Ok, I've been working on this for a while now. But I have it planned out on how I'm going to be posting....so as long as my finals don't take up all my time it should work out.

Anyway this is my take on it... I'll post the first part later.



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“Has he announced it yet, then?” the newcomer asked eagerly as she jostled her way through the crowd.

“No, not yet,” someone whispered and was shushed by his neighbour.

“Shhh. He’s reaching into the bag…”

A collective gasp circled the room as every elf strained forward to eagerly hear what Santa was going to announce. This ceremony had become the highlight of their Yuletide season. Held on December 1st it represented the true meaning of Christmas; a chance to reconnect with one of their special clients whom they had lost to adulthood.

Each year, Santa reached into his sorting sack of grown-up names and drew out the name of someone who needed a special dose of Christmas magic this year. The magic saw to it that they all remembered the child now grown; every visit, every gift, the triumphs and the tears. It was always exciting to see the dear child in adulthood, though often disappointing.

“Has he pulled it out yet? I can’t see!” complained a young elf at her elbow.

“Here, let me give you a leg up,” the newcomer said kindly. “He’s just pulling out the name now.”

They all watched as Santa looked at the gilt edged parchment. He nodded his head, smiling in remembrance and then looked out into the crowd. “This is going to be a very special Christmas indeed,” Santa told them, holding up the card for everyone to see. The words magically sailed off the page and grew into a shimmering neon-lit billboard flashing a name they all knew and loved. Their minds were flooded with memories, both happy and sad and they waited eagerly for Santa’s next announcement.

“Dewberry, I think. Yes Dewberry, I think you’re the best match.”

“Oh my goodness, that’s me!” the newcomer squealed excitedly, toppling the young elf she was holding onto the ground. “Sorry. Excuse me. Let me through please. That’s my name Santa just called.” Dewberry made her way to the front of the hall and stood bashfully next to Santa. She was still a terribly young elf for this kind of honour.

Santa squeezed her shoulder warmly. “You’ll do just fine,” he told her, passing the parchment into her hands. “Remember, your assignment is to make our Special Client’s Christmas wishes come true.”

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First part soon to come.....

Hoorah! A new Christmas story. I'm loving reading all of these -- they're putting me in the Christmas mood since the weather certainly isn't!

kav

I'll be waiting...

I hope your first chapter will come VERY soon

Restie

ditto!!

Thanks for all of your comments! Here is the first part...I'm going to try to keep up a day to day post...according to the day of the story...but you're forwarnd that finals are coming so I might get a little behind...

Enjoy!


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Thursday December 1, 2005

After the meeting Dewberry returned to her chambers, thinking on how she was going to achieve this monumental task. She, after all, was still very young, not many elves got this privilege till they were at least five centuries old. But she was determined to do her best, especially because of the name that was drawn. It was one of the most respected and loved and this fact alone was enough to make any elf feel overwhelmed. Later that evening she found a note, saying that she was to attend a brief life over-view. This was, of course, standard procedure and she was expecting it. As the time drew near she made her way through the catacombs of hallways and into the viewing room. Santa was sitting at one end of the table and motioned for her to join him. Taking a seat, Santa began to speak.

“Dear Dewberry, I know this must be a little much, but I have confidence that you will do just fine. Now, as you know I have called you here to participate in a life viewing. And if I’m not mistaken this is your first?” Dewberry nodded her head. “Good, well then this shall be extra special for you. I’m sure you know why this year’s task is particularly challenging.” Dewberry once again nodded her head. “Yes, yes, I figured so. This person is quite popular. Ok. I guess we’ll begin with the basics.” A holo-video appeared on the table in front of them and a three-dimensional picture began to play. A small, rural town appeared and soon a house came into focus. It was soon after the child’s birth, the entire family was goggling over the sweet child. As the picture went on Dewberry began to gain a deeper understanding, and soon came to realize what she would be doing this Christmas season.

As it ended Santa turned to Dewberry and looked at her for a moment, then spoke. “You know what you have to do.” He said more of a statement than a question. “So I suppose the appropriate question would be do you know how you are going to do it?”

Dewberry thought for a moment and let all of the information sink in, and a thought hit her. “I believe so sir.” She said with a small amount of confidence.

“Good, then I expect to see some progress soon. This should be a very special Christmas indeed.” Then with a wink of his eye he left.

