Starsky and Hutch: Short Stories

Hutch Goes Home For Christmas

"See you after Christmas buddy and Merry Christmas," Starsky said as he started to walk away to go to his gate at the airport.

"See you soon and Merry Christmas," I called out as calmly as I could.

I stood there for a moment watching Starsky walk off as I tried to decide if I just wanted to go back home or get on that plane. I turned around slowly, hands in my pockets as I walked to my gate. I checked in before I went to take a seat to wait on the plane. As I sat there, I started to bounce one leg as I worked on my breathing back under control. I haven't been back to Minnesota for Christmas or any reason for that matter in years. I don't really like going back there, way too many memories that I care to just forget all together. I would rather spend Christmas here in California by myself or working like I always do. Well, that is when Starsky is having me spend Christmas with him the times that he doesn't go back to New York, which is not that often. The truth of the matter is that I like it better that way. But even spending Christmas with Starsky doesn't make the holidays any easier because the memories still show up every year.

It takes a lot to not show how much I don't like being in the Christmas spirit, but I know that Starsky sees it but doesn't say anything. He does his best to cheer me up, bring me into the Christmas spirit and even though I'll never tell him this, I really do appreciate it. I do like seeing him so excited about all the lights, music and just everything about Christmas itself. I get to hear everything about his family traditions, memories that he has of Christmas and how much it means to him. I love to hear them even though I envy him at the same time. I don't have very many good memories of Christmas with my family or anyone, besides Starsky, for that matter. The only good memories of Christmas that I ever want to remember is with Starsky, the rest of them I could burn.

I was brought out my thoughts when I heard over the loudspeaker, "We will be boarding flight 256 going to Duluth, Minnesota in five minutes, if you could please have your ticket ready as you can go ahead and get in line as we get the door open."

I pulled my ticket out of my pocket as I looked at it thinking that I still had time to turn around and walk out of here. I shook my head no as I stood up to get in line to go back, back where? I don't call Minnesota home, well not since my grandfather died. He was my rock, best friend and the only one that I could depend on. Growing up I wished he was my father instead of my own father. To be honest, he was more of a father to me then my own father ever was. At least my grandfather let me be me instead of trying to make me be some else. I spent as much time as I could at my grandfather's farm where I felt at home. He taught me how to drive a tracker, take care of animals and how to grow a garden. I would say because of him is the reason I have so many plants, it reminds of him so much.

As I handed the lady my ticket, I told her Merry Christmas as I took a deep breath before walking onto the plane. Once I got to my seat, I put my bag in the storage and then sat down by the window. I looked out the window as the plane started to move and took a long look at home before we took off. I had so many different feelings running through me that I thought about how much harder this was going to be. I don't want to do this but there is no turning around now. I thought that maybe I could sleep as I kept my mind off of where I was going but that didn't work. My mind is as restless as my body. I have no clue what I'm going to say to any of my family as I have no clue how this is going to go. I wish I hadn't said I would be back for a week because I have a feeling that it is going to be the longest weeks I have had in a long time. I looked out the window for most of the flight trying to shut my mind off but that didn't work. I just want this to be over with as quickly as possible.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we have been clear to land. Please make sure that you have your seat belts on as we make our descent down. We hope you have enjoyed your flight and enjoy your time in Duluth. Have a very Merry Christmas from all of us." Our Pilot said before he got ready to land the plane.