Dear Santa,

Roses are red
Violets are blue
It’s no secret that
I love you know who.

Sigh…as if it’s doing me any good. Why should it be so hard to find a man – the happily ever after kind? The type who likes children and dogs and a woman with a sense of humor? Well, I guess he wasn’t hard to find, just difficult to catch. Perhaps Mrs. Claus might have some advice?

Don’t mind me, I’m not really asking for anything, just humoring my niece who insisted I write you something from the heart.

Happy holidays,

Sue Thomas (Kelsey’s Aunt)


Looking at the words on the page, Sue let out a deep sigh. She couldn’t believe she’d actually put pen to paper in the first place, but she’d promised her seven-year-old niece that she’d contribute something to be included in the envelope to the North Pole. Since she’d been invited over for dinner the following evening, she would take it then, along with a Christmas-themed envelope to mail the letters in. Sue’s brother and sister-in-law were also playing along with Kelsey, who had insisted that the adults in her life deserved something from Santa this year too. Sue could well remember the magic of Christmas back when she’d still believed in the jolly, chubby old man dressed in red who made children’s dreams come true. Now she knew better, of course, but it was still easy to get caught up in Kelsey’s excitement. The youngest of Sue’s three older brothers had recently moved to the D.C. area, and Sue had been thrilled at the prospect of having family nearby. With all of her nieces and nephews growing up so quickly, mostly in pictures, it was nice to have the opportunity to get close to one of them. Her other two brothers and their families were across the country, and she rarely saw them, except on special occasions like Thanksgiving and maybe Christmas if they were lucky.

Her mind drifted back to their recent Thanksgiving celebration at her parents’ home in Ohio, and she let out another unconscious sigh. When she was younger, she’d always looked forward to Thanksgiving with such anticipation. It was a rare chance for the whole family to be together, and with Thanksgiving came the promise of snow and the upcoming Christmas season. But with each passing year, her excitement had given way to a sense of dread, and she disliked feeling that way. It also made her feel incredibly guilty. While she loved her family and looked forward to seeing them of course, she was so tired of the well-intentioned questions that inevitably came her way that she wished instead to avoid the gatherings altogether. Usually it was one of her sisters-in-law, asking if there was anyone special in her life and registering shock when the answer came back the same as it always had. Then there would be exclamations of how could Sue still be single; surely some nice guy should have snatched her up by now. She would brush it off as she always did and act like it didn’t bother her, when in reality all she wanted to do was run the other way.

The fact was that she truly did like her life. She had great friends, a job she loved and a place that she could call home. Of course there was more to life that she hoped to someday experience, but she couldn’t spend her days pining away either. The truth was, the only man she’d ever really loved had gotten away, and as far as she was concerned, it was her own fault for allowing it to happen.

Looky who has decided to write a story! I couldn't quite believe my eyes - but I am thrilled! You have me hooked....why on earth does Sue think she's lost Jack? (He is the only man she has really loved....right? )

So - when are you going to post more???????

I'll have to ditto Flip! Jack is the only man Sue has ever loved, right? So, why does she think 1) he got away; and, 2) what did she do to drive him away? Can't wait to find out!

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Lynn

So, Sue's actually blaming herself instead of Jack thinking that she's off limits? That's a twist... although, I hope he's thinking the same thing, right now.

Wow, this is the first Tinalynne story I'm replying to since delurking. And I'm so excited.

But...


Gotten away??? Her own fault?

Ouch, my heart hurts. Shall I get tissues ready?

This veggie is at finding you a story. In fact I'm your praises as I boogie around my house. Not only is it sunny outside (for the second time in three weeks) but now it's sunny inside too. I only have one teensy little criticism about your first...no offence...but this part here... What do you mean by that, Tina...that Sue isn't ...a believer?

kav

I'm glad you've got some , Kav! We've got a gorgeous day here too, and I'm glad because I'm heading out to be with my family soon and need to drive over a mountain pass to get there. No sign of snow around here---or there! Wishing all of you a very Merry Christmas!!

“Aunt Sue!” Kelsey exclaimed, also signing the words excitedly as Sue walked into the living room. Sue had been teaching her niece some basic ASL signs, and her eager pupil had been catching on well. After receiving a rather wet greeting from Levi, Kelsey turned to her again. “Did you bring it?”

