Thanks Aileen!



What was Bobby's but?

Wednesday Dec 28th 2005


Myles in the final rays of light along the outside light of his back garden attended briefly to his beloved plants. Removing weeds on sight and addressing any problems that arose. As his nimble fingers did they business his thoughts returned to earlier in the day.


“Ladies and germs” shouted Bobby as he jumped into the room and gave a large bow, “please be up standing for my beautiful future wife…”

“What” proclaimed particularly everyone?

Tara spun into the room and into Bobby’s arms.

“WHAT?” was definitely proclaimed by everyone in the room?

“We are getting married,” squealed Tara giggling as she clung to her fiancée.

Silence filled the room and they heard a paperclip drop from Jack’s fingers.

“You guys are getting married?” asked Lucy

“Yip Luce that we are” grinned Bobby.

“Wow” said Sue and Lucy together.

“Congratulations” said Jack holding out his hand and shaking Bobby’s then D approached Bobby.

“This is amazing in less than one month two couples within this office are getting married. How fantastic” shouted a gleeful Lucy.

“Better watch Luce could be infectious,” giggled Sue.

Lucy looked over at Myles and shook her head while making the no motion with her hands.

“Thank you Miss Dotson” said Myles sarcastically.

“So when do you plan on getting married?” asked D.

“We don’t know” shrugged Tara.

“Hopefully not too far in the future” said Bobby.

“This is wonderful,” squealed Sue.


Myles leaned back on his heels and wiped his hands on his garden denims. He felt so happy for everyone. Grinning he headed inside and decided to make himself a nice cup of Earl grey tea before retiring for a long submerged bath and bed.

Myles...cracks me up.

Fabulous posts! Bobby and Tara and Sue and Jack are getting married! Perfect.

You write Myles fabulously!

Sairs

They're getting married!!! Couldn't Bobby and Tara have decided this sooner - to show Jack how it is really done?! Oh well, things turned out right in the end... But what about Myles - is he still feeling something for Lucy? "He felt so happy for everyone" but what about himself?

Ails, I just caught up on your posts!! I'm so excited!! Jack and Sue are getting married!! Bobby and Tara are getting married!!

Poor Myles - How about Lucy???

A very Merry Christmas, Ails, and a Wonderful New Year!!!

Joy

Amazing as usual!!

Hopefully things with the job are better? Maybe you will be getting some time off for Christmas and you can get some rest and relaxation

Ah, love. Makes the world go round...and round....and round....and round, round, round....oy, now I am ill from all the spinning....hold on...ahem...

You write Jack and Sue, Bobby and Tara so lovely and charming
And Myles so laid back, completely disarming
Lucy is shocked but peaceful at last
And D's peaceful house, to him was a blast

You have shown us much wonder and awesome delight
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night
But that's not the end, oh no, my dear
Your story's end's to come, that's perfectly clear.....

Beautiful Ails. Simply beautiful.
Thank you for sharing the message of Christmas.

I see a double wedding in the near future!!! (or do I? )

MORE! MORE! MORE!

Those last few posts reminded me they had questions to answer. I think they did find peace ...and happiness !

Good luck to Jack if the other two brothers are just like Danny !

The two couples are just so sweet ... and engaged !!!

Jack and Sue
Tara and Bobby
and Myles

Thursday Dec 29th 2005


“So guys what are your plans for New Year?” asked Lucy sipping a mug of freshly brewed tea and leaning back against D’s desk.

The morning was slow. In fact the workload was non-existence.

“Well my parents are still here so we are going to have a get together, “ said Bobby smiling over at Tara.

“Well I was going to ask if any of you would like to join me for the stroke of midnight” said Myles. “You know have an informal get together.”

“That’s sounds like Fun,” said Sue grinning over at Myles. “Jack?”

“Count us in,” said Jack rocking back on his chair.

“Donna and I would love to come but I do have to check with Donna first but I do believe that the kids are going to their friends this year.”

Tara reached over and whispered something into Bobby’s ear.

“Leland would you mind if my parents were to come?” asked Bobby looking between Myles and Tara.

“Of course not” said Myles, “the more the merrier”

“Great” said Bobby, “I’ll ask them tonight when I get home”

“Fantastic” said Lucy, “I will be there”

“So Bobby how are the parents enjoying their visit.”

“They are having a ball and they just love Tara,” he added with a grin, “my mother is already in full wedding mode”

“It’s so much fun” squealed Tara “to go over dresses and everything.”

“What about your mother?” asked Lucy innocently, “I bet she is happy for you?”

Tara fell quiet and Bobby watched her with concern written across her face.

“I know she would be if she was here,” she said quietly walking over to her desk.

“Where is she?” asked D.

“Who?” replied Tara playing dumb.

“Your mother?” asked Lucy gently.

