Published: 24 Dec 2018

Stuart stepped out of his Mercedes GLE 43 SUV after finally finding a parking spot almost as far away from the mall as possible without leaving the parking lot. The twenty-eight year old was pretty sure he was on the wrong side of the mall for the store he needed to reach. He pulled his jacket closer as he began the trek to the entrance; the temperature was already dropping.

The closest opening was for one of the large department stores (Stuart didn’t even look to see which one). He had no intention of trying to find his way through one of those to reach the mall. Pulling the expensive topcoat even higher and tighter so that about the only thing showing was his sandy blonde hair Stuart marched his way around the outside of the massive building until he came to a mall opening.

He paused before opening the door sighing over letting his sister talk him into running this errand for her. He glared at the amassed sea of humanity that roamed through the establishment. Heaving another heavy sigh he opened the door and began weaving his way as fast as he could through swirling throngs of shoppers of all ages, shapes and sizes. Stuart scowled at the crowd after nearly being run down by a mother wielding a baby stroller like it was a weapon but he finally made it to the store where his sister needed an item picked up.

He was still wearing the scowl when he exited the store after standing in line for just over twenty minutes only to be told he would have to speak to a manager. It was another ten minutes before he was able to track a manger down. Five minutes of convincing the manager that he was indeed authorized to retrieve the merchandise for his sister followed by almost fifteen minutes of searching before the package was handed to him and he finally could attempt to exit the mall.

Outside the store, Stuart once again faced a churning mass of holiday shoppers all trying to move in different directions without a thought for the others around them. He carefully threaded his way through the horde to a mall map hoping to find an easier way back to his quiet, peaceful Mercedes then home.

Peering at the map Stuart realized he hadn’t paid attention to the store he parked close to and furthermore wasn’t even sure of which entrance he had used to get in. After a couple of minutes spent trying to remember what stores he passed on the way in, all that came to mind was the swarm of humanity he had to face. And would have to face again to get out of this building.

Looking over the map one last time, Stuart chose the exit he guessed was closest to where he was parked, noted the stores in that direction and set out dodging shoppers while watching store signs. He rounded the next corner and was further distracted by a loud shouting match in a nearby store. Barely missing another woman pushing a stroller who was gawking at the brewing fight Stuart felt a body hit him and nearly lost his balance but managed to keep from falling.

The youngster was not so lucky and spilled across the floor dropping the Cinnabon roll he had been nibbling on. Stuart scowled down at the young teen and started to light into him before noticing the tears welling up in the hazel eyes below him. Changing his mind Stuart kind of growled then went on winding his way out of the mall to his SUV and home.

Meanwhile, the tears did fall slowly and silently as the teen retrieved his dropped treat. Heath surreptitiously slipped the actual cinnamon roll into his jacket pocket while closing the carton and tossing it in the trash. Later in another part of the mall he slipped the roll out of his pocket checked it for dirt then finished eating the sweet. It was all he had gotten to eat since yesterday and he only had a few dollars left.

When closing time was near Heath made himself scarce hoping to make this the third night he spent in the relative warmth of the mall. One near miss of being caught by a security guard set Heath’s heart to racing but he managed to remain quiet and was once again warm and safe for another night. He worried about the future because he knew this couldn’t last and he would be spotted and thrown out of the mall.

Sunday, about noon Stuart arrived at his sister’s house to deliver the package and enjoy dinner with his sister, her husband and his niece and nephew. His niece, Lindsay, was ten going on twenty and his nephew, Grant, was eight and was all boy. The package Stuart picked up from the mall was a special outfit that Lindsay just had to have.

“Did you have in trouble getting it?” inquired Karen as they settled in the living room after dinner. The children were in their rooms but she was not taking any chances on giving away her big surprise for Christmas.

Stuart groaned before answering while Karen’s husband, Thomas, laughed. A last minute meeting with a client had saved him from having to make the trip.

“It was nothing but trouble from beginning to end,” complained Stuart then launched into a blow by blow detailed account of the trip.

When he had finished, Karen leaned back and sighed, “That poor boy. You know, Stuart, he was very likely homeless.”

Stuart nodded absently as he recalled the look on the boy’s face and his body posture as he left the area. His sister was probably correct in her assumption as she usually was on such matters.

