Troy smiled at her and gave a slight wave as he took a seat at the table. “Hi.”

Angie came over to him and her eyes seemed to glow with delight. “Hey...um...you know...” She rocked on her feet as she rambled in front of him, trying to find her words. She bit her lip, then just blurted out what was on her mind. “Were those your clothes I found on Thanksgiving, you know? The panties and nightgown?!? It looked like it could fit you!” Troy's cheeks were a bright red and he fought the urge to just run out of the room in fright. Olivia turned and looked at him with both eyebrows raised.

“ANGIE!” Joy glared at her daughter. “What did I tell you about asking questions like that! Now apologize to Troy!”

Angie looked like the typical scolded child. Her head was lowered and she sat in a chair. “Sorry, Troy.”

Tory wanted to say that it was his stuff, but he didn't know how his cousins would take it. “It's okay.” He told his cousin.

Thanks to Djkauf for the editing again. Now for a nice family meal....nothing can go wrong here.

December 25th 1982

Breakfast and dishes were already a memory. Yet another Christmas morning was over. All the fun of the day seemed to be sucked away and it wasn't even ten in the morning yet. Vance was in the living room, playing with one of his gifts. William was relaxing in his chair, reading the paper from the day before.

Maggie was already showered and dressed. She was headed to her Mother-in-law’s house to help with the dinner preparation. She stopped at her kids room to check in on her youngest who had wanted to go with her. She knocked at the door, then moved the door a crack. “You ready to go?”

Troy opened up the door. All the joy that Tracy showed that morning was gone and now a quiet, sullen boy stood in her place. “Yeah.”

“Baby, you don't have to go if you don't want to.” Maggie said.

“But I might learn something, plus I can't do much, but I can help a little.” Troy replied.

“But you're not happy. Why force yourself next door, early, if you're going to be miserable.” Maggie pulled her son into a hug.

“But I want to go.” Troy looked up at her, tears wanting to form in his green eyes. “I just wish I could be myself over there.”

“So do I. I know your grandparents wouldn't care, but I don't know about the rest of the family.” Maggie stated.

“I know.” Troy lowered his head.

Maggie stood up and went to the kitchen. She pulled out a pot of potatoes from the fridge and headed to the door with her son in Tow. “See you guys over there.” Maggie called to her husband. “Remember the pies.”

“I will.” William replied. “Three o'clock, right?”

“Yeah.” Maggie said as Troy opened up the door for her. “Troy, grab the cookies on the stove.”

“Okay, Mom.”

A few minutes later, Troy and Maggie walked into his grandparent's place, Troy holding the door for his mother who had the pot of potatoes in water. He had peeled them the day before. Only Conner sat in the seats reserved for the grandparents. In a corner the Tree stood proudly and the lights were already twinkling. Troy only waved at his grandfather and Maggie gave a slight smile, then they continued on to the kitchen. There they found Modine and Joy, one of Troy's cousins, Olivia, another of his cousins and Joy's daughter, Angie. The elder cousins were already dressed. But Angie had on a nightgown that bore a cartoon kitten and puppy on it. Modine was wearing her usual, a housecoat.

Maggie announced their presence by asking a question. “No Amber yet?” She walked into the kitchen and went to the stove and placed the pot of potatoes down.

Joy looked up from her work at the stove. “Amber is a little busy at Dad's place. But then with the two of us here, there was no room for her and the family. I guess her boys are being a pain this morning. She called to say she's running late, but we can start the cooking without her.” She looked over to the table and did a double take. “Troy's here?” This caused Olivia to look over her shoulder and raise her eyebrows.

Troy smiled at her and gave a slight wave as he took a seat at the table. “Hi.”

Angie came over to him and her eyes seemed to glow with delight. “Hey...um...you know...” She rocked on her feet as she rambled in front of him, trying to find her words. She bit her lip, then just blurted out what was on her mind. “Were those your clothes I found on Thanksgiving, you know? The panties and nightgown?!? It looked like it could fit you!” Troy's cheeks were a bright red and he fought the urge to just run out of the room in fright. Olivia turned and looked at him with both eyebrows raised.

“ANGIE!” Joy glared at her daughter. “What did I tell you about asking questions like that! Now apologize to Troy!”

Angie looked like the typical scolded child. Her head was lowered and she sat in a chair. “Sorry, Troy.”

Tory wanted to say that it was his stuff, but he didn't know how his cousins would take it. “It's okay.” He told his cousin.

“I'm sorry Troy, someone needs to learn she can't just ask questions all the time.” Joy said. “Maybe you'd feel better back at home. I mean all we're doing is getting dinner ready.”

“Oh that's okay.” Maggie said “He helps at our place by cooking on days I work, so he wants to learn more stuff.”

“Cool. I like a man who can cook.” Olivia said with a nod. She turned back to the dishes.

“Well, come on over here kiddo and we'll teach you the fun of scalloped corn.” Joy said, letting her daughter’s question just fade away. “First I need you to get the large cake pan from the cupboard under the stove.”

“Um....he can't do that.” Maggie said. “He's a watcher today. He can stir things, but bending and lifting are out.”

“He....” Joy raised an eyebrow. “He can't lift anything? Or bend?”

Modine looked at her and nodded. “Remember what I told you about the start of the month? That kid who attacked us?”

Joy and Olivia nodded, but only Joy spoke. “He's still hurt? That was a month ago.... What did they do to him....” She realized that the boy was still in the room. “What did they do to you?”

Troy blushed and Maggie took over. “I don't know if this is something for little ears.” Maggie let her gaze shift to Angie.

“Let's go outside for a moment.” Joy said.

Maggie nodded and she led the way as Joy, Modine and Olivia followed. Maggie stopped at the doorway to the laundry room that led to the back porch. “Troy, this concerns you, so it's only fair if you're there too.” Troy got up and followed his mother. Angie started to follow them, but Joy stopped her.

“Get dressed sweetie.”

“But can't I hear too?” Angie said with a hopeful smile. “I mean he'll be okay, right?”