“Oh well she died a while back” she said off the cuff keeping her eyes focused on a boring pile of papers.

Silent yet intense stares were passed between the friends.

“I’m sorry,” said Sue. “I didn’t know”

“I know. I never told you guys. But it is okay. I am okay”

“What about your father?” asked Jack?

“No idea where he is. Haven’t seen him since the funeral. We never got along anyway. He was not a very pleasant man and no real dad to me anyway.” She said with a halfhearted shrug.

“Sorry” was mumbled around the bullpen.

“Seriously I am okay” said Tara forcing a smile while her eyes grew misty with tears.

“Okay Myles want do we need to bring this weekend?” asked Bobby changing the subject.

“Well……”

She's a brave little trooper.

...it's been so long but it hurts all the same, right Tara? I would love to see Bobby's mum in full wedding mode - bet he doesn't have a thing to say about it!!!

Okay, now we know what happened to Tara's parents and why she reacted the way she did to Bobby's mum's questions. So sad...

But now we have a Leland party to plan for New Years. Yea! (BTW- did I mention my birthday is New Year's Eve??? Can I come too? )

Ails...I missed so much!!
Bobby and Tara getting married
poor Tara it explains many things...

I think you should get Myles and Lucy together...
just to spite Lucy...

I just caught up and I'm so happy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Merry Christmas!!

Friday Dec 30th 2005

“Good evening” clapped Tara as she raised her voice above the din that the guys were making. “HEY BELT UP” she yelled. As if a switch had been flipped silence engulfed the room and the men had the decency to feel guilty. “Thank you gentlemen. I would like to welcome you all to the final meeting of the elfploration society. It has been such a month. I think we can all agree to that. So much has transpired and so much has passed. Now is the time to look to the future with the coming off a New Year with hopefully a renewed sense of peace and inner strength. So without further ado I will ask Myles to start us off”

Myles nodded his head briefly as he stepped forward to the front of the gathering.

“The question that we were to ponder over these last 7 days was the one of what image represents peace to you. For me on a personal level a quiet garden where nature is in abundance, such a scene even in the midst of winter where frost and snow prevails stills my heart and reminds of how wonderful life is. The flowers and plants are gorgeous so what are we? We are amazing and too often we forget that. We are special. Just like the garden is full of God’s artwork so are we a part of his wonderful creation. As we live our daily lives we need to remember that when we see someone who is less fortunate than ourselves. We are all human beings regardless of race, creed, colour or social class.”

Tara grinned warmly at the apparent change that has risen up within Myles.

“Thank you Myles” she said twiddling her marker pen before writing Nature on the white board. “D please”

“Well everyone you probably see a running theme through all my answers and tonight I am not going to disappoint you. To me the image of peace is my children, even if when I am with them it is anything but peaceful. They are the future and if we can instil in them the importance of love, peace and hope then we have a future to look forward to even when we depart from this world. I love my children and I trust that they will strive for future peace in this world.”

Donna who had joined them smiled as her husband walked over to her. She felt tears springing in the corners of her eyes. She was growing more and more in love with this man with every passing year.

“Thanks D, so along with nature we have children. Well Lucy how about you?”

“Well for me a dove represents peace. I know it may sound corny but it is how I feel”

“Of course it doesn’t” said Sue

“Thanks. Well to be a dove is a symbol of God’s love and faithfulness to us, which gives me inner peace. It is graceful and beautiful yet strong. Which is what peace should be all about. It should be about grace and beauty and strength.”

“Wow, Luce that was lovely. So we can add a dove to the list along with nature and children. So Sue?”

Sue stepped forward untangling herself from her fiancé. Brushing her golden locks back over her shoulder she began.

“For me the image of peace was simple, the cross conveys it all. Jesus life and death on the cross then the resurrection is a constant and wonderful reminder of God’s almightily power and Jesus’ sacrificial love for us all. Many people see the superficial ness of it all instead of realising it magnificent power and strength. Jesus is the only way to true inner peace.”


“Thank you Sue. So now we have dove, nature, children and the Cross. So Jack care to go next?”

“Certainty” he said getting up and sharing a look of love with his fiancé. “Sue and I never discussed all answers but we have similar ones. On Boxing Day the number of stars in the sky amazed me over Ohio. You forget living in a city just how many stars fill the sky and even when I was at home in Wisconsin I never paid much attention to the sky. However I did in Ohio and it took my breath away. The stars reminded me of the most famous star ever the star over Bethlehem and what the star led to. The birth of the Saviour, the infant Jesus Chris; The Son of God, God incarnated and that brings peace into my life. That and having a wonderful woman agreeing to marry me” he added with a wink.

Sue rolled her eyes while smiling and signed ‘funny you’.

“So we can add star to the list. Next up is Bobby”

For the first time in any meeting Bobby took the floor with a lightness of spirit and a noticeable skip in his step.