Sue knew exactly what she was referring to and presented Kelsey with her Santa letter, along with a candy-cane decorated envelope. “I did, and I also found a special envelope for you to put our letters in.”

“It’ll be perfect for Santa! Thank you!” Kelsey carefully took the envelope from Sue and grinned up at her. “Can you help me write Santa’s address on the envelope? Daddy helped me write the letter, but I want you to help me with this part.”

“Of course!” Sue enjoyed the feeling of the small warm hand in hers as Kelsey led her into the kitchen where her letter sat on the table. Her brother Andrew and his wife Samantha were preparing dinner, and smiled at them as she and Kelsey sat down at the table. Levi settled down by Sue’s feet, eyeing the food preparation hopefully.

Serious business, Andrew signed with a knowing grin. Sue nodded at him as she turned back to her young niece. It clearly was serious business to the little girl as she painstakingly folded her letter and placed it, along with the others, into the envelope. Her small hand soon clutched the pencil, chewing her lower lip in concentration as she copied down Santa’s address in the North Pole. She needed help with a couple of the letters, but Sue was impressed at how tidy the child’s printing was. She remembered her own had been a sight for sore eyes when she was that age. Once the letter was sealed, Kelsey entrusted it to her mother, who promised to mail it the very next day on her way to work.

Sue helped her niece set the table for dinner, basking in the warm family life her brother had made for himself. Immediately her mind went to Jack, wishing he was there with her, and the loneliness in her heart surged to life once again. No matter where she was or what she was doing, it seemed that thoughts of him were never far away. Things hadn’t been the same since he’d accepted an undercover assignment that had taken him away from their team and out of D.C. for the past four weeks. There was no word on when he’d come back, and she prayed every day for his safe return, their last conversation painfully replaying in her memory. While she knew he’d be back, a fact that she took some comfort in, what she didn’t know was whether or not Jack would ever be coming back to her. Forcing her thoughts to veer from the dangerous course they were on, she brought herself back to the present and the golden-haired little girl by her side.

It's cold down here south of the Houston area...only 55 degrees outside!

I love it when Sue is portrayed in this manner with her family. It is wonderful that her brother and family have moved to DC. Little Kelsey sounds adorable. And it will keep that connection with her family, as long as they don't press her on when she is going to find her soulmate.

Now Jack has been undercover for 4 weeks? I'm anxious to hear what happened between them for Sue to think he might not come back to her. Was it something that made Jack want to get away from Sue, so he accepted the undercover assignment? I'm all ears for this story to hurry along, Tina.

But in the meantime, drive carefully and have a very Merry Christmas with your family.

Lynn

I think you just on my What do you mean, Jack is on an undercover assigment without here? And for four weeks?! And what do you mean...back to her as in the team and friend and partner or back to her as in something else more meaningful only something has gone terribly array?


kav

I can't believe you just went off - and left the story here!

Oh! Wait a minute - yes I can believe it. This is you we're talking about - the master of leaving off the rest of the post and just stopping when it is most inconvenient.

Arghhhh! I want more....I need more.....please??????????

What could've gotten so wrong that Sue would think that he wouldn't be coming back to her?

Very curious to know what their last conversation had been about that led to all these depressing thoughts.

I hope we getto see what that last conversation with Jack was all about and why it's so painful.

I've just got a few minutes to read and you can guess my glee at coming across another great story!!

Poor Sue. I really wanted to know why she thought she'd lost her only one and true love, thinking all kinds of issues, until I read your next post. So he's on assignment. That's better than my initial reactions of what had happened to him. Although I am worried about their discussion. Maybe it was another one of their, see you when I see you ones, and not really getting to the crux of the matter. Or maybe it was a dangerous mission?????

But today is Christmas, surely Santa can grant Sue her ultimate wish!!! Bring back Jack to his hearts desire!!!!!

Just got home from a nice Christmas with my family---busy as always, lots of running around, but good! My baby niece in her little red dress with white trim was especially sweet! Hope everyone had a wonderful day!!!

“You were saying just the other day that you wanted to recapture the spirit of Christmas this year; this will be your perfect opportunity!” Tara exclaimed. Myles gave her a dubious look, and Sue bit back a smile at his obvious discomfort at being put on the spot. For the second year in a row Tara was on a team of bureau employees who volunteered to answer letters from children on behalf of Santa Claus, and since they were a little low on volunteers this year, she’d decided to take it upon herself to round up some new recruits.

