Fanfic: B&S episode 701: part 2/5
Season 7 - Episode 01 - Let’s dance
By Marea67
About: Brothers & Sisters
Rate: G
Disclaimer: I don’t own Brothers & Sisters - written with love, not for money.
Summary: Ingredients: Take a couple of Walkers, add a few Wandells, a pinch of Holden and a Caplan formerly known as Harper, a dash of Altamirano and Whitley, a teaspoon of Byrolt, Paresa and Salazar and (for added flavor only) a Barry&McCallister. Mix and shake…and… watch it explode.
Warning: It is my very own season 7, you guys! Go with it! ;) Don’t complain! If YOU can do better, post your own story! (I dare you!)
***** Part 2/5 *****
Sarah opens the door to the new office.
“It is pretty. So much better than I had expected.” She sighs.
“So, you’re pleased?” Ryan grins.
“I never knew the old Ojai offices could look so … new!” She laughs.
“New paint, new furniture and new computers can do that.” Ryan grins. “Do you think that Holly, Tommy and Saul will like their offices as well?”
“I’m sure of that.” Sarah smiles. “If not, beggars can’t be choosers. They should have been here themselves and they should have made their own choices.” Under normal circumstances Ryan would agree with her, but not this time.
“It’s not like Holly, Tommy or Saul actually had a real choice.” He generously points out.
“I know.” Sarah sighs, feeling the rejection. “Holly had to go to London to be with Rebecca, now that Rebecca just had her first baby. Saul is very busy with Jonathan and their new house. And with Café 429 and Scotty. He’s more interested in Café 429 than in Ojai, but it was to be expected. 429 is sort of his baby too, Ojai isn’t.
And he’s not that young anymore either and he doesn’t travel up and down as much as he used to. And Tommy…” She stops at Tommy, not feeling the need to discuss the topic any deeper. It is only natural to gossip about your brother with your other siblings, but Ryan isn’t fully at that level yet. Not in Sarah's mind anyway. Thought she'd like him to be a brother to her, but she doesn't feel the same about him as she would about Tommy, Kevin or Justin.
“Any news?” Ryan asks, trying his best to show some concern. He never really got to know his half-brother Tommy. In fact he’s not even sure that he likes him, but he has gotten to know Kitty, Sarah, Kevin and Justin rather well and they turned out alright, so maybe he should give Tommy the benefit of the doubt. “Not that I mean to be nosy.”
“Yes, you do. You’re a Walker. Nosy is our middle-name.” Sarah jokes and then her smiles fades. “Not that I’m really a Walker,…” She frowns. It still confuses her sometimes. Her feelings for William are still that of a daughter towards a father, even though she loves Brody very much as well.
Ryan doesn’t say anything. He’s used to Sarah putting herself down and picking herself up all the time. He guesses it has something to do with her identity-crisis, as he calls it. He had gone through the same feelings. Knowing he’s a Walker, but feeling he’s a Lafferty still, even though the man, who he used to call ‘dad’ actually isn’t his father.
“Tommy is fine. He’s very happy with his son, but I have to wonder about Julia though.”
“Are you sure that Tommy will back in the office once we start? You wanted to do this with the others and now Holly is gone and Tommy is nowhere near either.”
“I know, but it’s highly likely that Tommy will be back right after Christmas.”
“I hope so.”
“Yes, me too, I don’t want to start this new ‘family’-company on my own.”
“Well, I’m still here as well.” Ryan smiles and Sarah nods.
“So you are, and I’m going to put you to work.” She promises with a smile.
*****
“Paige, wait up!” Mateo manages just in time to join Paige. “Do you finally know what your plans for Christmas are?”
“I can’t come to the restaurant. Mom wants to celebrate Christmas at home. She’s so happy that this year we’ll be with her and not with dad, because Dad has to work.”
“I see. Well, that’s too bad. I would have loved to kiss you under the mistletoe.” Mateo grins. Paige pokes him in the ribs with her elbow, but smiles nonetheless. After all, she and Mateo are in love, so why shouldn’t they kiss?
“Who will come to 429? The whole family? Because I might have to talk my mother into going as well.” She asks.
“Nah, with your grandmother maybe leaving to be with Brody, everyone seems to have made their own plans. Tyler has to work at the hotel and Justin on the ambulance. Tommy will only return after Christmas if he returns. And Kitty has guests this Christmas.”