Dewberry walked back to her room feeling slightly more confident, and much more worried about what would happen if she didn’t succeed. This had to be one of the biggest wishes ever undertaken by such a junior elf. Taking a deep breath she opened her door and took a seat at her desk. This was going to take some careful planning and timing. As she was coming up with a plan there was a tiny knock at the door. Hearing it, she smiled. She’d know that knock anywhere. “Come in Buttercup.” She called out. “You too Ewan.” The door bounded open and in came two young elves.

“I wondered how long it’d take you two to stop by.” Dewberry said turning around.

“We would have come earlier,” Buttercup said. “But Ewan here, didn’t want to.”

Ewan looked at the ground and shuffled his feet a little. His was shorter than most of the elves his age, and was quite shy. He had blonde hair and freckles, which was unusual for an elf. Buttercup on the other hand was very outgoing and the complete opposite of Ewan. She had long brown hair with hazel eyes and a darker complexion. Everyone loved her.

“So tell us all about it! What is the wish? Ooooh I bet it was a good one.”

“It is…but I don’t know if I should tell you. You’re not really old enough yet.”

“Please!!!!” Buttercup begged.

“Oh all right. This is what I’m going to do.” Dewberry said showing them her plans.

It's lovely! I am very eager to know her plan too!!!!

GO ON

Restie

ohhhhhhhh more please....


and you have an elf with the same name as my brother........ i have some very funny pictures in my head at the moment

Mucho gusto!!

This sounds good! I can't wait for you to unveil the mystery person.
you have my complete understanding with finals.. I know what you must be dealing with study study!

Well, I can't wait to see what happens....

Thanks for all of your comments!

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Friday December 2, 2005

The office was filled with bright decorations but they did little to affect the dark mood lingering in the air.

A week ago, the team had been handed one of the most gruesome cases. A serial murderer had appeared and was killing victims without restraint. So far they had been unable to find any link, and as December began their spirits dropped even lower.

Sue was sitting at her desk rubbing her temples trying to ward off the headache she knew was coming. This case, for some reason, had hit her particularly hard. And Lucy had confided in Jack that Sue hadn’t been sleeping lately. Sue was just about to give up and take a quick nap, when she felt his presence in front of her. Looking up she gave the best smile she could, not wanting anyone to know that she was in pain.

He smiled softly at her catching her eyes for a brief moment. And within that moment he noticed something that cut him deep. Pushing it aside for the moment he asked if she wanted to take a walk.

Sue only nodded, wondering how he always knew when she needed a break. Grabbing her coat for her, Jack helped her into it and they headed down the hallway and outside.

“You ok?” Jack asked once they were outside.

“I’m fine.” She said forcing a smile. “Just a little out if it.”

Jack thought how best to approach what he needed to say. “Lucy’s been worried about you. She says you haven’t been yourself lately and that you’re not sleeping.”

“She told you that? I told her I’m fine.”
“But she knows you’re not and so do I. It’s ok to be affected by what you see. It wouldn’t be natural to not be.”

“I’m fine. Ok. I… I’ll be fine.” She said abruptly turning around and heading back.

Jack did nothing else. It tore him up to see her in such pain. But as team leader, and more importantly as her friend he knew he had to do something. All the way back he kept his pace right at her side but not saying a word. She would come to him when she was ready and if she didn’t do it soon, he’d force her a little. However, in the meantime he would just have to keep his eyes open.

As the day ended he asked Lucy to leave quicker than normal so he could give Sue a ride home. Eager to oblige, thinking Jack might finally make his move, she left as soon as it was quitting time. Not even saying a word to Sue.

About fifteen minutes later, Sue looked around and realized that most of the people were already gone. In fact Jack and Tara were the only ones still there and Tara was packing up for the day.

“Did everyone already leave?” Sue asked.

“Yeah, a few minutes ago.” Tara said. “Have a nice night.” She quickly gathered her things and left.

“I guess it’s just you and me.” Jack said. “By the way, Lucy had to run home right away. She said sorry, and was muttering about doing something but I didn’t really get it.”

“Oh.” Sue’s face fell slightly. “So do you think you can give me a ride home?”

“I’ll do you one better. How about dinner?”

“I don’t know, I should probably get home and make sure everything is ok.”

“Pleassseeee…. Come with me and relax. I promise if you’re not feeling any better later on, I’ll take you home.”

