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Gray's Christmas 2011

"Wake up, dear"

It was six a.m. Maybe not early for you, but painfully early by my standards. My name is Gray. I'm a red fox hybrid. I'm the author of 'Sex Club', the Tina stories, and a host of others. I've been on Orah's book club, been nominated for an Oscar, an Emmy, and a Critic's Circle award. Not that that matters a hill of beans, but along with the awards, I've made a nice living. A REALLY nice living. Enough so that I can live the life I want to live. Built a palace in India. More importantly, last year, when I learned that my assistant Visvasa had a seriously ill child, I was able to help. Visvasa, a stunning white Poodle hybrid, has been my invaluable assistant, and constant companion.

A year later, and things are very different. Visvasa's daughter is doing great. And Visvasa and I are closer than ever. Oh, the six a.m. thing? It's the day we return to New York, for her little girl's one year check up. If she passes her exam, she's recovered. No more medical procedures. Needless to say, the results of these tests are huge.

Anant is her name. That's 'Joy' in Hindi. She's the most remarkable little girl I've ever encountered. She's been suffering from a heart defect. Simple, really, except it had gone untreated. That hole in her heart stunted her growth, and threatened to end her life. Last Christmas, she was close to death. Luckily. She got the treatment she so desperately needed. Not that it was easy. She underwent open heart surgery. They had to split her ribs, to work on her tiny heart. An awful thing for a grown man, but unthinkable for such a tiny child. But what was truly remarkable was that she never complained. The lovely, saintly smile never left her face. It wasn't Visvasa and I that kept her spirits up- it was she who did that for us.

What a difference a year can make!. She's what she should be- a happy, healthy child. She's put on weight, and grown inches. Visvasa home schools her in my home- in OUR home. Visvasa and Ana...that's what we call her......live at the house now. We arrange her work around home schooling Ana. And she's so smart! Her little mind is so eager to learn! I'm in awe of her ability to absorb knowledge.

"Gray! Are you going to come?" Ana yells, heading for the steps leading to the plane.

"I'm coming, I'm coming..." I reply, taking one hand, her mother taking the other, as we climb the steps of the plane.

The flight attendant showed us to our seats in First Class.

"This isn't like before" Ana observed.

"That's right" I replied "Before you were on a private plane. That's because you were too sick to fly on a regular plane.

But I LIKED that plane!" Ana protested

"But now you are lucky enough to be able to fly on a regular plane, for which you ought to be grateful..." Visvasa chastised.

" Now, Visvasa, I like to fly private, too." I replied

"We are all lucky enough to be taking a nice trip....in First Class....on this beautiful airplane. We should all be grateful....."

Duely chastened, Ana and I dropped the subject. She WAS right, of course. We all had a lot to be thankful for. Ana was doing well. Visvasa and I were closer than ever. We.....I...had never actually spoken about it, though. My feelings, that is. The truth is, I was in love with Visvasa. I loved them both, actually. Looking to my left, Visvasa was framed in light from the rising sun. Dressed all in white, the sun behind her gave Visvasa an angelic look. Ana was the vision of her mother, only smaller. There was however, one difference. While Visvasa was quiet and proper, Ana was cheeky and outgoing. We hit it off immediately. So did everyone else

"Aren't you lovely!" the stewardess cooed. "What's your name?"

"My name is Anant, but everyone calls me Ana"

"Well, Ana, let's get you some honorary pilot's wings, and something to color. Can I get you a drink?"

"I love Orangina. Do you have it?" she replied in her best adult voice.

"Would your parents like anything?"

"Oh, they're not my parents. This is my mother, but this is Gray. He's a famous author." She proclaimed, proudly.

"Well, pleased to meet you, Gray! Would you like something to drink?"

"Coffee" I replied.

It was a pretty uneventful flight. Ana colored a while, and looked out the window a bit, but she mostly napped. It gave Visvasa and I time to talk. We didn't have that many chances to do that. Well, let me clarify; we talk all the time, only it's about proofreading, my calendar, appointments, that sort of thing. You see, I'm shy. I'd love to tell her how I feel, but I scared she may not feel the same way. So, I keep the conversation on business. For her part, she's the perfect assistant. With Visvasa here in the house, it was getting harder and harder to deny that I was falling in love with her. I was stirred from my thoughts by a touch on the hand.

"Enjoying the flight?" she asked, her hand still on m ine

"Very much so" I smiled back.

Her hand lingered on mine, before she withdrew it, back to her side of the armrest. Did she smile? I think so, but what if I'm wrong? It was then that Ana crawled onto my lap. No sooner had she done so, with her arms around my neck, when she drifted off to sleep again. No question Visvasa was smiling now, but Ana always looks so cute.....

