A Christmas Prayer: An Autistic Child, a Father's Love, a Woman's Heart (Christmas Romance)

by Rondeau, Linda Wood

  “Speaking of Gib, where is he?”

  As if on cue, he bounded down the stairs. “Ethan here?”

  “He’s outside with Kyle and Tom. He’ll be inside soon. Did you behave for Jasmine?”

  “Of course.”

  Jasmine shrugged her shoulders. “Of course. After we watched Avatar, we played a game of Sorry. Gib reinvented how the game is played.”

  “You watched Avatar already?”

  “Afraid so. He’s off kilter today, like his robotic chronometer has malfunctioned.”

  He squinted. “My head hurts.”

  Oh dear. Not now.

  Stumbling into the kitchen, Gib stood in front of the locked refrigerator. Alexis followed him in. “Are you hungry?”

  He nodded.

  “What do you want to eat?”

  “I don’t know.” Tears welled as the moans began.

  This spell isn’t going to be pretty.

  Gib jumped with the knock at the door. “Probably Ethan. Jasmine, would you let him in, please?” Jasmine quietly saluted and went to let Ethan in. “Alexis and Gib are in the kitchen,” she said.

  Alexis closed her eyes, picturing Ethan’s revulsion over what he was about to witness.

  Ethan halted when he saw Gib’s balled fists flail as if in full tremor. He bellowed like a cow giving birth. No time for empathy; her brother’s safety depended upon her detachment and cool calm. “Gib’s heading for a meltdown. If he runs past you, don’t try to grab him. All the doors are locked.”

  Ethan acknowledged with a nod.

  “Gib … take four deep breaths.”

  No response, Gib’s bellows became roars.

  Ethan gripped the dining room chair. “What happened?”

  “I’ll explain later. Try singing … something soft. He hates my singing. I can’t carry a tune.”

  Ethan’s melodic Mary’s Lullaby performed magic. The roars ebbed, and Gib began to sob, large tears soaking his cheeks. Alexis helped him to the recliner. “Ethan, would you stay in the living room with Gib and keep singing. Jasmine—”

  “I know the drill … Mickey’s Diner—chicken—legs only and banana cream pie. Put it on your account.”

  “Did Gib have any lunch?”

  “He asked for a fried baloney sandwich with ketchup. He only ate half of a half. At least he drank all his Ensure.”

  “Well, go … fly like the wind, as they say in the movies, and hurry back.”

  Alexis returned to the living room and sat on the arm of the recliner. As Ethan continued the song, Gib’s sobs quieted and his eyes drooped. “Do you want to lie down now?”

  He nodded as he dragged himself upstairs.

  Ethan’s face contorted into a huge question mark. He glanced at his Rolex. “Kind of early for bed, isn’t it?”

  “Gib needs to rest after one of these episodes. Sometimes he goes into a deep sleep and doesn’t wake until morning. He’ll be starving and want his chicken for breakfast.”

  Ethan helped her to the couch next to him. “He seemed fine at church.”

  “These spells come on all at once without much warning.”

  “Does he have them a lot?”

  “When I first came, Gib had them quite often. Over the last few months they’ve been sporadic.”

  “Anything trigger them?”

  “Most of the time, I have no idea what sets him off. The counselor says the spells might be more severe because of the grieving process or the onset of puberty or both.”

  Ethan slipped his arm around her and she instinctively leaned against his shoulder, a comfort she could easily get used to if he stuck around long enough. “What happens if he doesn’t pull out, like he did this time?” Ethan asked.

  “Not pleasant.”

  “What I saw seemed bad enough.”

  “His rages can be very hard to control. You notice I don’t have knick knacks, vases, or projectiles in the house. When he’s out of control, he’ll turn over furniture or throw whatever his hands come across until the rage subsides and he collapses from exhaustion.”

  Ethan squeezed her hand. “Must be scary to go through these episodes alone. Anyone you can call besides Jasmine?”

