The Christmas Orange

Prologue

The wind whipped though her as she hurried along the busy sidewalk. She wished she had worn a coat but then people would not have had a chance to notice her ugly Christmas Sweater. She first saw the sweater last year on the rack at a department store and she just had to get it. On the front of the forest green knit sweater was a large gray cat holding his thumb and forefinger up in the shape of a gun. The cat also wore a sweater which read; 'Gim'me your cat nip or the tree gets it.' around the cat's neck was a collar with real bells on it that rang out quietly as she hurried along the street. The first night when she had returned home with her sweater her friend invited her to an ugly Christmas Sweater party, Helen was delighted her new purchase could be put to good use right away. As she got ready for the party she decided the sweater was a bit drab so she added a few more bells around the cuffs and a felt mouse she borrowed from her old lazy cat. Not only was as she the delight of the host's cat whom never left her side the entire night she was also the talk of the party. She realized her sweater made people happy so as a simple experiment to see if she could spread a little cheer around Helen decided to sew a cat toy on her sweater every time someone stoped and notice it. Her goal was even if it was only for a fleeting minnet make it so people no longer worried about bills or packages they would instead experience a bit of the true meaning of Christmas; pure joy. From that moment on everywhere she went in the sweater she got complimented on it and for every compliment she added a new cat toy. In the end she was a walking kitten's dream of the perfect Christmas. Today was a good day when Helen got home she was going to be sewing five more balls of yarn on her sleeve. Hopefully she had enough time to do so and still get ready for her guest. For the first time in a long while her daughter was coming for Christmas and Helen wanted it to be perfect. She hummed a little Christmas Carol to keep her spirits high as she weaved in and out of the foot traffic trying desperately to hang on to her unwieldy parcels. The bell ringer on the corner yelled out to her as she passed and despite her hurry she stopped. At first she tried to get into her purse while still holding onto her wears but it was impossible so she carefully set them on the ground in a dry spot on the sidewalk under the awning. She dug in her wallet for the bundle of money she had pre-folded so that it would slide easier into the slot.

"Thank you and happy holidays." The man in the red apron said when the money tinked on the bottom of the tin. Helen smiled

"And a very merry Christmas to you." The man smiled back and tipped his hat in acknowledgement.

"I like your sweater ma'am but don't you think it is a bit cold to be out without a coat?"

"The spirit of Christmas keeps me warm." She replied more to convince herself then anyone else.

She bowed down to pick up her stuff and her auburn hair fell around her shoulders. Just as she had the last package safely stacked in her arms a young man barged past he swerved to avoid someone and bumped into her exposed fanny this collision nearly knocked her over which sent the packages she was holding tumbling back down.The man stopped and quickly plied her packages back into her arms then cleaned the clumps of snow from the tips of her hair with his handkerchief.

"Thank you sir."Helen looked at him closely he had dirty blond hair which peeked out from a tan fedora his blue eyes sparkled in the street light their intensity so fierce she was lost in them for a while until the bell began ringing again which broke the spell.

"I am sorry Ma'am." he said as he straightened his matching trench coat then with out another word turned on his heal and hurried away.

"Well at least he was polite" she commented then continued on her way. When Helen reached the corner she watched wearily as the cars slid on the thick ice at the intersection. Clearly the city even though they had obviously plowed as evident by the large drift blocking the exit ramp off the sidewalk must have not sanded the street well enough. She had a bad feeling about crossing there especially when she stopped at corner and was forced to stand in the snow drift it made a sickening crunch under her feet which sounded a bit like breaking bones. This was the quickest route home and she had lost precious time already. When the LED man on the cross walk sign turned green and the bird started chirping Helen took a slow step off the hill. Underestimating the traction loss she would experience from the packed snow on the sidewalk to the dicey steet especially since the treds on her boots were now filled she almost did the splitas Bambie style but recovered quickly. When she looked at the cross walk sign again she watched in horror as the the man turned yellow. She cried out

