“Where are we putting the tree this time?” Zac asked his father.
“Well, you’re Mom felt like it was in the way last year, because it sort of blocked the doorway into the hallway, so we’re gonna put it up over there by the fireplace this year.” He answered.
“Is that smart? I mean, what if it catches on fire?” Zac asked.
He was met with a look, “I’m not stupid, Zac. It won’t be in the fireplace or even close enough to catch on fire.” He narrowed his eyes, “Unless, of course, a couple of my sons decide to play with fire—“
“That was Taylor!” Zac exclaimed.
“Yeah, yeah. Whatever. I’m sure he had no help from you.” His father said, walking away from him.
“Taylor doesn’t need any help from me to catch stuff on fire…” Zac muttered, walking into the kitchen. There, his older brother and his sisters were all up to their elbows in flour and sugar and all the other things it takes to make holiday treats.
“Do what?” Taylor asked absently, hearing his name. He was looking intently at the cook book on the counter.
“Nothing. What are you guys doing?” Zac asked.
Jessica turned to him, “We’re building a house, wanna help?”
“Shut up smart ass.” He said. “I can see you’re making a mess, I was just curious as to what you were making.”
“I’m gonna tell Mom you called me a smart ass.” She said.
“Mom’s not here.” He teased.
“Everybody shut up. I can’t concentrate.” Taylor said. He then turned to Zac, “We’re making cookies.” He said. “How do you “cream” butter and sugar together? What’s that mean?”
Zac shrugged. “I don’t know, maybe you add milk. Or cream.” He said.
“Hmmm…” Taylor thought. “How much? I mean, wouldn’t it be listed in the ingredients if you were supposed to add milk?” He asked.
“I don’t know. You’ll have to ask Mom.” Zac said, pinching a piece of brown sugar from the chunk that lay on the counter.
“But you just said Mom’s not here.” Taylor said, his eyes turning to his brother’s.
“She’s not.”
“Then how am I supposed to ask her?” Taylor asked.
Zac rolled his eyes, “I don’t know! Call her cell phone!”
“Where is she?” Taylor asked.
“It’s her cell phone numbnuts, it doesn’t matter where she is. It’s the same number either way.” Zac replied.
His brother turned to face him as their sisters laughed. “I know that dickhead. I’m not stupid. I just didn’t want to call her if she’s sitting in church or like, at some dying person’s bedside or whatever.”
“Yeah, cuz Mom’s always following dying people around…” Zac said, grabbing a handful of chocolate chips.
“Hey!” Taylor cried, slapping Zac’s hand away, “Those are for cookies!”
“Whatever.” He said, dropping them in his mouth. “I’m s’posed to get you anyway, cuz Dad and Ike are bringing the tree in. They need some skinny person to help them.”
“Guess that let’s you off the hook.” Taylor grumbled, wiping his hands on the towel that hung on the door of the stove.
At 16 and 14, Taylor and Zac loved nothing better than to insult each other, much to the delight of their siblings. Except for Isaac. He’d had about enough of it…
*****
"Dad, you don’t want Tay going up backwards, he’ll trip and we’ll kill him.” Isaac said, his breath leaving little clouds in the cold December air.
“Yeah, like last year.” Zac said, grunting under the weight of the trunk of the huge tree they held.
“Alright, Taylor, you come back here and take my side, and I’ll get the top.” Their father said.
“Man…” Taylor whined. “That’s where all the sap is. My fingers will stick to the keys—“
“Just shut up and do what you’re told.” Zac groused. “This thing is heavy.”
Taylor took his place and grabbed onto the branches and together, they hoisted the tree up the steps and carefully, through the front door. Once inside, Jessica and Avery hurriedly moved furniture out of their way so that they could place the tree in front of the window. “Now, you guys get the lights on.” Walker said, looking down at his watch. “I have to go pick up your mother because her car is in the shop.”
“Where’s she at?” Taylor asked. “I need to ask her something.”
“She went shopping.” His father answered. “Now, no fighting.” He said, pointing in their direction. “When your Mom and I get back, we’ll all put the ornaments on. She dropped Mack and Zoe off at Grandma’s, so once we get them, we oughta be home. You all watch your sisters.” He said, then he turned and went out the front door.
“Zac, did you bring the lights up like Dad asked?” Isaac said.
“Yeah, I stacked them over there in the corner.” He said, pointing.
“What about the tree stand?” Isaac asked, looking over at the tall stack of boxes in the corner.
“Nobody said anything about that!” Zac said.
Isaac glared at him, “Oh, is the tree just supposed to stand up all on its own?” He asked.
“Why can’t Tay go get it? Why do I have to do all the grunt work?” Zac complained.
“I’m making cookies.” Taylor said.
“Yeah, you go do it. We need him to stir the batter.” Avery said, taking Taylor’s hand and pulling him towards the kitchen.
“I wish I’d been born petite and girly.” Zac said, watching as they pulled him out of the room, a smile plastered on his face.
