The lost son ~John Frusciante and Josh Klinghoffer

82. Be your safe and sound

I was so thrilled to spend Christmas and New Years' Eve with my son. I loved him more than anything. He was truly the perfect kid.
"I love you, daddy." Johnny told me as I brought him a cup of hot cocoa.
"I love you too, baby. I'm the luckiest guy in the world that I got to be your dad." I said.
Johnny smiled at me. He definitely had my smile. He was a spitting image of me with Lilly's blonde hair.
Suddenly, there was a knock on the door. It was Maggie. She was carrying three shopping bags in each of her hands.
"Oh, wow. Let me help you with that, honey." I said, taking the bags from Maggie and carrying them inside.
I absolutely hated Christmas shopping, so Mag offered to buy the presents for me. And, well, I just gave her my credit card and my car and she did all the work for me. Meanwhile, me and Johnny decorated the house and the Christmas tree.
"Maggie!" Johnny yelled and ran up to her.
"Hey, buddy. I missed you so much." She said.
"I missed you too. I love you." He told her and wrapped his arms around her legs.
Mag knelt down and kissed Johnny's cheek.
"I've got something for you." She said.
"What is it?" He asked.
Maggie handed John a huge lollipop in the shape of a reindeer and a huge grin appeared on his face.
"It's so pretty! Daddy, can I eat it now?" Johnny asked me.
"I'm sorry honey but you just ate dinner. You can't have the lollipop today." I explained.
"Okay, daddy. I'll eat it tomorrow." John said and ran back to the living room to continue watching his favorite cartoon.
I brought Maggie's body closer to mine and kissed her passionately.
"Are you allowed to sleep here tonight?" I asked her.
She nodded.

Johnny was thrilled to set up a plate with cookies and a glass of milk for Santa. And I was thrilled to eat them before I went to bed. I hope he's gonna believe in Santa until he's 60.
Then we watched Mickey's Christmas Carol together, snuggling on the couch.
I felt great. I had the two people I loved the most right next to me.
"He's asleep." Maggie whispered to me.
I carefully picked John up and carried him to his bedroom. I kissed him on the forehead and quietly left the room.
When I came back, Mag was still laying down on the couch.
"You've got an amazing son, Josh." She told me.
I laid down next to her and covered us with a blanket.
"I know... I just realized that I missed his 3rd birthday. I was too high to remember that my baby boy was born on December 3rd."
"He doesn't care about that! He loves you unconditionally."
"I don't deserve him. And I don't deserve you. You're all I ever wanted. Up until I was 18, I didn't have any family. And now I've got you, Johnny, my dad, Emily, Hope, your mom, my aunt, my two cousins, and my grandparents. And most importantly, I know that you all love me and you will always have my back, no matter what." I said.

Me and Maggie stayed up late packing the presents she bought. The following morning Maggie's mom, John, Emily and Hope were supposed to come to my house and we'd all have breakfast together.
Of course, Johnny woke up in the middle of the night and insisted on sleeping with us. And, worst of all, he got up at 6 and would not go back to sleep because he wanted to see Santa arrive.
"Daddy, come on!" He said, pulling the covers off me.
"Shh, you'll wake Maggie up." I whispered.
"Dad!"
"Okay, let's go downstairs." I reluctantly agreed and dragged myself out of bed.
"Look! Santa ate all the cookies!" Johnny yell when he saw the empty plate.
"Oh my gosh, you're right! We must have missed his visit! And look, he brought you gifts!" I said.
"Wow!" John's jaw dropped when he saw the presents under the tree.
"Can I open them?" He asked.
"No, Johnny, not yet. We'll open them together when the guests arrive. Go play and I'll start making breakfast." I told my son.
"Can I help you, daddy?" He asked.
I really didn't want his help because I knew he'd make a huge mess.
"Please, don't say no. Mommy always says no." John told me.
"Okay. We're gonna make pancakes and scrambled eggs together." I said.
I loved seeing my baby so happy.
Johnny helped me crack the eggs and mix the pancake batter and we had so much fun doing it.

Christine showed up at 8 with 2 plates full of pancakes and cupcakes.
"I was supposed to cook the breakfast. You didn't have to do that! Unless you doubt my cooking skills..." I said to Christine.
"I'd never, Josh." She told me.
"I forgive you because you're the best cook in the world. Johnny, go and wake Maggie up." I said to my son.
A couple of minutes later John and Maggie came downstairs.
"Ugh, mom, did you have to come so early?" Mag complained.
"Good morning, honey. I'm happy to see you too." Christine replied,
"I'm sorry. It's just that Josh's bed is so fricking big and comfy." Maggie said.