*****
“I’m so excited!” Kitty dances around.
“Are you sure you’re ready for this?” Seth still feels a little doubtful. “Are you sure that you want to take it upon yourself that make the Christmas-dinner all by yourself?”
“Yes.” Kitty’s answer leaves no room for questions.
“But Courtney and the kids will come here? And my mother?” Seth goes on.
“I know. But I’ve been learning to cook and … you have to admit that I’m doing a good job.”
“Dinner is not as bad as it used to be.” Seth concedes.
But being the communications director that she is, Kitty doesn’t fall for it.
“But it’s still bad? Is it that what you’re trying to say?” Her eyes are focused on Seth’s face, trying to find out if he will lie to her or not. Seth sighs. He doesn’t want to hurt Kitty’s feelings, but…
“It’s not exactly as good as your mother’s or Scotty’s…. But I know that you work hard to get it right and i does get better and….”
“You don’t think I’m good enough? You don’t think I can pull this off?” Kitty looks hurt and insulted and Seth feels bad.
“Kit, you can do anything you set your mind to. You’re definitely smart enough, but I know you. When the moment comes, you’ll start freaking out and get in a panic. I just don’t want you to be all stressed out all night.” Seth tries to calm her down. Kitty sits down.
“I know that I’m not the best cook in America…” Kitty starts and Seth nods. He kneels in front of her.
“No, you’re not. But you’re learning. And the improvement is good. Evan, Grace and I just love your most recent culinary achievements, but… Let’s be honest here. This isn’t just anyone coming over. It is Robert’s ex-wife, who’s always perfect - your words, not mine. It’s Robert’s other two kids. And there’s… my mom.” The way Seth says ‘my mom’ reveals that he’s still not ready to believe that Kitty actually invited her over.
“Yes, your mom.” Kitty sighs, knowing very well how Seth feels about it. “I can’t un-invite them anymore and I’m aware that I will feel stress, but … I’ve reached an age, and a certain maturity, where I feel that it’s about time that I should be able to make my own meal and not always rely on mom or Scotty or someone else to feed me.”
“Alright… Just don’t come crying to me when you end up with an anxiety-attack by the end of the year.” Seth resigns, but he smiles as he says the words. He takes Kitty in his arms and gives her a little kiss on her nose. “I’m glad that you want to give my mother another chance, I just don’t like to see you have too many expectations….”
*****
“Mom, are you sure about this?” Sophie looks up from her weekend bag. “I love Kitty very much, but her cooking is ….”
“Spirit of Christmas, peace on Earth, Sophie, be nice.” Jack grins. Sophie makes a face.
“Then I don’t know how to finish that sentenc and still be nice.” She sighs.
Courtney smiles at her two children.
“I’ve heard of Kitty’s inexplicable inability to cook a good meal, but … she really wanted to do this and I’m sure that your dad would have appreciated it that she and I keep his children together.
Your father loved Evan very much and he wanted the three of you to be together. So, I think this is a very nice gesture …” And when she sees that her kids aren’t impressed she adds: “And if the food is really that terrible, we can always have a few polite little nibbles and then drive by a MacDonalds afterwards. Just this once.”
“Great!’’ Jack cheers. “Will we really be staying at the June-flower?” Courtney nods. “On the 5th floor?” Another nod. “It’s haunted, you know. Cooper told me.”
“Well, if Cooper told you then it must be true.” Courtney teases. “Yes, the 5th floor, but I warned the ghosts to back off and let you sleep.”
“Aww, you always spoil all the fun.” Sophie’s answers in mock-indignity. “If you give them ‘the stare’ they will immediately move out.”
“Good. I don’t like ghosts scaring my kids. They can go about their ghost-business someplace else.” Courtney plays along.
*****
Nora is so concentrated on her recipe for a stew that it’s only the second ring of her doorbell, that catches her attention. She looks at the clock and wonders who it can be so early in the afternoon. She wipes her hands clean on her apron and opens the door. A smile spreads across her face.
“Oh, my God… Tommy! Julia!” She hugs them both. “It is so good to see you both. But how unexpected, we hadn’t expected you back until far into next week. At least, until after Christmas.”
“The hospital said we could go.” Julia says softly.
“And we ran away, before they could change their minds.” Tommy jokes. “We just wanted to be with the family this Christmas…” There’s a soft smile on Tommy’s face. It is clear that it’s something that he had really looked forward and Nora becomes serious, knowing that she’ll have to disappoint him.
