Notes Part 1: Lionel, Lillian and Lex Luthor are characters from Smallville which belongs to DC and the WB. Gabrielle is from Xena Warrior Princess which belongs to StudiosUSA and Universal. All other characters are mine. The poems "The Christmas Treasure" and "Spirit of the Season" are my original works.  Please send comments to dante0220@yahoo.com.

Notes Part 2: Okay—as you all know, since there was no Smallville TV Show (or WB for that matter) in 1985, I’ve done some revising here. In this case, I replaced the character of Dave’s grandfather, Denis Dubois, with Lionel Luthor. (No real difference there.) Lillian and Lex, I’ve added now.

Introduction [Amazon Village, c. 88 AD]

Gabrielle, Bard-Queen of the Amazons, writes….

Given David’s issues, one can point to several factors that he encountered on his life’s journey. We’ve already encountered family and ghost related issues. Another stems from extreme adversity. In that regard, the Luthor family’s attitudes toward him reflected his own dichotomy. Both Xena and I wonder how a married couple could treat a boy so differently!

Lionel Luthor, the industrialist and craven murderer, shaped David through their intellectual, moral and ethical debates. In addition, he held a secret over David—something that until two years ago we didn’t know.

Lillian Luthor, on the other hand, loved David as if she were her own son. “Auntie Lillie” always supported him, giving a hand whenever she could. Through Angela, Xena has seen the reverence both he and the Child show her.

This is the first meeting that the Child told me about between David and Lionel. Sometimes, it amazes me how people act as they do. After hearing this, Xena was tempted to have Cybelle send her back in time to put the Pinch on Lionel. I can’t say I blame her!

Chapter 1 [December 10, 1979]
[LuthorCorp, Metropolis]

Rising from the gridlock of downtown Metropolis, the LuthorCorp tower dominated the skyline. With its slate exterior glinting in the late fall sun, it commanded the attention of those walking below. Of course, those people knew of the industrial might inside of it as well. World decisions and stock prices went by the decisions made therein.

In his sanctum on the top floor, a man in his early thirties inspected yet another stock portfolio. He ran his hand through his auburn hair, letting his mind wander through the many ways he would fleece the potential rival. In this case, he was preparing for a takeover of Ferrimore Industries. “Its pharmaceuticals would be an asset,” he told himself.

Then the phone buzzed. “Yes?”

“Mr. Luthor? Stuart Dubois on Line 1,” his receptionist, Mary Edwards, informed him.

He smiled. Stuart had been his friend and collaborator on many ventures together over the years. “Put him through. Oh and my wife should be by in a few minutes. Please give her a cup of coffee or whatever she would require.”

“I’ll do that. Here’s Mr. Dubois,” Mary concurred.

“Hello, Lionel!” Stuart greeted.

“Stuart, are you doing better? How’s that mess up there?” Lionel asked.

“My lawyer got the charges reduced down to a slap on the wrist. That kid of mine is a real pain!” Stuart noted.

“Maybe if you’d let him stay in Amherst, he’d stay out of the way? You do force the situation with these court agreements,” Lionel mentioned.

“Lionel, I do have to enforce my position as the father. You’d do the same with Alexander,” Stuart countered.

“I’m sure although after your last incident, I hear you lost that privilege. So anyhow, what can I do for you?” the industrialist wondered.

“Actually I was calling to invite you to my company’s Christmas party if you and Lillian were going to be in the area,” Stuart offered.

Lionel smiled. Through his own contacts in the area, he had been keeping an eye on Stuart’s difficult son, David, and knew that the boy had been making interesting friendships. “Lillian will be back here with Lex but I’d be delighted to come. Will David be there?”

“Lionel, come on! You know what happens when he even looks at you! I’d have to clobber him and then the cops would haul my butt to jail.”

“No. I wasn’t talking about that. I can hold my own with the boy.” Even as infernal a pest as he is! “Make sure he brings a date, will you?”

“Randy says he has the hots for this girl in his school. I really don’t want him dating any of those snobs!” Stuart declared.

“Wait a minute. Did Randy give a name?” Lionel inquired.

“Karen Alvarez. I know that name from somewhere. But where?” Stuart mentioned.

“As in Ricardo and Jeanne Alvarez?”

“Yeah!”

Lionel grinned like a cat who had just eaten the canary. Oh isn’t this ironic? He snickered.

“What’s so funny?”

