Timothée's Promise

Timothée's Promise Chapter 20

Timothée's Promise

This story is for mature readers only, dealing with all lifestyles.

The lifestyles of the celebrities mentioned herein are all fictitious and only fantasy, not reality.

It's all for the reader's enjoyment.

If you are underage or you don't like stories about gay romance, please turn to something else to read.

Author's Note:

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Chapter 20

The Reverend and James Hartwick left after about an hour of discussions, Kolby liking the older man, learning all about the school.

"I'll see you tomorrow around four-thirty, Kolby. Your choir friends are going to be thrilled to see you again." the minister smiled, Kolby smiling back.

"And I them. I want to thank them for their prayers." he smiled, the Reverend nodding.

"And I'm going to the service as well. I must hear that voice again." James said, Timothée shaking his hand.

"Bring your wife Maria, James. I haven't seen her in ages." he smiled, James nodding.

He and his wife were here for the holidays, her family from London.

The rest of the afternoon was spent listening to Kolby talk about this new surprise, and the last one.

All three saw the dawning happiness on his face, Timothée having done a very special thing.

He'd given the young man a glimpse at his possible future, in art and music.

As always, he was honest with his feelings, his doubt shining through, all three voicing their encouragement.

At five Timothée walked with Koby back to their bedroom, the two changing for dinner.

The two smiled at each other, Timothée's shirt coming off, Kolby running his hands over his smooth chest.

"Someone promised me a special something extra while he dressed me, after ditching me all morning." Kolby smiled, Timothée's fingers going to Kolby's polo shirt, pulling it off gently, the man smiling at the revealed smooth beauty, his fingers tracing the soft bruises on Kolby's ribcage.

"The bruises are greatly reduced, babe. And yes, I did promise you something. Drop the crutches, sexy." he smiled, Kolby smiling, dropping both crutches, Timothée holding him close, then picking him up in his arms, carrying him to the bed, gently putting him down on the bed's edge.

"Lay back, my love. Let me get these pants off you." Timothée smiled, his fingers going to Kolby's jeans, opening the clasp, pulling down the zipper.

Kolby smiled widely, lifting his ass, Timothée pulling the slim jeans down his slim muscular legs, dropping them to the floor.

Kolby gasped when Timothée's mouth went to his boxer briefs, chewing on the mound now forming in them.

"Oh fuck, Timbo!" he moaned, Timothée's hands running across his chest, tweaking his nipples, his teeth pulling on the elastic of his briefs, pulling them down under his balls, his large shaft and balls exposed.

His tongue bathed the long shaft, tasting some pre cum dripping out of it, then going for his balls, taking each into his mouth, sucking them gently, Kolby beginning to squirm.

"Oh, baby! Don't stop!" Kolby gasped, his fingers in Timothée's dark brown curls, the man coming off his balls, his mouth moving, swallowing the end of Kolby's shaft, the young man squirming more.

He raised his chest on his elbows, staring into Timothée's staring green eyes, the man sinking lower onto Kolby's cock, the full-length lodging in his throat.

"Fuck, my man's becoming an expert! Suck my cock, Timbo!" he smiled, Timothée smiling back, beginning to rise and fall on the shaft, Kolby moaning.

Within two minutes he was trembling, Timothée's fingers going to his nipples again, rubbing both, Kolby gasping, his hands grabbing onto the duvet cover, his center exploding.

Timothée drank it all in, hardly any escaping.

What did escape he lapped up, cleaning every inch of his man's shaft when he pulled off it.

Kolby sighed, Timothée moving forward, the two kissing, each tasting Kolby's juices.

"Best ever, Timbo! You're fucking amazing!" Kolby smiled, Timothée grinning.

"I learned from the best." he smiled, Kolby smiling.

"Stand up, my love. Let me return that special gift.' he smiled, Timothée kissing his lips.

"I'd love that, babe. But we don't have the time. Let me get your clothes. You relax here." Timothée smiled, Kolby sighing, their lips meeting again.

"I really want you." he smiled, Timothée smiling, standing up, Kolby's eyes flowing across his smooth chest.

"You have me, babe." he smiled, walking back to the wardrobe, watching as he took off his jeans, then his briefs, Kolby smiling seeing the large shaft hanging above his balls, and the smooth bubble butt.

