Adult-FanFiction.org : Celebrity

Last Swim	By : jai Category: Individual Celebrities > Athlete/Sports Misc Views: 8134 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. I do not know the people written about in this fanfiction. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 15
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December 23, 2005 Detroit, MI

Once again, Michael found himself at the airport waiting for someone’s flight to get in but unlike previous occasions the airport was bustling as holiday travelers rushed around frantically.

Michael stood near the foot of the escalators out of the main traffic pattern and hoped his mom’s flight was still on time as he couldn’t see the monitors from his position but he’d know soon enough.

“Excuse me, aren’t you Michael Phelps?”

Michael looked down and to his left to see two girls and a boy standing beside him, all in their teens.

“Uh, yes.”

“See, Sherry. I told you it was him!” The taller girl exclaimed to the other while the boy looked as if he was barely containing his boredom.

“Wow, we’re big fans. Would you mind signing a few autographs for us?” The girl who wasn’t Sherry asked.

“Thanks but I’d love to but I don’t have a pen on me.”

“Oh, I have one. Hang on.” Sherry dropped her backpack on the floor and squatted down to dig through it.

“This is cool, seeing you here. We’re from DC and we tried to go to the parade last year but Troy wouldn’t drive us.” She shot a nasty look at the boy who must be Troy.

“DC’s a great town. Is that where you’re headed?” Michael asked politely.

“No.” Not Sherry sighed in disgust. “We’re going to LA to visit our dad. Can you imagine, LA for Christmas?”

“Celeste, it won’t be that bad. Dad said he’d take us to Disney World. A-ha! I knew I had a sharpie in here!” Sherry said as she stood triumphantly.

“Great! Do you have something you want me to sign?”

The girls looked at each other and Sherry dove back into her backpack while Michael hid a smile.

“Are you going back to Baltimore for Christmas, Michael?” Celeste asked.

“No, actually I’m waiting for my mom. We’re having Christmas here, this year.”

“Gosh, is Ian here too?” Sherry looked up so quickly she almost fell over and Michael bent down to keep her steady.

“Are you okay?”

“Yes. Thanks, I’m good.” Sherry smiled at him and reached back into her bag.

Michael rose and winced, reaching for his back.

“Gosh, you didn’t hurt yourself did you?” Celeste put her hand out and then hesitated while Sherry looked worried.

“No, I’m okay. I got a tattoo the other day and its still a little sore, especially when something brushes against it.” Michael smiled, trying to reassure her.

“A new tattoo! How cool. Did it hurt a lot? Mom said we’d better not even think about tattoos until we’re in college. What did you get?”

“My mom’s pretty cool but she really made me think about it before she let me and I got a dolphin. I’d show it to you but it’s all taped up.” Michael had not intention of showing it but he figured he’d head the request.

Sherry finally found what she was looking for and stood again, holding a notebook and a camera. “Would you mind taking a picture with us too?”

“Sure. Let me sign that for you first though,” Michael took the notebook and pen. “Can I use any blank page?”

“Yes, please.”

“Is it Sherry, S-H-E-R-R-Y?”

“Yes, nothing fancy.”

Michael signed the page with a nice inscription before turning a few pages to avoid bleed through. “Celeste with the normal spelling?”

“Yep.”

Michael signed again and handed the notebook back to Sherry as Celeste badgered Troy into taking a picture. The girls stood next to him and Michael put his arms over their shoulders and smiled as Troy took a couple of shots.

A little crowd was gathering and Michael found himself signing a few more autographs but he didn’t mind, especially after one of the police officers came over and hovered in the general area, keeping an eye on him. Michael thought he recognized the man from one of Phil’s cookouts but he wasn’t sure. He was still trying to remember the guy’s name when his mother arrived.

“Oh, nice meeting everyone but I’d like to get mom home.” Michael said as he led Debbie away, walking by the cop to thank him.

“It’s Tom, right.”