“I'll listen first. If I feel you can hear it, then I'll tell you” Joy stated before she followed her family outside. “Now get dressed before anyone else comes over.”

It was still cold outside, very cold. But at least it wasn't raining. Not that it would have mattered with Modine's covered porch. Troy took a seat on the porch swing and his mother and Grandmother sat on either side of him.

“What all can I tell them?” Troy whispered to his mother.

Maggie leaned in close and whispered into his ears. “How much do you want to tell them?”

Modine leaned over and whispered to both. “Joy knows about the clothes, but not whose they were, well till Angie blurted it out. Although, I think she suspects.”

“You want me to tell them?” Maggie asked.

“Just the attack.” Troy replied.

“Okay.” She looked over at Joy and Olivia who had been watching, waiting. “Okay, to understand this, I have to tell you about the time before Thanksgiving.”

“When Troy and Vance had been suspended?” Joy asked.

“Yeah.” Maggie nodded. “They were suspended for fighting, but they only fought because Troy found one of Vance's old friends stealing from a classroom. The bigger boys chased him and almost beat him up, if it hadn't been for Vance.” Maggie took a deep breath and continued. “The day before Troy was to go back to school, that boy and three of his friends came to the property to find Troy and beat him up. They found him by our barn, but he managed to get away and he was forced to run here.” Maggie pointed to the lawn of the backyard.

“They caught him right there. It was three on one and Troy had already pissed one of them off by kicking him where it hurts.” Joy and Olivia both scrunched up their noses in discomfort. “They did the same to him, but worse. He had to go to the hospital for an emergency Orchiectomy. He also had a couple broken ribs and sprained wrist. About a week or two later, before he healed, someone at school tripped him and tore out the stitches. That's why he can't lift anything. Any lifting, or unnecessary squatting and bending can really hurt him in the future. The poor child doesn't need a hernia on top of all of this.”

“Wow. Those assholes.” Joy stated.

“Maggie is skipping on a couple of key points.” Modine stated. Troy looked at her with wide, fear filled eyes, but she put a hand on him and patted his shoulder. “After they had done their damage, I came out to stop them and the boys attacked me. Troy was already hurt and he still managed to stand up and fight them again, all to defend me.” She hugged her grandson tight. Troy wiped at his eyes and tried his best not to cry. “This is my hero.”

Wow....” Olivia was stunned. “You actually got up and fought...after they hurt you?”

“Yeah.” Tory's voice was a whisper.

“You are one strong kid.” Olivia smiled brightly at him. “I am impressed.”

They were all quiet for a moment, trying to ignore the cold winter morning. Joy finally spoke up. “Troy, I am sorry for what happened and I'm sorry Angie just blurted out her question. She doesn't understand she can't do that all the time. I must admit, I had been curious about that too. I'm not sure if your mother knows, but she should.”

“Okay, what's this about the clothes?” Olivia asked.

Joy looked at her and nodded. “That's right, you didn't make it for Thanksgiving.” She gestured to the direction of the guest bedroom. “Angie was going through the dresser in the guestroom and found a nightgown and pair of panties that were just a bit large for her. So she asked Grandpa. I never heard what came of that.” Joy looked to Troy. “Were those yours? I'm not angry or anything, just kinda confused and curious.”

Troy looked at his mother, who only whispered in his ear. “Baby, it's your choice.” Troy looked at Joy and nodded and took a huge leap of faith. He loved his cousins. Angie was okay as well, just a bit loud and had a tendency to talk a lot.

“Yeah.” He said. “I got more at home.”

Joy nodded slowly as she tried to figure it all out. The backdoor opened up at the same moment and Angie came out, still in her nightgown, her eyes wide with delight again.” I knew it! I knew it, I knew it” She began singing in place and dancing around.

“Angie!” Joy snapped. She pulled her daughter to her and sat her in her lap.

“Sorry Mom.” The little girl said. She tired to do her best pout to stop the inevitable punishment.

“You are supposed to be changing young lady!”

“Sorry Mom.” Angie said again, looking to the porch.

“How much did you hear?” Joy asked.

“I heard him saying he got hurt and that the boys beat up Grandma too,,,,,” She looked to her mother. “What's an Or...orchi...orchi-thingy? What he had?”

Joy sighed. She looked to Troy. “She wont stop bugging us unless we answer her, can I tell her?”

Troy nodded again. He was reminded of Mary Beth. “Yeah.”

Joy looked to her daughter and sighed. “Angie, an Orchiectimy is something only boys can have done, but it's a painful surgery. It removes some of their boy parts.”

“Is that why he moves so slowly?” The little girl asked.

“Yeah.” Joy nodded. She looked to Troy. “There's something I don't understand. Why would a boy want to dress like a girl?” Joy asked. “Troy, why do you do it?”

“At first I thought I was doing it to escape. I would act like there was no Vance and I had no Dad. Now....Now I don't think I'm supposed to be a boy.” Troy replied.

“But you were born a boy. I changed your diaper when you were younger, I know what I saw.” Joy stated with a chuckle. “I do know the difference between male and female.”

Olivia leaned back in her chair and held up a hand to stop Troy. “Joy, it is possible. He could be one of those Transsexuals.”

“Olivia, what if he's a cross-dresser? Like those people in Hollywood at night? The prostitutes at Hollywood and vine?” Joy asked. “I...I don't know if I want Angie being around that.” She looked at Maggie and Troy and blushed from embarrassment. “Not to sound like a jerk, but I got to look out for my daughter.”

“As a mother I can understand.” Maggie said. “But maybe you should get to know my child, as SHE is now. Not as the little boy you remember.”

“Joy, I'm not a mother.” Olivia said. “But Aunt Maggie is right. We need to get to know Troy....” She looked at the child in question. “No, that's not right. Troy's a boy's name, what do you call yourself?”

Troy's cheeks went a bright red and he looked to the porch, while he leaned against his mother. “Tracy.” He whispered.

“Tracy's a pretty name for you.” Angie said and Troy smiled at that.

