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Post by Dr. Anna McBreadle on Apr 19, 2009 12:03:38 GMT -10
the boys seem to have everything in order so far! stevie has something up his sleeve! we'll have to wait and see what he has planned! nice chap NV! luv sam x
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Post by margaret1234 on Apr 20, 2009 13:41:27 GMT -10
The boys certainly have everything in order so far and I am sure young Stevie has planned something for the boys....he was very keen to know whether Ryan's favourite colour was in the bucket. Nice chapter NV. Also a very welcome return of this story......missed it.
Margaret
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Post by jessica on Apr 21, 2009 1:06:31 GMT -10
Lovely chapter, Oracle. It's nice to see the guys on their "shopping trip". I agree that Stevie has something in mind for the others...probably some kind of present. you never know. It's good to see you back (and the story that is of course) and I hope that RL decides to give you a break.
Jess
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Post by NV Oracle on Apr 30, 2009 9:43:39 GMT -10
Thanks for the welcome back, ladies. It's very greatly appreciated. Yes, Stevie does have something up his sleeve (other than just his arm, LOL). He'll even have an arguement ready when the guys say that they can't accept the gifts, but that's for later.
Right now, the guys are still at the mall, having a good time. Please, read and enjoy.
Hang on. Here we go.
*****************
Chapter 86
As they walked out of the Craft Store, Horatio looked down at Stevie. “Can I ask you a question, Stevie?”
“Sure, H. What’s up?”
“Well, did your Dad ever take you to buy grown up looking clothes?” Horatio asked the youngster.
Stevie chuckled. “You mean like the suits that you’re always wearing?”
Horatio also chuckled. “Yes, son. I mean like the suits that I’m always wearing.”
Stevie nodded. “He’s taken me a couple of times to buy suits, but he’s never bought me more than one or two at a time. He says that I grow out of them too fast.”
Horatio looked over at Ryan, and the two men shared a smile, then Horatio turned back to Stevie. “Well, until you stop growing, Stevie, that’s probably a good idea. Do you mind if we go into the store here in the mall for a few minutes?”
Stevie shook his head. “No, I don’t mind, although I don’t know of anyplace that I’d be going to that’s going to require a suit and tie.”
The men traded confused looks.
“Places like where, Stevie?” Horatio asked.
“Well, places like to a board meeting, or to a fancy restaurant, someplace fancier than Mr Richard’s, I mean, or, anyplace where a suit would be necessary.” Stevie told the men.
Horatio stopped their forward movement, by putting his hand on Ryan’s arm. He then bent down, so that he could look directly at Stevie, as he asked the youngster. “Why do you say that, Stevie? What did your Dad say about a suit being necessary in some places, but not in others?”
Stevie nodded. “He always used to say that in order for people to understand that you were able to do what you were saying you could do, that you had to show them, and that one of the ways to show them that you had the money, and the means to do what you said, or go where you wanted, was that you had to dress very well, which meant a suit and a tie, like when you’re Lieutenant Caine. You have to show not only the other officers, but the public that you are one of, if not the officer in charge, and they can tell that by the clothes that you wear, versus the uniforms that the other officers are wearing, or even the more casual clothes that some of the other officers, or the gang is wearing. Your suit says that you are the one in charge, except that I’ve never seen you wear a tie with your suits, H. Shouldn’t you wear a tie with your suit at work?”
Horatio again stopped to marvel at how the world looked to a 12 year old, and yet, how they can also understand a lot of the complexities that adults put into their world. He grinned up at the youngster, as he admitted. “Yes, Stevie, I probably should wear ties with my suits, son, but I don’t like having to wear them. When I was a little boy, my Dad always tied them too tight, and whenever I would try to loosen it, even just a little, he would always get mad at me, and make me leave it alone, so that I was miserable wherever we were. I decided then that when I got to be older, that if I had to wear suits, that I would not wear a tie with them. I’ll wear one occasionally, like if I have to go to court, or something, but, other than that, I don’t like having to wear them, so I don’t.”
