The brave males made their way cautiously, yet very slowly across the old trestle. Quincy warned them of the bad spots along the way. As they grew nearer to the spot where Joe fell through, every soul was nervous.

"Now everyone, take it slow and easy," Quincy said from the front. "Slow and easy. This old beauty can’t take on a herd of buffalo you know."

Each step was taken with care and a sigh of relief could be heard from each after the weak area was passed. Victory was the approving grins that the group wore knowing that they were more than half way across the bridge.

"Mama, I’m comin’ home!" Biff piped up.

"We are almost there guys!" Phil called out next.

"Don’t be celebrating so soon son," Quincy fired back.

It was then that a creaking noise was heard that came from well below their feet.

"Please tell me that none of you heard that," Chet managed to say, still walking forward slowly.

"What do we do! We got to do something! This old bridge has probably not seen this much traffic in years!" Tony called out in fear.

"On the count of three, we are all going to run together for all we are worth," Samuel yelled from the back. "One…"

"Can’t we negotiate that plan?" Phil whimpered, even though he had been in some dangerous spots with the boys.

"TWO!"

"I don’t think that we have a choice," Frank replied. He looked down at this brother. "Just hold on, everything is going to be just fine."

"THREE, RUN!" Samuel yelled and the group took off in a dead run.

The creaking of the bridge grew louder and seemed to follow their every footstep. They were three fourths of the way across the bridge when Quincy stumbled and fell. Chet and Frank, who were on his side behind him carrying Joe, stumbled over the old man. Frank was able to gain his balance, but Chet was not so fortunate. Swaying to gain his balance, Chet Morton fell forward over the side of the bridge.

"CHET!" Tony screamed, seeing the whole episode take place right before his eyes. He was on the other side with Biff and Phil. Samuel, being in the front, was the first to be able to even move towards the heavier boy. Everyone laid Joe gently down and rushed to help. Fearing that he would see nothing but a splash, Frank gringed as he looked over the side. But he was shocked at what he saw--- a foot! Chet’s foot got caught on a wire hook that stuck out from the trestle.

"OW! Guys… Get me up there! I swear I heard something pop!" Chet cried out and winced in agony.

"Hold on Chet! We will get you up here. Just hang in there!" Frank called back.

"HA! HA! Frank that was not very funny you know," Chet muttered back. "I think I might have broke it wise guy."

Frank honestly did not realize the pun in what he said and openly apologized to his friend. Biff, Phil and Tony had to stifle a chuckle even though they were concerned and relieved at the same time concerning the fate of their chum.

"I am so sorry. My old legs are just not as steady as they used to be when I was a young sprig," Quincy said glumly. He jumped up, ready to help pull the boy back to safety.

Frank leaned over the side as Tony, Biff and Phil held on to him from the top. Frank easily reached Chet’s foot and grabbed his lower leg.

"I have him!" Frank called back. He knew that this was going to be the hardest part. Chet was a stocky boy and made a wonderful lineman for the Bayport football team. But this time the weight was going to work against them. Chet was still wincing in pain and everyone knew that the ankle was going to slow the team down even more. Samuel and Quincy waited on the side; ready to grab Chet when they got him close enough to hoist up. After many huffs and puffs, Chet Morton was safely up on the trestle. The bridge still creaked as the old rotten wood screamed for mercy under the weight of the group. Not wanting to waste any time, Samuel, Phil, Tony and Quincy helped carry Joe while Frank and Biff cradled Chet between them. The boys started to make their way to the other side again when they heard one of the wooden ties crack and fall into the river where they pulled Chet from off the side of the bridge.

"I am thankful for that delayed reaction!" Tony muttered, as the group did not waste a second.

Finally their prayers were answered as they stepped off of the old bridge and back onto land. Biff and Frank put Chet down to look at his ankle. There was a nasty cut from where the wire bored into his foot and it was bright red. Chet tried to put his weight on it, but he could not even stand.

"I think it is broken," the forest ranger commented.

"Let me try to walk while you carry Chet. He can’t walk on that foot if it is broken," Joe spoke up. Frank shook his head. "No, you are not in any shape to do it either."

"I think I can make it Frank. For Gosh Sake’s, quit babying me," Joe fired back. He hated it when his brother was too over protective and bossed him around.

"I promised mother I was going to bring you back in one piece and that is just what I am going to do," Frank commented back with a harsh tone.

"BOYS! This is not the time for nit pickin’," Quincy called out. Both brothers remained silent. "Joe, do you really think you might be able to do it?"

