41 comments/ 79752 views/ 186 favorites The Christmas Elf By: Myhands316 There I was again, in my silly-assed Elf costume. Yes, I was trying to make some extra money. No, it wasn't for presents. It was because my heater was on the fritz again, and it gets cold this time of the year. Oh, I could have chopped some wood. That is if I was tall enough to lift my dad's ax enough to do some good. Then there was all the cleaning out of the old chimney... anyway it was too much work, or money. I had neither the time or funds, so here I was trying to make enough to get ripped off by the repair man again. Yes, before you ask. I fit the elf description like the preverbal glove. I'm five feet two inches tall, five four in my hooker heels... yes I have the long curly ribbons of Chestnut colored hair and the little perky... got I hate that term... nose. Today my thirty C breasts were being ogled by the teenage set, as they were being pressured into family time by parents who were hoping for at least one more family orientated Christmas, before they get too old to enjoy it. Yes, I was thankful that my parents left me the house. But still it wasn't that great of a deal. Sure I don't have to worry about a place to live. That is if it doesn't fall down around my ears from my lousy repair skills. It would really great if I could find a boyfriend who knows all about home repair to help me on the weekends. The only problem with that... I'm into girls. Well, women actually. Anyway, I was standing there, my cheeks hurting, as I smiled at all the little children and their parents as they came to see George. Or rather George dressed up as the Jolly fat-man, who would make their lives better, when he brought all the cool presents on Christmas Eve. Not the best place to meet a prospective date or mate, but it did pay well for a short time. The rest of the time I was stuck doing my normal job at the daycare center. Yep, I'm a teacher. Not that I'd ever become a millionaire, but I did love my kids and they loved me, most days. "Have a Merry Christmas." I waved at the little girl sitting on George's lap as I tried to snap the picture before she could cloud up and cry again. I sighed as I saw the line of kids around Santa's Village. I knew it was going to be a long one. "Here's you candy cane. You be a good girl now." I'd patted her head and send her to her parents who look tired and bored. Then I turned around and saw her. She was wrangling two little twin boys in a single stroller. "Hi... welcome to Santa's workshop." I greeted her. "Hi, they just want to sit on Santa's lap.... I can't afford the picture." She said with sad eyes. "And who are these two cute little ones?" I asked, keeping in character. It was hard. She was exactly the type I'd be interested in. She was medium height, well built and just all around sexy. I didn't want to be drooling over her when the husband came up to gather his prizes at the other end of the line. "Jacob and Joey...." She tried to smile as she looked around. She leaned down to me and whispered. "Please tell Santa not to promise anything. I can't afford it... we're here just to keep warm and they begged for this." I saw the wounded pride as she told me just how bad things were for her and her kids. "Right this way..." I nodded and smiled. I helped the boys onto George's lap. "Well Hello and what do you want for Christmas?" George boomed in his great big Santa voice. "A new home, a new bed, and Mommy not to cry anymore." One little boy said as his brother just sucked his thumb and sniffed. "I'd like a new Teddy too if I've been really good." He finished, looking up with pure trust. "Yea, I'd wanna new Mr. Bunny... We lost ours in the fire." The other brother finally said and then stuffed his thumb in his mouth again. I had to take a deep breath before I said. "Merry Christmas!" and took their picture. I know the mom said no picture, but I'd cover it. These kids really needed a Merry Christmas if anyone did. George still in his role asked. "Well maybe your Daddy will be able to find you what you need, before I have to hunt you down this year, because I know you two are on my good list." He chuckled and hugged the boys, trying to make them smile. "We don't have a daddy... we never did." The talkative boy said seriously. "Grandma says we're better off; because he was nothin but a two timing woser." He added, not really knowing what he was parroting. I took a second to look over at the mother. I looked past the blush, to the too thin blouse, and old oversized coat that covered her wounded pride. I could see she had suffered. I could also see that she loved her boys more than anything else in the world. I took an extra candy cane and held them out to the wounded woman. "Merry Christmas...!" I said and handed her the picture and candy canes. "But I can't..." She said, trying to look like she was looking for her obviously empty wallet. "Don't worry about it. It's been taken care of. I hope you get everything you deserve this year." I smiled my best elf smile and winked, before turning around and tending to the next child in the too long line. *** The rest of the day, as I watched the covertness of the other children, as they asked for the next biggest bestest toy that cost more than my car. I kept thinking about that woman and her twins. It made me realize just how far this season had wandered away from what it was supposed to mean. No child really needed the new X-box thingy that moved when you did, so they didn't have to hold a remote anymore. I was heartedly thanking God, when eight o'clock finally got there. My feet and smile were both flat. I was too tired to even scold the teenager when he tried to pinch my butt, as I tried to walk past to the changing room. I knew I had to get home and get ready for the next week at my regular job and wash the elf costume so I didn't have to run home in between jobs. One more week and if my bosses were in a really good mood, I might have enough to keep warm throughout the rest of the winter. As I was walking out, I saw her again. She was hanging out next to the pizza place. I knew Quan, the owner of the Pizza place, was good about letting people have the extra pizza he had left over. He would have thrown it away, so if someone was there, he would offer it freely. I've even know him to bake an extra because he knew someone was waiting and hungry. I even watched him add some extra pieces before he handed her the box. "Merry Christmas" He said in his broken English and handed the boys a free breadstick. "If you need, I'll have extra... not tomorrow, but next day. I take tomorrow off." He nodded as she blushed again. "Thank you. I'll repay you as soon as I can...." She promised. "You just pray for Quan; and God will pay." He smiled and walked away. "Mommy look it... it's Santa's elf... isn't she pretty?" One of the twins said with awe in his voice. "Yes Joey, she is pretty. But I think she's tired and has to get her rest for tomorrow." "Can we see her tomorrow?" He asked smiling at me. "Hi, I'll be here tomorrow after six..." I started telling the smiling boy and ran my finger down his brother's nose. "I don't know. We have to try and find the other shelter tomorrow. We have only two more night at the one we're at now." She wouldn't look at me, as she talked to her son. "Well if you can, I'll be here in the evenings until Christmas Eve... I'm Christy by the way...." I looked up at the mom. "Hi Kissty...!" the boys beamed. "Hi... I'm um Beth... thanks for the picture. My parents will like it... even if they will never say so." Again she couldn't hold back the wounds from her face. "It's nothing. I throw away so many, one extra won't matter." I reassured them. "Well I hope you have a great Christmas. Christy the elf needs her sleep. Do you need a ride anywhere?" I asked on impulse. "NO... no I can't thank you enough as it is. We'll make it just fine. It's not that far." She took her Pizza box and started wrapping her boys up. Without thinking about it, I waved goodbye and headed out to my dilapidated car. Well to be nice, it wasn't that bad, just old. It still ran and it hadn't broke down on me yet. Oh, I'm sure if I could afford it, I could get a more economical one, but I hated thinking about getting rid of it. It was my moms and now it's mine. I was halfway to the car, when the sky opened up with windblown freezing sleet. I quick stepped it to the car, unlocked it and jumped in. I sent up a silent prayer and turned the key as it rattled to life. I sat there rubbing my hands as it took its time to warm up. I had one thing in mind. Getting home where I could shove a quick batch of store bought cookies in the oven to warm the house while I took my five minutes of hot water shower. I made it all the way to the exit before I saw a brown blur fighting against the wind. I took my elf hat to wipe off the fog and saw Beth straining, pushing the over burdened stroller, with her coat covering her boys. It might have been the lights, or it might have been my imagination, but Beth looked blue. Kicking the heater on full blast, I pulled over and swung open the door. "Beth... you and the boys, get in the car. I'm not letting you catch your death of cold." I shouted over the wind. Just then, a gust of wind took the full box of pizza and splattered it all over the wet street. Seeing the look of horror on Beth's face, I grabbed my hood and pushed the button for the trunk. I jumped out and grabbed the rest of her bags before the wind could take them and started shoving them into my trunk. "Get the boys in the car... I've got this." I had to yell as the wind started howling. I knew it was going to be a bad one. "I can't... That was our dinner..." She tried to say, as I pushed her into action. "Boys and you need to get out of this before you catch your death...!" I used my teacher to errant child tone. Five minutes, that seemed like an hour, later. I was rubbing my hands over the lukewarm air coming out of my dash. "Where were you going?" I asked smiling back at the two boys in the back. "The shelter on Fifth, but it will be doors closed, before we can get there. Do you