Stevie chuckled. “I can understand why you would say that, H. They’re not the most comfortable things in the world to wear, that’s for sure. I don’t know of any guy who likes to wear them, but they’re ok. It kind of depends on what sort of function that we’re going to, too, like, if we’re taking Mom out somewhere. She’s always said that she always gets a big kick out of being seen in public with her two men, Dad and me.“ Stevie’s voice went sad, knowing that his father was no longer able to do these things for his Mom.
Horatio quickly noticed the change in Stevie‘s voice, and looked up at Ryan with a quick nod of his head. They started moving forward again, as Horatio told Stevie. “Well, let’s see what we can do for you, Stevie. Then you’ll be able to go out with your Mom, and she’ll be just as tickled to be seen out in public with the one man in her life that is still here, ok, partner?”
Stevie nodded. “Sure, H. Let’s go.”
They made their way into the store, and started to look around for the boy’s section.
As they looked around, an Asian young woman walked up to them. “Lt Caine, it’s good to see you again, sir. What can we do for you today?”
Horatio turned to look directly at her. “Good afternoon, Gail. I was hoping to get a couple of suits for my young friend here, in the wheelchair.”
When she looked down at Stevie, Horatio noticed that her expression changed, just for a split second, then she caught it, and attempted to keep her expression neutral.
“Is there a problem, Gail?“ He asked, his own voice edging toward the ‘Danger Zone’. If you had the chance to look into his eyes, you would be able to see the steel wall lowering behind them.
She looked up at him, blinking back to the here and now. “No, sir. There‘s nothing wrong.” She lied.
Horatio knew she was lying. “Uh, huh. Why don’t you go get me Mr Robbins, please, ma’am.”
She took the opportunity that was offered to get away. “Certainly, Lt. I’ll be right back.”
She left for a moment, and returned with an older Caucasian man who had grey hair. “Good afternoon, Lt Caine. What can I do for you, today, sir?”
Horatio turned at the sound of the man’s voice. “Good afternoon, Mr Robbins. I wanted to get two suits for my young friend here, in the wheelchair. Gail indicated that there was a problem of some kind with my request.“ Horatio‘s voice continued to edge towards the ‘Danger Zone’.
Just as Eric stepped up and put his hand on Horatio’s shoulder, Robbins interrupted him. “There’s not a problem, Lt. We’ll be happy to help set your young friend up in what ever he wants.”
“Thank you, sir.“ Horatio replied, as he turned toward Stevie.
None of them saw the look that Robbins gave to Gail, or how quickly she turned to find anything else to do.
“Ok, Stevie. What looks good to you, son?” Horatio asked the youngster.
Stevie chose a charcoal grey suit that was not quite as dark as the one he had seen Horatio wear, as well as a navy blue pin stripped suit.
“Now, Lt. I realize that the young man is not able to stand on his own two feet, but can one of you men please help hold him up, so that I can take some measurements for the suits?”
“Sure. We’ve got it, Mr Robbins.“ Horatio told the man. “Eric, once I lift Stevie, please move his chair out of the way?”
“Sure, H.“ Eric replied.
Horatio lifted Stevie up out of his chair, then slowly lowered him, so that the youngster’s feet were on the floor. “Ok, Mr Robbins. You can get those measurements now, sir.”
“Thank you, Lt.” The older man replied, then turned and called out. “Gail, could you please bring me a notepad and a pen?”
She reappeared, after a moment, with the requested items.
Robbins quickly gathered the measurements he needed, and she wrote them down, as he gave them to her, then he told Horatio. “Ok, Lt. You can put him back in his chair, now.”
“Thank you, sir.” Horatio turned and put Stevie back into his wheelchair.
“Did you want to get ties to go with your suits, young man?“ Robbins asked Stevie.
“Yes, please, Mr Robbins, but I only want one or two.“ Stevie though for a moment, then added. “I’m also going to want some shirts too. I want to get two with the standard collar, then I also want two with a stand up collar.”
“We do have those in stock as well, Stevie. What size shirt do you wear?” Robbins asked.
