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With Tombstone gone, it was time to expand his Erie Retreat. Nestled deep in the back woods of the planet and secluded from everyone, he found himself spending more time there as his hospital construction continued. Doc didn't like living on stations so now his backwoods retreat now became more of a permanent addition.
Much like he had with Tombstone, he purchased a huge chunk of land that encompassed a good size lake not so much for luxury but a place where he could be alone, to get away from it all. Only his good friend, Gilbert, a local trade post keeper, knew where he was and anyone who wanted him had to go through him. Of course, the local Zoner resistance knew of his home but they weren't talking and why should they when they were getting an occasional meal and needed medicine.
It was very old world. Cords of wood were cut and stacked for heat. Even the stove was wood. Lighting was from oil lamps. The only electrical source was a solar panel on the roof which gave power to a small comm which was usually turned off. Water was drawn from the lake and filtered for drinking.
It was here that only the odd observer would know that he was an accomplished fisherman and hunter. He fished daily for his meals and a smoke house kept a supply of smoked meat that was hunted. Deer, fish and fowl were common. Of course, he had a small arsenal as well. His hunting rifles could drop a man before he even got close, pistols were hidden about the place and common tools were weapons as well. His stable had his two best friends, George and Gracie, his two horses. They came there from Canaria before the occupation and were the only things from Tombstone to be there besides the baby grand piano that he kept in a back corner.
Today, it was a cloudy day and a bit rainy. He was sitting on his porch, overlooking the water with a glass of Scotch. He was alone but life was good.
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"John," called Gilbert's voice over the personal com, "You need to get over to my place."
"What is going on?" replied Doc sitting on his porch going over some files.
"Emiko. There is something very wrong with her and I don't think I'll get her to you as she is," Gilbert replied with urgency.'
"I will be over shortly," was Doc's reply.
3 Days Later At One of Gilbert's Private Cabins
The room was fuzzy. Nothing came into focus. Only a figure at the end of the bed sitting in a chair was there and even it was blurry. She stirred as her eyes adjusted to the soft daylight. She was in a bed, settled but uncomfortable. Her stomach was even more uncomfortable. She rubbed her eyes a bit as she finally started making out where she was. The figure at the end of her bed was her father. He was sitting straight faced. Her head was a bit flush and she felt the need for her breather. Slowly, she began to prop herself up a bit to address her father but without thinking, her right hand slowly started looking for something that wasn't there. That's when her father through a breather in front of her.
"Looking for this?" he asked her with disgust.
Placing her hand on it, she nodded before her senses told her, Damn! He knows.
"Go ahead," he continued with a straight face and disgust, "do not let me stop you."
He then tossed her kiseru in front of her as well with a lighter, "And I am sure you need that as well."
She just looked at him for a moment, her hand still covering the breather. Realizing that he knew about her addiction, she hung her head in shame. A tear rolled down her cheek knowing how disgusted he was with her. But...why was she here? Why did she feel so weak and uncomfortable?
He gave a nod. "Go ahead, take your drugs. The tobacco I can live with but the drugs? Really? I thought I taught you better."
Her mouth began to open and the air entered her lungs to speak before he cut her off. "Go ahead, use it. You need it. Do not let me stop you. My grandchild could not!" With that, he rose to his feet and turned his back to her.
With him not looking, she put the breather to her lips and inhaled. She closed her eyes as the drug was absorbed through her lungs, into her bloodstream and around her body. As she exhaled, her cleared slightly. Yes, it is what she needed. Upon exhaling, her father simply asked, "Feel better?"
"Hai," she replied softly. It was then that the odd comment of "grandchild" came to mind. She was confused.
"Grandchild?" she asked softly.
He turned his head only enough to speak to her, "Yes, grandchild."
"But Father, you don't have any grandchildren," she replied confused.
He sighed, looking forward and downward, "No. Not anymore."
Now she was really confused.