“I’m sorry, honey, but… we’re not celebrating Christmas together. I’m going to see Brody and maybe even catch a glimpse of his kids. Sarah wants Christmas for herself and her kids, Kitty has invited Robert’s ex-wife and the kids and her mother-in-law. Scotty and Kevin will celebrate it with the kids, at Café 429.
Justin and Tyler both have to work as well. And Saul and Jonathan have left for Berlin. I’m so sorry, if I would have known… I would tried to get everyone here for Christmas.” Nora sounds very disappointed and Julia shakes her head.
“Don’t be sorry. None of us knew. And we all have our lives to lead.”
Though Nora agrees with Julia, she can’t help but feel like she failed Tommy and Julia somehow. Then a little sound distracts her. She finally notices that Tommy had carried something inside. And it makes cute little noises.
“Oh! Is that Billy?”
“No, mom, we decided to leave him in Kansas and just grab some random other kid.” Tommy jokes. “Of course, this is Billy. Isn’t he just the cutest?”
“Elizabeth was cute too.” Julia corrects.
“Alright, cutest boy ever…” Tommy accepts.
“I don’t know… Cooper was very cute too.” Nora remembers. “And Evan… Daniel….” She adds.
“Alright, I get it, all babies are cute.” Tommy concedes without much of an issue. He picks Billy up and Nora can finally hold her new grandson.
He’s tiny and rather quiet, looking at her with sad blue eyes.
“Are you hungry, sweetie?” Nora coos. The boy continues to look at her, he blinks, but there’s not some sign of interest. He seems rather listless. “Is he alright?” Nora asks, without thinking much about what she’s asking.
“He’s fine. Just tired. We first flew to Arizona, where we went to see my father, and … then we drove here… I think… That I’m a bit tired as well.” Julia explains. Tommy immediately helps her to the couch in the living-room and he makes her lie down.
“She’s still using tranquilizers. They can made her dizzy and tired sometimes.”
The words sound apologetic and Nora decides not to ask for more.
“I’ll make you a nice cup of tea.” She says instead and immediately disappears into the kitchen, Billy still on her arm. She has a big frown on her face, wondering if she can now feel good about spending Christmas with Brody.
She startles when she discovers that Tommy has followed her into the kitchen. She can see the worried look on his face and the question is inevitable.
“What’s going on, Tommy?”
“I need to know. Did you manage to get everything done, like I asked you to?” He asks.
"Yes, of course, honey. But I'm just surprised that you would go so far out of your way to do something for Kevin." Nora is still not over it.
"Kevin deserves it." Tommy shrugs as it the topic is irrelevant to him. Nora frowns at Tommy's words, but she doesn't say anything.
*****
Scotty sits down next to Kevin and he rubs his face.
“If there’s anything left undone, then it’s because I sincerely forgot about it.” He sighs. “Kitchen will be staffed and we’re stocked up on food. Presents are bought, wrapped and ready. And I’m ready for near-death-by-exhaustion on Christmas morning.”
“I sincerely admire that you want to work on the 24th.” Kevin says, putting his paperwork aside.
“What else am I supposed to do? It’s the last night the restaurant will be open and we’re fully booked. It’s a service we provide. And I have to be there to cook. Can’t always leave it to Angie and the rest of the staff.
Some of them have kids too and they want to look half-alive on Christmas-morning too. I’m just glad that we don't have to spend Christmas at your mom’s or something, I just want a nice day with you and the kids. Just us.”
“Are you sure that you won’t make extra food for Kitty and co?”
“Don’t worry, it will be fine. Kitty is going to make a simple meal, that can’t go wrong.”
“I’ve heard that before…. Last time she warmed up pizza, they had to call the fire-brigade.”
“That wasn’t the pizza, that was the tomato-soup.” Scotty jokingly corrects his husband.
“Oh, right.” Kevin laughs. Scotty places his hand on Kevin’s thigh in a comforting way.
“Don’t worry. Kitty and I went through the recipe with a fine comb, ironed out every mis-understanding that could possibly arise and Kitty made lots of notes.
What she plans to make is good and easy enough for any amateur cook. Her aim isn’t too high. And I have faith in her ability to get it done.” Scotty nods.
“You always think the best of people. I like that.” Kevin gives his husband a quick kiss when there’s a sound coming from Daniel’s room.