“I like it.” Olivia looked at her sister. “We need to get to know Tracy. He's not at Hollywood and Vine. He's a small town kid. You grew up here for a year or two, so did I. You know the hell this town can put you through for being different.”

“Joy, I can understand your worry.” Maggie stated. “But my daughter just got back from visiting friends in the Bay Area. They know about her....extra parts, so do her parents. She was with five other girls, for almost six days on her own and nothing happened. Those girls love her down there and to them, she's just as female as the rest of them.”

“Can I ask a couple of questions?” Olivia inquired.

“Sure, I don't know what all I can answer though.” Maggie said.

“Do Grandpa and Uncle William know?”

“Yeah.” Maggie nodded. “William found out around Thanksgiving. He needed a few days to figure out his mind, but he's been supportive.”

“And Grandpa?” Olivia asked again.

“He took some time to work it out.” Modine replied. “At first he was against it. Thought Troy was gay and weak, but when he watched Troy risk his health for my safety, he realized that it's what's on the insides that count. Give me a moment, I need to show you all something.” She got up and went into the house, leaving Troy with his mother and cousins.

Olivia nodded and continued. “Does my father, or Amber and her family know?”

“No. The only one from your part of the family that know are the three of you.” Maggie said.

“I don't think we should let Amber and Leonard know. And the boys don't need to find out.” Olivia stated. “Joy, do you agree?”

Joy nodded her head. “Yeah. Leonard is a bit....”

“Caveman like?” Olivia filled in for her sister.

“I was going to say, old-fashioned. But Caveman works.” Joy nodded. “His thoughts on women and work are funny to say the least.” They all chuckled, except the two kids. It had been a couple years earlier when Leonard and his wife, Amber, got into a fight at Christmas over her getting a job. He had done the usual male thing and insisted that she needed to stay home and watch after the kids, but they were drowning in debt.

“You're taking this quite well.” Maggie said, looking to Olivia.

“I go to UCLA. I hang out with friends in Hollywood. Trust me, I'm hard to shock anymore.” Olivia stood up. “But I'm getting cold, so I am going back in. Maggie, Troy....Tracy, I wont tell anyone. You have my word on that.”

Modine came out and handed Olivia a picture, then a second one. “Look at these before you go in. The first is Troy at the fourth of July. The other is a picture from Maggie when they were in Livermore back in November.”

“Is that...” Olivia looked at the picture, then the first one and then at Troy. “Holy crap. You make a pretty girl.”

She handed the pictures to Joy who looked at them with her daughter. “Wow, you almost can't tell from the other picture. But with Troy's hair right now, you can.”

“Tracy looks pretty.” Angie said with a giggle.

“Notice something about the pictures?” Modine asked. This caused Olivia to look over them again with her sister and niece.

“Like what?” Joy asked.

“The face. Look at the faces in both pictures.” Modine stated.

“Troy...” Olivia scanned both pictures. “Troy is sad, but Tracy isn't?”

“Right.” Modine said. “Even since Tracy first came out, She has gotten stronger, braver and happier.”

“But maybe it's just the clothes that make her happy?” Joy suggested.

“I thought so too, but it's not the clothes.” Maggie said. “She's hidden who she should have been and it’s just coming out now. I've got her talking to a therapist in Livermore and he wants Troy to be Tracy when not at school.”

“Sounds about right.” Olivia nodded.

“There is something important we do need to say.” Maggie looked to Angie. “Angie, I know you love a good story and you love to talk, but we need to keep this a secret from the family. If Alex and Johnny found out, they would tease Troy non stop.” She stated. “So I need you to promise me that you will keep this a secret. If someone finds out, Troy could be hurt, worse then before.”

“She means it.” Joy said, turning her daughter to face her. She knew how her nephews could be. “You weren't even supposed to hear. You let yourself in on something that don't concern you. So you could accidentally get Troy hurt. So please, don't tell Aunt Amber, Uncle Leonard and the boys about this, okay?”

Maggie let go of her child and gestured to the door. “Baby, can you take Angie inside for a minute.” Joy shot Maggie a worried look.

“It's okay. I want to go in too.” Modine said. The older lady led the two kids inside and just before the door shut, the remaining adults out side heard Modine ask. “Who wants hot chocolate?” The two kids cheered loudly.

The door shut and Maggie reached out to stop Olivia from going in. “Olivia, Joy, there's something else I want to tell you. Something you need to know about Tracy and the attack.”

~o~O~o~

An hour later, Troy was watching his cousin Joy closely as she finished preparing the scalloped corn. He was leaning against the sink, trying his best to stay out of the way. He was still in a funk because Tracy couldn't be there, but he knew why. The two more forgiving members of his Uncle’s family knew, but the ones he feared had no clue.

Joy had been quiet since they had come in. She kept giving him odd glances. Several times he thought she was going to burst into tears around him. She was in the middle of mixing ingredients when she put down her spoon and just hugged him. “I know I promised your mother, but I'm sorry you went through that.” Both Olivia and Joy knew more. Maggie had taken them into confidence of what Bruce had attempted to do.

“Promised Mom what?” He asked.

“I wasn't supposed to bring up the attack.” Joy said. From behind them, Olivia wrapped her arms around the two.

“It takes a strong person to defend herself like that.” Olivia said. “And an even bigger one to do it injured.”

Joy kissed his cheek. “I'm not saying I understand, but I won't get in your way of you, being you. Your mother pointed out a few things, and I trust her.”

“Things like what?” Troy asked, cocking his head slightly to the side.

“Like you've always been this person. You're just finally being true to yourself.”

Before he could comment, the front door flew open and someone came running in, screaming.

“GREAT GRANDPA!” A young boy's voice called out.

“Hey Great Grandpa.” A second boy's voice sounded off, this one seemed a bit older then the first.

“Hey boys.” Troy heard his Grandfather say. Joy and Olivia let go of Troy as a new voice called out from the front door.

