on his mother's shoulder as he got up. "I think she has come around, don't worry."
His mother smiled but did not follow them outside.
"Big brother, why did you wink?" Charlene asked when they were out of earshot.
Michael smiled. She had called her 'big brother'. It meant that she was at ease now. "Who's the boy, Charlene?"
"What boy?" Charlene asked but her eyes moved away from Michael.
"I know that there is a boy, Charlene. I was once your age remember?"
"But you're a boy, how do you know what a girl thinks?"
"Don't try to change the subject. I know that you are going to that party with a boy. That's why you did not want me around."
"I can't. You will be angry."
"Come on, Charlene, I don't think you have done it with him already, have you?"
"Big brother, what a thing to say! Give me more credit than that!"
Michael laughed. "If I thought you already did, do you think that I would let you go to that party?"
Charlene blushed. "Promise not to get angry."
"Okay."
"His name is Brandon. He is from another school. He's actually Betty's brother."
"How old is he?"
"Sixteen."
Michael was not too happy to hear how old the boy was, but he did not show it. "Does he know that you like him?"
"I think so, ... I mean it was he who invited me to the party. All my classmates are going to be there. I hear that some of his classmates are also going to be there."
"Have you told him that you liked him?"
"Of course not, it is not becoming of a lady to do that you know!"
"So," Michael said, "You like Brandon and you have not told him. You have assumed that he likes you on the basis that he has invited you to a party that you were probably going to get invited to any way. Am I right so far?"
"Yes," said Charlene. She noticed a glint of laughter in her brother's eyes. "You're making fun of me."
Michael could not help but laugh aloud. "I have no objections with you seeing this boy, but until I am not sure that he is not just thinking of that one thing we guys think about, I am not going to allow you to be alone with that guy."
"But I thought you said ..."
"I have not finished yet. I am going to allow him to walk you home, but I need to be around. You don't have to tell him and I am going to allow him a few liberties, provided I don't see you protesting. I am going to allow you to hold hands, even for him to have his arm around you as you walk home." He could see Charlene blushing and smiling. He continued, "He could even give you a goodnight kiss. I wouldn't want you to be deprived of your first kiss."
"Oh big brother," Charlene had turned bright red.
"Look Charlene, I love you. You are my little sister. I would not want to stop you from experiencing the joys of growing up and falling in love. However, you are still underaged and many people may want to take advantage of you. You may think that you can handle it, but I assure you that at your age, when you have not had the experience, it is going to be very difficult."
"But if he sees you ..."
"Charlene, have I embarassed you before in front of your friends?"
"No."
"I don't think that he will see me. I know where Betty's house is and where the hiding places are. Just so long as you walk in the light and not in the dark, I can keep a good distance apart. I won't be listening to you, neither will I interrupt you unless you shout. If I see both of you going into a back alley, I will follow and I will assume that something is up. Just make sure that you insist on going by the shorter way, no matter what. If he really likes you, he will respect you. If he only wants to have fun with you, he will want his way. This is your first date and you have to test him. i know you like him a lot, but I think before you like him more, you'd better test out his intentions. Make up some excuse to insist on coming home straight. No matter what he says, tell him that you want to take the route. And don't look out for me. I'll make sure that you don't even see me. Just enjoy yourself. Now what time will the party end?"
"I don't know."
"At what time do you think you would like to come home, then?"
"One?"
"One is fine."
Charlene was surprised. She thought Michael would insist an earlier time.
"If you want to come back earlier, just call. Okay?"
"Okay."
"Now go and enjoy yourself!"
"Thanks big brother!'
At half past twelve, Michael hid himself behind one of the cars parked along the road to wait for Charlene. It was cold but it had not snowed yet. Michael had put on a real thick coat so that he would not freeze. He did not have to wait long because he saw Charlene and a boy coming out of the house. As promised, Michael did not stay too near. When Charlene reached the house, they just waved to each other and the boy went back. Michael had to wait until the boy was far enough before he got into the house. He knocked at Charlene's door to see if she was okay.
Charlene was in bed but not asleep. "Come in big brother."
Michael was surprised, Charlene was crying. "What happened Charlene, did he hurt you?"
Charlene sobbed, "He already has a girlfriend!"
Michael felt sorry for his sister, but he knew that the boy was not to be blamed. His sister had just assumed too much. "Should I beat him up for deceiving my little sister?"
Charlene forced a little smile. "I suppose I was stupid. Just because he was kind to me didn't mean that he wanted me to be his girlfriend. He was the perfect gentleman. His girlfriend had been at the party. At first I hated her. I was so jealous. Luckily, I did not do anything stupid. As the night went on, I was with my friends but I did not talk much, just looking at how they looked at one another. When she suggested that Brandon take me home, I realised how strong their relationship was. I mean, how could she trust her boyfriend to another girl unless she was perfectly secure?"
