Jack........you dog! Using the ole' 'let me check for injuries' line! Hey, whatever works!!!!!!!!

I thought so too

WOOOHOOOOOO FLIP IS POSTING!!!!

i love you stuff ... and now im sitting here giggling at your posts and hitting refresh in the hope that you will come back soon and post more!!!!

this is so great ... but jack (vicky knocks on the monitor) pull yourself together man, a drooling man is never a good look ... get all husky but dont drool!!!!

I agree...and flip, what was that thing with a man's clothing??

Dewberry, you naughty elf. What will Santa say? Glad to hear the elf dust has been added to the aloe vera...though I do think Jack should check Sue's burn in a while just to make sure infection isn't setting in or anything. :whistle:

kav

Dewberry!.... If it gets too hot, you could always go outside into the blizzard!

poor Dewberry she is going to melt soon....

Flip, where are YOU? Did your morning start out like this or are you busy or maybe you decided to tackle the Christmas decorations
Whatever you are busy doing, I am ready for your next post and I prefer it to full of your speciality - fuzzies


Morning....I hope you are feeling better than me!

Using Sue's vulnerability to your advantage... You daredevil you! not that I mind, mind you hehehhe...your touch is the best soothing medicine there is

Well, I'm just out of bed, feeling very well rested as someone should when they are in vacation mode. I'm ready to get started on my reading, flip! I see you down there....

Alaskanfan, I'm sorry you're not feeling too well. I'm feeling okay, but my morning started like ...only we weren't all smiles and holding hands...more like my daughter was sitting on me. She's still not feeling well and is very clingy still.

So - around her, I will make the next post!




Jack sat back and brought his middle finger to his lips and then rubbed it against his thumb and index finger while moving it away from his mouth. “DELICIOUS, my compliments to the chef.”

Sue dipped her head, a small smile gracing her features. “THANK YOU.”

“Where did you learn to cook?”

She rolled her eyes, “My mother, of course. I had to do it all, remember? Every lesson there was to take, my mom had me signed up. ‘Sue, one day you are going to be interested in settling down. Men appreciate a woman who can cook and if you want to catch a husband, then you need to know your way around a kitchen.’” She gave a mock shudder, her smile growing in response to Jack’s. “You know what really bugs me?”

Jack grinned unabashedly at her. “I have no idea.”

“I enjoy it. I like to cook. It’s relaxing in a strange way. Of course, if you ever repeat that to my mom, I’ll deny it and then find some way of torturing you,” she threatened him good-naturedly.

“I wouldn’t dream of telling your mom. I want to stay on your good side,” he affirmed. “Although, at the risk of raising your, um, TEMPER, I AGREE with your MOM. Speaking for the male population, we do APPRECIATE a woman who can COOK.” He shrugged, “I guess it reminds me of my mom, of being home.”

“I remind you of your mother?”

Jack all but spewed the sip of tea he had just taken. “No! Definitely not! I’m just saying that a woman who can cook has certain motherly qualities.”

“Oh,” she murmured, “so you’re saying that you think of me like a mother.”

“No!” he said emphatically, “that’s not what I meant either.” He searched frantically for the right words to clear up the mess he was making of the conversation. “I’m just saying that cooking is a good quality to have, at least from my perspective. Men...I,” he said, changing to a more personal tone, “like the idea of having dinners at home, away from the craziness of work and over crowded restaurants. I get tired of eating out.”

“You know, Jack, you could have home cooked meals on a regular basis if you ever decided to bite the bullet and take the next step,” she told him seriously, her eyes wide and luminous.

“You think so,” he asked huskily, unsure of the ground they were now on, but finding himself more than willing to follow it through.

“Of course,” she agreed. “You’ve got so much to offer. What’s been holding you back? Fear of commitment or have you just not found the right person?”

He cast a wide-eyed stare her way, unable to look away. “I think more a fear of rejection,” he corrected. “The commitment part sounds eerily appealing.”

“Oh, then, it’s the right person you haven’t found. Well, what are your requirements? Maybe I can help. Isn’t that what best friends are for?”

He observed her earnest expression and felt his heart opening and his lips loosening. “Compassionate, full of mercy. I need someone to help me see past what’s in front of me, to help me see the good in people. She needs to be quick-witted. You know, keeping me on my toes and humble,” he added with a laugh. Continuing, he was oblivious as he switched tenses. “She’s as beautiful on the inside as on the outside, drawing everyone, even strangers, to her. She’s giving, accepting, forgiving,” his words faltered as emotion filled his throat. Trudging forward, he added, “She’s loyal, faithful, and full of faith. She loves kids and doesn’t back down from a challenge and she naturally puts others first. And when she’s around, I get all muddle-brained and feel like I’m back in junior high, minus the zits and the changing voice, thank God,” he added, trying to lighten the moment.