She thought for a moment at his words. The room was silent, so silent that a passing ant could be heard. She then looked under the blankets at herself. She was naked, obviously treated for something by her father. She had a pair of panties with some bandaging at her vaginal area. She remembered the pain she was in when she arrived, the pain in her abdomen. She kept looking but saw nothing unusual, only the dragons tattooed on her body. Her father could hear her looking under the blankets.
"Where did you get the tattoos?" he asked.
"Barrier Gate Station," she replied softly, "A few months back."
He snorted back, "A fine establishment for scourge. I am guessing you got your other habits there too." He crossed his arms and walked to a window, his side how visible to her.
She looked at the breather, "Not this one."
He just looked out the window. "Where, who and why then?"
"Somewhere in New Tokyo. Who doesn't matter and why is irrelevant," she replied evasively.
"Look under the blankets at yourself again and place your hand over your abdomen," he told her softly and think hard before you answer me again. You owe me at least that."
She did and as she did, he simply said, "Now you will not hurt anyone else with that again."
She thought some more. Grandchild, Not hurt anyone else with that again and the bandaging started to add up. As she though, he brought over a small jar and handed it to her, ordering her to place it atop her belly. She looked at it. It was red and not appealing to the eye but she did as he instructed. That's when he gave her the bad news.
"The pain, the discomfort and violent reaction you were having when you arrived here was the cardamine in your system killing the two month old fetus inside you womb," he explained. "You have no idea the pain it caused me to remove what is now in that jar from your womb because your body would not give it the dead fetus within."
Looking at the red remains in the jar, a look of horror crossed her face as she began to cry. Only then was it that she realized what she had done. For the moment, her father showed nothing more than disgust.
"That is right," he continued, "that would have been a grandson to me. Yes, I tested it. Yes, you killed it with your habits."
She started crying heavy, upset with herself for the murder and for the shame she felt for hurting her father as he began to get loud and upset.
"So is this how you want to find your way on your own? Using cardamine and smoking to maybe make a few credits from the odd trader or criminal with your body? You can see what it is getting you!"
She was inconsolable at this point, the jar slipping from her hands but her father grabbing it and placing it on the stand next to the bed.
"And based on the scans I took of you, I know you have been doing that. How many men? A dozen? A hundred?" He was getting irate.
She only shook her head through the tears as her mouth silently released an "I don't know." With that he just nodded in disgust. He took her pile of clothes which were washed and folded, placing them next to her. He calmed himself a bit as he told her to get dressed and get to her feet. Taking the jar, he left the room and waited.
When she finally came out, her face was a mess as she looked at him, hoping to find a sign of forgiveness. She found none. He just grabbed her on the arm and almost pushed her to a small cemetery where he handed her a shovel and pointed at a spot nearby. He only said, "Dig."
A hole was dug deep enough to put a small, iron box in the ground that would encompass the jar. She then looked at her angry father.
"Now, give him a name," he ordered.
She thought a moment as the tears again began to fall.
"Shane," she said softly, "Shane Holliday."
Her father nodded, "Now, place the jar in the iron tomb and cover it." She did as instructed, the iron cover fitting perfectly."
"Now, finish it," he ordered, "bury the tomb." Again, she did as ordered.
Gilbert wasn't far away. When he heard the name, he took a laser engraver and made a tombstone. It was simple. The child's name and an approximate birth date and death date. He handed it to Doc who handed it to Emiko who then took a knee before the new grave and placed it. She again fell to tears and cried hard. Now the reality of what she had done set in. Still, she was addicted to cardamine, the penalty now would be a life of dependency and eventual sterility. She attempted to apologize but no one was hearing it. She only hoped that one day soon that some miracle would reverse the damage done. As she cried, her father filled a bag with what she arrived with, a couple of extra breathers, each with a fresh supply of the drug she needed. Once she got to her feet, he handed her the bag and looked at Gilbert.