  “I’ve tried calling the ambulance to bring Gib to the emergency room. The doctors claim his problems are behavioral and mental health says his behavior is secondary to a medical condition. Bottom line, doctors adjust his medications and send him home. Sometimes they hot-line me if he’s hurt himself before help arrives. Right or wrong, I don’t call anyone unless he is dangerously out of control. Sometimes, like today, I can talk him down.”

  Ethan pulled her to him and ran his fingers through her hair, a gesture meant more to comfort than arouse. As tender as he tried to be, comfort was elusive, like a rainbow over a distant hill, never quite reachable. No human could comfort her. It was enough that he wanted to.

  “You should go. We’ll be fine. Gib’s usually good for at least a few days after one of these episodes. He’s like a geyser. Pressure … release … calm … pressure … release … calm.”

  “Does he set fires when he’s experiencing one of these meltdowns as you call them?”

  Alexis pushed away. “How do you know about the fires? I didn’t tell you. Those records are supposedly sealed.”

  “Um … Kyle …”

  “Kyle wouldn’t …”

  “I meant to say Jasmine.”

  “You’re a lousy liar, Ethan. Why can’t you tell me the truth? How do you know so much about us?”

  * * *

  Apparently Alexis sensed his interest in Gib went far beyond reasonable curiosity or extravagant generosity.

  “My position as honorary president of the National Gideon Foundation allows me to have special access—”

  “Not buying it.”

  He had to say something. “Okay. You’re right. I am a lousy liar. There’s more to my interest in Gib than my connections to Gideon Foundation.”

  “I’m listening.”

  “I can’t tell you.”

  She stood and walked to the other side of the room. “Not good enough. You either tell me the truth, or leave now.”

  “Don’t, Alexis. Please. I really care about you. We have the beginnings of something between us. I’d like to see where it might take us.”

  “And Gib?”

  “Gib’s very special to me.”

  “Why?”

  “I told you. I can’t tell you. Not yet.”

  “You need to leave. Now.”

  His head pounded … should he go full steam ahead? Why did the court have to gag him? How could telling Alexis be harmful? Seemed she might welcome the truth, be happy Gib wouldn’t have to go into foster care or an institution.

  His heart said, I’m Gib’s father. I didn’t know about him until a year ago. I’m here now. And I want to give him whatever he needs to make it through this life. I want to be a better father to him than my father was to me.

  He walked to the door. “It will all come to light soon.” When the door closed behind him, he forced himself to look toward a future far different than the one he’d hoped for this afternoon. After witnessing Gib’s horrendous rage and knowing Alexis had to endure these so frequently, it seemed logical she’d be glad Gib would have private care around the clock. No longer a need for locked cabinets and refrigerators.

  Yet, no amount of paid help could compare with Alexis’s love for her brother. And, in spite of his withdrawal, Gib cared for her, too. Until this afternoon, Ethan had seen himself as his son’s savior. What if he had become a millstone, instead? Ethan could see reasons why Gib shouldn’t be taken from his sister. Yet, the authorities seemed determined to do so. Was it all so cut and dry? Were there options not yet explored? />
  Kyle met Ethan outside and walked with him while Tom brought the car around. “You look beat, Ethan,” Kyle said.

  “Tired isn’t the word for it.”

  Kyle piled into the front with Tom, and Ethan rested his head against the leathery backseat. He closed his eyes, but not in sleep as he hoped his bodyguards would think. Instead, he lifted a desperate plea to the heavens, more desperate than his first Christmas prayer.

  * * *

  Alexis dropped into the recliner. She’d been a fool. Her head throbbed from disappointment. Had she been hasty and amputated something wonderful because of paranoia?

  She’d somehow cope with the demands of the week and cling to the hope that God had it all under control, in spite of the fact her soul splashed in deep pools of doubt. If Ethan Jacobs moved to the Guilford Residence permanently as he claimed he planned, she’d find a way to value his friendship and nothing more, for Gib’s sake. The man had done him no harm, and likely wouldn’t. Why couldn’t she trust him?