“I don’t think so, Tara,” Myles said, shaking his head. “Surely there are better ways to recapture the Christmas spirit than by posing as a fictitious character designed to feed the greedy commercial conglomerate.”

“That isn’t what it’s about! It’s about the kids. Besides, have you got something better to do on a Tuesday night?” Tara demanded. Sue was secretly glad that she already had a commitment on Tuesday evenings; otherwise she would have probably been roped into it along with Lucy…and apparently Myles as well. She could tell by the look on his face that he knew this was a battle he couldn’t win, and she turned back to her work with a shake of her head. It wasn’t that she didn’t think it was a worthwhile activity. It seemed like a good way to bring some Christmas cheer into the lives of many children who otherwise wouldn’t have much. Local food hampers and charities got involved as well, and in addition to making sure that all of the children received replies to their letters, whenever possible, needy families received donations of food and gifts for the children too.

The knowledge that not all children were as fortunate as her niece was a heart wrenching one, and while Kelsey would also be thrilled to receive a letter from ‘Santa’, she certainly wasn’t lacking in anything. Myles had a point, but so did Tara, and if that group of volunteers could make a difference with their letters from Santa, it was a wonderful miracle of the season. Looking up as Bobby walked by her desk, Sue couldn’t help but observe that he seemed to be lacking the usual spring in his step the past few days. She wasn’t the only one missing Jack right now, and it was beginning to show. Seeing Tara make a beeline right for Bobby, she wondered if being part of the Santa letter-writing group might be just the distraction they all needed.

I think that sounds like a wonderful idea. And I'm still worried about Jack.

This is so Myles! And just like Tara to be in the thick of the holiday spirit! You have me really curious about where Jack is...if he's in any kind of danger. Why he would consent to go on that kind of long term undercover assignment. And what does Sue have going on Tuesday night that she can't help with the Santa writing project...and psssst, I hope Tara passed that little activity by the North Pole. I mean we wouldn't want our beloved agents arrested by their fraud counterparts, would we? It being right before the holidays and all.

kav

While I think it's a good idea for Myles to be involved in the project, it's also very scary to think what kind of reply he might give to some unsuspecting child's well...'childish' request.

Still wondering about Jack.

Oy! Can't believe I missed this while checking stories last night! But at least I got to read everything to this point in one sitting. Trouble is, I didn't wait until you enlightened us as to where exactly Jack is, why exactly Sue thinks he might never come back to HER, and what exactly was said during their last conversation!!! Could you take care of those little details soon? I mean, emotional angst at Christmas time? Whoever heard of such a thing? Should be outlawed...

Tina2

I don't know whether we should be worried about Myles replying to some of these letters, but it's just like Tara to want to play the part of one of Santa's elves and try and rope the others in!!!!

Now, Sue would normally be very into doing such a project, so why not now? Surely it would take her mind off Jack for a bit? But then my curiosity wants to know what she's doing on Tuesday's to be otherwised engaged. If Bobby isn't his normal self either, this has got to be very disconcerting.

Now, I wonder if Tara or Myles will get to reply to Sue's neices letter....and oh, didn't Sue write one too????

I was wondering the same thing AG...besides Sue's letter there is her brother and sister-in-law's letters.

Maybe Sue has Little Bookworm Club or the Senior Center functions to go to on Tues night. I can't remember which night of the week they are on, but I think one of them was on a Tues.

I'll have to agree on everything everyone else said, from Tara and Myles' characterizations to wondering about the rift between Jack and Sue. B/c that is surely what it must be. Now, we haven't heard Jack's POV yet....do we get to hear from him? He must be hurting too, since WE all know Jack secretly loves Sue. And then there was that short little sentence about Bobby being down in the dumps...is it about Jack too? Or is it about Tara? I'm feeling a little

Glad you had a Merry Christmas with your family.

Lynn

“When you warned me that I might need tissues, you weren’t kidding,” Lucy said with a sniffle as she wiped away tears.

“Yeah…it can definitely be emotional.” Tara put a comforting hand on her friend’s shoulder, glancing down at the letter in Lucy’s hand. “You get used to seeing so many letters from kids asking for too many toys that it’s a shock to open one of these.”

