By
RPonda
Parts 64-83
Jack picked Danny up from daycare and drove him home. Daniel would be working late tonight so Jack feed Danny and let him play for a while after dinner. Finally he said, “Time to get ready for bed, Danny.”
Danny wasn’t exactly interested in going to bed and tried the tested method of pretending he hadn’t heard.
All too familiar with this method of prolonging the bedtime, Jack walked over to him and lifted Danny’s chin. “I said it’s time to get ready for bed, young man.”
“Just a few more minutes, please?” Danny asked, trying the second line of attack, including the puppy dog eyes.
“Sorry, Bug,” Jack told him, not falling for it. “Time’s up.”
“Why can’t I wait until Baba comes home?” Danny began, getting really close to whining.
“Because he’s going to be coming home late and you have school tomorrow.” Jack picked Danny up and held onto him. Then he headed into the bathroom. “You need to brush your teeth.”
“I don’t wanna! I wanna wait until Baba comes home!” Catching Jack’s glare as his dad put him down, Danny realized he’d gone too far. He quietly brushed his teeth and took care of everything else. Then they went into his room and he changed into his jammies. Finally he climbed up on his bed and clutched his camel. “Daddy?” he said hesitantly.
“Yes, Danny?” Jack sat down on the bed next to him.
“I’m sorry,” Danny apologized. “I just don’t like to go to bed when Baba isn’t here.”
“I know, Bug.” Jack pulled him onto his lap. “But you need your sleep.”
“No I don’t,” Danny said yawning. “Do I still get a story?” Although he could read anything he wanted too, Danny still enjoyed the comfortable feeling he got when he was read to.
“Can’t miss the story,” Jack replied, picking up the book from the end table. They were in the middle of From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler.
Danny settled his head on Jack’s chest and soon fell asleep.
When Daniel finally made it home, he entered the house and searched for Jack. He found him in the den talking on the phone. Jack motioned for him to sit down and wait. As he sat down he heard Jack ending the call, saying, “Goodbye, I love you.” That wasn’t the way Jack usually ended his calls. Daniel looked at him curiously.
Jack fumbled as he sat down across from Daniel. “Oh, uhm, that was my mom.”
As far as Daniel could remember, Jack hadn’t mentioned his parents to him. “What did she want?”
“She wanted to know why I had a son I hadn’t told her about,” Jack informed him. “Apparently a friend of hers lives here and found out about Danny. She called my mom and told her. Then my mom called me.”
“Was there a reason you didn’t tell her?” Daniel didn’t know what type of relationship Jack had with his mom.
“Not really,” Jack explained. “It’s just ever since Charlie died, we haven’t talked much. Charlie was their only grandchild and it just hurt too much.”
Daniel was even more curious now. “What did you tell her?”
“I explained that Danny’s parents were friends of mine and had just died. That they wanted me to raise him and I’ve only had him a few months.” The phone call had been a surprise and Jack wasn’t sure exactly what to say.
“Was there anything else?” Daniel noticed Jack hadn’t mentioned telling them about him.
“Yeah,” Jack said hesitantly. “They want us to come out for Thanksgiving.”
“Oh,” Daniel said in surprise. He wasn’t sure whether us meant the three of them, or just Danny and Jack. “Are you and Danny going to go?”
Jack clued into the fact Daniel wasn’t sure if he was included in the invitation. “The invitation’s for all three of us. I told them you were also Danny’s dad and we were raising him as a team.”
“Okay. So are we going?” Daniel was glad Jack had been open with his parents. He knew he was also Danny’s father, but they’d never had to deal with telling any members of Jack’s family. He didn’t have any family he needed to worry about telling.
“I told them I had to talk to you and Danny first.” This would be a family decision and Jack knew it.
“Where do they live, Jack?” Daniel asked, not knowing anything about them.
“Oh, they live in Fountain Hills. It’s near Phoenix, Arizona. They moved there when they retired about five years ago. They have a nice three bedroom house next to the desert preserve.” Jack had visited as often as he could with Charlie.
“Do you want to go and can we get the time off?”
“Yes, I think I do,” Jack said answering the first question. “I’m pretty sure we can get the time off too. We’re not scheduled for a mission over Thanksgiving. Do you think Danny will want to go?”
“Of course I want to go,” Danny answered from the doorway, still clutching his camel and stuffing his thumb back in his mouth. Then he walked over to Daniel and climbed on his lap. “You didn’t come say goodnight to me,” he complained.
“I just got home, Squirt,” Daniel said, snuggling Danny. “Jack and I started talking. I haven’t had a chance. Did our talking wake you up?”
“No,” Danny answered. “I had a dream about Paqui.”
“Paqui?” Daniel questioned. “Who’s Paqui?”
Danny looked over at Jack who stared back at him in surprise. “Paqui is Daddy’s daddy. He told me he wanted me to come visit.”
Daniel looked to Jack. “Jack?”
“Charlie used to call my dad, Paqui.” Jack hadn’t heard that name since Charlie had died, and knew he hadn’t ever mentioned it to Danny. “We never knew why. He just starting calling him that when he was about nine months old and it stuck.”
“So are we going to go visit them,” Danny asked, yawning again.
“Daniel, what do you say?” Jack knew what he wanted to do.
“I say if we can arrange it, we go,” Daniel answered. He was interested in meeting the parents that had created Jack O’Neil.
“Okay then. I’ll talk to Hammond tomorrow.” Jack looked at Danny. “And you, young man, need to go back to bed.”
“I know,” Danny replied. “Carry me to bed, Baba. Please?” He wrapped his arms around Daniel’s neck.
“Sure, Squirt,” Daniel said, picking Danny up and carrying him back to his room. He laid Danny on the bed and bent over, kissing his forehead. “I love you, Danny.”
“I love you too, Baba,” Danny responded. “Love you too, Daddy,” he called to Jack who was standing at the door.
“Love you, Bug.” Jack was happy both Danny and Daniel wanted to meet his parents. He just hoped the trip would go well.
The next week was a busy one for the family. Hammond had approved the leave, but both Jack and Daniel had lots of work to finish before they could leave. Danny was still allowed to work every Tuesday and Thursday. He was already so good at the Goa’uld language Daniel had him translating texts for real. Daniel found he rarely had to correct anything Danny had worked on. Abydonian was the next language Danny expressed an interest in learning.
Teal’c had also become an integral part of Danny’s life. Every time he had an hour to spare on Tuesday and Thursday, he would come find Danny and they would workout in the gym. Amazingly Teal’c almost always had an hour available on those days. The others who worked out in the gym also got used to Danny and Teal’c working out together. Danny’s skills improved greatly too, and he was very proud of what he could do. As a thank you to Teal’c for taking time with him, Danny would write notes to him and slip them under his door as often as possible.
Most people had accepted having Danny on base. There were always going to be some who wouldn’t approve, but there hadn’t been any more problems since the first incident in the gym. The fact Danny’s fathers were well respected helped, but the biggest help came from him hanging out with Teal’c. No one wanted to mess with him.
Unfortunately one of Danny’s favorite places to hang out was the commissary. As often as possible he would try and talk his dads into eating dinner there before they went home. Having so many choices available to him was one of the appealing things. The fact the staff treated him like royalty and always had chocolate milk and chocolate, chocolate chip ice cream ready for him helped to. Daniel enjoyed the dessert as well. It was Jack who would have preferred to go home and eat, but for Danny, he could survive commissary food at least once a week.
On the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, the family planned to leave from the base to go to the airport. Daniel picked up Danny from daycare and let him hang out for a while in his office before they had to leave. Danny seemed a little bit nervous to him. “Danny, did everything go okay at school today?”
“Yeah,” Danny answered. “We just had a Thanksgiving feast. It was nice enough.” He fiddled with the artifact he was supposed to be translating.
“Then what’s wrong?” Daniel questioned.
Danny stopped fiddling and looked at his baba. “What if they don’t like me?”
“You mean Jack’s parents?”
Danny nodded.
Daniel picked him up and sat him on his lap. “Why do you think they might not like you?”
“Maybe they think I’m trying to replace Charlie.” Danny had been thinking about this ever since he knew they would be going.
“Do you think you’re trying to replace Charlie?” Daniel knew Danny wouldn’t feel better about it unless he could figure it out for himself.
“Of course not,” Danny insisted. “Nobody replaces someone who dies. You and daddy don’t replace my parents. You’re just new parents.”
“I think that’s how Jack’s parents are going to feel,” Daniel replied, holding Danny close. “You’re going to be a new grandchild for them, and they’re probably going to spoil you to death.”
“I don’t know how to act around grandparents. Nick never liked to have me around much.” Danny snuggled back against Daniel.
“I know, Squirt,” Daniel commiserated. “He never did end up wanting me around much.”
“No?”
“No.” Daniel really didn’t want to go into his life with Nick at the moment, so he tried to change the subject. “However, you know how to behave around adults. You’ll be fine.”
“If you say so,” Danny agreed. “When do we leave?”
Daniel looked at his watch. “Right about now, Danny.” He slid Danny off his lap. “Let’s go find Jack and get changed.”
“Okay,” said Danny, grabbing Daniel’s hand. “You’re sure they’ll like me?”
“I’m sure,” Daniel answered reassuringly, taking his son’s hand. “They’ll love you just like we do.”
Jack, Daniel and Danny finally left the base and drove to the Springs airport to take a short flight to Stapleton International Airport in Denver. From there they flew to Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix, Arizona. Jack knew it would be easier on everybody if they had their own transportation, so he rented a car at the airport and drove everyone to his parents house in Fountain Hills. The drive only took a little more than forty minutes.
Danny sat in his booster seat and stared out at the landscape. He knew he was in a desert, but it wasn’t like the desert he knew. Tall saguaros, with multiple arms, rose up out of the ground on the mountains as they drove past. Palo Verde trees and desert sage were also plentiful. They drove along the Beeline highway and entered the town of Fountain Hills. Jack knew a short cut to his parents’ house, but he drove through the middle of town anyway. There was something he wanted Danny to see.
“Cool,” Danny exclaimed as he spied the water shooting up out of the desert. “I’ve never seen a fountain that big.”
“That’s why they call it Fountain Hills, Bug,” Jack explained unnecessarily. “Do you like it?”
“Ya think,” Danny piped up. “Can we stop?”
“Not right now,” Jack told him. “It’s getting late and my parents are expecting us.” He drove through the winding streets towards the mountain preserve. Finally he parked in front of a pleasant two-story tan house. Its backyard faced the desert, with a simple chain link fence allowing for a fairly unobstructed view.
The moment they pulled up, the front door opened. Out stepped Jack’s parents. The older man was tall, gray haired and very handsome, in a rugged sort of way. The woman was also tall, but pleasantly round. She had dark brown hair. She appeared to be well able to take care of herself and her family. They walked down the pathway to greet their guests.
Jack saw his parents come out of the house as he stopped the car. He got out quickly, leaving Daniel to take care of Danny. “Hi, Mom, Dad.” He hugged his mom warmly, and then his dad. Turning back to the car, he saw Daniel and Danny ready to be introduced. “Mom, Dad. This is Dr. Daniel Jackson, and this young man is Danny Jackson-O’Neill.” He pointed out each in turn, even though it was unnecessary. “Guys. This is my mother and father, Shawn and Mary O’Neill.”
Daniel walked up to Shawn O’Neill and stuck out his hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Sir.” Shawn shook Daniel’s hand warmly. Then Daniel approached Jack’s mother prepared to shake her hand also.
She would have nothing to do with that. Wrapping Daniel up in a bear hug, she told him, “I’m so glad you could come to visit us.”
“Me too, Ma’am,” Daniel replied, trying to breathe through the hug.
Mary O’Neill released Daniel, giving him a playful slap on the arm. “Enough with that sir and ma’am politeness. I’m Mary and he’s Shawn. What do you wish to be called?”
“Daniel’s fine, Ma’a…,” he started. Then corrected when she gave him a look. “Mary.”
Danny had been watching the interchange nervously from behind his baba’s legs, hoping he wouldn’t be noticed to quickly.
Mary stooped down to face Danny head on. “So you’re young Danny, my new grandson.”
“Yes, Ma’am,” Danny said politely. Even with all of Daniel’s reassurances, he wasn’t at all sure this woman would like him.
Sensing his nervousness, and not wanting to startle the child, Mary touched him gently on his arm. “How about calling me grandma? Okay?”
Danny nodded. “Okay, Grandma. Can I get a hug, too?”
Laughing, Mary picked Danny up in her arms, hugging him close. “For crying out loud, little one. Of course you can get a hug. Any time you want.”
Hugging her back, Danny said, “Thanks.”
“So what am I?” Shawn said, standing next to his wife. “Chopped liver?”
“Sorry, Paqui,” Danny said, holding out his arms. When he saw the surprised look on his grandfather’s face, he worried he’d made a mistake. “I’m sorry, Sir. I guess I shouldn’t have called you that.” He dropped his head.
Shawn took Danny from his wife and held him close. “You can call me Paqui if you like. I’ve kind of missed hearing it is all.” He gave Jack a warm look. “Let’s stop hanging out here on the sidewalk and get in the house. I’ll carry my grandson in. You boys get the bags.” With that said, he walked into the house ahead of everyone else.
Mary stayed outside with Jack and Daniel. When Daniel went to open the trunk, she pulled her son off to the side. “We never really talked about sleeping arrangements, Jack.”
Jack wasn’t surprised by the question. He knew their living arrangement was unusual. “You have two spare bedrooms, right?”
“Yes.”
“Then Daniel will take one and I’ll take the other,” Jack explained. “Danny will end up sleeping with one of us. He tends to have nightmares and he feels more secure when we travel if he’s not alone.”
“That’ll be fine, Son,” his mom told him. “You can take the one you used to take if you want. We need to get inside before we get too cold though.”
“Sure, Mom,” Jack said, chuckling and giving her a sideways hug. Too cold? It was pleasantly warm to him. “Just let me help Daniel with the bags.”