"Really you have got to be kidding." too far out to turn back Helen picked up the pace. She sliped and slid on the ice as she hurried further into the intersection Like walking on a tightrope she swade back and forth in a feeble attempt not to fall. She almost made it but then it happened. She felt the heat of the car before it it made contact with her body as if it was literally breathing down her neck. Someone screamed and she couldn't tell if was the breaks on the car, a passing witness or herself. For a split second time seemed to slow down and everything was quite as if someone had turned the volume down on the rest of the world the only sound Helen could hear was the beating of her own heart ring in her ears. Surprisingly the initial impact did not hurt the bump sent her and her parcels in all directions. Her body came to rest on other side of the street where she lay in a crumpled pile. She tried to take deep breath but the pain flooded in and was so intense she almost passed out. Then all of sudden she was not alone he the kind parcel man was there holding her as she felt the blood fill her insides. His stormy blue eyes so striking it would have taken her breath away if she had had any. She grabbed a fist full of hair and pulled him close with the last bit of her energy she pleaded with him.

"Please tell my daughter I love her." She hissed.

"Now don't talk like that you're going to be fine."

"Promise me."

"I promise."

"Thank you and merry Christmas." Then she was gone. He held her in his arms until the paramedics came and pride her free. They tried to cover him with a blanket and lead him to a nearby ambulance but he shook them off and wandered away his tan trench coat flapping behind him like a wind sock never to be seen again.

**********

Sarah hated Christmas well maybe hate was to harsh of a word it was more like a deep rooted dislike which was starting to grow into something deeper each passing year. Her idea of a perfect Christmas eve was to curl up in her favourite chair with a good book and a cup of cocoa. No strings of light bulbs to check, no pine needles to clean up, no slaving in the kitchen over a hot stove, no presents to buy for people she knew would regift or return them, no repeats of the same Christmas song covered by different artists, and absolutely no cheesy movies filled with miracles which could never happen in reality. It is not that she is an atheist she believed whole heartily in God, Jesus, and what they both stand for it is just that she stopped believing in Santa at age nine and had not found Christmas to be anything more then a crazy consumerism nightmare since. The true message of Christmas had been lost some where and it was not her job to find it. So why was she out in this terrible weather? The simple explanation was she wanted a group of tiny cereal boxes and a bag of oranges. Despite not liking Christmas there were a few things she needed to fill the void in her heart which not liking Christmas had created. She went through the motions as if on auto pilot. First she wrote the standard Christmas letter to make sure her friends and family were up to speed on her pathetic life. She didn't really mind if they even read it or cared about its contents. Most years she did not even write the letter at all and no one seemed to notice. Fearful that most people considered her the black sheep of the family anyway Sarah did not want to add more information to the behind your back gossip chain. Most of the time she wrote them in her head but never put any words on paper she figured why waste the good reading time on a worthless endeavor. Most years she would put a single candle light in the window then despite her best efforts to avoid going out always went out into the rush to get a few stalking stuffers for her non existent stalking. This year was no different she stood in the long checkouts even as they started to wear on her feet and her tolerance for close encounters with people. Her resolve was almost shattered to the point where she was debating with herself whether or not to set her purchases down and exit the store in a hasty retreat or opt to stick it out just a bit longer. Just as she was counting down from ten a self check out lane opened and she pounced on it. Quickly she scanned the items and placed them on the tray not bothering too bag them up. The whole time She resisted the urge to yell at the perky voice telling her to put your items in the bagging area. With a bit of willpower and a lot of deep breathes to calm her nerves she soon found herself outside. She sighed exhaling all of the stale store air and then breathed in fresh quickly the cold night air burned her lungs but it was worth it. Sarah turned left and made her way down the sidewalk toward home. Along the way she chanted a little poem she made up Not caring who saw her talking to herself.