know anywhere we can stay dry tonight? Thanks for the ride." Beth said as she tried to pull the freezing cloth of her top away from her pink, wind chapped body. "I know just the place. It might not be the warmest, but it is dry." I smiled at the boys again. I pulled out of the parking lot and headed home. Fifteen minutes later, as I turned into my neighborhood, Beth finally asked. "So, um... where are you taking us?" I refused to look, since I wasn't that good of a night time driver, and her hard nipples wouldn't have helped my state of mind. "Do you know of a shelter in this part of town? Do they have an extended stay program? Maybe if I could stay in one place for more than a week, I could find a job and pay you back for all you've done." She stammered as I just looked forward, knowing if I wasn't carful, Jimmy Tatum would rush across the street on his bike and scare the devil out of me again. As I pulled up in front of my big rambling rancher and sighed. It looked deserted with no lights or any decorations out. It was one of the few that hadn't decked the halls. I know, I always promised to get to it, but there just weren't enough hours in the day. I looked in my mirror and saw the two boys leaning against each other, starting to doze in the warmth that had finally permeated my car. "There's no place like home." I told Beth. "I can't... what will your husband say bringing strangers home?" Beth gasped. "Don't worry. For tonight at least, I have a dry place for you to stay. I feel safe with you and your boys. You can't go out in this weather; and if I don't miss my guess, I'll have to take my Dad's truck to work tomorrow, if we're not snowed in. It's only getting colder. I'll go light the way, and then help you get the boys into a warm bed. We can talk later, after you take a shower." I said really fast so she couldn't interrupt me. I headed out the car and unlocked my front door. Running through my house, I hit the on button to my stove and took the porta-heater to the spare room and plugged it in, warming the cold room where I intended to have the boys sleep. When I came back out, Beth was slowly wrapping the boys in her jacket, trying to pick them both up at the same time. Taking my own coat off, I ignored the cold wind and went to the opposite door and grabbed the boy closest to me. I nodded to have Beth follow me into the house. I let her in first and closed the door with my foot, as I held the boy next to my warm chest and headed down the hall. "The second door on the left." I told her as I followed with my precious cargo. I've always loved kids. That's why I became a preschool teacher. As soon as we had the boys laying down, and surrounded by pillows so they wouldn't fall, I pointed out to the hall. "I'll put some water on for hot coco." I told her as I headed into my big kitchen. "You can hover over the stove to get warm." I added, as I rinsed out my hot water pot. Well in most houses it's a coffee pot, but since I don't drink coffee.... "I can't thank you enough... I don't know what I'd do if..." Beth started. "We can talk about that later. You can have the shower first... I'll bring in some towels and an extra robe, after I get all your stuff out of the car. You need to get warm, but the water only lasts for a few minutes." I told her, keeping her too busy to thank me again. "Okay... thanks again...." I know she would have gone on, but I showed her where the main bathroom was and left her there, with two fluffy towels. I headed out to the car to get all of their stuff. It took me three trips to get it all into the house, and I was more than ready for my shower by the time I was done. I'd loved to be able to take a bath, but since the heater wasn't working right, neither was the hot water tank, I knew I was out of luck. By the time I was finished, the Pizza was being delivered. I paid the boy and ignored his obvious attempts at looking down into my robe. We sat there, looking like two mummies, wrapped in terry cloth from head to toe. I sat her down and offered the warm Pizza and cup of hot coco. Her stomach grumbled after the first few tentative bites. She smiled guiltily and finally fulfilled her hunger, making sure there would be enough for her sons when they woke up. "So, how long have you been homeless?" I asked as I finished my third piece. "A little over a month now." She said, as she contemplated taking another slice. "What happened? From what your son said... there was a fire?" "Yeah... Our apartment burned down and the owners are out of state and refuse to find us other places to stay." She shrugged. "They also said something about a grandma?" I asked, not really wanting to push her. "Yeah... my mom and dad.... We were staying with them until we had to leave." She said flatly. Taking the towel off her head I noticed the longish blonde hair spilling out, now clean. "What happened?" I asked in reflex. "Long story," she sighed. "Why did you help us?" "You needed help." I shrugged back. "I couldn't just let you try and trudge through the storm. I could tell you were freezing." I yawned. "There are some extra covers in the hall closet. You can have the couch... the other spare room is full of my junk and there isn't enough time to clear it tonight." I told her as I stretched my sore back. "Thank you... I don't know what I'd done. I didn't expect the storm." She sighed and I could see the hurt in her eyes. "We can talk about that tomorrow. As long as you promise not to steal from me, you can stay..." I smiled to take the sting out of my words. "I have to get up early. Make yourself at home. There isn't much in the fridge, but you and the boys are welcome to what I've got." I stood up and closed my gaping robe. I didn't want her to think I was making a pass at her. I didn't think she traveled down the same road as I did. *** The next day I was too busy to think about the visitors I had in my house, as I went through my Monday headache. I drove my dad's big truck through the slush to my second job, thanking my lucky stars, most people didn't want to brave the roads. They still had a week before Christmas. Hell, even some of the stores, thinking they made all their holiday money, were taking down their decorations and getting ready for the big returns day. By the time I smiled my last elfish smile, and gave out my last candy cane, I had completely forgotten that I had left someone and her kids in my house all day. Yeah I know naive of me. But what can I say, I'm an optimist. What I didn't expect as I turned my corner was to see my house lit up. That's when it all came rushing back. The next surprise was when I opened my door and felt the blast of warm air greeting me. I smelled something good and was greeted by the two little boys. "Hi elf Kissty... Hi...." They ran up and hugged my legs. "Hi yourself. How are you doing?" I asked, as twin sets of grey green eyes looked up at me. "We was really good. We didn't even make a mess or nothing. Momma said we should be good for you letting us stay in your house today. I didn't know elves live in houses. I thought you lived at the Norfth pole with Santa...?" he babbled at me while his brother looked on, nodding in agreement. "I'm just a part time elf." I told the serious eyed boys. "Most of the time I'm just a teacher. But some years, when Santa is really busy, he calls me up and asks for my help. Not all of us can afford to live up there in Santa's village." I told them as I put my cap on top of my coat. "Hi, I hope you don't mind that I turned on your heater... it was cold." Beth said from behind me. "Did you know they had the gas only on halfway? Without enough gas flow your heater won't work." Beth said, unsure if she had over stepped her bounds. "You fixed the heater? Great... the repair guy wanted ninety bucks just to look at it. I've been using the stove to heat the house until I could afford to call him." I said stunned. "Oh, did you know your hot water heater was on vacation? That's why it only would have a limited amount of hot water. I turned it on, so I could give the boys a bath." She blushed. "I hope you don't mind... I could pay you back when I can get a job." She stammered as I looked around my now spotless house. "Um wow... did the house fairies come help you clean?" I sniffed the warm moist air. "Whatcha cooking...?" I asked as my mouth started watering. "Just some chicken soup. You didn't have any noodles, so I used some out of the Mac and Cheese instead. You said I could cook for the boys..." "Man, I could get used to this." I exclaimed as I saw the uncertainty in Beth's face. "Let's eat..." I smiled. "We already had some Elf Kissty. Momma was just keeping yours warm for you." I was dutifully informed. "I'll tell you what..." I looked at Beth. "Joey... he's the talkative one." She answered my unasked question. "Joey... when we're here in my house, you can call me Miss Christy. When I'm helping Santa is the only time you have to call me Elf Christy. Okay?" I knelt down to looking at him on his level. "That goes for you too... Jacob."I held out my hand to the hesitant child, who was sucking his thumb. "Come on boys... You need to get ready for bed, while I talk to Miss Christy." I saw the flash of hope, and the mask, as she herded the boys to the room I gave them the night before. "Give me Christmas kisses...." I held out my arms as they came and gave me a quick peck and rushed off to the bedroom, leaving Beth and I alone. "Here, let me get you a bowl of soup." She hurried off flustered. Part of me knew Beth felt like, if she made herself useful enough, that I might let her stay. I thought it was a damn shame a woman with two small children had to live like this. I also knew for a fact that she wouldn't ask. If I told her to pack up her boys, that I was taking them to the shelter; she would have thanked me again for being so helpful. The Christmas Elf As I ate the simple hearty soup, my mind tumbled. I knew I wanted to help, but I also felt like I needed to know more about Beth and her boys, if I was going to let them stay. One of the things I needed to know was why she stopped staying with her mother. My dad always