Daniel had already taken the bags out of the trunk and laid them on the sidewalk. He’d heard most of the conversation, but kept to himself. He grabbed three bags and let Jack get the others. “Just show me to my room, Mary and I’ll unload this stuff.”
“Of course, Daniel.” Mary showed Daniel into his room knowing Jack could find his own way.
When the bags were dropped off, Jack and Daniel made their way to the living room, only to find Danny playing chess with Jack’s father already. Jack and Daniel sat down on the couch to rest.
Mary had gone into the kitchen, only to return with a plate loaded with sandwiches and drinks.
Jack immediately leapt to his feet to take the tray from her. “I’ll get that, Mom. You shouldn’t have gone to so much trouble.” He laid the tray on the coffee table and helped himself to a sandwich, and then sat back on the couch. “Although I was never one to turn down your cooking.”
“Thank you, Mary,” Daniel said as he took a sandwich for himself.
Danny reached out and grabbed a sandwich, concentrating on the game at hand. Then he heard his dad clear his throat meaningfully. ‘Oops,’ he thought. “Thank you, Grandma,” he said politely.
A short time later, after the sandwiches were eaten, Jack saw how late it was getting. “Hey, Bug. It’s time for bed.”
“But we’re not finished with the game,” Danny complained.
“Don’t worry, Danny,” Paqui told him. “We’ll leave the board as is and finish the game tomorrow.”
‘Thanks, Dad,’ Jack mouthed to his father. He tapped Danny on his head. “Say goodnight, Bug.”
Danny walked up to his grandfather. “Good night, Paqui. I love you.” He held out his arms for a hug, which Shawn happily obliged him. Then he went over to Mary. “Good night, Grandma. I love you, too.”
Mary pulled Danny into a tight hug. Finally releasing him, she said, “I love you, too.”
Danny walked over to Jack. “Am I sleeping with you tonight?”
“If you want,” Jack answered.
“I want,” Danny replied. “You’re going to come in to say good night. Right, Baba?”
“Of course, Squirt. I’ll be in shortly, after you get your jammies on.” He messed up Danny’s hair.
Danny looked up at Jack hopefully. “Do I have to take a bath tonight?”
Jack scooped Danny up in his arms. “Not tonight. It’s too late for that. If you’re stinky, you’ll get one in the morning.”
“Daaaadddy,” Danny whined. “I’m never stinky. I just smell like a boy.”
Jack laughed and headed off for the bedroom.
Daniel was left alone in the living room with Jack’s parents. “Danny seems to be a fine boy,” Mary commented.
“He is,” Daniel agreed, looking down the hallway they’d gone through. “We’re lucky to have him.”
“Yes, you are,” Shawn replied. “Which makes me wonder, just how did you and Jack get him?”
Knowing this question would come up at some point, Daniel replied the way the family had agreed. “His parents died in Egypt in early September. They had asked Jack to take care of Danny if anything ever happened to them. Jack was a little overwhelmed at raising a child alone and asked me to help.”
“Did you know Danny’s parents, too?” Mary asked with interest.
Daniel thought for a moment. They hadn’t discussed that question, but he couldn’t deny knowing the parents, which were his own. “Yes, I did. They were archeologists. That’s my field, too. Archeology and Linguistics.”
“Yet you and Jack work together?” Shawn seemed confused as to how his Air Force son wound up working with an archeologist.
“I’m a special consultant to the Air Force,” Daniel explained. He hated trying to explain his job to the outside world. He didn’t like to lie; yet he couldn’t tell the whole truth either.
“And your work is classified, right?” Jack’s dad had had to deal with the secretive nature of his son’s work for a long time.
“Yes, Sir,” Daniel agreed, hoping nothing more would be asked of him.
He was saved from any further questions when Danny called out, “I’m ready for bed, Baba. Are you coming to say good night?”
“I’ll be right in, Squirt,” Daniel answered. He stood up, and said, “Good night, Mary, Shawn.”
Mary pulled him into a hug. “Good night, Daniel. Will you ask Jack to come out and say good night to us?”
“Yes, Ma’am.” Daniel corrected, “Mary,” after she slapped him on the arm again. Then he walked back to the room he’d seen Danny enter. He saw Jack sitting on the bed, but Danny was nowhere to be seen, so he walked into the room.
“Arrgh!” Danny yelled as he tackled Daniel around the waist. He’d been hiding behind the door hoping to get the upper hand.
Daniel was definitely surprised, although ever since the snowball fight, trying to sneak up on each other had become a favorite game. He grabbed Danny under the arms and threw him in the air. “You got me, Squirt.” Then he sat on the bed with Danny on his lap. “Jack, your mom wants you to say good night to them.”
Jack looked at Daniel with a discerning eye. “Did they interrogate you?”
“A little,” Daniel admitted. “They wanted to know how we got Danny. I told them what we’d agreed to, and I also said I knew his parents, too. We hadn’t thought of anyone asking that.”
“Okay,” Jack replied. “No problem. I’ll go out and talk to them. Will you tuck Danny in?”
“Sure,” Daniel agreed, tickling his son. “He’ll be snug as a bug by the time you get back.”
Danny giggled trying to fend off the tickling. “Come back quick, Daddy,” he ordered in between fits of laughter.
“I will,” Jack agreed. Then he left the room.
Daniel laid Danny on the bed and pulled the covers up around him. “Time to sleep, Danny.”
“Uh, uh,” Danny responded, shaking his head. “You forgot something.”
“I did? What did I forget?” Daniel asked teasingly.
“Baaabaaa,” Danny whined. “You forgot my camel and my kiss and my story.”
Daniel pulled the camel from behind his back and handed it over. Then he laid down next to Danny and kissed his forehead. Finally he asked, “Do you want me to read from the book or tell you my own story?”
“Your own story,” Danny insisted. “Save the book for Daddy. He’ll be upset if I get ahead of him.”
“Okay,” Daniel agreed. Danny settled himself on his baba’s chest to listen to his story.
Meanwhile Jack walked back into the living room to talk with his parents. Not knowing quite what to say, he just sat down on the sofa and waited for them to start talking. It didn’t take long.
“I’m glad you were able to come visit, Jack,” his mother stated. “We’ve missed you.”
“I’m glad we could come too,” Jack agreed. “I’m sorry it took so long to make it back here.”
“Why didn’t you tell us about Daniel and Danny, Son?” his dad asked pointedly.
Jack knew his dad didn’t beat around the bush. “I’m sorry, Dad. It’s been a roller coaster ride since we got him and with my broken leg and all…”
Mary cut off her son. “Your broken leg! How did that happen and why didn’t you call us?”
“I’m sorry, Mom,” Jack apologized, rubbing the back of his neck. “I didn’t think of your wanting to know. It happened on a mission and it’s healed now. There isn’t a problem.” Now he remembered why he didn’t talk to his parents that often. “Anyway, we’re just getting settled into a family life. I’m sorry. I can’t apologize anymore than I have already.”
“Okay,” Mary agreed. “It was just hard to find out I had a grandson from a friend instead of my son. He’s a fine young man though.”
“Yes, he is,” Jack agreed proudly. “His parents had a lot to do with that though. We’ve only had him a few months now.”
“He obviously cares about both of you very much,” Shawn stated.
“Yes, he does. Just as we care about him. We’re all he has now.” Jack stood up. “I need to get back to him so he’ll fall asleep.” He went over to hug his mom. “I love you, Mom.”
“Love you, too. Sleep well,” Mary told him.
Then Jack went to hug his dad. “Love you, Dad.”
His dad hugged him back. “Night son. Love you, too. Take care of those boys.”
“I will, Dad.” With that Jack walked back to the bedroom to find Danny asleep on Daniel. He got ready for bed and traded places with Daniel so he could go back to his own room. “Good night, Daniel. See you in the morning.”
“Night, Jack,” Daniel said as he walked out. “See you in the morning. Are you going to send Danny in to wake me up?”
“Ya think?” Jack said quietly.
Daniel groaned. “I’ll try to be prepared.” He closed the door on the way out.
The next morning, Danny pried Jack’s eyelid open. “Morning, Daddy. It’s Thanksgiving, isn’t it?”
Jack groaned. “Yes, Bug, it is. Want to go get Daniel up and I’ll get ready?”
“Sure, Daddy.” Danny looked at his dad questioningly. “Where’s his room?”
“I’ll show you.” Jack opened the door quietly. Then he pointed to the door down the hall. “It’s that one. Don’t be too noisy, though. I’m not sure my parents are up yet.”
“Yes, Sir,” Danny said as he quietly padded down the hallway. Slowly opening the door, he peered in to check out the layout of the room. He spied a lump on the bed that looked like his baba. Crawling into the room and then to the side of the bed he carefully raised his head to pinpoint his target. Then he pounced on the lump, only to be grabbed from behind and thrown in the air. “Hey!” he complained. “That’s not fair.”
“Tough, Squirt,” Daniel said, hugging him. “You should have checked behind the door.”
“I thought I was quiet,” Danny whined.
“You were,” Daniel assured him. “Jack gave me a heads up though.”
“That’s cheating,” Danny accused, pushing himself back.
“No, it’s assuming a tactical advantage.” Daniel put Danny down. “You need to get dressed for breakfast.”
“My clothes are in Daddy’s room.” Danny had wanted to catch Daniel, not the other way around.
“Let’s go back to his room then.” Daniel was already fully dressed, used to what time Danny normally woke up.
“Okay,” Danny agreed taking his hand.
Once everyone was dressed, they went into the kitchen only to find Jack’s parents already up and breakfast waiting for them. “Good morning, sleepyheads. Does everybody like pancakes?” She pulled out a tray of them keeping warm in the oven and sat them on the table.
“Yes, Ma’am,” Danny said happily, climbing up on a chair.
Danny received a light cuff to the back of his head. “I told you to call me grandma, Danny.”
“Sorry, Grandma.” Danny gently rubbed his head, even though it didn’t hurt. “I’ll try to remember.”
Jack sat down on one side of Danny with Daniel on the other. Shawn sat next to Daniel. Pancakes, syrup, butter and fruit were all passed around until everyone had a full plate.
“We’ll start getting ready for the Thanksgiving dinner after breakfast is over,” Shawn told them, as they were busy eating.
“Sure, Dad,” Jack agreed. “What can we do to help?”
“I need help with deep frying the turkey and your mom needs help setting up the table,” his dad explained.
“Deep frying the turkey?” Jack questioned, dropping his fork. “When did you start deep frying turkeys? I thought they were roasted in the oven.”
“Your dad tasted one last year and now he wants to try it himself,” Mary answered. “I’ve been cooking the turkey for years, but now he decides he’s in charge.” She gave Shawn a wink to let him know she was only teasing.
“I’ve bought the kit and the turkey and the oil. With you and Daniel helping it’ll turn out great.” Shawn continued to eat, not noticing Danny staring at him.
Mary did though. “What’s up, young man?”
“Nothing,” Danny answered, dropping his head.
Daniel reached over and rubbed Danny’s back. “What’s wrong, Squirt?”
“Am I in trouble?” Danny asked quietly.
“Why would you think that, young man?” Mary asked.
“That,” Danny tried to explain. “I only get called ‘young man’ when I’m in trouble. Last night you called me, little one. I liked that.”
All the adults couldn’t help laughing. Danny blushed, not understanding their laughter. “You’re not in trouble,” his grandma assured him. “If you want to be called little one, then little one it is. However, it looked like something was bothering you before I called you that. What was it?”
“What do I get to help with?” Danny asked. “If Daddy and Baba are helping Paqui with the turkey, why can’t I?”
“I didn’t know you wanted to help,” Shawn replied. “However, we’re cooking the turkey in hot oil and it’s too dangerous for you to help with. You can help your grandma set the table though. We need it to look really nice.”
“Yes, Sir,” Danny agreed, not sounding too happy. He went back to eating his pancakes.
Daniel decided to change the subject. “So are we going to get to hear any stories about what Jack was like as a kid?”
Jack choked as he was swallowing some pancake. “I don’t think we need to hear any stories about me.”
Mary noticed Danny’s face light up and continued the thought. “I’m not so sure about that, Jack. Haven’t you told them what you were like as a child?”
“Mom,” Jack implored, “do we really need to go there?”
“Come on, Grandma,” Danny pleaded. “Tell us a story.”
“Well,” she began, “there was the time when Jack was ten. He and his friend Jim decided to egg Mr. Larsen’s house.”
Danny looked at his dad in shock. “You egged someone’s house?”
Jack sighed. It looked like he wasn’t going to get out of this story being told. However, he could tell his version of it. “Yes, Danny. I egged Mr. Larsen’s house. It’s not something I’m proud of and I got in plenty of trouble for it. You sure you want to hear the story?” Daniel and Danny both nodded, so Jack reluctantly told the story.
Jim and I were hanging out and we got bored. We thought of the stupid idea of egging old Mr. Larsen’s house. He always yelled at us kids whenever we cut across his yard. So Jim and I raided the henhouse and then headed over to his place. It was getting dark and we figured if he came out of his house to yell at us we could just run away and not get caught. We’d each thrown about five of the eggs when our ears were gripped painfully. Mr. Larsen hadn’t even been home. He’d walked up behind us and pinched our ears causing us to drop the last of our eggs.
“What do you two think you’re doing?” he yelled at us,
while still holding onto our ears.
“Nothing,” Jim tried to say.
I just kept my mouth shut.
“You’re Jim and Jack, aren’t you?”
“Yes, Sir,” I admitted. “We’re sorry. We’ll help you
clean up if you let us go.”
“Not a chance, young man. I’m taking both of you home to
your fathers.”
Jim got really scared. “Please, Mr. Larsen. I’ll do
whatever you want. Just don’t tell my dad.”
“Too late for that. Should have thought of what your
father would do to you before you egged my house.” Mr. Larsen pulled on my ear
again to get my attention, not that he didn’t already have it. “Whose house is
closer?”