“Daniel’s awake. Shall I go get him or will you?” Kevin asks.
“I’ll do it. I have to go to the restaurant later today and won’t be able to see him the rest of the day. Just want to spend a little time with my son, while I can.” Scotty places a quick kiss on Kevin’s lips and he's gone.
*****
“Come on, Jonathan, or we will be late. Justin is waiting for us!” Saul yells from the kitchen. He’s so excited about going to Berlin and he’s afraid that they will miss their plane if Jonathan keeps stalling any longer.
“I’m coming, just a second…”
Saul counts on his fingers.
“We have the tickets, our passports, luggage is in the back of the car. All doors, except front-door is locked. Nora has a spare-key. The cars are locked and in the garage…. Come on, Jonathan! Justin needs to be back in time for his work!”
“Coming!” Saul can hear how Jonathan walks upstairs, from the bedroom to the top the stairs. One step, second step, a cry and a rumbling sound that ends with a crash against something and the sound of breaking glass.
“Jonathan!” Saul runs out the kitchen and finds Jonathan at the foot of the stairs.
He must have fallen down the stairs, hit the small table at the bottom, which knocked over a statuette straight through a mirror. There’s blood on the ground and Jonathan looks rather white. Saul stares at the mess, pulls open the door and yells:
“Justin! Justin! Come quick! It’s Jonathan!”
Justin runs inside and immediately looks after Jonathan.
“Are you alright? Where does it hurt?”
“My foot. Twisted it somehow on the stair and …. Careful with the blood!” He reminds Justin in time.
Justin nods and waits for Saul to bring him some surgical gloves. Once they’re on, he examines Jonathan’s foot. Jonathan cries out in pain wherever Justin touches him.
“I think we have to accept the possibility that this is broken.” Justin informs them.
“We’ll need to take him to the hospital.” Saul’s voice is soft, but Justin nods anyway. They help Jonathan get up and between them they carry Jonathan to Justin’s car. The tickets and passports remain, forgotten about, on the stairs. Justin makes sure that Jonathan is comfortable in the back, while Saul sits downs next to Justin in the front. Berlin is forgotten about.
*****
End of part 2/5
**** COMMERCIAL BREAK****
By Marea67
About: Brothers & Sisters
Rate: G
Disclaimer: I don’t own Brothers & Sisters - written with love, not for money.
Summary: Ingredients: Take a couple of Walkers, add a few Wandells, a pinch of Holden and a Caplan formerly known as Harper, a dash of Altamirano and Whitley, a teaspoon of Byrolt, Paresa and Salazar and (for added flavor only) a Barry&McCallister. Mix and shake…and… watch it explode.
Warning: It is my very own season 7, you guys! Go with it! ;) Don’t complain! If YOU can do better, post your own story! (I dare you!)
***** Part 2/5 *****
Sarah opens the door to the new office.
“It is pretty. So much better than I had expected.” She sighs.
“So, you’re pleased?” Ryan grins.
“I never knew the old Ojai offices could look so … new!” She laughs.
“New paint, new furniture and new computers can do that.” Ryan grins. “Do you think that Holly, Tommy and Saul will like their offices as well?”
“I’m sure of that.” Sarah smiles. “If not, beggars can’t be choosers. They should have been here themselves and they should have made their own choices.” Under normal circumstances Ryan would agree with her, but not this time.
“It’s not like Holly, Tommy or Saul actually had a real choice.” He generously points out.
“I know.” Sarah sighs, feeling the rejection. “Holly had to go to London to be with Rebecca, now that Rebecca just had her first baby. Saul is very busy with Jonathan and their new house. And with Café 429 and Scotty. He’s more interested in Café 429 than in Ojai, but it was to be expected. 429 is sort of his baby too, Ojai isn’t.
And he’s not that young anymore either and he doesn’t travel up and down as much as he used to. And Tommy…” She stops at Tommy, not feeling the need to discuss the topic any deeper. It is only natural to gossip about your brother with your other siblings, but Ryan isn’t fully at that level yet. Not in Sarah's mind anyway. Thought she'd like him to be a brother to her, but she doesn't feel the same about him as she would about Tommy, Kevin or Justin.