said the best way to get information is to ask. "Dinner tastes great Beth... thank you. You've saved me a bunch of money...." I took another big bite. "Why couldn't you stay with your mom?" I looked at her with curiosity. "Oh, I know I could give you some big sob story, but I won't. In the simplest terms, I can't live by her rules, so I can't live in her house." She shrugged it off like it didn't matter. "Sweetie... don't let your pride get in the way." I said in the most nonjudgmental tone I could. "I hope you were able to use the washer and dryer..." I added as an afterthought. "Yes I did... I can't thank you enough. I don't know what I would have done if I couldn't find the boys a bed." She looked shocked for a second, like I was going to tell her to gather her stuff and get out. "You said something about a fire? I don't want to pry..." I asked trying to get her to engage. "I guess I owe you the truth..." She sighed. "You don't owe me anything. I'm in your debt. I thought it was going to cost me a couple of hundred dollars to fix my heater and water again. As you can tell, I'm not the handiest person. My father took care of the house before..." I reached over and touched her arm and felt the zing. She must have felt it too as she started talking. "I had a small house at one time. But then came the lay-offs. I moved in with my girlfriend, but then her brother... well anyway I got pregnant and that caused a strain. Then one night, there was a fire in an adjacent apartment. It took the whole building. I lost everything I owned. Even all the stuff for the boys. By the time I got there, my car was gone with what was left. I called my mom, and she came and got us. The owner said since I wasn't on the lease, I wasn't entitled to any money or help." I was pretty good at filling in the blanks, but there were some things that confused me. "Who took your car?" I asked. "Shelly's brother, I think. He figured that I owed him... I really don't want to get into that right now." She paused, sighed and went on with her story. "I didn't mind living with my mom at first. It gave the boys a stable place, even with her badmouthing their father. She kept pestering me to find him and get child support. The boys were heading toward their third birthday when it hit the fan. I was working as a cashier. When I came home, my mother was pissed. She yelled and screamed at me. At first I didn't know what she was so upset about until she called me a lesbian whore." She flicked her eyes to mine, knowing that it might be enough to send most people off. "What...? Am I supposed to get all high and mighty and toss you out on your ear now?" I asked with a raised eyebrow. "Are you...?" "A whore no...." She didn't answer the other. "My mom has some strict rules. I thought I was following them. When she was done yelling at me, she kicked us out. That was two months ago. Of course I lost my job since I didn't have a baby sitter or a constant address. I've been floating between the shelters since. I'll stay at one as long as they let me, then have to find the next. Mr. Quan has been great. Without him, I'd probably had to start stealing to feed Joey and Jacob." She said, holding her head up as she refused to bow down to the pressure. "So, let me see if I got this straight." I said thoughtfully. "No husband, no boy or girl friend, no job, and no support from your family; and I was feeling sorry for myself because I couldn't get my heater to work right." "Momma... Cob and I was talkin and, and, and... we was wondering why Elf Kissty aint got no Christmas tree and stuff?" Joey came in and asked unaware of the intense conversation his mother and I were having. "Because Elf Christy is Jewish..." I muttered under my breath. I plastered a big elf smile on my face and told the little boy. "Because I've let Santa use all my Christmas stuff. Would you like it if I brought some of it back home?" "Yeah...!" The boy beamed. "Kay... I'll go tell Cob..." He turned and headed back to the room at a wobbly jog trot. "You don't have too..." Beth started. "Hey, it's the least I could do." I said, making up my mind. "You've saved me like five hundred dollars already. I'll tell you what. You and the boys can stay here until after the holidays. It will give you a break so you can figure out what happens next. Okay?" "How do you figure that?" She asked, with a flash of hope flaring again in her eyes. "It cost me at least two hundred every time I have to call the repair man and you fixed the water heater, the gas and the furnace. That's two and a half service calls. Just call it my Christmas gift." I smiled. "Why...?" She asked almost I tears. "Because, it's the right thing to do." I put my hand over hers on the table. "Besides, I like having people in this big old house. I've been kind of thinking of selling it, but the market sucks right now." "I can't thank you enough..." "Hey, I'd hope someone would do this for me if I needed it. Just promise me no wild parties..." I was joking, but she took it seriously. "I gave that up the day I found out I was pregnant....." She gave me an odd look before blushing and shutting up. "Um, I um, will clean up." She stammered and took my empty bowl and hand washed it as I watched her butt wiggle as she moved. *** That night I had disturbingly erotic dreams. Let's just say I'd be in a coma if I ever had that much good sex in one day and we can leave it at that. I didn't want to get up, especially when I found myself undulating against my trusty pillow. But the bills have to be paid and I guess I was going Christmas tree hunting between jobs. Lucky for me, I got to watch all the children's specials at work. If nothing else, it helped put me in a Christmassy mood. Actually it was the thought of two little boys' eyes when I trudged in with the cute tree and all the decorations and lights. It would be worth the two hundred dollars I'd spent out of my repair money. It was a lucky thing that I actually had the next night off. It would be my last until Christmas Eve. They had Cindy, the High School student, working instead. I guess it helped that she was the daughter of the events coordinator. I mean it was her picture that was on the posters with Santa at the doors. Anyway it was just getting dark when I pulled in. I was met with wide eyes from all of my guests. I opened my door to. "Look it momma... a real tree. See I told you Santa was real. We've been extra nice..." Joey and Jacob smiled at me as I lugged in the tree and bags of decorations. I even splurged on three of the red and white stockings. I did work as an Elf, so I did know some of the quirks of the season. "Hey, I can use some help here." I giggled... yeah I was laying it on thick, but I had two kids to make happy. "You didn't have to do that." Beth said with her face shining just as bright as her sons. I could see tears in the blue-grey eyes and she pushed her blond hair behind her ears. "Well come on, this thing is heavy... Grab and end and let's get this thing set up." I smiled as I shook the tree and wondered how deep her blush went as she held the gap closed on her too large blouse. We had fun decorating the tree. Once the lights were lit and the bright decorations were put on, we had a hard time getting the boys to settle back down. It's to be expected... even Jacob got into the act, even if I couldn't understand what he was trying to say. "So, why aren't you spending you time with your family?" Beth asked as we settled down on my mom's overstuffed floral couch. "I don't have any around..." I shrugged. "Oh, I know I have some in Israel somewhere, but none in the states." I took a sip of my coco to prevent myself from stroking her face. "What about your parents?" Beth asked leaning her head back and closing her eyes in exhaustion. "They passed peacefully a little over a year ago. Everyone knew they couldn't live without the other. So when Daddy got sick, momma followed within a month. They had their plans already made." "They couldn't have been that old. You're not that old." Beth stretched like a cat, luxuriating in the warmth. "I was a late in life surprise. Both my parents were well over forty when I came along. Mom carried me hard and never was quite as vigorous after my birth. We got by. I never wanted for anything as I grew up." I shrugged. "We knew the cancer was bad when they found it, so there weren't any surprises. I took over the house in the spring, after the lease was up in the apartment I was living in. I just didn't know what I was getting into. Daddy took care of the house." I sighed. "Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't know. I wondered why the heater wasn't turned on. I was thinking that maybe you were trying to save money. My dad is a jack of all trades.... I used to knock around with him during my summer breaks. He taught me how to fix a wall, change the oil in the car, and not be a dependant female, as he called it. I guess I was a tomboy, even if I didn't want to admit it." She smiled at the memory. We would've gone on but Jacob came out doing the pee-pee dance, and Beth had to tend to him before he wet in his big boy pants. *** Over the next few days, it was inevitable. As I got to like Beth and her boys, my mind would wonder what would happen if I made a move towards a more intimate relationship with Beth. Bumping into her naked in the shower didn't help either. I wanted to run my hands up and down her long legs, diving right in that cute strawberry blonde muff. Her breast, even though they had the mommy sag, looked like they were begging to be kissed, licked and sucked as I made her wiggle in delight. "Down girl...." I had to tell myself and then try to get the picture out of my mind as I went to work. How she felt, I don't know. I know I didn't want to make her feel like I expected something she wasn't willing to give, because she needed a roof over her and the boys' head. Sometimes being a Lesbian Romantic can be a real bitch. So, in keeping with my moniker, I played the Happy Elf. I went out and bought the boys the stuffed toys they asked Santa for, and a nice size appropriate set of new clothes for