“Jim’s, Sir,” I admitted. “It’s just down the street.”
“Please,” Jim pleaded again. “I’m sorry.”
“What are you so worried about, young man? You think your
dad’s going to beat you?”
Mr. Larsen didn’t seem to think that was a possibility,
but I knew better. Jim wouldn’t answer. He just dropped his eyes.
“If you two promise to stay with me while I walk you
home, I’ll let go of your ears.”
“Yes, Sir,” I agreed. He let go of my ear.
“And you,” he said, tugging on Jim’s ear.
“Yes, Sir,” Jim agreed quietly. He let go of Jim’s ear,
too. Then he escorted both of us to Jim’s house first.
I could tell how scared Jim was getting each step closer
we came to his house. We finally reached it and Mr. Larsen knocked on the door.
Jim’s dad answered it. “Mr. Larsen, is there a problem?”
“These two boys decided it would be fun to egg my house tonight.”
Jim wouldn’t meet his dad’s eyes.
“Thank you for letting me know. I’ll make sure it never
happens again.” Jim’s dad glared at Jim. “Get up to your room this instant.”
Jim edged past his dad and ran up to his room, not saying a word. “Is there anything
else you need?”
“No, that’s all. I just have to take Jack home now.” Mr.
Larsen looked at me as he said that and then we left the porch to go to my
house. On the way he said, “Jim’s dad didn’t seem so bad. Why was he so
scared?”
I figured it was up to Jim if he wanted to say anything,
so I just shrugged my shoulders. When we reached my house I knocked on the door
myself.
Dad answered it. “What can I do for you, Mr. Larsen?”
“Your boy egged my house tonight,” he explained.
“Jack, do you have anything to say for yourself?” Dad
asked me.
“No, Sir,” I answered.
“Get in the den and find a corner, Jack,” he told me.
I cringed. I knew what was going to happen. I hurried
into the den and found a corner. Then I waited for Dad to come in. It never took
long, but it always seemed like forever.
“Come here, Jack,” Dad told me as he sat in his chair. I
walked over to stand in front of him. “Why did you egg Mr. Larsen’s house?”
I couldn’t meet his eyes. “We thought it would be fun,” I
tried to explain. “He’s always mean to us kids.”
“And that gives you the right to damage his property?”
“No, Sir.”
“Was he mean to you when he brought you home tonight?”
“No, Sir.” I hadn’t really noticed that until Dad asked.
“How many eggs did you throw?”
I couldn’t figure out how that could make a difference,
but I answered anyway. “Five, Sir. I had one left when he caught us,” I
admitted before he could ask.
“Okay, then.”
Dad stood up and I knew I wasn’t going to enjoy what
would come next. Then I saw him take his belt off and I got scared. “Dad,
please? I’m sorry. Don’t use the belt, please?”
“Do you deserve any less?” Dad asked.
There was nothing I could say to that. If I argued the
point, I’d get myself in more trouble. I’d already learned that the hard way.
“No, Sir.” I dropped my pants and he bent me over the arm of the chair.
“Why are you getting this spanking, Son?”
“I threw eggs at Mr. Larsen’s house.” Then I learned why
Dad wanted to know how many eggs I had. I got six hard strokes with the belt.
Hurt like anything. I was crying hard. When Dad stopped I pulled up my pants
and he pulled me into a hug. I thought it was all over. I was wrong.
“Jack,” Dad said, “ you need to go wash your face and
then go over to Mr. Larsen’s house and help him clean up. Your mom has a bucket
and some sponges ready for you to take with you.”
I was about to protest. Then I decided to accept the rest
of the punishment. I’d already told Mr. Larsen I’d help him clean, so what was
the point. I washed up and headed back to Mr. Larsen’s house. He’d already
started cleaning when I walked up to the front porch. “Mr. Larsen,” I said
hesitantly, “I’m here to help you clean up.”
“Are you here because you want to be, or because your
father made you come?” he asked pointedly.
“Both, Sir,” I answered honestly.
“Then why don’t you get started.” He pointed to the hose
so I could fill my bucket.
I started cleaning the house with him. He didn’t seem so
mean to me then. We started talking and I ended up enjoying being around him.
When we were done he thanked me for helping him and said if my parents approved
he wanted to hire me to help around the house sometimes. I was really surprised
by that, but it was a way to get some pocket money for myself. Ended up working
for him a lot until he passed away when I was seventeen.
Jack finished his story. Daniel and Danny just stared at him.
His mom asked, “What did happen to Jim? You didn’t mention anything about that then.”
“I was ten, Mom. I was just glad I only got the belt. Jim always got it a lot worse.”
“His dad beat him?” Daniel questioned.
Jack nodded.
“Was that the reason you boys always hung out at our house, Jack?” Shawn asked.
“Yes,” Jack replied. “He liked it here. We never knew what mood his dad would be in. It was safer here.” Jack looked at the gloomy faces around him. “For crying out loud. You’re the ones that wanted a story. Let’s clean up the breakfast mess and start getting ready for Thanksgiving dinner.”
“Sure, Jack,” Daniel agreed, ready for the distraction. “Why don’t you help your dad with the turkey and Danny and I will help your mom get ready in here?”
“You sure you don’t want to help set up the turkey, Daniel?” Shawn asked.
“I’m sure,” Daniel answered. “I doubt it will take three people to do it and I know Mary would like some extra help in the house, right?”
“Of course, Daniel,” Mary assured him. “With you and little one helping,” Danny smiled at the term of endearment, “we’ll be ready in no time.”
“That settles it then,” Jack stated. “Let’s go see how to deep fry a turkey, Dad.”
Part 69: More Stories
Danny was set to work setting the table, however he balked at setting out the china. “Grandma, I don’t want to handle the china. I’m afraid I might drop one.”
“I’ll do the china then, little one,” Mary assured him. “You do the silverware and napkins. Then we’ll do some decorations.”
“Okay, Grandma.” Danny went back to setting the table.
“What would you like me to help with, Mary?” Daniel asked.
“Oh, right.” Mary was used to doing everything herself, so she had to think about what he could do. “How are you at peeling potatoes?”
“I’m a master,” Daniel answered chuckling. “Just tell me where they’re at.” Mary pointed to the pantry and he quickly found the potatoes. Setting himself up at the sink, he started peeling while Mary worked on the stuffing. “So, was Jack always a handful as a child?”
“Mostly,” Mary admitted. “He was a sweetheart though. He never tried to get in trouble, but he liked to play pranks. He was always respectful though. I don’t ever remember him arguing about whether or not he was in trouble. One time he was feeling guilty about something he hadn’t been caught doing. He started doing extra chores and being extra polite. I learned quickly how to read him. Finally got him to admit he’d gotten in trouble at school the day before and hadn’t wanted to tell me about it. Once he told me about it, we dealt with it and things got back to normal.”
Daniel continued to peel the potatoes as he listened. He liked learning about what his friend had been like as kid. It helped him understand Jack better. “Was Jack a good student?”
“He worked hard at it,” Mary explained. She was almost done making the stuffing. “It wasn’t easy for him early on though. He had a lot of trouble learning to read. Once we got him some help in second grade though, it worked itself out. He never could take it easy though. Not if he wanted to keep his grades up.”
Danny had been listening to his grandma the whole time. He’d never thought of what his dad was like as a student. Learning had always come easy to him and he never really thought of what it would be like if it didn’t. It didn’t sound like much fun. “I’m done setting the table, Grandma.”
“Good,” Mary replied. “Now you need to make the name cards.”
“Huh?” Danny questioned, looking confused.
“Name cards,” Mary said again. “So everybody knows where to sit.”
“There are only five of us. How hard can it be to figure out where to sit?” Danny honestly didn’t understand what name cards were for, but he caught Daniel frowning at him. He changed his tone. “If you show me what to do I’ll make them though.”
Mary had finished with the stuffing and placed it in the refrigerator until it was time to cook it. Then she washed her hands. “Sit down at the kitchen table and I’ll get you what you need.”
Danny sat down at the table while Mary went into her room to get what he would need. “Sorry, Baba,” he said quietly. “I wasn’t trying to be difficult.”
Daniel had finished peeling the potatoes and started to cut them into smaller pieces. “I know, Danny. Name cards aren’t because we won’t know where to sit. It’s to make the table look nice.”
“Oh,” Danny replied quietly.
Mary came back with tag paper and markers. “Here you go, Danny. Just write everyone’s names on a piece of paper and then fold it over so it will stand up like this.” She showed him how to do it. “Then draw some pictures on them to make them look nice.”
“Yes, Ma’am,” Danny said politely as he got to work. He didn’t know which name to put on the card. Daddy or Jack, Baba or Daniel. In the end he decided to put one name on one side and the other name on the other side. Then he set about to make them look nice.
Mary started making the green bean casserole. She’d told Daniel about Jack, now she wanted to learn more about Daniel. “What were you like as a child, Daniel? Did you drive you parents nuts?”
Daniel thought about how to answer that question. “A little bit. I was pretty active in my early years.”
“Oh,” said Mary. “What kind of trouble did you give your parents when you got older?”
“I didn’t,” Daniel explained awkwardly. “My parents died when I was eight. I lived in foster homes after that.” He covered the potatoes with water and then covered the pan. He didn’t mind talking about his life, but he knew other people could be uncomfortable with it.
“I’m sorry about your parents, Daniel,” Mary said sympathetically. “That must have been hard.”
“It was,” Daniel agreed, “but it was a long time ago, too.” He felt small arms encircle his leg and looked down to find Danny hugging him. He picked Danny up in his arms and hugged him. “It’s okay, Squirt. I’m fine.”
Danny just held onto his baba.
“It must be helpful to Danny for you to have been through the same thing,” Mary commented.
Danny nodded and Daniel replied, “Yes, it is.” Daniel hugged Danny one more time and then put him back down. “So, are you all done with the name cards, Danny?”
“Uh huh,” Danny answered, running off to get them. “What do I do with them now?”
“Well, little one,” Mary said, putting her hand on his shoulder, “we put them on the table so everyone knows where to sit.” She inspected them with great care. “You did a wonderful job. Very nice. I like how you put your name for us and our given names on the cards. That makes them very special. May I keep them after dinner’s over?”
“Sure, Grandma,” Danny answered shyly, not used to grandparents making such a fuss over him. Mary gave him a hug and he hugged her back. Then he followed her into the dining room and picked out where everyone would sit. Shawn was placed at the head of the table with Mary on the other end. Jack would sit by himself on one side of the table and Danny and Daniel would sit on the other side. After all the cards were placed, Mary asked Daniel to check on how the turkey preparations were going.
When Daniel walked outside he found Jack and Shawn in deep discussion over how much oil they needed to place in the fryer.
“I read the directions, Dad,” Jack said in frustration. “You’re supposed to put the turkey in the pot and then put the water in.”
“No,” Shawn insisted. “You fill it with water and then put the turkey in. That’s how my friends did it.”
Daniel couldn’t help but laugh. Thus drawing attention to him.
“Well, Daniel. How do you think we should do it?” Jack asked, expecting Daniel to agree with him.
“Both ways will work, Jack. It doesn’t really matter. However, your mom expects the turkey to be ready in two hours and if you two don’t make up your minds, we won’t have any turkey to eat,” Daniel explained.
“See, Jack,” Shawn exclaimed. “I told you he’d agree with me.”
“What are you talking about, Dad? He agreed with both of us.” Jack stared his dad down for a split second, and then caved. “Fine, we’ll do it your way. Fill the pot with water, Dad. I’ll go get the turkey.” Jack walked into the house to get the turkey from the refrigerator.
Shawn began to fill the pot with water. “Jack’s a stubborn man, Daniel,” he commented.
“That he is, Shawn,” Daniel responded. “Do you need any help?”
“No thanks, Daniel. I think we have it covered, once my son admits his dad is right.”
Daniel just chuckled. “Good luck. So can I tell Mary the turkey will be ready on time?”
“Of course,” Shawn answered in a hurt voice. “Just make sure my wife has everything ready.”
“I’ll do that.” Daniel left Shawn to fill the pot and passed Jack carrying the turkey on the way into the house. “Good luck, Jack.”
“There’s no luck involved, Daniel. We’ll be fine once my dad realizes I’m right.”
“Of course, Jack. I’ll let you take care of everything.” Daniel went back into the house to see if Mary needed any more help.
Everything was done in the house. Mary had everything timed for when the turkey was done cooking. Now they had some time on their hands. “How would you boys like to see some pictures of Jack when he was little?” she asked Daniel and Danny.
Danny looked over at Daniel, smiling. “Sure, Grandma. I’d like that.”
“You two settle yourselves on the couch and I’ll be back in a minute with the photo album.” Mary walked off to her room and came back shortly with an album. She settled herself between Daniel and Danny on the couch. “I don’t have a lot of photos,” she explained, “but I do have some.” She opened up the album showing a bare bottomed little baby lying on a blanket. “This is Jack at four months old. Isn’t he a little butterball?”
Danny laughed and Daniel snickered. “Daddy was fat as a baby,” Danny commented.
“Yes, he was,” Mary agreed. “It didn’t last long though,” she said a little wistfully. Then she turned the page. “This was when Jack was two. We were visiting his grandparents and they let him have spaghetti.” Jack was sitting in his highchair covered with spaghetti strands and sauce, smiling happily.
Daniel thought it was strange seeing Jack as a child.
They continued to page through the album until Jack interrupted them. “Mom! What are you doing?”
“Just showing them what you were like as a child, Son,” his mom explained unnecessarily. “You were so adorable back then.”
Jack groaned and headed into the kitchen to grab two beers. No way was he going to be able to stop his mom, so he didn’t even try. On his way back outside, he commented, “Dad and I will be outside keeping an eye on the deep fryer if you need anything.”
“Sure, Jack,” Daniel replied brightly. “Too bad you had to grow up and stop being adorable.”