"I am feeling better. I think I can manage to walk," Joe said, sitting up with the quilts still wrapped around him. "I want to try."

"Fine, then we will try it. We have to beat that other part of the storm or we are in really big trouble boys," Samuel said, looking at his watch. Joe stood up very slowly with the aid of Frank and Biff. He kept the quilts still wrapped around him except for one, that he wrapped around Chet’s foot so he would not have to wear his boot. The clouds were starting to thicken again and the moonlight was not as dependable as it was before when they left the cave dwelling.

Phil, Samuel, Quincy, Tony and Biff helped carry Chet while Frank helped Joe. Frank was surprised that Joe was doing so well, even though he did slow them down. But they were moving a lot faster than they would have if they had carried Chet. Shivering in the cold and taking deep breaths, Joe did his best hiking through the snow. By the time the van was in view, Joe was exhausted again. Frank could feel Joe lean more and more of his weight on to him, but they made it. Loading Chet into the van’s backseat, Quincy got in the back with him to help keep the foot elevated. Joe was hoisted into the passenger seat and was asleep before Frank could even get himself buckled in. Agreeing to make their way home as soon as they all reached Bayport, Biff and Phil got into the four-wheel drive truck and buckled in while Tony agreed to drive Mr. Hardy’s car home for the night. Frank told him that they would pick it up as soon as they could. Plowing the way for their safe and speedy return to Bayport, Samuel started up his plow and lowered his blade. Frank could not remember it ever being this easy to drive in the snow. The closer they got to Bayport, the more the snow started to pelt down to the ground, adding to the already 8 inches that covered the ground. The wind was starting to howl again, pushing the van around at times. But the ride was silent. Joe was fast asleep, as was Chet. Quincy just sat there and remained quiet, watching the road go by.

It was very early in the morning when they reached Bayport. Biff and Tony flickered their lights to bid the rest of the party farewell. Frank returned the gesture, keeping in line behind the snowplow that was headed straight for the nursing home. Soon the Hardy van along with the escort arrived in front of the Water’s Edge Nursing Home. After thanking Samuel for his help, Frank opened the side door to help Quincy carry Chet inside. Frank knew that the nursing home had it’s own doctor on call. With Quincy’s help, Frank carried Chet into the nurses’ station. They quickly took charge of the young man and promised to get back with them as soon as the doctor saw Chet. Frank steered Quincy in the direction of Amelia’s room. While he wanted Joe to witness the moment, he also knew time was an issue.

Quincy walked quietly and shyly into the room where the older lady lay in her bed watching the snowfall. Laura Hardy was asleep in the chair while Iola was slumped over in her rocking chair. Amelia, hearing that someone had entered her room, peered over to see who came in her room. Her eyes grew wide as the old familiar face of her own brother welcomed her sparkling eyes.

"Quincy!" She whispered since she did not have the strength to say it any louder. The siblings shared a long and tearful hug. Laura, hearing the disturbance, opened her eyes to see her older son.

"Franklin Richard Hardy! We have been so worried!" she exclaimed as she hugged her son fiercely.

"Where is Chet? And Joe? And the rest of the gang?" Iola said as she stood up.

"Joe is in the van. I am going to need help steadying him though," Frank replied. He quickly told them what happened. The three walked out to the van while Quincy and Amelia spent some time together. Joe did not even notice that he was left alone in the van until Frank gently shook him awake. Laura opened the door and hugged her youngest son and quickly started giving him the "mother inspection". After Joe assured his mother that he was fine except for being hungry and exhausted, she gratefully moved over to allow Iola to greet her boyfriend. The two shared a kiss and a hug.

"I am so glad that you are all right! I was so worried. That is why I called Chet and the boys," Iola commented.

"I am glad that you did or we would have never made it back here in time," Frank replied. "I knew that Joe had great taste in girls." Iola just blushed as she helped steady Joe while Laura was on the other side. Neither one of the women wanted to let Joe go after almost losing him. They were just almost halfway up the sidewalk when they heard voice call out behind them. Frank turned to see his father, still dressed in his suit scurrying up the sidewalk towards the group. Happy to see his father, Frank turned and greeted Fenton warmly and filled him in on the night’s events as they took over holding Joe up.

Once inside, the nurses grabbed a wheelchair and insisted on Joe seeing the doctor as well, but Joe refused to do anything until he saw Amelia. Giving in to his wishes, Joe was wheeled to Amelia’s room.