“He’s like, six feet tall, I don’t think there’s anything “petite” about him.” Isaac said, backing up and looking at where the tree stood, leaning up against the wall. “Is that too close to the fireplace?” He asked.
Zac put his hands on his hips, “Dad said it wasn’t, and since I’m just a grunt, I didn’t ask any questions.”
Isaac looked over at him, “Oh, you big baby. Just go get the stupid stand like you should have in the first place.”
Zac threw his hands out, “Whatever. Fine.” He said, and he stomped down the basement stairs.
*****
"It’s leaning too far toward the window.” Zac said to his brother who was hidden by the low hanging branches of a very large pine tree.
“Well, you pull it toward you then, and I’ll tighten up the screws on that side.” Isaac spat. They’d been trying to get the tree to stand upright, and be straight for twenty minutes and Isaac’s arms were getting very tired.
Taylor walked in, “It’s crooked.” He said.
“Really?!” Zac mocked him. “And I thought it was as straight as you are! Oh wait, it IS!” He crowed.
“You’re just jealous, Zac.” Taylor said, wiping his hands on the apron Avery had tied around his waist. “If you’re good, I’ll let you have a cookie. I made some lo-cal ones just for you.”
“Would you all shut up and help me out here?!” Isaac groaned.
“Push it towards the window, Zac, but lean it towards the fire place.” Taylor said.
“How can I push it and lean it at the same time?” He griped.
Taylor walked over and reached his long arms in and pulled the tree towards the fireplace, “See? That should do it.” He said.
“Thank you, Lord.” Isaac said, pulling himself out from under the tree and cracking his back.
“You’re welcome.” Taylor said, smiling. Just then, Jessica’s voice came out of the kitchen, calling him back. “Well, call me when you need someone smart, and talented, and mechanically inclined—“
“Don’t make me break you in half.” Zac said, pushing him out the door.
“Yeah, like you could.” Taylor barked.
*****
When the smoke detector went off in the kitchen, Isaac dropped the string of lights he was holding and rushed in to see what was happening. He ran in to see his brother whacking the stove top with a towel as another went up in flames. “Mom’s Christmas towel is on fire!” Avery shouted.
Isaac grabbed a pan out of the sink and filled it with water, then threw it in the general direction of the stove. While it did help that Taylor’s towel was wet now, it also drenched him in cold water. The wet slap splashed black, sooty water up onto him and he turned, looking at him. “What if it’d been a grease fire, you could have killed me!!” He yelped, water running off his bangs down his nose.
“I don’t know, I just did the first thing I thought of!” Isaac yelled back.
“Man, that was some freezing water!” Taylor shuddered, as his sisters laughed. The timer went off then, and Taylor shook his head, and opened the oven, “Hmmm…” He said, gazing in.
“Well, they smell good.” Isaac said, putting the pan back in the sink.
“I think they got too wet.” Taylor said, pulling the cookie sheet out and placing it on top of the mess on the stove, causing the water to sizzle.
“The door wasn’t even open!” Isaac defended himself.
“No, I mean, I think I might have put too much milk in the batter.” Taylor said, poking one of the puddles of cookie on the metal pan.
“I don’t think you add milk to cookies ‘til after you’ve baked them.” Isaac said, looking at the chocolate chips, melted amid the gooey mass.
“Well, Zac told me to.” Taylor said, sliding a spatula under the sugary confection. “Maybe we could eat it like pudding…” He mused.
Jessica stood with her hands on her hips, “I knew that was too much milk.” She said. “Mom never does that.”
“Yeah.” Avery piped in.
Taylor threw the oven mitt off his hand and onto the counter, “Well, why didn’t you say something!?” He said.
“Because you said you were gonna call her!” She retorted.
“It was busy!” He said back, placing his hands on his hips.
“So you listened to Zac? He can’t make microwave popcorn!” She yelled. Then she looked up at the clock, “Dang, we gotta go to dance class. Ike, Mom said you’d take us.” She said, expectantly.
“Why am I always the chauffeur?” He groused.
“Same reason I’m always the grunt!!” Zac called from the other room.
“I could do it!” Taylor said, a gleam in his eye.
“No way. You just got your license.” Isaac said.
“So? I won’t wreck.” Taylor replied.
“I know you won’t, because you’re not driving anywhere.” Isaac said, pulling his keys from his pocket.
“Come on, dude! I need the practice!” Taylor pleaded.
“I don’t think Mom would appreciate you practicing with Jess and Avie in the car.” Isaac stated. He then looked at his sisters, “C’mon you guys, let’s go.”
*****
Zac and Taylor sat on the couch, bowls of cookie goo in their hands. “Really, this is kinda good.” Zac said, licking the spoon to get all the chocolate off it.
“Yeah. Still, I’d rather it be more…cookie-like.” Taylor said, “It would be awfully hard to take this stuff to Aunt Nancy’s on Christmas Eve.” He said, using his finger to wipe some out of the bottom of the bowl.
