Todd's Christmas Surprise
by Rob Warr
Chapter 2
After making two promises that day, Jeff Miller left the Second Chance Boy's home with conflicted feelings. The first promise had been to think about his intentions concerning his nephew, Todd, and the second promise was to sponsor the Christmas Eve party, not just this year, but every year. That promise made Jeff feel good, the other promise had him feeling confused and a bit sad.
His gloomy mood persisted and did not go unnoticed by those who were closest to him, his fellow associates and employees, including his secretary, Marylin, who was one of the few people who could approach him without fear of retribution.
"Okay, spill it. What's eating you? Ever since that guy, Dan, came in here the other day you've been moping around like you lost your best friend."
Jeff sighed, "It shows, huh?"
"Yeah, to everyone…not just me. Look, Jeff, you know you can talk to me. I know all your dirty little secrets, and you know mine," she teased, "and if I can help, please let me."
"Sure you want to know one more dirty little secret?" he teased.
"I thrive on them," she teased back, "so, what's got you so stressed out?"
"Come to my office. Call Elaine and have her take your calls…"
"Yes, sir, be right there."
When Marylin entered Jeff's office he was not at his desk, instead he was gazing out the window at the city.
"On the couch," Jeff directed her as he sat beside her.
To her credit, Marylin didn't rush him, and in his own time he finally began. He spilled it all out then, beginning with his unhappy childhood, his feelings about his parents, and his failures a brother and finally as an Uncle. An uncle who might very well have prevented what had happened to Todd if he'd been a part of his life.
"It's not too late," Marylin soothed, "you're one of the richest men in this state, you can provide for him like no one else can…"
"Financially, but not emotionally. I'm not the loving, nurturing type, and I'm single. He'd have no mother, and as much as I work, no father either."
"But you care about him, right?'
"Of course I do," Jeff said wringing his hands as if in deep despair, "but Dr. Hardesty says the worst thing I could do is give him false hope. He doesn't even think I should see him."
"Did he say that?" Marylin asked incredulously.
"Not in so many words, but he suggested I think about all the possible implications of my visiting him."
"He deserves to know you exist and that you care, even if you can't be part of his life."
"That would be unkind, to say the least. I think I'm beginning to understand what Dr. Hardesty means."
"So, what's the alternative? Support the group home and hope Todd gets adopted, or at least has a good life? I don't know how either you or this Dr. Hardesty could think that's the best scenario. That boy needs to know someone cares about him, he needs family since his own mother has pretty much washed her hands of him. How sad must that be, knowing your own mother chose a man over her son?"
"I think…" Jeff said closing his eyes, "this is one of those damned if I do, damned if I don't situations. One thing is for sure, however, I need to write a rather large check for the group home. Can you take care of that for me?"
"Of course, but you're still going to weigh all the options, right?"
"Yes, of course. For now Todd is safe and well cared for at the home, and my check will ensure he and his fellow…residents, will have a good Christmas."
"But just imagine what a wonderful Christmas it would be for the boy if you were to include him in your life."
Jeff groaned, "You're not making this easy for me. I knew I shouldn't have told you," he teased.
"Oh no, you were dying to tell me, I can tell. Because you knew I'd give you a different viewpoint than that Dr. Hardesty guy. He's probably a psychiatrist or something and tries to analyze every situation from that perspective. Matters like this have to be dealt with at the heart level. Sometimes a little hurt is worth the end result. Sure, this boy might be upset that you've waited this long to acknowledge that he's alive, but once he gets over the shock I think he'll be okay. Most kids are very resilient. Just look at what he's managed to put up with so far."
"Okay, okay, I'll do some more thinking. I just wish there was some way I could meet him without him knowing it was me. Just so I could see that he's okay."
"Well, you are sponsoring their Christmas party…so…"
Jeff's head popped up and he smiled, "You mean, show up unannounced at their Christmas Eve party?"
"No, of course not, but you could arrange with this Dr. Hardesty to let you attend. He owes you that much for the generous donation you're giving the boys."
"But…what should I say…"
"Give me his number, I'll handle everything. He won't know what hit him," she chuckled.
"All right, but no Santa Clause suit. I'm not fat enough for that," he teased.
"How about a very tall elf?" she teased back.
"Ugh, but seriously, what should I wear? Casual, dress up, grunge?"
"Boss, you amaze me, grunge. You know what grunge is?" she chuckled, "but to answer your question, these are teenage boys and they'll most likely be more comfortable with you if you are casually dressed. Suits and ties are intimidating to most teenagers."
"Jeans and a pullover?"
"I'll handle it. How about a nice Christmas Sweater…?" she said sounding thoughtful.
"Oh God, no…those things are hideous."
"And fun," she said grinning, "do you trust me, boss?"