The time in the air seemed to fly. Before I knew it, we were touching down in New York City. Talk about memories flooding back! I was a little uncomfortable at first, but I was quickly caught up in the girl's excitement. You see, this was Ana's first time in the city when she wasn't sick. It was Visvasa's first time where she wasn't caring for a sick child. Ana woke when the pilot announced that we were in the approach to Kennedy Airport. Her eyes were glued to the window.

"Look, Mamma! Look at all the big buildings!"

"That's Manhatten" I offered. "Those are skyscrapers."

"This is nothing like India"

Visvasa lay a hand on her shoulder.

"No, it certainly isn't."

At first, it was a bit overwhelming. I mean, there was just so much to take in. She was really quiet as we gathered our luggage, though she seemed fascinated by the baggage carousel. Once we had our bags, we went outside and grabbed a cab. When we got in, the driver was wearing a turban.

"Apa kanam haim?" (where are you from) the naturally curious Visvasa asked.

"Maim se hum Khajurano...." (I am from Khajurano) he replied

I could see that Visvasa was blushing.

"What did he say?"

Visvasa giggled.

"He said he is from Khajurano. It's a city between Agra and Varanasi. I was blushing because it is known as the erotic city, full of carvings of.....sexual things."

I could see in the mirror that the driver was laughing. Visvasa had a wicked little giggle.

"What's so funny?" Ana asked.

"Look!" I declared, swinging her around "You can see Manhatten..."

It was a pretty neat view, and it had the desired effect of distracting the inquisitive Ana long enough to draw her interest elsewhere. After that, the rest of the trip was pretty uneventful. Within a half an hour of leaving the airport, we were in Mid town.

"I thought we were going to our hotel first" Visvasa asked, confused.

"Well, it's not a hotel, true. A friend offered his apartment. I couldn't refuse."

"That's nice..."

The concierge found someone to help with out bags, and got us a key. We got on the elevator. I put the key in, in order to press the button for the top floor.

"You need a key to use the elevator?" she asked. "I'd never seen that"

"Not ever floor. Some are restricted. You need a key"

"And why are they restricted"

"Because we're the only ones staying there"

When the door opened to the penthouse level, Visvasa stepped out and stopped. She just stood there, open mouthed, taking it all in. It was a good minute or more before she spoke.

"I've never seen anything.......I mean, your home is lovely.......it's just I've never seen so MUCH........EVERYTHING!"

"I understand. My friend likes shiny things."

Indeed he does. Gold. Crystal. Polished brass. And lights. Lights everywhere. There were little LEDs on the underside of the stair treads. She walked to the windows.

"What a view! I'll bet it's very romantic by night."

I simply smiled. Even though Visvasa and I had shared the last year together, we had never had ......well, anything more than an employer- employee relationship. Not that I didn't want more. Visvasa was wonderful. It was just, well, each of us was so busy. Ana had so many operations, doctor visits. There was travel. When she was between medical visits, there was school work to catch up, then there was my work. It was a very busy year.

By the time we unpacked, and got something to eat, it was ten o'clock, and Ana had a big day tomorrow. Visvasa went to put her to bed. I went to the bar, and poured some Jack Daniel's over ice. I took my drink, and walked back to the window, taking in the magnificent view. I must have been there a while, when Visvasa joined me, walking up from behind, her arms around my neck.

"I was right" she declared, triumphantly.

"You always are."

"No, about the view."

"Being romantic. It's the most incredible view I've ever seen."

Visvasa reached over, and took my drink. She took a sip."

"Ewww! I don't see how you drink that." She put the drink on a table, and turned me towards her. She wore a full length white satin gown, with a sheer robe. The lack of lumps or bumps told me there was nothing underneath. She stood in the moonlight, a vision in pure white. That was when she took my face in her paws, and kissed me. Mind you, I've been kissed a time or two. But never like this. Never. It was like a Derek Jeter wielded baseball bat across the face. I was totally in her control. I don't know how long it lasted, but I know this- however long it was, it ended too soon. Then, it was done. Visvasa turned toward the bedroom.

"Good night, Gray."

She blew me a kiss, and then, with a swing of her hips, she was gone.

Waking up in a strange place is disorienting. You tend to take a kind of mental inventory as consciousness returns. I could tell that I was still suffering jet lag, and it was too damned early. It was still dark out. I was alone, in a huge, round bed. No, not alone. Visvasa was sitting on the edge of the bed, next to me, in the same robe from last night. There was a bed tray in front of me.

"You're up early." I observed.