Beth. Nothing fancy; just a pair of lined pants, a nice sweater, and a better coat. Something to keep the chill off if she was ever caught out in a storm again. My own special touch was the little red wagon they had on sale. Every boy needs a wagon and it didn't cost that much, so I picked up the box, and tossed it into the trunk of my car. In some ways it was great, in others, I felt like you cut the tension with a knife. Like all things, it came to a head, the night before Christmas. I lent Beth fifty dollars, so she could go out and buy her boys some things so they would have presents to open in the morning. As she wrapped the gifts in my room, I pulled out mine. "You shouldn't have..." Beth clouded up. "I know, that's what makes it so fun." I smiled as I tossed the three boxes with her name on them, where she couldn't see the tags. "You've got to help me with the last one though." I added as I pulled out the big white box with the wagon. "I don't know an Allen wrench from a Crescent wrench and they say I need both." I could see the storm in her eyes, but didn't know if it was a good thing or a bad thing. "How can I ever repay you for all this?" She sniffed. "Don't even try." I smiled at her. "Here you see what you can make of these directions. It's all Greek to me." I tossed her the folded paper. "Oh, it's not that hard... do you have a hammer?" She asked hopefully. Famous last words. After hours of shushing each other and giggling, that stupid wagon still wasn't put together. I was ready to pull my hair out. The pull thingy wasn't attaching to the wheel thingy, or if it did; it refused to turn. What good is a wagon if it won't turn? After the fifth time of putting it together, it finally worked. "WOO-HOO...!" I shouted in victory. "Shhhh... the boys are sleeping." Beth said, putting her hand over my mouth. Being too tired to fight it anymore, I nipped at her hand and turned. "There is a better way to keep me quiet." I said and turned into her arms. Without thinking, I lifted up on my tiptoes and silenced her gasp with my lips. I hoped I wouldn't be pushed away, but I wasn't ready for the heat. As soon as our lips met, the fire ignited. Within seconds, she moaned and pushed her tongue into my mouth. The next thing my brain registered was that I was on my back, holding onto her breast as she ravaged my mouth. I had to open my eyes to make sure it wasn't another dream. I turned and pushed as I looked into Beth's smoke filled eyes. "I've wanted to do this for a long time." I whispered. "I thought that you missed everything I was doing to temp you." Beth answered. "I don't usually parade around someone's house naked you know." She smiled, and it was all I needed. I found her bra clasp and went to work on it as I kissed her again. I took my time as I exposed her skin, not wanting quickie sex, but Full Monty lovemaking, that only two women can share. I nipped, teased and licked until I got to her extended nipples, and then I feasted. Keeping my hands busy, I found her pants clasp and started working on them as I felt the low moans from the long woman under me. I blew soft, warm, drafts of air on her nipples and I started moving down her ribs to her stomach. When I finally reached her strawberry patch, I kissed around its edges and started down her long legs. Beth had her hands clasped into my sheets as I took my trip around her luscious body. When the scent of her became too strong for me to ignore anymore, I didn't hesitate as my nose sniffed it way to her center. I took several slow long licks of her core, as she started thrusting her hips up to meet my wandering mouth. On the last trip up, my mouth found her swollen clit and I kissed it as deeply as I kissed her mouth. Sucking and running my tongue all around it. Finding every fold of blood filled skin and every drop of tangy fluid, as Beth started tensing. Without thinking, I flicked the hard nub twice with the tip of my tongue and felt Beth hands go to my head, holding me in place. Feeling her need for release, I sucked her into my mouth and gave her what she was seeking. I matched her move for move as she started cresting and taking the long tumble. I would increase and decrease my pressure as her body responded to my mouth. I could feel the warm sticky fluid as it slid down my chin no matter how hard I tried to keep every drop for my enjoyment. I kept her on the rollercoaster as long as I could before I knew she was ready. I reached up and found both her long nipples and cupped her full breasts as I took her fully into my mouth and sent her into climax. We writhed over my bed like we were one entity. At the time I think we were. There is nothing like being fully connected with your lover. It is a rush you have to experience and you can never explain. With an inarticulate sound Beth clutched, drenched my wet face, and slammed back, panting as her body could take no more right then. "No more... no more! I can't take it... no touchy... too sensitive. Oh shit... god damn that was great..." Beth panted as I relaxed back to soft kisses and licks. "Please stop I can't... I need a minute... take the gifts out... Oh SHIT...!" She clenched again, throwing her head back into my pillows then curled up into a ball. "You like?" I asked with a wet grin. "You have no idea... I've never... I need a minute... take the gifts out before one of the boys catches us.... Please!" Beth panted, stopping my hands from touching her sensitive breasts or core. "I've got to go to my bed..." "You stay right here!" I told her, as I grabbed my robe. "You're not moving from that bed until they wake us up. This isn't some one nighter." I told her, wagging my finger at her. "Okay...." She answered in hesitant voice. I quickly put out the gifts and smiled as I heard her go to the bathroom. At least she was smart enough to use mine. It saved me from having to drag her back if she tried to run. It took me five trips to put everything out. When I came back in, Beth was snuggled under the covers, her eyes big, as I tossed off my robe and climbed in. As I snuggled close to her, she looked at me and asked. "Did you mean it?" "Mean what?" I asked, as I rubbed her tummy and kissed her neck. "That this isn't some kind of one night stand... That there is more to this than sex?" I could hear the fear in her voice. "Sweetie, um, I'm not easy that way.... I'd never... if I didn't feel... I've been falling in love with you since I first saw you and your sons." I said seriously. "Please, I beg you, don't say that word unless you're sure.... I've been used before and I lost my heart to you when you took us out of the rain and brought us home." I could hear the tears in her voice. "Shh love, it's okay." I wiped her tears away. "I never say it, unless I mean it. I didn't want to scare you away, or have you think I expected something for giving you a place to stay. I don't want a duty fuck. I want all of you. Or, we can part as friends after the New Year. The choice is yours. As for me; Yeah, I'd like to see where this love will lead." "Thank you, thank you, oh God, thank you!' She cried and hugged me. "I thought I was the only one. I fall more in love with you every day, every minute, every second. I just didn't have anything I could offer you. I don't want to be a charity case." She sniffed into my shoulder as we hugged each other. "Sweetheart, you've earned your way as soon as you fixed my heater. As for charity, you've given me more than I given you." I knew she wouldn't be soothed by words, with the abuse her self-esteem had taken. So, I showed her instead. "You know, I've only had one other lover."I started kissing her neck again "Really...?" She gasped as I hit that one spot on every woman that makes them tingle from head to toe. "Um huh, in college... She was my nurse when I caught Scarlet fever." I started nipping and felt her pulse respond. "Later.... It's my turn." She gasped and turned me over. I wish I could tell you what she did to me, but all I can remember was the mind shattering climax at the end. I know my nipples were ravished and tender and that we had to get a towel to put under us because of the wet spot. Other than that, all I can tell you, was that I was warm, snuggled, and satisfied; when the boys came busting in a few hours later. We woke up naked in each other arms to. "Cob...Cob! I found her. She's sleepin with the Elf Kissty.... Guess what mommy... guesses?" He bounced on his toes "Kissty... Kissty... Santa found us!' Jacob said from my side of the bed, his hands reaching up to me. "Up momma up...!" Joey started pulling on the blankets. "Whoa there big guy.... Us girls need a bit of privacy." I smiled from my side, as we clutched the quilt over our breasts. "Jacob, Joey, can you wait out in the hall so mommy and Miss Christy can get our robes on?" Beth asked the excited boys. "Remember what we talked about being private for Miss Christy?" "Okay... but hurry... Santa's been here!" Joey insisted as she waved them out of the room. "Merry Christmas love." I said and gave Beth a soft good morning kiss. "Merry Christmas! I love you... my personal Elf." Beth smiled back. "But those two won't wait much longer." She said looking around for something to put on. "Go to the bathroom and I'll grab your robe." I told her as I got up and took mine off the hook. I was met at the door by the boys who were dancing in the hall. "Have you two gone potty yet?" I asked them. The Christmas Elf "Noooo... It Kissmas..." Jacob said as he danced in place. "Well, you two go in your bathroom and go before you wet your big boy pants. I've got to get Mommy's robe and then we can see what Santa brought you... okay...?" That morning, I could see why kids went all gaga over this day. It was fun watching them tear open their presents. I also loved the look on Beth's face when she was given hers. "How did you know my size?" she asked as she held them up to check the fit. "I cheated. I looked at what you had and went a size smaller. I hope everything fits or we'll be caught up in the long return lines." I laughed, and looked at the clock. "I didn't get you anything." She blushed. "You gave