Timothée winked at him, pulling on a pair of boxer briefs, then pulling out a black silk shirt, and a pair of black dress slacks.

Kolby's eyes followed every movement, the man's slender smooth form disappearing under the clothes.

Timothée smiled, knowing his man's eyes were glued to him, the man smiling and pulling out some clothes for Kolby, walking over to him with his crutches and the clothes, gently pulling off his briefs, pulling another pair up his muscular leg and stump, rubbing both legs as he did it.

"Stop, babe. You'll get the royal saber hard again." he smiled, Timothée laughing, rubbing his shaft just before it disappeared under the new briefs.

He smiled, pulling navy casual pants up Kolby's legs, the young man lifting his ass again, Timothée leaving the pants open.

"Stand up, babe." he smiled, helping Kolby to his feet, tucking the crutches under his hairy armpits, the man helping him into a soft gray silk shirt.

"This is beautiful, Timbo. You have such awesome taste. But I can't wear your clothes all the time. People will talk." he smiled, Timothée kissing his lips as he tucked the buttoned shirt into Kolby's pants, closing the clasp, pulling up the zipper.

"I dress you to show off your beauty. Screw what other people think." he smiled, Kolby sighing.

"I love you, Timbo."
Timothée smiled, lacing a belt through the pants loopholes, buckling it after.

"Sit, babe. I'll pin up the leg and put your sock and shoe on." Timothée smiled, Kolby smiling, sitting down again, Timothée completing his tasks.

The young man stood up again, Timothée leading him over to the wardrobe, the man selecting a navy blazer for Kolby, a soft gray one for himself.

"We're a little overdressed for just a casual dinner, don't you think, Timbo?" Kolby smiled, the man helping him on with the blazer, kissing his lips.

"Nancy thought it would be nice to dress more stylish for a pre-Christmas dinner together, just the four of us."
Kolby smiled, nodding.

"That's nice. I love this festive time of the year." he smiled, Timothée smiling, pulling him close, moving his hand above Kolby's head.

Kolby looked up, laughing.

Above them in Timothée's right hand was a sprig of mistletoe.

"Pucker up, babe." he smiled, their lips meeting.

"Merry Christmas, my angel." Timothée smiled, the two breaking the kiss.

"Merry Christmas, my stud muffin."
Timothée laughed, the two walking out of the bedroom, Timothée giving Kolby some walking room with his crutches.

They joined Nancy and Dina in the hallway, both wearing stylish dresses, Timothée and Kolby both whistling.

"Look out boys! Supermodels are on the prowl!" Timothée smiled, the two women laughing, Dina slapping his chest.

"Come on boys, we supermodels are starving!" Dina said, the four laughing, heading out of the flat.

Nancy drove the four over to the restaurant, Kolby's injuries halting their walking over.

The young man smiled, taking in the freshness of the evening, so happy to be out of the flat.

All three had sensed he was getting cabin fever, this just the ticket to make him happy.

They walked from a close parking lot to the restaurant, Timothée's arm around Kolby's waist, guiding him along the street.

The young man smiled, then looked towards The Red Lion, seeing the lights were dim, the place almost bathed in darkness.

He reached the front door, looking at his friends.

"Something's going on. The place looks like it's empty." he said, Timothée nodding.

"We have a reservation." he smiled, guiding him forward, Nancy opening the front door, Timothée and Kolby walking in first.

Timothée's arm went off Kolby's waist, the young man walking in crutches into the restaurant, the place shaded in darkness.

Timothée opened the inner door, Kolby walking in first.

"Surprise!!!!" People yelled, the lights coming on immediately, Kolby staring in shock, all the restaurant staff and their significant others standing in front of him applauding; Stephan, Olivia and Henry standing front and center.

"What...what's going on?!" Kolby said in shock; Timothée, Nancy and Dina smiling behind him.

Henry walked up to him, his hand going to his shoulder.

"We, your friends, are celebrating your return to us, Kolby. Tonight, we're celebrating the Christmas season also!  We are so happy you're back with us!" the man said, gently hugging him, Kolby beginning to tear up.

"Aw, guys! This is so nice! I've missed you all." Kolby smiled, standing in his crutches, Henry patting his shoulder.

Henry smiled, looking back at everyone.

"Let's welcome Kolby, everyone." he smiled, the others beginning to move forward, Stephan and Olivia the first to gently hug the young man, Henry welcoming the three behind him.