  Jasmine returned with fried chicken legs and banana cream pie. Alexis checked on Gib. Sound asleep. True friendship needed no lengthy explanations when the heart ached. Jasmine went to the refrigerator and came back holding a half gallon of Rocky Road ice-cream. Since the eighth grade, the cure for every date gone wrong.

  Chapter Nine

  Max clicked away at his laptop while Ethan watched from the archway. Good to have his manager and friend back.

  “Morning. Have a good time in Montreal?” Ethan asked.

  “The chartered flight left me breathless. I didn’t think they made planes that small anymore. He flew so close to the mountains, I swear I could count the trees.”

  “The Adirondack Mountains are beautiful whether you are looking at them from a plane or on the road. Closest thing to the Rockies I’ve ever seen.”

  Max snorted. “You can have your mountains. I’ll never be a nature lover. I will say, though, Montreal was exciting. Lots to see. You’d be proud of me. I went ice-skating.”

  “You’re right. I am proud of you. You know, Jasper Falls has a lot of places to ice skate.”

  “But no French restaurants. Closest thing to French cuisine in this village is Mickey’s Diner.”

  “How’s that?”

  “I had their French toast day after we arrived.” Max closed his laptop and challenged Ethan with an accusatory glare. “I see from the tabloids, you’ve been busy. They all want to know, ‘Who’s the blonde on Pine Street?’”

  “Alexis Jennings.”

  “The reporter? The autistic kid’s her brother, right?”

  Ethan sipped his coffee. How much should he clue Max in on? Ethan supposed at some point he’d have to tell Max why his employer took special interest in an autistic child. Probably should do so soon. He’d connect the dots soon enough.

  “Doesn’t Gib receive services through Gideon Foundation?”

  “Yes, all true.”

  Max scowled. “Do you think it’s wise to mix your romantic life with your charitable activities?”

  After the last fiasco, he doubted Alexis wanted anything more to do with him. “I won’t be seeing any more of Alexis Jennings. And don’t worry, she won’t crucify me in the paper. She wouldn’t hurt the benefit.”

  Max typed in autism on Google search. “Don’t see why he’d have a connection to Gideon Foundation. They tend to serve kids with drug issues or recurring brushes with the law.”

  “Alexis said he’s on probation.”

  “Okay, then that explains their involvement with Gib and that Alexis woman and why she’d be interested in making sure the benefit goes well. Speaking of the benefit, the band arrives tonight. The school lets out for the holiday break tomorrow afternoon. We can set up in the auditorium anytime after that to begin rehearsing.”

  Ethan plopped into the recliner with such force that it nearly tipped over.

  “What’s the matter? You’re not worried about the benefit, are you? Probably one of the smallest crowds you’ve played to in a long time. Although, it’s a sell out and has been for months. Folks in Jasper Falls really want to see you.”

  “Not worried about the concert.” Ethan chewed his lip like a cow with a cud.

  “Okay. Then what? The reporter?”

  “Maybe. Okay. I’ll admit it. I like her a lot. Unfortunately, things aren’t working out between us as I hoped.”

  “You don’t want to get drunk, do you?”

  Ethan took a huge gulp of coffee. “Of course I do. But I won’t. God keeps me steady. I’ll be okay.”

  “Good.”

  “Listen, I need you to charter a plane for me to Bedford Hills Correctional Facility to visit an inmate.”

  “Isn’t that a prison for women?”

  “Yeah … what of it?”

  “Whoa! Just curious … consider it done. Go get ready for your flight.”

  Ethan hadn’t figured he’d draw extra media to Jasper Falls. Alexis didn’t need any more prying into her tenuous situation with Gib. The horde of journalists was bound to uncover why the boy had court scheduled for Thursday unless Max lured the hounds in a different direction. To do so, he’d have to know a little more about Ethan’s agenda where Gib was concerned.

  “This might leak out, so you should know. I’ve applied for custody of Gibson Jennings. Court hearing is Thursday morning.”

