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Chapter 22: AJ

I zipped up my jacket and grabbed the small package, stuffing it in my pocket. I know Kev had said no gifts, but this was for the ankle-biter. She was a kid, and that’s what tonight was all about. I wanted her to have a better Christmas Eve than I ever did.

I called a good-bye to my mom and Bill; they were heading out a little later to some party they had been looking forward to. Truthfully, I think they were glad I wouldn’t be home for the night; we’d be together for Christmas Day, anyhow. Things had actually gotten a little better between us, if you can believe it. After the rumble, and what had happened to Brian because of Precious… well, it made me do some thinking. If he could stop himself from doing the easy thing that night… even though he really had wanted to… there wasn’t any reason I couldn’t make a little peace in my own house. Don’t get me wrong, Bill and I weren’t all lovey-dovey by any stretch, but I had decided to give him a chance and he’d taken it. We’d even had a good time playing poker the other night, although neither one of us would admit that Mom had kicked both of our butts at it.

I started making my way across town to Kevin and Lance’s apartment, enjoying the surprisingly crisp weather. The late afternoon sunshine felt good, and I was almost in a happy mood by the time I crossed Redmond Street. It was the first time since Precious’ death that I hadn’t felt that deep, dark depression hanging over my head. Kev had hit on a great idea: Christmas Eve, together. Everyone would be there, for each other… and especially for Brian. The kid was still having a tough time of things, which was to be expected. I knew he’d get over it in time, though… he was smart, and determined. And he had friends and family that would be there for him, whenever.

I still couldn’t believe what I’d seen that night at the rumble. There he was, ready to ice one of the Cats, when… he just froze. Something changed inside him at that very second, and I think I was the only one to witness it. Although I was eager for the fight that night, what he did made me pause. He had the most reason to seek revenge, but had stayed his hand. That took guts, to walk away from that. He’d chosen future over past, and it still humbled me.

Maybe he was on to something.

We were all changing; at first, I resisted it, but over the last week or so I’d come to realize that’s the way it was going to be. Kevin had managed to regain his footing after the incident with his father; truthfully, it had made me realize how lucky I was that my mom had picked a fairly decent guy to be a part of her life… our life. I know Kevin still had a lot of stuff to sort through, but now he had a place of his own and some time and space to think. And Lance to talk to.

Their being roommates had struck me as odd when I’d found out, but the more I’d thought about it the better a situation it seemed to be. Lance was a pretty cool guy… he was someone that Kev seemed able to relax around, so that counted for a lot. Without having to be a full time babysitter, he’d have time to finish his graduation certification, something he desperately wanted. I had to respect that.

Howie had sworn off all weapons, even his blade, after the rumble. His arm had been broken, but he’d said it could have been so much worse. He’d told us all that the last fight was, indeed, his last. Really, all of us had lost our taste for blood. With the Cats broken, there wasn’t much of a reason to carry metal any more. I wasn’t as upset as I’d expected I’d be.

When we’d heard the news that Jason and two of his ilk had been arrested during a robbery, it had been good news. They’d been looking for Jason in connection with Precious anyway, although no witnesses had come forward. But when the arrests for robbery had occurred, one of the Cats, Dominick, had squealed like a pig when faced with time. He’d traded information for freedom, and had pointed the finger at Jason. With the testimony, Jason was charged with sexual assault and murder; blood and other samples had nailed him. He was scheduled for trial next month, and was right where he belonged now, in jail.

I hoped he got life, for taking hers the way he did.

The day we heard the news that he’d been charged had been a good one, the first positive day we’d had in a month. It didn’t bring Precious back, but it made it easier to know that her murderer was not going to get away with it.

I turned the corner onto Pine, and noted how nice the buildings were getting. Kevin might have moved down on his accommodations, but this was a move up to me. Very nice indeed.

I was only a couple of minutes from the place when I lit up a smoke; I was going to try and quit come the New Year, but for now I allowed myself the indulgence. I had one pack left, and that was it. No more. When I’d told Sadie I was quitting, I was shocked by her response. It was, by far, the best kiss I’d ever gotten. Open mouth and everything… she was holding nothing back. Believe me when I say that if the rewards for not smoking were going to be of that caliber, I would truly enjoy quitting.

I checked the address and nodded in approval… it was better than I’d expected. Security, well lit, clean… he’d done well. I buzzed up and was let in. I practically flew up the stairs, eager to see my friends and get to celebrating.

I was almost the last one there; the only one missing was Howie. The second I came into the apartment, it felt comfortable. The ankle-biter was toddling around, looking disgustingly cute in an oversized Santa hat and little jingle-bell socks. I picked her up and whirled her around, making her giggle. I did love that sound, even though my efforts were rewarded with a bit of drool. Ah well, the smile on her little round face more than made up for things.

I tried not to laugh at the tree… it was scrawny, crooked, and had a huge bare spot in the center that no amount of ornaments would be able to cover. It was also without decoration… apparently we were all going to decorate the thing after dinner. Heck, I was game.

Someone must have been letting Nick into the sugar, because he was as hyper as Julia was. I heard a strange sound as I took off my jacket… it was Brian, laughing at something Nick was saying. That, in itself, was a miracle.

It didn’t take long to make the rounds and start enjoying things. It wasn’t anything fancy, but it was genuine. That’s what counted.

The picture was completed half an hour later, with Howie’s arrival. He’d come burdened with, like, five bags… all food and goodies that his Mom had insisted he bring for our celebration. How he ever managed all that with a cast on his arm remained a mystery, because when I asked, he just said that where there is a will, there’s a way.

I suppose he’s right, after all.