“You should invite her, Stuart. Make sure that she goes with David. In fact, if they get involved with each other, you are to let it happen! Seems that your son is about to encounter some ethical issues of his own. Now isn’t he?” Lionel directed.

The light went off in Stuart’s head. “You mean she’s that girl? As in….?”

“Exactly. David’s going to be in for quite a headache when this is over.” Not to mention the fact that it’ll ruin any of those academic inspirations he has! Lionel grinned, thinking how satisfying this was going to be.

“Consider it done. I’ll talk to my mother and manipulate her into suggesting it. Maybe as a ‘make peace’ move?” Stuart suggested.

“I say go for it, Stuart. When is this affair to take place?”

The twenty-second at the Forest Peaks Lodge in Westfield. Sorry about the last minute notice,” Stuart commented.

“We still have two weeks.” Lionel looked at his calendar and saw a senator’s dinner in the same slot. I’ll send Lillian on her own. The maid can watch Lex for a few hours. This is something I want to make sure happens! “I’ll have Mary put it in the book. See you on the twenty-second!” Lionel concluded, hanging up the phone.

He walked over to the picture of Napoleon and pulled on its right side, revealing a hidden safe. Opening it, he rifled through a pile of folders until he came across an ordinary-looking manila envelope. Taking it out of the safe, he felt its weight and nodded. “You are going to be quite the weapon.”

“What are you doing, Lionel?” Lillian wondered.

He quickly slid the important envelope back under the folders and closed the safe and picture-door. “Lillian, I thought Mary would give you a cup of coffee.”

The slender redhead stared at him incredulously. “You need a new excuse. That means you’re up to something. What is it?”

“Why nothing. Stuart Dubois just called,” Lionel replied, putting on his best front and trying to manipulate the conversation to his advantage.

“Oh? What did he want? I hope you didn’t offer to have Sarah and David shot.”

There’s a tempting thought but…no, I want this plan to succeed! “No. His company’s Christmas party is coming up on the twenty-second and I need to go,” he mentioned.

“Lionel, Senator Regalson’s banquet is that night!” she protested. “You promised that you’d be there!”

“Now, Dear, you’ll represent us both just fine. Have Matilda watch Lex for the evening. I need to talk with Stuart about a pressing matter,” he replied.

She frowned, knowing that he usually didn’t back out of political engagements for just anything. “And this party, is there anything I should know about?”

“Not much. It’ll be the same as the one we went to three years ago,” he indicated. “Don’t trouble yourself over it, Lillian. Everything’s set.” He put his overcoat on and helped her into hers. “I’m set for today. Let’s get something to eat at Carmine’s, shall we?”

As they left the office, she mused, Lionel’s taking this too much in stride. No, I know something’s up. I think it’s time Janet and I caught up on things. And maybe David and I need a chat as well.

Chapter 2 [Two days later]

[Amherst High]

Dave sat in English class, waiting for the bell to ring. While poetry normally appealed to him, his mind was elsewhere on that cold day. With the previous night’s snow blanketing the ground, the scene definitely looked winter-like. It definitely seems like Christmas.

The bell rang at that point, releasing the group for the day from their academic cares.

“What do we want to do?” Steve asked. If they had still been in middle school, they would have attacked Chandler’s Hill with their sleds.

“What’s your grandmother doing, Dave?” Frank wondered.

“She’s making shortbread,” Dave told them. Seeing their mouths practically watering, he chuckled, “Yes. She told me to have all of you come. Let’s go.”

“Are you sure it’s okay, Dave?” April asked with concern. “We don’t want to overwhelm her.”

The others gave her a ‘don’t rain on the parade’ look.

“Dave? April has a point. Is it really all right?” Karen asked.

“She insisted. Come on,” Dave insisted, motioning them toward the door with a wave of his hand.

*****

[Janet’s house—fifteen minutes later]

The brisk air lent some urgency to the teenagers’ steps, guiding them toward their destination. They talked and laughed about things including their upcoming holiday plans. Garth, Frank and April would be out of town after school let out on the twenty-second. Steve would be out of town for two days but back for the majority of the break. The Alvarezes had invited Dave and his grandmother for Christmas dinner. In exchange, Janet would have everyone including her daughter-in-law over her house on Christmas Eve.

For the moment, they all had one goal in mind and it involved butter cookies. Really good butter cookies.

