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| Title: Maddie's Brilliant Plan Rating: G Spoilers: None Summary: Harm can't get to the Wall this Christmas Eve and Maddie has an idea to bring it to him. "Mommy, are we going to the Wall tonight?" Mac looked down at her youngest daughter, Maddie. "Not this year, honey." "But why not?" she asked. "We always go. Daddy likes to talk to his Daddy." "I know, but Daddy has the flu and it's way too cold outside for him to go anywhere," Mac replied. Maddie pondered this for a few minutes, then eyed Mac expectantly. "Can we bring the Wall to him?" Mac finished wrapping up a present, then knelt in front of Maddie. "Do you have an idea?" "I do!" Maddie said, nodding. "You know that cardboard box that's in the basement..." ************* Harm sighed miserably. He hadn't been this sick in years. His head was pounding, his ears were ringing, his throat was sore, his nose was stuffed, and he couldn't decide if he was hot or cold. The incessant wailing from Serena's room (of what she called music) was getting on his last nerve. He finally decided he had to deal with it if he was going to get any sleep whatsoever. He stood up and quickly grabbed his Navy sweatshirt, which was at the foot of the bed, and pulled it on. Fighting the urge to just plop back onto the bed, he made his way to the door and yanked it open. It was a mere five steps to Serena's room. One. Two. Three. He suddenly felt really nauseated. Serena opened the door, and the music blared even louder in Harm's ears. "Dad!" she exclaimed. Her face changed to one of concern. "Are you all right?" "Please turn down that music," he managed to gasp out before running to the bathroom. Mac had to jump out of the way as Harm barreled past her. She crossed her arms and looked at Serena. "I told you to keep it down!" "I didn't think it was that loud," she replied. "Don't talk back to me, young lady." "Mom, I--" Mac sighed. "I'm sorry, Rena," she said. "I came up here to ask you, your sisters, and Ni to help Maddie with her project while I checked on your father." "What kind of project?" Serena asked. She smiled. "We're bringing the Wall to our house." ************ Harm felt a cool rag on the back of his neck. He took a deep breath and lifted his head from the toilet. "How are you feeling, Sailor?" "Like shit." "Maddie has something planned for you. Do you feel up to checking it out?" He nodded slowly. "For my Little Marine, definitely." Mac helped him and led him to their room. "So what's this all about?" Harm asked, grabbing a blanket. He was still freezing, but he wanted to see what Maddie had in store for him. "Not going to tell you." She kissed his cheek. "Stay right here, I'll make sure their ready." Harm wanted to sit down, but didn't for fear he'd sink down into the warm bed and fall asleep. Five minutes later, Mac came for him. "They're ready for us." ************ Harm took Mac's hand and they headed downstairs. He almost didn't recognize the living room. The only lights shining were the various candles that had been placed around the room. White pieces of paper littered the floor like newly fallen snow. And a wall stood high in front of the fireplace. The Rabb children (including Noah) stood silently in front of the Wall. Maddie walked over to Harm and took his other hand. "I know you like to visit your Daddy every Christmas Eve and since you couldn't go, I thought we could bring him to see you." Harm stared at his little girl in wonder. He didn't know what to say. Mac smiled as tears fell from his eyes. Every year this was a tradition for him, and the past year had taken its toll. Especially with the death of Trish. "Thank you, Maddie," Harm said, kneeling down to give her a hug. "This means a lot to me." "I love you, Daddy." "I love you too," Harm replied. He looked up at his other children. "All of you! This has been one hell of a year and you've all been so helpful and understanding. I couldn't ask for a more wonderful family." He smiled at them. "Merry Christmas!" |