Kolby was lost in the happiness surrounding him, everyone gently hugging him, kisses given, his hand shaken, words of happiness and love given.

Timothée smiled at Henry, the man chatting with Nancy.

He felt a hand go to his shoulder, turning and staring into two tearing green eyes.

"You knew about this?" Kolby said, Timothée smiling.

"Yes, Kobe. Stephan told me yesterday. It was supposed to be your staff Christmas party; Henry deciding to turn it into a joint party for you, welcoming yourself back. You mean so much to everyone here. Henry has closed the restaurant for the evening. They all wanted to celebrate your return to them and enjoy the season's happiness." Timothée smiled, Kolby nodding.

Robert and Anton were handing out glasses of white and red wine, everyone taking one, Henry asking for silence, clinking his glass, everyone quieting down.

"Good evening, everyone. Tonight, we celebrate the happiness of the Christmas season. And another year of success for all of us. The last few weeks have perhaps been the most joyous, the atmosphere greatly improved around here. Your new manager is a big part of that. Your returning maître d as well. I'd like to propose the first toast. To Stephan and Kolby! May their strengths and professionalism filter down into all of us! Cheers!" Henry smiled, Stephan and Kolby blushing, their arms around each other, everyone toasting them.

"I'd also, at this time, like to tell everyone that after all the expenses, overhead and renovations this year, plus the recuperated money that crook Carson had embezzled, the restaurant has had a very prosperous year. I'd like to reward all of you with a share of that profit. I'll be giving all of you a personal Christmas bonus tonight, as well as some gifts, as you've seen under the Christmas tree. From now on the employees will share in the profits of this fine establishment annually. Profits are nothing if not shared. I'll be talking to each of you tonight." Henry smiled again, everyone cheering, and applauding, surrounding the man, shaking his hand.

"He's so generous." Kolby said, Stephan smiling at him.

"Wait till you see your bonus! He gave me my bonus this morning. I was thunderstruck!" he smiled, Olivia's arm around him now.

"Come on, Kolby. Let's get you off those crutches." she smiled, Stephan smiling, guiding his friend towards the front booths, Timothée and his friends following.

Timothée smiled, seeing Kolby in the center of everyone's attention, the young man seated beside him.

Everyone had come up to the young man, more hugs, kisses, and handshakes exchanged.

Spouses and significant others had been introduced, Kolby knowing most of them, Timothée, Nancy and Dina introduced to some, Nancy knowing many as well.

He'd been surprised when Robert had walked up to the table with a younger man, their hands entwined, the man very young and attractive.

Timothée sensed he was eighteen or nineteen, blond haired and muscular.

"Kolby, Daniel wanted to say hello." Robert smiled, his arm going around the younger man.

"Hello, Danny. Haven't seen you since the summer soccer matches." Kolby smiled, the young man leaning down and kissing Kolby's cheek, hugging him tightly, staring at his handsome face.

Timothée's eyes took in their close familiarity, the two smiling at each other.

"Yes, those were amazing. Sorry I whooped your ass back then!" Daniel grinned, Kolby and Robert laughing.

Kolby's eyes met Timothée's, the man staring at him.

"This is my friend, Timothée Chalamet, Daniel. Tim, this is Daniel Chandler. His father owns a pub close to here." he smiled, Daniel's eyes following Kolby's gaze, then meeting Timothée's green pools, Timothée nodding, the young man smiling at him, shaking his offered hand.

Timothée remembered the pub, having met Stephan there the night of Kolby's firing.

"Good evening, Mr. Chalamet. A pleasure to meet you. Robert told me you were great friends with Kolby. That's so amazing. His friendship is wonderful, isn't it? He's such an amazing young man. I don't know where I'd be without his friendship and guidance." the young man smiled, staring at Timothée.

"Yes, he's my best friend now. I've been to your father's pub. It's a nice place." Timothée said, the young man smiling, Robert patting Daniel's shoulder, their eyes meeting.

"We should mingle, Danny. Nice to meet all of you." Robert smiled.

"Okay, my love. It's been great, Kolby. Hope to see you soon." Daniel smiled, leaning down, and kissing Kolby's cheek again, both staring at each other, the two walking away, Timothée looking at Kolby quietly.

"He's such a special young man, Kobe. What you did for him when he was so hurting." Nancy said, Dina nodding, Timothée looking at Kolby seated beside him, their hands now joining under the table.