The man laughed as they shook hands. “I could tell you were trying to figure that out. Nice seeing you again, Michael. Ma’am.” He tipped his hat and wandered off.

“Hi, Mom. Sorry about that.” Michael leaned down and kissed her cheek as they walked towards baggage claim.

“It’s good to see you, son. How have you been?” Debbie waved away his apology with a smile.

“I’m good. You look fantastic, by the way.”

“Thanks dear. Is Ian back at the house with his parents?”

“Yes, he’s making lunch.”

“That’s sweet of him. Let’s hope my bags appear quickly so we can blow this popsicle stand.”

&&&

December 23, 2004 Ann Arbor MI
Late afternoon

“What do you think of this one, Ken?” Michael stood the tree up so Ken could get a look.

“It looks good to me, hold on and I’ll get the womenfolk.” Ken rolled his eyes and strolled off as Ian walked up from the other direction.

“Hi Ian. Any luck?”

“No, remind me again why we didn’t buy a tree last weekend?”

“Because we thought it would be fun to pick one out with our families?”

“Well, we now know not to do this again.” Ian rested his head against Michael’s.

“It hasn’t been so bad. The moms are enjoying themselves.”

“We’ve been here for hours.” Ian whined.

“Stop being such a drama queen, we’ve been here for forty-five minutes.”

“Okay it only feels like hours. It’s a dead piece of wood we’re going to be chopping up next week, why can’t they make up their minds?”

“And ho, ho, ho to you too, Mr. Grinch. Look sharp, here they come.”

“There you boys are. Did you find a good one this time?” Debbie asked.

“How about this one?” Michael held it up again and turned it around. It wasn’t a very big tree but they didn’t have a lot of ornaments.

“It looks good. Doesn’t it look good, ladies?” Ken asked hopefully.

Debbie and Margaret looked the tree and then at each other, seeming to communicate telepathically before they nodded.

“It’s a great tree. Good job, Michael.” Margaret patted his arm. “Now go get it tied up and give us the keys, it’s cold out here.”

Ian handed his keys over eagerly and the women left leaving the men to tote the tree to the binder.

“We’re getting a fake tree next year.” Ian put one end of the tree onto his shoulder as Michael did the same with the other end, leaving Ken to supervise.

“I thought we’d spend Christmas in Australia next year.” Michael remarked calmly and then added, “I don’t understand, you were so excited last week about picking out a tree.”

“That was before our mums got involved. Hey, warn me when you stop.”

“Come on, we’re putting this one back.”

“But this is the one they liked.”

“Ian, you obviously liked that one we found earlier.” Michael put the tree down in the approximate place they’d found it. “This is our Christmas tree in our house, shouldn’t we pick it out?”

“But the mums-”

“They were very helpful but I liked that one too. Do you remember where it was?”

“It was over there, near the telephone pole. Do you think it’s still there?” Ian pointed, looking a little happier.

“Okay, let’s go.” Michael pushed Ian a little in that direction and followed behind with Ken as Ian rushed off.

“Good show, Michael.” Ken said as they walked.

Michael shrugged, “I’m just glad he’s happy again. No offense, but maybe we should have gotten it last weekend.”

“None taken. And don’t worry about the mothers, it is your tree after all.”

“I’m not worried, I think this was some kof mof mother thing and they were yanking our chains a bit.”

Ken laughed. “Oh, you noticed that did you?”

“Well, mom check her watch as they walked up…”

“Michael, its still here!” Ian waved at them, holding the tree straight. “Look, it’s perfect.”

“You’re right, it will look great. Let’s get it wrapped up.”

Again they hoisted the tree up and set off for the binder, this time Ian was talking enthusiastically about where to set it up and how to decorate it.

&&&

“Ian, this isn’t the tree we picked out.”

Margaret looked at it as Ian held the tree and Michael cut tlastlastic wrapping off, Debbie coming over to watch.

“It’s the one Ian wanted, Margaret.” Michael spoke before Ian could. “We’re going to put it near the sliding door. We don’t have time to acclimatize it out here for a couple of days but we won’t have it up that long so it should be okay over there.”