“What is it?” Myles asked, looking up from the letter he was composing. He’d decided that if he was going to do this job, he would do it right, and he’d brought along one of his best fountain pens. While it would take longer for the ink to dry on one of his letters than on those written by the other volunteers, he was certain that it would add an air of authenticity that a letter penned with a mediocre ballpoint just couldn’t convey. He knew that was a contradiction in terms, considering there was no such person as Santa Claus, but he was determined to make the best of the situation.

“Lucy has a letter here from a little boy asking Santa for money to buy gas for the family car. He also asks for help in finding his mother a job so that they can have a turkey for Christmas dinner.”

“If that’s someone’s idea of a sick joke, it isn’t funny,” Myles said, feeling truly shocked.

“Myles, it’s no joke. A child definitely wrote this,” Lucy insisted. “And besides, why would someone bother to pull a prank like that? It isn’t going to make the papers.”

“No, it won’t,” Tara agreed. “But thankfully there is something we can do.”

“We’ve got his name and address, right?” Bobby asked.

“Yup,” Tara nodded, the bell on her red Santa hat tinkling with the motion. “The first step is to give his information to one of the local charities; they’ll make sure that the family gets some help.”

“But the child’s mother might not even know about this. What if she doesn’t want help?” Myles was still having a hard time believing this was legitimate, but Tara didn’t seem surprised by the situation at all, which led him to believe this wasn’t the first time a letter such as this had appeared in the pile.

“That’s always a possibility, but more often than not, people accept help at this time of year. Especially when they have children who might not get a Christmas otherwise.”

Rendered speechless, the rest of the team watched as Tara took the letter from Lucy and headed to the other side of the room where an elderly man sat bent over a table piled with letters. She quietly conversed with him for a moment before returning to them, a grim but determined expression on her face. “Now do you see why this is so important? We can really help make a difference just by being here and making sure that all of these letters get read.”

All Myles could do was nod as he turned back to his current letter. It suddenly didn’t seem so important anymore that his letter be authentic, so much as it was brief and cheerful. The sooner he was finished with this one, the sooner he could open up the next.

Myles is catching the true spirit of the meaning of Christmas. I love it when his eyes are opened. He is almost like a kid in his reactions. You can certainly tell he was never exposed to the poorer side of life.

Lynn

You know, my family has never been "well off" financially, but we never went hungry or truly in want of something we needed. I say that just to illustrate the fact that you don't have to be a "Myles" to never really have come in contact with those who struggle to put food on the table. There are such contrasts in lifestyles here in the US (and probably in most of the countries we all live in) and we never realize how many around us are in a day to day battle for survival. As much as I love the internet and all it's capabilities, I fear we're becoming more and more isolated from the communities we live in.

Whew Tina, did you have any idea of the emotional examinations your story would have us taking? If you did, good on ya. From time to time, we all need to take a look at the people we've become.

Tina2

It is humbling to think about life circumstances period but at Christmas time we (collectively) seem more likely to do something about it. I wish that kind of giving spirit could carry through the rest of the year as well.

kav (sorry, both Tina's have made me ponder deeply)

Tina, I'm so excited that you are writing a challenge story!! I have just caught up and like everyone else crave for more!!!

What kind of undercover case is Jack on?? Is it very dangerous?? And, why is Sue afraid that there is no chance with Jack?? I can't wait to read all the answers to these questions!!!

Myles is really wholeheartedly joining in now, isn't he?? I just love when he takes on a cause!! I wonder if the team will read Kelsey's letter, thus also seeing Sue's letter?? I love that they are passing on the needy requests of the children and getting help for their families!! I agree with Tina2 - families struggling for survival could be living right next door!! There are so many things we can do in our community to help those who need it!!!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas!!!

Joy

I agree with Lyn completely. I guess used to a life of luxury, Myles would be sheltered from the knowledge of the kind of life that the people on the other side of the track have to live with. Tara is right in roping him in this project.

In my island-nation, nationwide charity drives are the norm during the four major annual festivals -- Lunar New Year, Eid Mubarak, Deepavali and Christmas, where, not only do various charity organisations take part in raising awareness and funds for the deprived, but all the media stations (TV and radio) as well, play a big part in spreading the word around. So since these festivals fall at different times of the year, charity drives therefore practically go on all the year round.

