Disclaimer:  Don't own them. Just borrowed. No profit.

Angie watched her father carefully select the turkey for Thanksgiving. She was looking forward to spending the holiday with her dad. The girl frowned for a second. "Dad, what's Rollie doing for Thanksgiving?"

"I don't know, Angel." Manny told his daughter, pleased that she was thinking about his apprentice. Rollie Tyler had only been with them for a few months. It showed that she was finally accepting the Australian.

Angie pondered Manny's answer for a moment as she pushed the grocery cart behind him. She glanced down at their shopping list. The next item was cranberry sauce. "Could we ask him to join us?"

Manny smiled to himself as he examined the cans of sauce. "Sure we can, but he might already have plans," he cautioned his twelve year old daughter. He couldn't believe his little baby was actually twelve! They'd had a quiet celebration on her birthday, just the two of them spending the big day together. But that evening, they'd returned to find a surprise had been left by Rollie. The gift, a silver necklace with a small emerald pendant, had pleased Angie greatly. Having real jewelry with a real gem stone, even silver and small, was a novelty for his daughter. It  made her feel so grown up and made Manny realize his baby girl was growing up fast. It was hard to believe that in less than a year, she would be a teenager!

Angie nodded in satisfaction. It wasn't right for Rollie to have to spend the holiday alone and she had a sneaking suspicion that's just how he would have spent it. If that was so, now he would spend it with them. "Do you think he'd come to watch the Macy's parade with us, Dad?"

Manny almost laughed at that question. Angie had been debating since Halloween whether she was "too old" for the parade. Now she was wondering about the man who'd play at a drop of hat. Rollie might be twenty, but inside his heart was a small child who loved to play, who somehow managed the difficult trick of making his work play and could still find wonder in life. "I think Rollie would really enjoy that, sweetheart."

Angie nodded acceptance and they went on to collect the other items on their list. The girl questioned the quantity they were buying when it came to desert. "Is that enough for all of us?"

Manny Ramirez considered his daughter's question and the pumpkin pie in the bakery. He glanced around at the other items on sale. "How about we get the pie and something else to go with it? After all, maybe Rollie doesn't like pumpkin pie."

"Okay, what?"

"What would you like, Angie?"

"Hmm, a cake?" Angie thoughtfully scratched her head and looked around. There were chocolate cakes, coconut, angel food, devil's food, red velvet, cream cakes, caramel cakes, white cakes, yellow cakes, pound cakes and a lot more. "How about an angel food cake?"

Her father grinned at the choice, "Perfect, Angel." They picked one out, went back to the produce section and got some strawberries and cherries, then returned to the dairy aisle for whipped cream. They would serve as toppings for the cake. Satisfied with their selections, they headed for the check out lines. The wait was longer than normal, mostly because of the upcoming holiday, but the Ramirez family didn't mind that much. Finally getting through the check out, they headed out to where Manny had parked his car. They filled the trunk with the groceries, then Angie returned the cart to one of the islands.

The fair haired girl scuffed her shoe lightly on the pavement, thinking as she rejoined her dark haired parent. She climbed into the passenger seat and looked at her father. "Can we ask Rollie on the way back home?" If we ask now, Angie thought to herself, he might not have made any plans yet. After all, Thanksgiving was still three days away.

Manny frowned slightly as he backed up the old Toyota. "I don't know, Angie. We need to get some of these groceries in the refrigerator. I can ask him tomorrow."

"Ah, Dad, the groceries will be fine." Angie glanced out the window. "It's nice and cold out this afternoon. Please, it's on the way."

When Angie turned pleading blue eyes on her father, his heart melted. One of these days, him giving into that look would cause problems, but... Manny didn't have the heart to deny his daughter her simple request. "Okay, we'll stop by for a minute. If Rollie's there, we'll ask him. Otherwise, I'll ask tomorrow morning. All right?"

"Good enough." Angie smiled. "Thanks, Dad."

Manny smiled and turned toward the location of Rollie's apartment. Neither had been there yet, but he had the address and knew about where it was located, not far from their own block neighborhood. This one proved to be old and worn, but it was clean and neat. Obviously, the people who lived here didn't have a lot of money, but still cared about their street. He carefully parked in front of the building and they went inside. Manny frowned slightly when he realized that visitors didn't have to be buzzed in. Of course, it wasn't his business. Rollie was his employee and the place he lived was his choice, not Manny's. Together, they climbed the stairs to the fourth floor, because there wasn't an elevator, and found Rollie's apartment number toward the back of the building. Manny smiled at his daughter, then knocked firmly.