"Yes, but remember: I have an image to uphold…"
"Not with these boys you don't. It's not like this is a board meeting, though a nice Christmas sweater would liven things up there as well…" she teased.
"I give, you pick out my clothes, I'll wear them. Now, can you please take care of the check and do…whatever it is you have in mind to get me invited to the party?"
"On my way, boss. I'll let you know as soon as I've made the arrangements."
Dr. Hardesty was resistant at first to having Jeff attend the Christmas party, but Marylin had a way of bringing people around to her way of thinking without bribes or threats. After all, it wasn't unusual for a large donor to want to see where their money went, so it wouldn't look weird at all to anyone involved.
"6 p.m., Christmas Eve," Marylin said breezing in unannounced to find Jeff once again staring out the window.
Snow had begun to fall and it looked like they might have a white Christmas after all.
"He went for it?" Jeff said, not sounding too surprised, for he knew how persuasive his right-hand gal could be.
"Hook, line, and sinker," she laughed, "he doesn't seem like a bad guy, just very protective of his boys. I think Todd is lucky to have him on his side. Anyway, someone will meet you at the front door at 6 and take you to the cafeteria where the party is being held."
"All right, now that that's settled, I really need to get back to work. Hold my calls for the next hour, please."
"Yes, sir," Marylin said smiling.
"Oh, and Marylin, thank you. And when you're preparing the Christmas bonuses, make yours…hmm, 20% more than last year."
"That's very generous of you, Jeff," she said smiling, "maybe you're getting the Christmas spirit after all."
"Ba humbug," Jeff joked as he waved Marylin out of his office.
For the next hour Jeff concentrated on his work and found it took his mind off his nephew and the Christmas Eve party. Could he pull this off without giving himself away? Did he care if he did give himself away? Should he just come clean with the boy and let the chips fall where they may, or resign himself to watching the boy grow up from afar, helping wherever he could? No, that was wrong. Even he could see that. He owed this boy more. After all, he was family, and family should take care of each other. Even if his own family hadn't been the loving nurturing kind, that was what he'd always wanted, but never found. He'd even hoped at one point that he'd find the right girl, get married, and have kids, but he soon learned the game of love was much more difficult than the romance novels and sappy movies made it out to be. And then there was his fling with men. He tried to convince himself it was just about the sex, but the one time he'd let his emotions get away from him, he'd wound up with a broken heart. Now, he was gun shy of both men and women and couldn't even remember the last time he'd been with either. His hand was his only form of relief and had been for quite some time, and if it wasn't for his job he might very well have gone crazy by now.
The ringing of the phone on his desk brought him out of his funk and he answered on the second ring, "Jeff Miller…yes Marylin, put him through."
"Hello, Dr. Hardesty. I suppose you're calling about my coming to the party."
"Yes, but I'm not opposed to it, if that's what you think. In fact, I think it may be an excellent way for you to see that Todd is well cared for and relatively happy. And perhaps that will make it easier for you to make a decision about becoming part of his life or leaving well enough alone."
"Leaving well enough alone?" Jeff said with disdain, "he's my flesh and blood for Heaven's sake. I can't just abandon him like my no good sister did."
"Then you've already decided you are going to reveal your true identity to him?" Dr. Hardesty said sounding confused.
"No, I haven't made any decision of any kind, yet. One thing at a time. First: I meet him, then we'll go from there."
"Are you hoping he'll be a horrible young man and you can easily turn your back on him?" Dr. Hardesty chuckled, "if that's the case, I assure you that is not true. Todd is one of the brightest, sweetest boys I have ever had the privilege of working with."
"I didn't mean that…" Jeff sighed, "I don't know what I mean. I just…I'm so confused, but I really, really do want to meet my nephew and talk with him. Can you understand that?"
"Yes, more than you probably believe. You feel that attachment already, but you need to meet your nephew before it all seems real to you."
"Oh my God, yes…that's it. I guess you do know what I'm feeling. I just don't want to do the wrong thing here. I care, I really do, I'm just confused…"
"Imagine how confused Todd would feel if he knew your true identity. He might even be angry if he finds out later that you visited him but didn't tell him who you are. Do you understand that?"
"Yes, I've thought about it, but I don't want to charge in there like a bull elephant and announce who I am, and that Todd is my nephew. I think that's too much for him to take in all at once."
"Perhaps you're right. At any rate, I've already agreed to your attending the party, and I must say, that secretary of yours is quite convincing," he added with a chuckle.
"She's a force of nature, that's for sure," Jeff chuckled, "and very strongly opinionated on this subject. She thinks I should go for custody and raise Todd myself, silly, huh?"
There was a long pause before Dr. Hardesty spoke, "Why is that silly? You certainly have the financial means to guarantee that Todd has a good life."