I guess, that's the beauty of living in a multi-racial and multi-religious society.

Wow, Sue signed, her eyes growing moist as Lucy told her about the letter she’d read earlier in the evening. It didn’t seem to take much these days for her to become emotional, and she was again relieved she’d had her Little Bookworm Club instead of being a part of the Santa letter writing. The two of them worked as they talked, cutting out Christmas shapes in the sugar cookie dough Sue had been rolling out when Lucy walked in.

“Even though we know there are needy families right here in our own city, it’s easy to go about our own lives and let others worry about them, you know?” Sue nodded in understanding. “It was so hard to read that letter, but I feel good knowing that this little boy and his family are going to be helped. It’s small, but it’s something.”

“Of course it is! If it wasn’t for you and the rest of the volunteers, letters like this would never get read.”

“Yes. I can understand why Tara is so passionate about the cause. It might seem frivolous, but there’s more to it than just a bunch of spoiled kids receiving responses to their Christmas wish lists.”

“I guess there are probably lots of those, too,” Sue commented.

“Uh huh,” Lucy replied with a nod. Both women deep in thought, they continued to cut out the various cookie shapes, placing them onto the cookie sheets. It was upsetting to think about the reality of how little some had compared to the luxury that so many others enjoyed, and this was right in their own backyard. Sue wondered if Jack would have gotten involved in this if he was around, and she shook her head as she realized that her thoughts had turned to him once again. It seemed as though all paths led to him, and it was starting to get on her nerves. If only she knew where he was and what he was doing, not to mention when he was coming home. Maybe then she’d have a little peace. A gentle hand on her arm brought her attention back to Lucy. You okay? Sue could see the concern in Lucy’s eyes, and she knew that there was little use denying that something was wrong. It was the end of a long day, and her thoughts were in turmoil. She was so busy during the holiday season that she was surprised it wasn’t a better distraction from the pain in her heart, but instead it seemed to have multiplied with each passing day.

“I miss him, Luce. I wish he would reach out somehow, at least let us know he’s okay.”

“He would if it was possible,” Lucy insisted.

“Would he?” Most of the time she believed that, but there were times she wondered if leaving was exactly what Jack had wanted to do.

“I’m sure he would.”

“It’s been so long…I can’t help but worry,” Sue said softly. It wasn’t just his safety she worried about, either. This was the first time in their friendship that there had been a complete lack of communication, and she couldn’t believe how bleak her days had become, knowing she wouldn’t see him or have any contact with him.

“You wouldn’t be you if you didn’t,” Lucy replied, reaching out to give her a quick hug. Sue blinked back her tears, praying that wherever Jack was, he was going to come back home soon.

Ah-ha -- facts are slowly emerging...so Sue thinks that Jack might have taken the undercover assignment as an escape route from...what You always manage to tie me up in knots when I read your stories!

kav

Great story! I'm also wondering where Jack is... Undercover???

Em

I miss Jack too!! Is he coming home soon?? And, most importantly, is he coming home TO Sue???

Joy

Tina, what a great treat to see that you have started a story. I am excited to see where this will lead. Please tell us more.

Wow, I didn't realize a simple statement could evoke such profound thoughts. You're right of course, Tina. But, I didn't phrase my thoughts correctly. What I was thinking and failed to communicate ****which happens a lot with me...I think it's a brain malfunction**** is that so often wealthy people in society are portrayed as being philanthropic and photographed helping the needy. Therefore, when one, in this case Myles, is exposed to people living under those conditions and reacts with "shock" and is "rendered speechless", it is a surprise b/c I thought he would have been exposed to helping the needy while growing up.

But then I shouldn't think or make blanket statements classifying any group of people in that manner and I apologize if I have offended anyone in doing so. We are all different and should be treated as such. And as you so eloquently pointed out, it is very easy for the person living next door to fall on hard times and not know where their next dollar for food or gas is coming from. I've been there myself, years ago, and didn't want anyone to know just how desperate my situation was. Just goes to show I need to watch what I say b/c it can be construed to mean something entirely different then intended.

And Kav, at my church we do have a TLC fund we use to assist those in need year round. It is surprising the number of people in our little town who come in asking the local churches for help with food, gas and utility bills.