"I didn't know how long it would take to get to Columbia-Presbyterian., so, I set the alarm."

"And made breakfast, I see."

She laughed.

"I'm not that good. I arranged that last night. I know how you are when you don't eat."

She's right, of course. She always is. I'm no fun to be around when I haven't had breakfast. But no food could hold my attention today. I had eyes for Visvasa alone. As she sat on the edge of the bed, her lovely face framed by the light of the new dawn, she glowed. If I live to be a hundred, I'll never see anything so lovely.

"Gray! You've hardly touched your food. You're not sick, are you?"

Visvasa brushed back my forelock, and checked my forehead.

"No temperature...." She noted.

It was my moment now. I took her arm, and kissed her, as she had kissed me last night. And it was just as magical. When the kiss ended, she smiled, a beautiful, loving smile.

"That's enough, rascal! We have things to do. I need to get Ana ready, and dress myself. I trust you can handle yourself......"

With that, she was off in much the same way as last night. I sat in bed a while, unable to do much but think of Visvasa; her smile, her ass, her furry white breasts.....Even the best daydreams don't last forever. I got up, and took a very cold shower. By the time I was finished, Visvasa and Ana were dressed and ready, waiting for me.

"Come, Gray! You'll make us late" Ana teased

"If I didn't know better, I'd swear you were going to an amusement park, not the hospital."

"Hospitals aren't so bad. It's where they make you better." She said, in her matter-of-fact way.

Hospitals kind of freak me out. Not so much from the few minor procedures I've hadd; more from that awful night. The emergency room. The I.C.U. Seeing my wife and child after they had died from third degree burns. This was different, though. At Columbia-Presbyterian, Ana got her life back. She was born with a hole in her heart. Not a big problem, other than that hers wasn't fixed. As she grew, her damaged heart couldn't keep up. She was dying when I met her. I rushed to find her help, which is what brought us here. The doctors here fixed her failing heart, and saved her life.

This time, Ana walked upstairs herself.

"Doctor Patel!" Ana ran to hug him.

"Ana! How grown up you've become!"

This was the final checkup. If everything was in order, Ana would have a life pretty much like every other child. After speaking with Dr. Patel a few minutes, it was time for her tests. Visvasa went to go with her. Ana turned, and put her hands on her hips.

"I'm big now, Momma; I can do this myself!"

The doctor looked at Visvasa.

I guess she's big, now....."

The doctor turned to Ana:

"You ARE a big girl! Still, Mom will be right here, if you decide you want her with you"

With that, the two left, and Visvasa and I were alone in the waiting room. We knew that Ana was doing well. Still, you worry. They aren't testing her without reason. Sometimes, things don't go right. We had all come so far. Still.....we waited. There were lots of tests to do. Minutes turned to hours. Visvasa finished her book. I offered her my iPod. I read my mail, and did some writing on my iPad. Both out of things to do, we decided to talk.

"Uh, Got a confession. It's Christmas Eve, and in the confusion of this trip, I didn't get you a present. What would you like?"

Visvasa looked at me with those lovely, soft eyes. She just looked at me a while. She looked away, as she began to speak. Visvasa took my hand.

"Gray......from the moment I met, there was something....special.....about you. You couldn't possibly know how excited I was, to come to work for you. As I came to know you, your kindness, your intelligence, your generosity, I was convinced that you were one of a kind, unique, a very special fox........"

Visvasa shifted in her seat, before she turned, looking me in the eye...

"As we spent time together, I became aware of.....feelings, things I'd never felt before. I'd hoped you felt the same way I did, but I could never be brave enough to ask you. "

Visvasa was breathing heavily. Our muzzles were inches apart. I could feel her pulse race.

"I don't want this to ever end, Gray. It would break my heart"

It felt like her heart was about to explode. I felt the same.

"Is this what I think it is?" I asked, mustering a smile.

"It is not in the custom of my culture, or yours. Gray.....will you marry me?"

There was a look of sheer terror in her eyes, as she sat silent, checking every action for a hint of reply. I didn't make her wait.

"Yes! Yes! A million times yes!

Visvasa was sobbing. There were tears in my eyes as well. We were so in the moment, we didn't notice Ana and Dr. Patel. Ana went to hug us.

"It's alright, Mommy- I'm fine!"

We looked to Dr Patel.

"She's right. Passed every test. Good as new. No more hospitals for a long time."

I picked up Ana in my arms. Visvasa then spoke.

"Mommy has some news, too. Gray and Mommy are getting married."

Ana threw her arms around my neck, giving me a big hug. Then, she threw me a curve.