Sue interrupted, casting a baffled expression his way. “What are you talking about, Jack?”

“I was giving you my list of requirements, although I prefer to call them qualities. It’s what you asked for, isn’t it?”

“Yes, but who knew you’d be so detailed? No wonder you haven’t found anyone.”

“As a matter of fact, I have found someone. I just haven’t told her yet.”

“Well you better hurry and snatch her up,” Sue said as she stood to clear their plates, heading to the kitchen. “I’m sure cooks with all those requirements are hard to find.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Dewberry snorted with laughter at the expression on Jack’s face. Obviously he’d been touting the qualities he wanted in a wife, the qualities he saw in Sue, while Sue had been thinking in another direction entirely.

Stroking her cheek in thought, she pondered how to get the two thinking on the same wavelength at the same time.

You know, Tina, you do have an unfair advantage! I can't 'hide' from you -

I'm sorry your daughter isn't feeling well today! I hope that she perks up soon. And thanks for not making me wait very long to read the next post...apparently my internal alarm clock had good timing! I can read your post while I drink my tea. Good that you know that you can't hide from me, flip. I can always find you.

Jack really did put his foot in his mouth there!!! And Sue's reaction wasn't exactly off-base...too funny!

Do it, Jack!!! Don't waste any more time!!

Ok...so Sue obviously did not clue into the fact that Jack was listing her qualities...so who does she think he was talking about??? I can't wait til these two get on the same wavelength---from the look of things, they really do need Dewberry's help! Stupendous job, flip!

wow, Jack...quite a lot of details!!
just slipped out from your mouth....

Very cute....I am looking forward to the telling part. I am sure it will be full of your famous Flip fuzzies

No worries about me. I am just exhausted. I don't handle a couple of hours of sleep a night very well. I am an eight hour a night person and I can't remember the last time I slept that long. When somebody writes a manual on children, I hope they include a chapter on sleep depravation Mexico is looking more and more inviting - 12 more days and counting

oh Jack you have to be a little bit more specific- such as use the woman's name....SUE....


and remember poor me- i start three nights of work in a row....i really cannae be bothered.....my bed just seems so appealing...*yawn*

Jack, take Sue's advise and snatch her!

just started reading this....loving it....can't wait for more!!!!!

Flip, I was so excited to see that you have started another story!!

I just caught up and can't even begin to quote anything, because I would have to quote the whole thing!!

I love that Jack and Sue are together for Christmas, with the magic of Dewberry sprinkled in!!

Dewberry, yes, you do need to work on having them on the same wavelength!! Sue seems so sure that Jack wouldn't look at her that way that she isn't even thinking that he might be talking about her!!!

Sorry you daughter doesn't feel well, Flip!! Hope she feels better soon!!

Thanks for sharing once again! Can't wait for your next post!!

BTW, whose clothes does Sue keep at her apartment???

Joy

Yup, there are definite disadvantages to making a list! Thankfully Jack has already found who he is looking for! Hoping for some warm fuzzies soon, Flip.

WOW What a story. Can't wait for the next part.

Loving your story

hahahahah i......can't .....stop......laughing hahahahahaahahah

i think t's time that sue and jack take some action, don't you think, now come back here and give us some fuzzies

Now THERE'S a plan if I ever saw one...Jack, act on this free advise!!!!!!

Flip, I hope your daughter is feeling a lot better now and I hope she gets well soon

me too!!

Speak up, Jack! Don't let her slip away..............maybe you should check on those burns again..........hehe

isn't that what Lucy was trying over the years too??? I wish you good luck on doing that hehehhehe

I love it, flip!!

Jack was still pondering how he could have been so far off the topic with Sue when she rushed from the kitchen, a stricken look on her face. Standing abruptly, he hurried to her. “What is it? Is your burn bothering you?”

She shook her head adamantly, “No, in fact it feels amazingly normal,” she added in wonder, momentarily distracted.

“Must have been the expert doctoring you received,” Jack teased with a wink, relaxing a bit.

“Yes, thank goodness for the Aloe Vera plant,” she quipped, returning his teasing wink.

“Need me to take a look at it,” he asked casually, his grin growing at her embarrassment.

“No, I think I’m going to make a full recovery.”

“Then what has you looking upset?”

“I forgot all about Ms. Ruby,” she bemoaned. “How could I do that,” she asked, not expecting an answer from Jack. “Ms. Ruby is my elderly neighbor. She has no family and is probably freezing to death over in her apartment. Will you please go with me to check on her?”