The youngster looked down at the shirt he currently was wearing, then looked up at the men. “I’m not sure, Mr Robbins. This one is more loose on me now than it was when I first bought it, so I may have lost some more weight.”
“That’s ok, Stevie. We’ll take several different shirts into the changing room with us.“ Horatio reminded him.
That was what they did. When they came out, Stevie handed one of the shirts to Robbins. “This is the one that fit me best, Mr Robbins.” He told the man.
Robbins took note of the size of the shirt, then asked. “What colors did you want your shirts to be in, young man?“
Stevie thought about it for a minute. “Well, I want one in each style to be white, and I want the other two to be a light blue, if you have it.”
Robbins nodded. “We do, sir.” He wrote the shirt sizes and colors on his notepad, then turned and moved the group toward the cash register. As he rang the purchase up, Robbins asked. “Who do I contact when they’re ready?” He looked from one person to the other.
Stevie chuckled. “Well, since I’m still officially in the hospital…..”
Horatio smiled. “I’ll come get them, Mr Robbins, that‘s not a problem.” He gave the man his cell phone number. Once the purchase was rang up, Horatio gave the man his credit card to pay for the purchase. He signed the receipt, and gave it back, and offered his hand. “Thank you for all your help, Mr Robbins.”
Robbins shook Horatio’s hand in turn. “You’re more than welcome, Lt. Have a good day, gentlemen.“
They all nodded, as Eric walked up behind Stevie and pushed his wheelchair. As they made their way back out to the mall, Eric noticed Stevie starting to yawn.
******************
Ok. Please let me know what you think.
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Post by sanne on Apr 30, 2009 9:55:42 GMT -10
I think our young man is getting tired........... ;D Lovely chap. Bet they have plans to take Stevie and his mom out for a nice dinner at some time as well...... Sandra
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Post by jessica on Apr 30, 2009 10:30:59 GMT -10
Well shopping is hard work.. lol...so I guess a break would be nice.. like something to drink or eat. I'm sure the men wouldn't mind. ;D Stevie can definitely take his mom out like that. Maybe he will be a mini-H. Now that brings me the idea of Jessica, Stevie, Cal and H going out together... would be cute. Great chapter Oracle. I'm looking forward to the next one. Jess
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Post by pinkyster on Apr 30, 2009 10:39:07 GMT -10
Oh what a lovely chapter. I can't believe Gail, glad that she got the look from both men. So what does Stevie have up his sleeve?
Jen
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Post by margaret1234 on Apr 30, 2009 10:41:38 GMT -10
Lovely chapter NV. Stevie will certainly look smart in his new gear.......his mum will be proud to be seen out with him wearing a suit. And, isn't our Horatio still really caring of the boy. Love this relationship as I have said many times now. ;D
Margaret
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Post by Dr. Anna McBreadle on Apr 30, 2009 11:20:05 GMT -10
Maybe he will be a mini-H. Jess i thought that when he ordered the light blue shirt! stevie has something up his sleeve but i also think that the gang have something up their sleeves as well! can't wait to find out! great chap NV! luv sam x
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Post by gonsy on May 1, 2009 10:40:59 GMT -10
Nice chapter NV Oracle. Stevie is a clever boy. And he will look good in a suit! Gonsy
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Post by NV Oracle on May 3, 2009 14:22:41 GMT -10
Hey, ladies. I think Stevie would really look good in a suit as well. H probably has something up his sleeve, but we'll have to see what happens.
In the meantime, though, here's the next chapter. Please enjoy. Here we go.
******************
Chapter 87
“I don’t know about anybody else, but I think I could use a break.” Eric spoke up, causing Horatio to turn and look towards him.
They traded looks back and forth, and Horatio looked down at Stevie.
The youngster had a puzzled look on his face, as he dug into his right jacket pocket. He pulled the item out of his pocket, and his face lit up. “So, that’s where she put them.“ He mumbled to himself.
Now Horatio was the one with the puzzled look on his face. “What’s that, Stevie?”
Stevie smiled up at the red head. “I was wondering what Mom had done with my necklaces, H. She put them in my jacket pocket, and I just now found them.”