As they walked in the house, they remembered to wipe their boots and take them off by the door. Even as their noses were already attracted to the aroma coming from the kitchen, they knew Janet wanted an immaculate house. They saw their hostess talking on the phone intently.

She waved at them and motioned to the table for them to sit down. “Actually, Lillian, he just walked in with his friends. I’ll put him on. Thank you for calling. It’s been too long.” She handed the receiver to Dave. “It’s Mrs. Luthor. She wants to speak to you.”

His face broke into a warm smile, as he took the receiver. “Thanks, Gram. Hi, Aunt Lillie!”

“Hello, Dave. Are you okay? I heard about that mess a couple of months ago,” Lillian asked.

“I’ve got one more therapy session next week. After that, who knows? How are you and Alexander?” he inquired.

“He’s fine and growing bigger every day. He wants to know the answer to everything,” she replied.

“I bet he drives Uncle Lionel nuts, doesn’t he?” he queried knowingly.

You’d enjoy that, wouldn’t you? She sighed, knowing the sharp edge to the question was intentional. “You know him. He keeps his affairs close to the vest.”

Especially when he’s getting ready to mess with someone’s livelihood. “And you, Auntie? You’re okay? I’d like it if you could come to visit.”

“Oh, Sweetie! I wish I could. But I’m busy back here. Uncle Lionel will be at your Dad’s Christmas party,” she declined regretfully. “Could you do something for me though?”

“Name it,” he agreed.

“Can you write one of those short stories with Kim and Harry for Alexander? He loves those. And if you could send along one of those poems, that would make an excellent Christmas present,” she requested.

“I’ll get to work on them. Are you sure I can’t do anything else?” he asked.

“Between those and your Gram’s cookie assortment, I couldn’t even it with the gold in Fort Knox!” she declared. “Dave, you’re a great writer, you know.”

“I wish Dad would recognize that,” he stated mournfully.

“I know. At least your grandmother does and that’s what counts. By the way, I hear you have some new friends. That’s great!” she consoled him, changing the subject in midstream.

“They are,” he agreed, looking warmly at the Cadre sitting around him. “Well, I don’t want to keep you too long, Auntie. They’re waiting for me before we start into Gram’s shortie.”

She chuckled, imagining the torture those kids were putting up with. “That’s fine. Have fun at your father’s party. I’ll be in touch and waiting for my Christmas poem.”

“It’ll be there soon. Best to everyone, Auntie,” he concluded, hanging up. “Sorry, guys, we haven’t talked in a while.”

“That’s all right,” Karen assured him while Janet put the cookies and cocoa on the table. “We like seeing you so happy.”

“I hope it stays that way,” his grandmother remarked, handing him an invitation-type envelope. “Your father would like it if you would come to his company’s holiday party.”

“Aw, Gram! Come on!” Dave protested.

“I know. But he’s trying to make peace,” his grandmother declared.

“There’s more than one way to bury the hatchet, you know,” Garth suggested.

“Don’t even go there,” Janet interjected, cutting off the argument. “Dave, it is a public place and he’s promised hands off. Besides, he even wants you to bring a date if you want.”

That observation made the eyes lock on her.

“Wait a minute. There’s something wrong here,” Dave insisted. “This is way too easy.”

“Dave, he wants you there as a token appearance. It doesn’t mean anything,” Steve explained. “Just go and take one of us with you. Anything happens and you’ll have an instant witness.”

“I guess. He opened the envelope and scanned the contents. “Hmmm…Forest Peaks Lodge in Westfield,” he read, rubbing his chin.

“Man! Dave, that place is so ritzy! How did he get it?” Frank wondered.

“This is his company’s big event of the year. Probably be some cheap beef or chicken deal as it was two years ago. Still…if he actually gets some decent music this time, we might be able to dance. I could do anything except for country-western right now,” Dave explained. “Okay so let’s see…when is this thing? Ah! December 22nd.”

April frowned, hoping she would be asked so she could see the festivities. However, since she’d be in Vermont that night that was out. “Karen, that leaves you.”

“Maybe next time, April?” Dave asked.

“I’ll hold you to that,” April replied.

“How about it, Karen? Be my bodyguard for the night?” he asked with a humorous edge.

“Bodyguard? I thought this was a date not a walk down a dark alley,” she teased, trying to get him to feel better. “I’ll be happy to go. Someone needs to make sure you have fun.”