I applaud you TinaLynne for incorporating this subject matter into your story.

Lynn

Hey, Siti, I think that's wonderful that your country does so much, as a country, year round. Our church adopts families in need for Thanksgiving and Christmas and several of our Sunday Schools continue to sponsor their families during the following year. My Sunday School class helped the same family for several years, until they were able to finally get on their feet. The relationships this builds is a blessing not only for those we help, but for those of us who give.

Awareness is the key...I've found that if you make people aware of the need, they will respond, whether it be for those around the corner or for our mission trips to Mexico. It's awesome to participate! I was unable to go on our mission trips to Mexico this Christmas and Thanksgiving due to family commitments and I have missed doing so.

I loved this post Tina and the awareness you raised. And my heart is breaking for Sue. When do we get to learn what happened that made Jack volunteer for this mission?

Lynn

“There must be more we can do to make this situation better.” Tara glanced up from her computer screen to find Myles standing in front of her, his expression intense.

“I don’t see how.” Tara’s mind flew over their current case; unfortunately they’d hit a dead end and had done everything they could. It wasn’t like Myles to get so worked up over a case. “What are you thinking?”

“I’m thinking that I want to do more than pass those letters to someone else and let them take care of the problem.”

“Oh, Myles! Why didn’t you say you were talking about the letters?”

“My apologies…I assumed you knew that’s what I meant. I guess I’m getting a bit carried away,” Myles admitted.

“It’s okay.” Tara paused for a moment, her heart warming at how genuinely moved Myles was over the plight of some of the children whose letters they had intercepted the other night. It wasn’t easy to deal with at times, but she still hadn’t anticipated Myles reacting this way. “There are other ways to get more directly involved, but they take time, not to mention money.”

“I happen to have some of both.”

“Okay. I’m going to give you a name and number to call. I didn’t get a chance to introduce you to Paul the other night, but when you call just tell him who you are and that I brought you into the volunteer program.” Tara scribbled down the information on a slip of paper and handed it to Myles. “And if you need any more help, just ask, okay?”

“I never thought I’d be thanking you for cornering me into volunteering, but…. thank you, Tara.”

“Anytime,” she replied with a smile. Myles walked back to his desk with the paper, looking deep in thought. While she wished she could have a front-row seat when he made that phone call, she had a feeling this was a journey Myles should begin on his own.

I love that Myles is going to get involved. I always knew he had a big heart...it just needed to find a someone to awaken it...and I think he just has. And our Sue taught him that! Oh, I'm going to cry with joy for him! This is a surprising turn in your story Tina...one that I had not expected...

Lynn

PS. I just realized the connection between Myles and the story title! How appropriate!

First off... Lynn, I'm sorry. In re-reading my response earlier, I realize it sounded like I was taking you to task. That wasn't my intention. I just wanted to say that I too, am shocked when I hear of families in dire financial straits. I didn't mean to insinuate that you were pigeonholing a particular economic group. I love our board, but that's one of the problems with the strickly writtem communication system we have. It's way to easy to miscontrue someone's words. But hopefully, we're all clear now. I hope so anyway, 'cause my brain hurts if I get too "deep". Ouch.

Now Tina, I'm getting awful anxious to hear from Jack and find out where he is. And even more anxious to find out what went on between him and Sue before he left. Oh goodness... those two words aren't sitting well with me... "he left". No, my stomach is getting queasy and I can feel my supper gurgling. If you don't want , I suggest you enlighten us... SOON! (Sorry, didn't mean to threaten, just wanted you to be forewarned as to what could happen. I'll try to calm the queasies as best I can, be patient, and not BECOME a patient!)


Tina2

Absolutely no offense taken Tina...but your words did remind me that I tend to say or write something at times thinking one way and not realizing that it can also be taken another way. So, when I was trying to write what I was thinking at the time I wrote that short little sentence about Myles, I realized that I do tend to catagorize groups of people at times, inadvertently, and that I shouldn't do that. As you said above, it is way too easy to misconstrue words.

So, in the end, I'm grateful you wrote what you did. I love the board too and think of everyone out here as my extended family. As such, a little reminder now and then that generates self-examination never hurts and I probably don't do that...self-examination...as much as I should. (I'm too busy trying to keep up reading all these great stories and start/resume reading those I've fallen woefully behind on )

Hopefully, this will be a reminder to do some self-examination a little more often. For generating that little reminder, I thank you!