“Well, it’s not like the cookies would have lasted ‘til then anyway, that’s like, two days away. Cookies have no shelf life around here.” Zac leaned back against the couch and looked at what was left in his bowl, “It could be packaged like…yogurt.” He said. “We could just call it Milk-n-Cookies. It’s brilliant. You’re smarter than you look.” He said, looking over at his brother.
“Thanks.” Taylor said, sitting his bowl down and standing. He looked at the clock. “We better get the stupid lights on. When they get home they’re all gonna be chomping at the bit to put ornaments on.” He said.
Zac sighed, “Yeah, you’re right. Why do we have to do the crummy job? The needles hurt and we get sap all over us. It’s sucky.”
“Dad used to have to do it. That’s why they have kids, y’know—so they can eventually stop doing all the sucky jobs. Ike has to take the brats to their lessons, you have to carry lights up from the basement, I have to invent new and different food forms.” He laughed at his own joke. He stepped over and picked up the string of lights Isaac had dropped. “Man, y’all didn’t get very far, did you?” He said, looking at his younger brother.
“No, because somebody tried to burn down the kitchen.” Zac said, standing as well. “Come on, Stretch. You can get the top and I’ll get the bottom.” He said, and they began to put the lights on.
Twenty minutes later Zac was finished. He’d gotten up to where Taylor had started. “Dude, you should have started at the top and gone down.” Zac said, backing up and looking at the tree.
“I don’t think I can reach the top without the ladder.” Taylor said, wrapping the end of his strand around a branch.
Zac rolled his eyes, “You don’t need a ladder. The ladder is out in the garage and it’s cold and it’s heavy. Raise your arms over your head.” He instructed.
Taylor furrowed his brow, but did as he was told. Zac smiled, “See? You could touch the top of the tree if you wanted.” He said.
“Yeah, but I’d knock it over if I did.” Taylor said. “Let’s just go get the ladder.”
“You don’t need the ladder. Just stand in a chair.” Zac said.
Taylor raised an eyebrow and looked around the room, “Mom just bought these chairs. She’ll kill me if she sees big footprints in the seat. Besides, they’re all squishy and stuff.” He noted.
“Here.” Zac said, pulling the old rocker towards the tree. “You stand here, and I’ll hold it so it doesn’t rock.”
“How stupid do you think I am?!” Taylor exclaimed. “I’m not standing in a rocking chair!”
“I’ll hold it. It’s not going anywhere. You probably only weigh 113 pounds. Believe me, I can hold it steady. You’re not gonna fall.” Zac assured him.
“Would you all cut it out with the ‘he’s so skinny’ stuff?” Taylor said, his hands going to his hips. “I weigh 160.” He said.
“Whatever. I can still hold a stupid rocking chair steady.” Zac said, putting his own hands on his hips.
“Why don’t we just go get the ladder?” Taylor pleaded, eyeing the rocker.
“Cuz I’ve already gone up and down the basement stairs twenty times today and I don’t feel like it. Just because I’m not as delicate as you and Ike, they make me do everything.” Zac complained.
“I’m not delicate, you jerk.” Taylor spat.
“Then get your manly self up on the chair and let’s get the stupid lights on so we can catch “Die Hard” in the family room. It comes on in a half an hour. It’s part of the Greatest Christmas Movies Marathon!”
“Die Hard’s not a Christmas movie!” Taylor argued.
“Yeah it is.” Zac countered, pulling the chair over next to the tree. “Don’t you remember the dead guy with the Santa hat on?”
Taylor sighed and shook his head, “Should we at least move the tree out of the corner? It’s kinda tight there—“
“It’s fine. Just toss the lights over the top. That will be in the corner, no one will notice if they aren’t perfectly wound into the branches.” Zac placed his foot under the rocker and demonstrated how steady the old chair was. “See? No problem.”
Taylor eyed him dubiously and shook his head, “Alright. But hold it steady. If you make me fall, I’ll get you back.” He said.
“You’re not gonna fall.” Zac chided him. “Here, I’ll push it right next to the tree, just step over the arm…”
Taylor placed two bundles of lights in his arms, and carefully placed his foot in the chair. Sure enough, it felt solid. Zac kept his hands firmly on the back of the chair and his foot was wedged under the rocker to keep it from being unstable. Soon, the tree was nearly covered in lights. Zac’s mood was improving. “This is a pretty tree, isn’t it?” He asked his brother.
“Yeah, it is. I was afraid they were gonna get a fake one this year.” Taylor commented, tossing a wire over the top of the tree and pulling it toward him.
“I know. Mom about had a cow last year when she found out water got on the floor and messed up the finish.” Zac agreed.
Taylor shook his head, twisting the lights around the branch in front of him. “Yep. I don’t blame her though, it sucked because they finally thought we were all old enough not to ruin the floor and stuff, spent all that money getting it refinished and then in no time, big old water spot. Still, I’d miss the smell.” He got to the end of the strand he was working on and plugged the one in his arms into the last one he’d put on. “Dangit. These one’s don’t work.” He said, as it failed to light up.