“Push the door open slower next time. It's not a race and you've already broken one door today.” Troy smiled as he heard his Cousin Amber. He wasn't pleased to hear that Alex and Johnny were there, but he had no control over that.

“Oh it's okay, Amber.” Conner replied.

“No grandpa, it's not. Thanks to the wonder duo here, they had to fix Dad's door because these two kept running in and out and slamming it all morning. Plus they knocked down a few of Dad's pictures and took off this morning to go wandering without telling anyone.”

“Sounds like a busy morning.” Conner replied.

“Come on you two. You're in the kitchen with me.” Amber said.

“It's kinda full in there.” Conner called after her. “They can hang out here with me if they want.” Both boys began to cheer

“No.” Amber said and the cheering changed to whining. “Sorry Grandpa, but they are getting punished for their behavior.”

Amber went into the kitchen to find her sister Olivia at the table making a green bean casserole and Modine and Maggie enjoying a cup of tea. She was stunned at the sight of her other sister at the stove with her daughter Angie and Troy.

“Aunt Maggie.” She hugged her aunt as she came in. Then she hugged Modine. “Grandma.”

“It's good to see you, young lady.” Modine said.

Amber turned to watch her two boys shed their coats and drop them on the floor. She growled and pointed to the coats. “Pick them up, now.” The boys picked them up and tossed then in a free seat. “Hang them on the back of the seat. I know you two are not this stupid.”

Amber took a deep breath as she turned towards the kitchen “Sorry I'm so late.” She turned to her boys and gestured to the two seats on the far side of the kitchen table where they had just hung their coats. “Sit and don't move or you're grounded till you turn thirty....if I let you live past tonight.”

“Can we have something to drink?” Alex asked., then his eyes fell on Troy. “Why's Troy at the stove?!? Is he cooking?!? That's a girls job?!?”

Without missing a beat, Johnny began to dance around and taunt Troy. “Troy is a girl, Troy is a girl Troy is a girl!”

“QUIET!!!” Amber screamed at them. She took a couple of breaths an pointed to the seats. “SIT DOWN AND SHUT YOUR MOUTHS!”

The boys froze for a moment, then they both took the empty seats.

Amber turned away for a moment, then went to where the cups were. She pulled out two and began filling them with water. Alex was the first to complain. “I want soda!”

“After the way you've been so far, you'll get water and enjoy it.” Amber growled at her children.

Johnny looked at two cups on the table and pointed to those. “What's that?” He pulled the mug closer and was staring at it. “Is this hot chocolate! I want hot chocolate!”

“I want some too!” Alex slammed his hand on the table. Maggie got up as she heard the plastic cup crack in her niece’s hand.

She put her hands on the girl who was just a few years younger then she was. “Amber, let's step outside for a minute.”

“Yeah.” Amber went with her Aunt to the door.

Angie went over to the table and grabbed the mug that Johnny was playing with. “That's mine.” She said. Then she grabbed the other mug and took them over to the sink and handed one to Troy.

“Why do they get hot chocolate?” Alex whined.

“Because they are helping out in the kitchen.” Olivia explained. “That and they didn't destroy Dad's house and run off this morning.”

“We'll be good if we can have some?” Alex asked, trying his best to look like a repentant child.

“Boy's, I think that ship has sailed.” Joy replied. “Water for now. That may change if you get better.”

“And as for Troy in here, lot's of men cook.” Olivia stated. “Hell, most restaurants pay male cooks more then female, plus a lot just won’t hire the women cooks. Troy's dad was a cook in the army.”

“That's different. They don't let women in the army.” Alex smugly replied.

“Who told you that?” Olivia looked at him with a raised eyebrow. “Women have been in the armed forces for years.”

Both Boys were silent for several minutes. Neither wanted to suffer the wrath of their Aunts and Grandmother. But finally the silence begged to be broken. “But why's he in here?” Johnny asked. It's just girls in here.”

Joy looked at them and smiled. “Oh? You're counting yourself with the girls?”

“NO!” Both boys shouted.

“Not that you need to know, but he does the cooking at his house because Aunt Maggie and Uncle William work long hours. So Troy does most of the cleaning and cooking at the house. And Vance works outside the house in the field.”

“Troy does girl's jobs! Troy does girl;s jobs!” Johnny started chanting.

“Is it a girl's job?” Joy asked. “Think about it. If you lived alone, who do you think will clean your house?”

“Mom?” Alex asked.

“Fat chance on that kid. It would be her job to point out how dirty your place is, not clean it for you.” Joy said with a chuckle.

~o~O~o~

Maggie shut the door behind her and Amber and pulled her niece into a hug. “I know there's bad days. Boys just push the buttons like crazy. It's worse around the holidays. Just don't let them ruin your good time.”

“They've been non stop since we got in the car Thursday morning. Maggie, I'm so close.....” Amber held out a hand and made a fist, her arms shaking slightly. “This was going to be my chance to get away from them, till they broke the door and Leonard made them come here so they could fix the door and windows at the house.”

“We could have Vance come over and hang out with them. He has a football, they could play behind our place.” Maggie suggested.

“No, they need to be punished. Besides, I don't want to deal with them in and out all day. Play for five minutes and come running in just to have a drink, then run out.” Amber went to the seat at Modine's table and sat down. “I’m getting so close to snapping Aunt Maggie.”

“I know. I can see it.”

“No. It's not just today. I work forty hours a week to help make ends meet, go home and cook and do the dishes. I have two boys who treat me like I'm their servant and a husband who is so tired when he gets home that he doesn't back me up when I try to get them to listen.”

“Then make him listen.” Maggie said. “I got William to listen. Hell, I have Vance doing dishes nightly and on the nights that Troy doesn't cook, he helps with dishes.”

“Wait....” She held up a hand to stop her Aunt. “Troy....” She blinked a couple of times. “Troy cooks? You actually have Troy cooking for the house?”