“That’s what I want to hear. Besides, Dave, I’m going to be there too,” his grandmother assured him.

Dad wants a real family Christmas motif? Now I really smell something. He bit into a piece of shortbread and drank his cocoa to soothe his taste buds. Dad’s being nice and Lionel’s coming in from Metropolis to see it?

Something was definitely wrong in River City.

Chapter 3 [Next day—Journalism class]

Mrs. Colavitto spent much of the next day discussing the class’s last assignment. For her as well as the students, the semester had flown by much too quickly. She had to admit that she never was as close with a group as that one. Next term, they’ll all be ready for the Knight. “Today concerns business affairs. Classifieds. Local establishments. The big events. Business keeps the community going. It pays for a reporter to keep an eye on these things. One never knows who will be there.”

“My father’s taking me to Mayor Thomas’ party in Springfield,” Adrienne bragged.

“And there will be big names there, Adrienne. How about the rest of you? Any exciting Christmas parties?” the teacher agreed.

“There’s always Dave vs. his father—the yuletide edition,” Steve quipped.

“What’s this?” Adrienne inquired.

“Chill out, Adrienne, your dance is still the headliner,” Dave assured her. “My Dad’s Christmas party’s the 22nd. Typical executive thing. Lots of local businessmen shooting hot air around the room. Just to add something, Mrs. C., now if you really want to know what’s going on, hang out at the bar, especially later on in the evening. One never knows what’ll slip out when the tongue’s been…lubed if you get my drift?”

His teacher had to smile. For a freshman, that was an incredible insight. “If you can position yourself, that’s right.”

“Besides, Steve, Dad isn’t the main part of the bill. Oh no, that’s Uncle Lionel. Wait until you meet him, Karen. He’s a real trip, all right,” Dave declared knowingly.

That got Adrienne’s attention too. He and Karen are going to this thing together? It figures! “Uncle Lionel? We’re talking about big business and you’re speaking about some beloved uncle? Where’s he coming in from that it’s such a big deal?”

“Metropolis. Yeah, he’s been buddies with my Dad for years. He founded this dinky outfit called LuthorCorp. Maybe you’ve heard of it?” Dave cracked.

Mrs. Colavito nearly dropped the chalk. “You’re talking about Lionel Luthor! He’s only one of the biggest industrialists in the country! And you know him?”

“For the past fourteen years. His wife—Aunt Lillie—is really sweet and kind. But you want the definition of a shark, that’s him,” Dave informed them. “Not one of America’s Most Beloved.”

“Still, you think you can get an interview with him? Maybe you and Karen can work together? If you can, it would be an instant byline for you both in the Gazette!” the teacher asked them.

“Is that okay, Dave? I’m fine with it but if he’s anything like your father, I won’t push it,” Karen inquired.

Dave sat silently, mulling over the situation and wondering how he could turn it to his advantage without catching her in the crossfire.

“He scares you, doesn’t he?” Adrienne jabbed.

[Aye. After all, he gave ye to me! The witch proclaimed triumphantly.]

He chortled angrily, feeling his head going numb. “Me…afraid of the LIE-boy? Look, I’ve been dealing with that slime since I was four years old! He’s already ruined my life!” He seethed with hot rage, slamming his fist down on the desk for emphasis. “And he arranged for Dad to buy that house! AFRAID? NOT A CHANCE!”

Mrs. Colavitto gulped. My word! No wonder he’s so angry! He’s not scared of him. He’s scared what HE’LL DO TO HIM.

“After what I saw there, I’m not afraid of anything! Now you don’t rush in against this creep or he’ll eat your lunch. Nooo….you prepare. Do some research or, as in my case, use an inside angle.” Dave rubbed his hands together and a big knowing grin spread across his face. “And I think I know what.”

“Uh, Dave?” April asked.

“Yeah?” he replied.

“That’s the smile you had the day Randy went back to Ludlow. You’re up to something, aren’t you?”

“Who me? Nah. I’m just thinking of what I’m going to wear,” he deadpanned.

Karen rolled her eyes, knowing she was going to be right in between Irresistible Force, Immovable Object with the Banshee Express roaring down on both of them. Oh this is going to be such a treat! Such a treat indeed!

Chapter 4 [Saturday, December 22]

[noon]

Dave and his grandmother spent much of that day preparing for the Big Event. After getting the chores out of the way early, they picked up the dry cleaning, stopped at the bank for some cash, did the shopping and even stopped for lunch.