It didn’t take long for Heath’s luck to run out. The next night he was spotted and escorted firmly out the door by the middle aged guard on duty that night. Heath wandered down the road toward one of the better neighborhoods.

Between the mall and some other shops and the ritzy neighborhood was a small section of older homes and buildings. As Heath shuffled along stressing over where he would spend the night without freezing to death he noticed one of the old buildings was deserted and had an opening he could squeeze through. Another night taken care of and maybe more but he still needed a way to get food and his money was all but gone.

Maybe tomorrow he could figure that out Heath thought to himself as he fashioned the best bed he could from the junk and trash strewn around the inside of the old building. Twenty minutes later he was snuggled into his makeshift bed trying to still his worries and over active imagination.

Monday morning found Stuart back at work checking in with several of his top clients. Later saw Stuart reviewing the portfolios he maintained for his niece and nephew, Lindsay and Grant. He was trying to determine what to add as their Christmas present this year. He knew his wasn’t the most exciting of presents especially for young children but he thought they got plenty of toys and gadgets as it was and he wanted to provide for their futures.

In the middle of this line of thinking the face of the young teen from the mall popped into his head. Was that kid really homeless? If so, does he have a future? What would his future hold? All these questions kept chasing each other inside Stuart’s head until he pushed away from his desk and walked down to the break room.

After pouring himself a cup of coffee and doctoring it with cream and sugar to suit him Stuart sat at a table and began sipping the hot beverage. Before he knew it his mind had returned to the boy in the mall. Setting down his cup Stuart took out his cell phone and hit the number for his sister.

“Hello, Stuart,” answered Karen. “To what do I owe this pleasure?”

“Do you really think he’s homeless?” Stuart plowed right into his subject.

“Who?” questioned Karen in bewilderment.

“You know. The boy or teen I told you about yesterday. The one who ran into me or I ran into him or however it happened.” Stuart replied with exasperation.

“From your description, it is very likely,” responded Karen calmly. “Why are you asking about him?”

“I was sitting at my desk looking over Lindsay and Grant’s portfolios thinking about their futures when his face popped into my head and I started thinking about what you said and whether he had any future if he was homeless. So I came to the break room for some coffee and again he popped into my head. I don’t know why.”

“You’re just a good person who is worried about a kid you came across,” Karen said soothingly. “You need to try to forget about him ‘cause you aren’t likely to ever see him again.”

“Thanks, Karen. I guess you’re right. Bye.”

“Bye, Stuart.”

At the derelict building Heath took stock of his finances and decided to stay in and explore the building. He could get something to eat tomorrow. Besides the sky looked threatening and he heard some faint thunder every once in a while. By nighttime Heath was a little excited about the building he was in. It seemed he could not have chosen better for a place to stay as he found several old moving blankets and a few shop towels that weren’t too very dirty. Even better one of the bathrooms still had running water so he cleaned up some before remaking his bed with the blankets.

Tuesday morning Heath awoke feeling more rested than he had since being thrown out by his parents but his stomach was growling loud enough to be heard two counties over. He used the bathroom then washed his face and tried to do something with his hair. The clothes would have to do since they were all he had.

Heath walked past the mall to an area where there were several fast food restaurants and a row of small shops. He thought of trying to find a job or some small errands where he could earn a few dollars first but the rumbling in his stomach became too much to ignore.

Spying a Taco Bell, which was one of his favorites, Heath headed there and purchased two of the one dollar breakfast burritos and got a cup of water to go with them. This exhausted his paper money but Heath thought he might have enough change for a candy bar later in the day

With his hunger momentarily quieted Heath began checking with each restaurant and store manager on the availability of jobs. It didn’t take Heath long to learn that at thirteen he was too young to be hired and no one had any odd jobs or errands he could do to pick up a little cash.. Crestfallen, He drudged back towards his hideaway stopping here and there at a business hoping for a chance to earn some cash but still no luck.

He stopped at the convenient store on the corner before turning down the road his building was on and did have enough coins to buy a Snickers which he decided to save for in the morning. The manager of the store didn’t have any jobs for him either. Hunkered into his way too light jacket Heath made the wet trip down to his new home. Maybe he’d have better luck tomorrow in a different direction.