“Well he still works on the easy stuff, and I do talk him through a lot of the tougher stuff, if Modine isn't around. She has been helping him learn too.” Maggie smiled at her. “I was running myself ragged. I'd get home at five, sometimes six and then it was half an hour, to an hour or more for dinner. Now? Now I get home at five thirty and dinner is on the table ten minutes later. Well, it was till he got hurt.” Maggie amended her statement. “But he does the cooking an the cleaning in the house.”

“He cleans the house too?”Amber chuckled and shook her head slightly. “How the hell did you pull that off.”

“He offered.” Maggie replied.

Amber chuckled again. “I don't see my demons offering anytime soon. But that would be nice.”

“I'll help you with this.” Maggie said.

“How?”

Maggie gave her a devilish grin and put a hand on Amber's shoulder. “Simple. Get me talking when Leonard is by us. I'll gladly tell the tail of how my kids have grown up and taken responsibilities around the house. Sure, they get an allowance, but they have to do the work to get it.”

Amber nodded and stood up. “I'll do that. Maybe we should make the little twerps do the dishes tonight, give Vance and Troy a break.”

“It would be just Vance.” Maggie replied.

“Why? What's wrong with Troy?” Amber asked. “Why can't he do them?”

“Two reasons. The first isn't a big reason, but it's important. Why did you, Joy and Olivia stop doing dishes at the big family meals?”

“Like Christmas and Thanksgiving?” Amber asked.

“Yeah. That and the Easters we eat together.” Maggie nodded.

Amber thought about it for a moment, then tapped at the air with a finger. “I think we asked you two to have them wash the dishes because we were helping in the kitchen. We did a lot of the cooking. Well, you and Modine too.”

“And it was only fair. That was about three years ago. Vance was ten and Troy was eight.” Maggie stated. “So why can't a new set of workers take over.”

“Makes sense. And it's not like Troy and Vance live here.” Amber said. “So Troy is helping in the kitchen and that gets him out of dishes.....” She was quiet for a moment and nodded. “Be a bit hypocritical if I say he still has to do them if I refuse to do them because I cooked.”

“Right.” Maggie said. “Troy would have helped though. But the other reason he cant is he was hurt at the start of the month.”

“Oh...when those boys beat him up?” Amber asked. “What all happened? I heard Grandma got hurt too.”

“Yes. I'll tell you, but don't ask him about it though, unless he offers the story himself, it still haunts his dreams at night.” Maggie said. Once Amber agreed, Maggie did a quick telling of the tale, skipping over the finer details about clothing, and what almost happened. She covered the start of the tale and the suspension, the attack and the hospital visit. Then she covered the trip he suffered.

When her aunt had finished, Amber's eyes were slightly wet from tears and she just shook her head. “I'm...I'm so sorry that he had that happen. He's one special boy to protect Grandma like that.”

“You have no idea.” Maggie replied.

Amber smiled at Maggie. “So, if I make the boys do the dishes, how can we keep Vance from doing them?”

“Vance helped set up the house by cleaning. He and Dad cleaned the house from top to bottom.” Maggie said.

“That settles it. I'll make them do the dishes.” Amber set her jaw and looked at the door.

“I think Vance will be happy.” Maggie said with a nod. “I didn't really want to say anything, but last year your two really ticked off my two. Each time they wanted a glass of water, they dirtied a new cup. How many plates did your sons use, just because they claimed it was dirty.”

“That's why....” Amber gritted her teeth. “Those little....”

“I know. Trust me. Vance and Troy were both dreading today.”

Amber nodded. “I can understand. They do it at home too.” Amber was quiet for a moment, then she smiled wide. “I have an idea. I'm not telling them they got the dishes, till just before they need to be done. Let them see how it feels. I'll talk to Leonard and tell him what's going on.”

“I won't tell the kids, that why they won’t slip up.” Maggie rubbed her shoulder. “Come on. Let's go save your sisters from those boys.”

~o~O~o~

Troy was at the table sitting next to Angie. The two children were busy setting up the bowl of Ambrosia fruit salad. They took turns putting in the ingredients into the bowl as Joy kept a close eye on them, making sure they were following the instructions.

“I want more water!” Alex slammed the cup on the table.

“Then get up and get more water.” Olivia said from her seat at the table. “No one's at the sink.”

Troy watched from the corner of his eye as Alex went to the sink, then pulled out a clean cup and placed the old one he had been using in the sink with the other dishes. Johnny quickly finished his glass, then ran over to fill up his cup, by getting a clean one too. Troy sighed deeply and just rolled his eyes. He didn't say a word as he watched them make more dishes for his brother. He knew it was unfair for Vance to do them all on his own, so he resolved to help.

Maggie came back in and Amber followed. Amber looked at her two kids and the two new cups in her hand. She didn't say a word, she just sighed and smiled at what they had planned for later. Joy began to work on a Green-bean casserole and within seconds, both boys started up again. “I hate green beans!”

“Then don't eat it.” Amber said as she stopped behind them. “But you will have something more then turkey, stuffing and pie.”

“Well I don't want anything Troy made.” Johnny said.

“Why not?” Amber asked, trying her hardest to not get mad.

“Because I don't want his wimp germs.” Johnny replied, folding his arms. “He can't even lift a bowl, so I don't want to be that weak.”

Amber bit her tongue before she could just snap at her children. “Troy, what all have you helped with....wait. Better question, what haven't you helped with?” asked.

Troy thought about it and counted off what had been made. “Let's see. I helped with the corn and, potatoes, the fruit salad.” He began counting off what all he had done on his fingers, then looked at his cousin. “I didn't make the turkey or stuffing and we bought the rolls at the store, so I didn't make those. I didn't make the green-bean casserole and Mom made the pies that dad will bring over later. I did help with the cookies.”

“I see.” Amber walked to the oven, which was separate from the range top. “Is it time to baste the turkey?”

Modine looked at her and smiled, then at the clock. “Why, yes it is.”

“Troy, how would you like to learn about basting a turkey?”

“Please?” Troy smiled brightly.

“Look at him smile!” Alex yelled. “He's a queer! He likes cooking! And he has a girl's haircut!” Troy's smile faded fast and he frown took its place.

