"You’re 23 today, bro!" Joe said, and blew one of those whistles that everyone seemed to have at New Year’s.

Frank laughed as Joe handed him a goofy hat that said, "birthday boy."

"Joe, there’s no way on earth I’m wearing that!" he replied, shaking his head.

"Oh, yes you are," Vanessa countered, waving a finger playfully at him. "And we’ll get it all on video for you to remember for years to come! The good times!" she teased.

The good times, he repeated to himself, noting the irony.

"You guys made the dinner?" Callie cut in. "I’m sorry. I should have helped."

Joe smiled at her, a look that Frank didn’t miss. Joe couldn’t help but to be happy that Frank and Callie seemed so together at the moment. It was nice to see them that way. Until a few months ago, he had never actually seen them any way other than together.

"Cal, don’t worry. Vanessa and I took care of everything," he replied.

Callie grinned back. "That’s why I’m worried."

"Whatever!" Vanessa cut in, and ushered Callie and Frank into the kitchen. "Now eat! I didn’t slave over a hot stove all day for nothing!"

"You didn’t cook!" Joe teased her, giving her a quick kiss on the cheek.

Vanessa blushed, but then replied, "Well, I slaved over a phone calling in the order and Joe slaved over a cash register… so… it counts for something!" she quipped, making both Frank and Callie laugh.

As Frank sat down to dinner, he kept true to his plan to make this the perfect evening of old. He listened in to Callie and Vanessa chat, and made sure to stick by Callie the whole night, talking to her and touching her. He watched as she gave him happy glances, and remembered at that moment how happy it made him to see her happy—how vivacious, funny, and beautiful she was. And he watched Vanessa and Joe, flirting happily with each other, play fighting, and teasing each other, like an old, married couple. He couldn’t help but to be amazed by how close Vanessa and Joe had become, especially in the last year or so, and be grateful that his brother was in love with a lovely person who seemed to adore him, despite all his silliness. He fought back the idea that Joe was in love with someone other than Vanessa… reminding himself to be happy—again.

And then there was Joe. Throughout dinner, Frank found himself laughing at his brother’s outrageous antics and stories, and swallowed the lump in his throat as he thought about Joe’s betrayal. He loved his little brother… when he had almost lost Joe, Frank had never felt such a sense of emptiness. Joe was his best friend, the life of the party, the generous and kind person who always knew how to make others feel better. Growing up, Frank remembered all the times he had had to bail Joe out of trouble, and realized that he had never minded. Somehow, his baby brother always made it up to him. It felt strange to feel that he didn’t really know the one person whom he’d always thought knew him better than anyone else.

As soon as dinner was over, Joe insisted that Frank open his gifts.

"Joe," Callie laughed, "I think I ought to clean up first, don’t you?"

The surprised look on Joe’s face cracked Vanessa up. Joe was like a kid wanting to open his Christmas gifts, but being told he couldn’t wake up his parents before 8:00 to have them go with him. She was again amazed at what a big kid her boyfriend could be; but that’s what she loved so much about him. Although he was a major goofball, he was also the kindest, most tender, and most loving man she had ever met in her life. She closed her eyes for a second to thank God again that he was all right, and he was with her. Then, she had to reply, "Oh, Cal—let him go. We’ll clean up later."

Joe blew her a kiss, and then slapped Frank hard on the back. "Ready, bro?!!! This is awesome!"

Frank chuckled. "Joe, you’re more excited than I am!" he responded playfully.

Joe smiled. "Just remember that my birthday is only two months away when you see your presents," he joked.

"Please do," Vanessa said, rolling her eyes. "Joe has been reminding me every day for the past month. Maybe I should get a gift for putting up with him!"

"I’ve been saying that for years," Callie teased.

"Hey!" Joe protested, watching everyone dissolve in laughter at his expense.

Joe led everyone into the living room. For the first time in a long time, he was happy. Seeing Frank acting so warmly again to him, and to Callie, gave him the hope that for whatever reason, maybe he was getting his older brother back. And maybe we can put the hell we’ve all been through behind us, he said silently to himself. He was making every effort to be happy and outgoing, his normal self. And he WAS feeling better. Finally, he believed Callie, and he prayed that everything stored in the deep recesses of his memory would come back to him. It was a strange feeling, not remembering, like reading a page in a novel over and over again, knowing it says SOMETHING, but not being able to process the words.

Joe watched as his brother opened the gifts. Their parents had sent along gifts as well, since they were unable to come. Their mom was spending the weekend in New York with their aunt, and their dad… well, he was still working on the case, trying to find Nash, the man who had caused their lives to be torn apart last summer. Although Fenton never spoke to him about it, Joe knew that his father would never stop until the man who had hurt his family was put to justice. And he wanted to keep both of his sons as far away from everything as possible, wanting to protect them at all costs. None of that was ever verbalized, but Joe knew it… and he knew that his father KNEW that he knew it. No words had ever been needed.

Joe laughed as he watched his brother blush opening gifts from their parents. As usual, their mother, Laura, had sent socks and underwear, staying true to her claim that "they’re always useful!"