Joe had to smile when he saw Amelia and Quincy together, holding hands and enjoying each other’s company. His heart felt inner warmth and never had he gotten so much joy from achieving a goal. To Joe, this was definitely one of the most meaningful "missions" that the brothers had ever taken on.

Amelia looked over and saw the blond boy. She held her hand out and motioned for him to come closer. She was weak, but very happy. She mouthed the word "thank you" and patted his hand through the bed rails. Then she pointed over towards her nightstand. Quincy looked over and picked up the glass rose that Joe had picked out for her.

"Simply beautiful," she was able to whisper. "But I have to thank you for the best gift of all. My brother. It is funny. The song, "The Rose" is something Quincy used to play me on the piano when we were kids. He played the song for just me since my name is Amelia Rose. I just don’t know how to repay you my dear friend."

"You don’t owe me anything. Your friendship and wise words have been the best gifts to me," Joe replied. A tear was starting to form in his one eye, but he was quickly able to hide it.

"Joe, the doctor is ready to see you," a nurse’s aide said from the doorway.

"I have to go for now. I will be back tomorrow to check on you," Joe said, looking at his new friend.

"Don’t worry dear, you have given me a reason to hang on just a little longer. I already feel better than I have felt in a long time," Amelia whispered again. "I will be here with bells on my toes."

Everyone chuckled at her comment. Joe loved hearing those old sayings and greeted her farewell.

After getting the all clear from the nursing home doctor, Joe was urged to go straight to bed after getting a nice breakfast. Chet was given the same prognosis, even though he had to use crutches for his badly sprained ankle. Since the storm was so bad, the Mortons were unable to reach their children. Mr. Hardy put in a quick call to Chief Collig. The police chief eagerly agreed to have one of the county’s snowplows take them home. Iola gave Joe a sweet kiss good-bye as the snowplow pulled up the drive of the nursing home. Gingerly and carefully getting up into the truck, Chet waved good-bye to the Hardy family and soon the snowplow disappeared in the wonderland of snow.

Arriving at the Hardy home, Mrs. Hardy quickly put Joe to bed after a breakfast of hot oatmeal. Frank called Callie to catch her up on what had happened and then finished wrapping gifts and placed them under the tree. It was going to be a great holiday.

Joe slept well into the night. Normally the Hardy’s would have attended church, but the storm canceled all of the church services. It was also normal for there to be a slew of guest at the house, especially Aunt Gertrude. However the storm had stranded the guests, leaving the four alone for the first time on Christmas Eve. Laura and Fenton tired from their day of preparation and from the excitement, went to bed early. Frank decided to get caught up on his reading and chose to snuggle up on the couch. He just wanted to take in the beauty and peacefulness. The lights on the stairwell, the sparking tinsel on the tree and the fire in the fireplace crackled and danced warming the four stockings that hung from its mantel. Frank could remember the day that they made the stockings with their names. Their grandmother helped him make them when he was younger. Joe was still too young to help, but Frank handled the job well.

Frank grinned at that memory. Every year Joe reminded him of his displeasure with Frank’s choice of color. Then he glanced down at the gifts beneath the tree. Nothing seemed more exciting than seeing wrapped secrets under the tree.

"Don’t you look all in the Christmas mood," Frank heard Joe’s voice say from the stairs. Frank looked up to see his younger brother slowly making his way down the stairs.

"Just enjoying the moment," Frank replied. "So how are you feeling?"

"Weak, but much better," Joe said as he sat down in the recliner just across from Frank. "I called and checked on Amelia. They said that while her condition has not gotten any better, she is not any worse. They still think it is a matter of days, but Quincy is going to stay by her side until that time comes."

"That is good. I am so glad that she will maybe have a little more time to spend with him."

"The tree sure looks full this year," Joe said as he changed the subject. He was famous for doing that when things were getting too emotional. "It is amazing that mom still puts all of our ornaments on the tree. That is a lot with eighteen for you and seventeen for me and none of them are alike!"

"Yes it is. I especially like the one that she got you this year, Frosty is so appropriate," Frank said with an evil grin. Joe made a face at his older brother. "It is also amazing to think that she has some of their own ornaments that they got each year for every Christmas that they were married!"

"Then there is that stupid ugly green stocking!"

"Yes, yes. I hear it every year."

"Well, I don’t understand why I could not have had the red one."

"It was a labor of brotherly love."