"Will you be my Daddy? I want you to be my Daddy. I think you'd be the best one in the world. "

I looked at Visvasa. For guidance. She smiled and nodded.

"I'd LOVE to be your Daddy! I'd be the proudest Daddy in the whole wide world.

We thanked Dr. Patel, and he congratulated us. Our minds were racing as we left the hospital.

"Well, there's a lot to do. I've got to get you a ring, we've got a wedding to plan...."

Visvasa touched my arm.

"Gray, I don't care about any of that. I'd love to just marry you. Nothing fancy. I don't need that...."

"Here? Now? In New York City?"

She held me close.

"I can'r imagine anything more perfect!"

I looked at my watch. It was 3:00, Christmas Eve.

"Look at that! We better get moving, then..."

So, we grabbed a cab for City Hall. We dashed for the clerk's office, all three of us. It was almost four when they finally issued a license. But there was not a single judge, magistrate, or justice of the peace anywhere in the city. It looked like we'd have to wait. Walking out of City Hall, we passed the Mayor's Office. The door was open, and there was a light on. Sticking my head in, there was one person there, a tall man, late sixties, wavey gray hair, in a blue striped shirt, sleeves rolled up to the elbow.

"Can I help you?" he asked, his voice conveying a sense that he actually WANTED to help.

"I was just checking to se if by chance the mayor was in."

"What do you need? He asked, standing, and walking toward us.

"We were hoping he could marry us...." Visvasa interjected

The man rubbed his chin

"you'd need witnesses.....wait here."

And, he was off. Ten minutes later, he returned with two maintenance workers; a short, squat Hispanic woman, and an elderly African-American.

"Let's see that license...... Why don't we do this in my office?"

So, he married us in the Mayor's office, two janitors as our witnesses. Ana told the mayor her story, too.

"Just a minute....I've got something for you......"

He reached into a cabinet, fished around a bit, and came out with a black velvet box. He opened it, knelt, and handed it to Ana.

"This is the key to the City of New York. We only give this to dignitaries and celebrities, but never to anyone nicer than you"

Ana gazed at it, impressed.

"What does it open?"

"I'm not sure" the mayor replied, his hand on her shoulder "but I'll be sure to tell you when I find out."

How do you top that? Well, of course, you can't. We went to dinner at the only place we could find open Christmas Eve, a Chinese place. The three of us went for a carriage ride around Central Park. I stopped to show my new family the 'Imagine' mosaic at Strawberry Fields. I don't know what it was- the emotion, the moonlight, whatever. But I took Ana in my arms, bowed toward Visvasa, and asked her to dance. I had my iPod in my pocket, just loud enough for the three of us to hear.

If there were no words, no way to speak, I would still hear you

If there were no tears, no way to feel inside I'd still feel for you

All of my life I have been waiting for all you give to me

You've opened my eyes, and talk me how to love unselfishly

I've dreamed of this a thousand times before

In my dreams I couldn't love you more

I will give you my heart until the end of time

You're all I need my love, my valentine.

All good things must end, even the most perfect of days. We began the walk back to our room. As we left Central Park, the streets were pretty empty, save a lone soliciter with a kettle, seeking the last few donations for his homeless shelter. I hardly gave him a glance. Ana, however stopped me.

"What is he doing?" pointing to the man

"Collecting donations"

"For what?"

"The homeless, I think"

I began to pull her along, but she dug in her heels.

"We've got to help."

"Why"

"Because they need us, and we can."

I stood there, embarrassed by needing a child to point such simple things out to me. I reached in my pocket.

"You're right. Give me a minute."

I went back, and slipped something in his kettle, and wished him a Merry Christmas.

Later that night, the volunteers dumped the kettles contents to count it. Amongst the coins and dollar bills was a check. The man fished it out, and his face froze in shock. He showed it to his friend, with much the same result. The two took it to Father Pete, who ran the shelter.

"Father, this was in the kettle....."

The padre took it, examining it carefully. A check for five hundred thousand dollars.

"Let's Google the name"

When they Google the name, one of the men pointed at the screen

"That's him! That's the guy!

After Gray made his donation, he went to go back to Visvasa and Ana, but something caught his eye. As he had walked back to the kettle, he had thought he had seen a fellow fox, struggling with a big bag, across the street. When he turned to go back, he was gone. There was nothing but an empty sack.

Just as Gray caught up with Ana and Visvasa, the bells of St. Patricks started to ring. I picked up Ana.

"Look at that- it's Christmas Day!"

"Sister said that when you hear a bell ring, an angel got his wings."

I held Ana close.

"That's right, dear. That's exactly right."

This story is dedicated to Fisher Prejeant. Grandpa's first story for you.