"Daniel's deaf, Timbo. I worked on weekends in a school for special children for a while for a few years. A youth program through my church. I met him there. He was so withdrawn, seemingly lost. In some ways he was so like me. I took it upon myself to help him, to be his friend. I gradually broke him out of his shell, finding his love of sports which made him take on the world. And last year I introduced him to Robert, the man coaching the soccer team Daniel was joining. The two hit it off immediately. They both saw in each other the love they needed. I know there's an age difference, Daniel eighteen, Robert thirty, but their love is amazing. Remind you of someone?" Kolby smiled, Timothée smiling at him, realizing he'd been thinking the wrong thoughts.

He felt Kolby's hand squeeze him under the table, their eyes meeting.

"He's a friend, always will be, nothing more." Kolby smiled, Nancy and Dina smiling at the two.

"Sorry, Kobe. He's very attractive." Timothée smiled, Kolby smiling at him.

"He's got nothing on you, stud." Kolby smiled, Timothée laughing, his jealousy gone.

Henry smiled, walking up to them, sitting down beside Nancy, everyone moving over a bit in the large booth, Stephan and Olivia joining them.

"I'm so happy you're healing, Kolby. I was so shocked when Stephan told me what happened. And what Evan's part was in that drama. I had full faith in Stephan resolving that situation, tossing his ass out. He's banned from ever entering this place. As for the other one who did that to you, I don't know the full circumstances, and that's really none of my business. I'm just happy you're now here and healing." the older man said, smiling at him.

Timothée whispered in Kolby's ear, their eyes meeting.

"Henry, Kolby and I are in a discreet relationship. We've found more than friendship together." Timothée smiled, the man smiling back at him.

"I assumed as much, my young friends. Neither of you hide your feelings in your eyes. I've seen much in my life; I can always see when love shines. I'm happy for both of you, and you have my utmost discretion, Timothée. I've met a lot of people in the entertainment, and business world, who are in hidden relationships. One needs to open themselves up when one's ready." Henry smiled, Timothée smiling back.

"Then you should hear the full story, Henry." Kolby said, he and Timothée quietly telling him what had really happened between Kolby and Harry Styles.

"Those are shocking, horrible things he did, Kolby. Perhaps the tripping and pushing were accidental, but the scheming behind it wasn't. I've heard a few stories through the grapevine about his not-so-shining escapades. He's had a few run-ins with other management firms. Haven't had direct dealings with him, and after this I never will. I'm sorry if my inviting him here to dine through Kylie in any way resulted in your being hurt." Henry said, Kolby smiling at him, seeing genuine concern on the older man's face.
"You can't control fate, Henry. I in no way blame you for anything that happened to me. That was fate. I'm going to forge ahead."

Henry smiled, nodding.

He pulled out an envelope, handing it to Kolby, the young man slowly taking it.

"Your Christmas bonus, Kolby. And there are gifts under the tree for all of you. I'll be handing those out later. I should mingle more. I'll be back later. I'd love to dine with you on the delicious food Jacob's preparing." he smiled, everyone smiling at him.

"We'll save you a spot, Henry." Nancy smiled, Henry smiling at her.

Stephan and Olivia stood up, the man sliding out of the booth, walking towards others, the two sliding back into the booth.

"Well open it, Kobe!" Stephan smiled, Kolby smiling at him.

He opened the envelope, a Christmas card inside, Kolby's eyes scanning the note written within, smiling, then turning over the other slip of paper enclosed, his eyes widening.

"My God! That's almost four months' salary!" he said, Stephan smiling.

"That it is, Kobe! I was so surprised! He's so awesome!" he smiled, Kolby smiling back.

"He sure is, Steph!" The young man smiled, showing his friends the check, everyone smiling at him.

"I know what this is going towards." he smiled, Timothée smiling at him.

"My Christmas presents?" he smiled, batting his eyes at Kolby, others laughing.

"Already bought, Timbo. The Dollar Tree had a flash sale." Kolby smiled, everyone laughing loudly, Timothée joining them.

Kolby's eyes met Stephan's, the young man sighing.

"I have some other news, Steph. I don't know how you're going to react." Kolby softly said, Stephan's hand going out, patting his.