me the best thing. I didn't realize how much I missed having a family." "You hear that Cob... Miss Kissty said we family!" Joey nudged his brother as they played with their new toys. "We home?" Jacob asked me bit his big eyes shining. "Yes, Jacob you're home for now." I said and gave him a kiss on the nose. "Home..." He sighed. "I go play in my room." He said with conviction and toddled off to the room they shared. "Are you sure? This has happened so fast. What if...." Beth fretted as silent tears fell down her pretty face. "Honey, haven't you ever trusted God enough to let you know when it's right? This feels right to me. We'll take it day by day... okay." I brushed her hair back and kissed her fears away, forgetting about Joey who was at our feet. "Lub you...!' He said and ran after his brother. "Cob... Cob... Guess what. I saw mommy kissing Santa's elf." The door slammed ad we were alone for a little while. "How can love happen this fast? Are you sure?" Beth cried. "I do love you. I was so afraid. I..." "Shhh, just remember that later... okay. I'm sure we'll have our share of fights. But that's all a part of love." I told her, and hugged her against me. "Hey, I'm hungry. Let me teach you how to fix Latkes. The boy's will love them. We put apples on top." I smiled and pulled my new found love into the kitchen. It was almost noon by the time we cleaned up the mess in the kitchen and the used wrapping paper out of the living room. We made sure the boys were occupied, playing with the new cars Beth had got them, as I pulled her into a much needed shower. We kissed and washed each other until the now working water tank started spitting out cold water. We took the time to blow drying the others' hair and I watched as she put on the clothes I gave her. I found a complementary outfit as she watched me with a look of wonder on her face. After we finished, we worked close together to put a full Christmas dinner on the table. We had a roast I had been saving for a special occasion, with fried potatoes and stuffed boiled eggs. I made my mom's famous fruit and marshmallow salad that I knew the kids would love. "How are we ever going to eat all this?" Beth laughed. "Oh, it will get eaten." I said nervously and checked the clock again. "What have you done now my little elf?" She bumped me, smiling down into my eyes. "I've invited some people over..." I let it hang, not knowing how she would take my interference. "Who...?" She asked looking at me. "Saved by the bell." I smiled. "I hope you really love me... I'll get the door." I said and ran for it. "You brat...!" She chased after me as I opened the door. "Dad...?! MOM! What are you doing here?" She stopped in her tracks. "Mr. Mrs. Cradock... welcome to my home." I said as I opened the door wider for them. "There's my girl." Beth's father rushed in past me and hugged a startled Beth. "Where are the boys?" Her mother looked down at me and asked. "They're in their room." Beth said automatically. Still unable to comprehend how her parents were at my house. "I missed you girl!" the bear of a man refused to let Beth go. "I'll take your coats." I offered, trying to break the tension. "How did you find me?" Beth asked next to tears again. "Dinner is on the table, we're going to have to take turns holding Joey and Jacob since we don't have any highchairs yet." I said, leading them into the living room. "I'll explain at dinner." I told Beth, as her dad kept running his hands down over her face, trying to convince himself she was really there. "Dad... I have to get the boys." She pulled away and called out. "Jacob, Joey... dinner time," as she walked down the hall. "We have visitors." She added as the door burst open. "Who...?" Joey asked and stopped his grandparents. "Gamma, Poppa...? Whatcha doin here? Do you know Santa found us here this year? Miss Kissty works for him and we got everything we askeded for." He and his almost silent brother ran up for hugs. "Uh huh..." Jacob said, taking his thumb out of his mouth. "We got new stuffed animals and a wagon and cars and a home. We live with Miss Kissty now." He beamed up at the astonished adults. "Yeah.... yeah... I even saw mommy and Miss Kissty kissing on it. She's one of Santa's Elves and everything." Joey prattled and tattled. "Well I never." Beth's mother gasped. "I thought you'd have learned better." She hissed at Beth. "We'll take the boys and will be going." She huffed indignant. "Tomas, get our coats." "Bonny... hush up!" Beth's father said with heat. "We're not leaving. So, you just sit there and get comfortable, or you can start walking!" He added and smiled down at his grandsons. "What else happened?" He said ignoring the daggers his wife eyes were throwing at him. "We had to move from shelter to shelter and Mr. Quan let us have his leftover pizza. We walked in all the malls and saw all the pretty decorations. We even got a picture on Santa's lap. That's when we met Miss Kissty." Joey played with one of the buttons on his grandfather's shirt. "Yeah and she pickeded us up in a bad, bad storm and brought us home. Momma had to fix the heater and stuff and we got us a tree and everything." Jacob added bouncing on the opposite knee. "We...we, was extra good and not sinful, so Santa would find us and he did." Joey smiled. "Dinner is getting cold." I said blushing at what the boy were unknowingly saying. "It sure smells good. What we having." He gave his wife a telling look. "Christy made potato latkes, roast beef and all the trimmings." Beth said in a bewildered voice. "I'm sorry Beth, your dad asked me to keep it a surprise." I said coming up to Beth, hoping it wasn't too much for her. "He found me a couple of days ago while I was working in the mall." "I was frantic... I bet she thought I was some lunatic. They found your car abandoned in the middle of the Nevada desert, next to a canyon. No tracks or sign of the boys. I feared the worst." "If she just abided by the rules... she'd have a place to stay." Her mother interjected. "And lie about who and what I am? In your eyes it's sin either way." Beth hissed with suppressed emotion. "What sin is that?" I had to ask. "Living in sin with another woman... you should know. It seems like you one of them hussies too." She spat out. "Bonny it's thirty miles and snowing...." Tomas warned. "You know what?" I asked rhetorically. "If you're talking about sins of the flesh; we all have them. If you're talking about the sin of two people playing together. It's only mentioned once about women and three times with men in the Torah. Since the Torah is what you base your bible after. I think it is good to point out, that it is mentioned over twenty times the sin of eating the unclean flesh of the pig. When was the last time you had ham Mrs. Cradock?" I smiled sweetly. "You're Jewish?" She asked agog. "I knew I'd like you!" Tomas said. "Good point that. I personally think we need to let God worry about which mistakes we made and how he's going to forgive us for them. Like making your own flesh and blood homeless in the middle of winter. I'm starving. We can talk more later. Come on boys, you lead the way." He said to the big eyed kids in his lap. We did have a good dinner even with the chill from Beth's mother. But given the nature of the boys, even she thawed out after awhile. Of course the boys were head to toe messes by the time they got enough food in their stomachs, that they needed another bath. As Beth cleaned one and sent him out in his towel for me to put dry clothes on, Mrs. Cradock asked. "So where do they sleep?" After I showed her their room she asked. "How much rent do you pay? This is a pretty big house for just one person." "I don't pay rent. I own the house. My parents gave it to me when they passed." I didn't want to tell her she was being rude, but she was. "I didn't think your kind celebrated Christmas." She huffed. "We celebrate Chanukah, the festival of lights. I'm not celebrating Christmas, they are. How could I ever refuse those two adorable little boys? I think God put them in my path, so I'm just doing what is right." I shrugged. "Bonny if I have to tell you again. I'll drop you off at the shelter and let you see what it's like to be homeless. I'm at the end of my rope with you. Quit badgering that poor girl and spend time with your grandchildren. That's what you told me you wanted for Christmas." He pulled his wife into the boy's room and shoved a book in her hands. "Here, you read them a story and be a proper grandmother... for once." I had to chuckle at the way Beth's dad handled her mom. "Is he always like that?" "Only if you put his back against the wall. This is the first time I've ever seen him treat mom that way." She said and leaned her head on my shoulder, as I stood in front of where she was sitting. "That ought to keep her busy for a minute." Tomas huffed. "I think I'm going to have to have a chat with that snooty church group she's been going to. They wouldn't know a good Christian action, if it bit them in the ass!" He added as I started to pull away. "Don't move on my account. You two look comfortable." "Mozeltof..! I think you could say that about any religion." I smiled and petted Beth's hair. "And why in the hell didn't you call me when that idgit pulled that stunt?" He glared at his daughter. "I was so mad and hurt. She gave them my keys when I wasn't looking. By the time I noticed, she was yelling at me and telling me I was worthless and wasn't welcome in your house anymore. Then she threatened to take the boys away from me. I just ran." Beth shrugged. "She did what? Why I ought to... Hmmm I see we need to have another one of them talks. Where in the blazes she got that high horse she gets up onto from time to time, I'll never know. Like she's never made a mistake." He rubbed his head. "I don't know how to thank you for taking care of my girl. If you need anything for her or them boys, just let me know." "So, you're okay with me... us...." Beth asked astonished. "Sweetie, it's like I told you when you turned eighteen. It's your life to live. You will always be my daughter, but you have to make the life you live. Every decision