“For peace and me the connection is love, unconditional love. Love of family and friends and the love of your true love. The image of that makes me feel brave enough to face each day and strive to fight for the right of peace in this world, not just worldly peace but also internal peace.”

Tara heart smiled along with her lips and eyes. She walked over and kissed him softly on the lips and whispered in a mere breath, “I love you my true love.” Bobby leaned down and grasped her in a passionate kiss that steadily deepened.

Myles coughing broke the spell making Tara fluster and blush furiously.

“Well to the list we can add unconditional love along with nature, children, a dove, the Cross and the star of David. So it is only me to go now,” she said clearing her throat as her heart still danced in her chest from that kiss.

“The image of peace to me is ……is …..this” she said spreading her hands out. “to have friends who are family, to have someone who loves you no matter what, to be a part of something good and to be free from the entrapment of fear. Friends and family are one image of peace.” She added that to the list on the board. “I would like to thank you all for doing this and I hope that you are like me have learnt a lot from this. So on a final note remember that peace is not just a feeling but also an action. It can found everywhere, from God above, to the world around us and from one another but to find it you must first seek it. So please help yourself to the remains of the food and drink and have a great night”



one more to go

Bravo, Ails....that was wonderful, I especially loved Tara's pov
and I feel the same way!

only one more...sad, but I'll look forward to it!

That was wonderful, Aileen. I especialy loved Jack's view on stars, more importantly on the most famous star of all. I think the whole team has learned a lot over these Christmas weeks. About peace, about life and love, and about their friends. This has been a truly wonderful story, and although I know Christmas (and the Challenge) will be over soon, I will be sad to see it go....

Ahhhh... That was fantastic. It was perfect. I loved it. And only ONE more to go? Can you fit the New Year's Eve party and two weddings in only one post?

(can you tell I like your weddings?)

Can't wait to see what happens next.

Just caught up on your posts, Ails, and they were wonderful!!

Poor Tara - not telling anyone about her mother!! Maybe now she will start opening up more with the team, her friends!!

I love all the answers for peace that the team gave - really makes you stop and think!!

Myles - you cutie you!!

Thanks for posting, Ails - can't wait for your last post (even though I would prefer it if this beautiful story went on and on)!!!

Joy

That was a beautiful post, everyone's perspectives of peave were perfect.

I'm sad that there's only one more post to go, but it has been an absolutely fabulous ride.

Thank you.



Sairs

You've thought this all through so well and I love how it has flowed from beginning to (almost) end. Can't wait for the next post, but I can because it's the last one. You have me ina quandry.

kav

here it is, the last one, the end of a personal saga. i would like to thank everyone who stuck through this, the story and my madness.....

HOGMANY 11pm


“Hello, Hello, Hello” cheered out Carole as she entered the fire burning high ceiled room that was filled with her son and his fiancé closes friends and adopted family.

“Hi” mum shouted Bobby rushing to her laden mother and relieved her off her bags before hugging her. Tara was right on his heels to follow in his steps. Pete silently joined the throng.

“Everyone this is mother Carole and my father Pete,” announced Bobby. “Mum, dad these are my friends” he said before quickly introducing each of them in turn. When he got to Jack. Carole embraced him like a long lost son, “thank you” she whispered into his ear, “for being such a wonderful friend.” Jack squeezed her back and felt somewhat embarrassed about the whole situation.

“Sue” said Carole turning her attention to the blonde. ‘Lovely to meet you’ she signed roughly.

Sue smiled but stared at her blankly, the graceful hand movements not fully hitting home in her brain. Carole stared back at before realisation dawned on her. “I am soooo sorry, I forgot that was Australian Sign Language not American”

“You know Aussie sign language?” asked Bobby in surprise.

“Yes this little boy Charlie that I child mind…”

“Child mind?” asked Bobby, “I thought you were retired?”

“She is suppose to be,” replied Pete. Small chuckles went around the room.

“As I was saying,” said Carole in a louder voice than the chuckles. “This three year old Charlie I have in my care is deaf and as a result I went along to a class. He is learning sign himself and the list his mother taught me and give me was steadily growing day by day so I thought it was only fair that I learnt so that we could chat together without any big problems.”

“That is a wonderful thing,” said Sue.

“At first I thought I was too old but now I know this dog is not too old for some new tricks.”

Laughter sprung forth as Myles ensured everyone was comfortable and with a drink.

Pete joined the men over by the window where a deep conversation was going on about some Hockey team. While the ladies made good use of the seats in the room.

“So Carole are you excited about the wedding?” asked Donna.

“Excited, now that’s an understatement. I am gaining a daughter and an amazing one at that”

Tara blushed and took a long sip of her drink.

“I hear you are also getting married?” she asked Sue.