"Get her out of my sight and do not let her back here." He did as demanded.
Doc himself would return to his cabin and finish her file. Patient: Shane Holliday Diagnosis: Murdered by cardamine Disposition: Proper burial
He dated it with the day's date.
Patient: Emiko Holliday Diagnosis: Abortion by cardamine Treatment: Released. Five breathers of Stabiline
He smirked at the last statement. With the beginnings of addiction, to him, there was hope as the psychological effects would be the same but the damage would not.
Finally, he had time to himself. As he sat in a chair in his cabin, the thoughts of Shane came to mind. As they did, he finally had a chance to weep himself.
As to Emiko? She found herself on a shuttle heading back to somewhere in New Tokyo. With the guilt still fresh, it was the longest ride she had ever been on.
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It had been some time since he had been to his retreat. After bringing refugees to Erie from Veracruz, he left his ship in the capital city and shuttled himself to his cabin. Cabin? It was more like home now as it was the only planetary residence he had.
He was exhausted. It always felt good to him to be able to walk in, hang up his guns and robes, slip into some sweats and fall into a chair for a moment with a glass of Scotch. Hell he hadn't even started a fire in the fireplace and he was already comfortable. When he awoke a couple of hours later, his drink was still there and everything was the same. It was still daylight although dusk wasn't far away. With a little energy from his nap, he went to the stable to visit his two best friends, his horses, George and Gracie.
They always brought a smile to his face as he ran a brush down each of them. As he did so, he spoke to them. It was evident that his friend, Gilbert, had been making regular trips to keep an eye on the place in his absence as the horses were well fed and kept. "Tomorrow," he told them both, "tomorrow we shall ride." With that, he returned to the cabin. With dusk approaching, he got the fire going and his oil lamps lit. Yes, the old rustic style of living suited him well as the rigors of everyday life seemed to disappear while he was there. A light dinner and a good book would help him relax. Before that, as the sun was setting, he walked out with a glass of Scotch toward the dock on the lake but first, he found the grave marker of his grandson. It was the first time he had seen it since he ordered his own daughter to bury him three years prior. He knelt before it, placed a hand on it and sighed. Tears ran down his face as the memories of that day came rushing back. Finally, he put himself back together and with a soft smile, he just said, "Deus te benedicat, Shane." Getting back to his feet, he watched the sunset from his dock as it fell into the lake before returning back into his house.
The sound of crickets, animals going through the woods, frogs in the water and the distant sound of the coyotes kept him company. He would even sit outside in his porch chair to listen. Yes, this was what he needed.....some time away.
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"How much worse can things get?" he asked of himself.
"On second thought, John Henry, do not ask that," he thought to himself, "Caliban is still out there threatening."
Gone was his head of mental health, her remains now one with the Baffin sun. So young and so gifted, could he ever find someone like that again? He spent several days in his escape, riding his horses and taking good care of them. Fly fishing out of his canoe was also something that cleared his mind and just enjoying the water in a swim. Of course, the reminder of how horrible cardamine could be was a small burial plot near his rustic house, that of his grandson. Emiko was no longer in his life.
It was at night that his mind began to plunge into a dark place. Outside in the dark and only the sounds of nature to keep one company. The porch of his house overlooked the water and his oil lamp was the only light. To most, this would be heaven but for Doc himself, if he had demons to conquer, it was at times Hell. Still, he had a very disciplined mind and very much in control of it. Still, being alone for so long was weighing on him. Even escaping here wasn't helping the way it once did but still, he never gave in.
Now, with only the dull glow from his lamp, he sat in a chair with a glass of Scotch. It was pleasant out but he kept a nice blanket on his lap. Under the blanket was his pistol. As he sat in though, his new cat looked up to him from beside his chair.
"Niki," he said to her gently with a smile. He then patted his lap and she jumped up. She had won Doc's heart and it didn't take long to realize that her presence seemed to make things better. She bunted him repeatedly before finally settling into his lap. Curling up, she set her head down and purred herself to sleep. It was now Doc realized he wasn't going anywhere at least, for now. He just sat in though, running his hand down Niki's back over and over.