A moment later, they heard a chain rattle and Rollie opened the door. He smiled, slightly puzzled by his boss and Angie being there. "Hi, Mister Ramirez, Angie. Can I help you?" Perhaps there had been a change in the film schedule?

"Hello Rollie. When am I going to convince you to keep calling me Manny?" Manny spoke sternly, smiling inside as the younger man flushed ever so slightly.

"Sorry, Manny. Come on in. What's up?" Rollie stepped back, opening the door wider so his visitors could come into the small, one room apartment. He was glad he'd taking the time to tidy up that morning. It wouldn't have done to have his boss come and find a mess. Definitely not the impression he wanted to make.

Angie looked around curiously, wondering how Rollie lived. She found the small room with it's used furniture a bit depressing. It was neat and clean, but seemed dingy and dull. The only real clue that Rollie lived here was the clutter of electronic and mechanical bits and pieces over on a battered desk with some technical books.

"Angie and I were wondering what you had planned for Thursday?"

Rollie blinked. Thursday? His brow puckered ever so slightly. They weren't filming for several days, starting Thursday. It was an American holiday... Thanksgiving, that was it. "Um, I thought I'd work on those gel packs and the triggers for Monday's shoot." He spoke cautiously. He really liked working with Manny and learning about special effects. He didn't want to jeopardize that.

"Oh?" Manny frowned ever so slightly, then seeing the Aussie's nervousness, smoothed the look on his face. Was he that big a slave driver that his apprentice thought he had to work holidays? "Well, all of that can wait. Angie and I want you to join us for Thanksgiving."

"I, uh, I wouldn't want to be a bother," Rollie stuttered slightly. "I... don't want to intrude. I know the holiday is for families." He ducked his head slightly, not looking at them.

Determined now, Manny spoke quickly. "Yes, Thanksgiving is for families and you're part of our family now. So you'll join us and that's that." He wasn't about to give Rollie a chance to slip out of his new 'commitment'. He nodded his head once, before continuing. "We're going to the Macy's parade. If you want to join us for that, be at the studio no later than six." He grinned at his daughter. "After all, we want a good position to watch. Or if you prefer, you can sleep in and come for lunch at one. You will stay for dinner, of course."

Rollie ran one hand through his long, wavy brown hair, his eyes a bit befuddled by the flurry of words from his boss. Parade? Lunch? Dinner? He took a deep breath, settling the butterfies in his stomach. He looked closely at Angie, catching her eyes with his warm brown ones. What did she really think of this? About an almost stranger intruding on their day? The eager look held within their blue depths, reassured him. "All... all right. I'll see you at six, I guess." He hesitated. What did one wear for parades and Thanksgiving? He mentally reviewed his wardrobe, hoping he had something appropriate.

As if the Cuban American could read the Australian's mind, Manny continued, his dark eyes twinkling. "Dress casually Rollie, but warmly. It gets cold with the wind whipping through those buidlings." He'd already seen his apprentice shivering on other days and had no desire for him to get sick. The forecast for Thanksgiving had colder temperatures.

Angie nodded in full agreement. "Yeah, it's cold, but it's fun! Thank you for coming, Rollie."

Rollie blushed and smiled. "Thank you for asking me," he told the girl, then looked up at Manny. "Thank both of you."

"Good, bring an appetite, Rollie. Come on, Angie. We have some more things to do."

Rollie shivered in the early morning air as he slipped out of bed. The heat was out, yet again. He didn't want to move, either from bed or his apartment, but he'd promised Manny and Angie he would join them for the Macy's parade and join them he would. He quickly dressed in jeans and long sleeve t-shirt. Then on went a wool sweater. This was followed by a flannel lined jacket, muffler and gloves. The weather was suppose to be getting warmer not colder, he grumbled to himself. He supposed he would get used to the reversals of Australia's weather pattern one day... maybe! He stomped his feet, already wearing wool ragg socks, into his heaviest hiking boots. He slipped over to the tiny window that opened up over an alley behind the apartment, showing the back of yet another building. Far cry from the wide open spaces of the Outback where he'd grown up. He squinted, trying to look out the dirty window with only the light from the street light at one end to help see. Were those... snow flakes?!? Bloody hell, it was snowing! His eyes rounded at the sight. It was REALLY snowing! He blinked and watched in fascination. Snow. Would they still have the parade? Rollie shivered as he wondered. He supposed so, Rick had told him that New York City was a far cry from southern California, they frequently got snow here in the winter and sometimes in late fall. Looked like this was one of those times. The Aussie wondered if it would stick as he hurried down the stairs and outdoors into the weather. Then he smiled as he looked up, feeling the flakes touch his face and melt. He'd seen snow before, but it was still a novelty to him. Maybe this time, he could make a real snow man! He'd always wanted to do that. Maybe Angie would help, show him how to do it right? He scampered down the block, anxious to arrive at 256 Brewery Lane on time.