“Say, Gram? Do we have time for one more stop?” he asked as they finished their sandwiches at Cappuccino Express.

“Sure. What did you have in mind?” she asked.

“The florist. I wanted to get Karen something for her dress. So I ordered a…what is that?...it starts with a c,” he revealed.

She laughed warmly. “A corsage maybe?”

He flushed, feeling suddenly shy at the moment.

“Actually that’s really a nice thought on your part. Come on,” she agreed.

*****

[Floral Emporium]

They walked into the store and looked around at the coolers full of pretty flowers and the nice foliage and ferns.

“Hey, Dave!” Marina, the student clerk, greeted. “Getting ready for tonight?”

“I am. How are April and her parents doing?” he inquired.

“They’re having fun at Mount Snow. April asked that you take lots of pictures of that place,” Marina reported. “And I know what you want. Just a minute.” She headed for the back only to return a minute later with a small box. “Dr. Alvarez checked it over this morning.”

“What do we owe you?” Janet inquired.

“Nothing, Ma ‘am. He paid for it as a thank you for taking Karen to that party tonight,” Marina replied.

“Can we get him that gift certificate now, Gram?” he asked.

“Definitely. But knowing Dr. Alvarez, as long as you both are happy, that’s good enough for him,” Janet assured him. “By the way, who’s your friend?”

He kicked himself. “Oops. Gram, this is Marina Santoro. Marina, my grandmother, Janet Dubois. My apologies for being rude, Ladies.”

“That’s all right, Dave. It’s nice to meet you, Marina. What year are you?” Janet inquired.

“I’m a junior. Actually, Mrs. Dubois, I’m also the Features editor for the White Knight. Say, Dave, maybe I can grab an interview with you and Karen about tonight?” Marina requested.

“This has Mrs. C written all over it,” he chuckled. “Why not? If Karen’s okay with it, then I am too.”

“Thanks, Dave. And do have fun tonight,” his friend wished.

He smiled. “I’ll try. Wish me luck, Marina.”

“You’ll be fine,” Marina assured him.

As they walked out, Janet hoped, I certainly hope so. Stuart, hopefully you and Lionel won’t try anything. Just be there for a pleasant evening!

*****

[4:30 PM]

Dave stood in the guest bedroom, fussing with his tie and trying to get it right. Finally, after 45 minutes, the knot came out right. He smoothed the crimson tie with tiny white polka dots and looked at himself in the mirror. The white shirt went well with the dark navy blazer and slacks. His black shoes, polished to catch the lamplight, reflected the dim lighting there.

“Very sharp, Mr. D,” his grandmother complimented, as she entered the room behind him, “and you even did your tie right.” She smiled at him. “This is going to be a night to remember, Dave. Promise me that you’re going to have a good time.”

“I’m not looking for a fight, Gram. Tell Dad that,” he retorted.

“I did this morning. Technically, this is your first date,” she pointed out.

“Kind of. We’re going as friends.” He shrugged, looking away from her as he fussed with his clothes again.

Uh huh. Yeah right. And I’m the Queen of Sheeba. “That’s all right, Dave. Karen’s a great friend. You’re fine. Let’s go downstairs.”

He looked at her in the lavender woolen dress and low heeled dress shoes. Her hair was done up in a bun. “And you look great! I wonder if someone can have two dates?”

She rolled her eyes as they walked down the stairs. “You do. That is if you don’t mind me being with you two tonight?”

“Why would we mind? Karen really likes you, Gram,” he indicated.

She sighed. Just give it some time and I wonder what the answer would be. Ah, Dave, you’re a treasure. Even when I can see that you two care about each other, you still take time for an old woman like me. “And I appreciate that.” She gave him a hug.

Then the doorbell rang.

Janet answered it to find Dr. Alvarez standing there with Karen and Caroline. “Hi! Come on in!”

“Thank you. It’s chilly out there!” the superintendent expressed, guiding his daughters into the room and shutting the door.

“How’s everyone tonight?” Dave asked, shaking Dr. Alvarez’s hand.

“We’re great,” Caroline replied, checking the film over in her camera. “Karen, can you and Dave get a picture together?”

“Sure,” Karen agreed, taking off her blue overcoat and showing off her blue blouse and white skirt. Pointing at her styled hair, she expressed, “I think it’s a little much. What do you think, Dave?”