"No doubt your Mom's death hurts you too," he said kindly to her. "I too lost my mother when she was young and well, her death was just as horrible in a way."
He sipped his Scotch. He pondered when he should get back to work. He actually feared Caliban as he knew so little about him but saw his threatening demeanor. He could fight back but what good would it do? He was at a loss. He had to maintain his confidence in his staff and ship commanders and care little what others may think.
"Do not worry, Niki, we will find our way through this," he said softly to her. After about an hour on the deck, he took Niki, the blanket and his pistol to his bedroom for the night, locking the door behind him.
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Erie was a very different place now. The Liberty government's crackdown kept the largely Zoner population of Erie on edge. Still, from what Doc had seen, their spirits weren't broken. Most went about their days with little if any regard to current events to the point of ignoring passing Liberty Navy agents searching for Insurrectionists. For the Zoners, if their were any, the Insurrectionists blended in so well that they weren't noticeable if they were about. Doc's biggest concern? An agent of the government mistaking a Zoner for someone they weren't and taking action against them. While Doc himself was well known, most Liberty agents didn't know him. Still, he kept his pistols ready with various rifles and shotguns hidden.
To monitor things, his friend, Gilbert, had taken an old Liberty shuttle craft and turned it into a receiver with a small solar array. He was now had a fully working com on a secure channel. He knew of the meeting ongoing in Omega 3. He was curious as to what would result. Gilbert also made more frequent visits with ammo and goods. Yes, having a well connected Junker friend was a help and he had no love of the government. Members of the Zoner resistance were staying closer to his lands to keep him safe against his wishes. When Doc wasn't taking care of local patients or doing administrative work for the Enterprise, he was catching and smoking trout from his lake.
So for now, things were tense but the steely nerved doctor was cool as a cucumber as he kept a close watch.
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"Easy, Girl," he said to his horse, Gracie, patting her on the side of her neck as he sat upon the saddle. They were setting quietly atop a small hill with ample tree cover. It was overcast for the day and a bit chilly but his leather overcoat gave plenty of comfort. With him were his pistols, a Hendry rifle, plenty of ammo and a strong pair of laser binoculars. He could see anyone coming for miles and could tell who they were. He could also see in all directions. It was his land and he knew it well.
Normally, Zoner resistance fighters were common passers through as they went from one place to another. There was an understanding with them. Pass through if you want but they were not to start trouble on his lands. To his knowledge, they kept their end of the bargain on that one. Since Liberty's crackdown, they were more focused where the Liberty troops were, usually keeping watch in Zoner settlements where they blended in. They did their best to find Insurgents as well. Turning them in wasn't what anyone wanted but some felt it might lessen the crackdown but most knew it wouldn't. Med Force staff kept Doc appraised of ongoing events where they were.
He took a drink of water from a canteen and took a bite of jerky as he watched. "My lands" he thought to himself, "bought and paid for." It was unspoiled and he aimed to keep it that way. To this point, no Liberty officials had trespassed upon it. He enjoyed his quiet time and easily spent a day there. Out here, he was the law and he had an old Marshall's badge as a keepsake. Something else was on his mind though. Isabella.
He was only a few days removed from his work on her and well, getting close. She was back at work as was he and she was still on his mind. His staff did a better job on her than he though possible, too good in fact. His weakness for Kusari females got badly overpowered as he thought of her. Her face, her warmth, her skin and curves all were on his mind. The thought brought a light smirk to his face. In time he knew that he would get another day with her.
He had a light lunch as he and Gracie moved to another hiding spot to watch. The day was pleasant. As dusk began to settle, he returned to his home. Giving Gracie and George a good end of day brushing, he sat in his porch chair with a glass of Scotch. Not too far away was the small grave marker for his grandson. A tear fell from his eye as he could only imagine what might have been if it wasn't for the evils of a cardamine abortion.