"Brotherly torture is more like it," Joe canted back. He glanced out the front bay window. The snow was falling down quickly. The wintry scene reminded him of his ordeal with the river and he felt a chill go throughout his body. "I do want to thank you for helping me out. I would have froze to death if you had not came looking for me."

"As I said, it is nothing that you would not do for me Joe."

"I am also sorry for snapping at you when we were on our way back. I was totally out of line and you only meant well," Joe continued.

"It is fine Joe. I am just glad that you are home safe and Amelia got her wish."

The brothers sat in silence for a few minutes before Joe spoke up. "Uh, Frank?"

"What Joe?" Frank said, still reading out of his book.

"Here is your present," Joe said. Frank did not pay attention to his younger brother, who went over to the other side of the tree and pulled out a huge wrapped box. "I understand if it is not what you wanted. Just tell me. I still have the receipt." Frank could not believe the size of the box. Joe always got him socks every year!

Frank unwrapped his gift and sat there in awe. He could not believe that his brother bought him a new computer monitor.

"Phil helped me pick it out since he is into that stuff you know," Joe said sheepishly.

"How did you get the money for this Joe?" Frank asked. "This monitor is the expensive type! I asked Mom and Dad for it."

"Months of oil changes," Joe answered. Frank then remembered all of the afternoons and weekends spent by his brother changing the oil in their cars and doing other small maintenance jobs.

"Thank you Joe, it is perfect," Frank replied, not wanting to get mushy. He then got up and went into the dining room and opened the closet. He pulled out a small box.

"Here is your gift," Frank said handing his little brother the small wrapped box.

Joe opened it and found a small key. Joe was puzzled by the gift.

"Why don’t you look out in the garage to see what the key fits. I moved it in there today while you was upstairs sleeping," Frank said and pointed to the door off the kitchen that led to the garage. Joe rushed to the door like a young child on Christmas morning. He opened the door and saw a big red tool chest with a lock hanging off of it. "I got the lock extra so you could lock it up."

"Frank! That is so great! Now I won’t have to borrow Dad’s and the neighbor’s any more," Joe said as he looked over the many screwdrivers and wrenches in all sizes. Then Joe’s face fell.

"What is wrong? Why the face?" Frank asked, noticing the change in his brother’s reaction.

"It is just that I have priced these things and they are not cheap, especially this one. How did you afford it? I have been hoping to get one of these for two years now," Joe replied, still touching all of the tools.

"Well, I got bored while you was tuning up the neighborhood so I tutored a few kids at the junior high after school for the past few months," Frank answered thoughtfully. "I have had this baby in layaway forever it seems. Mr. Callahan at the hardware held it for me even. I made payments on it."

"I thought he did not do layaways."

"He did it for me since I was tutoring his grandson," Frank said with a smile. He thought it was funny that they each had been saving and doing work on the side to earn the money for their gifts. While it was true that they could have asked their parents, each brother earned the money for his gift.

Joe acted like he wanted to say something, but the words just seemed to be caught in his mouth.

"Joe, just tell me what you are thinking," Frank said looking at his brother.

"I meant it when I said that I loved you out there. I have learned that I need to start… well I have to …you know what I am saying. You can’t wait to tell someone tomorrow something that you should have said yesterday." Frank smiled and nodded in agreement.

"Now that was not that hard was it?" Frank quipped. Putting his arm around his younger brother’s shoulders, Frank led Joe back into the house and into the living room. Both brothers chuckled and started talking about stuff. Just everyday stuff. That night of meaningless conversation meant the world to Frank. He was getting back in touch with his brother. After seeing Quincy and Amelia, he vowed to never lose touch with his brother for not even one day.

The rest of the Hardy guests arrived later in the day on Christmas and a nice dinner of turkey and ham was shared by all. Aunt Gertrude made over Joe the entire time, but the seventeen year old took it all in stride. While he was not able to make it to see Amelia that day, he did call and check on her. Many visits were made within the following days by all of the gang. Then as the New Year made its way in, Amelia made her way out taking her last breath before peacefully closing her eyes. Quincy remained a resident of Bayport and became very involved in with the local charities and churches. While Joe may have lost a great friend, he gained another one in the wake. Quincy became an asset to the very same town that once caused him to go to the hills and live alone.

It was a fact. That was a special Christmas that would live in the memories of all involved for years to come. New relationships were rekindled while others were strengthened. Lives were changed. And while one precious life was lost, another life was starting over. And to think that it all started from one Christmas wish from a special lady on…

One

               Christmas