Santa Claus knows I'm bad

And it does't make him sad

No need to spend my money for cheer

Gonna read a good book this year

One less stop for a man to make

No cookies left for him to take

No need to spend my money for cheer

Gonna read a good book this year

Do not look at me that way

My non Christmas is here to stay

No need to spend my money for cheer

Gonna read a good book this year

Call me scrounge if you want

I can take your taunt

No need to spend my money for cheer

Gonna read a good book this year

I will be the one laughing in the end

I was not the one to over spend

No need to spend my money for cheer

Gonna read a good book this year

Better hurry it is almost here

Watch out when the bills are due

I will still be celebrating when you are through.

Sarah shook with laughter and continued chant as she made her way home. Within one block of safety she saw him. He sat on the street corner as if he belonged there at first she thought he was one of those bell ringers who clogged up story doorways and always said

"Thank you Sir" whenever out of gilt she dropped a coin in their little red tin. At closer inspection she found him to be dressed as if he was headed to a star trek convention cosplaying as Dixion Hill. He must have had run in with a Klingon female along three way because he was covered in dirt. She hoped his hands which were tucked deeply into an oversize trench coat where there for warmth instead of concealing a weapon. Sarah held her breath and almost crossed the street to avoid him but something stopped her she turned her head to the side for a moment. What was that song was he singing? Quietly at first then with every word become increasingly louder as if he did not care who heard him. His voice was so rich it made her knees quiver and she needed to lean against the lamp post for support. With perfect pitch he sang.

" Good King Wenceslas looked outside

On the feast of Stephen

When the snow lay round about

Deep and crisp and even

Brightly shone the moon that night

Though the frost was cruel

When a poor man came in sight

Gath'ring winter fuel

"Hither, page, and stand by me

If thou know'st it, telling

Yonder peasant, who is he?

Where and what his dwelling?"

"Sire, he lives a good league hence

Underneath the mountain

Right against the forest fence

By Saint Agnes' fountain."

It was so beautiful she almost started crying but she let out the breath she had been holding. That was her mother's favourite Christmas song and it was playing the night she died. Sarah was glad it was not a main stream song because it ripped her heart out every time she heard it. Her eyes were blurry as she started back on the path toward home foolishly she took her cell phone from her purse and pretend to talk to someone so she wouldn't have to look at him as she passed by he continued to sing his voice ringing though the night like Church bells.

"Bring me flesh and bring me wine

Bring me pine logs hither

Thou and I will see him dine

When we bear him thither."

Page and monarch forth they went

Forth they went together

Through the rude wind's wild lament

And the bitter weather

"Sire, the night is darker now

And the wind blows stronger

Fails my heart, I know not how,

I can go no longer."

"Mark my footsteps, my good page

Tread thou in them boldly

Thou shalt find the winter's rage

Freeze thy blood less coldly."

She picked up speed trying desperately trying to get past him. When she passed in front of him Sarah put her head down to avoid eye contact and did not see the shopper who dashed out of the store. With great flare they bumped into each other sending the contents of their shopping bags flying in every direction. The man cursed her, picked up his own purchases and dashed off into the night. Sarah sat on the cold ground in the middle of the mess. Why was she so foolish? She should have just stayed at home. She sighed and started to pick up her wares. As she reached for the last orange she heard a voice and realized it had been speaking to her the whole time.

"Ma'am are you okay?" She looked up and her gaze met the most intensely beautiful blue gray eyes she had ever seen. Their richness took her breath away and she found herself just staring into them wondering what had happened to him to make their depths so sad. Once again she was pulled out of her daydream by his voice.

"Do you need to go to the hospital?" She shook her head and stood up on shaking legs he took her elbow and she could have sworn a spark of electricity exited his finger tips and went straight to her heart. Quickly she extracted herself from his grasp and cleared her throat.

"I am fine thank you." Then without another word Sarah resumed her trek toward home. He called after her.

"Wait you forgot your Orange."

"Keep it" she called back over her shoulder

" Merry Christmas to you and thank you so much." She just waved and hurried home where she would try to get that voice and it's matching blue eyes out of her mind.

