Four Hundred Sixty Three

Four Hundred Sixty Three
"But what is the one thing you really want, Alicia"?
"I dont really know. I haven't thought about it to be honest. I'm always thinking of the kids y' know? I would love an original piece of John Lennon's artwork. It's impossible to obtain though. I have been looking forever for a copy of a 'Spaniard In The Works'. It's so hard to find a first edition signed by him".
"Well... You should ask Santa anyway".
'And you should ask Santa for some things, too"
"I haven't been good this year".
"Santa forgives everyone, Jonathan".
"It sounds really dumb. I've always wanted like a real high powered telescope. And... its nerdy... but I remember being in high school and drama class"...
"I keep forgetting you and Heather were theatre geeks", she laughs.
"Yeah... The first play I ever did was "You Can't Take it With You".
"What's it about"? she asks curiously.
"I don't want to give too much away. Basically, the female lead works for a company and she falls in love with the owners son. He is filthy rich and her family is rather eccentric. It causes conflict in their relationship. It's a comedy. It's really silly, but theres a message and a lesson to be learned. Never mind", I shrug.
'Ok now I'm curious about this play".
"I lost my script years ago. It would be nice to have another one".
"Well maybe Santa can get you another script. What other plays were you in"? She asks.
"Ehhh. I don't want to bore you with my dorkiness. I'm surely gonna lose mad cool points".
"No. I'm really curious. It seems that drama class made you happy".
"It did. My parents thought it was stupid and a waste of time".
"What made you drawn to it"?
"It was an escape. I could be someone else and pretend. It was the only real escape I had from the shit show that was my life".
"I could have married a movie star"!
"Doubtful! A struggling playwright or starving Theatre actor... probably".
"You truly amaze me. Every single day. Do you know that"?
'I don't see how," I mutter.
"Just when I think I know everything about you... I find out things from your past and I love you even more".
"I'm just a boring dude", I shrug.
"You aren't boring at all".
"I'm guessing Cecily will be here by Christmas"? Alicia asks.
"I don't know. I'm assuming so".
"I really need to get home. I haven't cleared out Rachael's old room".
"I have to go to the restaurant this evening anyway to pop in at a private event. I will ask him then. You know what. I think I will do that now. Sooner I pop up, the sooner I can leave".
"You should go home afterwards and get some sleep".
"I was gonna come back and hang out with you".
"You don't have to. I'm totally cool with just watching tv in bed. Maybe read a bit".
"You're kicking me out"?
"Never. I just know the world doesn't stop just because I'm in the hospital. You have responsibilities and obligations. I need you to spend time with Estella and Dominic. They need one of us there with them".
"Honey, I'm sorry. I know you want to go home and they're taking forever".
"It's okay".
"I will talk to Lisa and see what I can do to get you home quicker. I love you"
"I love you, too. I will see you tomorrow", she nods.
........

"Any idea when she will be released"? Gretchen asks.
"I hope within the next few days. Christmas is next week. She's really sad about possibly missing it with her family".
I take a seat behind my desk and rest my head in my hands. I'm so fucking tired.
"That has to be so stressful. I can definitely understand why they're keeping her a bit longer. No spleen, and the fact she almost didn't make it", she shudders.
"How are you holding up"?
"I'm okay", I sigh heavily.
"Between the hospital, the kids, and therapy for you and Avery-- being here... and the second restaurant, and the gallery"...
"I'm spread pretty thin, but it keeps my mind from wandering".
"I'm so sad for her. To possibly be in the hospital on Christmas".
I lean back in my seat and loosen my tie.
"Gretchen? What was Christmas like for her before we met"?
"She always spent it working. I always invited her over, but she always refused".
"She would be alone"?
"She had that boyfriend that one year. I think they spent it with his friends, but other than that... She was in her office working".
"She gave me a list of things she wanted to do for Christmas", I laugh.
"Things she want to do with her family".
"I wonder if I can pull it off?
"I know you want her to have everything she's always wanted". Gretchen gives me a hug.
"We've got a packed house out there"! Anthony sighs.
"Yeah. You didn't yell me that the private party was for the freaking New York Post, Anthony"!
"It's good publicity, and perfect for your cousin to show up with her daughter".
"Thats happening tonight"? Gretchen asks.
"Yeah. I mean it's perfect. It will happen in a setting where you can really sale the story. Everyone will know they're in town, and it will make it more believable that Cecily is your niece".
"But it's a private party".

"Yeah, but they don't know that. They're literally coming here to surprise you. And it will happen at a Christmas party for the post".
"That's a good idea Anthony"! Gretchen nods.
"Gianna Lucia Russo
Age 17
Date of birth is April 12th
Her mother is Cheryl Russo, who is your mother's younger sister.
Your mother and Cheryl didn't really get along. Cheryl was sorta out of control as a teenager. She was sent away because she become involved with some bad things and she had a child out of wedlock".
"Gianna"?
"Yes. Cheryl is back. She's having some problems and can't care for Gianna. That's where you come in".