"Sexy!" Joe quipped. "Bet Callie really loves those!" He watched as Callie and Frank turned bright red, and Vanessa playfully swatted him.

Frank shook his head, still blushing, as he continued to open his gifts. Their parents had also sent him some nice shirts and, as he opened their card, a more than generous check. He read the note silently. Dear Frank, Treat yourself to something nice while you still can. Once you get married, it’s all over! (Joke) Love, Dad. Smiling, Frank noticed his mother’s handwriting underneath. Darling, you could use it to buy yourself a nice couch, like where your father will be spending plenty of time! Here’s hoping Callie has more patience than I do… love, mom.

"What’s so funny?" Joe asked, noticing his brother chuckle.

"Nothing," Frank said to him. "Mom and dad were just being funny in the card." Handing it to his brother, Frank watched as Joe laughed, too, before passing it onto the girls.

Next, Frank opened Vanessa’s gift. She had bought him some new computer software, sharing his passion for all things digital. Thanking her, he gave her a quick hug.

"Open Callie’s now!" Joe said, and Frank raised a quizzical eye.

"Why?" he asked.

"Save the best for last!" Joe teased, giving an enthusiastic thumbs up.

Callie just laughed. "Joe, Frank can open mine later," she said, slightly embarrassed.

"No way, chick! Now!" He was so insistent that everyone was cracking up watching him.

Frank looked at the small box Callie had set aside for him with apprehension. She’d always given him such wonderful gifts, year after year, even though he always insisted, and meant it, that she shouldn’t spend her money on him. But her gifts had always been more than about money—they’d always reflected the past year somehow, or had some personal touch to it. Slowly, he opened the card, glancing at Callie out of the corner of his eye. He could tell she was nervous, used to giving him presents in private. Taking out the card, he read it, forcing back tears. "Sweetheart, happy birthday. Thank you for making me the happiest woman ever. I am so grateful to have you in my life, and you’ve given me the greatest gift of all—your heart. Every day, I am amazed that you chose me to spend the rest of your life with, and I will try my best- always- to make you that happy in return. I hope that every time you look at my gift, you know that the minute that just passed was just one more in which my love for you grew stronger. Have a wonderful day! J I love you. Always, Callie

Frank tried to control his breathing as he read the note, and to keep his expression neutral. I can’t do this, he said to himself. I can’t go on living this lie. Glancing at Callie, he noticed that she looked so innocent, so expectant, so utterly full of love for him it was almost unreal. That’s because it IS unreal. How does she do it? How can she act that way… LOOK that way… knowing what she did…NO!!! NOT tonight. Believe her. Believe Joe.

With slightly shaking hands, he opened the gift and saw the expensive watch that he had been eyeing for almost a year. How could she afford that? As Joe let out a whistle and Vanessa cooed over it, Frank turned the watch over in his hands. Callie had gotten it engraved. "Frank…for all time… Callie."

"I don’t know what to say," he whispered to her.

"Do you like it?!" Callie asked, enthusiastically, as Joe tried it on and admired it. "It’s the one you wanted…"

No, it’s not, he thought as he looked at her. You’re the one I wanted…Shaking off the thought, he reached over to her and hugged her tightly. "I love it," he whispered, knowing he’d never be able to look at it without feeling his heart break. "Thank you."

Callie gave him a kiss on the cheek and held onto him tightly. They clung to each other, trying to hold onto the moment.

"AHEM!!!" Joe said, interrupting them.

Slowly, they pulled apart from each other, Frank still keeping one arm tightly around Callie.

"You know," Joe muttered, "You still have my gift to open."

Vanessa laughed and gave him a hug. "Aw, Joe," she teased him, playfully. "I love you, even if Frank is ignoring you right now!"

"Thank you," he said, sighing dramatically. "At least someone around here appreciates me!"

"I love you, too," Frank said to his brother, seriously, and Joe was shocked. Frank?! Telling him he loved him?! And in the presence of other people?!

At his shocked expression, Frank had to laugh. This was what it was like to be surrounded by happiness, by love. This is what he had missed so much—his ebullient brother, Vanessa’s laughter, his beautiful fiancée, all surrounding him, making him a better person. Don’t let it end, he pleaded silently, although he knew it would be in vain. Still, he intended to make tonight special…one last day when the world could keep turning. Not caring if he shocked his brother, Frank released Callie for a moment, and hugged Joe tightly.

Joe was too stunned to even reply. Even though his ribs still ached when Frank touched him, his heart was unbelievably happy. He closed his eyes for a brief minute as he hugged Frank back. It’s gonna be okay, he thought. This time, what happened to us…last summer… won’t have any consequences. But aren’t there always consequences for our actions? He shrugged off the thought, happy in the moment.

"Ya big mush!" Joe said, pulling slowly away from his big brother. "I knew you couldn’t be mad at me for long!"

"Who said I was mad?" Frank asked, but Joe saw the look in his eyes, and it scared him.

"Um, no one. It was a joke."

"Oh."

"Um, why don’t you open Joe’s present?" Vanessa asked.

"Good idea," Callie chimed in, eager as Joe was to keep Frank in this good place.