He stood up and fluffed the branches out. “There, doesn’t it look nice? Let’s put it in the bucket of water and set it against the wall while we get everything ready inside.”

Michael grabbed the bucket and he and Ian got the tree situated before ushering the women into the house.

&&

“Here’s the star, Ian. Go ahead pud put it on the top.” Michael handed the ornament to Ian. He’d politely but firmly directed the tree decorating, making it clear that everyone’s opinions were wel but but he and Ian got the final decision. He’d noticed the parents exchanging glances at different points but shrugged it off and just enjoyed Ian’s eagerness over stringing the lights and hanging the ornaments.

“Are you sure you don’t want to?”

“No, you go ahead, babe. I’ve done it before.”

Ian reached over and carefully placed the star on the tree which was barely seven foot tall as Michael walked over and flipped the room lights off, leaving the room in darkness except for the tiny twinkling lights of the tree.

“Oh, it’s beautiful.” Ian said in awe.

Michael walked over to him and kissed his cheek, putting an arm around his waist. “It does look nice, doesn’t it?”

“And it smells like Christmas did in the book.”

“What book?”

“This book I used to have growing up; you scratched the Christmas tree and it smelled just like this does.” Ian leaned back onto Michael in satisfaction, breathing deeply.

“Oh, Ian. I remember that book It was a scratch and sniff. You ced ted that book around with you all Christmas when you were four.” Margaret laughed, shaking her head.

“Ha. Is that the book he kept trying to make us smell? And asking why our tree wasn’t like the one in the book.” Ken slapped his knee. “I remember going out late on Christmas eve that year and buying a can of pine spray just so it would smell right when you opened your presents.”

“Is that the book with the gingerbread and peppermint smells too?” Debbie asked.

“We wouldn’t know,” Margaret winked at Ian. “Ian was so obsessed with the tree smell. ‘Smell the green mummy, smell the green, it’s fab!’ I think he even licked it a few times.”

Ian groaned as their parents laughed and he slumped in Michael’s arms. “It never quits, does it?”

“No, but let’s go get dinner ready before they start on me.”

They headed into the kitchen as Debbie launched into a story involving Michael and tinsel and the cat. “Whew, just in time. Are we still doing the stir fry?”

“Yes, you want to start the rice cooker and I’ll get everything out?”

“Ian, we still have the egg drop and hot and sour soup we picked up the other day, don’t we?” Michael asked looking into the fridge.

“Yes, in the freezer, I moved them to make room for the turkey.”

“So I see. Are you still going to give it a bath?”

“You mean, am I still going to brine it? Yes, I’ve always wanted to try it and since you thought the deep fryer was too dangerous…”

“I still think so especially if you’ve never seen it done except on TV. I’m not calling everyone in Australia and apologizing for letting you burn your feet off!” Michael dumped the frozen soups into sauce pots and turned on the burners. “You want help with the onions?”

“Yes. And you wouldn’t have had to call everyone in Australia, just someone in every town and they’d spread the word.”

“So after I make my twelve phone calls…hey, no towel thwapping in the kitchen.”

“I’m just defending my country, remember you’re out numbered at the moment.”

“Wow, bet you don’t get to say that very often.”

Ian gave Michael a look and then turned and shouted down the hall. “Mum, Michael’s picking on me.”

Michael narrowed his eyes and braced himself.

“You’ve probably done something to deserve it, Ian.” Margaret shouted back and Michael snickered.

Ian stared at Michael. “You’ve gone and turned my own mum against me.”

Michael cackled and rubbed his hands together, “That’s all part of my nefarious plan. Hand me that red pepper.”

Ian clutched the pepper to his chest. “What did it ever do to you?

“It’s looking at me funny.”

“It is rather shifty looking.” Ian passed it over, “Here, chop it up before it starts trouble.”

They both turned when the sound of laughter in the next room crested and fell.