Horatio smiled back. “So I see.” He held his hand out to the youngster. “May I?”
“Sure.” Stevie put the two necklaces into the older man’s hand.
As they walked back toward the elevator, Horatio looked down at the necklaces in his hand. One was a leather thong, with beads, and an oval shaped pendant, and the other was a gold chain and a half coin pendant. He looked closer at the oval shaped pendant and saw the eagle in flight.
The door to the elevator opened, and, as they stepped in, and one of them pressed the button for the first floor, Horatio asked.
“They certainly are interesting, Stevie. Where did you get them?” He looked down at the youngster.
Stevie cracked a grin at the memory. “Well, H. I got my eagle at a ‘Living History’ craft fair that my Dad took me to, probably when I was about 8 or 9 years old.“ Stevie’s grin faded, though, as he grew serious, and continued. “The other one, though, is a ‘promise’ pendant. I actually need to talk to you about that one.”
The door of the elevator opened for them on the first floor. As they filed out, Horatio had a puzzled look again.
“Ok?” He asked.
Stevie shook his head, and grinned. “In a minute, H.”
They reached the Food Court, and each of them got something to drink. They found a table, and as Stevie put the breaks on, he told the men. “This was really a good idea, guys. I’ve had a lot fun. Thanks for bringing me.” He took a long draw off his banana and strawberry smoothie.
The men traded smiles, and Horatio turned to the youngster.
“You’re more than welcome, Stevie. We knew you needed to get out of the hospital just for the day. How are you doing?”
“I’m doing ok, H.” Stevie cracked a grin at Horatio’s incredulous look. “I’m fine, H. Really. Besides, you guys are doing all the work, lugging me around.“
The guys chuckled at that.
Horatio held up Stevie’s half coin. “You said that there was a story behind this one, Stevie?”
“Yes, there is, H.“ Stevie took them from the older man, and started to put them on. “When I first came out of my coma and was told what happened, all I could see was what I couldn’t do. I’ll admit, I went into a bit of a depression, at first. Heidi’s Dad thought that would be the end of our relationship. He didn’t think we would last, but for his own reasons. I kept trying to tell Heidi that I wouldn’t blame her if she started dating other guys, and trying to start something with someone else. One day we got into this really hot argument. Finally, she told me, she said ‘I don’t care what kind of problems may or may not happen as a result of your accident, Stevie. You are still alive, and that’s the only thing I care about.’. She also said ‘Yes, I’ll admit that this is a pretty big thing, but it can be worked around, and more importantly, learned to be lived with. It’s not going to be easy, Stevie, but it can be done.‘”
Stevie reached up to his neck, and fingered the medallion, then, looked up into his hero’s faces. “Then, a couple of nights after the argument, I had this dream, where Dad and I were walking down through some halls. We stopped at this one door, and Dad opened it. It was my hospital room at the time, and we watched the argument. Dad looked over at me, and he said ‘She‘s right, you know. It can be lived with.‘. I tried to argue with him that there were too many things that I couldn’t do. Dad interrupted me, and he said ‘You’re alive Stevie. Everything else is simple in comparison.‘ He also added. ‘Whatever you think you can’t do, it’s more than made up for by what you can do. There are ways to work around things, son. You just have to find them, that’s all.‘ Then he said, ‘I’m counting on you to be the man of the family, Stevie. I’m not there to take care of your Mom any more. Even though you’re going to live the remainder of your days in that chair, you will still be more that able to take care of your Mom, Aunt Calleigh, and Heidi. I’m depending on you to do it for me, ok?’”
Stevie picked up his smoothie, and took another drag off it, then set the cup back down. “I thought about what he had said, then I looked up at him, and said ‘I’ll do my best to make you proud of me, Dad.‘. He said that he already was proud of me for trying to go on with my life. When I woke up, I got to really thinking about what they both had said, and I knew that they, and Mom, were right. I was alive. Mom wasn’t by herself. All I knew was that Dad was counting on me to take care of her for him. Her and Aunt Calleigh. Ever since then, I‘ve tried every way I can think of to work around this thing, and not fight it.”