“Yes I am”

“So exciting” bounced Carole, “the January sales should hopefully be good to the both of you”

Sue and Tara exchanged a look that declared that yes indeed they would be hitting the shops together along with Lucy.

Myles took the time off the grandfather clock that stood proud in the corner and noted that it was indeed 11.56pm. The pendulum swung back and forth taking the seconds away from time itself. He grabbed a bottle and quickly made sure everyone had a full glass before beckoning everyone forward and switching the television on.

Sue and Jack stood side by side with Jack’s arm securely around Sue’s waist. Tara leaned back onto Bobby’s broad chest while his arms held her in place. Donna snuggled into D chest and Carole held a similar position with Pete. Lucy and Myles stood side by side. A bubble of excitement was building up in the room as time moved on leading them towards a New Year and new life. They watched the countdown go by,

10, 9, 8,

Tara played happily with the gold band on her hand.

7, 6, 5,

Carole stared at the radiant joy that was on her only son’s face and on the one in his arms.

4,3,

Sue felt a renewed sense of God’s blessing in her life.

2,

Jack felt braver and more content than ever before.

1, 0.

“HAPPY NEW YEAR” was cheered around the room and around the land.

Jack leaned in for a chaste kiss.

Bobby pulled Tara in for an amazing kiss.

Donna and D kissed in a way that reflected years of love and years of more to come.

Carole and Pete kissed to reflect the joy in their hearts.

Myles sneaked a look at Lucy and wonder to himself if he should dare risk it. Lucy however had observed this sidelong glance and felt the need to do something drastic. She needed to kiss a male in the room. Her eyes feel on the perfect one and in a heartbeat she was crouched down on her hunches as she planted a kiss on Levi’s wet nose while generously rubbing his flanks. She glanced up and saw the look of sadness in Myles eyes. Feeling slightly guilty she stood up and wrapped her arms around Myles neck and hugged him like a close friend. Myles stumbled slightly before returning the embrace. He had come to realise the importance of friends and the need to truly appreciate them.

Pete in a loud clear voice as Auld Lang Syne drifted thru the air, raised his glass,

“TO 2006, MAY THIS YEAR BE FILLED WITH BLESSINGS AND PEACE FOR US ALL”


The room was filled with cheers as the party continued into 2006.



you never quite know if this really is the end but indeed for the Christmas Challenge it is

HUn this whole story has just been perfect. Thank you for it. )

That was amazingly wonderful, Ails. I love how you carried it through to the New Year. This has been the most thought provoking story by far. I was thinking about peace right along with the gang the whole way through. I hope you find peace this New Year too, settled nicely into your new job and with your new canine companion (which is coming soon, right?). Thanks for entering the challenge and producing this fantastic story!

kav

Perfecting ending

Best wishes for 2006!!!!!!!!!!!!

What a wonderful story, Ails. I appreciated being able to reflect, along with the characters, about the real meaning of Christmas.

Thank you

Perfect ending to a perfect story. You have been very creative getting fuzzies, fun and thought-provoking statements all together. I loved the little Scottisch influences in the last post!!!

Oh, and I noticed your last words.....may we dream?!

Should I hold my breath and wait for a sequel?

awww Myles

Bravo! Perfect! It was truly a stupendous story!

Now, about that sequel, don't you already have two others that you promised us as well? :whistle: No pressure or anything....

<I think I'll go hide under my desk for awhile....>

That was beautiful, Ails !

Happy New Year to everyone !

ails that was truely beautiful - life has been a little hard the last few weeks, but your story has really helped, just reading and seeing that even with your own problems you can write so beautifully has been inspiring.

now ... about those other stories.... (vicky runs to hide under the desk with okie!!) :whistle:

happy christmas and a wonderful and peaceful new year to all

well done Ails...very inspiring all together with romance and laughter!!

Cheers for a great story and happy new year!

Yay! That was wonderful Aileen!! Thanks for taking the time to write a Christmas story.
Happy New Year to everybody

Ails, that was such a beautiful, inspiring story!! It really made me stop and think and form some resolutions for the coming year!!!

Thank you for sharing with us!! I hope things get better for you!! We're all rooting for you!!!

Joy

That was a perfect ending to what has been a very emotional and thought provoking story, that has certainly caused me to stop and think at several points during it.

I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your story and I hope you have a fantastic, peaceful and blessed 2006.

Take care,

Sairs

I knew I would finish it eventually!


Another inspiring epic Aileen, beautifully written.

Bravo! Having been out of town for 10 days, I was just able to come back to this story and finish reading it! Wonderful job!

I finally caught up by reading the second half. All I can say is Wow!

That was inspiring and beautiful. You poured so much into every post. Your view of peace and the examination of it was wonderful. I truly enjoyed all of it.

Bravo! Bravo!

That was an amazing read. Thank you.




Hope ~