All through Tuesday, at the oddest moments, the boy from the mall with his sad, desperate, hazel eyes kept entering Stuart’s thoughts. He wondered if he would ever see the teen again. Thanks to his boss’ insistence that his employees give back to the community in some way Stuart had gotten registered as a foster parent thinking it was the easiest route to go. He had never found a child he was interested in taking in but he would gladly give this young teen a home if he could.

Wednesday dawned cold and dreary with the sky gray and overcast although the rain had stopped. At least for now. Heath’s clothes were mostly dry so after using the bathroom and cleaning as best he could he got dressed ate his candy bar and exited the building.

He took off in a different direction than yesterday and soon found himself in a less than desirable neighborhood. However, there were a few stores and businesses present and Heath headed for the nearest one.

“Hey there, cutie! Whatcha doin’?” slurred an older maybe middle aged man as Heath crossed the street. Heath gave the man a wide berth and entered the first door he came to.

“Wha’ d’ya want, kid?” demanded the pale looking man behind an old desk near the back of the room.

“I-I-I’m looking for a job or anything I can do to make some cash,” stuttered Heath nervously.

“Get outta here! I ain’t got time or money for no brat!”

Heath hastily exited the building and while keeping an eye on the man at the street made his way to the next door. He got the same result at every place he tried although some did phrase their answer a little nicer except for one which was much worse.

After being rejected by all the shops along this strip Heath stood by the road wondering where to try next. It was still early in the day and he still needed money badly. Deep in thought Heath didn’t notice the car stop beside him until a man with a thick moustache spoke through an open window.

“How much?”

With a blank stare Heath responded, “Huh?”

“How much to have some fun? Know what I mean?” asked the man with expectation.

“What do you mean?” queried Heath still confused by the man’s question.

“You know. Sex fun,” answered the man getting a little agitated. “Twenty for a blow job or more for other fun?”

Finally getting what the man wanted, Heath turned and started walking down the sidewalk away from the car. But he went in the same direction the car was pointed so the man followed him still calling out his requests. Heath started getting faster then flat out ran until he came to an alley too small for the car. He ducked down it and out the other side.

Finding some more shops Heath asked at each one only to be turned down again and again. He kept walking and looking for places he might be able to find work getting more and more desperate with each rejection. However, Heath thought to himself, I’m not so desperate to try what that man wanted; not yet anyway.

With it now getting to be late afternoon Heath started for his hideaway only to find he wasn’t sure what direction to go. After a few moments of panic Heath breathed in deep then began retracing his steps and soon knew where he was and which way to go. By the time he got to the road where his empty building was the day had darkened, gotten colder and the light mist was now snow and getting heavier.

Reaching the building where he had spent the last few nights Heath’s luck grew even worse. Someone had been there and closed all the gaps and locked all the doors. There was no way in and no place for Heath to get out of the weather that was getting harsher by the minute.

With no place to stay and no money for food Heath figured this was the end for him. He started walking down the road towards the rich houses with their colored lights. He wanted to see something bright and pleasant before he froze to death.

For Stuart, Wednesday was a repeat of Tuesday only the thoughts of the teen came more often and lasted longer. It was really becoming a major distraction. Finally, about mid afternoon, Stuart gave up trying to analyze the current market, straightened his desk and left for the day.

Stuart stopped at his favorite Food City for the basic staples and a couple of other items. The store was crowded with frantic shoppers trying to buy out the milk and bread because of the snow. He then stopped at Appleby’s for some dinner before finally making it to the road his neighborhood was on.

It had gotten dark while he was in the restaurant and the snow was falling heavily making it hard to see and hard to get much traction on the road. Stuart was glad he had put new snow tires on his Mercedes last week. It was right after this thought that a sort of human figure appeared in the road in front of him.

The sight had occurred so quickly it caused Stuart to panic for a moment and slammed on his brakes sending his SUV sliding toward the figure. The pedestrian tried to get back to the side but their feet kept slipping in the snow.

Stuart cringed as he heard and felt his car strike the person knocking them to the side before he got control of his car at last. Once the car came to a complete stop Stuart jumped out and rushed to the figure lying in the snow. He could hear them moaning and crying out with pain.