"Okay," Frank said at last, ignoring Joe’s last question. Does he know? Does he know that I KNOW? Not tonight!!!

He smiled and eyed Joe. "I’m a little afraid."
"As you should be!" Joe joked, blue eyes twinkling.

Joe watched as Frank opened his gift and burst out laughing. "Gee, Joe," he replied, rolling his eyes, "thank you. More socks! And one in every color—how thoughtful!"

Everyone roared with laugher. Joe smiled. Every year, he typically got Frank some awful gift, saving his good gift for Christmas. After all, he wasn’t a millionaire! But that wasn’t the case...this year.

"What do you think?" Joe asked.

Frank snorted. "It really sox."

Vanessa and Callie groaned at his pun. "Please, God, tell me he’s not getting Joe’s sense of humor!" Callie quipped.

"No, wait!" Joe said, pretending to be contemplative. "I think… maybe there’s something inside the socks…"

"Do I need gloves?" Frank asked, unable to resist a smile.

"Just look!" Joe said, excited.

Hesitantly, Frank reached inside the socks and pulled out an envelope. He raised an eyebrow at his brother.

"Read it!" Joe said, happily.

Frank did. "Well, big brother, you’re two years older…again! How DO you keep doing that every year? Anyway…this year has had its ups and downs. I’m glad to just be here with you-sharing it together, as it should be. I know I don’t tell you all the time (so don’t read the card out loud or I’ll kick your ***) but every year, you just keep inspiring me with everything you are. I think one day…when I’m all grown up, like you are… I know I’ll be a good person because you’ve given me that example to live by. Thank you for always being there for me…for bailing me out in the few times I’ve gotten into teensy scrapes-LOL…for being my partner and best friend…and for always believing in me and trusting me to do the right thing. I’ll try not to let you down. So…enjoy, old man! I love you. Love, your little bro."

Frank was choked up. "Oh…Trusting him…believing in him… Joe!" He screamed silently. "Why did you do it?"

And then he saw it. Joe had given him a certificate for a 10-day vacation at Disney World. It was all there- tickets to Disney World, MGM, Universal…. Confirmation numbers for hotel rooms…plane tickets… meal vouchers…

Frank was speechless as he looked at his brother. It must have cost him a fortune! Joe couldn’t afford that…

"Joe," he managed, but Joe cut him off.

"Look!" he began with a smile. "Don’t tell me not to do it, because it’s done. Before you asked how, I just took some scholarship money…I mean, a few more months of student loans are no big deal!" He continued, flushing with pride. "And you’ll notice there are 4 tickets… all for Winter break! You know I invited myself along, and decided to allow Cal and Van to come, too!" he added, pleased. "I figured," he cut in, more seriously, "That since last summer’s trip didn’t pan out…" his voice trailed off and he found himself unable to continue.

Frank stood up, and walked to the window, silently, brushing back tears. He felt honestly overwhelmed. Was this Joe’s attempt to say he was sorry for…for Callie?! If it was, he thought he would throw up. But…what if…what if…Joe was sincere? What if he chose to believe his brother? Joe’s generosity, in that case, was astounding. Oh, Joe, he thought, again wiping the tears away, make me believe you. Please. I can’t lose you again. But he couldn’t believe him, and that hurt him more than anything.

"Uh, maybe we should get the cake," Callie offered, seeing that Frank needed a few minutes. Joe’s gift was incredible.

"Oh!" Vanessa replied, raising a hand to her mouth. "I forgot it!"

"You forgot it?!" Callie asked with a smile. "But I thought that’s where you were going this afternoon when you dropped Joe off with me."

Frank heard the words, and felt like dying inside.

Vanessa smiled back, Joe having told her about his talk with Callie. "Oops!" was all she replied.

"I’m sure we can whip up something!" Callie said, and grabbed Vanessa’s hand, about to drag her into the kitchen. Before she did, though, she bent down and whispered to Joe, "Give him a few minutes. Thank you, Joe." She kissed his cheek.

Vanessa gave him a kiss as well, and then followed Callie.

Joe, incredibly happy that he had been able to surprise his brother so much, walked up behind him and patted his shoulder. "You’re welcome," he said, pleased. However, he was shocked when Frank turned around and had tears in his eyes.

"Joe… why?" Frank choked out, unable to hold his emotions in. That was all he ever really wanted to know…why.

Joe smiled, and hugged Frank. "Because I love you, big brother," he said.

Frank just held onto his brother, knowing that wasn’t what he had wanted to know, but knowing that should be enough.

And, as Callie, Vanessa, Joe, and Frank tried to come together for one last evening, to celebrate Frank’s birthday and to surround themselves with love and happiness…

Vanessa found herself more in love with Joe than ever.

Callie prayed that she could hold onto the man she loved and that their child, which she carried in secrecy, would grow to be the best of both of them. She hung onto Frank’s words that he loved her, and blushed at the anticipation of the night to come.

Joe watched his brother’s reaction with pure happiness, and chose to believe that finally, everything would be all right.

Frank felt his heart breaking, torn between intense love and intense despair, knowing that although he lived tonight, he would die tomorrow.

And someone, at a distance, was watching all of them…