"So you saw the light?"
"Yes. I still like him, but I think I'd be a bitch if I tried to snatch him away from her. She is two years older than me, and I realised that I shouldn't make people unhappy just because I feel like hell."
Michael held out his arms to his sister who hugged him and wept. Charlene cried her heart out and Michael comforted her. Soon Charlene fell asleep and Michael put her down on the bed and pulled up the bedcovers.
When he had come out of Charlene's room, he saw his mother standing at the hallway. She had tears in her eyes.
"What's wrong Mom," Michael asked worriedly.
"I heard some noise and I came to check. I overheard your conversation. I am so glad that our family has you, Michael. When your father died, I had to leave you alone with your Nana and work. I did not see you growing up and have always felt guilty. But you have matured and I am grateful that you did not end up in those gangs. I was always worried but if I stopped working, we would all starve. Now that you are grown, you are helping out your brother and sister. I just feel so happy."
Michael knew his mother needed a hug and gave it to her. He also felt grateful that his family was still in one piece even though his father was no longer around.
It was the weekend before Christmas and Mrs. Watson had already agreed to be at the McBains' for Christmas. Nelly was also going to be there. Her brothers and sisters were staying in other parts of the country and all had their families. She agreed to spend this Christmas with the McBains.
It was the usual Friday meeting between Michael and Martin. Michael was going to start his Christmas vacation and it was the last time they were meeting for dinner before the new year. They had decided to get some food at a Chinese restaurant. They both had the same things, a bowl of Chinese chicken soup, fried rice with stir-fried vegetables and stewed soy chicken. Martin had learnt a few words of Chinese from Michael, like 'thank you', 'yes', 'no' and 'please'. He gave the waitress quite a surprise when he said 'thank you' to her in Chinese.
"You are getting quite good in your basic phrases," Michael remarked.
"I had a good teacher," Martin replied.
"Have you decided when to come up and bring us down to your place on Christmas Day?"
"I have told your mother that I will be picking all of you up at three."
"Isn't that a little early?"
"Not really. Your mother volunteered to do some of the cooking and we both agreed that the goose would taste better if it were to be roasted at my place. So she is going to prepare the goose and then pop it into the oven when we reach my mother's."
"Do you need help at your place. I have the weekend free, I could pop down to your place to clean up or to do anything else," Michael offered.
"Don't you have to do things around your own home?" Martin asked.
"I have Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday free. I could do all the cleaning up and even put up the tree!" Michael said.
"I thought we might visit Jimmy tomorrow. We may not have the time to go during the Christmas holidays."
"That is a good idea, though I had visited him last week."
"What? Why didn't call me?"
"There were certain things I had to say to him alone. I didn't think you would mind."
"Of course I don't mind. It is that we have visited him twice already together and it feels strange that I wasn't along for your third trip," Martin said.
"Well, going to visit him tomorrow is also okay. I think that wishing him a Merry Christmas together is good. Perhaps we can go to your place after that and see if I could do anything to help you prepare for the onslaught of the Watsons."
"You make it sound that a whole army is going to descend upon my home."
"Well, I hope you realise that my family outnumbers your family by two."
"Okay, okay. After visiting Jimmy's we can go back to my place."
The snow had fallen and the cemetry was just one layer of white. Jimmy's grave was marked by a simple tombstone and was surrounded by more elaborate tombs. His was easy to spot. His tombstone did not say much except his name, his birthday and the day he died. Martin had wanted to pay for a nicer one, but his family did not permit it. They were not sure of Martin's intention. After some coaxing from Michael, Martin decided to give up the idea. Michael suggested that every time they went, they could say something different that could have been on that tomb stone. In this way, there was something new every time they visited.
Martin drove up to the cemetry and parked the car. Both of them drove out and walked to the grave. There was a single carnation on the grave. It looked fresh. Someone, probably a family member, was there in the morning.
"What did you say last week?" Martin asked.
"I can't say everything. It's personal!" Michael replied.
"No. I mean the words that could be on the tombstone."
"Oh! I said, 'To Jimmy, beloved of Michael'."
"Alright. Today, my words to Jimmy are, 'He who was brave until the very end'."
"Jimmy: one who loved even in the face of death," was Michael's epitaph.
Martin continued, "Jimmy, wherever you are, Michael and I are here to wish you a Merry Christmas. Though you cannot be with us physically, I know you are with us in our hearts."
Michael added, "Yes, Jimmy. I thank you for the love you gave to me and for bringing Martin into my life."
They kept silence for a few minutes before leaving.
"Thanks Martin, for bringing me here. I am glad that we came."
"I'm glad too."
Martin noticed that, for the first time, Michael had not broken down. He had cried softly the two other times that they had been here. It would seem that Michael had made peace with Jimmy and had accepted the fact that Jimmy is dead.