His drink finished, he retired for the evening.
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The Christmas season. He had loved it since he was a child. Sadly, after the death of his mother, his father not often there for him and his early goings to medical school, he never had much enjoyment of this time of year. Snow was about his retreat and in an effort to get into the spirit of the holiday, he put up a tree in his cabin. With the Med Force well wishing made, John took some time for himself. He was alone from people but he always had his two steeds, George and Gracie to keep him company. He even put a few wrapped presents under the tree even if no one would be there to receive them, one of which read, "To: Shane From: Grampa"
With it being cold outside, hot chocolate was prepared and of course, add some marshmallow to the mixture. Despite the sentiment against Zoners, he found life as normal for the time. His buddy, Gilbert, made sure he was safe and always made it easy for him to get there. As he sat before a warm fire, his mind began to wonder. It had been awhile now since Isabella had returned to work. What was she doing? Was she safe? His concerns were bigger now as she was more to him than a staff member and former patient. A light smile grew on his face as he thought of her. Yes, in time, they would re-connect.
"Ah yes," he thought out loud. He remembered about the tech provided to him. It looked like a datapad and in all respects was one. He even made regular use of it as such. He took it out and sent a simple message.
"Thinking of you on this holiday season. Stay safe, Is." He then put it away.
Yes, it was quiet and he was enjoying the light snowfall, the warmth of his fire and a mug of hot chocolate.
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The morning was cold but sunny. With an extra layer and some boots, he stepped out to view the fresh blanket of snow that glistened in the sunlight as he sipped that first morning cup of coffee. He was well rested and had a slight smile on his face. To his surprise, he would be receiving a visitor. Isabella was going to take a few days and spend Christmas with him in the quiet of the retreat so his plan for the day had a slight change. He needed to get her a gift of some kind but what to get? He was never good at that sort of thing. He would go inside for a video conference with his old friend, Gilbert.
"So, eh, what's on your mind, Doc?" he asked.
"I am not sure but..." He thought a moment. "Jewelry. A necklace. One that would look good resting against her brownish skin tone. Diamonds....perhaps with other stones."
"Careful there, John. She gets diamonds and she will think you fallen in love with her," he quipped.
Doc shrugged. "Gilbert, what if I have? I think I am just afraid to admit it. And well, it is too early."
"It's nevah to early, John," Gilbert replied. "Love has a way of finding you and when it hits ya', ya' know!!"
Doc just nodded, "Yeah."
Gilbert searched his inventory. "John, I think I got the perfect thing. A matched set. A necklace and bracelet." He continued looking around and something caught his eye.
"Say eh', you know what size she is?"
"Uh....yeah," he replied sheepishly. "Why?"
"Oh, I think I gotsa nice nightgown here she would look good in," Gilbert replied.
Gilbert pulled the nightgown off the wrack and held it up. It was a beautiful white gown of fine silk that had a nice cut down the middle.
"The cut will show that necklace off nicely," he added with a big grin.
"That it will," replied Doc. He then said under his breath, "hopefully she does not think this as a marriage proposal."
"Nah," replied Gilbert, "wedding gowns have lace."
Doc gave a snort. "Still..." was his answer.
"Ah hell," Doc continued, "I will take them both. Here are her measurements."
"Very good, John," answered Gilbert, "you will have them by day's end. If you have some of that smoked trout available, I will take what you can spare. I make good money on that here." He smiled, "consider it payment."
"Done," answered Doc. "I have plenty. I will see you later."
The chat complete, Doc continued with the start of his day. George and Gracie needed their morning feeding and water and he himself needed breakfast. The cabin was already clean so he wasn't worried too much about that.
