Disclaimer: I do not own these characters

Author's Note: During this Christmas season, I decided to write a story that is a bit different than my other stories. I decided to focus on what I believe is the true meaning of Christmas....helping others, reaching out to others. After months of turmoil and tragedy, Lu receives help and comfort from an unexpected source

Setting: Monday, December 22, 2003

Chapter 1: What's For Christmas?

"How does that look, Lu?" Lana Hawkins asked as she placed the gold star on top of the Christmas tree that stood in the center of the reception area of the Rittenhouse Women's Health Center. Dr. Luisa Delgado paused briefly to look at the tree.

"Looks great, Lana." Lu replied, without much enthusiasm. Lana stared after her as she went into her office and shut the door.

"Now what do you suppose is buggin' her?" Lana asked noone in particular.

"She does seem a bit upset." Dr. Andy Campbell answered."

"But this is Christmas. People are supposed to be happy. She looked more like Scrooge."

"Hawkins, has she told you of her Christmas plans yet?" Lana shook her head.

"Nope. Hasn't said a word. She seems to want it to be kept a secret. Maybe I'll talk to her."

"Maybe we should just give her some space. Knowing Delgado, she will tell us when she is ready."

"I guess, Dr. Campbell." Lana climbed down from the ladder she was standing on and looked in the direction of Lu's office. "She usually loves Christmas. This just isn't like her at all."

"We must remember, Hawkins, that the past several months have been difficult for her. I can understand why she might not be in the Christmas spirit." Andy reminded the receptionist.

"I guess you're right, Dr. Campbell. When are you and the girls leaving for D.C.?"

"As soon as I can get home. The girls are anxious to see my folks. But of course, they miss their dad." Lana nodded in understanding. Andy and her husband had recently separated, and he was living in California. This would be their first Christmas without him.

"What about you, Hawkins? When are your boys coming home?" Andy questioned.

"Tomorrow." Lana answered. "I still can't believe they are both coming home after all these years. They said they want to spend the holidays with their mama."

"That's wonderful, Hawkins."

"Good afternoon, Ladies." Lana and Andy turned to see Dr. Robert Jackson standing behind them.

"Hi, Dr. J." Lana answered. "I thought you'd be gone already."

"In a few minutes,Ms. Hawkins. I just had some last minute reports to finish. So ladies, what have you planned for the holidays?" Dr. Jackson asked.

"My boys are coming home." Lana answered. "First time in years they will both be here at the same time."

"The girls and I are going to D.C. to spend the holidays with my folks." Andy said. "The first Christmas without Les. And what about you? What are your plans?"

"I'm taking Susan and the kids on a Christmas cruise."

"Sounds nice." Lana answered. "I'm sure they will enjoy it. Especially your wife. It will be good for her to get away for a bit." Bob nodded in agreement. Susan was battling MS, and it would be good for her to get away from her daily life of pain and therapy.

"Where's Delgado?" Bob asked. "I suppose she has already taken off for wherever it is she is going for the holidays" Lana shook her head.

"She's in her office. I have no idea what she is doing for Christmas. She's pretty much kept her plans to herself." Bob glanced at his watch.

"I'd best be going. Merry Christmas."

"You too, Bob," Andy answered. After he had gone, Andy glanced towards Lu's office.

"I'm going to check in with Lu before I leave. Just to wish her a merry Christmas." Lana nodded.

Lu sat at her desk, holding a framed picture in her hand. As she stared at the picture, tears streamed down her cheeks. Lost in her own thoughts, she didn't hear the light knock on the door, and was unaware that anyone was there until Andy opened the door and stuck her head in. "Lu?" Lu quickly put the picture down and wiped the tears from her cheeks, embarrassed that her partner had caught her crying.

"Lu?" Andy asked again. "Are you okay?"

"Uh...yeah, Andy. I'm fine. What's up?" Andy glanced at Lu's desk, spotting the picture that Lu had quickly put down when she had come into the office.

"I just wanted to come in and wish you a merry Christmas before I leave."

"Oh. Yeah. Merry Christmas." Lu answered.

"Lu, are you sure you're okay?" Lu nodded.

"I'm fine, Andy." Lu said again.

"So...you and Marc have any special plans for the holidays?" Andy questioned.

"Marc is going to Arizona with Bill and his family to spend the holidays with Bill's parents."

"And what about you?" Lu shrugged.

"Just working, I guess. With Marc gone, there's no reason why I shouldn't work."

"Except maybe to have some time to yourself. You could use the time off, Lu." Lu shook her head.

"I can't afford to take time off, Andy. I've told you that before."

"Lu, Christmas is a time for families to be together. There..."

"Marc is my family, Andy. And with him gone, there is noone. Besides, someone needs to stay here and mind the store. Sickness doesn't take a holiday." Andy was silent for a moment as she studied her partner. She knew there was something weighing heavy on her mind, something that she obviously did not want to talk about. Glancing again at the framed picture on her desk, she suspected that it had something to do with the young man in the picture.

"I need to get going, Lu. Just wanted to make sure that you're okay." Lu forced a smile.

"Have a great time with your folks, Andy. See you when you get back." Andy opened the door to leave, then turned back to Lu.

"Merry Christmas, Lu."

"Merry Christmas, Andy." After her partner had left the office, Lu picked up the picture again and held it tightly to her chest as tears once again began spilling down her cheeks.