When he first lifted their head out of the drifted snow Stuart thought he was seeing things and nearly dropped them back into the snow bank in shock. It was the same young teen from the mall. Getting himself under control Stuart quickly stripped off his heavy coat and wrapped the boy with it then carefully lifted him up, opened the back door and laid him on the seat.

With a quick check and a few questions which the boy answered with his eyes shut against the pain revealed that his left leg was broken. The teen looked up after hearing about his leg and spoke one word, “You!” before the pain was too much and he passed out.

Stuart closed the car door, hurried to the driver’s side and slowly pulled back onto the road. Driving even more carefully than he normally did, Stuart took the boy to the nearest hospital emergency room. After making sure he was being seen by a doctor Stuart called his sister and let her know what happened then he searched through his wallet until he found the card he wanted and made another call.

Heath woke up the next day just before noon in a hospital bed with his leg in a cast and the guy who had knocked him down in the mall sleeping sprawled across a chair. He tried to adjust his position quietly but the pain of moving his leg caused him to grunt louder than he wanted and the man woke up.

“Hey there! How’re you feeling?” asked Stuart when he saw the teen was awake.

Heath glared at the man before sarcastically answering, “Just friggin’ fantastic! What d’ya think?”

“Sorry. Stupid question, huh?” admitted Stuart getting up from the chair. “Are you in very much pain? I can get the nurse.”

“It’s not too bad but I can’t get comfortable. Why do you care?” Heath responded tiredly.

“It’s my fault you’re in here,” said Stuart as he raised the head of the bed and arranged pillows behind Heath’s back. “And I haven’t been able to get you out of my mind since knocking you down at the mall.”

“You want to use me like those two guys did out on the street?” questioned Heath with suspicion.

“What! What are you talking about?”

“You know- for sex,” Heath answered still on guard.

“Did somebody do something to you?” Stuart almost demanded.

“No, but they wanted to. You haven’t answered my question.” Heath reminded the man.

“Oh, sorry. No, I don’t want to have sex with you,” returned Stuart seriously then grinned. “But one of your nurses is very pretty. I’d like to take her out sometime. I’ll let you know when she comes in and you can give me your opinion.”

Heath laughed mirthlessly, “I won’t be much help with that.” Then he slapped his hand over his mouth and fright returned to his eyes when he realized what he had implied.

“I think it’s time we got to know one another. My name is Stuart, Stuart Casey . And you are?”

Heath. Er, well, it’s actually Heathcliff but I go by Heath. Oh, yeah my last name is Garrisson.” Heath paused a minute then continued. “I might as well tell you now so you won’t waste anymore time. I’m gay. My parents threw me out when they found out. So, you can leave now if you want.”

“Just great,” exclaimed Stuart then he saw Heath cringe and tear up. “Sorry. It’s not because you’re gay . . . well it partially is but not because I have a problem with it. Now, I have to tell my sister she was right twice.”

Heath glanced up in surprise that this man didn’t mind that he was gay especially when he plopped down on the bed and leaned back next to him. The more he thought about it the funnier it seemed to Heath that the guy was more upset over admitting his sister was correct than the fact that he was sitting next to a gay kid.

He started giggling as he said, “Sucks to be you then, huh?”

“Hey now! It could be worse,” reacted Stuart. “She’s just my sister not my girlfriend or wife.”

“Do you have one? Girlfriend or wife?”

“No. Not married and no girlfriend at this time,” Stuart replied.

“Why not?”

“At first I was too involved in college and then getting my career going to get serious with anyone and now that I’m doing pretty good the women are more interested in what I can give them then in really getting to know who I am.”

“So, you’re really not interested in . . you know . . with me?”

“Nope but if I was a gay teen I would be interested. Do you have a boyfriend yet?”

“No. I don’t even know how to go about finding one without taking a chance on getting the crap beat out of me,” answered Heath. “I kinda like this– having someone to talk to. Can I ask how old you are?”

“Sure, you can ask. Doesn’t mean I’ll answer,” announced Stuart with a grin. “Just kidding. I’m twenty-eight. What about you?”

“Thirteen,” answered Heath yawning right after then grimacing when he tried to change his position again.

Stuart hopped up and hit the call button saying, “I called the nurse. She can get you medicine for the pain. Do you want to lay back again?”

“Yeah, if you don’t mind,” replied Heath with a sigh. “Thanks.”