Isabella Smiled as the Junker Shuttle broke through the Clouds of the Upper Atmosphere of Erie. She had met a nice Junker Family a while ago and had helped the mother with a Complicated Birth. They were really Thankful for the help that Isa Gave them as the Mother of the Family was traped in Postpartum depression after the birth of her last child. To thank her they had offered to bring her home to Erie whenever she wanted it, as long as the Libertonians had placed that Sanctions on the former Zoner World. Now she was in a Junker Shuttle that used an Atmospheric Entry Point instead of the Docking Rings. The Ride down to the Surface was also bumpier than the smooth one you would normally experience in the Guided Decent of the Docking Rings/ Space Elevator. But it would also be more safe than an attempt to use the Docking Ring with Forged Papers. But still this Bumpy ride in a Shuttle that was more or less an Iron Coffin with Wings and Recycled Engines Scared her a lot and she thought about if it would have been safer to sneak trough the Docking Ring with Fake Papers. And so she decided to speak some Prayers to the Light to let her safely land in this thing. Even though she was not really a Religious Person she would just go by the old Quote "There are no Atheists in the Trenches". After what felt like an Eternity with sounds all around her that gave her little Confidence to survive, the ship made a smooth Touchdown as it landed in a Field near the town where Gilbert lived. She Thanked Tony who was the oldest Son of the Junker Family as she exited the Ship and took her bags.
Isabella: I don't know how long I will stay on Erie, but I hope to stay at least till the First of January. I thank you for the Ride and I will contact you over Secure Chanel your Mother gave me. Oh and tell her that I want to see her for her monthly therapy Session next year.
Tony nods and then closes the hatch, she knew she wouldn't get much more of an Awnser of him as he was pretty shy and didn't speak to people that he didn't know very well. Isabella Had some suspicions that he might be Autistic, but she had watched how he and his family worked together and Could say that he was Highly Functional and felt safe and loved in his Family. He seemed to have a Talent to Fly and his mother told her that Tony seemed to be able to fly a Ship through an Asteroid Field while his eyes were Closed. Isa had decided that she would not try to force him on the Therapy Bench, she had seen first hand that he had a good life with his family anyway. But she would be there for him should Tony one day decide to ask her for Help.
Isa took a Step Back as the Junker Shuttle began to Rumble, and then she took some more steps just to be sure as the Rumble would become Louder. In the end, the Ship would Create a Large Dust and Smoke Cloud as its Engines Screamed and the Shuttle lifted off into the Sky. Isa had to cover her mouth with her hands and close her eyes as it seemed that a Storm raged around her. But even when it felt way longer it was all done within a minute and the Shuttle would fly into space with a large Black Smoke trail that would follow it. Isa grabbed her bag and noticed a layer of coal dust on the bag. She would soon after check her face and noticed the same Layer there. She sighed and couldn't do anything about it now and decided to walk to Gilbert so that he could bring her to John. Isabella grabbed her bag and started the 20-minute walk to the Village nearby.
Im the end it would take her almost 40 minutes till she would reach Gilberts Shop and enter it. Isa got a bit lost in the town and didnt found the shop at the first try. She must have looked like a Tramp as she entered as Gilbert didn't seem all too Pleased to see her. He also probably would not recognized her with all that coal-like stuff in her face. And after all she was still a Diferent Person as she came here for the last time. But he didn't kick her out and allowed her to come to the Counter.
Isabella: ahm hello, I am Isabella, ahm John told me that you could bring me to him. But I fear the Shuttle that brought me here had a Malfunction at the Start. Ahm do you have a Restroom where I can Clean myself?
As she talked he seemed to Recognize her from the things that John had told him about her. He would then warm up and smile at her as he could now understand why John was so head over heels for this woman. Even covered in that coal-like stuff she was a beauty and he could imagine how she would like when would be Clean.
Gilbert: oh yes John only speaks in Regard of you, I am sorry i couldnt recognize you under all that Coal. He has indeed contacted me this morning and asked me to bring you overü. i will drive to him soon, so if you want just go up the stairs and and take a shower, its the Second door on the Right. I will wait down here and drive you over as soon as you are Ready.
