Brock and Aric Help (#Christmas16 Day 11)

Aric Chase

#Christmas16 Day 11
*he groaned as he followed Brock down another aisle full of ribbons and lace* Dude, I should NOT be in here. I definitely do NOT want to see what you're buying your damn mate if it's anything from this store. Definitely more information than I needed to know about my aunt! Pick your kinky ass shit and let's go. That damn sales clerk has been making eyes at me and he is starting to make me uncomfortable.

Brock Breed *grinning* I thought you might want to pick up something for you mom or sis! *holding up a very sheer pair of panties in pink lace* Hey, don't you think Kade would look good in these? Would go great with his pink yoga pants, don't you think? *Getting the stink eye from Aric, I make my final selections for Jenna* Ok, ok! Let's have your boyfriend wanna-be check us out and blow this place. Oh wait... maybe that wasn't the right word to use. *snickering, I place my selections on the counter and get out my wallet*

Aric Chase Brock, you're an asshole! *he grins and heads for the front. Glancing up he sees the clerks smile increase the closer they get* oh hell no bro. I'll meet you outside. And Brock, so help me, if you even THINK about giving him my number I will kill you. Understood? * He glares at Brock one more time before heading out the front door, waving and saying Merry Christmas to all the clerks on his way by*

Brock Breed *grinning as Aric leaves, I pay for my purchase, and head outside, grinning as I see Aric waiting for me.* He gave me his number to give you, man! *laughing at the expression on Aric's face* Ok - I'm just kidding. *As we walk to the parking lot to get our car, I'm ever vigilant for signs that there are rogues around or that other things aren't quite right. I see an older car that's seen better days parked towards the back of the lot by a light post. There's two adults inside and some children in the back, huddled together. It looks like Mom is passing them a blanket or some such thing.* Aric, do you see that? Think we should check it out? Maybe they need some help.

Aric Chase *i spot the car in question quickly and we drop Brocks kinks in the SUV before making our way slowly across the lot. The three kids were wrapped up snug in the back seat while the parents were trying to huddle together to conserve heat. Brock knocked softly on the window and motioned for the male to get out of the vehicle. As he speaks with Brock the sad picture becomes more clear. An idea hatches in his head and he motions to Brock that he will be right back. Brock continues to speak with the father as he heads down the walkway to another store they passed on the way*

Brock Breed *Talking to the father, I learn that he lost his job and the family is homeless and living out of their car. Dad has another job lined up, but it doesn't start till a couple of weeks into the New Year, so they have at least a month staying in the car. They have enough cash to put another tank of gas in, and that's about all. They've been dumpster diving at local restaurants to get food that has been thrown out to eat. Aric lets me know he'll be right back. I have an idea what he might be doing. When he returns, I'll tell him I have an idea of my own. As Dad gets back into the car for warmth, I notice that he has obviously given his coat to the children to use to try to keep warm in the frigid night.*

Aric Chase *he drops the bags into the SUV and goes to talk with Brock. After hearing the rest of the story he feels even worse for the small family.* So, let's do this. We can help them. Let's give a call to that hotel a couple of blocks away, see if they have anything available. As Brock pulls out his phone Aric pulls the SUV to the end of the lot next to their car and turns the heat up full blast. Brock is off the phone and talking with the father again by the time he gets out of the vehicle* Ready bro?

Brock Breed Born ready dude! I've called the hotel, they have a 2 bedroom suite available that has kitchen facilities. I paid for a month's stay in advance. That should cover them till he starts work. They have a concierge service that will go out and do grocery shopping. I gave them a list, and they will stock the kitchen and put it on my tab, with orders to continue to do that as long as the family stays there. So, what were you up to?

Aric Chase *he grins proudly at his friend* You are awesome bro. I just decided that the kids needed a little something to bring a smile to their faces. It isn't going to be much but it's something. Between the room, the food, and the toys I grabbed they should be good to go. Let's get them kids snug in a warm bed, huh? *he piles into the driver seat while Brock makes his way around the car. As Brock is getting situated they pull out of the parking lot in the direction of the hotel. * can you even imagine trying to keep three little kids entertained in a car? Holy hell, I'd go batshit crazy! I've got a couple of C notes I'm going to leave with them for gas money and incidentals. I didn't bother with clothes or anything since I couldn't see much of the kiddos and didn't want to scare them too badly with this ugly mug. But maybe Mom or Dad can pick up something they need.* They pull up in front of the hotel and park as the father pulls in right next to them. They stare, bewildered, at the hotel, unsure of their luck* don't worry, you're safer here than in that car of yours. If you want to grab these bags, I can get the kids upstairs if you want.

Brock Breed *Taking Mom and Dad aside as Aric ushers the kids inside where it's warm* We've paid for you to stay here for the next month. The suite has a kitchen in it, and it's been arranged for the concierge service to keep it stocked for you. Let them know if there's anything in particular you want or need. It's been taken care of. *As the parents look at me bewildered, I smile at them. Bending over to grab some of the packages, they see my glyphs and it dawns on them just what we are. Turning to them, I reassure them.* No worries. Both of us love kids and have none of our own. We just wanted to help, seeing as how it's Christmas time. We're also leaving you with money for gas and incidentals. * As Dad begins to protest, I hold up my hand to stop him* Please - you don't have to repay this. We wanted to help. If you're ever in a position where you can pay it forward, it would please us if you could do that. Ready to see your new home for the next few weeks? *Gathering all the packages, we head inside.*

Aric Chase *the kids giggled as he let the oldest two of them climb onto his back before he swung the third one up into his arms and started into the hotel as Brock explained things to the parents. They got checked in and headed to the suite quickly. Opening the door, he put the kids down and let them run in ahead while he held the door for everyone else. The second Brock put the bags down the kids tore into them. We turned to the parents, who both had tears in their eyes* You're family is beautiful. Please, take care of yourselves and those kids. There are horrors in this world that you can't imagine. *he shook hands with the parents as Brock spoke with the children then he said his goodbyes to each of the children. As he got to the youngest she she crooked her finger at him to come closer. He squatted down so he was eye to eye with her and she launched herself into his arms. He quickly caught her and gave her a hug* Thank you little one. May you and your family have a very Merry Christmas. Now be good for Mom and Dad because we all know Santa is watching. *she kissed his cheek and said in her little girl voice " You two are my angels. I was cold in that car and it smells funny. Thank you for saving us" He grinned at her and looked at the formidable Breed standing by the door* baby girl, we are definitely not angels but thank you. We just don't like to see people suffer needlessly. You take care of your family now, ok? * He stood and joined Brock at the door.* y'all take care now and stay safe. May peace be with you always.
*he and Brock headed back to the SUV and he couldn't help but feel accomplished. One more family, 3 small children, off the streets. It's not much but it meant the world to that family*