**********

Gary watched her walk away wanting to call after her but something stopped him. He recognized her immediately but he had to be sure before approaching her. He looked down at the Orange she had given him. It's bright orange skin was almost glowing in his hand the utter beauty of it was so intense he almost started crying. It reminded him about a science fiction show he watched once where even simple fruit was a novelty the stuff of legend. If he was not't so hungry he would keep it as long as he could just to look at it. He put his new treasure in his pocket and moved on down the street. He knew he could go to the mission for a warm bed and a filling meal but some of the regulars were like blood hounds and they would know instantly about his Orange. He was by in the mood to be up close and personal with fellas who's breath alone could peal the skin right off his new acquisition. So he turned left at the corner and went down to the road to his current resistance a cardboard box under the church street bridge. He double checked his coat and found the small coffee can filled with a candle and a bit of sand was still safely tucked inside. If he wrapped his box and plastic and lit his candle he would be almost comfortable all nig, then maybe he would start operation Sarah tomorrow. As he walked he started singing again right where he left off,

In his master's steps he trod

Where the snow lay dinted

Heat was in the very sod

Which the Saint had printed

Therefore, Christian men, be sure

Wealth or rank possessing

Ye who now will bless the poor

Shall yourselves find blessing.

Suddenly he stopped singing from the direction of his box came a tiny voice matching his note for note. He slowly approach not wanting to frighten whomever was dwelling within. When he pulled back the flap a small girl huddled deeper into a small blanket that barely covered her. He could tell from her tattered clothes gaunt features and blank expression she had been on the street for some time.

"Do not be afraid I will not hurt you" he said in a soft whisper. Suddenly he was knocked to the ground by an unknown force.

"Leave her alone you jerk." He held his hands up defensively to protect his face as small but determined fists pelted him. When his attacker finally tired enough for him to speak he. Cried out.

"Will you knock it off already I am not going to hurt you or the child I was nearly looking to see who was in my house." This to his utter surprise made his attacker burst into tears.

"We are sorry we did not't mean to it just looked so warm compared to outside and Marie is so cold she can't stop shivering." He carefully lifted the woman of his chest and stood. First he brushed he dust off his pants then held out his hand to help her up. She accepted after only a moment when they were both standing he realized she was not much older then the child.

"Where are your parents? He demanded a little more forceful then he had intended. He could see her protective wall come up as she reached for Marie's hand.

" Come on sweetie we are leaving"

"Nope!"

"What do you mean nope?"

"Marie cold, Marie tired, Marie stay."

"I'm not arguing with you let's go!"

"No don't you go to the mission?" Garry asked and knew immediately it was the wrong question. The young woman charged at him panting spitting and pounding on his chest.

"She is mine do you hear me you can't take her!" He grabbed her wrists and held her at arms length. She railed against him but he stood fast until she went limp with exhaustion, then Garry pulled her close and held her. He stroked her head until she was calm again, he pushed her chin up until he could look into her eyes.

"I will not try to take her away look Joe is at the mission tonight if we pull his box over here there will be plenty of room for all of us." At first she looked at him suspiciously but his kind eyes soon convince her. With a little bit of effort they were soon all nestled in the boxes and the candle was lit. Marie soon grew drowsy and much to the disappointment of her companion crawled into Garry's lap.

"Your pocket is lumpy." She complained. Then he remembered the Orange, when he showed it to his companions Marie squealed in delight. He split it and shared it with his new friends. Marie licked all the Orange off her fingers then settled back down. She was soon fast asleep snoring softly. Garry turned to the older girl and said.

"Tell me about yourself let's start with your name." She cleared her throat and said.

"My name is Amanda but most people call me Mandy."

"Well Miss Amanda nice to meet you my name is Gary who is this lovely ball of fire?."

"That is the ever opinionated Marie." "What a perfect name for an angel." She giggled at his politeness so he continued."What brings you and your young to my neck of the woods?" She started and he knew he had struck a chord. He thought he lost her but then she snuggled close to him and started her story.