“Is there a bulb missing?” Zac asked, looking around him to see if he could tell by looking.
Taylor untangled the string, but couldn’t see an obvious missing bulb. “I don’t see any missing. Maybe one is just out. These must be old.” He said unplugging it from the previous strand. He looked over his shoulder, “Are there any more over there?” He asked.
“Lemme look…” Zac said, and he stepped toward the corner where he’d stacked the many boxes of lights. As his foot left its place under the rocker, it immediately tipped back with the weight of his brother.
In a split second, Zac realized what he’d done, but it was too late. Taylor had tried to steady himself by grabbing the only thing close, the tree. But it wasn’t heavy or solid enough to keep him from losing his balance. As his feet went out from under him, the tree was pulled toward him and the two of them went crashing down onto the chair and then the fireplace hearth. Zac heard the sound of splintering wood and a sickening thud as Taylor’s back hit the stone and his head met the floor. The tree rested comfortably on its side on top of it all.
“Oh God, I’m sorry!” Zac exclaimed, rushing back to the spot. “Tay, God, don’t move or anything, lemme get this tree off ya…”
Taylor was pretty sure he wasn’t dead because of the searing pain he was feeling in his back, but he was scared he would be soon because he couldn’t seem to get any air into his lungs. It was as if they’d slammed shut and the lock had been turned. He literally saw stars and it had nothing to do with the Christmas decorations they’d brought up from the basement that day. “Uuuuh…” was the only sound he could muster as he desperately tried to breathe again.
“Oh god, oh god, oh god…” Zac chanted. “Can you move?” He asked, shoving the tree off his prostrate brother.
Taylor couldn’t be bothered with Zac’s questions. He needed oxygen. Badly.
“Oh God, Tay—are you alright? Can you see me? Oh God, what if something’s broken? Don’t move!” He implored, and he ran to the kitchen to call 911.
*****
Isaac arrived just after his parents. He wondered why they’d parked so far back in the driveway, but soon he realized it was because there was a fire truck and an ambulance taking up the spots closest to the house. “What’s going on?!” Avery cried.
“I have no idea!” He said, slamming the car into park and flinging the door open. He ran as fast as he’d ever run before, up the driveway and through the open front door. His living room was full of people, including his father who was comforting Zac who appeared to be crying, or at least had been very recently.
On the couch, Taylor sat, surrounded by people who were talking to him and taking various readings as he protested. His mother held a towel to the back of his head and helped him to fend off all the questions. The house didn’t appear to be on fire, though the Christmas tree they’d worked so hard to stand upright that morning lay pitifully sprawled in the middle of the living room floor next to the remains of his mother’s old wooden rocking chair. A chair she’d rocked him in as an infant along with all six of his siblings who’d come after him. As Avery and Jessica entered the house, the room got that much more crowded. “Zac, what the heck happened?” He asked, stepping towards his younger brother.
Taking a shuddering breath, Zac turned red eyes toward him, “I thought I killed him or broke his back or something…” He sniffed. “And then there was blood—“
“Zac, it wasn’t your fault. You didn’t do anything on purpose.” Walker continued to try to calm his son, but he wasn’t having much of an effect and Isaac was no closer to knowing what had happened. He looked back at the mass of people by the sofa to see a woman shining a flashlight into Taylor’s eyes.
“Ike! Zac almost killed Taylor!” Mackenzie crowed, running toward him.
“What happened!?” Isaac cried.
“He shoved him off the rocker and into the fireplace. There’s blood on the floor over there!!” The little boy pointed.
Isaac could hardly believe what he was hearing. “Were they fighting? I mean, I know they were kinda testy with each other this morning, but…dang.” He said, looking back at Zac.
“I dunno. Just when we got here, Mom started freaking cuz she saw ambulance people and stuff and when we got in here we thought maybe there was a fire, but it wasn’t. Except for a towel in the kitchen. But they were here because Taylor couldn’t move and Zac was saying he was sorry and stuff—man, I bet he’s gonna be in big trouble now.”
“But why did he shove him? I don’t get it.” Isaac was trying to figure it all out.
Mackenzie shrugged his shoulders, “I don’t know. Maybe he was being mean and deserved it.”
“Mack, nobody deserves to be hurt like that.” Isaac said, suddenly parental.
Ignoring the wisdom of his elder brother Mackenzie continued on his original rant, “I bet Santa doesn’t come to see Zac after this one!!!”