Lynn

You know, thinking back, in one eppy (I can't remember the title) in which a szichophrenic female transient was accused of the murder of a senator, there was a scene where Bobby and Myles were looking around for evidence in the back alley where the suspect stayed, we see Myles handing out food (sandwiches, I think...) from a plastic back to the homeless. I remember feeling this warmth and 'falling in love' with his character because I feel his usual austere demeanor is just a front against letting his softer side show, probably because he needs to live up to the reputation of being a 'Leland III'. But underneath the haughty and aloof exterior, lay a very generous and compassionate man who never hesitates to use his wealth for these kinds of causes when the situation arises, but finds no need to advertise his deeds. I believe there are people in real life like that. (Sorry if there is any grammar mistake. Too much thinking... my brain's too exhausted to check for that. I hide behind the excuse that English is not my native tongue .)

I think Ted Atherton plays the character of Myles Leland III with excellence.

Wow, like Tina2 ( I was puzzled at first why Tina signs off her name like that... until I read Joy's 'both Tinas' comments. That's me, I'm a little slow... ) my head hurts when I think too much.

I love the profound bantering of the readers almost as much as I love reading the story. TinaLynne always manages to do this to us though. And Siti, I remember that episode too -- with that little glimpse of Myles without the Leland III attached. I also noticed that Bobby didn't come prepared in the same way...and he looked kind of surprised to see Myles handing out sandwiches...did you notice that as well?

Okay...now on to Tina's post... I think it's so Myles to become totally involved in this project. He always goes overboard with anything new...think of the Perry Potter pills. He can be such a grumble Gus to begin with and then he becomes a fervent convert.

kav

The name of the episode was "Mind Games"!

I had forgotten about Myles handing out sandwiches, Siti. Thanks for reminding me. I totally agree with your assessment of Myles...AND Ted Atherton. That must be why I've always thought there was more to Myles than the sarcastic demeanor he portrayed on the show, thanks to Sue. And Tina is showing us how he has finally opened up to let his teammates / friends / family see who he really is. Thank you Tina!

And Kav, I'm drawing a blank on what Bobby did in that scenel!

I'll have to watch the episode again to see his reaction. It's strange, the little things the characters do on the show that grab your attention, and stick in your memory bank, or in this case, don't grab your attention and are lost like the data in memory....sorry, shades of my crashed laptop and lost data oozing thru there!

Lynn

Tina, you are showing us a side of Myles that a lot of us suspected was there, underneath the sarcasm and standoffishness!! When I watch the later episodes, I see just how much Myles is trying to atone for his earlier behavior!!!

Siti, you're right, there are real people out there who are privileged and share. I am proud to say I work for one. The latest aid he and his friends have given is to a local orphanage. Those kids have had so much fun in the last several years, as well as new equipment for their home and clothes and toys. The only people he talks to about what he and his wife and their friends do is to invite some of us to help with the kids when he takes them fishing or does other outdoor activities with them. We all win with the experiences and I treasure each and every one of them.

Lynn, if I remember correctly (I'll have to check for sure too) Bobby was also handing out sandwiches!! I thought at the time what a wonderful gesture that is!!!

Joy

Thanks for all of the great insightful comments, ladies! I'm enjoying reading them!

Lucy gaped at the letter in her hands. “Where did this come from?” It was clearly Sue’s writing, and her signed name on the bottom left little doubt that it was indeed her roommate who had penned the note. Her heart ached at the loneliness portrayed in the letter. Not for the first time, she wanted to smack Jack Hudson for leaving like he had.

“Bobby just found it inside the same envelope as a letter from Sue’s niece, Kelsey,” Tara supplied.

“Poor Sue,” Lucy murmured, shaking her head in disbelief over the coincidence. “It kind of seems like we were meant to find this letter, doesn’t it? I just wish there was something we could do to cheer her up.”

“Short of tracking Jack down and dragging him home by the ears, I can’t think of anything,” Bobby said with a frown.

“Even if we could do that, is there really any guarantee that he would fix things?” Tara asked.