“Any news?” Ryan asks, trying his best to show some concern. He never really got to know his half-brother Tommy. In fact he’s not even sure that he likes him, but he has gotten to know Kitty, Sarah, Kevin and Justin rather well and they turned out alright, so maybe he should give Tommy the benefit of the doubt. “Not that I mean to be nosy.”
“Yes, you do. You’re a Walker. Nosy is our middle-name.” Sarah jokes and then her smiles fades. “Not that I’m really a Walker,…” She frowns. It still confuses her sometimes. Her feelings for William are still that of a daughter towards a father, even though she loves Brody very much as well.
Ryan doesn’t say anything. He’s used to Sarah putting herself down and picking herself up all the time. He guesses it has something to do with her identity-crisis, as he calls it. He had gone through the same feelings. Knowing he’s a Walker, but feeling he’s a Lafferty still, even though the man, who he used to call ‘dad’ actually isn’t his father.
“Tommy is fine. He’s very happy with his son, but I have to wonder about Julia though.”
“Are you sure that Tommy will back in the office once we start? You wanted to do this with the others and now Holly is gone and Tommy is nowhere near either.”
“I know, but it’s highly likely that Tommy will be back right after Christmas.”
“I hope so.”
“Yes, me too, I don’t want to start this new ‘family’-company on my own.”
“Well, I’m still here as well.” Ryan smiles and Sarah nods.
“So you are, and I’m going to put you to work.” She promises with a smile.
*****
“Paige, wait up!” Mateo manages just in time to join Paige. “Do you finally know what your plans for Christmas are?”
“I can’t come to the restaurant. Mom wants to celebrate Christmas at home. She’s so happy that this year we’ll be with her and not with dad, because Dad has to work.”
“I see. Well, that’s too bad. I would have loved to kiss you under the mistletoe.” Mateo grins. Paige pokes him in the ribs with her elbow, but smiles nonetheless. After all, she and Mateo are in love, so why shouldn’t they kiss?
“Who will come to 429? The whole family? Because I might have to talk my mother into going as well.” She asks.
“Nah, with your grandmother maybe leaving to be with Brody, everyone seems to have made their own plans. Tyler has to work at the hotel and Justin on the ambulance. Tommy will only return after Christmas if he returns. And Kitty has guests this Christmas.”
*****
“I’m so excited!” Kitty dances around.
“Are you sure you’re ready for this?” Seth still feels a little doubtful. “Are you sure that you want to take it upon yourself that make the Christmas-dinner all by yourself?”
“Yes.” Kitty’s answer leaves no room for questions.
“But Courtney and the kids will come here? And my mother?” Seth goes on.
“I know. But I’ve been learning to cook and … you have to admit that I’m doing a good job.”
“Dinner is not as bad as it used to be.” Seth concedes.
But being the communications director that she is, Kitty doesn’t fall for it.
“But it’s still bad? Is it that what you’re trying to say?” Her eyes are focused on Seth’s face, trying to find out if he will lie to her or not. Seth sighs. He doesn’t want to hurt Kitty’s feelings, but…
“It’s not exactly as good as your mother’s or Scotty’s…. But I know that you work hard to get it right and i does get better and….”
“You don’t think I’m good enough? You don’t think I can pull this off?” Kitty looks hurt and insulted and Seth feels bad.
“Kit, you can do anything you set your mind to. You’re definitely smart enough, but I know you. When the moment comes, you’ll start freaking out and get in a panic. I just don’t want you to be all stressed out all night.” Seth tries to calm her down. Kitty sits down.
“I know that I’m not the best cook in America…” Kitty starts and Seth nods. He kneels in front of her.
“No, you’re not. But you’re learning. And the improvement is good. Evan, Grace and I just love your most recent culinary achievements, but… Let’s be honest here. This isn’t just anyone coming over. It is Robert’s ex-wife, who’s always perfect - your words, not mine. It’s Robert’s other two kids. And there’s… my mom.” The way Seth says ‘my mom’ reveals that he’s still not ready to believe that Kitty actually invited her over.
“Yes, your mom.” Kitty sighs, knowing very well how Seth feels about it. “I can’t un-invite them anymore and I’m aware that I will feel stress, but … I’ve reached an age, and a certain maturity, where I feel that it’s about time that I should be able to make my own meal and not always rely on mom or Scotty or someone else to feed me.”
“Alright… Just don’t come crying to me when you end up with an anxiety-attack by the end of the year.” Seth resigns, but he smiles as he says the words. He takes Kitty in his arms and gives her a little kiss on her nose. “I’m glad that you want to give my mother another chance, I just don’t like to see you have too many expectations….”