On Christmas Day, Martin called promptly at three at the Watsons'. They were all bundled up in Martin's car. Mrs Watson sat beside Martin, and Michael and the twins sat behind. Martin suggested singing some Christmas carols to get into the mood. Adam's singing was lively but Charlene seemed to be less enthusiastic. Michael sang a solo and his voice broke he tried to sing one of the high notes. That brought everybody down laughing. Then they were all laughing too hard to sing. They reached Martin's house at about a quarter to four.
Nelly came out to greet them. Martin introduced Nelly to them. She caught their names very fast. Each of them carried something into the house that was meant for dinner. When they got into the house, they met Mrs. McBain, Martin's mother. She did not look sick, but Martin had already warned the Watsons not to expect his mother to remember their names. She was happy to have so many people in the house.
The women soon got into the kitchen. Martin gave Michael and Adam the directions to their rooms. He had stuck some note paper on the doors of their rooms to indicate who slept where. Then Martin went to park the car whilst Michael and Adam carried the luggage to the rooms.
Christmas dinner was a lively, too. The goose that Mrs. Watson had prepared was very good. Nelly had made a very good shepherd's pie. Charlene's contribution was a Christmas cake.
"She made that herself. I did not even have to help her with that one," Mrs. Watson said proudly.
Charlene blushed but did not say anything.
"I concur," Nelly said. "She came with the cake, without icing, in a box. She whipped up the icing and cream on her own. If I had her skill, I would have been married long ago."
Charlene blushed more after that praise from Nelly. Mrs. Watson was also bursting with pride.
"Then, I'd better watch out for who she bakes for," Adam added.
"Why?" Martin asked.
"So that I would know who would be my likely brother-in-law."
That brought about some laughter at the expense of Charlene.
"I, for one," said Michael, "would hope that she bakes not only for who she fancies but also for us. Thank you Charlene. You have proven yourself good in baking. You have made this Christmas dinner better with the cake." He then raised his glass in a cheer. "Merry Christmas, everyone!"
Everybody joined in, even Mrs. McBain. After dinner, they all sat around the fireplace and the exchange of presents started.
Nelly received a scarf from the Watsons. Martin gave her an exceptionally beautiful piece of cloth.
"For you to make something nice with," Martin explained. She nodded her head smiling sweetly.
Mrs. Watson gave her daughter a small bottle of perfume. When Charlene opened her present from Michael, she squealed in delight. It was an album of her favourite singers.
Adam received a pair of pants. Adam tried hard to hide his disappointment. He had expected something more from his brother. However his disappointment disappeared the moment he opened Martin's gift. It was a jersey of his favourite football club.
Michael grinned and said, "Sorry Adam. I had to see that look on your face when you opened my gift."
Adam looked at the pants and then grinned, "It's the goal-keeper's uniform! There's the gloves underneath the jersey!"
Martin continued, "Yes, both of us decided to buy you the whole set. I know that you play goalie in the park with your friends."
"Thank you, both of you!" He jumped up and hugged Martin and then Michael.
Charlene took off the wrapping of Martin's gift. It was a pair of shoes. Charlene beamed. It was the latest look and yet not unsuitable to wear to school. She thanked her brother and Martin shyly.
Mrs. Watson was next. She received a sweater from Michael and a nice hat from Martin. Both of them admitted that they had also bought the gifts together.
Michael received a bright blue shirt from his mother and a set of pens from Martin. Martin received a vase from the Watsons.
"For you flat in the city," Mrs. Watson added. "Michael helped me to pick the right colour."
Mrs. McBain received a nice shawl from the Watsons and Martin gave his mother a sweater. She smiled when she opened her presents, but she was really feeling a little lost.
When all the presents were opened, Nelly excused Mrs. McBain and herself because it was time for Mrs. McBain to sleep. The rest sat round the fireplace and made small talk. Charlene was the first to yawn. That brought about a yawn from Adam and from Mrs. Watson as well. They excused themselves and left Michael and Martin alone.
"I hope you like your gift," Martin said.
"Yes I do. What about you?"
"Yes, the vase is nice."
"These few weeks have been madness. We've had hardly the time to talk when you suggested that all of us spend Christmas together."
Martin chuckled, "I know. We had to spend our Friday nights having short dinners and rushing around buying the Christmas gifts. Promise me that you think way ahead of something like Charlene's music. I do not want to be driving in circles in town again looking for something like that."
Michael laughed. "That was a really difficult thing. What about the football uniform? It was also quite a last minute decision. I recall that you wanted to make sure it was the whole set."
Martin nodded, "I'm afraid we did not really give him the whole set. We couldn't find the shoes I thought of."
"Fortunately, he has his shoes and shin guards and all that. If not, I wonder how he would look wearing the gear in his running shoes."
Martin tried to picture what Michael said and then smiled, "I think he wouldn't look that bad."