Sighing she gave in and agreed. At first she was very annoyed, figuring this was probably one of Lucy’s plots to get her and Jack together. But somewhere deep down she was very grateful for the man who was constantly at her side and making sure she was ok.

Jack took her out for Italian, and as they waited for their food they talked. Jack made sure to keep the conversation away from work, and he noticed that she seemed to be in a better mood by the time they started eating. Afterwards they took Levi for a walk in the park, and then Jack took Sue back home.

As they walked up to her door she turned around and gave him a hug.
“Thanks.” She said going inside, leaving him on the doorstep.

Smiling, he turned and headed back to his car. Happy that he had helped brighten her spirits just a little.

Nice beginning.....we have a little murder mystery and of course a little Jack and Sue romance.....what more could a girl ask for! Can't wait to read more!

I'm glad Jack could brighten her up a bit, but is the case the only thing that is bothering her? I get the feeling there's more going on...

hmmm...interesting....

I think so too .......

I wonder what's bothering Sue? Oh...well great job with this....I need to know who Dewberry is assigned to..... waiting here for your answer

So many questions ... Who is the wish for? What are Dewberry's plans? What is bothering Sue?

Jack ... nice going ... keep your eyes open !!!

Keep going Cellogirl !

BEAUTIFUL

Nice example of Jack's thoughtfulness

Great job! We are waiting for more

Restie

Sorry its taking so long...but I should be able to post some more this weekend. My finals have taken a hold of my life, but they will be over after this week and I'll be back home for the holidays and have ample time to write...plus I've found writing in airports is wonderful thing to fill the time...

Thanks for you support!

Nice start, Cellogirl!!

Who is the wish for?? Jack is cute with his concern for Sue!! I wonder what is bothering Sue???

Can't wait for your next post!! Good luck on your finals!!

Joy

Great start, can't wait to see who Dewberry is assigned to and what is wrong with Sue. Hopefully Jack can put things right.

Hope your finals go OK.

Soph

Thanks for your patience....here's a nice long post....

PS- You're questions will be answered.....eventually

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Saturday December 3, 2005

The next day dawned bright, and for the first time in a while Sue awoke after a good nights sleep. Getting up she made her way into the kitchen where she found Lucy making breakfast.

“Good morning. How’d you sleep?” Lucy asked cheerfully.

“Pretty well, actually.” She said sitting at the table. “What about you?”

“Good. Hey sorry I left you at work yesterday, Grams called and she needed to go to the doctor and I didn’t want to interrupt you.”

“It’s ok.” She said smiling. “Jack took me home.”

“Really? That’s all?” Lucy pushed.

“No he…. why does it matter to you?” Sue said remembering her opinion on what happened yesterday and Lucy’s involvement.

“Just curious. You know me. So?”

“We went out to dinner then he took me home.” Sue said, the red tint in her cheeks giving away her true feelings.

Lucy said nothing other than “Oh. That’s nice.” But she secretly smiled to herself, maybe, just maybe something would happen and with Christmas coming the timing would be perfect. In fact, she thought, maybe she should make it her goal to help things along as best as she could.

“So what are your plans for today?” Sue asked.

“Not much. I thought I might start my Christmas shopping. What about you?”

“Nothing. Just thought I might sit around here. Relax and watch a movie.” She said.

“Ok, we’ll I’m heading out. See you later.”


Dewberry watched this scene with keen interest. Suddenly an idea popped into her head and with a blink of an eye she was gone putting into process the new idea. Afterwards she headed back to the North Pole to work out a few more ideas. Within minutes after arriving the familiar knock sound once again into her room. This time the two elves came in without even waiting for an answer.

“What happened?! Did it work?” Buttercup asked exuberantly.

“Slowly. I told you these things have to happen slowly.” Dewberry said.

Ewan’s small voice spoke up, “But hasn’t it been long enough already?”

“You’d think…but we’ve still got to wait a little longer.” Dewberry said. “Do you two want to help me plan this next part?”

The small elves nodded their heads and soon the three were working fervently on the new plan to be put into play.


Later that day, after Sue finished her movie and Chinese take-out, she got a page to come into work. Sighing she got ready and headed out to her car. As she stepped outside she noticed just how cold it was getting. Turning the ignition in her car, she felt something sputter a little. She tried again, with the same thing happening. ‘Great’, she thought. Pulling out her blackberry she dialed the first number that came to mind.

