Chapter 36

12/1/2041

Luca and Tyree loaded everything back into the car that morning. "We'd stay longer, but Alicia has school tomorrow," Tyree said, as he helped get the children ready.

"It was nice meeting you," Adam said.

"Same here," Tyree said. Luca only nodded.

"Give him time," Tyree said. "His nerves are at their peak right now," he said. Adam nodded in understanding. They said their goodbyes and headed back home.

When they got home, Luca was trying his hardest not to have a mental breakdown after seeing someone who looked exactly like his ex-boyfriend. He had forgotten that Patrick had a brother.

"Are you alright?" Tyree asked.

"Yea," Luca said, nodding his head. "I just need to process everything," he said. Luca took Elena into his arms and headed to the nursery. He walked over to the rocking chair that was in a corner and sat down in it.

"I love you, baby girl," he said. Luca stood up and put Elena in the crib, and just stood there staring at her.

"Babe," Tyree said, stepping up to him. Luca turned around to face him. Tears streamed down his cheeks.

"I'm sorry," Luca said. He burst into tears when Tyree pulled him close.

Tyree couldn't believe how much pain his boyfriend had been hiding up until that point. It felt like there had been a lifetime of bad memories.

"I'm here," Tyree said. Tyree carried Luca to the bed and placed him there. His sobs had turned into sniffles. This breakdown was caused by a random meeting. Tyree kept the link open just enough to avoid waking Luca. He slid into bed beside him and covered them both. A lifetime of hurt might take a lifetime to heal.

Tyree rubbed Luca's belly gently and focused his thoughts on the babies he carried within him.

"Everything will be fine," Tyree assured. "Your mother is scared right now," he explained. Tyree sensed small minds reaching out to him. He felt a light kick under his fingertips. "We'll all help him heal together," Tyree said quietly. Tyree closed his eyes and focused on Luca's slow breathing. He fought the drowsiness until he was exhausted. Tyree gave in and let sleep overcome him.

The next day, Tyree told Carla what had happened after they had come home. "There is a chance that he's suffering from PTSD," she said.

"Is there something we can give him for it?" Tyree asked.

"We can't because it'll hurt the babies," Carla said. "Just be there when he has one of his episodes," she said.

"Thanks," he said. After talking with Carla, Tyree contacted Carl and Ken.

"Luca has PTSD," he said.

"No wonder he acted like he did," they said.

"He can't take medication since he's pregnant," Tyree said.

"I feel sorry for the both of you," Ken said.

12/18/2041

Tyree stood in front of the calendar and glanced at the date. "Just 3 more months to go," he said to himself. Luca wasn't completely withdrawn, but he wasn't as talkative either.

"When we pick up Alicia, we can pick out a tree today," Tyree said. It was a few seconds before Luca said, "Okay." Tyree thought if they went out and picked out a tree, Luca would come out of his shell. That afternoon, they made sure to dress warmly on the way to the store.

When they arrived, they grabbed a cart and headed to the holiday section. "Luca, you pick out the tree," Tyree said. "We'll find the ornaments," he said. Luca glanced at him with sad eyes but slowly nodded his head. Alicia grabbed Luca's hand and went with him. Tyree looked for a present that was suitable for their first Christmas together.

"Excuse me, do you have any first Christmas ornaments for babies?" Tyree asked.

"Let me see," the worker said. He came back with a small box. "Here is our current supply," he said.

A silver heart ornament saying, "Mommy and Daddy's first Christmas," caught Tyree's attention. There was a short paragraph written on it. "I'll take this one," he said. The worker left, then reappeared with a small gold box. Tyree searched for Luca and Alicia, who were looking at a green Christmas tree that had lights already on it.

"Did you decide on a tree?" Tyree asked, stepping up to them. Luca looked at him and blinked once. Alicia glanced over and nodded her head.

"That's a nice looking tree," Tyree said. "No, we each find one thing to hang on our tree," Tyree said.

They had just paid for their purchases and were about to leave when Alicia's eyes lit up.

"Daddy, Santa has arrived," she exclaimed joyfully. "Can I take a picture?" Alicia inquired.

"You certainly can," Tyree said. "We'll wait here," he said. Alicia entered the short line and awaited her turn. "Come sit down," Tyree said as he pushed the cart to the side. "You must be exhausted," he said.Luca sat down on the bench beside Tyree and held Elena in his arms.

"I'm going to go up with Alicia," Tyree said, as he rose from the bench. "Stay here," he said.

Tyree kissed Luca on the cheek and walked up to where Alicia stood. "Are you ready to talk to Santa?" he asked, as he took hold of her hand.

"Yes, daddy," Alicia said, nodding her head. When it was her turn, Tyree nodded as she walked up the stairs. She sat on the man's lap.

"What would you like for Christmas, my child?" he asked.

"A dollhouse and for my mommy to be happy again," she said. The old man was silent for a few seconds before speaking. "I'll do what I can," he said. "Have you been a good girl?" he asked.

"Yes," she said, nodding her head.

They started to walk past a photo shop that takes pictures when Tyree heard, "I want to go in there," in his head coming from Luca.

"Are you sure?" he asked.

"Yes," Luca said softly. Tyree turned to Alicia and said, "Mommy wants to take a family picture." "Are you okay with that?" he asked. A big grin crossed her face and she nodded. They walked into the studio and stepped up to the counter.

"Welcome," a blonde young woman said. "How can I help you?" she asked.

"Do you have time to take a family photo?" Tyree asked.

"Yes, we do, sir," she said. "Come this way," the woman said, motioning them to follow her.

They followed her to a room full of cameras and photos. She showed them various backgrounds that they could choose from.

"Daddy, I like the snow," Alicia said.

"Well, use that one," Tyree said.

"That's one of our popular ones," she said, pulling it down. "Okay, sit on the bench," she said. Tyree sat down and had Alica sit on his lap. Luca sat down beside Tyree and held Elena. For the first time, Luca smiled without anyone saying anything. Their first Christmas photo together as a family