“Maybe you shouldn’t have openedt bot bottle of wine so early, babe.”

“I think they’re just having a good time; at our expense of course. Is it too late for us to go skiing for the holiday?” Ian stirred one of the pots of soup and turned on the burner under the wok.

“Way too late.”

&&&

December 24, 2005

“You know, I didn’t think I’d have an audience for this.” Ian remarked as he took the wrapping off the bird.

“Are you kidding? This is like food porn.” Michael quipped and then ducked when Debbie reached out to bop his head. “What?”

“Behave, Michael. What are you doing now, Ian?”

“I’m removing the giblets and then I’ll wash the turkey. Once I do that I can put it in the brine solution and it all goes in the fridge until tomorrow morning.”

“Amazing. I’ve heard of brining but I thought it was more complicated.”

“Actually I saw it on TV. What’s the name of that program, Michael?”

“Good Eats, I think. It’s on Food TV, mom.”

“Oh, the funny looking guy who has the big props. Margaret, do you get that in Sydney?”

“I don’t think so but I’ve seen his books. Do you need some help over there, Ian?”

“Yes. Michael, can you come over here and hold the bucket while I put the bird in?”

“Sure baby.” Michael walked over and put his hands on the sides of the bucket. “I got it.”

Ian lifted the turkey and slowly lowered into the mixture. “Okay, Michael. If you’ll put the lid on and tote it to the fridge, I’ll wash my hands.” Ian made a face at his wends.nds.

Michael did as he was told and then put a hand to his back after he’d closed the fridge.

“Michael, did you hurt yourself?” Debbie asked, looking at him with concern.

“Uh. No.” Michael considered trying to play it off and couldn’t do it. “Actually the waistband of my underwear keeps rubbing my new tattoo.”

“Another tattoo? You got another tattoo?” His mother asked.

“Uh, yes?”

“Well, let’s see it.” Debbie made a come on motion with her hand.

“Mom!”

“Come on, I want to see it.”

“I do too, Michael.” Margaret put her two cents.

“Oh fine.” He unzipped his pants and turned around, carefully pulling down the waistbands. “Ian, can you take the gauze off?”

“Sure love.”

As soon as Ian was close enough Michael whispered, “Why didn’t you say something?”

“Don’t worry I have a plan.” Ian whispered back and then continued in a normal tone of voice, “There you are.”

Michael walked over until he was standing between the two women and turned around. “See?”

“Oh, that’s rather cute. A dolphin.” Margaret said, peering at it. “Are those your initials underneath?”

“Yes.”

“Well, it’s not a bad as I thought it would be, in fact it’s rather pretty.” Debbie remarked.

“Oh, Ken. Come here and take a look at Michael’s tattoo.” Margaret gestured at him.

Ken, who was only coming in to refill his tea, stopped. “You want me to look down his pants?”

“No. It’s right here. Come on.”

Ken gave Ian a hunted gaze and ventured over, taking a quick look. “Very nice. Now can I get my tea?”

“Oh, you.” Margaret shook her head. “Really Ken, you could show a little more interest.”

“Not while the game’s on I can’t. Brilliant that I can see cricket here in the States.”

“Can I pull my pants back up?”

“Yes, dear.”

Ian sat down and smiled. “Actually I’m glad you like it. I’m going to be getting a matching one next month.”

Their parents response was lost when Michael leapt into Ian’s lap. “You are? You’ve decided?”

“Yes, love. I called the tattoo place earlier and the receptionist booked me for the twentieth of January.”

“That’s awesome.” Michael smiled and put his lips on Ian’s. Before they could get too involved, Debbie rapped the back of Michael’s head.

“Enough of that, you two. Aren’t we supposed to go shopping?”

Ian pulled his head away with a smirk. “Yes, ma’am we are. I’m sorry your son finds me so irresistible but really, there was nothing I could do. Yikes, no pinching, Michael.”

"Sorry, I couldn’t help myself since you’re so irresistible and all.”
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