Jack glared at him as he walked out the door. He handed his dad a beer and sat down. “Do you know what they’re doing inside?” Then before his dad could answer, he added, “Mom brought out the baby pictures. Why’d she have to go and do that?”
“Relax, Jack,” Shawn told him. “She’s proud of you, that’s all.” He downed some of his beer. “So how’d you end up with Danny?” he asked pointedly.
“What?” Jack spluttered. He thought the questioning was done with last night.
“I just never thought you’d take on another child,” Shawn explained. “Wasn’t there another family that could take him? One with a more stable job.”
Jack sighed. “We did try to place him with another family, Dad,” he admitted. “It didn’t work.”
“Why not?” It wasn’t that Shawn didn’t like Danny; he just wanted to know what was going on.
“He’d already attached to me,” Jack tried to explain. “He wouldn’t accept anyone else.”
“So you just let him have his own way.”
“Dad, it’s not like that. Look, it’s hard to explain and I’d rather not get into it. Danny’s mine now and that’s all there is to it.” Jack finished off his beer.
“I thought he was Daniel’s, too.”
“Dad!” Jack took a deep breath to calm down. “Do you have a problem with Daniel and me raising Danny, or are you just enjoying grilling me?”
Shawn looked down at the ground. “I’m sorry, Jack. And no, I don’t have a problem you and Daniel raising Danny. It was a shock though. I’m trying to deal with the fact that you and another man are raising a grandson I didn’t know about for three months. It’s not something I ever expected of you.”
Jack sighed. “Do you think I’m gay, Dad?”
“Aren’t you?” Shawn didn’t look at Jack.
“Would it make a difference if I was?”
Shawn had to think for a minute. “No, I guess it wouldn’t. You’re still my son and I love you. Danny is a wonderful little boy and Daniel seems very nice.”
“You’re right, Dad. Danny is a wonderful boy and Daniel is very nice. Daniel is also married to a wonderful woman.” Jack watched his dad’s mouth drop. “She was kidnapped almost a year ago. We’re still trying to find her.”
“I’m sorry,” Shawn said quietly. “That must be very hard on him.”
“It is, Dad,” Jack explained. “He doesn’t like to talk about it much.”
“I can understand that. Is there anything we can do?” Shawn asked.
“No,” Jack answered. “We’re dealing with it. Just don’t ask him about it.”
“I won’t,” Shawn replied. “Why don’t you check the oil temperature and see if it’s ready for the turkey?” He tried to change the subject.
Jack stood up and looked at the thermometer. “It’s hot enough, Dad. Let’s put the turkey in. Then you can tell Mom it’s started cooking.” Jack grabbed the frame the turkey was on and carefully lowered it into the oil. It bubbled and spluttered and generally made a mess with the splatter. However, in a short amount of time the oil settled down and the turkey began cooking.
Shawn went inside to tell Mary the turkey was cooking. Daniel helped her get the rest of the food started cooking and Danny continued to sit on the couch leafing through the photo album again.
When all the food was ready and placed on the table, everyone sat down according to their name cards. Shawn said an Irish prayer and then carved the turkey. After they slowed down in their eating, the conversation began to flow.
Daniel asked, “So what stories can you tell us about Jack, Shawn? Mary’s already told us a few.”
“Let me think about that,” Shawn replied. He ate a few more forkfuls of turkey and mashed potatoes and then continued. “I know. There was that camping trip we went on when Jack was a little bit younger than Danny.”
“We just stayed at the cabin for five days, Paqui,” Danny said, interrupting.
“That sounds like fun,” Shawn commented. “Maybe you can tell me about it after I finish my story.”
“Yes, Sir,” Danny responded, realizing he shouldn’t have interrupted. He really did want to hear another story about his daddy.
“Well, I decided the time was right to let Jack learn how to fish. My mother had made him waders so he could go in the water a little ways without getting wet,” Shawn told them.
“I remember those, Dad,” Jack commented. “I used them for a long time.”
“Yes, you did,” his dad replied. “May I continue the story now?”
“Yes, Sir,” Jack answered; also realizing he’d just been chastised.
“Anyway,” Shawn continued. “I gave him his rod and reel and we walked down to the river. I told Jack he could go only a little ways out, but of course he went as far as he thought he could get away with. He cast out his line and then waited. Next thing I knew he was yelling out that he’d caught one. I watched him pull back on the rod to snag the fish. Then the fish took off, Jack lost his footing and landed smack dab in the water, face first. I rushed in and pulled him out. Stubborn kid was still holding onto the rod, soaking wet. The fish was still attached and I helped him reel it in. It was a big fish.” Shawn stopped and began eating again.
Danny couldn’t resist. “What did you do with Daddy?”
“Oh,” Shawn replied, as though there wasn’t anymore to the story. “I pulled him out of the waders which were filled with water and then carried him and the fish back to camp. Mary changed him into dry clothes and we cooked the fish for lunch. If I remember right, Jack, you didn’t care much for fish back then.”
“No, I didn’t,” Jack agreed. “You still made me eat it though.”
“I know. Just like you made Charlie eat the first fish he caught.” Shawn looked over at Danny. “Did you go fishing when you went to the cabin?”
“Yes,” Danny answered quietly.
“Did you catch any?” Shawn inquired.
“Yes.”
“How did you like it?”
Danny didn’t answer. He just got quiet. Jack stepped in. “He didn’t like it much, Dad. So I made him soup instead.”
“Gone soft, have you?” Shawn implied.
“No,” Jack insisted.
“You wouldn’t have made Charlie something else to eat,” Shawn pointed out.
“Danny isn’t Charlie, Dad,” Jack responded coldly.
“May I be excused?” Danny asked hesitantly.
Daniel was about to allow him, when Jack answered, “Not until everyone is finished eating.”
Danny put his hands in his lap and fiddled with them.
Mary and Daniel exchanged glances trying to figure a way out of the uncomfortable atmosphere. “Jack? Can Danny help me get dessert ready? I think we’re almost ready for it,” Mary asked.
“Fine,” Jack said, stabbing another piece of turkey.
Mary helped Danny off the chair and they went into the kitchen. Danny never said a word. “Danny, will you get the pie out of the refrigerator?”
Danny went and opened the refrigerator. He found the pumpkin pie and picked it up off the shelf. As he was walking over to hand it to Mary, his hands slipped and it fell to the floor, top down. He just stood there staring at it, not moving. Mary went over to comfort him, kneeling down beside him. She couldn’t get him to respond to her.
Daniel had heard something being dropped in the kitchen and went to investigate. He found Mary sitting on the kitchen chair rocking Danny on her lap. Daniel knelt down in front of Danny. “Danny, what’s wrong?” he asked quietly. No response. Daniel looked at Mary. “What happened?”
“I’m not sure,” Mary answered with concern. “He dropped the pie on the floor. I went over to tell him it was okay, and he wouldn’t respond. Is he okay?”
“He will be,” Daniel answered as he took Danny from her. “I’m going to take him for a walk. We’ll be back in a little bit. Tell Jack I’ll let him know what’s going on later.” Then Daniel walked out the back door, Danny still not moving in his arms.
Mary went back into the dining room. “You two should be ashamed of yourselves,” she told her husband and son as she sat back down.
“I didn’t do anything,” Shawn tried to deny.
“No, you just upset a very sweet little boy who was having a wonderful time until you two started disagreeing with each other.” Mary was extremely upset with both of her boys and they could tell.
“I’m sorry, Mom,” Jack answered. “We shouldn’t have disagreed in front of everybody.”
“You shouldn’t have disagreed at all,” his mom admonished. “How you raise Danny is your business and your dad should know that. However, you didn’t need to get your hackles up either.”
“Yes, Ma’am,” Jack agreed. “Where’s Danny? Is he okay?”
“Daniel took him for a walk. He got upset when he dropped the pie. Daniel said he’d tell you what’s going on later.”
“I should go check on them,” Jack said as he began to stand up.
“Sit!” Mary ordered. Jack sat. “Daniel has everything under control. You need to work things out with your father so this doesn’t happen again. I’m going to go get the other pie out of the freezer.”
After his mom left the room, Jack looked at his dad. “I’m sorry, Dad, but Danny isn’t Charlie. I’ll raise him the way Daniel and I see fit.”
“I’m sorry too, Jack,” Shawn replied. “I shouldn’t have tried telling you how to raise him. I shouldn’t have brought Charlie up either. It’s just that I miss him.”
“I miss him too, Dad. We’ll always miss him.” Jack sighed. “Danny already worried about you wanting him to replace Charlie. He wasn’t sure if you would like him.”
Shawn choked up hearing this. “I do like him, Jack. I love him. He’s wonderful. I’ll tell him that when he gets back, too.”
“I’m sure he’ll want to hear that, when he gets back.” Jack fiddled with what food was left on his plate. “I just hope it doesn’t take too long.”
Daniel carried Danny up the mountain the house backed up to. Once he was far enough away from the house to have some privacy he sat down on a rock and cradled Danny on his lap. “Danny, you’re safe,” he assured him. “Stop this withdrawal and start telling me what’s wrong.”
Slowly the tears began to flow, but it was better than the silence. Daniel held him tight, rocking him. After a few minutes Danny tried to talk. “I’m sorry,” he said through his tears. “I couldn’t handle it anymore. I knew he wouldn’t like me.” He buried his face in his baba’s chest.
“Danny?” Daniel lifted Danny’s head so he could look at him. “Shawn never said he didn’t like you.”
“He may not have said it, but I could tell. He’d rather have Charlie back.” Danny tried to lower his head, but Daniel wouldn’t let him.
“I’m sure he would like to have Charlie back,” Daniel admitted holding back his own tears. “Just like you’d like to have Mom and Dad back. That doesn’t mean he doesn’t like you.”
Danny wiped a tear from his baba’s cheek. “I love you,” he said as he wrapped his arms around Daniel’s neck. “I didn’t mean to scare you again.”
“I know you didn’t,” Daniel replied letting the tears fall. “I think you scared your grandma though, too.”
“I thought she’d be mad I dropped the pie,” Danny admitted.
“She wasn’t. The only people I think she’s angry with are Jack and Shawn.” Daniel pulled Danny a little bit away from him and wiped his face off with his handkerchief. “Are you ready to go back now?”
Danny nodded. “You need to clean your face, too, Baba,” he pointed out.
“Thanks, Squirt.” Daniel wiped his own face. Then he stood up with Danny in his arms.
“I’m tired,” Danny admitted, laying his head on Daniel’s shoulder.
“Me too,” Daniel agreed. “After we let everyone know you’re okay, what do you say to the two of us taking a nap before dessert?”
“I ruined the dessert, Baba,” Danny said sadly.
“You might have ruined that one, but I saw another pie in the freezer,” Daniel explained.
“Oh,” Danny said a little happier. “Okay then. A nap sounds good.”
Daniel carried Danny back down the mountain. Danny managed to fall asleep in the short time it took. Daniel knew the others needed to know Danny was all right, so he woke him back up and set him down before entering the kitchen.
Mary was sitting at the kitchen table. She looked at Danny when he entered. Danny stood next to Daniel until his grandma held her arms out to him. Then he ran into her arms.
“I’m sorry I worried you, Grandma,” Danny apologized. “I’m okay now.”
“I’m glad. I’m sorry you had reason to get upset.” She hugged Danny tight to her. “I love you, little one.”
“I love you, too, Grandma.” Danny enjoyed being embraced. “I need to go let Daddy and Paqui know I’m okay. Then Baba and I are taking a nap.”
“That sounds like a good idea, Danny.” Mary released him. “I think they’re still sitting at the table. We’ll have dessert when you wake up.”
“That’s what Baba said,” Danny explained. “I was going to help you clean up though.”
“Don’t worry about it, little one. I know two other boys who need to do some extra chores today instead.” She winked at him and he understood.
“See you when you wake up.”
“Okay, Grandma.” Danny and Daniel walked into the dining room to find Jack and Shawn.
Jack was still playing with his food. When he saw Danny walk in, he got up and walked over to him, kneeling down. Danny hugged his daddy tight.
“I’m tired, Daddy,” Danny explained. “Baba and I are going to take a nap and then Grandma said we’ll have dessert when we wake up.”
“That sounds good to me,” Jack agreed. “I’m sorry I upset you.”
“That’s okay, Daddy. I still love you.” Danny looked over at Shawn. “I’m sorry, Paqui,” he said quietly.
Shawn held out his arms. “Come here, Danny.” Danny walked over to his granddad and allowed himself to be picked up and placed on his lap. “You have nothing to be sorry for. I’m the one who’s sorry. You are a wonderful boy and I love you. I should have told you that.”
“But you’d rather have Charlie instead of me,” Danny said quietly, not sure if he should have said anything.
“I would love to have Charlie here, but not instead of you. I love you for who you are, my new grandson who I get to spoil,” Shawn hugged him and Danny hugged him back. “You go take your nap now. I think I might take one, too.”
“Uh, uh,” Danny told him. “Grandma said you and Daddy have to clean up.”
“Oh she did, did she?” Shawn chuckled.
“Yep. She said you and Daddy had to do extra chores,” Danny explained.
“I suppose that’s only fair,” Shawn agreed. “I love you, Danny. Have a good rest.”
“I love you, too, Paqui.” Danny slid off his granddad’s lap and then grasped Daniel’s hand. “See you later.”
Daniel let Jack know they’d talk later and then went to take a nap with his son.
About an hour later, Danny startled himself awake.
Daniel, who was already awake and watching Danny sleep, reached out to touch him. “Are you okay, Danny?”
Danny nodded, but he didn’t look okay.
“What woke you up?”
“Nothing,” Danny mumbled, sucking on his thumb.
Daniel wasn’t buying it. “Something woke you up, Danny. It didn’t look like it was something happy either.”
“I was dreaming about Daddy getting spanked with the belt for egging that house,” Danny finally admitted.
“And you got scared?” Danny nodded. “Of what?” Daniel asked.
“Is Daddy going to use a belt on me when I get in trouble?” Danny asked nervously.