"I know about the art gallery and the music school, Kobe. Timothée and I had a few conversations while he was in New York. He kept me abreast of all your upcoming surprises. I'm so proud of you. You're going to excel in everything you do. I always knew this job was just a steppingstone for you. It's my life and joy, it was never destined to be yours. I only wish you success in all you do. I'll always remain your best friend, Kobe. The job's always waiting here for you any time you get tired of the life of being this boy toy's bitch!"

Kolby laughed, tears falling from his eyes.

Timothée laughed as well, Stephan moving from his seat, moving around the table, leaning down, wrapping his arms around Kolby.

"I treasure your friendship, Steph. I'll always be your best friend. Now give me some sugar!" Kolby said, his eyes tearing, Stephan's just as wet, the man laughing, Kolby slapping his firm ass.

"With or without tongue?" The man said, the two breaking their embrace, their lips meeting, everyone smiling.

"Not bad, Kobe. Chalamet's training his bitch well." Stephan smiled, returning to his fiancée.

"Thanks for understanding, Steph. I don't know where this path will lead me. My sexy master here thinks I'm an artist and musician. I may in the future have to leave here if those careers take off. But for now, I'm always available. Although the first week of January I will head to New York. I want to try that music school first. The gallery will come later." Kolby said, everyone nodding, Nancy raising her glass.

"To Kolby's success! To good friends and paths forward! Merry Christmas everyone!" she said, everyone smiling, clinking glasses, drinking the nice white wine.

"God bless us everyone!" Kolby smiled, Stephan laughing.

"Give the boy some crutches and he thinks he's Tiny Tim!" the man grinned, everyone laughing.

Kolby smiled, surrounded by friends and family.
And the love of his life.

Half an hour later everyone was dining on a buffet set up outside the kitchen, the chef having outdone himself.

Timothée had picked out food for himself and Kolby, the two sharing a plate, the man returning often to the buffet, Kolby's hunger back.

Henry sat with the six, good conversation flowing.

He learned of Kolby's newfound talents, the man surprised and congratulatory.

"You're young, Kolby. You have a life of opportunities ahead of you. Go for the experience, and perhaps something greater will come out of it. As Stephan said, this job is just a steppingstone for you. We'll hate to lose you, but that shouldn't stand in your way of you living your life." He smiled, Kolby thanking him.

"You should come with us tomorrow to hear him sing, Henry." Nancy smiled, the man smiling at her.

"Is that an invitation, dear lady?" Henry smiled, Nancy blushing, nodding at him.

"I've already invited you to dinner tomorrow evening, Henry. We're all going to church to hear Kolby before." Stephan smiled, the owner smiling.

"I'd love to hear your voice, Kolby. And enjoy the company. I wasn't planning anything over the holidays." he smiled, Timothée smiling at Nancy.

"If you're spending the holiday alone, Henry, I'd love to invite you to Christmas dinner at our flat on Monday. It's just Dina, I, Kolby and Timothée." she smiled, the man smiling widely.

"I accept with humility and joy. And I'll bring the wine." Henry smiled, everyone agreeing.

Timothée's eyes met Kolby's, the two smirking at each other.

"And what's that look for?" Nancy asked, the two smiling at her.

"Oh, nothing, Momma Bear!" The boys smiled, batting their eyes.

"Hooligans, naughty hooligans!" she said, everyone laughing.

Henry and she both softly blushed, everyone smiling.

Everyone laughed through dinner, several staff coming up and chatting with Henry and Kolby, the two smiling and chatting.

Timothée saw a close bond among all the staff, Kolby friends with everyone.

After dinner Henry stood up, getting everyone's attention, thanking the staff again for a successful year, another toast given, this one to all of them.

Everyone smiled, toasting each other, then clapping at Henry.

The older man smiled, informing everyone he had gifts for all the staff and their families.

Stephan smiled, rising from his seat, helping the man give out the gifts, Henry calling everyone's names, after Stephan found their gifts under the Christmas tree in the corner.

Everyone rose, walking up and accepting their gift, shaking Henry's hand, returning to their table.

Five gifts remained under the tree, Henry again thanking everyone for a good year, telling them to enjoy the evening. More food and drinks were available, everyone standing and applauding him.

He had Stephan pull out the remaining five gifts, Henry taking them, the two men walking over to their table.

"For you, Kolby." He smiled, handing him the biggest gift, then smiling, handing one to Timothée, then Dina, Nancy and finally Stephan.