“At least if he were here we could show him the letter, give him a glimpse as to how Sue really feels,” Lucy said, folding it up again and placing it back inside the candy-cane decorated envelope. “Would be worth a try anyway,” she insisted as Bobby looked at her doubtfully.

“What do you think we should do?” Tara asked. “There must be something we can do to help.”

“Definitely don’t let Sue know that we’ve seen it. Obviously she didn’t think anyone she knew would be reading it; if she knew she’d be pretty mortified,” Lucy said.

“I think that Santa should answer her,” Bobby replied thoughtfully. Both women turned to him with curious expressions. “Hey, it’s just a thought! The big guy could tell her to hang in there, that there are plenty of fish in the sea or something like that.”

Lucy groaned and Tara shook her head as they exchanged an incredulous glance. “That’s the last thing Sue needs to be told,” Tara said firmly. “Unless we can write a letter telling her that Jack loves her too and is on his way home to be with her, there won’t be a letter at all.”

“I think Tara’s right. But hopefully we’ll figure out something that we can do to help,” Lucy said, giving Bobby a pat on the shoulder.

“Should we get the others in on this?” Bobby asked.

Lucy glanced across the room at their co-workers. Bent over a stack of letters, Myles had taken no notice of the three of them gathered together; D was in an animated conversation with his children, who were well past the age of believing in Santa and had also come to help out. “For now I think we should keep this between us,” she said, tucking the envelope into her pocket. While she knew they’d only want to help, she felt the need to protect what was left of Sue’s privacy. She just hoped that things would work out soon for her friend. The letter only proved what she already knew: Sue’s heart still belonged to Jack, and until he came back, that part of her life was going to remain unresolved.

I chuckled as I read how Bobby wanted to reply to Sue's letter to Santa. I can hardly imagine what they will come up as they try to figure out how to help. I'm feeling like we need to know much more about how and why Jack left.

When is Jack going to come back?!?!?!?!

Em

Poor Sue!! Bless Lucy and Tara for wanting to keep Sue's privacy intact as much as possible!! And, I had to smile at Bobby's idea!! Unfortunately, empty promises aren't going to cut it anymore in this situation!!!

Now, where is Jack?? Tina, can we please have a little POV from his direction?? Even though I'm pleading, I always have a delicious feeling when I'm reading your stories!! I love the way you weave your tales and leave us in the dark until we can't stand it anymore!!!

Joy

I agree with Joy...I need to see Jacks thoughts...what has that boy done now!!!!!!!!

I really enjoying this one Tina!!!!!

:Whimper: I really wish I knew where Jack was right now and it makes me want to cry that no one else knows where he is either. What kind of case is he on? Why did he go? Why is he alone and not with another member of the team? That's a question I would really like answered. The fact that he went by himself on this undercover assignment really makes me worry.

I just hope he comes home safely so Sue's wish is granted.

I don't! It drives me NUTS!!!!!!!!! The only thing that provides light at the end of the tunnel is that this challenge has an end in sight. Soooooooo Tina can't torture us for too awfully long this time.

And you know I'm only kidding (sorta . I love your writing and am so glad you are posting a story - even though each and every post is way too short and ends too soon.

Now - as far as what Lucy and Tara should do - they need to send Sue's letter on to the real Santa. I bet he can use all of his north-pole technology and find Jack. He can fly over to where he is, pick him up, and deliver him to Sue's doorstep with a twig of mistletoe stuck in his hair.

Then we can move on to fuzzies!

Of course, it does, Lucy! It's fate and destiny rolled into one powerful light bulb moment and don't you forget it! Sorry, got carried away there for a second. I'll be bald before this story's over. That subtly suggests that there was something going on between Jack and Sue and that everybody knew about it and he left her to go on some drongo assignment because he was reverting back to his turtle self again? ack!!!!
Yo! I didn't just read that, did I? I mean Tina, you can't really think...you couldn't possbily be a....non-believer... You want proof? Fine what about this and this And tell me, dearie, did you by any chance get coal in your stocking this year?

kav

I'm officially there.

Need a doctor's note?

Or perhaps a note from my mommy?

How 'bout a "C note"? (Nope, I'm not above bribery.)

Can you hear the pathetic...ness (? ) in my voice? I can through in a sob or two and a soaked hankie. Anything it takes to find out where Jack got off to and all the details of his leaving AND, ahem, coming back...

Tina