Daniel finally understood what was going on. “Why would you think Jack would use a belt on you?”
“Cause his daddy used one on him.” Danny continued to suck his thumb whenever he wasn’t talking.
“So you think he’ll use it on you?” Daniel questioned. Danny nodded again and Daniel pulled him into a hug. “I don’t think Jack is planning on using a belt on you, Danny. However, I think if it worries you, you should ask him about it.”
Danny shook his head. “I don’t want to give him any ideas.”
Daniel held back his laugh. “Your talking to Jack about it isn’t going to give him any ideas, Squirt.”
“Will you ask him?” Danny asked quietly.
“If I do, Jack’s still going to want to talk to you about it,” Daniel told him.
“That’s okay,” Danny replied. “I just don’t want to bring it up.”
“Okay, I’ll talk to him first.” Daniel sat up on the bed bringing Danny up with him. “You ready to get dressed again and go have dessert?”
Danny shook his head. “Paqui will get mad at me,” he whispered.
‘Oh boy,’ Daniel thought, ‘this was going to be a long day.’ “Why would Shawn get mad at you?”
“I don’t like pumpkin pie and he doesn’t like it when you don’t eat what you’re given.” Danny was remembering the conversation about eating the fish.
“How do you know you don’t like pumpkin pie?”
“They had it at the feast at school and I tried it,” Danny explained. “It didn’t taste good so I threw it away. Paqui will get mad if I don’t eat it.”
“Sometimes different pumpkin pies taste different. Maybe you’ll like Mary’s.” Daniel was trying to deal with the problem while satisfying everyone.
“Maybe,” Danny replied uncertainly.
“You try two bites. If you don’t like it, you don’t have to eat it. I don’t think there’ll be anything else for dessert though,” Daniel suggested, trying to find a compromise.
“But Paqui won’t like it if I don’t eat it all,” Danny tried to explain again.
“If he doesn’t like it, that’s his problem,” Daniel said, not unkindly. “Jack and I are your parents. We make the rules.”
“You sure?” Danny still didn’t want to make his granddad angry, but he didn’t want to eat food he didn’t like either.
“I’m sure,” Daniel assured him. “Let’s get dressed and go out and find out what’s going on.”
“Okay,” Danny agreed. “And you’ll talk to Daddy?”
“Yes,” Daniel replied. “I’ll talk to Jack. I love you.”
“I love you, too, Baba.” Danny hugged him before getting off the bed and getting dressed.
While Daniel and Danny were napping, Jack and Shawn were busy cleaning up from Thanksgiving dinner. After taking all the dishes into the kitchen and putting away the leftover food, they set about washing the china. Mary had already told them they weren’t allowed to use the dishwasher on the china or the silverware.
Shawn started washing while Jack rinsed and dried. “I’m sorry for what happened at dinner, Jack. I didn’t think Danny would be so sensitive about it though.”
“Danny is a sensitive kid, Dad,” Jack tried to explain. “He worries about everyone and tries to please everyone. When he can’t, he gets upset.”
“So what,” Shawn questioned, “you just let him get away with everything?” He handed Jack another plate, but had to wait until Jack finished drying the last one.
“Dad, how we raise Danny is our business,” Jack pointed out. “But no, he doesn’t get away with everything. I’ve just learned to choose my battles. Food isn’t one of them.” He took the plate from his dad. “Does he seem like a spoiled brat to you?”
“No, I don’t see that in him. You just seem different than you did with Charlie,” Shawn tried explaining.
“I am different, Dad. Danny’s not Charlie either. He’s a little boy who’s just lost both his parents and has to adjust to a new family and culture. It hasn’t been easy for him.” Jack put down the dish he’d just finished drying. “It hasn’t been easy for any of us,” he said quietly.
Shawn quietly washed another few dishes. He had forgotten about why Danny had come to be his grandson. He’d just fit into the family so easily. “I didn’t think of that,” he admitted. “And yes, I have been comparing him to Charlie. I still miss him.”
“I miss him, too. I will forever miss my first child. However, it’s not fair to Danny if I try to treat him the same. He’s not, believe me he’s not, even if he looks like Charlie did.” Jack had not wanted to admit to himself how much Danny reminded him of Charlie, at least physically.
“I won’t interfere anymore, Son.” Shawn handed Jack the last dish and drained the water from the sink.
“I appreciate it, Dad,” Jack replied. Then they put away the plates in a more comfortable silence.
Once the kitchen was spotless, knowing Mary wouldn’t settle for anything less, Jack and Shawn went to clean up the mess from the deep fryer outside.
Daniel and Danny walked into the living room after they got dressed. Mary was sitting in her chair reading a book. She looked up from her book to spy Danny eyeing her warily. She placed her book on the coffee table and held out her arms. “I’m glad you’re awake, little one. Do I get a cuddle?”
Danny ran into her outstretched arms and snuggled on her lap.
“Hi, Mary,” Daniel said, and then asked, “Where are Jack and Shawn?”
“They’re cleaning the mess outside,” she told him. “At least they’d better be.”
“Okay, then,” Daniel said knowingly. “I think I’ll go see how far along they are.”
“You do that, Daniel. Tell them when they’re done we’ll have dessert.” Mary felt Danny tense up in her embrace. After Daniel had left the room, Mary asked Danny, “What’s wrong, little one?”
Danny sucked his thumb and held his camel, not saying anything.
Mary noticed the stuffed animal and decided on another tactic. “Who’s this?” she asked, tapping the camel gently.
“Camel,” Danny said, taking his thumb out of his mouth for only a moment.
“Well it certainly is a camel,” Mary commented. “I was wondering what his name was though.”
“Camel,” Danny stated again. “His name’s just Camel.”
“Oh, I see.” Mary ran her hand along the worn fabric of the animal. “It looks like you love him very much.” Danny nodded. “How long have you had Camel?”
“Since I was born,” Danny answered. “My mommy and daddy gave him to me.” Danny held Camel up for inspection. “It’s the only thing I have left,” he said quietly.
Mary gave the camel a gentle kiss and handed it back to Danny. “I can see you take very good care of him, Danny.”
“He takes care of me, too,” Danny replied, clutching his friend close to his chest.
“Is Camel hungry for dessert?” Mary asked, using a little child psychology.
“No,” Danny answered. “Camel doesn’t like pumpkin pie.”
“Does Camel like ice cream?” she questioned.
“Yes,” Danny answered for his camel.
“Then maybe I’ll put Camel’s ice cream on your dish and you two can share it, okay?”
“Paqui won’t get mad if Camel doesn’t eat what everybody else is having?” Danny questioned.
“Is that what Camel is nervous about?” Mary asked knowingly.
Danny nodded. “Yes, Ma’am.”
“Tell your camel not to worry,” Mary assured. “Everybody is having ice cream. The pumpkin pie is just extra. I could put a sliver of pie on your plate if Camel would like to try it though.”
“Okay,” Danny agreed. “Baba said your pumpkin pie might not taste like the one I had in school and that I should try it. I know my camel can’t eat and that you’re just being nice. Thanks, Grandma.” He reached up and hugged her neck and kissed her.
“You’re welcome, little one,” Mary replied, trying not to cry. This child was just too special to her. “Want to come help me get dessert ready?”
“I don’t want to drop it again,” Danny said worriedly.
“Don’t worry about it,” she told him. “You can handle the ice cream this time.”
“Yeahsureyebetcha,” Danny quipped, getting off Mary’s lap. “Let me put Camel away first. I don’t want him to get dirty.”
“You do that Danny and then meet me in the kitchen,” Mary said, while getting up.
“Sure, Grandma.” Danny hurried off to Daniel’s room while Mary went into the kitchen.
Daniel walked outside to find Jack and Shawn busy scrubbing out the grease pot. Everything else had been cleaned up and put away. “Hi, Jack, Shawn. How’s the cleaning up going?” he asked brightly.
“Fine, Daniel. Just fine,” Jack answered, a little bit irritably. “How was your nap?”
“Fine, Jack. Just fine. Danny’s in with your mom right now. As soon as everything’s cleaned up, we’re going to have dessert,” Daniel explained. Then he got a little serious. “I would like to talk to you first, though.”
Shawn spoke up. “You and Daniel go talk, Jack. I can finish up this pot.”
“You sure, Dad?” Jack asked, not wanting to leave his dad with too much work.
“Don’t argue with your elders, Son,” his dad said teasingly. “Go on. I’ll be fine. This is the last thing to finish and it’s almost done anyway.”
“Thanks, Shawn,” Daniel said. Then he and Jack walked out the back gate and up to the rock where Daniel had talked to Danny.
Jack sat down next to Daniel. “What’s up, Daniel?”
“I wanted to talk to you about what happened with Danny,” he explained. “He shut down again when he dropped the pie.”
Jack rubbed the back of his neck. “I didn’t know it was that bad. He’s not supposed to shut down anymore.”
“It didn’t last long,” Daniel said in Danny’s defense. “He just got overwhelmed by the argument you and your dad had and then he dropped the pie and he just couldn’t handle anymore.”
“It’s my fault,” Jack said, blaming himself.
“It’s nobody’s fault, Jack. It just happened. Danny thought your dad didn’t like him anymore. That he wanted Charlie instead of him.”
“We talked about that. My dad and I did, I mean. He’s sorry about the conversation and won’t compare them anymore. He didn’t really think Danny would even pay attention to what he was saying.”
“Danny pays attention to everything,” Daniel pointed out.
“I know, Daniel,” Jack replied. “Is that the only problem?”
“Um, no,” Daniel admitted.
“What else is going on, Daniel?”
“Remember that story you told this morning, about egging the house?”
“Ya think,” Jack responded. “My memory’s not that bad yet.”
“Well, Danny’s worried you’re going to use a belt on him,” Daniel said, rubbing his hands together.
“For crying out loud, Daniel. He’s only five years old. There’s no way I’d use a belt.” Jack couldn’t believe that simple little story had caused problems.
“You were only ten,” Daniel pointed out. “Do you plan on ever using a belt, Jack?”
“I really hadn’t thought about it, Daniel. I guess it would depend on what he did and how old he was.” This was too sudden for Jack to really have thought about it. “What do you think about it?”
“I’d rather you never use a belt, Jack. I know what your dad did was different, but I would have a very hard time accepting your using a belt, based on my own experiences,” Daniel explained.
Jack had forgotten about the story Daniel had told them. “Okay then. I won’t,” Jack agreed. “And if it ever comes to the point I think I need to use anything more than my hand, I discuss it with you first. Okay?”
“That sounds good to me, Jack. I think Danny would like to know, too.” Daniel was okay with Jack’s concession. As long as they agreed together on how to discipline Danny, everything would turn out fine.
“I’ll talk to him tonight,” Jack replied. “When I give him his bath.”
“Thank you for taking that on.” Most of the time giving Danny a bath wasn’t a problem, sometimes though; Danny just didn’t want to take one. Daniel had a feeling tonight would be one of those nights.
“You’re welcome,” Jack said sarcastically. “It looks like my dad’s done washing the pot. Let’s go down and have dessert.”
“Um,” Daniel said, hesitantly.
“What now?” Jack thought they’d dealt with everything.
“Danny says he doesn’t like pumpkin pie. He’s afraid your dad will get mad if he doesn’t eat it.”
“That’s not a problem. Dad said he won’t say anything more about what Danny does or doesn’t eat.” Jack didn’t have any plans of upsetting Danny any further.
“Good,” Danny agreed. “Let’s go have dessert then.”
Jack and Daniel walked back down the mountain meeting up with Shawn as he was putting the pot back in the box.
“Everything taken care of boys?” Shawn asked. He’d been keeping an eye on them while he was cleaning the pot, even though he couldn’t hear anything.
“Yes, Sir,” Jack answered. “Everything’s fine. Hungry for dessert though. All that cleaning we did burned off what I ate for dinner.” Daniel snorted and Jack gave him a dirty look.
“Let’s go inside then,” Shawn said, patting Jack on the back. “Food’s awaiting.”
Inside, Mary and Danny had already set the table with dessert plates. They’d also brought out the pie, some whipped cream and the ice cream. Seeing his dad come in, Danny ran over and jumped in his arms.
“I see the nap did you some good,” Jack teased, hugging him. “Are you hungry?”
Danny hugged him back. “Yes, Sir. Grandma said we’re having ice cream and pie, with whipped cream, too.”
“Sounds good to me,” Jack replied. “I’m starving.”
“You just ate a turkey dinner, Daddy,” Danny said, confused.
“Yeah, but while you and Daniel were taking a nap and letting your dinners turn to fat, I was busy cleaning everything up and burning all those calories,” Jack tried to explain.
“Yeah right,” Danny said snorting.
“Hey!” Jack said indignantly. “You’ve been hanging around Daniel too much.”
“Uh, uh. I can never hang around either of you too much.” Danny hugged his dad again. “Let’s eat.”
Jack put Danny down and went over to the table. Everyone sat down in the same places they’d sat before. Mary had the food in front of her and began serving. She dished up a large slice of pie and whipped cream for Shawn. Then she asked, “What would you like, Daniel? Pie, ice cream or both.”
“I’ll take both, please. With whipped cream on both, too.” Daniel accepted the plate Danny passed to him.
Then Mary dished up Danny’s plate, not needing to ask what he wanted. She didn’t need to ask Jack either. She already knew his likes and dislikes. Once everyone had their dessert, they began eating.
Shawn noticed Danny was only served a sliver of pumpkin pie. However, he didn’t comment on it. He decided to try and find a neutral conversation to include Danny in. “What grade are you in school, Danny?” he asked.
“First grade,” Danny answered, after he swallowed his ice cream.
“What’s your favorite part of school?” Shawn asked, trying to get more information out of him.
“I like all of school,” Danny answered honestly, “but the best part is probably reading. We get to read some pretty interesting books.”
“I thought you learned to read in first grade,” Mary commented. She noticed that Danny had tried the pumpkin pie, but he didn’t finish it.
