11 First Steps Taken (1/2)
Despite Malcolm's numerous threats, he didn't leave when the snow died down. He ended up staying to appease his brothers and especially his sister and her kids who did love him very much. The whole family ended up staying seven whole days but not before the men when to the grocery store and nearly bought the place out as well as hitting a few toy stores to restock the space vacancy that was under the tree. It was the first time they had all spend the holiday together and even Malcolm seemed to cool down as the days went on but that might have had something to do with their hitting the liquor store during their insane spending spree. Rather than have turkey for another night in the same week, Malcolm and Dick ordered out for Christmas day. Pizza for the kids and Chinese food and dumplings for the adults, which in turn made for a much more casual and fancy free meal for everyone. Artie was not one to complain as he got what he wanted for the holiday; everyone on the same roof again for Christmas. Yet like all good things, the holiday came to an end. One at a time, Artie's kids said their goodbyes and drove off for the airport. Kim was the first to go and it wasn't until after she left that the three men standing there on to speak with Artie one more time.
”Do us all a favor,” David asked, ”No more faking your death.”
”Alright,” Artie said, ”That's the first and last time; I promise.”
”Next time,” Dick started, ”Try coming to us for a change. The weather in December is a lot nicer in California.”
”I don't think I can,” Artie argued, ”I'm a few years from retirement and I've almost got this darn house paid off.”
”The house is paid off,” Malcolm interrupted, ”Dick and I took care of it over six years ago.”
”You did?” Artie said as he looked at the other boys who all nodded to confirm it for him. ”What the hell have I been paying then?”
”It's all been deposited into a savings account,” David answered, ”We planned to tell you about it when you retired so you could use it to do whatever you wanted.”
Artie couldn't believe what he was hearing, ”Why didn't you tell me?”
”Because you're a proud man,” Dick answered, ”We didn't want to hurt your feelings.”
”I wish your mother had been here to see this.” Artie said.
”She was,” Malcolm said with a chuckle, ”She didn't win fifty thousand on a scratch ticket. We gave it to her so you guys could take your dream trip to Italy. We did it for her cause we knew time was short and we had plenty to spare.”