"My parents never liked him but I loved him completely. We were going to marry and run away together but I couldn't wait so I left home to live with him. Every thing was going well until Marie was born because he lost his job and started drinking. I put Marie in daycare and took a job at a local restaurant. We survived all right for a bit until one day when I came home from work he was angry at me because there was no supper when I tried to explain that I had been working all day he slapped me. Marie tried to defend me and he pushed her down, I picked her up and put her to bed then fixed him some dinner later that night when he was asleep I packed a small bag I got Marie dressed and we left. We lived in a hotel for awhile but the money I had been saved from work at the dinner soon ran out. We tried the mission for a while too but soon a social worker came around asking questions about Marie and I was afraid they would take her away so we have been living on the streets ever since. When she finished talking they sat in silence. After of arguing with himself Garry finally got up enough courage to tell her what he was thinking and hoped she would not bolt out of there.

"I hate to be forward but have you tried to contact your parents? I am not a father but if I was I would be very worried about my daughter even if I was once mad at her at first for making foolish choices."

"I thought about it but I don't even know where to begin."

"Do they live her or somewhere else?"

"They live just outside the city."

"How about tomorrow we go to the gas station on the corner which surprisingly still has a payphone and give them a ring. If they forgive you and take you back great. If not then we will work something out that does not involve your separation. Not all street people are nice like me. The street is no place for young ladies." She nodded and in a drowsy voice asked

" So what is your story?" He stroked her hair and said

"That is a tale for another time. Sleep now I will keep watch." He heard a muffled

"Thank You" then only tinny snoring. He smiled down at the two wayward souls and prayed the girl's family would find it in their hearts to take this wonderful pair back.

**********

Sarah hurried the last few blocks to her townhouse as quickly as her little legs could carry her. When she was safely inside she locked the deadbolt turned her back to the door and slid down until she was a pile of mush on the floor. What was wrong with her? How could one man cause her so much grief? She needed cocoa as soon as possible there was nothing chocolate couldn't cure. She peeled off her winter coat, still sitting in the puddle from her snowy boots pulled them off and put them on the mat need to the door. She stood, hung her coat on the hook above them gathered her bags. She went into the kitchen where she got down a pot, some cocoa, then retrieved a bit of milk and a splash of rum from the fridge she put the drink on the stove but didn't turn it on insead she went to her room, showered and changed into her pajamas. Then went back to the kitchen where she stirred the concoction until it was just right. With her night cap ready she went to her favourite chair and picked up her latest adventure. She felt a little silly reading it because it was technically a young adult novel but she just loved the main character who was a female detective pig. It was a fun light hearted read filled with quirky jokes. Normally she was riveted to the tale but this time there was another pair of blue eyes under a detective fadora which were demanding her attention. He seemed very familiar but she could not place where she had seen him before and that song it still haunted her today even though it had been nearly a year since the accident. The memories of her mother now flowed as freely as the tears wetting the pages in her lap. Her mother was the polar opposite of herself for every ounce that Sarah disliked Christmas her mother loved it ten times. She was even out getting last minute Christmas presents on the night she died. When the policeman came to Sarah's door that night a group of well meaning carolers were passing by the stopped to gawk at the police on her front porch but keep right on singing that song the one which would haunt her every Christmas since. It was her mother's favourite and she would start singing it while preparing the thanksgiving Turkey and not stop until epiphany. Sarah had not understood that song. until now but for some reason he made her listen to the words. The King left his feast to find a homeless man who was suffering. It just made her feel terrible about running away from the man on the street especially after the sparks she felt when he touched her hand as he handed her stuff back. Sarah gave up trying to figure the mystery out she insisted decided to turn in for the night convinced her mind was wondering too much to concentrate on reading. She put her cup in the sink brushed her teeth then left the kitchen, thinking she would just leave the dirty dishes for the morning but instead returned and cleaned the cup, pan and counter. Then went to bed where she spent the better part of the night struggling through the snow following the footsteps of the man in the trench coat with stormy blue eyes.