Danny shrugged his shoulders and continued to eat his ice cream.
“Danny’s mom taught him to read on the digs,” Daniel explained, knowing Danny didn’t like to talk about being smart.
“That’s nice,” Mary replied. “It must be a good memory to have.”
“Yes, Ma’am,” Danny answered. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to talk about his parents, but he knew he could say something he wasn’t supposed to if he talked about them too much.
Mary took the hint and stopped asking about his parents. “What do you guys want to do tomorrow?” she asked instead.
Danny and Daniel both looked to Jack for ideas. Neither of them had been to the Phoenix area before.
Jack thought for a moment. He knew what he would like to do, but he also knew what Daniel and Danny would probably like to do. “Danny likes museums a lot,” he told his mom.
“Museums?” Shawn said in surprise. Catching his wife’s glare, he added, “Museums sound great to me. He’d probably like the Heard Museum in downtown Phoenix. They have a lot of Native American displays there.”
Danny’s eyes lit up. He hadn’t expected Jack to suggest a museum. Shawn’s idea of a Native American museum was even better. He’d been learning about Native Americans at school. “That sounds cool,” he said with excitement.
“It sounds pretty interesting to me, too,” Daniel added.
“I guess we’re going to the museum tomorrow then,” Shawn said. He’d almost finished his dessert.
“What about going to ZooLights at night?” Mary suggested.
“ZooLights?” Daniel asked in confusion.
“You know, Mom. That sounds like a great idea,” Jack said, ignoring Daniel’s confusion. “Let’s not tell them what it is though. They like surprises.”
“Jack! We do not like surprises. What are ZooLights?” Daniel asked, frustrated with his friend.
“Trust me, Daniel. It’ll be more fun if you don’t know exactly what they are. Okay?” Jack had taken Charlie to ZooLights on previous trips to his parents. He knew both Daniel and Danny would enjoy them.
“I like surprises,” Danny said in support of his dad. “As long as they’re good surprises.”
“This is a good surprise, Danny,” Mary assured him.
“Okay,” Danny agreed, trusting his grandma.
Having made plans for tomorrow, Mary assigned Jack and Shawn to clean up the dessert plates and she and Danny sat down to read a book. Daniel took some time to explore the mountain preserve behind the house. After the house was clean, Shawn and Danny finished their game of chess, which had been left untouched.
Noticing the game had ended and Danny had won, Jack said, “Nice game, Bug. However, you need to take a bath now.”
Danny groaned. “Daaadddy, I don’t need a bath. Pleeeaaase?”
Jack gave him the look that let him know there would be no arguing about taking a bath.
“Do I have to go to bed right after my bath?” Danny inquired, hopefully.
“We’ll see after you finish,” Jack told him. “It depends on how late it is and if you don’t get a move on right now.”
Danny jumped to his feet and grabbed Jack’s hand. “Come on then, Daddy. Let’s get it over with.”
Jack let himself be pulled into the bathroom. He left Danny to take care of business and went into his bedroom to get Danny’s pajamas. When he got back, Danny was undressed and ready for his bath. Jack ran the water in the tub then lifted Danny in and sat him down. He let Danny play for a little while before he started washing him. “Danny?” he said.
“What, Daddy?” Danny was splashing the water around to make more bubbles.
“Daniel said you shut down today,” Jack said gently.
“Yes, Sir,” Danny replied, stilling his movements.
“It’s okay, Bug,” Jack assured him. “I was just worried that you felt you needed to.”
“I’m sorry I made you worry.” Danny slowly moved his hand through the water.
“You need to talk to somebody when you start feeling that way,” Jack tried to explain. He ran some water over Danny’s head, stopping the conversation for a moment.
“Yes, Sir,” Danny agreed quietly.
Jack started shampooing his hair. “Daniel also said you were worried about me using a belt to spank you.”
Danny nodded.
“I don’t ever plan on using a belt. So don’t worry about it. I know my dad used one on me, but that was a long time ago. Things are different.” Jack was worried about Danny not talking much. He rinsed the shampoo out of Danny’s hair. “Are you okay, Bug?”
Danny nodded again.
Jack picked Danny up and wrapped him up snug in a towel. He grabbed another one to dry his hair. Then he sat down on the closed toilet. He rubbed Danny’s hair dry and said, “I need you to talk to me, Danny. I can’t read your mind.”
“Did you spank Charlie?” Danny asked quietly.
“Yes,” Jack answered.
“Did you use a belt on him?”
“No,” Jack replied.
“Would you rather have Charlie back than me?” Danny asked so quietly Jack could barely hear him.
Jack held him close and rocked him. “I would love to have Charlie back, Danny, but not instead of you. I would have loved for you and Charlie to have been brothers. However, Charlie did die and you are here. I love you so much, Bug. I wouldn’t trade you for anything.” Jack’s eyes' teared up as he said this.
“Even to get your son back?” For some reason, Danny was still feeling very insecure.
“For crying out loud, Danny. Haven’t you been listening to me?” Jack felt Danny tense up in his arms. “I love you. No matter what. I wish I knew how to convince you of that.” Jack’s tears fell down his face.
Danny reached up and wiped his dad’s tears away. “I think you just did.” He hugged Jack tight around the neck. “I love you, too,” he whispered in Jack’s ear.
Jack held on for a while, letting the feeling of closeness wash through him. Finally, he released Danny and helped him into his pajamas. “Do you want to stay up for a little longer, or are you ready for bed?” he asked, once both of them had washed their faces.
“I want to stay up longer, but I’m too tired to,” Danny admitted. “Are you going to come to bed, too?”
“I’m tired, also,” Jack told him. “Going to sleep sounds like a good idea. Let’s go say good night to everyone.”
“Okay, Daddy.” Danny held his arms up. “Carry me?”
Jack couldn’t resist. He picked up his son and carried him back to the living room.
Jack and Danny said their good nights and went to bed. Daniel stayed up for a while longer talking with Jack’s parents.
Shawn asked, “How long have you and Jack known each other, Daniel?”
Daniel had to think about how to answer that. He decided stick as close to the truth as he could. “We met almost two years ago when I was doing a translation job for the Air Force.” He didn’t expand on it though.
“I think you’re a great guy, but you just don’t seem like the type of person my son normally makes friends with,” Shawn said.
Daniel couldn’t agree more, but he wasn’t sure how to explain how they became friends without telling Jack’s parents about the first mission. He gave it a shot. “Jack didn’t like me much the first time he met me. However, some of the translations I did made the mission a success. I guess I kind of grew on him.”
“You must have,” Mary said. “So you and Jack have worked together since then?”
“Um, no,” Daniel admitted. “I worked on another project for a year. Then the Air Force decided they needed me again. Jack and I have been working together ever since.”
“That’s not very long to end up raising a child together,” Mary commented.
“True,” Daniel replied, “but it works for us.”
“It certainly seems to,” agreed Shawn. “Do the two of you ever disagree?”
Daniel had to laugh. “Jack and I disagree about a lot of things, Shawn. Just mostly at work though. Jack’s the one who deals the most with Danny. I’m there for extra support.” He had to think about what he’d just said for a moment. It was a fairly accurate description, but it didn’t quite cover how their family worked. Choosing to leave it be for now, he hoped Shawn wouldn’t continue with this part of the discussion.
Jack had come into the room and overheard the last part of the discussion. He didn’t agree with Daniel’s statement, but would talk to him about it later. “Daniel?”
Daniel startled. He hadn’t noticed Jack walk into the room. “Hi, Jack.”
“Danny was hoping you’d come in and tell him another story,” Jack told him. “He really liked the one you told last night.”
“Sure,” Daniel answered, standing up. “Good night, Mary.” He gave Jack’s mom the hug he knew she expected. “Good night, Shawn.” Then he escaped to the room Danny was sleeping in.
Once Jack was sure Daniel had entered the room and closed the door, Jack angrily confronted his parents. “What the hell do the two of you think you’re doing? I want you to stop interrogating Daniel.”
“Just one minute, young man,” Shawn responded, standing up in front of his son. “You will not speak to your mother or me like that.”
Jack backed down and sat on the couch. He knew how his father felt about cussing, no matter how old you were. He also knew better than to yell at his parents. “I’m sorry, Dad, Mom. It just seems like every time the two of you and Daniel are alone, you grill him for information.”
“First of all,” his mom said in response, “we are not grilling Daniel for information. We’re interested in him and want to know more about him. That’s all.”
“It didn’t seem that way from my point of view,” Jack explained. “It feels like you’re prying to me. If you want to know something, I’d rather you ask me.”
“So we’re not allowed to talk to Daniel at all?” Shawn asked sarcastically.
“Of course you’re allowed to talk to him,” Jack said in exasperation.
“Then what are we supposed to talk to him about?” his mom asked.
Jack rubbed the back of his neck. He hadn’t thought about that. Talking about work was out, too tricky. Talking about the past was tricky too. If he didn’t want them asking questions about their family life, there wasn’t much left to talk about. “Okay,” he conceded, shrugging his shoulders, “there isn’t a whole lot to talk about. Whatever happened to small talk?”
“Jack,” Mary began, “we’ve barely heard from you in six months. Then we find out you have a son and are living with another man. We’re interested in what’s going on in your life.”
“Then ask me,” Jack said again. “I’ll answer your questions the best I can.”
Mary thought for a moment, and then asked, “Why are you and Daniel raising a child together? I can understand you not wanting to raise a child alone, but why with a man?”
That was a hard question to answer without giving away Daniel and Danny’s relationship. He tried his best. “When the Air Force asked Daniel to work for them again, he had to be relocated. It was sudden and he didn’t have his own place to live for a while. I told him he could stay with me until he got settled. It took a couple months for him to find his own place due to our work schedule and we got to know each other. When Danny came to live with me, I asked Daniel to help out. Danny attached to both of us and I asked Daniel to move in on a permanent basis. With our jobs, Danny needs two adults looking out for him. We’ve both been raising him ever since and it’s worked.”
“Speaking of your jobs,” Shawn pointed out, “are you still going on high risk missions like when you were married to Sara?” Jack nodded. “And does Daniel go on these high risk missions with you?” Jack nodded again. He had a feeling of where his father was going with his questions. “Then who is going to take care of Danny if both of you die on one of these missions? How is that fair to Danny?”
“First, Danny has an extended family at the base,” Jack informed his dad. “There are two other families who watch him when we can’t and they care about him as much as he cares about them. Second, Danny knows the risks our jobs entail. That’s why we tried to place him with another family. It didn’t work. Danny loves us and we love him. He’d rather live with people he loves and take the chance of losing us, than have to live with people he didn’t know. We didn’t take Danny on without considering all of the issues. Trust me, it wasn’t a simple choice.”
“Deciding to raise a child is never a simple choice, Jack,” his mother pointed out. “I’m glad you gave it a lot of thought. You talk as though Danny got to make the decision though. That’s not a decision for a child to make.”
“We all made the decision, Mom,” Jack tried to explain. “Daniel lived most of his childhood with people making decisions for him. He didn’t want Danny to go through that. If Danny hadn’t wanted to live with us, we would have found another place for him to live. He doesn’t want another place and we don’t want him to live with anyone else either.” Jack looked from his mom to his dad. He hoped the conversation would be over soon. “Is there anything else you want to know?”
“Do you love him?” his mom asked. When Jack looked at her confused, she added, “Daniel I mean. Do you love him?”
Jack had to think about how to answer that. “Daniel is the best friend I have ever had. I care about him and what happens to him. He is also the most compassionate person I’ve met. Daniel is a very special person. Yes, I do love him,” he admitted, “as a person and as a friend.” He noticed his mom’s raised eyebrow, reminding him of Teal’c a little, and added, “Do I want to have a romantic relationship with him? No. What I enjoy having is someone who is as invested in wanting the best for Danny as I do. I enjoy not living alone any more. There’s a lot to be said for living with a friend and not having to worry about any physical relationship.” He saw his dad’s mouth drop open. “You asked, I answered,” he pointed out.
Shawn closed his mouth. “You’re right, Jack. I guess I wasn’t expecting such a detailed answer.”
“Is there anything else, or can I go to bed now?” Jack was glad he’d had this discussion with his parents. It had actually helped him figure some things out for himself. However, he was getting tired.
“No, I think that’s all,” his dad told him. “I’m sorry if you felt we were prying. We didn’t intend for it to be that way.”
“I understand,” Jack replied. He stood up and hugged his mom. “Good night, Mom. I’m sorry I raised my voice.”
“It’s alright, Jack,” Mary assured him. “I love you.”
“Love you too, Mom,” Jack replied. Then he turned to his dad. “I’m sorry, Dad.”
His dad pulled him into a hug. “No problem, Son,” he said. Then he released him and smacked Jack’s backside. “Just don’t do it again.”
Jack rubbed absently where his dad had smacked him. “I won’t, Sir. Good night.”
“Good night, Jack. Take care of your family,” Shawn insisted.
“I will,” Jack assured him. Jack walked back to his room to find Daniel and Danny still awake and staring at him.
“Thought at least one of you would be asleep by now,” Jack commented.
“Not likely,” Daniel replied.
“You heard our conversation?” Jack wanted to know.
“No,” Danny told him. “I felt it.” He hopped off the bed and ran into Jack’s arms. “I love you, Daddy.”
“I love you, too, Bug.” Jack picked him up and carried him back over to the bed. “You didn’t need to worry about me.”
“He always worries about you,” Daniel pointed out. “Especially when he feels that you’re upset. I do, too.”
“I’m fine,” Jack assured them. “My parents just wanted to ask me a few questions. That’s all.”
“Then how come Paqui spanked you?” Danny asked in concern.
Jack looked at Daniel who looked just as shocked as he was. Apparently Danny hadn’t mentioned that part to him. “I thought you weren’t watching,” Jack insinuated.
“I wasn’t. Honest,” Danny refuted. He dropped his head to Jack’s chest. “I felt it.”