*****
At dinner, Zac felt guilty every time he looked at the empty seat in front of him. It was only through sheer stubbornness and whining that Taylor kept from leaving the house in an ambulance. The medics had advised transporting him to the hospital for tests and observation, but he’d assured them he’d merely had the wind knocked out of him and it had scared his brother. His parents had had to sign papers saying they’d refused treatment. But as the day progressed, Diana wasn’t sure they’d made the right decision. Taylor’s lower back had bloomed in gloriously colored bruises and had stiffened to a point where he could barely walk. They’d finally taken him to the emergency room and the doctor there had ordered various tests and scans. Once they’d ruled out a concussion, they’d started him on muscle relaxers and sent him home with strict orders to lie down and not get up unless he had to use the bathroom. The eighteen steps up to his room were out of the question, so now, the couch was covered with a very floppy sixteen year old. His thoughts were interrupted by his mother, talking to his brother. “Ike, I need you to run to the drug store. I’m gonna get that prescription for pain medication filled. The last time he had some, it made him sick, but I don’t think this is the same stuff.” She said, placing the lid down on the pot of Chili. “Anybody need seconds or thirds before I put this in the fridge?”
“Ike, can I go with you?” Zac asked. “I wanna pick up some stuff.”
“Sure.” Isaac said, and he stood and took his bowl to the sink. He then turned and leaned against the counter. “Tomorrow’s Christmas Eve. Are we still going to Aunt Nancy’s?” He asked his parents.
Walker stood and brought his bowl as well, and was followed by the rest of the children. “Well, from the looks of things, I don’t think Tay’ll be going—“
“Awww!” Mackenzie protested. “Grandma said she was bringing pumpkin pie and Casey got my name in the draw and he always gets me something really cool!”
Walker turned to him, his hand on his hip; not a good sign. “I didn’t say you couldn’t go Mr. Selfish. I said I didn’t think it was a good idea for your brother to go.” He sighed and looked at his wife, “When did Christmas just turn into how-much-stuff-can-I-get?”
“I don’t know honey. I guess money and greed can ruin anything. Even Christmas.” She answered.
“I didn’t mean it like that…” Mackenzie said softly. “We can stay here with him.”
Jessica opened the dishwasher and placed her bowl inside, “I think we should. It wouldn’t be right for us to go off and have fun while he’s laying there in pain.” She said.
“I’ll stay here. I’m the one that did it, so I’ll stay with him.” Zac said. And he stuck his bowl in the dishwasher and made a quick retreat to the living room.
“I didn’t mean to make him feel bad.” She said, watching him walk out.
“Well, if he and Taylor weren’t always picking at each other, stuff like that might not happen. I’m sure he didn’t mean for it to happen, but if they had any sense, it wouldn’t have.” Isaac said. “I mean, who stands on rocking chairs?”
“Tay.” Zoe said from her booster seat. She then held her hands up to be unbuckled from her booster seat at the table. “Out.”
“I bet he doesn’t stand in’em anymore.” Avery said, pushing her way in.
*****
“Hey, how ya feeling?” Zac said, sitting carefully on the couch. He watched as Taylor’s eyes slowly focused on him.
“Like shit.” He said.
“Well, you look very stylish in that gown they gave you. You know it probably cost more than that leather jacket you sprung for back in November.” Zac joked.
“Thanks.” Taylor muttered. His face was smashed into the couch, his back bare because his mother had untied the hospital gown he’d worn home so it wouldn’t irritate the scrape that mingled with the bruises. “I didn’t want to raise my arms to put my shirt back on.”
“Mom turned up the heat for you. That is love.” Zac said.
Taylor thought he felt himself smile, but he wasn’t sure. Whatever they’d pumped into him through the vein in his arm made him feel like jelly. Isaac walked in, keys in hand, “C’mon squirt. The train’s leaving the station.” He said.
“Where y’all going?” Taylor asked.
Isaac walked closer, stooping down so Taylor wouldn’t have to turn his head, “Mom’s sending us to the store for your pills.” Taylor’s face wrinkled up. “You might need’em. She says it’s not the same stuff as last time.”
“Okay.” He said, his eyes suddenly drooping. Zac stood and he and Isaac went out the front door.
*****
Upon returning, Isaac walked in to see Taylor, still laying as he had been, but now, he’d been decorated. As the rest of the family completed the job they’d started that morning, Zoe had decided that if Taylor were to be part of the living room, he had to be festive looking. And he hadn’t seemed to mind. Various ornaments hung from his ear and his hair. A small red velvety bird sat perched upon his butt amidst a nest of tinsel. Zac had rushed passed on his way upstairs. “Mom, here’s your stuff.” Isaac said, setting a bag down on the table.
Diana placed a shiny red orb on the tree and walked over to him, kissing him on the cheek, “Thanks, honey.” She said.
“The tree looks nice!” He said.
“It does, doesn’t it?” She said, clasping her hands in front of her.
“Yep.” He said, smiling. He then sat down on the edge of the couch, “Hey.” He said softly.
“Yeah?” Taylor said, opening his eyes.
“Love the earring.” Isaac said.
“Yeah.” Taylor said back.
“We got your stuff if you need it.” He said.
“I don’t think I want to. I already feel kinda…woozy.” Taylor said.
“Okay, but it’s here if you change your mind.” Isaac said. “So, how was the hospital?” He asked. He leaned back, careful not to press on Taylor’s legs.
“There was a very pretty nurse.” Diana said brightly.
“Yeah. I liked her ‘til she stuck that big needle in me.” Taylor complained.
