Chapter Six
Aiden
The next morning Daddy woke Aiden up early, helping him dress as he told Aiden that they had a big day ahead of them. When Aiden asked what they were doing Daddy wouldn’t say, only replying, “You’ll see.”
As they had breakfast in the hotel restaurant, Aiden continued trying to get any clue as to what they were doing and where they were going but Daddy could be so tight-lipped when he wanted to be.
As much as it was driving Aiden crazy though, he really did love surprises and was just happy to be there in New York City with the man he loved.
Anything else was just sprinkles on the sundae.
They sat comfortably after the bill was paid, chatting about mundane things, with occasional inquiries on their day sprinkled in, until Daddy checked his phone and declared it time to head out.
Walking hand in hand, Aiden felt his mind settle as they headed through the lobby and toward the exit.
It was amazing how the simplest touch from Daddy soothed his soul.
Rocky
It took much longer to travel the five miles to their destination than Rocky would have thought but, then again, he’d drastically underestimated the traffic in New York City.
At least it gave time for Aiden to see more of his surroundings.
To say he’d taken advantage of it was an understatement.
Aiden had ridden the entire way with his face all but glued to the taxi’s window staring in pure awe at the sights and bustling people.
How could one city hold so many people? It was like they’d been jammed inside a snow globe without space to move or breathe.
Sidewalks and crosswalks were jam-packed and store fronts showed ridiculous numbers of patrons crammed together like human cattle in a corral. It was bizarre to say the least.
After about twenty minutes, they pulled up in front of their destination and Rocky prepared himself to be what Aiden would need.
His boy would love what they were doing, but the crowds would make it a difficult thing to do.
Hopefully, the experience would be memorable enough to make it worth the struggle.
Paying the cab driver, he stepped out and turned to offer assistance to Aiden. As the car pulled away from the curb Rocky reached into his pocket pulling out some supplies he’d stashed there and watched Aiden’s face light with child-like joy at where they’d arrived.
Aiden had probably watched the Miracle on 34th Street movies fifteen times each that season, so Rocky thought it safe to assume this was something his boy would appreciate.
‘Before we go in,” he began, grasping Aiden’s chin between his forefinger and thumb gently nudging until the other man was able to look him in the eye, “I want you to take these special ear plugs and put them in. They’ll mute the louder noises while still allowing us to communicate.”
Aiden’s eyes widened at Rocky’s words but he followed directions.
Once the plugs were securely nestled in Aiden’s ears, Rocky handed him the other items he’d pulled from his pocket.
“Put the glasses on. They’ll reduce brightness and glares, making your surroundings softer.
Good. Now, put your fingers in the pouch and feel. ”
”Kinetic sand!” Either his boy was excited by his discovery or the ear plugs were making him speak louder. Time would tell for sure but Rocky was betting on excitement based on the light in Aiden’s eyes.
“Stick the pouch in your pocket and every time you need a little extra grounding you’ll be able to reach in and feel the sand.”
Aiden’s eyes went glassy as he cupped Rocky’s cheek and asked, “How is it that you always know what I need before I know I need it?”
With a gentle kiss to Aiden’s forehead Rocky gave Aiden a wink and said, “Perk of being a Daddy, I guess,” then grabbed Aiden’s hand and began leading them to the doorway of the most famous Macy’s in the world.
Aiden
Aiden let his gaze wander around the store, trying to ignore all of the holiday shoppers and focus solely on the winter wonderland that surrounded him.
Twinkle lights seemed to cover every inch of the high ceilings with liberal amounts of garland weaved between and swooping down to enchant shoppers.
Giant antique ornaments and animated figures were placed strategically around the store to capture the attention of the throngs of people going about their holiday shopping.
Aiden wasn’t a big fan of crowds, but the things Daddy had given him along with Daddy‘s hand in his, were helping greatly.
Aiden could only imagine that, with crowds this big, it had to have been extremely noisy, but the earplugs in his ears were helping to muffle the sounds to a level he could handle and the glasses he was wearing were keeping the flashing bright lights from overwhelming him.
Every time he would start to feel that it was getting to be too much.
