The Ghost of Christmas Present

It had been a long day trying to maintain a Christmas spirit he didn’t feel, and Robert was looking forward to going home and putting his feet up with a glass of port and a roaring fire while his wife finished fixing dinner. As he said goodbye to the last of his employees, smiling as he shook their hands, he was thinking 'what a farce this is’.

As the last of his employees left, Robert felt a familiar hand on his shoulder and heard, "Robert old friend I insist you join me for a glass of port at "The English Rose" before you head home. And I won’t be taking "NO" for an answer! I have something very important to discuss with you and some very interesting people for you to meet. I can assure you this meeting is important to your family and our business. I will meet you downstairs in "The Garden Room" in ten minutes. Oh and forget driving home without stopping in I have parked my car directly behind yours See you in the 'The Garden Room'."

With that Robert's business partner, Mike, gave him a pat on the back, turned and headed towards the elevator. As Mike was heading towards the elevator Robert pondered the strangely worded invitation. The invitation sounded almost like a command or threat. Since Mike was an equal partner he assumed that Mike was just trying to get his point across. Oh well, he would just call his wife and explain. They didn't have anything planned until tomorrow. Christmas Eve without their oldest son wasn’t the same. In fact, life in general without Darryl wasn't anything to write home about. Robert pulled out his phone and called Carol. He told her he would be a little late. His wife, the sweet lady she was, said no problem she would just turn the oven down and finish some gift wrapping. His kids sent their love and after a short kiss goodbye, Robert finished turning off the lights, set the alarm and then locked the doors after exiting.

Meanwhile, downstairs Mike had just gotten off his own cell phone confirming that Robert would be there, the other party had confirmed their ETA of approximately five minutes.

Robert headed towards the stairs as usual and then abruptly turned towards the elevator instead. He was thinking about how things used to be before his oldest son had dropped his bombshell. Robert and his family had cut all ties with Darryl since then. He knew his wife wasn't happy with the situation but she reluctantly supported him. Reaching the first floor he quickly exited the elevator and walked across the foyer into "The English Rose". As he entered "The Rose" he turned right heading towards their Private Dining Room euphemistically called "The Garden Room". The bartender in the main room catching site of Robert quickly flagged down a waiter and as the waiter made his way to the bar poured a snifter of Quady's Batch 88 Port. He knew that Robert preferred a larger glass in order to better sample the wonderful bouquet of his favourite port. Robert entered their private dining room decorated with plastic ferns and other assorted faux flora. Mike wasn't sitting in their usual booth but at the larger eight top usually reserved for business lunches when they were wining and dining potential clients. Owning the building and the company that bore his and Mike's names and occupying the top four floors did have it's perks. "The English Rose" was owned by some business friends of theirs who had quickly added a private dining room for their friends and best customers.

Robert joined Mike at the table and had just finished sitting down when the waiter appeared with his port. While sampling the aromas and bouquet of his favourite port Robert asked Mike what the purpose of this meeting was.

"Just a few moments more Robert my other guests will be here shortly. But I do want to say that my partner and I as well as some of our clients are extremely concerned about you, your family and your health. It hasn't affected the business yet! But the potential is there and we would like to resolve this now before it does....."

"Mike this is....."

"Robert it is my business! I own half of this building, our businesses and I am the Godparent to all of your children including Darryl! And don’t tell me he isn’t your son, I know better. Now sit back down my guests are here!" as Mike finished his admonition he stood and waved the four people who had just entered the dining room.

Mike waved his guests over to where he was standing as the three younger ones came up to Mike he gave them all a big hug and a kiss.

While Mike was greeting his guests Robert was trying to figure out who everyone was. Suddenly it dawned on him who two of the youngsters were as he saw an old picture of them every day he went into Mike's Office. They were his son Jamie and Daughter Lynne. The last time he saw Jamie he was a sophomore in high school and was starting quarterback on his High Schools Varsity Football Team. As to the identity of the other young lady and the debonair gentleman Robert was almost clueless. But he did look familiar.

Mike then turned and faced Robert and began speaking "Robert I would like you to meet my family. First my son Jamie who you last met when he was in Junior High School. Jamie say hi to your Uncle Robert."

Instead of just saying hello and shaking Robert's hand Jamie grabbed him in a bear hug gave him a kiss on the cheek and said "Uncle Robert we miss you."

Secondly my daughter Lynne who still remembers you giving her horsy rides on your knee when she was only four. Lynne gave Robert a slightly less painful hug and a kiss on the cheek also. Robert was beginning to be glad he was sitting down or he would have been knocked over twice.