“Absolutely,” he agreed, “lead the way.”

Knocking on the door, Sue watched Jack anxiously, chewing on her bottom lip worriedly. “Do you hear anything?” Looking down, she observed Levi, hoping he would jump on her indicating that he could hear something. “Jack, I have a key. Do you think we should use it?”

“I think that might be a good idea. I don’t hear anything though. Maybe she’s gone to a friend’s house.”

“Maybe,” Sue sighed, opening the door and turning back to him, “or maybe she just didn’t hear you. She has a hard time hearing. I always have to speak up when talking to her.” Heading into the apartment, she shivered, “It’s cold in here.”

“And dark,” he added, pulling a flashlight from his pocket and earning a smile from Sue.

“I didn’t think about bringing a flashlight. You’re a handy guy to have around, know that Hudson?”

“Glad you’re finally noticing,” he replied, waggling his eyebrows at her. “You lead the way since you are familiar with her apartment. I’ll let you know if I hear anything.”

“Okay,” she agreed, grabbing his hand. “Squeeze if you hear anything.” Turning, she entered the apartment, calling Ms. Ruby’s name. When she didn’t feel any pressure on her hand, just Jack’s thumb stroking her palm reassuringly, she turned to Levi. “Levi, go find Ms. Ruby.” She followed the direction Levi headed until a squeeze had her stopping.

“I hear her,” Jack said, holding the flashlight to his face so she could read him. “Her voice is faint, but it’s coming from the back of the apartment.”

“She must be in her bedroom,” Sue confirmed, turning and pulling Jack along behind her. Stopping at the door to Ms. Ruby’s bedroom, she asked for the flashlight. “Let me go in first and check on her. I’ll call you in just a minute.”

Jack squeezed her hand one more time for good measure, nodding his head that he understood and would wait for her signal. Watching her disappear into the darkness, he hoped she would find her neighbor in good health. He didn’t have to wait long before he heard Sue call his name, asking him to enter.

“Jack, this is Ms. Ruby,” Sue introduced as he stepped closer to the bed. “Ms. Ruby, this is Jack.”

“It’s very nice to meet you, Ms. Ruby,” Jack said, taking the delicate hand the woman offered. Bending, he brushed his lips across the back of her hand. “Sue has many nice things to say about you,” he added, hoping to put the woman at ease.

“Well, Sue,” Ms. Ruby laughed, “you have a mighty fine fella.”

Sue could see Ms. Ruby’s lips moving but couldn’t make out her words. Turning to Jack, she shined the light on his face. “I didn’t catch that. What did she say?”

“She was complimenting you on your choice of friends,” he relayed to her with a grin. “I think she said something about me being nice.”

“Have you been dating long?”

Sue again looked to Jack, her eyes showing her frustration. “She wants to know how long we’ve known each other,” Jack explained.

Turning back to the elderly lady, Sue said, “Three years. Now, Ms. Ruby, why don’t you come back to my apartment with us? Jack has built a lovely fire and it’s actually quite cozy. We’ll help you get settled and make sure you have everything you need.”

It wasn’t long before Ms. Ruby was snuggled into one end of the couch, sipping hot chocolate, and enjoying the fire. Taking note of the time, she turned to Sue. “Isn’t your church having a candlelight service tonight? I remember reading about it in the bulletin you brought me last week with lunch.”

Sue nodded, “Yes, it begins at 7:00.”

“You two should go. I’ll be fine here alone. You can tell me all about it when you return.”

“Are you sure,” Sue asked, glancing from the dear lady to Jack. “You don’t have to go if you don’t want to, Jack,” she added, giving him an out.

“I’d love to go with you,” Jack said, surprising her. “That is if you don’t mind me tagging along. Why don’t I go walk Levi and we can leave him here with Ms. Ruby?”

Nodding with enthusiasm, Sue headed for the bathroom to freshen up while Jack headed outside with Levi. Ms. Ruby sat smiling on the couch, warmed through and through to be with friends for the holiday.

This was a lovely post. I can so see Sue doing this. Jack, too.

A very nice and sweet lady

Flip, that was so heartwarming! Jack and Sue are so kind to the elderly and I love seeing that!!


Joy

Flip...I'm am SO EXCITED that you've entered the fray. Christmas just didn't seem like Christmas without some excitement from you.

Looking forward to more.

I loved it! Very sweet of Sue. Very in character. And Jack... lol, sure is sneaky.

Can't wait for the next post.

Sue's a real sweetheart!

Jack, open your heart and act on your feelings...

I love the way this fantastic story is unfolding. So heartwarming.