“Hello?”

“Hey, sorry to bother you but my car won’t start and Lucy’s gone.”

“No problem I’ll be right there.”

Fifteen minutes later Jack pulled up in front of Sue’s building.

“I could of come up and got you.” Jack said as Sue climbed inside.

“Yes, but that would make us even later.”

“True. But technically they can’t start until I get there. Seeing as how I’m the one that called the meeting.” Jack said.

Twenty minutes later they walked into the bullpen and realized they were the first ones there. Looking around he noticed a note stickied to his computer.

Jack, we’ve left to pick up some food. We waited half an hour before we left. So now you can wait for us. --- Bobby

“Well isn’t that just great.” Jack said half laughing.

“What?” Sue took the note being handed to her. “Well at least we might get food out of it.” She said shrugging her shoulders. “So what did you call us in for anyway?”

“We got some new info on one of the murders. It seems our guy might have made a mistake; there was DNA under one of the victim’s fingernails. The lab was able to match it with a guy named James Parker.”

“Who?” Bobby asked walking into the room carrying a couple pizzas.

“Well, if you’d been here you would know.” Jack replied as the rest of the team came in.

“We’re here now, so if you could please explain why you called us in on a Saturday it would be most appreciated.” Myles said.

Jack caught them up on what the lab had found, and everything else he knew about the now notorious James Parker.

“Ladies and gentleman I do believe we might have just caught our first break.” D said.

“I’ve notified SWAT and they’ll let us know when they’ve found him. Unfortunately we can’t do anything till Monday seeing as how all the judges are gone for the weekend.”

“Well then I say we finish off these pizzas and head to Jack’s to watch a game.” Bobby suggested.

“Sounds good,” Tara said. As the rest of team concurred Jack just rolled his eyes. With that they were out the door and on their way to watch the hockey game.

Deciding that parking wise, it would probably be better to carpool, it was decided that Bobby would pick up Tara and Myles, however, D excused himself saying that he had a school performance to attend. With that, everyone dispersed leaving Jack and Sue behind.

“I guess we better head to my place.” Jack said.


Dewberry began to jump up and down. She was so excited she emitted sparks. Maybe just maybe it was working. She followed cautiously as they walked down the hall and out to Jack’s car. Carefully she climbed into the back seat eager to see what would happen next. But the ride to Jack’s house was silent. Dewberry was so upset she had half the mind to reach up and slap the back of Jack’s head, hoping that would knock some sense into him. Before she had the chance, the car pulled up in front of Jack’s apartment, and they were walking up the stairs.

As Jack opened the door he saw something shimmer above the door. Dewberry crossed her fingers and watched hopefully. She hoped this bit of magic would work, and then maybe she would have something good to report in today’s journal. As soon as it happened she knew it was time to leave…with a tiny pop she was back at the North Pole. Once back she eagerly reported all that had happened and how things were progressing.


Jack stood there puzzled, he didn’t remember putting that there. He’d have to kill Bobby for that, but now he had bigger problems to attend to.

Jack look over at Sue who was watching him trying to figure out what was going on. Seeing him look up she realized what he must thinking. By his expression she figured he wasn’t the one who put it there. Oh well…

Looking each other in the eye they slowly moved toward one another, their hearts beating faster as their lips brushed the others. But as they touched, Jack’s phone began to ring. Quickly moving back he pushed open the door open the rest of the way and answered the phone.

“Hello?”

“Hey dear. How are you doing?”

“I’m doing fine mom. How are you?”

“Good, I’m good. So what have you been up to?”

Jack watched Sue who had walked in and taken off her coat. She looked at him questioningly wondering if it was Bobby or someone from the team. He mouthed ‘my mom’. Nodding her head she went to find the game.

“Jack, Jack are you there?”

“Yeah I’m here. Sorry.” Jack said trying to concentrate on his mother.

“It’s fine, so who’s there with you?”

“Ah, just Sue. You remem…”

“Oh yes, that lovely girl in those pictures you sent.”

“Yep, that’s her. The team’s coming over and we’re watching the game tonight.”

“Ok, well I’ll let you go then…I’ll call you tomorrow. Have fun.”

“Bye.”