you make has a price. You got to pay it, not me. We all have to answer for our lives when the time comes. As long as you can live with it, who am I to cast stones." "Thank you daddy...!" Beth got up and hugged her father. "Besides finding Christy, you've just given me the best Christmas gift ever." "Oh, geez you're going to make a fool out of me, if you don't stop." He wiped his eyes of the tears that threatened to fall. "I'll get your mother out of your hair as soon as she comes out." He reached over and hauled me into the family hug. "If you two need a baby sitter, let me know. I'd love to spoil my grandsons. I hope you two make a go of it. It's never easy." He kissed my cheek and patted my back. "Thanks... I think." I smiled as he hugged Beth one more time. "Bonny, kiss them boys good night. It's time to get ourselves home." He winked at us. We walked Beth's parents to the door and Beth even gave her mother a kiss on the cheek in well wishes. I hugged her as they walked to her father's truck. "I'm sorry if I overstepped my bounds, but your father was so insistent that he wanted to surprise you." I told her. "Does the bible really say that about pork? I thought my mom would faint when you had the nerve to correct her." She looked down at me with her eyes watering. "Actually it's about all unclean meat, but yeah the Torah does. According to my Rabbi, we have to have Yom Kippur to atone for all of our sins. He says; in God's eyes all sin is dirty. It doesn't make a difference, sin is sin, and we all need forgiveness." I pulled her after me as we checked on the boys, who were sound asleep, sprawled across the bed clutching their stuffed toys. "I hope to see them looking like that, ten years from now, when Christmas isn't such a big deal." Beth sighed. "Oh, sweetheart; Christmas should always be a big deal. Sure I'll teach them about Chanukah and my traditions, but it was Christmas that brought us together. That to me is a big deal." I said as I held her hand. "Are you ready for bed dear?" "Where am I sleeping?" She asked, looking down. "Right next to my heart my love." I smiled my best elf smile and told her. "We can make the other room into a play room until they are old enough to want their own space. They've already found us in bed together. Let's not make a big deal about it... besides I would have to put you on Santa's naughty list if you made me sleep alone." "I'll show you naughty, my little Christmas Elf." Beth smiled as she pulled her lover into their room and showed her just how naughty they could be together. MERRY CHRISTMAS: I hope you enjoyed my little story. May you have a Very Merry Christmas 2010, wherever you are and with whomever you love. The Christmas Eve Wish It was a warm early Spring day. It was Monday. School out in two weeks. He was a teacher. He was fifty today. He taught senior English with one Junior class. He has been teaching since he was 25. He stood at his lectern and looked out at the class. Some here and there looked up from their notebooks and their texts, out the three oblong windows, at the warm sunny green grass day outside. Somewhere the sound of a lawn mower was running. Cars gentled by. The zephyrs of childhood beckoned them. They were still ready to be children forever. The teacher, whose name was Eysman, smiled at them and paused a moment in his note giving. He was tall and not as thin as he once was. He had long, gray hair that extended a bit past his shoulders. He had sad blue eyes. They were the eyes of someone who remembered Christmas Eve. And his being a child, before his bed, kneeling, as every night, and praying. But on Christmas Eve, he bowed his head especially and prayed so secretly, and silently, even he did not know what he had been praying for. This Christmas Eve, that was so close to him, with the snow in drifts outside the windows and the gale winds blowing, promised to break the mould of Christmas morning, with nice gifts and all, but still the disappointment of it's not being what he wanted. He started talking again, about "Moby Dick" and what the whole thing meant. He did it on autopilot, not aware of what he was saying, but knowing it was the right thing. But a part of his mind noted that he was wearing a soft color yellow short sleeve shirt and tan colored light slacks, which baffled him, as he looked a moment at the class room coat rack, and saw only a few girls' sweaters on it, and one or two boys' jackets. And out the window said anything but Christmas and frosty mornings and happy school freedom for two weeks of pure glory. For him though, it was always lonely. He was a man of shadows and memories. He wondered if he had now gotten lost in them. He wondered how he would make it through this eleven a.m. class—there, he thought, resolutely, I know what period class I'm in and I know that lunch is less than half an hour away. He saw the back row of the class and thought, my God; it's Judy there. Judy Stone. Tall and slender, with huge black dark eyes that smiled and danced all the time. She was wearing a summer dress, here in winter? which he still thought it was. She was writing down what her teacher said. Her teacher remembering of a sudden that it was he. How are you, Judy? I love your long dark luster hair and your pretty dimpled smile. And oh your long arms and legs are so lovely and tanned. I'm sorry, he wanted to say, and that party, the only one I ever went to, and I danced with you, back in seventh grade, and stepped all over your feet and just was so embarrassed. But you smiled at me and put your hand on mine. And I just about died, Judy. I loved you. Sometimes boys would tell me that you had a crush on me. Me? I spent so many years wanting to say hello to you and would you like to see a movie? In college, I saw you walking cross the quad. Had no idea you had gone there too. I followed you, trying to say hi to you, trying to be someone you noticed once and somehow through some wonderful miracle actually remembered, and we could have walked to the student union, where we were both heading, and had lunch together. And there in the front row is Joel. No, it's Alton. No, faces becoming distinct then faded and fast moving and then back to the true face and that was Joel. Hey, Joel, remember me? I loved you, man. You were my soul and my heart and I never got over you. I threw my whole life over for you, because I wanted to, because I looked for you everywhere all those long shadowy years later. And here, here you are. You look as great as ever. Even better than I remembered. Oh I loved your pale lips and your golden thatch hair and you are writing down what I am telling the class. I remember your handwriting. From the poems you used to read to me. And the country lanes we raced down and the songs we loved then, and I wanted to say something, something that would turn everything right, but you ran away—Joel, oh God, you and Judy, you were my salvation and I never told either of you. God, how could I have been so thoughtless and scared? No. Alton. And back there. Melissa, not Judy. And it's almost summer and school's almost out and Melissa does not have Judy's almond shaped eyes, and Alton's hair is thicker and fuller and more golden than Joel's was, though not that long as Joel's. Alton is from Chicago originally. Melissa's last name is Peacock and she certainly is. And very unlikable and very beautiful in one of those Joan Collins as a child kind of way. The kind of girl Joan Collin's sister, Jackie, probably wrote about. The teacher remembered that, so he was not going loco. And it was a long way from summer. He was fifty today. And he was alone. But like Mr. Chippings, he had his children here. They kept leaving at the end of each term, just like real people, and he smiled at the soft joke, the sad joke of it. And then as the lawn mower came into view, it was a riding mower, the man on it mowing the crescent of ground under the sparkling sun, one of the maintenance men in his brown school work pants and work shirt and heavy black boots so rocks picked up would bounce off them, the teacher knew what was happening. The faces of children beside him, as he lumbered his dance with Judy, the faces of children also dancing, and kids at the punch bowl of Kool-Aid on this hot Spring night, and the families in charge standing to the sides of the small living room, eating cookies and drinking soft drinks and coffee, and Joel's face circling round about the teacher now, shown in all the colors of the spectrum and the rainbow was Joel and the skies were November and the teacher had been invited to the Haden house for home made soup, which was so delicious, especially with the cold outside. They had also corn bread and apple pie was for dessert. Joel's father was an English teacher. A nice kind easy friendly big bear of a man. Joel sat next to the teacher before he was a teacher, and he was so in love with Joel, as sometimes the family would stop talking, and listen to the chamber music. It was old music from another era, another century, and he dreamt there and in his own bed and aloneness as well of dancing with Joel to that music in a huge baronial hall in some faraway place like Russia, with snow storms and wintry blusters knocking at the windows and doors, but he and Joel, he and Judy, were safe and he was a fine dancer with him, with here—they wore old fashioned clothes-heavy and brocade-waistcoats for the man and boy and lovely floor sweeping many layered gown of blue diamonds and endless petticoats—he danced with them in soft yellow and brown shadows—the shadows were kind—they said eternity, they said you've made it—that that boy once you praying on Christmas Eve by his bed, is having his wish and it's not a trick or a desertion or turning its back on you and walking away without another word or thought of you, it is now inside you, like the secret snow Conrad Aiken wrote about, and which you read aloud every Christmas Eve to yourself after seeing it dramatized on "Night Gallery" and it broke your heart in half. And it is inside you now, all in you, especially your left arm and it is not fire and it is not scary and