Isaac laughed. “Women, they’re all alike!” He joked.
“We only do what’s best for you.” Diana said. Then she reached down and kissed Taylor on his forehead.
A few moments later, Zac joined them, messily wrapped gift in hand. “Tay, I’m giving you my present early.” He said, sitting down on the floor next to the couch.
“What is it?” Zoe asked, stooping down and eyeing the mysterious package. The rest of the family turned to watch.
“I didn’t think you’d done your shopping yet.” Isaac said, looking at his watch. “I mean, there’s still like, 36 hours ‘til Christmas.” He teased.
“Well, you’re right.” Zac said. “So Taylor should feel honored.”
“What is it?” Zoe asked again.
“Why don’t you open it for me?” Taylor said to her, pulling the ornament off his ear and handing it to his mother.
He didn’t have to ask twice. He smiled as she tore into the paper. “What is it?” She asked, holding up the parcel.
“It’s a top of the line, best they had, heating pad!” Zac said, taking it from her.
Isaac laughed, “How thoughtful!”
“It’s very thoughtful.” Diana said, patting him on the back. Zoe held up a bottle. “Oh, and some Advil! A nice little extra thrown in there.” She smiled.
“Get it going!” Taylor said, sounding excited for the first time since early that morning. “Zo, you gotta undecorate me so Zac can make amends for throwing me in the fireplace.”
“Ha!” Zac said, tearing the box open. “If I’d wanted to throw you in the fireplace, I would have.” He said. “You stood in the rocking chair. You fall down, go boom.” He said, unwinding the cord. “Here—“ He said, handing Jessica an icepack, “Fill that with ice and we’ll freeze his head while we roast his back…”
Zoe gently took her shiny bird’s nest off Taylor’s posterior and placed it under the lamp on the table, then accepted ornaments from Diana as she carefully pulled them from his hair.
“I think I gotta pee.” Taylor said, hissing as he turned over onto his side.
“That’s too much information, son.” Walker said as he stepped over. “Ike, let’s see if we can pull him up here…” He said.
Again, Zac felt the guilts as he watched Taylor’s face as his father and brother helped him to sit up. “Holy cow…” Taylor uttered.
“Tay, I really am sorry.” Zac said.
“I know. And it’s not your fault. I just need to know when to say ‘no’ to you…” Taylor answered. “Unlike all the women in the world,” he said, glancing at his mother, “I don’t think you always have my best interests at heart.”
Zac gasped and placed his hand on his chest, “That hurts, Tay.” He said dramatically.
“Pssshhh. You don’t know ‘hurt’ buddy.” Taylor said. And he steeled himself as Isaac and his father pulled together on his arms to stand. “Ooooow…” He said as he slowly straightened himself.
“You okay, son?” Walker asked gently.
Taylor nodded, but his face said otherwise. Zac watched sadly as he walked slowly, like an old man, towards the bathroom, his chaperones on either side.
When he returned, his family stood in the living room, prepared to pamper him. His mother held a glass of water and the medicine he’d been prescribed. “Take these and go to sleep, baby. You’ll feel better in the morning.” She said, placing the pills in his mouth and handing him the water.
Isaac and Walker again helped him lie down on the couch. Zac placed the warm pad on his back and his guilt eased a bit as Taylor let out a sigh. Avery placed her velevety Barbie blanket over him as Jessica gently touched the back of his head before putting the ice pack on it. “I’ll bet you didn’t brush your teeth, so here’s a candy cane.” Mackenzie said. “You know, you have to get better by tomorrow night. Santa can’t come with you right here in the living room.”
“I’ll try my best.” Taylor promised, with a yawn. Zoe kissed his nose and his father turned out the lights. By the time they started putting their wrapped gifts under the tree, he was long gone.
*****
Christmas Eve dawned sunny but cold. As the house came to life around him, Taylor continued to sleep, though his mind was beginning to register sounds and smells that seeped into his dreams. “Taaaaylor…” A small hand on his shoulder patted him. “Taaaaaaay…Santa comes tonight.” Zoe’s whispery voice entered his ear. Slowly, he opened his eyes, and blue met blue.
“Huh?” He said, his mind still cloudy from sleep and the after effects of the pills he’d downed the night before.
“Mommy said Santa comes tonight. But ya gotta sleep or he won’t.” She said matter of factly.
“Hmmm…” He said, shutting his eyes again.
“I asked for a kitty.” She said.
“Mmmhmmm…” He said.
“Zac hates kitties cuz he’s lergic though.” She said pulling his hair away from his ear.
“To hell with Zac.” He muttered.
“Yep. To hell with Zac.” She repeated.
Isaac walked in, his eyebrows raised. “Zoe, don’t say things like that. Just because Taylor says ‘em doesn’t mean it’s right. Mom will get pissed if you talk like that.” He laughed.
“I don’t want Mommy pissed.” She said.
“None of us do.” Isaac said, sitting down in the easy chair across from Taylor. “So, how are you this morning?” He asked.