Jack hung up the phone and walked into the living room. He paused in the doorway for a moment, watching Sue as she stroked Levi. Sighing he walked in and took a seat beside her.

“Everything ok?” Sue asked.

“Yeah, she just likes to check in on me every once in while.”

“That’s nice that you’re close.” Sue said leaning back into the couch.

“It is. So what about you? Are you going home for Christmas this year?”

“I think so. I was thinking it might be kind of nice.” Sue looked over at Jack. “What about you?”

“I’m planning on it. My sister will be graduating over break so I thought it might be nice to be there.”

“Graduating?”

“Her high school has two graduations a year.” Jack explained. “She and I were really close and she has requested that I attend.”

“That’s cool. So when is it?”

“The 21st. So hopefully I’ll be able to get out of here…” Jack said looking at Sue and catching her gaze. Lost in each other they were startled when there was a knock on the door.

“Sparky! How’s the game going?” Bobby asked opening Jack’s door.

“We’re in here.” Jack called out still looking at Sue.

“Hey how’s the game going?” Bobby said glancing at the two and then to the screen.

“We’re up.” Jack said.

more please

How's the game going??? Like he was paying attention - duh!

Ah beautiful start of amazing night!!!!

We are waiting for more!


Restie

I think Dewberry should decorate Jack's ceiling in mistletoe all over. Maybe Dewberry could do the bullpen too! :whistle:

Dewberry did a fine job

what game??
the gazing at each other until we melt game??

Did we not just have two interruptions in a row??? That's not legal!!!

Game, what game???

Joy

How's the game? I doubt Jack even knows who's playing right now, even less the score!

Glad you're back....great job....I'm lovin' it...

QUOTE

Did we not just have two interruptions in a row??? That's not legal!!!

Hear hear, maybe Dewberry should concentrate on stopping the interruptions, as well as planting strategic mistletoe...

Soph

Thanks for all your comments! I really appreciate them and they keep me writing...My finals are officially over with!!!!!!!!!!!!! So now I can concentrate on writing! This also means I'm going home, which means I'm going to be without internet for four days...so I'm sorry to say that means I won't be able to post again until Tuesday. I'm going to try and work hard tonight to get another post ready before I leave...but it just depends.

Hope everyone enjoys their weekend! And happy end of finals to all the college students!

Congratulations on getting the finals behind you!! Enjoy your weekend and I will wait very patiently(?) until you return next week!!

Joy

I love this story!

I think it's the 'Game of Gaze'

I'm really enjoying your story so far and I'll be waiting patiently for the next installment.

Sairs

So, I realize that I am now cutting this very close to the deadline. But unfortunately since being home this is my first day where I haven't being doing anything...and now I'm doing this...so I now have to finish this story by tomorrow night! (I guess I know what I will be doing the next couple days!)

Anyway here is the next couple parts...sorry it took so long.

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Sunday December 4, 2005

Walking out of her room, Sue let out a big yawn. Slowly she trudged into the living room where Lucy was on the phone. She hadn’t slept much the night before, and she had a feeling she knew why. But for now she was going to try to push that out of her mind.

As Lucy hung up the phone, Sue asked who it was. Lucy replied that it was Jack and that he wanted to know if they wanted to go to church with him that day. “Anyway I told him we’d be ready in an hour.” She said before quickly slipping out of the room.

Lucy had been surprised by Jack’s call, but decided that it was the perfect opportunity to get busy with her Christmas goal. They had gone with Jack to church before so it wasn’t totally out of the norm, but after last night, Lucy had hoped there might be a particular reason for today’s invite. Sue hadn’t said anything, but she figured out that something must have happened last night for Sue to be so quiet when she got home. And since she hadn’t been able to make it last night she had done some recon that morning by calling Bobby. And from what she gathered neither Jack nor Sue was very attentive to the game.

After getting ready Lucy and Sue were sitting in the living room and Lucy decided it was about time she learned what happened to make Sue so quiet.

“So how was the game last night?” Lucy asked

“Ok, we won.”

“That’s good. Anything out of the ordinary happen?” Lucy pushed.

Sue’s thoughts fluttered back to the almost kiss. If only the phone hadn’t of rang. Maybe it didn’t and Jack just wanted an excuse to not kiss her. After all she wouldn’t have heard it anyway. That’s probably what happened, because that’s just the sort of thing that would happen lately. But still she did wish that it wasn’t the case.