“No problem but now I need to make an appearance where I work,” stated Stuart once he finished moving the bed. “Can I come visit you again this evening?”

“You want to see me again?”

“Of course! Why wouldn’t I?”

“Then yes, please come again,” begged Heath. ’I’m tired of being alone all the time.”

“Alright. I’ll see you when I get done at work,” Stuart promised with a smile and a tousling of the teen’s light brown hair.

Stuart left just as the nurse came in and stopped to speak to her. “Take good care of this guy, okay? He’s in some pain again.”

Heath’s face lit up when Stuart came back that evening and they spent a couple of hours talking and getting to know one another’s likes and dislikes on various subjects. Stuart stopped in briefly every morning on his way to work then would come back each evening and the two talked and joked like they had known each other for ages.

On Saturday, Stuart spent almost the whole day at the hospital visiting the young teen. He even got permission to wheel him down to the cafeteria for lunch instead of having it in his room in bed. Stuart explained that he had to visit his sister on Sunday and had a couple of errands to run but he would be there late in the afternoon.

When Stuart entered the room Sunday afternoon one look told him something was wrong. Heath wasn’t as animated in his greeting and looked as if he had been crying. Sitting on the bed the man wrapped his arm over the teen’s shoulders and asked, “Care to tell me why you’re upset?”

“I’m f-fine,” Heath tried to dodge the issue.

“Really? Then why do you look like you lost your best friend and have been crying,” queried Stuart gently. “I have a niece and nephew so I know the signs when someone is troubled.”

“Okay. The doctor said I’m being released tomorrow.”

“Shouldn’t you be happy that you’re getting out of here?”

“Where am I goin’ to go?” questioned Heath before breaking out in sobs. “My family already threw me away. Are they going to put me back out on the street with a broken leg? Or will I be put in some group home where I don’t know anyone? It sucks and tomorrow is Christmas Eve.”

“Don’t despair yet,” consoled Stuart holding the boy close as he cried. “There’s a lady coming to talk to you about that. She should be here pretty soon. Okay?”

“Whatever,” responded Heath still soaking Stuart’s sweater with his tears. Then he admitted softly, “I’m going to miss you.”

“Just talk with the lady,” Stuart said with no other explanation.

It was just a few minutes later that there was a knock on the door and it opened to revealed a staidly middle-aged lady with a kind face and soft smile. She entered and introduced herself.

“I’m Ms. Carmichael. I’m with Child Protective Services and I’m here to help you determine your future,” she stated walking to the foot of Heath’s bed. “I’ll lay out your options and inform you of your rights.”

Rising from his position beside Heath Stuart said, “I’ll be back later to see you before visiting hours are over.” Turning to Ms Carmichael he offered his hand and spoke, “Thanks for coming on a weekend.”

She shook hands with the young man saying, “Not a problem.” Then she turned to face Heath, “Are you ready to get started?”

“Do I really have a choice?”

Stuart walked out of the room as the social worker started explaining things to the worried and somewhat frightened young teenager. He returned two hours later and was met outside the door by Ms. Carmichael.

“We’re all done, Mr. Casey. He’ll be glad to see you. Thanks for calling me on this one. Although, I was a bit surprised that you’ve finally found a child to foster after all the ones I’ve tried to send you.”

“Yes, well, I’m sort of surprised myself,” admitted Stuart with chagrin. “Did he tell you how we first met?”

Nodding her head Ms. Carmichael answered, “He’s told me everything. I think you two will be great for each other. I will of course be dropping by every once in a while to check on him.”

“I assumed you would and thanks again for everything, Ms. Carmichael.”

“This one was my pleasure. See you later. Merry Christmas, Mr. Casey.”

Stuart smiled looking at the door to the hospital room then turned his attention to the woman beside him, “You know, I think it will be. Merry Christmas to you, also.” He left her there and entered the room.

“Is it true?” Heath almost yelled the words as soon as he saw Stuart.

“Is what true?” asked Stuart trying to hide his grin.

“Oh, come on! You know what I’m asking about,” challenged Heath.

“Yes, it’s true. You’re stuck with me for at least six months then you’re eligible to be adopted,” replied Stuart crossing the room to claim his spot on the bed beside his new foster son.

Heath shifted closer to the man he had grown close to over the last few days and sighed with contentment.