Taylor opened his eyes, “Ugh. I don’t know. I’m afraid to move.”
“Well, maybe that stuff worked and you’ll be okay today.” He looked at his watch, “We’re supposed to be at Aunt Nancy’s at twelve. If you’re doing better you can go with us.”
“What time is it now?” Taylor asked, his voice scratchy.
Isaac stood and walked over to the couch, “It’s about 11:30. We’ll be heading out soon. He picked up the blanket. “Ouch. I don’t think I’ve ever seen skin that color.” He said.
“Nice, huh?” Taylor muttered.
“Yeah. It’s actually kinda pretty. Like…a rainbow blossom. You should have it made into a tattoo.” He said, dropping it back down.
“Shut up.” Taylor said.
“Maybe we could take a picture of it and post it up on Hansonline.” He said.
Taylor rolled his eyes. “Would you just leave me alone, please?” He said, stretching his arms up over his head and grimacing.
“So, I guess this means you don’t want to go to Aunt Nancy’s with us?” Isaac said.
Taylor sighed, “Yeah, I do.”
“Well, if you can get ready in a half hour, you can go, right?” Isaac reasoned. “I mean, the doctor didn’t keep you. Nothing’s broken, right?”
“He said it was a sprain, I think.” Taylor said, his brow furrowed as he tried to remember. “When I hit the fireplace, it twisted or something…”
“Do you want to try and go with us?” Isaac asked.
“Yeah. Grandma’s bringing pie.” He said.
“Alright. You turn on your side, and I’ll set you upright. And I’ll bring you down a clean shirt. Those jeans will be fine. You didn’t bleed on them or anything.” Isaac said.
“Nope.” Taylor said, feeling the back of his head. “Man, I got a knot the size of an egg back there.” He mused.
“That’s your brain.” Isaac said, with a chuckle.
“Whatever.” Taylor said. Then he threw the cover off and pulled his arm underneath himself to turn over. “Good God, that hurts…” He said.
In the kitchen, Zoe had walked in and climbed into a chair to reach the donuts on the table. “Hey, what’s up chicken little?” Zac said.
She took a bite and looked at him, “Taylor says to hell with you.”
Zac raised his eyebrows as Diana gasped. “Hmmm…I guess he’s not feeling any better today, huh?” He said, smiling.
Diana stepped over, her hand on her hip, “We do not speak like that, young lady.” She said.
“Ike said you’d be pished.” She said around the doughnut.
“Well, he’s right about that!” Diana said, walking out the door and into the living room. When she stepped in, she saw Isaac pulling Taylor upright. She folded her arms over her chest, “What do you two have to say for yourselves?” She said, one eyebrow raised.
Isaac let go of Taylor’s arm, “Hey, it wasn’t me!” He said.
“Ow, God, Ike!” Taylor spat.
Diana slapped his bare shoulder, “Watch your mouth, mister!” She said.
He’d flopped back down on his side, “Ow!” He cried, his hand going to rest on his back.
“Serves you right.” She said. She then went to him, “Turn over. Let me look at that…” He did as he was told. “Oh, that is one heck of a bruise.” She said. “Is it any better than yesterday?” She said.
“It was ‘til you hit me!” He said.
“Pfft. I didn’t hit you.” She said.
“You didn’t have to—you made me flinch!” He wailed.
She couldn’t help the laughter that came out of her mouth. “Oh, you poor baby…” She said, sitting gently on the couch next to him. “I’m so sorry you got hurt. But, at least it wasn’t as bad as it could have been.” She said.
“I guess.” He said.
“No guessing about it. When I walked in here and saw all those medics and all that equipment, I nearly had heart failure.” She said.
“You’re telling me.” Taylor agreed, gingerly laying back on the couch. “I don’t know what Zac told them, but they were coming at me with collars and backboards—“
Zac came in the room, “Hey, if you’d have been me, you would have freaked too.” He looked at his mother. “He couldn’t breathe and he wouldn’t answer me when I asked him stuff. I swear I thought he was paralyzed or something.”
“You did the right thing, honey.” She replied. Then she looked back at Taylor, “And the next time, I’m not listening to you. They should have taken you. You’re lucky nothing was fractured or torn…I mean,” She looked longingly toward the fireplace, “look what happened to my old rocker. It was solid oak…” She sighed, and stood, “Have you taken your medicine yet?” She asked.
He just looked at her and shook his head. “I’m sorry about your chair, Mom.” He said.
“Yeah.” Zac said, looking down at his feet. “I know it was Grandma’s and stuff…”
“Oh, that doesn’t matter.” She said standing. “It’s just a chair, and I’m just glad nobody was hurt any worse than they were. Now,” She said looking at Taylor, “eat something and then take your pills.” She looked at Zac, “You fix your brother breakfast and then make sure he takes those.” She checked the clock on the mantle, “Oh, we’ve got to go.” She said walking out of the room.