**********

Gary woke with a start. He hated that dream, just as before he was there again holding her as the last essence of her life left her body. Her last words still haunted his dreams and he couldn't shake his obligation the problem was all these years he couldn't bring himself to do it then and now what would she think after all of this time. His arms were asleep so he tried to carefully adjust without waking his companions but they both stirred and yawned. They all stretched at the same time and this sent the trio into a fit of laughter which threatened the structure of the box. They spilled onto the street like dominoes and this started the laughter all over again. Hand in hand they strolled down the street like a small family on an outing. Suddenly a group of young men were surrounding them circling the group like vultures waiting for their pray.

"He an what is an old man doing with a fine jail bait like this" the obvious leader said as he reached for Amanda's hair. Gary instinctively put himself between the girls and the hoodlums then turned in a slow circle trying to keep all of them in site at once.

"What do you want?" Gary said with more confidence then he felt. The group just laughed in unison as if they were a member of a collective and shared one mind.

"Does it really matter what we want Pop? We take what we want" he licked his lips at Mandy and leave what we don't." Scowling at Gary. Gary was about to say

"Over my dead body" but thought better of it because he was sure this group was happy to comply with that request. Suddenly Marie stepped out from behind him he tried to grab her but she slid to the side out of his reach he tried to follow but Mandy was rooted to the spot she gripped tight to his coat and it stoped him short he insead watched helplessly as Marie walked right up to the leader and kicked him in the shin so hard he doubled over in pain.

"What the.." He started but Gary took advantage of the distraction slipped his arms from the coat like a true fighter and rushed the youth knocking him the rest of the way to the ground then in a hail Mary move which astonished himself as well as the young man he grabbed the man's right hand pinning the pointer against the palm and wrenching his arm back behind his back. See uncle I was paying attention he thought as he dragged is now subdued attacker to his feet. He looked around to make sure the girls were okay, all the bad boys were nursing brushed shins and a few would have a nice shinier in the morning he almost laughed but his concern for the whereabouts of Marie were to great. Soon he realized his worry was unfounded when she rounded the corner with a very confused looking Police man in tow. When the police assessed the situation he quickly called for backup then pulled his gun and yelled freeze at the individuals who were trying to limp to safety. Gray was not sure why but they all compiled by dropping to the ground and putting their hands over their heads maybe it was the humiliation of getting punched by a little girl. Gary called the man he held captive over to the officer who smiled down at the lad.

"Well if it isn't Jessie James and his gang of thugs." Jessie just glared up at the tall officer a defiant look on his face until the he pulled out his handcuffs then he tried to run but Gary still had control and just put a bit of pressure on his pointer until he was still enough to be cuffed. By then the other police officers had arrived and were loading the others into waiting squad cars. The original officer returned to Gary who had gathered both girls into a big hug and was holding them as fiercely as he could.

"I need you folks to come down to the station and answer a few questions." Gary nodded but Mandy shook her head a look of fear in her eyes she clenched Gary's coat to her chest as a lifeline. He took the coat from her and wrapped her in it thn looked deep into her green eyes and said without a doubt.

"We just survived an attack everything will be okay." She met his gaze intensely for a moment but soon nodded for even though they just met there was something in those blue eyes which made you want to trust him. Gary turned his attention back to the matter at hand.

"Thank you officer we would be happy to comply can you give us a lift we do not have a car."

"Certainly and please call me Jerry it is the least I can do after helping us capture the James' Gang we have been after them for months. There are a lot of residents in this neighbourhood who are going to be able to sleep better tonight. Right this way heroes how about a police escort." He said with a chuckle hitching up his belt he turned on his heal and headed to his squad car. Gary followed along one girl cradled under each arm. Marie sat up front with Officer Jerry while Gary an Mandy sat in the back. On the way to the station the officer questioned her about her heroism. As soon as she started talking the words flowed from her like water over a dam causing Amanda to cringe each time they hit the bottom filling the lake with information.