Manny smiled as his daughter jumped up and quickly opened the door at the first knock. Then he gaped at the sight before him. His apprentice stood there, a heavy dusting of snow covering his hair and shoulders. Even from where he sat on the couch, he could see the shivers coursing through that lean body. He frowned and quickly stood up. "Get in here, right now, Rollie Tyler. You're freezing."

Angie reached out and dragged the man inside, over to the table and pushed him down to sit in a chair. With a glance at her father, she bounded up the stairs for a hot cup of coffee to warm the cold man.

Still frowning, Manny wondered if dragging Rollie back out into the cold morning was a good idea. Perhaps they should stay here and watch the parade on television instead? He went and stood over his apprentice, brushing the snow off of him and pulled Rollie's gloves off his hands. He paused and felt those hands, trying to determine just how cold, Rollie was.

"S..s...sorr...sorry." Rollie spoke, his teeth chattering. "I.. I did...n't didn't think it would get... get this cold..." He'd meant to buy a warmer jacket, to try and get some warmer gloves. Obviously, he'd not acted in time for his new climate. He'd hoped to have saved a bit more money so he could make a better purchase, perhaps even order them from home. Lined with Australian wool. That always seemed so much warmer to him. He wasn't certain if that was true or if it was in his head. The extra warmth could come from his feeling closer to home.

Manny shook his head slightly as he clucked over the young man. Angie pushed a warm mug into Rollie's cold hands and he took a sip of coffee. Slowly, he relaxed as the warmth started in his stomach and spread out. Rollie smiled apologeticly at the Ramirezes, sorry to be such a bother. The workshop was warm and welcoming, full of the things that meant Manny's (and his!) work. There were other touches that made it a home. His home? Perhaps, it was too early to tell if it was his home as well, though he felt far more welcome here, than his small, cold apartment. That was where he slept, HERE was where he felt alive - in his work with Manny and in the friendship he received from Manny and Angie.

Rollie shook himself and sat up, placing the empty mug on the table. "Shouldn't we be going now?" His brown eyes looked with curiousity at Manny and Angie.

Manny looked at Angie, the question clear in his eyes. At her small nod, he spoke finally. "I think we'd better stay here this year. It'll be a big mess with the snow." He paused as he saw the disappointment in Rollie's eyes. Disappointment that was quickly covered. He looked at his daughter and nodded, ever so carefully, toward a nearby closet. Angie grinned and hurried over to it. They'd just have to find a new present for Rollie's Christmas. "Still, it would be a shame to miss it, especially since this is your first time, Rollie." Manny smiled, "but you need to be dressed warmer than this! Fortunately, we have just the thing right here."

Angie carried the warm, heavy coat she pulled from the closet, to place it in the chair beside Rollie. The stunned look in the Australian's eyes was funny and touching.

"For...for... for me?" Rollie's voice ended on a higher note and cracked. His surprise was clear in both his face and his voice.

"For you, hurry up you two. Let's get a move on." Manny ordered as he pulled on his own winter gear. Angie obediently gathered up her coat and gloves, pulling them on and putting on some ear muffs.

Rollie reached out and tentatively touched his new coat. With a sigh, he pulled off the lighter one he was wearing and shrugged in to it. His new coat was heavily lined with wool shearling. A glimpse at the label showed that it'd been imported from Australia. He smiled as his hand stroked the lining. Angie came to stand at his side and gave him a stocking cap to pull on. The colorful wool would keep his head and ears warm. Rollie looked at it blinking and then pulled it on, carefully snugging it down over his long brown waves. "Thank you, Angie. Thank you, Manny. I... I don't know what to say."

"Don't say, come on!" Manny called as he opened the doors. "We've got a parade to watch!"

Rollie obediently followed Angie outside with a wide, excited smile. Thanksgiving. Well, the holiday's name said it all. Rollie Tyler knew he had a lot to be thankful for. This day had proved he had even more to give thanks for than he'd thought - a new, exciting job, a new boss who was concerned about him and his friend. Rollie looked down at the young girl. New friends, maybe who would be his new family. He smiled as the snow flurries continued to fall around them. A lot to give thanks for...