*****
“Mom, are you sure about this?” Sophie looks up from her weekend bag. “I love Kitty very much, but her cooking is ….”
“Spirit of Christmas, peace on Earth, Sophie, be nice.” Jack grins. Sophie makes a face.
“Then I don’t know how to finish that sentenc and still be nice.” She sighs.
Courtney smiles at her two children.
“I’ve heard of Kitty’s inexplicable inability to cook a good meal, but … she really wanted to do this and I’m sure that your dad would have appreciated it that she and I keep his children together.
Your father loved Evan very much and he wanted the three of you to be together. So, I think this is a very nice gesture …” And when she sees that her kids aren’t impressed she adds: “And if the food is really that terrible, we can always have a few polite little nibbles and then drive by a MacDonalds afterwards. Just this once.”
“Great!’’ Jack cheers. “Will we really be staying at the June-flower?” Courtney nods. “On the 5th floor?” Another nod. “It’s haunted, you know. Cooper told me.”
“Well, if Cooper told you then it must be true.” Courtney teases. “Yes, the 5th floor, but I warned the ghosts to back off and let you sleep.”
“Aww, you always spoil all the fun.” Sophie’s answers in mock-indignity. “If you give them ‘the stare’ they will immediately move out.”
“Good. I don’t like ghosts scaring my kids. They can go about their ghost-business someplace else.” Courtney plays along.
*****
Nora is so concentrated on her recipe for a stew that it’s only the second ring of her doorbell, that catches her attention. She looks at the clock and wonders who it can be so early in the afternoon. She wipes her hands clean on her apron and opens the door. A smile spreads across her face.
“Oh, my God… Tommy! Julia!” She hugs them both. “It is so good to see you both. But how unexpected, we hadn’t expected you back until far into next week. At least, until after Christmas.”
“The hospital said we could go.” Julia says softly.
“And we ran away, before they could change their minds.” Tommy jokes. “We just wanted to be with the family this Christmas…” There’s a soft smile on Tommy’s face. It is clear that it’s something that he had really looked forward and Nora becomes serious, knowing that she’ll have to disappoint him.
“I’m sorry, honey, but… we’re not celebrating Christmas together. I’m going to see Brody and maybe even catch a glimpse of his kids. Sarah wants Christmas for herself and her kids, Kitty has invited Robert’s ex-wife and the kids and her mother-in-law. Scotty and Kevin will celebrate it with the kids, at Café 429.
Justin and Tyler both have to work as well. And Saul and Jonathan have left for Berlin. I’m so sorry, if I would have known… I would tried to get everyone here for Christmas.” Nora sounds very disappointed and Julia shakes her head.
“Don’t be sorry. None of us knew. And we all have our lives to lead.”
Though Nora agrees with Julia, she can’t help but feel like she failed Tommy and Julia somehow. Then a little sound distracts her. She finally notices that Tommy had carried something inside. And it makes cute little noises.
“Oh! Is that Billy?”
“No, mom, we decided to leave him in Kansas and just grab some random other kid.” Tommy jokes. “Of course, this is Billy. Isn’t he just the cutest?”
“Elizabeth was cute too.” Julia corrects.
“Alright, cutest boy ever…” Tommy accepts.
“I don’t know… Cooper was very cute too.” Nora remembers. “And Evan… Daniel….” She adds.
“Alright, I get it, all babies are cute.” Tommy concedes without much of an issue. He picks Billy up and Nora can finally hold her new grandson.
He’s tiny and rather quiet, looking at her with sad blue eyes.
“Are you hungry, sweetie?” Nora coos. The boy continues to look at her, he blinks, but there’s not some sign of interest. He seems rather listless. “Is he alright?” Nora asks, without thinking much about what she’s asking.
“He’s fine. Just tired. We first flew to Arizona, where we went to see my father, and … then we drove here… I think… That I’m a bit tired as well.” Julia explains. Tommy immediately helps her to the couch in the living-room and he makes her lie down.
“She’s still using tranquilizers. They can made her dizzy and tired sometimes.”
The words sound apologetic and Nora decides not to ask for more.
“I’ll make you a nice cup of tea.” She says instead and immediately disappears into the kitchen, Billy still on her arm. She has a big frown on her face, wondering if she can now feel good about spending Christmas with Brody.