"Daddy was a bad man he hurt Mommy. I was to small to kick him and he just pushed me down. I have a good Mommy who does not want me to be hurt so we ran away from daddy we lived in a hotel for awhile but we ran out of spending money so now we live on the street. We went to the church where they take care of the smelly homeless people, but the scary lady in the gray suite tried to take me away from my mommy because she said I needed to be in school. I tried to tell her mommy and me work on my numbers and I brought this little book from home and we read it every night." She pulled out a tattered I Can Read book and showed it to Jerry before tucking it back into one of her many pockets filled with treasures she then took a deep breath and continued. "I was really tired from walking around all day in the cold so Mommy found a box and told me to stay while she went to find food. I felt a bit like the dog in the poem where his master goes to the cupboard but it was empty. While mommy was gone Gary came a long singing I joined in because I knew the song. Do you know Good King Wenceslas sir?" Jerry nodded fascinated by this little ball of wonder. "Mommy was mad at Gary and tried to stop him from hurting me but Marie feels safe with Gary and knew he would take care of Mommy and me. He was taking us to call my Grandparents when those hooligans showed up and started circling us like we were the cheese who stands alone. That bad boy was so rude I just couldn't stand it anymore he had the he had the same look as Daddy did when he hurt Mommy. I am bigger now and I was not going to let Mommy get hurt. Mommy say street smart women have to stick together. I just was so mad that I kicked him. Then Gary flew through the air like super man and tackled the bad man. The others were going to hurt Gary so I kicked them too. Then Mommy saw you and told me to go get you and bring you back. This was a very brave thing for Mommy to do because she is a afraid you will call the gray suite lady and she would take me away you won't let them take me away will you?"

"I will do whatever I can." Jerry assured her though he was unsure if he could keep his promise. Marie regarded him for a while then decided she had no choice but to believe him

She pulled her book from her pocket held it close to her heart, then with a big yawn put her head on the door soon the only sound she made was tinny kitten like snores. Jerry looked at Mandy and Gary in the rearview mirror a broad smile filled his face which reached all the way to his eyes. His joy was infectious and they soon were all laughing unaware of what exactly was funny but couldn't stop laughing until the car pulled up in front of the courthouse. A sea of reports spilled over each other as they tried to get the best shot of the trio as the officer opened the doors for them to exit. Gary found dozens of microphones in his face and he was glad the questions were being fired from mouths instead of machine guns because at the rate they were being shot at the they would have surely have been ripped to shreds. The go up was saved when the rest of squad cars pulled up caring the Jessie gang. Gary looked at Mandy and they both chucked when the number one question was.

"After a successful run of creative crimes how does it feel to be finely caught by a little girl?" James growled and fought against his captor, while his companions hung their heads in shame. Gary picked up Marie then they all followed Jerry into the police station. He escorted them to an office and went to get the proper paperwork.

"Feel free to use the the phone to call someone." He said as he turned on his heel and headed out of the room. Marie and Gary looked at each other and then the phone unsure of what to do. "I have no one to call go ahead and call your folks I'm sure they will want to hear from you." Amanda took a deep breath and picked up the phone she dialed the number and waited nervously for it to be answered Gary held his breath as he listened to one side of the conversation.

"Hello hello mom it's me Mandy.... I know I did not't think you would... but.... I understand.... thank you... I love you too... goodbye." Gary could hardly hide his anticipation as Amanda sat in silence for a moment finally he couldn't hold his breath any longer and it came out in a whoosh which brought Mandy out of her stupor and she realized that he was also in the room she turned him and said

"They saw me on TV and my dad is on the way to get me. I can't believe it my ex called them to come get my stuff or he was going to throw it out. He figured after I left him I ran back to them. They have wanted me back ever since, but they did not know where we were. I can't believe I did not't have to put Marie through this hell we could have just gone back all this time I am a terrible person."

"What happened in the past does not matter now. All that matters is your parents have forgiven you and your going home. You can now give Marie a better life than she had, surrounded by people who love her." Amanda smiled and nodded then she looked at him out of the corner of her eye and he swallowed knowing what was coming next

"So mister what's your story how did you end up in the box under the overpass." Gary looked away "It's a long story."