As she said that, an early beam of moonlight poured in, catching her. In it, her eyes sparkled, her hair shimmered and her skin glistened.

He blinked, trying to keep a straight face when his emotions were going off the scale.

[Oh ain’t this sweet? Git on an’ kiss ‘er already, Boy! Yer makin’ me sick! the witch complained.]

[Quit it!] He winced, feeling the burning again.

“Dave?” Dr. Alvarez asked.

Karen looked at his right hand and saw the symbol glowing faintly there. “Stop it!” she yelled to the ceiling. “Leave him alone!”

“What?” Caroline asked. “Karen, what is it?”

“Nothing. Dave’s having one of his fits. Mrs. Dubois, we’ll be right back,” Karen noted. She led them into the kitchen and closed the door behind them. “Of all the times for her to show up….”

“Sorry, Karen. You can dress me up but you still can’t take me out,” he quipped.

“Dave, be serious for five minutes, all right?” she declared. “Are you going to be okay in there with all three of them ready to nail you?”

“No but that’s not going to stop me. I’m bound and determined to have a good time one way or the other,” he vowed.

“Well you did get your suit cleaned and hair cut. Now those are events!” she teased.

“What about the wave?” he countered, pointing to her hair.

“So you did notice?” she asked. “Mom and Caroline pushed me into the salon chair. Do you…well…like it?”

“Honestly?” he inquired.

“Unless you think I’m ugly, well yeah, Dummy,” she countered.

“Not a chance. Karen, you look great,” he complimented, gazing at her intently.

“You do too, Dave,” she agreed, staring into his eyes and lingering there for a full minute.

Then Janet stuck her head in and took in the scene developing in front of her. Just friends? Dave, Dave, Dave…open your eyes. Someday, I hope we can let them live a little. She smiled, giving them a minute before cutting in, “Sorry. Are you doing all right, Dave?”

“Huh?” he asked, shaking himself out of the reverie. “Oh yeah. I wanted to get her package out of the fridge.”

“That’s behind you, Hotshot,” she teased.

He flushed slightly while reaching into the fridge and pulling out the corsage box. “This is for you.”

“Dave! That’s really sweet,” she expressed. “Thank you.”

“Hang on,” he told her, putting the plastic strap around her wrist. “There! It looks great!”

“I stopped and got this for you. We lucked out,” she replied, holding up a white lapel rose. “Hold still.” She pinned it on. “And that makes two.”

“Thanks,” he noted. “Let’s get back to your Dad and sister before they start worrying.”

They walked back into the living room where his grandmother had already rejoined their guests.

“Everything all right?” Karen’s father inquired.

“Now it is,” Dave assured him. “Thank you for the assist, Dr. Alvarez. I would like to make it up to you.”

Dr. Alvarez waved the request off. “Think nothing of it. My little girl’s first date should be special. Since it’s yours as well, let’s top it off.”

Caroline aimed the camera. “Smile, you two.” She snapped the picture. “That’s going to be great.”

“Okay. Janet, if you’re going to be driving back after 10:30, call me please?” Dr. Alvarez requested. “I can come and get you if needed.”

“Absolutely,” she agreed.

“And, Dave, I know you’ll be a gentleman, right?” he queried.

“Daddy!” Karen protested.

“Don’t worry. I wouldn’t do anything to hurt her, Sir,” Dave replied earnestly.

“Thank you. I know that,” the anxious father affirmed. “Well go on. You don’t want to be late.”

“Come on, Kids,” Janet urged, putting on her own coat and watching them do the same. Then they walked out into the night air.

“See you, Sweetheart,” Dr. Alvarez concluded, kissing her on the cheek.

“Thanks, Daddy,” she returned.

“Have fun, Dave, and relax,” he added.

“I’ll try,” the teen promised, taking his friend’s hand in his left and his grandmother’s hand in his right. “I’ll definitely try.”

Chapter 5 [Westfield, Forest Peaks Lodge]

[5:15 PM]

Stuart and Randy entered the room and looked around at the surroundings. Thanks to Lionel’s assistance, the affair would be first rate with a catered banquet and a premier quartet brought up from New York. Festive red and green streamers adorned the walls. Matching table cloths did the same for the eating area.

“Wow,” Randy declared in awe.

“Like it?” he asked, looking at the ceiling. At some point in the evening, mistletoe sprigs would drop out of the ceiling on unsuspecting random couples. (Of course, Lionel arranged for a planned one.) “This is going to be a great night.”