Daddy would squeeze his hand and remind him that he was right there with him and that made Aiden feel like he could conquer the world with his Daddy‘s hand in his.
They made their way through the store quickly, not stopping to inspect the plethora of items available for purchase.
They had a singular purpose, and shopping wasn’t it.
Before long, they found themselves in front of a red train with a long line that led through a doorway.
On the side of the train was a sign, declaring it the entrance to Santaland and Aiden felt his excitement growing.
He had never gotten to meet Santa before, and everyone knew that the real Santa was at Macy’s.
The line circled around the large train and continued well beyond and back into the store shopping areas.
Velvet ropes were strung between poles to keep excited children and other visitors in an orderly line.
The ropes made Aiden feel a bit like he was trapped and not many people in the line seemed to know the meaning of personal space but Aiden wasn’t about to let that get to him.
Okay, maybe it was getting to him a bit.
Making his chest tight, his breaths a bit shorter.
His eyes darted around of their own volition, searching for an exit, any way to escape the crush of bodies around him.
It seemed that despite his desire to see Santa, he couldn’t control his body and brain’s reactions to the environment.
Just as he was about to suggest they give up on this particular dream, Daddy got his attention and asked, “Would you rather dance everytime you hear music, or sing everytime you hear a song?”
Ummmm, what?
Aiden thought about the question. Either would be extremely inconvenient, but dancing to music would be more so, since there is often music with no words to sing along to.
“Sing,” he finally answered.
“Good choice, baby.” Daddy offered a wink as he said, “Your turn to ask me.”
Aiden thought hard about his question, it had to be a hard one. Possibilities flowed into his mind, immediately rejected in his quest for the perfect questions. Then, it hit him.
“Would you rather wake up naked five miles deep in the forest, or wake up in your undies at work?”
Daddy’s laugh rang out over the noise and bustle of the department store. He laughed long and deep and Aiden thought it was the most beautiful sound he’d ever heard. When Daddy finally got his chuckling under control, he thought about his answer for a few minutes as Aiden fidgeted in anticipation.
“I’d have to say that it depends on the elements but assuming the elements are favorable, I’d go with the forest. I don’t need any of my coworkers seeing my package and getting jealous.” His mischievous smile and wink told Aiden he was joking.
They continued asking each other ridiculous questions, the line moving slowly but steadily carrying them closer to the door and Santa.
They made it into a large space holding wrapped presents, candy cane motifs, and Santa’s helpers. The big man himself sitting in the middle of the beautiful chaos, a young boy on his lap, animatedly telling Santa something.
As Aiden took in the wonders around him it dawned on him that his Daddy had successfully distracted him.
Just when Aiden had been ready to give up this dream, put it in the box in his mind with all the other things his Autism had kept him from doing, his Daddy had pulled out a game that, mixed with the other coping things his Daddy had provided, had made the obstacles less daunting.
Aiden really could do anything with his Daddy by his side.
Rocky
Rocky watched in awe as the store Santa allowed Aiden to sit on his lap.
Rocky hadn’t been certain Aiden would actually do it and he’d worried Aiden might be overwhelmed and go quiet, instead of telling Santa what he wanted.
It seemed all the distractions Rocky had provided had prevented that from happening.
Aiden talked animatedly with Santa. Rocky wasn’t sure what all was being said but he heard Santa laugh a genuine laugh, lacking the customary “Ho, ho, ho!” So, Rocky was certain Aiden was being his usual adorable self. It warmed Rocky’s heart to see his boy so animated and happy.
When Santa loudly asked Aiden what he wanted for Christmas, Aiden leaned in and whispered something into Santa’s ear that caused a blush to heat the jolly man's cheeks a shade of red that took “rosy” to a whole new level. Whatever it was Aiden asked Santa for, it must have been good because the big, jolly elf laughed awkwardly and stammered a response that sounded like, “I’m not sure that’s a gift that I’m capable of arranging.
But, um, I’ll try to do my best.” It was more mumbled than spoken, so Rocky couldn’t be sure.
The reaction of the big man sure piqued his interest though.
Aiden’s response was clear as day when he replied, “That’s all I can ask.”