"That one's for both you and Olivia, Stephan." Henry smiled, theirs the smallest.

Nancy and Dina were surprised, Henry smiling at them.

"We're not staff, Henry." Nancy smiled, Henry smiling at her.

"But you two and Timothée are now friends. Christmas is a time of giving. My late wife always enjoyed giving presents. I've carried on the tradition myself. It brings me joy also." he smiled, everyone seeing the joy in his eyes.

"Thank you, Henry." they all said together, the man smiling.

"Go ahead, Olivia. You can go first." Henry smiled, the woman smiling, opening the small box, pulling out a small card.

"That's the business card of a dear friend of mine. He owns a prominent wedding venue in East London. I've talked to him and if you're willing, I'd like to give you the cost of the venue for your wedding. An early wedding gift if you will. It's a beautiful place, my late wife and I were married there over thirty years ago. It's quite a magical place." Henry smiled, the young couple looking floored.

"Henry...we can't...this is too much!" Stephan said, Henry patting his shoulder.

"Yes, you can. As I said, please think of it as an early wedding present. We can go visit it over the holidays. Just call him and set up an appointment. Like I said, it's your decision. If you don't like it, I won't be disappointed. If you choose another place, I'll gladly pay for that one instead. A wedding day needs to be perfect. Mine was." Henry smiled, Olivia leaning over and putting her arms around the older man, kissing his cheek.

"You're so wonderful, Henry. I've heard of this place, but it was so out of our price range. Thank you so much!" she said with tears, Stephan hugging his fiancée, Henry blushing, but smiling.

"You're welcome, both of you." He smiled, Stephan shaking his hand.

Everyone smiled, seeing the man's giving heart.

"You're next, Dina." Henry smiled, changing the subject, the young woman smiling, opening her gift, her eyes widening.

"This...this is too much! But wow! That's amazing!" she smiled, pulling out a new iPhone Pro, Nancy's eyes widening as well.

"Oh, Henry! That's so expensive!" she said, her daughter moving over her mother, hugging the older man tightly.

"Thank you so much, Henry! I've always wanted one!" she grinned, everyone seeing her happiness.

"Your mother had told me last week that you were in school in Glasgow. That's more up to date for keeping in touch with her. Just promise me you will call your mother often." he smiled, Dina nodding, agreeing, staring at her new phone.

Nancy stared at the man, Henry smiling at her.

"You're next, Nancy." he smiled, the woman staring at the gift in front of her.

"You didn't have to do this, Henry." she said again, Henry smiling more.

"Yes, I did. My way of thanking you for all you've done for our Kolby. His giving values I'm sure he received from you." Henry said, Nancy smiling, opening the gift, her eyes widening.

"Oh, Henry! They're so expensive!" she said, the woman pulling out a light blue cashmere sweater from the box, a small box of jewelry as well showing.

"It matches the blueness of your eyes, Nancy. Those are pearls and earrings to match." he said, the woman blushing, but smiling.

"Thank you, Henry. But I still think it's too much! You hardly know us." she said, the man taking her hand, kissing it gently.

"I have the talent for seeing into people's hearts. I knew from our first meeting that you had a deep heart of giving kindness." he smiled, the woman blushing, their eyes meeting.

"Nancy, I've...I've been invited to a New Year's Eve soiree here in London. Would you be willing to...would you like to go with me? Just as friends, I mean." Henry softly said, Kolby and Timothée smiling at each other, Dina and Olivia smirking, Stephan looking surprised.

She stared into his blue eyes, she then smiling.

"I'd love to, Henry. Thank you for inviting me." she smiled, looking around, seeing the surrounding smiling faces.

"What? We're just going as friends. Good friends." she smiled at him, the man smiling more.

"Good friends, indeed." Henry smiled.

Everyone smiled, sensing there was more growing there than that.

Henry's eyes met Timothée's green pools.

"You're next, Timothée." Henry smiled, Timothée smiling, opening his gift, smiling widely.

"Oh, wow! Thanks so much, Henry! This is one of my favorite brands!" Timothée said as he pulled out a black leather Gucci jacket.

"I knew you liked the brand. Stephan gave me Kolby's size last week, you're almost identical in size." the man smiled, Timothée smiling.

"Told you we were twins." he grinned, Kolby laughing.