She startles when she discovers that Tommy has followed her into the kitchen. She can see the worried look on his face and the question is inevitable.
“What’s going on, Tommy?”
“I need to know. Did you manage to get everything done, like I asked you to?” He asks.
"Yes, of course, honey. But I'm just surprised that you would go so far out of your way to do something for Kevin." Nora is still not over it.
"Kevin deserves it." Tommy shrugs as it the topic is irrelevant to him. Nora frowns at Tommy's words, but she doesn't say anything.
*****
Scotty sits down next to Kevin and he rubs his face.
“If there’s anything left undone, then it’s because I sincerely forgot about it.” He sighs. “Kitchen will be staffed and we’re stocked up on food. Presents are bought, wrapped and ready. And I’m ready for near-death-by-exhaustion on Christmas morning.”
“I sincerely admire that you want to work on the 24th.” Kevin says, putting his paperwork aside.
“What else am I supposed to do? It’s the last night the restaurant will be open and we’re fully booked. It’s a service we provide. And I have to be there to cook. Can’t always leave it to Angie and the rest of the staff.
Some of them have kids too and they want to look half-alive on Christmas-morning too. I’m just glad that we don't have to spend Christmas at your mom’s or something, I just want a nice day with you and the kids. Just us.”
“Are you sure that you won’t make extra food for Kitty and co?”
“Don’t worry, it will be fine. Kitty is going to make a simple meal, that can’t go wrong.”
“I’ve heard that before…. Last time she warmed up pizza, they had to call the fire-brigade.”
“That wasn’t the pizza, that was the tomato-soup.” Scotty jokingly corrects his husband.
“Oh, right.” Kevin laughs. Scotty places his hand on Kevin’s thigh in a comforting way.
“Don’t worry. Kitty and I went through the recipe with a fine comb, ironed out every mis-understanding that could possibly arise and Kitty made lots of notes.
What she plans to make is good and easy enough for any amateur cook. Her aim isn’t too high. And I have faith in her ability to get it done.” Scotty nods.
“You always think the best of people. I like that.” Kevin gives his husband a quick kiss when there’s a sound coming from Daniel’s room.
“Daniel’s awake. Shall I go get him or will you?” Kevin asks.
“I’ll do it. I have to go to the restaurant later today and won’t be able to see him the rest of the day. Just want to spend a little time with my son, while I can.” Scotty places a quick kiss on Kevin’s lips and he's gone.
*****
“Come on, Jonathan, or we will be late. Justin is waiting for us!” Saul yells from the kitchen. He’s so excited about going to Berlin and he’s afraid that they will miss their plane if Jonathan keeps stalling any longer.
“I’m coming, just a second…”
Saul counts on his fingers.
“We have the tickets, our passports, luggage is in the back of the car. All doors, except front-door is locked. Nora has a spare-key. The cars are locked and in the garage…. Come on, Jonathan! Justin needs to be back in time for his work!”
“Coming!” Saul can hear how Jonathan walks upstairs, from the bedroom to the top the stairs. One step, second step, a cry and a rumbling sound that ends with a crash against something and the sound of breaking glass.
“Jonathan!” Saul runs out the kitchen and finds Jonathan at the foot of the stairs.
He must have fallen down the stairs, hit the small table at the bottom, which knocked over a statuette straight through a mirror. There’s blood on the ground and Jonathan looks rather white. Saul stares at the mess, pulls open the door and yells:
“Justin! Justin! Come quick! It’s Jonathan!”
Justin runs inside and immediately looks after Jonathan.
“Are you alright? Where does it hurt?”
“My foot. Twisted it somehow on the stair and …. Careful with the blood!” He reminds Justin in time.
Justin nods and waits for Saul to bring him some surgical gloves. Once they’re on, he examines Jonathan’s foot. Jonathan cries out in pain wherever Justin touches him.
“I think we have to accept the possibility that this is broken.” Justin informs them.
“We’ll need to take him to the hospital.” Saul’s voice is soft, but Justin nods anyway. They help Jonathan get up and between them they carry Jonathan to Justin’s car. The tickets and passports remain, forgotten about, on the stairs. Justin makes sure that Jonathan is comfortable in the back, while Saul sits downs next to Justin in the front. Berlin is forgotten about.
*****
End of part 2/5
**** COMMERCIAL BREAK****