Levi startled her out of her thoughts by licking her hand then running to the door. Lucy smiled as she got up to get the door. Something definitely happened, now all she had to do was find out what.

After church Lucy invited Jack over for lunch. Sue had been quiet during church and didn’t say much. But she did notice how Jack sat next to Sue and how when walking out his hand automatically went to her back. Of course after he realized what he was doing he quickly dropped it and started signing to Sue about something. Sue had smiled and nodded her head. Lucy couldn’t see what was said, but she knew that neither the words dinner or date was involved.

During lunch Sue’s spirits seemed a little higher than they had been. She was smiling and even laughing a little. When they had finished eating Jack volunteered to walk with Sue as she took Levi out. Thirty minutes later Sue and Levi returned looking rather cold but happy.

“Where’s Jack?” Lucy asked as Sue hung up her coat.

“He went home, he said he needed to get some things done and that he’d see us tomorrow.”

“Oh. Did you have a nice walk?”

“Yeah, I’m pretty sure Levi enjoyed it.”

While Lucy was interrogating Sue, Jack was walking into his apartment. As he did he heard the answering machine blaring.

Throwing his keys on the table he heard his mother’s voice echo from the machine. “Hey Jack I was just calling to chat. Give me a call when you get in. Love you. Bye.”

Jack sighed, picked up the phone and dialed home. After one ring a girl of 18 answered the phone.

“Hello?”

“Hey Jamie,” Jack said smiling slightly.

“Jack!! How are you? Are you coming?”

“I’m doing good, and I’ve already told I will try my best to be there.”

“Good, anyway I’ve got a surprise for you.”

“Really,” Jack said raising his eyebrows. “What is it?”

“Nice try. You’ll find out soon enough. So what are you up to this week?”

“Work. What about you?”

“Nothing big.” She said smiling; knowing full well that this week would probably be one of the best ever.


Dewberry walked around the North Pole that evening with a huge smile on her face. Everything was working perfectly. Even without her magic things were playing into her plans wonderfully. And she could already tell that this week would be a magical one.

Monday December 5, 2005

When everyone arrived at the bullpen the next morning Jack was already there and busy. After a few minutes he announced that SOG had picked up James Parker at his house that morning and they were just bringing him up to the interrogation room. Bobby clapped his hands together and questioned what they were waiting for.

Thirty minutes later Jack and Bobby headed back into the bullpen looking defeated. When questioned why they looked so down they explained that James Parker had an alibi for the first and second murder.

“How did his DNA end up on the victim then?” Lucy asked.

“His girlfriend was Sara Vance, the third victim. Apparently the night she was killed they had a fight and she slapped him, that’s when she ran outside and where our killer attacked.”

“And since he’s got an alibi for the first couple murders we can’t hold him.” Bobby said.

“And we’re back to square one.” Tara said.

With this news the team got back to work; Tara and Bobby left to meet with some informants and the rest of the team began trying to run down some connections between the victims.

About eleven that morning a security guard from the lobby came in looking for Jack.

“I’m Jack Hudson.” Jack said standing.

“Agent Hudson, I’m sorry to bother you but your daughter is here to see you and she insisted on me coming to get you.”

“You’re daughter?” Lucy said turning to Jack.

Everyone in the bullpen quieted down, waiting to see what happened next. Jack just stood there for a second looking completely perplexed. Then all of the sudden a smile lit his face as a girl of 18 came in behind the security guard.

“Jamie!” The girl set down her bag and ran to give her big brother a hug. “Everyone I would like you to meet my sister Jamie.”

After everyone greeted Jamie, Jack turned to Jamie. “So what are you doing here?”

“It’s my graduation present from mom and dad. We’ve been planning it for a while.”

Giving her a hug once more he noticed Sue gathering her things and clipping on Levi’s leash. Whispering something to Jamie and seeing her nod her head, he went over to Sue and gently touched her shoulder. “Hey,” He said smiling and looking into her eyes. “Jamie and I were wondering if you would join us for lunch.”

“Ah, are you sure you don’t want to be alone?”

“It was Jamie’s idea. I promise.” Jack added seeing Sue’s doubtful look.

“Please!” Jamie added, “I would really like it if you came. Jack’s told me so much about you.” Jack’s face reddened as he turned to give his sister a glare.

“Ok.” Sue said giving in.