Stevie grinned for a moment, then continued. “Shortly after that, I was trying to think of a way that I could show Heidi exactly how much she meant to me. You see, her dad thought that we weren’t old enough to know or understand the concept of a long term commitment. I wasn’t necessarily asking her to marry me, because, of course, I knew we couldn’t. Not at this stage of things. All I really knew for sure was that she completed my life in ways I couldn‘t even begin to explain, not even to myself, much less to her, but I needed something to show her what she meant to me, and that if she wanted to, and was willing, I wanted her in as permanent a basis in my life as she was willing. Then I remembered Mr Fong. Dad took me to his store one time, when Dad wanted to get something special for a present for Mom. I called him, and he remembered me from then. I asked if he’d be willing to come up to the hospital to see me. I told him what I wanted, and we made an appointment for him to come see me with some samples of what he had in his store that might work for what I wanted. The next day, he came while Mom was there too, and with her permission, I had Mr Fong make this pair of necklaces for us. They are one coin cut in half. The writing on them roughly translates to ‘long life’ and ‘happiness’. Once they were finished I asked Heidi and her Dad to come up to see me.
“I told her Dad that I wasn’t asking her to marry me, because, as I said, I knew we couldn’t, but I told him that I would be asking him for his blessing to do just that, when we got older. I did tell him, though, that I thought very highly of his daughter, and her impact on my life, to the point that I wanted us to be exclusive. I wanted to be her ‘Boyfriend’ and not just her ‘boyfriend’. He said that he didn’t think we would last and that at our ages we shouldn’t be thinking of going ‘steady’, as he put it, and I said, ‘But, sir, if I’ve found my soul mate, and I know that, and she feels the same, shouldn’t you be glad that she has found someone who understands her, and takes her for who she is, instead of trying to make her into something she’s not?‘. Well, he looked shocked for a few minutes, thinking about it, then nodded, and said, ‘You’re right, Stevie. Although, I have some reservations about all of this, I’m going to give you my blessing, now.‘ A friend of mine through one of the guys at the lab, who was, like 21, or something, agreed to conduct our ‘Commitment’ ceremony, after I assured both her parents, and my Mom, that it wasn’t anything legal, or binding, and that neither of us were bound by it, except in terms of our feelings for each other. I know that the adults were just humoring us, but we stood there, in front of him, and our parents, and promised each other that we would be exclusive to each other, etc. We exchanged the necklaces, and have been steady ever since. She has been with me through every pothole in the road up to this point.”
Horatio grinned. “You’re doing very well, Stevie. I’m sure that your Dad is very proud of you.”
Eric, Ryan, and Frank very quickly agreed with the sentiment.
Horatio thought for a moment. “Stevie, do you know where Mr Fong’s store is?”
Stevie nodded. “Yes.”
Horatio looked at his watch. “Well, we have to be someplace specific in just about two hours, but if you’re willing, I’d like for you to go in and introduce me to Mr Fong, ok?”
Stevie nodded again, with a grin. “Sure. I can do that, H.”
Horatio and the others stood up. “Thank you, sir.“ He indicated his own drink. “We can take these with us, Gentlemen.”
******************
Please let me know what you think.
Your friend NV Oracle
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Post by sanne on May 3, 2009 19:49:58 GMT -10
Lovely chap, NV Oracle. So Stevie and Heidi are "unofficially bonded"........That's great. He needs someone who accepts him the way he is and Heidi does just that. Sandra
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Post by pinkyster on May 4, 2009 2:44:07 GMT -10
Great chapter, so endearing. Can't wait to see what Horatio has in store in two-hours.
Jen
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Post by margaret1234 on May 4, 2009 3:30:15 GMT -10
Great chapter......Stevie sounds so grown up with a wisdom beyond his years. So he is having a very good day but I wonder what Horatio has planned that is specific to a timing of two hours. And why knowing timing is important does he want to fit in a visit to see Mr Fong?
Margaret
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Post by gonsy on May 5, 2009 11:35:04 GMT -10
What a nice and tender chapter NV Oracle! This boy is amazing! Waiting for more! Gonsy
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