it is not lonely, and you think, yes, it's come and it's good for now, good because I can see these children's faces before me. They are good kids. They are kind and respectful and some seem interested in what I teach or try to, he thought. He saw Judy behind the back row, and Joel with her, and they were the taste of pencils in September start of school, as summer finally ended its doldrums and October promised and usually delivered cold weather, the air conditioner was turned off, and windows in his sun room bedroom were opened, and he had to sleep under sheets and finally as the days got colder and the nights even more so, under a quilt or two, that he grandmother made for him. And then the left side of his chest, around the middle edge of his ribs started throbbing a little. Like a Valentine's Day card delivered late. Or a Christmas present from a good and dear friend that I could keep for when days get sad, like Lionel Bart's OLIVER! sang in the movie the man had fallen in love with the first time he saw it. He managed to keep talking. Surprised his voice level was as usual. He thought he was not panicked. He saw Judy and Joel coming down the aisles toward him, and he felt a great breathlessness in his lungs—he felt as though he were not hollow exactly, but diffident, netherworldly, very temporary and delicate and of some value at the very end of the thing as he could not really explain, especially now, since he was too busy collapsing onto his right side behind the lectern and the desk, his hand accidentally pulling a book down off the desk with him. He wondered what the book was. He could not remember. He, a man of books, all his life, thought he should have been allowed to know the book he was dying with. A small giving up for the wonders that awaited him. He heard Judy and felt her shadow and her perfume, the exact kind she wore in high school, that he loved the smell of when she sat next to him in class, he heard her lips say to his ear, "it's okay, Barry; you did really well. People did love you. They did care about you. I will love you forever and never forget," and she kissed his pallid cheek as tears beaded out of his eyes. He heard Debbie say, "Mr. Eysman!" in terrible shock. She was kneeling beside him. She was dressed in brown shirt and brown skirt and he remembered Jo from college and got confused which person she was. A boy's voice shouted out, as desks were rapidly pushed aside and children came to him, as one boy knelt and pulled out a handkerchief and wiped the perspiration off his teacher's forehead, who was thinking, wait, how can I be sweating this close to Christmas? And the thought, someone ought to turn that radiator down; it's costing a ton of money we don't have. A girl shouted out, "Get Mr. Makin and call 911." He thought for a moment she was talking about 9/11, and then Joel was next to him. Joel with his patented cambric shirt of red and brown and his tough heavy jeans for and heavy brown boots for he was a farm boy knelt beside him, as someone came in the doorway. Some student said, as he or she held Mr. Eysman's head in their lap, their hands cold on his suddenly blistering hot face, "help, Mr. Franklin." Good. The math teacher down the hall. A dependable good man. Mr. Franklin laid the man's head back on the floor, gently, and asked, "Is it your heart? Do you have any pills I can get? What is it I can get you?" Mr. Eysman shook his head or tried to, tried to say, nothing been wrong with my heart, and he thought he was a child again, going with his mother for new school shopping-clothes and notebooks and supplies and his summer friend gone for another whole year and comic books to buy and paperbacks from the news stand and a show in its second season, "The Twilight Zone" which he loved beyond all sanity, and Joel said Autumn in the man's ear and he said it's all forgotten, it never happened, this, the bad things. You really did jump off the Sandias Mountains and said catch me, heart in your throat and here my love I am to catch you. And some of the students were very frightened. One of the girls was crying. And that made the man ashamed he was dying in front of them. He was as selfish as he had been told all childhood along that he was and he wished he could have apologized. He hadn't meant this. Other children were out of their classes and crowded with teachers interspersed in them in the door and out in the hallway. Mr. Makin in that distinctive toothless mouthed voice said to someone else the ambulance was on the way. And the man was dying. And it was autumn and spring and summer and winter all at once. Joel took his hand and with no effort at all, easy as eating a blueberry pie and twice as good, tossed his friend out of the school and away from the hot and hotter Spring day and out into a summer that was fully blue skied and young voices and songs all up and down the scales of the day, and the sun was soft and the winds and the warm were intermixed with cool November breezes, this just the first instance of the impossible becoming very possible indeed, and the man once a teacher, the man once the clumsiest dancer in the world, the man who spent his life loving a boy and a girl, but in truth loving the boy more, was in that sky, in those free safe school's out forever zephyrs and he was flying with youth in him again, and no tears in his eyes, and no heart and mind and soul to hurt, finally he was free and laughter bedecked him with golden dust, as he started descending from the skies over the Blue Bell laundry where his grandfather once worked, and perhaps, here, still did, as the descent continued downward— --as he saw Joel smiling up at him, as he came to land, he for this moment turned into a butterfly, on Joel's left shoulder. And Joel touched him and his wings with such paper child hands delicately as any delicacy could be, and then the boy began to run cross the summer green/November brown lawns and off to the country roads that they ran together as boys, the butterfly perched safely and contentedly on Joel's shoulder, as some old man's body was hefted onto a stretcher as the children looked on, and for a little while, there was memory on all sides. And he got to be this time out the little bit of lovely colors on Joel's shoulder. He tasted Joel's gold hair and his perspiration, felt that boy heart racing and those boy muscles flexing in and out in phenomenal precision, not for nothing when Joel was in school, he was the champion track runner every year. And the man now butterfly, soon to be boy again, was rushed into forever by the boy he loved. And the sun was a kind guide, as Joel said, in that whispery soft voice, "I am so glad you're here. So very glad indeed." And the time of going away was finished. As the boy who once was, said at the end of his Christmas Eve prayer beside his bed, his head bowed so deeply and shivery with anticipation, thank you God, thank you. And finally the great Christmas morning, the boy dreamed about, as he crawled into bed and pulled up the quilts he grandmother had made for him, was now coming true. "Hey, Joel." "Hey, Barry." It was Day One. Begin---- The Christmas Exchange So I live with these two guys. It's an interesting situation. I'm friends with both and girlfriend to one. Gabriel and I have been somewhat together for about two years and we needed a third roommate so Daniel was thrown into the mix. For about 6 months now it's been all gravy. We all get along and the boys are really close buddies. It has been a little odd though. I know that Daniel has a bit of a crush on me, but I figure it's just because I'm around and something to look at. But lately it's been escalating. I can see him watching Gabriel and I when we kiss or touch. There's a strange hunger there. Even more disturbing is when I'm drunk or when I fall asleep on the couch someone lightly strokes the skin on my leg and I thought it was Gabriel but another friend of mine let me know Daniel did it once when she was around. The weirdest part of this is how close Daniel and Gabriel are and they seem to be getting closer and closer. I feel a little on the outs. It's odd though. Usually in that situation I would get jealous of the attention but I don't, I think they're talking about me, I think they're planning something. So Christmas finally rolls around and I have to think of something to get these guys. Gifts, really just anything, are expected from roommates. I've tried to talk to Gabriel about what he was getting for Daniel and what I should look for and he got sort of aloof. That was weird, Gabriel and I talk about everything, if just idly. We speculate on all kinds of things but Daniel has become something of a taboo subject. I couldn't understand why. Oh, and when I talked to Daniel he quickly laughed away the subject and went on to something else. Finally the weekend before we were all about to split to go spend time with our families for the holidays Gabriel made sure I didn't have any plans, well any other plans than to spend the whole weekend with him. I was so excited. I missed him a bit. I missed being able to spend whole days naked in his arms or just alone with him. Friday night I got home late from work and I was exhausted. I was just barely able to strip off my nasty work uniform and stumble to the shower. As soon as the water drenched my body it washed away all the stress and crap of the day. I was left with a clean and wonderful weariness. The kind of feeling you get when you finally fall asleep the night before Christmas. I delighted in the sensation of flopping spread eagle to air dry across my bed. My arms reached up and my legs tensed as they reached down and all over my body strained and stretched and finally let go of the entire day, the whole week melted away. My muscles were so relaxed I couldn't even roll over as sleep seeped into the corners of my consciousness. "Hey Kira...Kiraaahhh?" It was Gabriel. I glanced over to see him slip inside my room. I was so tired I didn't even move to cover myself, which was perfectly okay. He crawled across the bed to straddle me and I recognized that mischievous glint in his