“Good.” Jack picked up Jamie’s bag and walked out behind the two girls.

Dewberry smiled brightly as she followed the small group out the door. And as she looked back at the people behind her she saw them all smiling and making bets. Especially Lucy, she was positively beaming as she headed out the door to talk to Randy, something that wasn’t usually a pleasant thing to do.

Dewberry had some doubts recently whether this was going to work, but now her heart was full of hope. This unexpected visitor just might be what was needed.

Jamie knew enough about Sue to know that she was someone special to her big brother. He had mentioned her quite frequently over the phone and there were more than enough pictures of them together in the Christmas cards they got from his coworkers. Bobby, who she had met on many occasions, wrote her occasionally and kept her apprise of the real goings on in her brother’s life. Including his girlfriends and all the adventures that kept him busy.

She remembered the first letter that was sent involving Sue. He had said they had gotten a new member on their team and that this one had completely captivated her brother. Of course she was 15 at the time and could hardly believe it, she wrote him back and told him that no one was going to take Jack away from Allie. But now that she was older she realized what a jerk Allie was and she also started to see just how much Jack cared for Sue.

Wanting to see for herself just how much truth there was in what Bobby said, she decided that while she was in DC she would make it her foremost goal to find out just what was going on and what the odds were on getting herself a sister-in-law. At the restaurant she noticed how Jack took special care to make sure Sue could see what was being said, and how when they were just sitting and eating Jack had a tendency to glance up from his food and look at Sue.

By the end of the meal she felt like she had known Sue forever and could see that Jack looked pleased at how well they were getting along. So as they were getting up to leave Jamie made the decision to take the next step.

“So Sue, I was wondering if maybe we could go shopping while I’m here. I could use some help with a couple things I need to get and I’m positive my brother here isn’t going to want to take me.”

“What do you mean? I thought Jack loved to shop and I’m sure he would love to spend the time with you.” Sue replied with a smile. She had only known Jamie for an hour or so but she could already tell that she was someone very special to Jack.

“I would love to take you shopping Jamie, I really would.” Jack said. “But I’m sure you don’t want me along. I have no problem with you two going together…as long as it’s not me going with you.”

“So will you?” Jamie asked once again.

“I would love to.” Sue replied. “And learning some embarrassing stories about Jack probably would hurt either.”

A little sister can be a big help at times. Looks like Jaime is a gem.

It sounds like Jamie is a young Lucy Matchmaker in the making!

kav

Cellogirl, I'm loving this!!! I love Jamie and how she is working on matchmaking!!

Can't wait for your next post!!!

Joy

A shopping trip with little sister ... lots of time for childhood stories !!!

Ok so here's the last bit of the story...this bit take place 4 days after the last post and starts with Jack dropping Jamie off at the airport...if you wanted to see that shopping trip I'm sorry...just use your imagination for some childhood stories about Jack....

Anyway thanks for all of your support through this and sorry my posts have been so choppy...this is just a crazy time of year.

Hope everyone had a merry Christmas and I hope that everyone has a safe New Year!

Happy New Year and best of luck in all that you do!

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Friday December 9, 2005

Dewberry ran through the halls of the North Pole looking for her little friends. Knowing that they had to be here somewhere, and that they certainly wouldn’t want to miss this. All the other elves watched after her wondering what could possible be the matter. Many of them worried that something went wrong with her assignment. Amongst the elder elves there had been some question as to whether such a young elf could possibly handle such an assignment. And with this unusual behavior their fears surfaced once again in their minds.

Turning a corner she spotted the pair nearing her door. Spotting Dewberry they both began talking very fast as if trying to get across some very important piece of information.

“Slow down. I’ve been looking everywhere for you two. Are you ready?”

“That’s what we’ve been trying to tell you.” Buttercup said. “My mom said no.”

“What?”

“Well she thinks that I’m too young and too outspoken to go out in public. But I’m sure if you went and talked to her…”

“Alright lets go.”


“Thanks for letting me come.” Jamie said giving her big brother a hug.

“I didn’t have much choice in the matter did I?” Jack said laughing slightly. “But I’m glad you came.”

“So are you still going to come to my graduation? I mean now that you’ve finished your case.”

“I will certainly try.”

“You can bring Sue too.” Jamie said smiling.

“Oh really.”

Jamie tried to read her brother’s face, but decided that this was Jack and that really wasn’t possible.