Amber turned and glared at her eldest and Maggie moved over to her side. “I have a suggestion. I think William wanted to move some wood around before it rains. We can send them over there to work.” She said in a hushed tone.

Amber shut her eyes and took a few deep breaths. “Ask if he's willing to do it today.”

Maggie went to the phone in the living room and made the call, while Amber took Troy to the oven and showed him how to properly baste a turkey. “We'll be good.” Both boys stood up and moved to their mother. “It's Christmas, you can't make us work on Christmas.”

“Why not?” Amber asked. “We're all working in the kitchen, why can't you be productive for a couple of hours.”

Maggie came back into the kitchen and nodded. “He'll be outside with Vance. I told him what all they've been up to so far.”

“Do we have to go over?” Alex whined.

“There are three choices. It's either go over on your own, I drag you over, or I take you back to Dad's place and we head for Reno now.” She paused for a moment. “With no presents.”

“We'll go.” Alex grumbled.

“You making Troy go over?” Johnny asked his Aunt Maggie.

“No. Troy gets to stay here. He's helping, you're not. Besides, heavy lifting is out for him this month.” Amber replied for her. When they hadn't moved, she pointed to the door. “Go. Now.”

They stood still for another moment, then grumbled and headed for the door. Troy heard Alex mutter before they left. “No fair.” The was a bit of silence and Amber clearly heard “Fucking wimp.”

“I'll walk them over.” Maggie said. That way we don't need to bury the bodies so close to dinner.”

“Thank you Aunt Maggie.”

~o~O~o~

Troy and Angie were in the love seat that sat near the Christmas tree. Most of the dishes had been prepared, and the last of them were in the oven for that final stretch to dinner. Maggie had gone over to help gather up the food to bring over. Modine was in her usual seat, with Conner by her side in his own seat. Christmas music played softly in the background. Joy, Amber and Olivia were busy in the kitchen.

The two kids sat there, reading a couple of the books that Angie had brought with her. She had showed him the books she had brought. Troy went with The Mouse and the Motorcycle, while Angie was reading Beezus and Ramona. He had wanted to read the other book, but the fear of Amber asking him why, or the boys coming back inside kept him to something that could seem a bit manly. But so far, his cousins were still out helping his father with firewood.

“Troy?” Modine said as she stood up and went over to the loveseat. She stopped and took a seat on the couch and turned so she could face him.

He looked up from the book. “Yeah? Is it time to put something else in?”

“Not yet. I was wondering if I could have a word with you real quick.” He sat the book down on an end table and started to stand up. “It's okay. You can sit down. I just wanted your opinion on something.”

“Okay? What is it?” He asked.

“Angie, could I have a quick moment alone with Troy? I promise you can return to your reading in just a couple of minutes.”

As if on cue, Joy called out to her daughter. “Angie? Could I get a hand in the kitchen?”

“Okay Mom.” Angie got up and went out of the room, leaving Troy with his mother and Grandparents.

“Well, I was looking at the table and counting the number of adults. We have ten seats at the big table and only nine adults. I saw you counting the chairs earlier too.” Troy's heart began to pound. He had already counted the number of Adults and chairs himself and saw that there was an extra chair. He so wanted to be at the big table, not stuck with Alex and Johnny. Modine put a hand on Troy's knee. “You've been so helpful around here till you got hurt and I know when you're better that you'll be helping again. You've even helped today, when you didn't have to. I don't want you to think that I am just ignoring that. You've changed so much in the past few months and I love you dearly. But in all fairness, the eldest of the kids should get the chair. I want to make sure that you're not going to be angry if I let Vance have that seat.”

Modine continued before he answered. “I know Vance hasn't been the best, but he's trying. If he was still in the same state of mind he was in back in October, he wouldn't even be worthy of that seat. But he's been good. I know that Johnny and Alex have been pains in the butt, to everyone, and you and Angie have done more then we would have asked of you today, but it wouldn't be fair to put just one of you at the table.”

“I don't mind.” Troy replied. It wasn't totally true. He wanted that seat, but she was not offering it to him. She was offering it to his brother. His grandmother did have a point. Since his punishment, he had grown to be a nice young man. “It should go to him because he's older.”

“I know it sucks.” Modine said as she pulled him close. “I have six brothers and two sisters. I sat at the kids table after I was married.”

Troy was shocked. He was glad his family wasn't that big. “I just didn't want to deal with Alex and Johnny anymore.”

“I'm sorry. But it's Christmas, a time to forgive and forget.” Modine said with a smile.

“I know.” Troy sighed.

“Plus, they leave tomorrow.”

“Yeah.” Troy nodded.

The door opened up and Leonard and Troy's Uncle Tom came in, leading Alex and Johnny. After the men gave their greetings to Modine and Conner, Troy's uncle moved to the couch and took a seat and Leonard went to the kitchen to see his wife. Johnny went to the kitchen and began to demand a drink. Modine went back to the kitchen. Angie came out and took a seat next to Troy again and picked up her book so she could continue where she had left off.

Alex flopped down on the couch and kicked his feet up on the coffee table. “Angie, you could sit over here.” He patted at the seat of the couch next to him.

“Why? This seat is just fine.” She said as she sat on the love seat.

“You don't want to sit with a loser, do you?” He looked at Troy, smugness all over his face.

“Alex!” Amber snapped at her son from the kitchen.

“He's no loser, Alex. You are.” Angie said with a shake of her head.

“Hey, I was next door working. He's such a wimp that he couldn't even help.” Alex replied.

“Alex, are you starting trouble?” His father said as he walked back into the kitchen.

“No.” He called back. “Just offering Angie a seat by a real man, not a loser like Troy.”

“Son.” Leonard said from the kitchen. Before he could continue, Alex heard someone stomping out to the living room.

Amber came out and glared at him. She was followed by Modine, Joy and Olivia. “Young man, you have no idea what you're talking about.”

Maggie picked that moment to walk through the door and was followed by Vance and William. They looked around the room and Maggie asked. “Something wrong?”