“Here’s what happens tomorrow,” relayed Stuart putting his arm around the teen. “I have to work half a day then I will be here to sign my life away so I can spring you from this place and take you home.”

Okay,” agreed Heath. “But I do have a question. Where is your home?”

“Don’t you mean our home?” grinned Stuart. “You know the neighborhood where I slid into you as you looked at the lights?”

“Yeah, so?” Heath started questioning then it hit him. “No! No way! You . . um . .I mean, we live there?”

They continued to visit and talk until visiting time was over and Stuart had to head home. He had told a small lie to Heath about Christmas Eve day. He didn’t have to go to work. He was going to have to go shopping. No way did he intend to bring Heath home at Christmas and have no gifts appear under the tree.

About midday, Stuart walked into Heath’s room with the attending doctor carrying a duffle bag. The doctor examined Heath briefly one last time and announced him ready to go.

“Let them know at the nurse’s desk when he’s dressed and ready for his ride to the door,” said the doctor as he left.

Sitting the duffle bag on the bed Stuart opened it and began taking items out explaining them to Heath, “I bought a pair of way to big boxers so they would slide over your cast. Same with the sweatpants but at least they have a draw string we can pull tight. There’s also a t-shirt, a sweatshirt and a heavier jacket than the one you were wearing when my car hit you. They are all the right size at least I hope so. Will you need some help getting some of this on?”

Heath’s face turned bright red as he nodded that he needed help. Sensitive to the teen’s feelings Stuart was able to help him into the underwear and sweats with the hospital ground still covering him. Heath was able to take off the gown and don the shirts with very little help and they were ready to go.

After being ridden to the door in a wheelchair Heath was helped into Stuart’s Mercedes SUV and buckled in. A short time later they arrived at Stuart’s house. He got out of the vehicle, walked to the back and got something out. Heath pushed his door open to see Stuart holding a pair of crutches sized perfectly for him. Slowly they made their way inside.

Finally making it, Stuart guided Heath to the kitchen and got him settled into a chair at the table while he fixed some soup and sandwiches for their lunch. After eating Stuart took Heath for a tour of the house and showed him his new room and where the bathroom he would use was located.

Leaving the tired teen to rest on his new bed Stuart went back to the kitchen and cleaned up their lunch dishes and generally straightened up the house he had neglected while spending so much time at the hospital. It was close to supper time before Heath hobbled his way to the living room where Stuart had settled reading a book.

“Is pizza alright with you?” Stuart asked looking up from his book.

“Can we get it with pepperoni and sausage?”

“We sure can,” Stuart replied pulling out his phone and calling in their order.

While they waited, the pair found a bowl game on TV and watched until the doorbell rang, signaling that their dinner had arrived. They ate in the living room in front of the TV using trays and continued to watch the game after eating.

When the game ended Stuart helped Heath get ready and settled in bed. He tucked the teen in, hugged him and wished him a good night. Once he was sure the boy was asleep he pulled out his purchases from that morning and set them up underneath the Christmas tree.

Stuart waited until nine o’clock before going to wake Heath and get him headed to the living room. The surprised teen almost fell over when he saw what was under the tree.

“Is all this for me?” Heath was overwhelmed. “Where did it all come from?”

“Santa Claus, of course,” answered Stuart grinning at the success of his surprise.

“I’m thirteen not three,” countered Heath recovering somewhat from the shock.

“Okay, okay. You got me,” responded Stuart still grinning. “I have a confession to make. I really didn’t have to work yesterday. I was getting this stuff for you. I couldn’t let you stay here at Christmas without getting you presents.”

Heath silently looked over the laptop, X-Box game system, several game cartridges, TV and phone placed under the tree. So softly that Stuart almost missed it Heath spoke, “All I really needed was getting to live with you.”

After another moment He spoke a little louder, “I didn’t get you anything though.”

Walking over to the teen Stuart wrapped his arms around and said, “I got you. What more could I want.”

Heath dropped his crutches as he returned the hug and held on tightly.

“Here sit on the couch,” advised Stuart helping his new son maneuver without the crutches. “I’ll bring your stuff over to you to look at. Welcome to our new life.”

Jeikor would like to hear what you thought of his Christmas Story. Email him: Jeikor at CastleRoland dot Net

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