“Yes. She and I became good friends…and anyway I already invited her.”

“You…”

“I better get going…I don’t want to miss my flight.” Jamie said giving her brother another hug. “I’ll see you soon…” then she signed something to him and took off for security.

Jack stood there for a few minutes watching after her, and then decided he better get home. The forecasters were predicting snow tonight and he didn’t want to get caught in it.

As he entered the DC area snow began to fall lightly not really sticking on anything though. When he was passing through Georgetown Jack’s car began to sputter he pulled over just in time for the car to stall completely. After several tries to restart the car, he gave up. Looking around at the surrounding buildings he realized just where he was. Shaking his head and laughing at the irony of the situation he opened his door and entered the nearest building.


Dewberry, Buttercup and Ewan smiled as they walked into Santa’s office. After a few minutes they were ushered in to see the big guy himself. Dewberry handed him a disk and took a seat. Santa accepted the tape with a smile. “I assume everything went well.”

“Yes sir. Everything is in motion for Christmas Eve…. and I’m positive that it will come off beautifully. But I will continue to monitor the situation…I just thought I’d turn in what I’d have.”

“Very good, anything else?”

“No sir…I just want to thank you for this opportunity.”

“You have done a wonderful job. Now go enjoy the rest of your evening.”

As the group left Santa began to watch was had transpired that evening.


Sue had just been about to settle down for the evening with a movie and a bowl of popcorn when Levi ran to the door. Answering the door she was surprised to find Jack on the other side.

“Hey.”

“Hi. Sorry to bother you but my car broke down.”

“No problem, come on in.” Shutting the door behind him she questioned where Jamie was.

“I just dropped her off at the airport.” Jack said. “So where’s Lucy?”

“She’s actually in Atlanta. Her mom called and surprised her with an airline ticket so she took some time off and will be spending a couple weeks down there.”

“That’s good. She needs a break every once and a while.”

“Hey do you want to stay here for a while. I was getting ready to watch a movie…and was debating on ordering a pizza.”

“Yeah. That’s sounds nice. As long as you let me buy the pizza.”

“Ok.”

An hour later, Jack and Sue headed outside to take Levi for his walk. Stepping outside they realized that Jack wouldn’t soon be going anywhere.

Stomping their feet as they entered the apartment. Sue brought up how much it had snowed. “I don’t think you’ll be able to get home tonight. But you’re more than welcome to stay here. We can call a tow truck for your car tomorrow.”

“Are you sure…because…”

“There’s now way you are going anywhere tonight…there’s over a foot of snow right now and it’s still snowing.”

Jack conceded and they settle down to finish the movie. After the movie Sue asked whether or not Jack was still going home.

“As of right now I am. Jamie really wants me to.”

“Yeah she was telling me how close you guys were.” Sue said.

“We were best friends when we were little. She followed me everywhere, bugged my dates, went to all my games, she even helped out with deciding to join the FBI. Of course as she got older it was lots of fun messing with her dates too.”

“She told me about some of your girlfriends…”

“Lets not go there.” Jack said wondering how that got brought up. “I understand that she invited you to her graduation.”

“She did.” Sue said taking a deep breath. “She also said that I was her favorite of all your girlfriends.”

“She said what?”

“Don’t worry she said she knew that we really weren’t dating. I think she intended it as a joke…but…”

“Well she does have a point.”

“Did you just say…?”

“Yes.” Jack took a deep breath. “Look, I’ve tried to pretend that… I mean…”

Sue put her hand over Jack’s mouth and simply said. “I know.” Removing her hand she leaned over and gently kissed him.

“My turn.” Slowly he captured her lips with his. Holding her in his arms he made the decision that this was never going to change.

“I guess we can call my sister and tell her you’ll come?”

“Works for me.”


The End

I am glad you could finish this story....

When I have been reading your story I realised Jack and Sue needs a intervention of family member or naughty weather which force them to do important step in their relationship they are so complicated!

Thanks for sharing!!!!


Restie

Restie, Cellogirl used both of your ideas and they worked!!!

Thanks, Cellogirl, for a wonderful story!! I loved it from start to finish!!! Thanks for sharing with us!!!

May you have a Wonderful New Year!!!

Joy

Sometimes annoying little sister can be very helpful !!!

I loved how you used Jamie's surprise visit.