The next and newest member of my family is Diana, Jamie's wife of four months. Diana gave Robert a very polite handshake and a "Nice to meet you Uncle Robert, Jamie has told me all about you." With that she went and joined her husband who gave her a squeeze.

Robert suddenly realized where he saw Jamie last, it was on ESPN where he was accepting his fourth straight Heisman Trophy as his university's quarterback. He also remembered seeing Mike there with the gentleman he was about to introduce. As Mike started to speak Robert's brain started to itch as he almost put a name to the face.

"Robert I would like you to meet Judge John Reynolds my Life Partner for the last Twenty Five years."

At those words Robert's jaw dropped and his brain froze. Fortunately his highly trained auto pilot took over and he rose and shook the Judge's hand and mumbled something hopefully polite. His brain was going in circles; here was one of the most respected jurists in the state, and probably the nation, standing there with his arm around his business partner, as if it was nothing out of the ordinary. Also as he looked around the table the younger members were chatting away as if nothing had just happened. Judge Reynolds was speaking.

"Robert I apologize for the shock this evening has given you and although I initially was against this tactic I can now see Mike was right. Robert you don't realize how deep into your shell you have withdrawn. You haven't even noticed how many years it has been since you have seen Jamie or Lynne. Mike thought you might be having problems adjusting to Darryl's supposedly chosen lifestyle and that you might be blaming yourself."

"Judge I don't know what to say." Robert started to respond."Robert it is John when I am among friends" was the judge's reply.

"Dads, shut up and sit down or we will be here all night." spoke up Jamie with a huge grin on to belie the sharpness of his words.

"Okay John let the pup speak his piece" was Mike's laughing reply.

John turned towards Jamie bowed and then sat down next to Mike.

"Uncle Robert first of all we still love you and miss you. We also know that Darryl and Jeff miss you as well. You notice I haven't said that they miss your family or that we miss them. Your loving wife Aunt Carol loves all of your children too much to withhold her love. She loves you dearly and doesn't want to hurt you but she knows how much you still love your son and he loves you. Yes despite what you have done, Darryl still loves you and always will. We see Jeff and Darryl at least twice a month along with Aunt Carol, Amy and Tommy. I know you believe that Gay People choose their lifestyle and that they want to raise children to create more Gays. I can tell you from personal experience how wrong you are! I have known that my Father Robert was Gay since the day he adopted me. Yes, I know I am adopted Robert doesn't care and neither do I. Yes, I do know you also know about the adoption, but do you know why I was put up for adoption?" At his uncle's negative head shake Jamie continued. "My parents put me up for adoption because my dad was Gay and my parents were splitting up and they were too young to raise an infant alone. I was raised in a Gay Home by two loving Male Parents and neither I nor my sister turned out GAY! I also know that your son Darryl is the spitting image of you in every way possible and that he uses you as his model in his life and business. So please pull your head out of wherever it is in, and wake up and bring your family back together! That is all I have to say Father it is your turn." With that, Jamie left his wife's arm and went and gave his Uncle a huge hug again and then before joining his wife at the table where she was now sitting gave his father and dad a hug and a kiss on the cheek.

While Jamie was talking Robert was in such a state of shock still that he hadn't noticed Lynne sitting down next to him and leaning on his shoulder like she had for years. When Jamie said that Darryl still loved him Lynne whispered "He has your pictures everywhere in his house." Before Robert could gather his wits enough to reply Mike was speaking.

"Robert you know that up-and-coming company that I am negotiating to acquire, well we won't be acquiring them and in fact, if you don't wake up I will be joining them as a Senior Partner." Mike paused slightly and continued before Robert could get a word in edgewise. I have been in merger talks with them, not acquisition talks as that company is owned by your son Darryl and his partner Jeff! They have done so well at their age because of what you have instilled in Darryl since he was in diapers. I am talking not only about his business savvy and knowledge but his ethics and compassion for his employees as well. Your son refuses to talk about your split with him with any of his clients or business contacts. All he will tell them is that the two of you had a difference of opinion and for now are going in different directions. Jamie was entirely correct when he said Darryl still loves you, when anyone asks where he learned his business smarts from, he doesn't say Harvard he proudly says, "My Dad." Mike paused and looked deep into Robert's eyes and was happy with what he saw. The pain was still there but softening and there was a little of the old compassion and fire coming back.

"You mean to tell me despite everything I have done and said to him he still loves me?" Asked a choked-up Robert.

"Yes Uncle Robert he does, he knows that deep down inside, you still love him, and he waits patiently for the day the two of you can talk," Lynne told him with her head still on his shoulder and without thinking; Robert pulled her closer and kissed the top of her head.