"But I'm single, and I work a lot…"
"So, you would no doubt need help, help I'm sure you could afford. An au pair or housekeeper perhaps…"
"That's no way to raise a kid…"
"But a group home is?"
"Point taken. I'll give that some thought, but baby steps, first the meeting…"
"Very well. I'll let you get back to work, I have a few things to do myself to get ready for the party. Thanks again for the donation. Your secretary transferred the funds to us earlier and preparations have already began. I'm sure your secretary told you someone will meet you at the front door at six. I've decided it will be Todd. That way you can see him and talk to him away from the other boys. Is that agreeable?"
"Yes, that's a great idea, but I'm gonna be so nervous…"
Dr. Hardesty chuckled, "In your line of work I'm sure you meet new people all the time and I'm sure you're not the least bit nervous around them, am I right?"
"Well, that's different, as my secretary so aptly put it, this is an affair of the heart, not the mind."
"She is a wise woman. Well, goodbye, Mr…uh, Jeff, I look forward to seeing you Saturday evening."
When Jeff hung up he walked to the outer office to share his news with Marylin. She just smiled smugly, "Well, I'm glad he finally agreed with my idea."
"You suggested it be Todd who met me?"
"Of course," she smirked, "but he was reluctant at first."
"I'm so nervous. What if he doesn't like me, or is intimidated by me?"
"You don't have much experience with kids, do you?"
"None, zip, zero. Not since I was a kid myself, and even then I was kind of a loner."
"But…on the other hand, you're a people person. Just think of Todd as a potential client and treat him warmly and don't talk down to him. Treat him like…like an equal. Kids, especially teenagers eat that up."
"Thanks, wish I had someone to practice on," Jeff teased.
"I think it might look weird if you went down to the nearest middle school and started talking up the kids," she laughed, "but seriously, I have confidence in you. You'll do fine."
"I wish I was as confident as you, but thanks. I'm going to take the rest of the day off, think you can handle it?"
"Of course, oh, and I'll have your outfit for the party tomorrow when I come to work. I already did some online shopping and I know just where to go…"
"Thanks, just use the credit card you use for office supplies and such. And thanks again, you're the best."
When Jeff was gone, Marylin turned her attention back to her work, but soon her mind began to wander. Jeff was such an enigma. Stern, powerful, and feared by most of his employees, but deep down inside he was just a pussy cat. He dealt fairly with everyone, paid above scale, and still managed to get the most productivity out of his employees.
He was a real fox, too. He took care of his body and was one of the handsomest men Marylin had ever met. But there was a sadness inside him, something that even Marylin hadn't been able to coax out of him, but instinctively she knew it had something to do with a past relationship.
She'd been crushing on her boss from day one and still fantasized that one day Jeff would finally return her feelings, sweep her off of her feet, and they'd live happily ever after. But deep inside she knew it was just a dream and she would have to be satisfied with the relationship they'd formed over the years. Though he was the best boss she'd ever worked for, their relationship was more than just boss/employee, they were friends and associates, and Marylin knew the company and what went on there almost as well as did Jeff. And Jeff knew it. He knew he could count on Marylin to keep things going, and he compensated her generously for that. In fact, she was the fourth highest paid employee in the company. The top three being upper management.
She'd dated a few guys over the years, but none had ever lit her fire like Jeff Miller had, and she never got serious with any of them. Instead, she put most of her energy into her job, and had risen to the top as they say in a very short time. She was able to afford a nice apartment, a new car, and had money in the bank, a rarity among single women in her age bracket. But the one thing she didn't have, was love, or the man she wished to share that love with. And she had pretty much resigned herself to the fact that she never would.
The next day Jeff arrived early to find Marylin already at her desk.
"Wow, do you ever go home? Do you sleep here?" he teased.
"I had to run by the bakery, there are fresh croissants on your desk."
"Oh, that's great. I didn't have time to eat this morning."
"Oh, and your clothes for the party are on the couch in your office," she said grinning, "try them on later and model them for me."
"No Santa suit, right?" he teased.
"Nope, I think you'll like what I've picked out though."
Jeff headed to his office next, and the first thing he noticed was the brightly colored bag on his couch which held his new outfit. Cautiously he opened the bag and pulled out a pair of black jeans and red and green striped pullover with a white collar and three buttons at the neck.
"Red and green," he chuckled, "well, at least it isn't a Christmas sweater."
He tried the outfit on, was not surprised that it fit perfectly, and called Marylin in to check him out.
"Oh, boss, you look ten years younger. I bet the kids can really relate to you now, but it needs something…hmm, I know," she said rushing back out to her desk and returning with something behind her back, "Close your eyes," she chuckled.
And as he did so she slipped something on his head.
"There, perfect."