  “An unsavory binge would’ve been easier to cover up. Why adopt this kid? I know you’re tight with the Gideon Foundation on the national level, but don’t you think an adoption is a little drastic on the public relations side?”

  “Gib’s violated his probation and the court is coming down heavy against Alexis Jennings. She will probably lose custody of her brother. I hate to see him end up in an institution. He’s a neat kid.”

  Max glared. “Okay, I’ll keep the paparazzi off your back at least until its official. Although, something tells me there’s a deeper reason why you’re so involved with this kid. Care to clue me in?”

  “I’ve told you all I can for now. I have good reasons for keeping a lid on this.”

  “Anything to do with this trip to Bedford Hills?”

  “Could be.”

  * * *

  Alexis looked up from her computer as her cell rang then checked the incoming number. Gib’s school. He hadn’t bolted from school grounds since early October. The special education committee’s assignment of a shadow for Gib during school hours had worked wonders. Gib liked school now and his improved grades were a testament to the program’s effectiveness. Any sign of trouble, and his shadow escorted him to a quieter place, averting a meltdown and Gib’s subsequent running away. He would still occasionally play Houdini, hiding from the shadow, and throwing the school into panic mode until they found him, most often huddled in a corner of a deserted classroom or reading a comic in a janitor’s closet.

  “Miss Jennings, this is Bernie Dewitt.”

  “What happened?”

  “I didn’t mean to alarm you. Gib’s fine.”

  The principal did not make friendly calls. Something had to be amiss.

  “I am worried we’re facing a new issue with him. Up until now he has never lied, not even to avoid punishment.”

  “You think he’s lying about something now?”

  “He claims he’s best friends with Ethan Jacobs. I can’t imagine where this idea came from.”

  Alexis unsuccessfully muffled her laugh.

  “I don’t think this is a trivial matter, Miss Jennings. He’s a huge Ethan Jacobs fan. We need to assess if he’s delusional or not, especially with Mr. Jacobs’s appearance Thursday night.”

  Did they worry Gib would stalk Ethan?

  “You don’t understand, Miss Dewitt. Gib is telling the truth as he sees it. I had an interview with Mr. J
acobs for a series of articles I’m running. Mr. Jacobs has been especially kind to Gib this weekend. He and Ethan, I mean Mr. Jacobs, did spend a lot of time together, and he came to hear Gib sing at church. In Gib’s eyes, that constitutes friendship.”

  “Thank you for the clarification. Seems Gib has made more of it than intended. I’m concerned there may be ramifications when Mr. Jacobs leaves after the benefit.”

  The very question Alexis asked herself.

  “As you’ll see in today’s article, Mr. Jacobs has made a purchase offer on the Guilford Residence. Could be he plans on being more than an occasional attraction in Jasper Falls.”

  Her phone vibrated. Don Willis, her attorney. “I have another call, Miss Dewitt. I appreciate your concern. I know Gib exaggerates sometimes; however, Mr. Jacobs does seem genuinely fond of my brother.

  “Interesting.”

  Very.

  Alexis turned her attention to her long lost public defender. “Don? I thought you’d forgotten me?” Forgotten or ignored, since she refused his numerous offers to take her to dinner.

  “You’re aware the hearings have been moved up to Thursday?”

  “Yes, the clerk called. No explanation as to why.”

  “I’m a little confused myself as to why Jan made the request.”

  “Odd. Gib’s only talked to her once since the revised neglect petition and Gib’s probation violation.”

  “You need to sit, Alexis.”

  She took a deep breath and sat on the edge of her desk. “Spit it out, Don.”

  “Seems someone of interest has a pending custody petition on Gib and wants to take him off your hands.”

  “Off my hands! You make it sound like I don’t want him.”

  “Not what I meant.”

  “Who’s this mystery person?”

  “Ethan Jacobs.”

  She was glad she’d taken Don’s advice to sit. “Why?”

  “You know how it is with these celebrities. They think they can save the world by adopting some poor kid.”