“Just my son starting crap again.” Amber replied.

“I'm not starting anything! Why did we have to go help and Troy got to stay here!” Alex shouted.

“You were being punished. He was being helpful. So now shut your mouth and stop trying to start fights.”Amber replied.

Alex watched as his mother, and Aunts all went into the kitchen. Once he thought it was safe, he glared at Troy. “Wimp.”

Conner let out a long sigh and leaned forward in his chair. “Alex, Troy is no wimp. He stood up to three huge guys and defended your Great Grandmother, all while he was badly hurt.”

“I could have done the same, without being such a wimp” Alex scoffed.

“I doubt that.” Amber came back into the living room. “Remember last year at the ball park when Tony threw the baseball and it hit you where it hurts? He got kicked there, hard.”

Alex blushed a bit, but he did the usual macho thing, he denied it. “Well, yeah, but it didn't hurt that bad. I could have dealt with a kick with no problem.

Amber arched an eyebrow and tilted her head slightly to the side. “You could? I recall you cried about it for almost an hour and you wouldn't walk on your own for almost a day. You kept claiming that you were dying.”

“Well, yeah, it hurt, a little, but didn't he get hurt a month ago?”

“Yes and no. But son, he was hurt far worse then you. They had to operate. He got tripped after that an ripped out all the stitches and almost died from blood loss.” Amber laid it on thick, trying to shut her son up. “The fact that he's moving now impresses the doctors.”

“Okay, what did he have done?” Leonard asked. Amber leaned over and whispered in his ear and his face took on a green tint. He looked at Troy in surprise. “He...after they hurt him he still fought?” Amber nodded. Then his gaze fell on his son. “Trust me boy, let this drop. You can't beat what he did.”

Amber turned and looked from her husband to her Aunt Maggie. “Could we talk outside, please?” It wasn't how they had planned on approaching the subject, but she wanted to talk to her husband before it got too late and he just let the boys continue their disrespect for everyone.

“Still a wimp.” Alex muttered as the back boor shut.

Troy just shook his head, sighed and went back to the book.

~o~O~o~

Modine met Vance as he was coming out of the kitchen with a cup of water. She put a hand out and touched his shoulder to stop him. “Can I have a word alone please?”

“Um...sure.” Vance replied a bit worried.

“Just a moment, okay?” Modine smiled at him. “I promise it's not work and you're not in trouble.”

Vance put his cup down and followed his grandmother to the back porch. Modine shut the backdoor for privacy. “I wanted to talk to you about something.”

“What is it?” He asked.

“There's an extra seat at the big table. There's ten seats and nine adults.” She stated. He began to smile. All the kids sat at the kid table. They had waited patiently for their chance to sit there. He could recall a couple of family meals where his Cousin Olivia and her brother Carter had to sit at the kids table with him and the other kids, due to other, older family members who had come for dinner.

“That leaves a seat open for one kid. There's no way in hell Amber will let her kids have it, not after today.” Modine stated.

Vance chuckled. “Yeah. Dad was talking to Leonard earlier. Man they were useless when we were moving wood.”

“I heard.” Modine nodded. “Good thing they don't live on the property.”

“Yeah.” Vance agreed.

“Vance, I know you have been waiting for your chance to sit there. And by all rights, the seat is yours. You are the oldest out of the five of you kids.” Modine stared. Vance knew a big “but” was coming soon.

Modine put a hand on his shoulder and threw him off by not giving him a 'but'. “The seat is yours, if you want it. Honestly, if you hadn't changed your attitude and kept being a pain in the ass, I would have never would have offered it to you. To be honest, I actually asked Troy his feelings on letting you have the big seat. I was going to give it to him because he's still moving slow and the whole no lifting thing, it would have been just easier to put him at the big table. Plus Alex and Johnny have been royal pains to him all day. But after I asked him, he said you should have it.”

“He did?” Vance blinked in surprise. “If I were him, I would have taken it.”

“Yeah. I know. And I can't blame you for that. It's a part of growing older, that chance to eat with the adults at the big table.” She smiled and nodded. “It's a lesser known rite of passage.”

Vance nodded. “I've been waiting for the seat for a couple years. I thought at Thanksgiving time, but Great Aunt Betty and her family came.”

“I know.” Modine said. “So will you join us at the table? I think there's a spot near Grandpa open up.”

“I'll take it.” Vance smiled brightly.

“Well then let's get inside. Dinner should be done by now.” Modine said.

By time they stepped in, Vance noticed that Joy and Angie had quickly set up the plates around the big table. The adults moved the food over and began taking their seats. Johnny had done a quick count, then he counted the adults. “I wanna sit at the big table!” Johnny shouted, then he amended his statement. “I'm gonna sit at the big table!”

Alex ran up to his mother. “Why should he get the seat! I'm older then he is!”

“Neither of you will get that seat!” Amber snapped at her boys. “They way you two have acted today, you should be happy you're getting food at all!”

“Actually, if we go by age, Vance is older than both of you and so is Troy, even if it is just by a matter of a few months.” Modine stated. “So the seat is Vance's.”

“That's not fair!” Johnny and Alex cried out in unison.

“It isn't?” Amber asked. “So how would it be fair to them if someone younger then both of them got to sit there and they couldn't?” Neither boy could answer.

Troy shook his head and grabbed a plate and went to get his food, before his Grandfather would say the prayer. He was glad that Vance at least got the seat. It would have hurt more if Alex or Johnny had taken it.

~o~O~o~

The kids were at the table finishing up on their dinners. Vance had moved from the big table to the seat next to Troy, with Angie on his brother’s other side of the oddly shaped table. It was partly an oval, but attached to the wall. The adults had helped Vance move his food, so they could clean up the dining room table. As the last of the adults came in and put their plate in the stack of dishes next to the sink, Amber walked over and stood behind her two boys. “Okay boys, it's time for the dishes. Get them done right the first time so we don't have to wait on the presents.”

