there comes a day

Tony made a few calls. Actually, it started with one and multiplied. But three hours later he was at the hospital ready to take Maxxie home with the baby.

"Its been taken care of." He told him. It was the least he could do, find Sketch a final resting place.

Of course, he knew Maxxie didn't want to talk about it. He could see Maxxie looked full of guilt, but there was no Jared around. It was as if the bloke had taken a holiday from all this misery.

"Dunno what to do." Maxxie winced on the ride.

"Yes, you do. You'll do the right thing. You always do." Tony was so calm. It even scared himself. But the little one slept soundly in the carseat. How could she have this sort of calming effect on him? It really surprised Tony.

Of course, he knew Maxxie was in a very dark place. Tony could hardly stand it. He just wanted to make all over him, but he knew he'd have to win him back. It might be a very slow process. It seemed so. The ride home. The heavy walk up all those flights of stairs. Nappies. Baby things. God, it was really happening. Was he just settling? Maybe this truly was home.

Tony thought he might get all weepy. But then Maxxie turned the door knob and the lights went on.

"Surprise!" A crowd cheered.

All the people Tony had been leaving in limbo down at his job. Folks Maxxie knew from the shows and even Maxxie's mum squeezed into their little flat for a coming home party. They'd brought prezzies for the baby. Even a crib. Lots of food and drink. It would be a celebration. Life with a whole new meaning had arrived. Tony suspected he better behave. At least for a little while.