“I can’t believe Dave’s bringing that girl with him!” Randy exclaimed.

“Just stay as far out of their way as possible, Randy. I mean that. No, I think your brother needs some space tonight,” his father explained.

Randy arched his brow as the candle flickered in his mind. Dad’s up to something. If he’s going to embarrass them, I want to be in on it! He still remembered the suspension as well as the night in jail from the previous month.

“Trust me. Everything’s taken care of,” the conniving father informed him. “Well taken care of indeed. Let’s wait for Uncle Lionel to show up.”

*****

[5:45 PM]

During the drive down, Janet allowed Dave and Karen to talk in the backseat, hoping that their conversation would loosen everyone’s nerves a bit.

“Mind if I read something?” he asked.

“Is this the poem?” his grandmother wondered.

“Poem?” Karen inquired.

“The poem I’m writing for Aunt Lillie,” he noted.

“Sure,” Janet agreed. “I’m up for some happy thoughts.”

“It’s called ‘Spirit of the Season’. Here goes….

Spirit of the Season
By David Dubois

As the season’s clock turns
Its hand strikes nine
The sun sets behind the ferns
Fire’s colors lighting the sky

Outside, green is gone
Powder flies
Plants wait for spring’s dawn
And for Hades’ bride

Even so
While the world sleeps
From a window to the soul
A gentle light creeps

Her house is all alight
Her table is full
With many a delight
Over which to mull

The lady welcomes all
She’s a gem
To her table, she does call
And welcomes them

She warms with kind word
She delights with praise
Even as your weary heart
She does raise.

She stands out
This paragon of Love
Armed with Honesty’s clout
And the gentleness of a dove

Auntie, I admire you so
How you stand for a good thing
You inspire me to grow
The best in me, you do bring.

Merry Christmas.
Amherst, MA 12/1979”

He took a breath and wiped his eye. Noting the silence in the car, he asked, “I knew it stinks.”

Karen stared at him. “You really wrote that?”

“I’m a closet poet. Don’t tell anyone,” he revealed.

“He really is,” Janet added. “Dave, that was wonderful.”

Karen giggled. “This is pretty funny actually.”

“What is?” he inquired.

“You must have been in agony watching Mr. Wilson trying to compose a stanza on the board,” Karen guessed.

“You were doing poetry this week, were you?” Janet presumed. “Dave must have been in Heaven.”

“Two weeks ago. Actually, Mr. Wilson hates poetry,” he indicated. “He went through some examples to get us through the motions. That man should never be allowed to read a love poem.”

“Dave! You shouldn’t talk about your teachers like that,” his grandmother admonished.

“With all due respect, he’s right. So let me guess, you wrote a few other things too, I suppose?” Karen asked. Seeing him nod, she shook her head. “No wonder you seemed a million miles away. But, Dave, why did you play dumb when he called on you?”

“I don’t want him making fun of me,” he retorted.

“Dave, I don’t believe it! With the things you stand up for, this kind of art isn’t one of them? Promise me that you’ll say something. For all of our sakes,” Karen insisted. “You can tell us all more about poetry in an hour than Mr. Wilson could in a week!”

“This is a gift for someone so I don’t want it leaked. But I will tell you what. If Mr. Wilson will let me, I’ll do it. Can we get some advice from your Dad on how to handle this first?” he requested.

“Fair enough,” Karen agreed as they pulled into the parking lot.

“I’ll be interested to hear how this comes out,” Janet indicated as she parked the car. “Meantime, everyone out for the party!”

Here we go. He got out first and helped them out next.

“Need a hand, Gram?” he wondered.

“Thanks but I’m all right. Walk beside Karen,” she declined, adding a slight suggestion.

“Are you sure?” Karen inquired.

“I just want to make sure the coast is clear,” the older woman indicated.

The two teenagers walked slowly keeping her in view.

“How are you doing?” she asked.

“Hanging in there. Can I tell you a secret?” he replied.

“Sure,” she agreed.

“I’m glad you’re here with me, Karen,” he admitted.

She smiled at him. “No problem. Someone’s got to keep you out of trouble, right?”

“Yeah,” he agreed. “Come on. It’s time to go in and face the music.”

“Remember, Chief, you aren’t alone,” she reminded him, as they headed for the door.

Onto Part 2