"Thank you little one, you don't know how much that means to me". Replied her uncle.

"But if Darryl still loves me why isn't he here?" Queried a still-surprised Robert.

"Because he doesn't know we are here. We decided to do this tonight because Tommy and Amy have spent too many Christmases away from their big brother who they still love and adore. We hoped that if you could see that coming from a Gay Parent doesn't make you gay and that Gay Parents can raise straight kids you might think about how you really feel and hopefully start to realize what you have done to your family and what you are doing to yourself. All of us in the three families want the best for you; however, we also know that we have to look out for ourselves if you don't wake up and smell the coffee." Mike answered Robert point blank, pulling no punches.

"Mr Haines I think you need to know a little about me and where I come from. My last name is Cummings, and yes I see the name is familiar. My father is Brad Cummings, yes of Cummings Commercial Bank and my older brother is The Senior Vice President of their Real Estate Division. His name is Jeffrey Smythe Burroughs Cummings IV known to your son and family as Jeff! So you see Mr. Haines there are more people in higher places who have the same "disease" your son has. And a lot of those same people are in highly respected positions and from highly respected families throughout the state. If their companies and families don't have a problem with your so-called "disease" then maybe the problem is with you and not Darryl. You see Mr. Haines I love my brother almost more than anything in the whole world, except this big lunk next to me. And before you think this big lunk is marrying me for my money let me tell you Jamie has a 4.0 GPA and has made the Dean's List every single semester. Additionally, he has been on a pre-law curriculum and has been accepted at Boalt Hall at UC Berkeley so he doesn't need my money! My brother Jeff has a similar background only in addition to having a degree in Criminal Law he has degrees in Business and Real Estate Law. Both Jamie and Jeff paid for their Law School with Academic Scholarships and worked as interns in a Real Estate Acquisition Company called "Haines Acquisitions" You do know that company don't you? In fact, I believe Mike told me those internships gave that company a 30% increase in profits each year they worked there. In fact, I believe you gave them each a large bonus above and beyond the company bonuses" With that Diana sat down and smiled at Robert.

Robert finally stood up and began to speak. "First of all I want to thank you all for coming and for all of the love and concern you have displayed tonight. Although I am still not sure I have done anything wrong, I see that may be the case. I do promise I will at least think about what all of you have said and that I will talk it over with Carol and the kids. If Carol agrees I might ask you and John to arrange a meeting with Darryl and Jeff. Is that satisfactory Mike?"

Mike replied slightly shocked as it sounded like they may have actually cracked through Robert's shell. "Of course, Robert, John and I would be glad to."

"Well folks I really do thank all of you for everything you have done for me and my family, but if I don't get home I know Carol will have the divorce papers waiting for me," Robert said with a grin and a twinkle in his eye that had been missing for the last several years.

The old friends and new,  shook hands and hugged Robert goodbye with lighter hearts. "I had the Valet move my car and warm yours for you Robert, drive safely and give Carol and your kids a hug from all of us," Mike told his old friend as he hugged him goodbye.

With tears in his eyes and a slight smile on his face and a new bounce in his step Robert headed for home, planning to think on the way home.

As he pulled into his driveway and turned off the engine his mind played back the last site of Mike and John standing side by side with their arms over each other shoulder love glowing from their eyes and faces. Even more glowing were their three children standing in front of them basking in the glow of their parents love and radiating it outward for the whole world to see. As the picture faded Robert's brain finally clicked and made the right connections. "What a fool I have been, I almost destroyed my family because I believed a lie! Well, enough is enough. This ends now!" Robert nearly shouted those words loud enough for the whole neighbourhood to hear him, but he didn't care. Robert quickly strode to the front door and upon entering his home announced in a no-nonsense tone of voice. "Carol forget about dinner go pack an overnight bag and don't ask any questions pack one for me also. Tommy and Amy pack an overnight bag also we are leaving in half an hour I will be packing the Hummer as we are taking all of our presents including the ones you have hidden Carol. At the words hidden his wife came to a complete stop on her way to the front door but after seeing the smile on his face she ran to pack for the two of them. As she headed towards her and her husband's room she passed her son and daughter coming out of the family room with stunned looks "Don't ask any questions kids just pack. Don't worry it is a good thing, but let's not keep Daddy waiting."

As his wife and kids were frantically packing with no idea what was happening. Robert cracked a smile as he heard his wife telling their kids to hurry up. As he quickly loaded the Hummer he hoped he wasn't too late. Jeff and Darryl had been inviting them for Christmas for the past several years and he had always told Carol to say no politely. He wasn't planning on telling his family what was happening until they were there.