Zac looked at Taylor and shrugged, then followed her out. At her command, Jessica, Avery and Mackenzie came into the living room and started gathering presents to take to their Aunt’s house. “Who’d you get in the draw, Taylor?” Jessica asked.
“Uncle Steve.” He answered glumly.
“What’d you get him?” she asked, placing presents down into the bag, careful not to squash the bows and ribbons.
“Here it is.” Isaac said, setting a large package against the front door. He threw a shirt, landing squarely on Taylor’s face. “There. Now you can take off that airy one.” He smiled.
“Geez, what is in there? It’s huge.” Jessica asked.
“It’s a new bow and arrows.” Taylor grumbled, pulling the shirt off his face.
“That’s expensive.” She said. “You aren’t supposed to go over 25 dollars.”
“I know.” He said, carefully turning over to face her. He tried to reach back and untie the gown he wore, but the pain he got for it caused him to change his mind. “Me and Zac and Mike messed up a bunch of his arrows last year, remember?”
Isaac laughed, “Yeah, something about a brick wall and stainless steel tipped arrows—they split like banana peels.”
“Hey, nobody told me!” Taylor said.
“Well you must be a pretty poor shot to have hit the house, anyway.” Jessica laughed.
“Mom almost made them sit in time out for that one.” Avery said, pulling the bag shut and sitting it by the front door.
“Actually, they ricocheted off that board we were aiming at.” Zac said, sitting down on the edge of the couch, a bowl in his hand.
“What’s that?” Taylor asked, trying to look into the bowl.
Zac held up a spoonful of sticky goo—“It’s oatmeal.” He said.
“Ew.” Taylor complained. “Just get me some cereal.” He said.
His mother and father walked in, pulling their coats on, “No.” She said. “You’re supposed to lie flat and you don’t need any dairy, it’ll upset your stomach with the medicine. You’ll choke to death if you eat Cheerios laying down.”
“Mom—“Taylor started.
“Do as you’re told.” His father said. “Come on, everybody—coats on. We’re gonna be late as it is.”
Taylor watched sadly as his brothers and sisters excitedly headed out the door, ready to go join their extended family for the event of the year. “Bye.” He said as his father pulled the door shut.
“Bye guys. Behave.” He instructed just as the door clicked shut.
For a moment, both boys just looked at the closed door, the quiet of the place sinking in. Then Taylor sighed, a great heaving sigh, and flopped his arms down on the cushions. Zac again held the spoon up. “Aren’t ya hungry?”
“No.” He pouted. “I can’t believe it’s Christmas Eve and we’re stuck here. We get oatmeal and they get Turkey and stuffing and pie.”
“Well, like Mom said. At least you’re home and you’re in one piece.” Zac reasoned.
“I gotta pee.” Taylor said.
“You pee a lot.” Zac said, setting the bowl down.
Taylor slid his eyes over, “I haven’t gone since last night when Dad and Ike pulled me up.” He said.
“Oh. Well, it’s not like you drank anything since then.” Zac said.
“Uh-huh. Mom made me take stupid pills, so I know I had water.” Taylor replied.
“Okay, whatever. If you gotta go, you gotta go.” He said, standing. He placed his hand on Taylor’s arm, “You just stay sort of stiff, and I’ll just sit you upright. Then, I’ll stand in front of you and we’ll get you up.
“Alright.” Taylor said. “Ow, ow…” He hissed as Zac pulled him up.
“Does it hurt bad?” Zac asked, suddenly remorseful.
“I guess I’ve felt worse.” Taylor breathed out.
“Yeah, when?” Zac asked, positioning himself in front of his brother.
“Maybe…when I broke my arm.” He said.
“Oh, I’ll bet. That was just nasty.” Zac agreed, placing his hands under Taylor’s arms. “Alright, I’m gonna pull, and you sort of, stand up with your legs, okay?” He said.
“Okay.” Taylor said. But when Zac began to pull and he tried to lean forward to use his legs, pain shot up his back. “Oh God…” Taylor grunted.
“Dude!” Zac said, finding himself pulled back toward the couch. “You gotta help me. I think you gained weight over night.” He said, exasperated.
“I think I just got stiffer over night.” Taylor said, his hands on his back.
“Well, how about if I sort of…tip you towards the floor. Then, you can stand up and get to the john.” Zac said.
Taylor shut his eyes and shook his head, “Do you remember what happened the last time I let you talk me into something like this?”
“Fine.” Zac said. “Want me to bring you a milk bottle or something?”
“No!” Taylor exclaimed. “What if it got stuck or something? No way.”
Zac just stared at him, marveling at how the mind of his brother worked. “I’ll be careful.” He said. “If it hurts too bad, just tell me, and we’ll just let you go in…a Tupperware! That would be big enough, right?” Zac joked.
“It depends on the Tupperware.” Taylor said back.
Zac rolled his eyes. “How did we get on this subject? Just put your arms between your legs—sort of…brace yourself. And I’ll pull you forward.”
“Alright. Go slow though.” Taylor urged.
“I will.”
To be continued...