Instead of asking what was perfect, Jeff walked to the mirror and stared at his reflection, "A Santa's hat? Really?" he laughed.
"Dr. Hardesty said all the boys would be wearing one, so…you should, too."
"Are you sure?" he said skeptically.
"I swear, you'll see when you get there. You can always take it off if I'm wrong."
"Okay, okay. I guess it's not too weird. I just hope no one I know sees me…"
"Unlikely, since all of your subordinates are no doubt attending fancy dinner parties with drinks and caviar."
Marylin finally went back to work, Jeff changed and made a few phone calls, then suddenly he found himself surfing the web. Gifts for 14-year-old boys, he typed into Google, and pulled up a bunch of sites, most of them retailers eager to make a sale.
He wondered what it was like to live in a group home. Did the boys share a room, was it like those movies with orphans where they were all crowded into one room, or did they have separate rooms, or perhaps live in dorms, two to a room? He had no idea, but he was hopeful after Saturday's visit and after talking with Todd he'd have answers to those and other questions. He also decided buying Todd a gift could wait till, if, and when he decided to make his existence known to his only nephew. Meanwhile, he had work that needed to be done, and for a while he immersed himself in the mundane task of making money and allowed himself to forget about Todd.
At the home, Todd was surprised to hear his name called over the old staticky intercom.
"Ohhh, what did you do now?" Micky teased.
"Probably found me a home," Todd teased back.
"Aww…I'd miss ya, but I'd be happy for ya, too."
"I'm kidding, but I don't think I did anything wrong, so it must be something else. Maybe about the party, I'm on the decorating committee."
"Me too, but you don't hear my name being blasted all over the place," Micky teased.
"Anyways, I'll find out soon enough," Todd said starting out the door.
"Todd, come in, son," Dr. Hardesty said when the boy had appeared at his open door.
"Yes, sir. You paged me, sir?"
"Yes, as you know, Saturday is our annual Christmas Eve party, and we are very fortunate to have a new sponsor this year."
"Yeah, I heard something about that. That's good, right?"
"Oh, yes, very good. Because not only has Mr. Miller agreed to fund the party this year, but his support will be ongoing."
"That's great. I know some of the boys were worried, but not me. I knew someone would come through.":
"Your optimism is contagious, young man, and greatly appreciated. Which brings me to the reason I've summoned you. Mr. Miller has asked to attend our party so he can see first hand what good work we do here, and…well, we need someone to meet him at the door and take him on a brief tour, and perhaps to give him a different perspective than the one I've given him."
"You mean you want me to meet this rich guy and show him around? But…why me?"
"Because I trust you to be honest and sincere with this gentleman and to show him what it's really like to live here. Will you do this for me?"
"Well, umm…sure, if you think I'll do a good job, then I guess I can do that. Does he know it's going to be a boy who shows him around?"
"Yes, and he was quite pleased. He's eager to hear your side of the story and to find out what it's really like to live here," that wasn't exactly a lie, but even if it had been, Dr. Hardesty considered it a harmless one.
"Okay, umm…what time is he coming?"
"6 p.m., but I want you to be there about fifteen minutes early and wait for him, even if he is late."
"Yes sir, I can do that. Can we talk about what you want me to do, exactly?"
"Of course, first…"
Back in the day room, Micky jumped Todd as soon as he returned, "So…what did he want?"
"He wants me to show this guy around the place. He's the guy that is sponsoring the party. Some rich guy."
"Oh yeah? Well, he chose the right guy, cause you can really shoot the bull," Micky laughed.
"I'm a little nervous. Adults sort of scare me, except the ones who work here."
"Yeah, I get it. Especially a rich guy that's used to the best of everything and having to slum it here. Good luck with that…" Micky laughed.
"Thanks for that bit of encouragement," Todd said nudging Micky with his shoulder, "now I'm really terrified."
"Nah, you'll do fine. Just be your usual sweet self, and don't forget the sad kitty eyes," Micky said demonstrating the technique.
Todd laughed, "You look like Garfield with that red hair."
"Meowww," Micky said licking his hands as if they were paws, and both boys cracked up.
Authors deserve your feedback. It's the only payment they get. If you go to the top of the page you will find the author's name. Click that and you can email the author easily.* Please take a few moments, if you liked the story, to say so.
[For those who use webmail, or whose regular email client opens when they want to use webmail instead: Please right click the author's name. A menu will open in which you can copy the email address (it goes directly to your clipboard without having the courtesy of mentioning that to you) to paste into your webmail system (Hotmail, Gmail, Yahoo etc). Each browser is subtly different, each Webmail system is different, or we'd give fuller instructions here. We trust you to know how to use your own system. Note: If the email address pastes or arrives with %40 in the middle, replace that weird set of characters with an @ sign.]
* Some browsers may require a right click instead