More please, flip!!!


gracie

Ms. Ruby sounds a little like Lucy's Grammy

Dewberry we've been trying to figure that one out for three years now and we don't have elf dust!!!!

Thankgoodness for elf dust -- we don't want Sue uncomfortable later in the story, do we>

While I love the fact that Sue is such a helpful neighbour I'm wondering just why you decided to give them a chaperone??????

Can't wait for more (and I hope your daughter feels better soon.)

kav

They made it to the service with only moments to spare, eyeing the overflowing crowd skeptically. “There’s no way we’re going to find a seat,” Jack said after scanning the crowd again. “I guess we can just stand back here.”

“No, come on,” Sue said suddenly, grabbing his arm and tugging him toward the front of the sanctuary. “I see my friend Carol. She’s got room for us beside her.” Excusing their way down the pew, they reached Carol and her companion, Sue greeting them with hugs and rapid sign before introducing Jack.

Jack noticed the way Carol’s companion hung on Sue’s every word, his heart tightening with dread when he learned that he was Carol’s brother, not her date. It was obvious Steve was attracted to Sue. Jack just hoped the feeling wasn’t reciprocated, his mind drifting to the men’s clothing Sue had in her room.

They squeezed onto the pew, packed uncomfortably like sardines, shoulders mashed together. Using the excuse of creating more room, Jack placed his arm behind Sue on the back of the pew, enjoying the way she relaxed and nestled into him. When Steve glanced their way, he casually dropped his hand on her shoulder, sending the man a clear message.

Carol leaned around her brother, catching Sue’s attention. “RIGHT YOU. J-A-C-K HOT!,” she signed, a grin firmly in place as she fanned herself with her program.

Sue shook her head, trying to stop her friend’s antics. Angling her back to Jack as best she could, she responded, “J-A-C-K KNOW LITTLE SIGN,” hoping she wouldn’t say anything else. Seeing the wink sent her way, Sue relaxed and straightened in her seat, hoping Jack hadn’t witnessed any of their short conversation.

Jack was enthralled with the service done completely in sign language. The minister had acknowledged, through an interpreter, the presence of the hearing in the crowd but had let it be known that the bulk of the evening would be done in sign. The beauty of the language in motion, coupled with the reverent silence that fell across the room, moved Jack. The Christmas story was the same in any language, bridging any man-imposed barriers; a story of hope, salvation, power, and wonder. The beginning of the greatest story ever lived and it came wrapped in swaddling clothes with the humblest of beginnings.

Sue cast a tentative glance toward Jack, hoping he was fairing well enough in the silent service, only to be enchanted by the look of wonder on his face. Her own eyes misted as he unconsciously tightened his grip around her, pulling her closer while his free hand reached for and snagged one of hers. He pulled her hand to his thigh and covered it there with his, his attention never leaving the speaker at the podium.

Laying her head against his shoulder, she closed her eyes and said yet another quick prayer of thanks that she was with Jack for Christmas. She couldn’t imagine being anywhere else and wondered how she would endure another one without him.

I don't know, Kav. I must be losing my mind!

Whatever will Jack do?

*happy sigh* I just loved that...it really touched me---my eyes even misted, too!

I loved your description of the church service, and I can only imagine how beautiful it would be to see the Christmas story told in ASL. Lovely post, flip!

Gotta ditto that! The thought most certainly crossed my mind as well. Leaving it to you to be innovative, flip.

Absolutely beautiful, flip!!

Since I can't seem to figure out how to quote several lines, and too frustrated to figure it out.....

I loved the line, You right, Jack Hot! he is definitely hot!

I also loved that he was enchanted by the service....very sweet.

The post about the silent service was absolutely awe inspiring. It moved me and sent shivers up my spine.
To think that Jack found it to be as wonderful, was truly beautiful.

You continue to bring me to tears.....either in beauty, laughter or love provoking thoughts......Thanks for humbling me.

WhooHoo Flip...I got back from my chilly Iowa Christmas vacation to find a lovely story by you! Talk about a great Christmas gift! OK now...we have to be back in school on Monday so you better get going! Your fans are anxiously awaiting to see how Jack is going to woo our lovely Sue here!

and by the way....I have to agree with Kav.....a chaperone!!! I'm kinda hoping to see Mrs. Rudy and our lovely snow plow driver have a little hook-up! Are they close enough in age? Just a thought!

My Christmas is complete....a story from Flip....Thankyou Santa

How did I manage to miss seven pages of flip-tale?!?

WHOOHOO!!! Sprinkle that elf-dust Dewberry and we'll get to the fuzzies in no time!

Katinka

How romantic all squashed (sp?) up together in a church.

Can't wait for the next post.