Jack rubbed Danny’s back. He figured he might as well explain. Nothing seemed to get by Danny. “It wasn’t really a spanking. It was more of a warning. I said some things to my parents I shouldn’t have and I raised my voice. My dad was just reminding me to behave.”
“Would he give you a real spanking if you did something really bad?” Danny wanted to know.
After thinking for a moment, Jack answered, “Probably. When I’m in my parents’ house I live by their rules, and accept the consequences.”
Danny hugged him tight. “Don’t do anything really bad then,” he warned Jack.
“I won’t, Danny. I’ll be more careful.” Jack lifted up Danny’s chin to look at him. “It’s not for you to worry about anymore.” Danny nodded. “You need to get some sleep now. We have a big day planned for tomorrow.”
“I still need a story,” Danny told him.
Jack looked over at Daniel. “I thought you were going to tell him a story.”
“We had other things to discuss,” Daniel explained. “We never got to the story.”
“I want Baba to tell the story still,” Danny requested.
“I’d like Baba to tell a story, too,” Jack agreed. Then he looked at Daniel. “You up to telling both of us a story?”
“Sure,” Daniel agreed grinning at him. “Get dressed for bed and I’ll tuck both of you in.”
Danny giggled. “Yeah, Daddy. Get ready for bed.”
Jack grinned back at them. Then he quickly got ready for bed, climbed under the covers with Danny, and fell asleep to the story Daniel told of Egyptian gods.
The next morning everyone woke up, ate breakfast and headed off to downtown Phoenix and the Heard Museum. Danny was enthralled by what he saw. He’d been studying Native Americans at school, and this brought it alive for him. He especially enjoyed grinding his own flour in the stone grinder left out in the atrium. He even got Jack to try it out with him. Daniel had had his own experience grinding flour and chose to just watch. Soon enough it was time to head back home. First though, Danny asked to stop by the gift shop to buy presents for his friends. He picked out a coloring book for Kayla, a jewelry kit for Tessa and for Rhonda he chose an archeology dig kit. After paying for the presents and letting Danny pick out something for himself, everyone got back in the car.
On the way home they stopped at a pizza place for lunch. Danny was allowed to play in the tunnels until the food came. Danny tried to get someone to come in the tunnels with him, but no one was willing to attempt it. The adults just sat around the table and talked. Finally the food came and Danny emerged from the tunnels, hot and sweaty and ready to eat.
“The museum was great, Paqui and Grandma. Thanks for taking me.” Danny bit down on his slice of pizza and burnt his mouth on the melted cheese. He quickly grabbed his drink to cool the burn.
“I’m glad you enjoyed it, little one,” Mary responded. “I think you’re going to enjoy ZooLights just as much.” Danny nodded in agreement. “However, I think you might want to take a nap when we get home. It’ll probably be a late night.”
Danny groaned and looked at Jack who nodded at him. He capitulated. “Yes, Ma’am,” he agreed reluctantly.
“After you boys went to bed last night I saw on the news that there’s going to be a hot-air balloon launch at the fountain tomorrow morning,” Shawn told the group. “I thought maybe we could go watch.”
Danny’s eyes lit up, and he looked from Jack to Daniel. “Please?” he pleaded.
“You’ll have to wake up early,” Shawn pointed out. “They said the balloons start setting up around six-thirty and launch at seven.”
“I can get up early,” Danny declared. “I always do at home.”
Jack looked to Daniel, who answered, “If you don’t give us any problems with taking a nap, and go to bed as soon as we get home tonight, I don’t see why not. It sounds like fun.”
“I’ll do it,” Danny proclaimed. “I promise.”
“Okay,” Jack agreed. He looked at Danny who had almost finished his slice of pizza. “Do you want another slice of pizza, Bug?”
“No thank you,” Danny answered. “I’m full. Can I play in the tunnels again?”
Jack looked at everyone else who was still eating. “You can play until we’re done eating. We’ll call you when it’s time to go.”
“Okay,” Danny said, wiping his mouth and sliding off the chair. “Take your time eating.” He grinned at his family and ran off to the tunnels.
Jack groaned at Danny’s antics.
Shawn commented, “He’s quite a character. You’re going to have your hands full.”
“We already do,” Jack insisted. He waved at Danny who had reached an upper level window and was waving at him. “We wouldn’t have it any other way.”
A short time later everyone finished eating and then they collected Danny and headed back to the house. Danny kept his agreement to take a nap without arguing and was sound asleep in Jack’s bedroom.
Mary and Shawn were each reading a book and Jack had asked Daniel to go for a walk with him. He wanted to talk to him. They walked on a path up the mountain preserve.
After awhile, Jack spoke up, “I heard what you said to my dad last night.”
Daniel wasn’t exactly sure what Jack meant. “Oh,” was all he said.
“You’re not just part of this family for extra support,” Jack explained. “It’s a lot more than that.”
Daniel didn’t say anything. He just kept walking.
“Daniel, stop for a minute,” Jack said, standing on the path. “I want to talk about this.”
Daniel stopped walking and turned around, self-hugging. “It’s not a problem, Jack. Don’t worry about it.”
“Maybe it’s not a problem, but I still want to talk about it.” Jack sat down on a rock and waited for Daniel to do the same.
Finally Daniel found his own rock and sat hugging his knees. “I don’t have any problems with how our family works, Jack. I’m not sure what you want to talk about.”
“Does it bother you that I’m the one that makes most of the rules for Danny?” Jack asked, remembering what Daniel had told his dad.
“Jack, if I had a problem with it, I would tell you.” Daniel understood why Jack might worry about it, but it really wasn’t a problem for him. “You know more about children. I trust you with Danny. I trust you with myself, I guess.”
“I appreciate that, Daniel. However, you are very important to both of us.” Jack paused for a moment. “I’ve realized that even more since we’ve been here. I may not have liked my parents’ prying, but it’s definitely made me think of things in a different way.”
“How so?” Daniel asked, curious as to what Jack was thinking.
“My mom asked me if I loved you,” Jack told him.
“And…” Daniel prompted.
“I told her I did. I love you for the person you are and for the friendship we have. I’m glad I’m not raising Danny alone and I don’t ever want to,” Jack told him honestly.
“Thank you,” Daniel said quietly. “I meant what I said about trusting you with myself by the way. Danny’s getting the chance at a life I never had.”
“And you’re a big part of that life,” Jack replied. “He wouldn’t have it any other way. I wish you’d had that chance. You deserved more than you got.”
“It’s over and done with,” Daniel said, not wanting to delve into the past. “It made me who I am.”
“I wouldn’t want you any other way,” Jack assured him. Then he stood up and flipped open his watch to look at the time. “I think we’d better finish our walk. It’ll be time to go to ZooLights soon.” He held out a hand to help Daniel up.
Daniel accepted the help and rose to his feet. “I’d like to climb a little farther first though. You can head back down. I’ll be there in a little while.”
“You don’t want any more company?” Jack asked.
“I’d like a little time to think,” Daniel assured him. “I won’t be long.”
“Okay,” Jack replied. “I’ll get Danny up and ready to go.”
“Sounds good,” Daniel said. Then he turned and walked farther along the path up the mountain.
Jack hiked back down the mountain and checked on Danny who was still sleeping. He sat down on the bed and slowly woke him up.
Danny rubbed at his eyes and said, “Good morning, Daddy.”
Jack laughed. “It’s not morning, Bug. It’s almost night and it’s time to get ready to go to ZooLights.”
“Oh yeah,” Danny said, coming more awake. “What do I need to wear?”
“Just put on pants and a shirt,” Jack told him. “We’ll take a coat with us.”
“Okay,” Danny replied, hopping off the bed and pulling on some pants. “Are we going right now?”
“As soon as Daniel comes back down the mountain. He went for a little hike.”
Danny shrugging into a shirt and ran his fingers through his hair. “How’s that?”
Jack inspected him. “I think we need to go in the bathroom and comb your hair.” Danny groaned. “You also need your shoes on.” Jack was looking at Danny’s bare feet.
“Ya think?” Danny said. He grabbed his shoes and socks and put them on. “Can’t I just leave my hair alone?” he pleaded.
“Not likely,” Jack informed him. “Let’s go.”
Jack wet Danny’s hair down and combed it out to look nice. Then they went into the living room to see what was going on.
“You look nice, Danny,” Mary commented. “Are you ready for ZooLights?”
“Sure, Grandma,” Danny answered her. “Daddy says we’re leaving when Baba gets back.”
“Then I guess we’re leaving now,” Daniel said as he walked in the door. “I just need to go clean up and I’ll be ready.”
“That’ll be fine, Daniel,” Mary replied. “I’ll let Shawn know we’re ready to go.”
Once everyone was ready they piled into the car and headed back to Phoenix. It didn’t take too long to get there. However, by the time they arrived it was dark, perfect for ZooLights.
Shawn parked the car and everyone got out and started walking towards the entrance to the zoo. Danny saw the lights on the bridge and ran over to them, ignoring the adults.
Jack scooped him up and carried him away from everybody else. He put Danny on the ground and knelt next to him. “Danny, what have we said about wandering off?”
“Not to,” Danny answered quietly.
“And if you do?” Jack prompted.
“I get in trouble,” Danny answered, dropping his head.
“I need to keep you safe, Bug, and I can’t do that if you wander off,” Jack reminded him.
“Yes, Sir,” Danny replied. “I’m sorry. I won’t do it again.”
“I have the wrist tether in my pocket,” Jack told him. “Do we need to use it?” After the trip to New York, Jack had purchased a wrist tether. He’d only used it once with Danny, but the threat of having to use it seemed to be enough.
“No, Sir,” Danny answered. “I’ll stay with you. I just got excited.”
“I know you did,” Jack replied. “I’m glad you’re excited, but I need to know where you are.”
“I won’t run off again,” Danny promised. “However, can I ask to go see something if it’s really interesting?”
“If you ask and wait for an answer, that’ll be fine,” Jack explained. “Deal?”
“Deal,” Danny agreed. “If I don’t then I have to wear the tether, don’t I?”
“Ya think?” Jack messed up Danny’s hair.
“Hey!” Danny complained. “You’re the one that made me comb it.”
Jack smoothed out the hair and headed back to the rest of the group with Danny in tow. “What do you think of it so far, Daniel?”
“It’s a great concept,” Daniel replied. “Are the lights all through the zoo?”
“Not everywhere,” Mary explained. “They set the lights up in certain areas that are easy to get to. You just follow the path. It’s a nice walk.”
“Cool,” Danny exclaimed, wanting to just take off. “Can we go in now?”
“Come on,” Shawn said, holding out his hand. “We’ll go pay and then go in.”
Danny happily accepted his paqui’s hand and walked off with him. Once they’d paid the entrance fee, everyone entered the main area of the zoo. Danny pointed out the frog that seemed to jump after a fly and eat it. The lights were flashing in succession to show the animation. “This is neat,” Danny cried out. “Come on, I want to see more.” He held onto Shawn’s hand and headed off after some more lights he could see. Jack, Daniel and Mary followed behind.
“What do you think of it, Daniel?” Mary asked, hoping for the best. She figured Danny would like it, but she wasn’t as sure of Daniel.
“It’s fantastic,” Daniel answered. “I’ve never seen anything like it. They do this every year?”
“Yep,” Jack answered. “We used to bring Charlie to it, too. I’ve always enjoyed it.” He looked ahead to where Danny and his dad were looking at the lighted beehives in the trees. “We’d better catch up.”
After they’d caught up with Danny and Shawn, they slowed their pace and enjoyed the lighted scenes. “How come we can’t see any animals?” Danny asked.
“Most of the animals are asleep,” Shawn explained. “You can still see the flamingos.”
They had just come upon those very animals and Danny looked at them for a while. “They look funny standing with only leg,” he commented.
“Yes, they do,” Daniel agreed. “But I don’t think they mind it.”
Danny laughed. “I guess not.” He noticed a whole bunch of lights on the other side of the manmade lake. “Those look cool.”
“We’ll get over there soon,” Mary assured him, “and they are cool. It’s one of my favorite spots.”
Finally they made their way over to the other side of the lake where the lights Danny had noticed were. At the moment, the lights weren’t blinking, but Danny had seen them blink as they were walking. Jack told him to just wait for a little bit, so they all sat on the bench and Danny situated himself on Daniel’s lap.
Suddenly all the lights in the fifty-foot trees went out. Then the music started playing and all the lights danced in time to the music. Danny was ecstatic. He’d never seen something like this before. He sat and watched, mesmerized by the display unfolding in front of him. All too soon it was over and the lights went dark and then shone solid.
“They stopped,” Danny complained. “I want to see it again.”
“If we wait, they’ll start up again with different music,” Mary assured him. “Do you want to wait?”
Danny nodded. So they all waited for the next show. It was just as good as the one before. When the second show was over, Daniel continued to hold Danny as they walked along.
Danny laid his head on his baba’s shoulder and whispered in his ear, “Mommy and Daddy would’ve loved that.”
“Yes, they would’ve,” Daniel whispered back.
Danny was tired, even though he’d taken a nap. He fell asleep on Daniel’s shoulder and was carried out to the car. Then they drove home and everyone went to the bed so they could get up early and go to the balloon festival.
Danny slept in Daniel’s room that night, so he had the pleasure of sneaking up on Jack. It didn’t work with him either. Danny decided he needed to talk with Teal’c to get some new strategies. In the meantime, everyone woke up, ate breakfast and then got in the car to drive to the hot-air balloon festival.
They had to park a ways away and then walk to the fountain. Danny swung himself by his hands between his dads as they walked. “Whoa,” he exclaimed when they got to the grass in around the fountain. There were about twenty vans and trucks parked on the grass and everyone was pulling out balloon baskets and large bags. Danny was tempted to run ahead, but was still attached to his dads’ hands. “Come on. Let’s go see,” he said, pulling on them.