eye as he bent down to kiss my nipple. A sudden electricity shot through my body making me curl up beneath him but he caught my wrists and forced them back down to the bed above my head. I love it when he gets like this and my body responded by arching up, pressing against him. Gabriel bent over slightly pressing his hand firmly down on my neck while his other hand moved across my chest. He tightened his choke has he thrust against me. He held onto my hips and pushed again and again. My breath was rasping and it didn't seem to matter as much. I relished the strange sensation of blackness inking my peripheral vision. All I could do was focus on Gabriel's other hand roaming and grabbing onto my flesh as he pulled back to thrust again and again. I felt the roughness of his jeans grinding into the tender skin inside my thighs and I moaned not sure of whether I was expressing pain or pleasure. Gabriel slowed his movement and removed his hand from my neck. He kissed my neck gently as air rushed into my body and glittering light filled my vision. He laid himself atop me gingerly and held me tightly as we kissed deeply. Our hips moved of their own volition desperately trying to press closer together. Slowly, Gabriel pulled away and looked thoughtfully at me and grinned. "You want to see your Christmas present?" "Y-yes." I was a little disappointed. I really like things and although sex with him is gift enough, I can get it anytime and I wanted a something I could hold onto. But then again I still hadn't gotten him anything so if this counts for him, I suppose it could count as a gift from me too. "Good, then stay here, just like this. If I come back and you're all covered and acting as if you actually have any humility..." Gabriel left my bed and slipped right back out the door. What in the world was going on? My heart was beating so fast with anticipation. It felt like an eternity before he came back. When he finally slipped through my door once more he was carrying several lengths of rope and my favorite blindfold. A smile crept across my face as he crept across my room. "What are you smiling about, you little slut?" Gabriel grabbed my left hand and roughly tied my wrist to the bedpost. My hips rose up and my free hand rose to caress his face. Gabriel snatched my hand away and flung it up to bind it tightly. Gabriel reached for the blindfold, paused admiring my nakedness, and secured the blindfold ensuring that I couldn't see anything. And then he was gone. The room was silent except for the slight rustling of clothing. I felt the light graze of fingertips across my stomach and another hand grabbed hold of my breast firmly massaging. And a third hand grasped my thigh! I jerked, trying to sit up and was harshly forced back down. Someone took hold of my knees and forced them open and I felt my self flush and get wet. "What the fuck Gabriel?!" I screamed out. "Shut up you little whore, I know you like this. Look at yourself! You're soaking already." Gabriel was vicious. "Come on Daniel, I think she's got it figured out now." "What? Danny?" I actually hadn't figured it out yet and I still couldn't believe what was happening. Could Daniel, my quiet, shy, weird roommate really be doing...oh god, doing that between my legs!? I felt his thumbs working into the muscles of my thighs and with each rotation he forced them upward massaging me just on either side. "Dan-...oh God! What is going on?" My voice came out breathy. I was pleading for an explanation. I was blind and distracted by my body's pleasure. I couldn't work anything out for myself. "Gabriel, please!" "Shuuuush. You're fine darling" Gabriel cupped my head in his hand. The sensation was actually reassuring. Gabriel untied the blindfold and stayed close to my face. He bent to kiss me and fingers...not his fingers...Daniel's...oh Jesus! Daniel forced his way into me as Gabriel held me into his kiss. My entire body flushed red hot again and shuddered. Gabriel pulled back lowering my head back down to the bed. "So, Kira!" Gabriel exclaimed, "Remember how you were worried about what gifts to get us? Well I've got this whole Christmas exchange figured out." Gabriel was at his oratory best absorbing all of my awe and disbelief. Daniel was gently rubbing my legs now with a contented, knowing smile. I was shaking all over and I felt more naked and vulnerable than ever before. The chill in the air made my skin raise and my nipples hardened. I tested the ropes although I knew Gabriel's knots were inescapable. "Daniel, how shall we do this?" Gabriel was relishing this. "No, no, we'll start with you Kira. You, and all your nakedness here, you are my gift to Daniel. Now your gift to me will be your splendid willingness to be a little whore for me and so far you've done a wonderful job. Now I know that you're enjoying this immensely and merry Christmas for that." Gabriel smiled and locked his eyes with mine as he bent to tickle my hard nipple with his tongue. "And Daniel!" Gabriel snapped up bringing his attention to the other man toying with the flesh of my legs. "Daniel, I think its time you showed Kira your gift to her!" Daniel's face split into a full toothed grin. He reached down a picked something up from the ground. I couldn't see what it was and Gabriel stopped me from looking. He suddenly took a handful of my hair and yanked my head backward. "Don't worry, little whore, I think you'll like this." Gabriel was being more controlling than I'd ever seen him. I felt something soft and firm being drug up the inside of my leg. I was forcing myself to analyze the shape of the thing. I was desperately trying to concentrate around the pain caused by Gabriel and the pleasure of my naked and bound body. Daniel seemed to be giving me hints. He laid the thing long against my thigh and rotated it. I thought it must be some sort of dildo but the texture wasn't smooth. There were raised points and odd angles. And it was big, really, really too big and wide. But my suspicions were true. Daniel touched me with the pointed tip. I could feel how wet I was and how much my body yearned to be penetrated. My hips pushed down as Daniel wiggled the thing in between my lips. "Nah," Daniel spoke for the first time and his voice was almost unrecognizable. "Gabriel, I don't think she's earned it yet." "Awh, is she not wet enough yet? Do we have to work her more?" Gabriel asked. "Kira," Daniel's tone almost scared me. But he was such a good person; he would never do something like this to me. He would never touch me. No, I suppose he was waiting to touch me, waiting for this. "I want you to see your gift before I destroy you with it." He held up a great big, purple, spiny dragon cock! My jaw dropped my eyes widened and I could not believe it! Daniel had shown me that website months ago as a joke. And I half jokingly pointed out my favorite. Now here it was, and there he was, and I was stuck. I was terrified and more turned on that I'd ever been. I silently thanked Gabriel for having the forethought of tying me down. I wanted to run but I was so curious, thanks to the rope; that decision was made for me. Daniel fell silent again as he worked on me. The pointed tip slipped in easily and Daniel played around the entrance spreading the moisture. In circular motions he worked in and out going a little farther each time. Gabriel just sat there watching and stroking me. I was barely aware of his fingertips idly roaming across my chest and up my arms. Gabriel's touch sent goose bumps across my skin while Daniel's touch sent the muscles deepest within me tensing and tightening. "Ahh, there she goes!" Daniel said quietly, obviously speaking to Gabriel. "You were right she does get wet!" Daniel pulled the thing out all the way and rubbed it on the soaking surface of my skin. I could feel each ridge and each silicone spine teasing me. But the tease would not last for long. Daniel slowly reinserted the tip, rotated a little and pushed. He pushed hard and quick and deep inside me. I screamed out in pain and my entire body arched up off the bed. As my hips fell Daniel didn't back away and instead I inadvertently forced the thing even deeper. I screamed again and again as Daniel was unrelenting. His movements were skilled and I would have loved it if not for the constant firmness, the constant push inward. For Christ-sake the thing was huge. I could feel myself stretching to my limit. Daniel's force lightened and he retracted ever so slightly but the release sent butterflies through my body and all I could do was moan and whimper. "Gabriel," Daniel asked, "would you mind shutting her up?" Now Gabriel's face was split in an evil grin. "Not at all." I looked up into the eyes of the man I loved and trusted and the look he gave me back sent chills down my spine. He unzipped his pants and his rock hard dick sprung out. Gabriel snatched up my head by a wad of hair and forced himself into my mouth. It was a familiar sensation and I held onto that one bit of normalcy. I closed my eyes and sucked hard trying to forget that I was tied down, helpless, and being watched. With practiced timing Gabriel pulled out and I gasped for air. As life rushed into my lungs Daniel shoved the massive dragon cock back into me and my breath caught. He pulled back and for an instant just to drive it in even harder. I screamed out with everything I had and Gabriel shoved himself in me too! Daniel's force moved my entire body up and down and Gabriel's cock pushed the limits of my throat. Back and forth between the two I was a ragdoll helpless and desperately trying to process the torture and pleasure. That night I experienced things I'd never imagined. My wildest fantasies fell far short of the inventiveness and relentless sex drive of my roommates. They teamed up against my inhibitions and ruthlessly pleasured my every pore. Screams, grunts, laughter, and wailing filled my bedroom with the cacophony of sex. I can remember only snippets of time between the rushes of explosive exhilaration. This Christmas exchange definitely altered the way I will look at gift giving and will deliciously taint my Christmas memories forever.