Vance looked up at her and sighed. He was slightly confused as to why she told him to do them right the first time. He wasn't new to the dishes. “It's just me. Troy can't help, not till the doctor says it's okay.” He grumbled.

“That's right. Hurry, I want my presents.” Alex said with a smug grin.

Vance ground his teeth, but but didn't say a word, instead he just glared at his cousin. Troy stood up. “No, I can help you. I'm not that hurt.”

“Vance, Troy, sit down.” Amber said. They stopped halfway up and looked at her funny. “When I said boys. I didn't mean you two.” She placed her hands on her sons’ shoulders and turned them to face her. “You two are doing dishes.”

“WHAT!” Alex screamed. “We don't live here!”

“Neither do they.” Amber replied.

“But they live closer!” Johnny jumped in.

“But they don't live here.” Amber replied.

Alex got up and bolted to the living room followed closely by his brother, Vance, Troy and Angie. “Dad! Do we have to do the dishes! It's Vance's job!”

“Your mother said dishes. Get in there and do them.” He growled. “It's not Vance's job. It's a job for the kids. You two earned this with your actions today.”

“But there's so many of them!” Alex replied.

“Maybe you shouldn't have grabbed a new glass each time you wanted a drink. And you shouldn't have been grabbing a new plate each time you got more food.” His mother stated. “Yeah, we all saw you doing that.”

“I don't wanna do them!” Johnny stomped his feet on the floor.

“Well I got a surprise for you. When we get home, you two will be doing more around the house.” Leonard said.

“But....” Alex began to complain. “Isn't that Mom's job!”

“Not anymore.” Leonard replied. “Vance and Troy both work around the house, why can't you? From what I heard from your Aunt Maggie, Troy cooks and cleans in the house, except their bedroom, that's both of their job. Vance helps out in the field.”

“But we don't have a field.” Alex answered, hoping he had found a loophole.

“But we have a kitchen and a dirty house. So when we get home, you two are taking on more jobs. Troy is just a few months older then you, Alex. If he can do more work, so can you.” Leonard said. “So you two need to stop stalling and get in that kitchen, before I get off this couch and blister your behinds.”

“Can't they help?” Alex asked.

“Why should they?” Amber replied. “Troy helped with dinner and that's the reason that we asked them to do the dishes after holiday meals. We had to cook and clean, it wasn't fair. Well Troy helped cook and Vance was over here this past week cleaning. So they did their share. And after last year with you two grabbing new cups and plates all the time, then bugging them as they did the dishes, it wasn't fair to them.”

“Can Angie help us?” Alex asked.

“Why? She was helping with the cooking too. If Troy doesn't have to because of that, why should she. Besides, you two want to prove that you're grown up? Take more responsibility.” Their mother said.

The boys stood their ground, till their father started to get up. They turned around and glared at Troy and Vance. “Should be your job.” Alex muttered.

Amber grabbed his ear and tweaked it. “That's more then enough lip from you. Get in that damn kitchen, now.” She hissed at them.

“Ow...OW OWOWOW” Alex screamed out. Amber let go of his ear and the two boys slowly made their way into the kitchen, stomping with each step.

Amber looked to her children. “You'll do them right, or we'll be working on it all night long if we have to.”

Maggie got up from her seat and went to Amber as she started to go back into the kitchen. “Go. Sit with your husband. I'll make sure they do it right.”

“You sure?” Amber asked. “They'll try to just speed through it.”

“Ask Vance and Troy what I did to them the first time they did dishes quickly.” Maggie said as she headed into the kitchen.

Amber looked to Troy and he smiled, answering her before she could ask the question. “Mom found a dirty dish and she made us wash all the dishes.”

“Really?” Amber asked.

“All the dishes in the house. Even the ones we didn't use. I have three cupboards of old things I hadn't used in a long time that got a well needed cleaning.” Maggie called from the kitchen. “It taught them how not to rush a job. And your sons will be under the same scrutiny.”

“MOM?!?”

“If she says to wash them again, you will wash them again, understand?” Leonard called to his children. “I've always said if you're going to do a job, do it right the first time.”

“So true.” Conner said and William and his brother both nodded their agreement.

Maggie took a rag and quickly wiped off the big dining table. “If anyone wants, the table out here is good to use.”

Vance looked to Troy and just smiled. “Cool. Wanna play a card game while we wait?”

“Sure.” Troy looked at Angie. “What about you?”

“Yeah, I'll play.”

“Hey, what about a board game? I'll join in if you want to play with the old people.” Olivia asked as she stood up. “We can pause for the presents, then go back to it afterward.”

“Yeah!” Vance and Troy exclaimed.

As they started up their game, gaining Joy in the process, Vance and Troy took turns watching Alex and Johnny turn and glare at them. This would prompt Maggie to point out the dishes were in the sink, then Leonard would yell from the living room.

As they played their game, Troy chuckled and looked up as he heard Johnny ask. “Where does this go?”

“It's a cup. Where do you think it goes?” Maggie asked.

“I don't know?” Johnny replied.

“Where did you pull it out of earlier?” Maggie asked.

Johnny opened up the cupboard and less then ten seconds later, he asked again. “Where does this go?”

“It's a cup. Where did the last one go?” Maggie gritted her teeth and glared at them.

Vance, Joy and Olivia joined in the watching as Amber came stomping in. “You two have been pulling cup after cup out of that cupboard. You know damn well where the cups go! You know where everything but the pots and pans go. So stop asking stupid questions, and get to work.”

As I wrote this, I had two lines from National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation stuck in my head.

One was from Ellen. "I don't know what to say, except it's Christmas and we're all in misery."
The other was from Clark "WORSE? How could things get any worse? Take a look around here, Ellen. We're at the threshold of hell."

The adult's table was that goal I never managed to achieve when I lived at home. The year that my brother should have been able to get to sit there, our youngest cousin threw a total fit and he got to sit there. Then after that, each meal, all my cousins showed up and my youngest cousin kept throwing his fits so my brother and I were the only ones at the kids table. Total BS