Jack and Daniel let themselves be drug along by their son and the next thing they knew a very small dog ran up to them and rolled over on her back, waiting to get a belly rub. Danny happily obliged, letting go and bending over to rub the dog’s belly. “I’ve never seen a dog this small,” he told his dads, as the dog jumped up and began licking his face.
“Neither have I,” Daniel said, while looking around for the owner.
“Smokey, come back here,” said a young woman coming up to them and the dog. She picked up the dog and put her in a pouch she wore in front of her like an infant carrier. “Sorry about that,” she told them. “I just put her down for a second while we were setting up the balloon. She really likes kids though.”
“That’s alright,” Jack told her. “My name’s Jack O’Neill and this is Daniel Jackson, Shawn and Mary O’Neill and our son here is Danny.”
“My name’s Rhonda and my dog is named Smokey.” She bent down to talk to Danny. “Are you here to see the balloons launch?”
“Yes, Ma’am,” Danny said politely. “I’ve never seen them before.”
“I crew for one of the balloons here. So does Smokey. Do you want to help us?” Rhonda looked up at his dads. “Some of our crew didn’t make it today and we’re a little short handed. It’s not hard to do.”
“Please, Daddy, Baba. I want to help out,” Danny pleaded, still petting Smokey.
Jack looked at Daniel and his parents. They all nodded, so he said, “Okay, tell us what to do.”
“Great,” Rhonda said, leading them back to the balloon. “It’s nice when we get strong people to help. Smokey loves to help, but she can’t lift much.”
“I don’t suppose she could,” Daniel replied, laughing. “Just how much does she weigh?”
“She’s a big dog,” Rhonda answered. “At least she thinks she’s a big dog. She weighs three pounds eight ounces. A little more with her collar.”
“That is definitely small,” Jack agreed.
“Makes it easy to go up in the balloon with her though,” she commented.
“The dog goes up in the balloon?” Danny exclaimed. “Isn’t she scared?” He wasn’t so sure he would want to go up in a balloon.
“She loves it,” Rhonda said, as they came up to the balloon she crewed for. “She rides in the pouch and barks at birds that fly beneath us. If you guys help out, we might be able to take two of you up for a ride.” She came up to a woman who was standing by a basket that had been unloaded from a trailer. “Judy, I think Smokey might have found us some help today. This is Mr. O’Neill, Mr. Jackson and Danny.”
“It’s Colonel O’Neill and Dr. Jackson, but you can call us Jack and Daniel.” Jack shook Judy’s hand. “We’d be happy to help.”
“I’d love to have the help,” Judy said. “Some of our crew couldn’t come at the last minute. Rhonda can show you what to do. She and Smokey are crew chiefs.” Then she went to get some things out of her van.
Rhonda led them over to the trailer where there was a big red bag lying. “This is the balloon and we need to carry it over to the blanket in front of the basket, okay?”
“Sure,” Jack said as he, Daniel and Shawn took hold of the handles and carried the heavy bag over to the blanket and set it down.
Rhonda untied the opening and pulled out the part that connected to the basket and laid it down. “Now we need to get the fan out, but I only need one person to help with that.” Daniel volunteered and walked back to the trailer with Rhonda while Judy hooked the cords to the top of the basket.
Soon the fan was set and the balloon envelope attached. Jack and Daniel grabbed the bag and pulled allowing the balloon to come out of the bag like a snake. Rhonda grabbed the rope and told them, “This is the crown line. It connects to the top of the balloon. I hold that. What we need to do now is stretch out the envelope so it’s easier to fill with air.” She showed them what to do and soon the balloon was ready to be filled up with hot air.
Jack was shown how to hold one side of the throat to let the air in and Daniel held the other. Mary was instructed on what to do with the fan and Shawn stayed at the basket to help when it would lift up. Rhonda took the crown line and Danny stayed with her to watch the balloon fill up.
The fan was started and very soon the balloon began to inflate. “I thought this was a hot-air balloon, Rhonda,” Danny said. “The fan is only blowing cold air.”
“We have to fill up the balloon with cold air so Judy can light the burners and heat up the air to make the balloon lift up,” Rhonda explained.
“Oh,” Danny said as he continued to watch the balloon get bigger and bigger.
Finally Judy signaled that she was ready to start the burner and Rhonda increased her grip on the crown line. It was her job to make sure the balloon didn’t lift too fast or tip backward when it straightened up. Danny could hear the burner start as the fan was turned off. Slowly the balloon began to rise. Danny followed Rhonda as she and Smokey, who was sitting calmly in the pouch on her chest, moved in closer to the balloon. It was a fairly calm day and they had no problems with the lifting of the balloon.
Once the crown line was attached to the basket everyone gathered around it. “Thanks for the help everyone,” Judy said. “I have room for Rhonda and two of you if any of you would like to go.”
“Come on, Danny,” Rhonda said. “It’s really fun. Smokey loves to fly.”
Danny looked unsure, but interested. He looked up at Daniel. “Will you come with me, Baba? If you can do it, I think I can.”
Daniel had to think about that. He knew both he and Danny had trouble with heights, but he didn’t want it to take over Danny’s life. “You sure you have room for us?” he asked Judy.
“Of course,” she said. “But you need to decide soon. We’re ready to launch.”
Daniel looked at Jack. “Go on, Daniel. You and Danny will have a great time,” Jack said in encouragement.
“Okay, then,” Daniel replied. “What do we need to do?”
“First put Danny in the basket. Then Rhonda will get in and then you get in,” Judy explained. Everyone carefully got in the basket and then it was time to launch. “The rest of you can ride in the chase van with Roger. You’ll be there when we land.”
Roger was another member of the crew who had showed up late. He was a thin, older man with white hair and a friendly smile. “You’ll have a great time,” he said as he released the rope that attached to the basket.
Judy fired the burners and Danny covered his ears at the noise while grabbing Daniel tight.
“It’ll be okay,” Rhonda said over the noise. “You get used to the noise. Smokey did. It doesn’t bother her anymore.”
Danny looked at Smokey who was looking at him with her head lying on the edge of the pouch. He pet the dog on the head and it took away some of his fear.
“Danny,” Daniel said, getting his attention. “Look.” He pointed over the side of the basket to Jack, Shawn and Mary who were waving at him and taking pictures as he floated up into the air.
Danny waved back with one hand, his other clutching the waist of Daniel’s pants. Danny’s head barely reached over the edge of the basket, which actually made him feel more secure.
Daniel had a tight grip of his own to the frame of the basket, but he was enjoying the ride, more than he thought he would. “This is pretty fun,” he said, once they were high enough that Judy didn’t need to fire the burners as much.
“I’m glad you like it. What about you, Danny? What do you think?” she asked.
“I like it,” he answered, still staring over the edge of the basket at the ground. “Are we going to go any higher?”
“Do you want to?” Judy asked.
Danny nodded, so Judy fired the burner and they rose higher in the air.
When Judy shut off the burner, Smokey started barking. Rhonda looked around for a moment and then pointed to some birds flying below them. “See, I told you she liked to bark at the birds.”
Daniel and Danny laughed.
All to soon the flight was over and it was time to land. They found an open area in a park and landed the balloon. A short time later the chase vehicle pulled up and everyone pilled out. With everyone helping it didn’t take long to pack up the balloon envelope and basket. Then they drove back to the fountain and experienced the first timer’s ceremony. They tailgated for a while with the other ballooners and finally it was time to leave.
“Thanks for the ride,” Danny said to Judy and Rhonda. “I had a great time.”
“You’re welcome,” Judy replied. “Thanks for the help. It makes things so much easier.”
Rhonda bent down to Danny and let him hold Smokey for a minute before they left. “Smokey’s glad she made a new friend today. So am I,” she told him.
Daniel came up to them and also said his thanks. Then everyone said their good byes and they left.
“What did you think of flying in a hot-air balloon, little one?” Mary asked Danny when they were all in the car.
“It was scary,” Danny replied, “but also really fun. Not sure I’d want to go again, but I’m glad I did it once.”
“How about you, Daniel?” Mary asked.
“It was a worthwhile experience,” Daniel answered. “I think I’m with Danny on not want to do it again though. It did feel like floating on air when the burner wasn’t on though.”
“Yeah,” Danny piped in. “That was cool. Have any of you been up in a balloon?”
Nobody else had, but they talked about it all the way home. Once they got home it was time for lunch, so Jack helped his mom make it. Shawn and Danny played another game of chess with Daniel making suggestions to Shawn when he asked. He still lost though, much to Danny’s delight.
They all enjoyed a relaxing afternoon at the house and then went out to dinner that night. They went to a more adult restaurant, however they remembered to bring some tabletop activities for Danny to do and everyone had a good time.
The next morning was Sunday and everyone was sitting around the kitchen table eating breakfast.
“Are you planning on going to church with us, Jack?” Shawn asked his son.
Jack dropped his head for a second. He hadn’t even thought about that. He’d been raised catholic, but hadn’t attended church much in the past few years. And not at all since Charlie had died. However, he also didn’t want to disappoint his parents either. He took the easy way out. “What do you want to do, Daniel?”
Daniel was interested in the religions of the world, but had not been raised with any one religion. Being raised in foster care meant he’d been to whichever church the family went to, if any. He wasn’t sure whether or not Jack wanted to go, but Jack had left it up to him. “I’d be happy to go to church,” he replied, “if you want to.”
“Great!” said Mary happily, not giving her son a chance to say no. “Go ahead and get ready. We leave in about thirty minutes. Our church is just a couple blocks away, so we’ll walk there.” She got up and started clearing the table.
Jack carried his plate to the sink and then went to his room. Daniel and Danny followed him.
“Are you okay with going?” Daniel asked in concern, once they had some privacy. Jack hadn’t said much. He just started getting some nice clothes out for himself and Danny to change into.
“It’s fine, Daniel,” Jack assured him. “I just forgot that my parents still attended church. It’s been awhile since I’ve gone.”
Danny had been following the conversation the entire time, not entirely sure what was going on. “What’s church?” he asked.
Jack didn’t seem to want to explain it to him, so Daniel sat down and pulled Danny onto his lap. He tried to explain. “Different people have different beliefs in a higher power. People who all believe in the same thing gather together to share their beliefs.”
“Do we believe in a higher power, Baba?” Danny asked innocently.
“I’m not sure what you believe, Squirt,” Daniel answered. “You’ll experience a lot of things in your life that will help you decide.”
“Okay,” Danny said, accepting the answer. “Why do I have to get dressed up though?”
Daniel laughed at the more important concern of a five-year old. “It’s just the way things are. Besides, I think your grandma and Paqui want to show you off to their friends.”
“Ah,” Danny said knowingly. He got off Daniel’s lap and began to undress so he could change into the dress shirt and pants Jack had picked out for him. As he was changing, he asked, “Will I have to be quiet there?”
“Mostly,” Jack said, finally answering one of Danny’s questions. “If you really need to ask about something though, you can whisper it to one of us.” Danny nodded.
Deciding Jack could handle any further questions; Daniel went to his room to change clothes. Once everyone was ready, they headed off. Mary and Shawn were in the lead, and Jack lingered in the rear.
Danny tugged on Daniel’s shirt and indicated he wanted to be picked up to ask a question. Daniel did so and Danny whispered in his ear, “Why is Daddy upset about going to church, Baba?”
“You’ll have to ask him that,” Daniel replied. “However, I think it’s been a long time since he’s been and sometimes that makes it hard for people to go back.”
“Is he going to get in trouble for not going?” Danny questioned in concern.
“Not exactly,” Daniel tried to explain. “He might think he will though. It’s kind of complicated.”
“Okay,” Danny said. He kissed Daniel on the cheek and then was put back down on the ground. Then he went back to hold his dad’s hand as they continued to walk to church.
The church fascinated Danny. He was even more interested once they entered and he saw everyone doing the same thing at the same time. He asked as many questions as he could get away with and when he got bored he picked up the Bible in front of him and began to read it, much to Mary’s delight.
When Mass ended, everyone gathered outside and Mary introduced her grandson to all of her friends. Danny was polite and accepted all the pinched cheeks and ‘aren’t you so cute’ comments, without complaint. After awhile, he noticed his dad hadn’t relaxed much yet. He went over to him and held his hand again.
Jack squeezed Danny’s hand and smiled at him. He’d made it through Mass and it hadn’t been as hard as he thought it would be; having Danny with him had helped. “Love you, Bug,” he said quietly.
“Love you, too, Daddy,” Danny answered. “Are we going back soon?”
“Soon,” Jack answered. “I don’t think there’s very many people left to meet.”
“Jack. Come over here with Danny. I want you to meet some more friends,” Mary called out.
Jack groaned quietly so only Danny could hear. Danny giggled. Then Jack picked him up and headed over to his parents. They endured another fifteen minutes of being shown off. Finally they started the walk home.
Since they would have to leave for the airport in a couple of hours, Jack, Daniel and Danny changed clothes and started packing for the trip home. They carried the luggage out to the car and Mary slipped a few items into Danny’s backpack when no one was looking.
They ate lunch at the house before they had to leave and share a few more stories. Finally it was time to say their good byes.
Mary scooped Danny up into her arms and hugged him tight. “You have to call me and write to me often. Understand, little one?” she admonished.
“I will, Grandma,” Danny agreed, giving her a kiss. “I’m glad we got to come here.”
“Me too,” she agreed. Then she passed him over to her husband and gave Daniel a hug. “You need to make sure you keep in touch. No more long absences.”
“I’ll do my best,” Daniel said, hugging her back. “If you ever need anything, just call. Okay?”
“I’ll will,” Mary agreed. Once she released him, she pulled Jack in for his hug. “I love you, Son.”
“I love you, too, Mom,” Jack said. “I’m sorry I hadn’t called in so long.”
“Just don’t do it again,” she reprimanded. “If you ever need anything or need someone to watch Danny, you just let us know.”
“Yes, Ma’am,” Jack agreed.
Shawn said his good byes to everyone and promised Danny he’d practice his chess. Then they got in the car, waved good bye as they pulled out, and headed back to the airport and Colorado Springs.