"Are you thinking of my brother the way I think that you are thinking?" Michael asked mischievously.
Martin's smile disappeared, "Michael, what a thing to say. I am not!"
Michael apologised, "Sorry Martin, I did not mean for it to sound accusatory. I just wanted to tease you."
"Please understand Michael, I have been visiting a counsellor. He has helped me to work out many things." Martin paused for a while.
"You don't have to tell me if they are too personal." Michael said, afraid that Martin might be finding it too hard to talk about it.
"No, Michael. My counsellor had told me to tell you the truth and it had been difficult. However, I think it is time. I just hope you find it in your heart to forgive me if any of it offends you."
Michael said, "I can only guess how difficult it must be for you, and yes, I will forgive if it is offensive."
"Michael, I am gay. I have come to accept it ..."
There was a squeal, followed by a shout, and then feet running from upstairs. It was Adam and Charlene. Charlene came running down the stairs followed by Adam.
Michael stood up, "What are you doing?"
Mrs. Watson came down, too, in her bathrobe.
The twins apologised. Michael noticed that Adam was blushing.
Michael turned to Martin and said, "Sorry. We'll have to continue this talk some other time. I have something to do now."
Martin nodded.
Michael and Mrs. Watson ushered the twins into the room that Adam and Michael were supposed to sleep in.
"What happened?" Michael asked.
"I was not feeling sleepy so I came to see Adam," Charlene said.
"Then?"
"I caught him with his pants down, literally." Charlene giggled.
"You went in without knocking?" Mrs. Watson asked.
Charlene nodded.
Mrs. Watson shook her head. "Charlene, the reason we moved Adam into Michael's old room at home was so that this kind of thing wouldn't happen. Both of you are growing up and ..." Mrs. Watson suddenly had a loss for words.
Michael looked at Adam and Charlene and continued, "Both of you are growing into adults. As children it was okay to share rooms, but now you cannot. One of the things that you had to learn was to respect each other's privacy. Even though I am a guy, like Adam, I still knock at the door when I know that he is in the room. He needs to have his privacy. If he wants to come into the room when I am in it, he has to knock even if it is his room now."
"I'm sorry," Charlene said apologetically.
"We're in someone else's house. Even if we know him well, we need to show him some respect. Mrs. McBain is asleep and you are disturbing her. Adam, shouting at your sister and chasing her down the stairs is inacceptable behaviour. I didn't allow it at home, I thought you would have the sense to think before acting."
"Sorry Mom, I was changing when Charlene caught me and I know I blushed. I turned around but she laughed at me. Then, I got angry and then I shouted. I am sorry."
Michael said, "Charlene, I am disappointed. You should have just left the room. Why..."
"Michael, I think I should talk to Charlene about this," Mrs. Watson said calmly. Michael nodded and she turned to Charlene and said, "Both of us need to talk in our room, young lady." Charlene knew that tone of voice. It meant 'no nonsense'.
Adam and Michael got ready for bed. Adam was silent, never uttering a word. Michael could see that something was wrong. After that incident with Charlene, he guessed that Adam was feeling embarassed. Michael switched off the lights and they each got into bed.
When they were in bed, Adam asked Michael, "Why did Charlene laugh at me? Am I too small?"
"Huh?"
"I mean, is my dick too small? In the showers, I get teased a lot by the other guys. They have more hair around their dicks than I have and they are bigger. Some of them are always rubbing their dicks just to show each other how big they are. I never join them because I know I am so much smaller than them. What's wrong with me?"
Michael smiled, but his brother could not see it. "Adam, some boys start earlier and some boys start later. I think you are one of those who don't start too early. There's nothing wrong with you."
"Then why did Charlene laugh? She was pointing at me when she laughed."
"I really do not know. Adam. I developed late too. I remember wanting to be like the bigger boys and I could not wait to grow taller and hairier. I felt like a freak. I remembered that I was one of the last boys to change my voice."
"But you are taller and bigger than some of the other guys your age," Adam remarked.
"Yes, I grew taller and overtook them. Maybe you'll be the same. They may laugh at you now but then you may be even taller than me. Then it will be strange for you to call me 'big brother'."
"Oh no! You are still older than me ... and thanks for talking to me. I was so afraid that I was odd. You are always there when I need someone to talk to. Thanks!"
"You are my little brother. How can I not love you and take care of you? Now, go to sleep and don't be too concerned about growing up, there is still time."
to be continued.
Author's note: (1) Please be patient if you are looking for the 'juicy parts'. It will come in the next installation. (2) Some readers have asked me if the story is based in the UK or US. I try not to base the story in any country, though I am more familiar with the UK. I have deliberately used less slangs phrases so that it can appeal to anyone. I know I have not been too successful in that area but any indication is welcome. (3) Comments and suggestions are still welcome. Thanks. solark36@yahoo.co.uk