Isa smiled and was happy as she could clean herself. She would take a Quick shower and then Dressed in the Special Suprise that she had for John. Isa was happy as she was finally clean again and used a nicely smelling Orange Soap and Hair Oil that she had brought with her. Isa Made Sure to be squeaky clean when she Came down to Gilbert again. She had hidden her Suprise under a long Coat that would hide her body and Face from those who would be too Curious. Not even Gilbert could have a look at the surprise she had for John Later. Originally she had planned to show him the Suprise Later, but this was the Perfect Opportunity to give him the surprise as soon as Gilbert would leave them alone. Isa Would give Gilbert a Quick Hug to thank him for the Shower and then he drove her in his Pickup Truck over to Johns's House. Isa would wait a bit in the background while John and Gilbert would make their Buissnes and wait for them on the Bench on the Front Porch. She would then let the Coat fall as they would finally be alone and Gilbert and his Truck were outside of view.
Isabella: Hello John, Merry Christmas, i would like to be your Christmas Elf this year.
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He only knew that at some point during the day, Is and Gilbert would show up. As to when was anyone's guess. For the most part, he went about his day as normal except that he put what he had for decorations on the tree and wrapped the two gifts that Gilbert had sent via currier to him. He just wanted something under the tree for Is when she arrived.
His daily chores didn't take long to do. Groom and feed the horses, bring in some wood for the fire and get Gilbert's package of smoked trout ready for him when he arrived. He wasn't much of a cook himself but he baked a few cookies for the occasion. He even laid a couple at the grave of his grandson.
As the day went on, he began getting himself more prepared for her arrival. He dressed rather casual but had a Santa hat that he put on. He had a pair of jeans and a flannel shirt that he wore over a festive t-shirt. He didn't have much else but this was the retreat where formalities never took place. He had a small ham, wild potatoes and greens for a simple dinner with some Gallic wine. The table was set for two with candles and a red cloth. A kettle of hot water was ready for hot chocolate as was a pot of coffee.
Finally, he heard the blast of Gilbert's horn. Doc just smiled at the sound knowing they were here. She was in her long coat when she arrived and went to another room to put it away while Doc gave a handshake and manly hug to Gilbert.
"Thank you, Brother," he told him. "This means a lot."
"Never a problem, Doc," he replied with his big, bearded smile. "I would stay but I really do need to return."
"Any Liberty people follow you?" asked Doc.
"None," answered Gilbert. "I think you have enough people looking after you to where that is not an issue."
As Gilbert readied to leave, Doc handed him a large package. "About thirty pounds of smoked trout will get you some good business."
"That it will," replied Gilbert. "Merry Christmas, Doc."
"Merry Christmas, Brother," replied Doc with a parting handshake. Quickly, Gilbert left. With a smile, Doc secured the door. That is when he heard from behind him,
"Hello John, Merry Christmas, i would like to be your Christmas Elf this year."
He turned around and saw her dressed in green, red and white with a red hat of mistletoe and leaves. The smile on his face turned to one of surprise. He stood in shocked silence as he admired her. His jaw moved a little as he tried to speak but no words left his mouth.
"Is, I just do not know what to say," he said softly. "
He looked at himself and felt underdressed but it seemed not to matter.
"You.....are beautiful," he said softly. He then nodded as he slowly approached her. "Yes, you may be my Christmas elf."
He then noticed he was standing not under her mistletoe but over it as he was taller than her but he was close to it.
"You know what is said about those under mistletoe." He could hold back no more. He kissed her, admiring her beauty, admiring what he had created.
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Isabellas Secret Outfit![[Image: 0ff33498-7d16-490c-a81d-e297de79459a.jpg]](https://assets.playgroundai.com/0ff33498-7d16-490c-a81d-e297de79459a.jpg)