"We seem to be have nothing but time." Mandy said and gestured around the room. Gary cleared his throat ready to at last share his story but just then the chief of police burst into the room taking up their hands in his in an awkward opposite across his chest motion he shook them both vigorously waking Marie who slipped to the ground and starred up at the man who was almost as short as she was.

"Here are my heroes all together. Please come with me I have arranged a press conference." With the rapid hand movements of a skilled magician the chief let go of Gary, swooped up Marie's hand and took the elbow of Amanda leading them out of the room with the fan fair bordering on a parade leaving Gary to follow behind dumbfounded. They convened on the courthouse steps where microphones had been set up. The chief of police stood on his box in front of the crowd and cleared his throat. The crowd went silent because despite his size his whole demeanor demanded attention and the members of the audience was more then happy to give it to him.

"Ladies and gentlemen I'm proud to say that the Jesse James gang has finally been captured and this fair city is once again safe. Those of us here at the precinct will like to thank Gary Bergen and his friends Amanda Dillon and her Daughter Marie for their help in their capture. Please tell these fine folks how you accomplished this. Marie boldly stood on the box the top of her head barely visible over the microphones. She recounted the story she told Jerry including offering the slice of Orange she had saved to the Chief because he clearly did not get enough vitamins on account he had stopped growing up and started growing out. She had the whole crowed in stitches. When she was done the questions came in rapid succession and she answered them with her childish charm. Gary was relieved Marie had told the story so he did not't have to. He hoped he could avoid being on camera, because he knew she would be watching and he was not't sure if either one of them was ready for what was surely going to be reviled. Unfortunately Marie noticed him standing off to the side so she drug him to the podium. A young women in the front raised her hand, her pleated navy blue school dress tickle the tops of her knees and her hair was swept up into a tight pony tail. She looked innocent enough so Garry chose to pick her what he did not intend was that she would ask the question he was trying to avoid.

"You seem very smartly dressed for a homeless man." He glanced down at his dirty suit and torn trench coat. He just shrugged as if to say "If you say so then nodded for her to continue.

"How did you end up homeless?" There it was the question of the hour did he lie and tell her the truth later or tell the whole world all at once and hope she was not mad for telling her in a more private setting. He cleared his throat and began his sad tale he knew he just had to go for it no matter the consequences.

**********

Sarah hated Monday it started to early and there was never enough coffee to shake off the the lazy Sunday feeling. She stood in the kitchen starting blankly at the muted T.V. on the kitchen counter. Suddenly there was a face on which she would have recognized anywhere. The ticker running across the bottom of the screen declared him a hero quickly she turned the volume up as he cleared his throat and looked at the camera it was as if he looked right into her soul.

"First of all of I wish to humbly apologize for taking this long to say anything to you. When the call came for my final interview I was so excited I celebrated all night in the hotel bar. The next morning I was running late so I hurried out of the hotel and down the street there was people everywhere and I did my best to avoid them but I bumped into her and sent her packages flying, I felt horrible so even though I was in a hurry I stopped to help her out. That silly Christmas Sweater made a noise every time I put a package into her arms and I couldn't help but smile at her. I couldn't put my finger on it at the time but there seemed to be something wrong with her essence. Anyway we parted ways and I hurried on to my appointment." He paused the tears flowed down his face and pooled on the podium. "I don't know why I looked back something inside told me to turn around. I knew the car was going to fast to stop but there was nothing I could do about it. I tried to shout for her but she did not hear me. I ran but I was not fast enough the car hit her and she flew across the street. I held her she begged me to tell you she loved you very much then she wished me a Merry Christmas and then died on my arms." He hung his head in shame for a few moments before continuing. "The paramedics tried to help me but I was just in to much shock I wondered to the Hobo village under the bridge I must have looked like a wreck because they accepted me as one of their own. I