Robert had finished packing all the presents in the Hummer and had turned towards the house when he was almost bowled over by Amy and Tommy flying into the Hummer saying "Hi Daddy, where are we going?" and blowing him kisses as they claimed their seats. Robert couldn't believe what he was seeing as his two kids got in their seats without help. Robert turned and started to check the kids' seatbelts but Tommy had already buckled Amy in and was buckling himself in with a practised ease. 'Where have I been for the last few years? What else have I missed as my kids grew up right before my eyes and I didn't see a thing?' With those thoughts, Robert's final doubts evaporated and his shoulders immediately straightened as if a huge weight had been lifted. Robert heard his wife coming out of the front door and heard the lock turn. He then turned and met her halfway to their Hummer taking the two bags from her he leaned in and gave her a quick peck on the lips and a smile. "Get in and get comfortable I'll put these in the back." His wife gave a quick squeeze and a kiss on the cheek. 'Who is this man who has replaced my husband it is almost as if the old Robert is back, Dear God I hope so' These were the thoughts going through Carol's mind as she took her seat in the front passenger seat. She noticed there were some notes on the dash in front of the steering wheel but couldn't read them. Carol looked up into her rear-view mirror and saw her two wonderfully mischievous children looking at her with questions dancing in their eyes. She smiled back at them and blew them a kiss. Carol relaxed when she saw her kids start reading the comics and teen magazines they had brought with them. Carol had a sneaking suspicion that Robert was taking her and the kids to their son’s house but wasn't sure about where he was staying.

Robert climbed in and locked his door and started to back the huge SUV out of their driveway. As soon as he had started down their street towards the freeway on-ramp Tommy piped up "Daddy where are we going and why aren't we spending Christmas at home?"

Carol turned to her husband to see how he was going to answer.

"It is a big surprise and I will tell you everything when we get there. The traffic is really heavy now so please be a good boy and read quietly until we get there" Robert answered his confused son.

Tommy started to ask another question but he saw his mother smiling and shaking her head no "Okay Dad"

Robert shook his head in surprise as Tommy never gave up that easily, taking a quick look in his rear-view mirror he saw his son was contentedly reading. Sparing a quick look at his wife she was looking at him with a beautiful smile the likes he hadn't seen in years. 'This might almost work now if Darryl and Jeff will accept my apology and let us stay I will be so happy. If they won't let me stay, I will let Carol and the kids stay. They deserve it' Robert started whistling a jaunty little tune he knew drove his family crazy.

Sure enough, after only three or four notes Tommy and Amy both piped up "DAAAD" and then quickly went back to their reading. Carol just shook her head and kept looking straight ahead, not being able to stop the ear-to-ear grin from forming. As Robert began to slow down and change lanes Carol's heart quickened as she recognized the exit leading to Darryl and Jeff's home. Still not saying anything she sneaked a glance at her husband who was smiling brightly like he did when the children were first born and they got to show them off. Their kids were so busy they didn't notice where they were headed.

Robert started to get anxious as they were only a block away from his destiny. Sneaking a quick hopefully hidden glance at his wife he was very glad to see her smiling and looking straight ahead. Quickly turning into the large circular driveway he came to a smooth stop and before his family could say anything he said "Stay put until I come back!" The huge grin on his face completely surprised his family and they just shook their heads. Ringing the doorbell, his heart racing a mile a minute, Robert anxiously waited for the door to open. The door slowly swung open and a completely stunned Jeff answered the door and before he could say anything his father-in-law stepped forward and hugged him and said Merry Christmas SON!

The End?

Authors Notes:

Well I hope you enjoyed this short little Christmas Tale. It wouldn't let me sleep for three days until I finished it. Please give many thanks to my editor RadioRancher I gave this to him totally unedited, and the only reason you can read it, and make sense of it, is due to his magic. I wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and Feliz Navidad. If you know of anyone not celebrating Christmas with their Family, or Loved Ones, go and wish them a Merry Christmas.  If possible, invite them to celebrate with you. Spread the joy and fellowship of the season to those who need it.

TSL

Editors Notes:

Once again The Story Lover has done his magic and brought us a very heart warming and inspiring tale. One that makes a person think and reflect on how people should treat each other, and reminds us that we need to keep our minds open and look at what we have to be thankful for.
I am honored to once again be allowed to edit another of his heart-warming tales of love and, finally understanding.
Please keep them coming and I know we will eagerly read them as soon as they are posted.
Your Humble editor ,
RadioRancher.

Comments appreciated at The Story Lover