"Still have a pound and a half on you, slim." Kolby said, everyone laughing.

`Thanks so much, Henry. I'll treasure this. And you're not borrowing it, Kobe!" Timothée smiled, his hands going over the expensive jacket, Kolby laughing.

"You're welcome, Timothée." Henry smiled, the man smiling at him.

"It's just Tim, Henry. We're good friends now." he smiled, Henry nodding, looking at Kolby.

"You're the last, Kolby." Henry smiled, Kolby smiling, beginning to unwrap the large box, opening a gift box, seeing another wooden box within it.

He pulled the box out, staring at its wooden smoothness, tears beginning to instantly fall.

"You okay, Kobe?" Timothée said, seeing the emotion on his young face, his hand going to his shoulder, Kolby still moving his fingertips along the wooden box's top.

On the top of the mahogany box was a golden insignia, a large C with two trees on each side of it, a knight on a horse within the capital C.

"Where did you get this, Henry?" Kolby said, trembling a bit.

Henry's eyes met Timothée's, Stephan's eyes on Kolby with worry, seeing his friend's emotional face.

"I bought it at an auction over three years ago in East London. Why do you ask?" Henry said, Kolby's green eyes met his.

"It's a silver and brass astrolabe with a mahogany base, isn't it?" he softly said, Henry looking surprised.

"Why yes, Kolby! Stephan told me how interested you were in science and astronomy. I thought you might like to have it. How did you know what was within that wooden box?"

"I do love it, very much." Kolby said, wiping his teary eyes, Timothée hugging him closely.

"How do you know what's in that box, Kobe?" Timothée said, everyone staring at the young man, his hands still moving gently across its top.

"Because it's mine. Or rather, it was my grandfather's. Or so my mother always told me." The young man said, raising the wooden lid, staring at the mechanical instrument lying within.

He lifted it gently, pulling a small card out from underneath the base, staring at the words written there.

"You were my star as well, Mom. Your light is now gone." He softly said, tears falling.

Kolby began to cry, burying his face into Timothée's chest, Timothée staring at the words written on the small card, taking it from Kolby's fingers, reading the words out loud, everyone's eyes widening.

                              My, Kolby

My father said I was the sunlight of his smile.

      You are the star of my universe.

          Your light will always shine.

            Love, Mom

Henry looked stunned, staring at the box.

"I never really took it out of the box. I didn't want to risk damaging it. I never knew that card was there. That's totally unbelievable!" Henry said, everyone staring at the box with shock.

Kolby lifted his head from Timothée's chest, wiping his eyes, the young man picking the astrolabe up gently, pulling it out of its matching box, setting it on the table.  

"I spent so many hours in the park at night, using this to map the stars. My mother gifted it to me on my thirteenth birthday. I thought I'd lost it, never seeing it again after my parents' deaths. My father's family must have sold it after. It eventually ended up in your hands, Henry. Now you've guided it back to me. It was always destined to be mine." Kolby softly said, his fingers going over the silver and brass instrument.

"That's so unbelievable, Kolby. That I'd find it, buy it, then later give it to you as a gift." Henry said, in shocked wonder.

"It's my life, Henry. The déjà vu of my life. You don't know what you've given me. It was my greatest treasure of my youth. I can't thank you enough!" Kolby said, his tears flowing again, everyone climbing out of the booth, surrounding him, the young man given hugs by everyone, Henry the last to gently hug him.

"It knew it had to make its way back to you, Kolby. I'm honored to have been a part of that trek. Never lose it, I think it's something special." the man smiled, Kolby thanking him again.

The man smiled, everyone returning to their seats, Nancy smiling at Kolby.

"Another Christmas surprise, Kobe." she smiled, Henry smiling at her.

"I think this young man is full of surprises." Henry said, smiling at him.

Timothée smiled, his green pools staring into Kolby's green.

"And I'm going to love every one of them." Timothée grinned, Kolby laughing, wiping his eyes again, Timothée hugging him.

End of Chapter 20

Kolby's path winds back to his youth, a special treasure returned.

The young man seems to be on a mystical path of life.

And Timothée's happy being on the same path.

A celebration of Kolby's healing return.

And Timothée has guided him onto another path, of music and art.

Which will he choose?

The young man will head to New York after the New Year.

On to Christmas.

Hugs, Angel.

Email: music-fan-1@hotmail.com