Home » The Archives » Chapter 9 » Regrouping and Recouperation
| Re: Regrouping and Recouperation [message #225 is a reply to message #224] |
Mon, 23 July 2012 15:23   |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma:
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Field Commander
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Sunday Evening, August 12th, 2068. Tracy Island.
Virgil rubbed his hand as he walked towards the sick bay to visit Dianne. She'd arrived home Friday and although he'd wanted to see her, he knew Alex, Cherie and Tyler would want their mother to themselves for a while. He also wanted Dianne to get some rest before the other family members, including him, descended on her for a visit.
He winced as his hand throbbed again and he remembered why. He'd stopped in to see his Grandma on the way to visiting Dianne. He'd given her a hug and a kiss on the cheek and asked her how the new felines were doing.
While she'd been telling him, one of the fur balls had boldly walked up to Virgil. He'd hunkered down to pet the little thing and was laughing as the kitten playfully batted a paw at him. But as soon as Virgil's attention went back to his grandmother, the little monster attached itself to Virgil's hand with all of its sharp little claws and sank it's teeth into his skin! Virgil had yelled in pain and it took Grandma some effort to extricate the little tiger and put him back with his mother!
After some fussing and first aid, Virgil left and made his way to the sick bay, firmly deciding that he would not be offering to adopt any of the kittens!
Dianne was awake when he gently knocked on the door. She smiled at Virgil as he entered.
"Hey, Mom."
Dianne held out her hand. "Virgil!"
He gently took her hand and sat on the edge of her bed. They talked for a while, each glad to see the other. He didn't stay long, noticing that she was tiring easily and gently hugged her telling her he'd be back later.
After closing the door behind him, he paused in thought for a few minutes, then, with a decision made, he went in search of his father.
Jeff had been in the lounge briefly going over some papers on his desk but was distracted thinking of Dianne and, putting them aside, he stood and began walking towards the sick bay.
"Dad! I was just on my way to see you."
Jeff smiled, acknowledging Virgil as they met. "Really? Well, what do you need, son?"
"Can we go to your study and talk? I need to ask you something."
Jeff looked puzzled. Virgil sounded serious and it wasn't often he needed to talk in private with 'dear old dad'. "Sure, Virgil. When do you want to have this talk?"
"Well, the sooner the better, I guess."
Brown eyes met blue and even though Jeff wanted to see Dianne at this moment, he could see the worry in his son's eyes. "How about now? Would that work?" Jeff asked.
"Sure, thanks." A sudden thought crossed Virgil's mind, "Unless you were on your way to see Mom, then I can...."
"I was, but I can see that something's on your mind. Virgil, if you need to talk, I'm here," Jeff smiled.
Virgil perched himself on the edge of the desk as his father made himself comfortable in his chair. "So what's this all about, Virgil?" Jeff asked, looking at his second son and thinking how different his questioning would have been if either Gordon or Alan had been sitting in front of him. He smiled slightly at the thought. "Okay, son, what have you done and how much is it going to cost me?" Thank goodness my sons are so different!
Virgil took a deep breath, knowing his father wasn't going to like what he had to say. "I want to cancel my birthday party at Paradise Peaks." The statement was short and straight to the point.
Jeff looked at his boy and merely said, "What?"
Oh boy, here it comes!
Virgil repeated himself and this time Jeff replied, "That's what I thought you'd said. May I ask why?"
Although he seemed calm on the outside, Virgil knew by the stern tone of his father's voice that all was not calm on the inside.
"I just don't think it's the right time for a party. After everything this family has just been through, I think the last thing people want to do is party."
Jeff digested this information and said, "Son, I think a chance to relax and enjoy themselves away from here is just what some of us need. Besides, I know a number of people are looking forward to it."
Virgil sighed. In a way, Jeff was right, but Virgil knew he couldn't go through with it. "Dad, listen, I see where you're coming from but I've also seen how much damage that last rescue did to our family as well as everything else it damaged. Grandma's putting on a brave front, but Dad, I was there at the farm. I saw her face. John did, too."
Jeff saw the sadness in Virgil's face and felt the same sadness when thinking how his mother must have felt standing in the rubble of what was once her home. His home too, for that matter.
Virgil continued on, "Plus, Mom's just got home and she's in no condition to party. To be honest, Dad, I want you both to be there."
"I know, son," Jeff said quietly; he wanted Dianne to be there, too.
"I really feel what we all need is some downtime away from the world and the press and just be here, at home, together. We can still celebrate my birthday, just keep it low key and relaxed."
Virgil looked at Jeff hopefully. The Tracy patriarch remained silent for a few moments then answered, "All right, son if this is what you really want I'll cancel the reservations at Paradise Peaks and we'll do this your way."
"Thanks, Dad!" Virgil said, hopping down of the desk corner.
"Wait just a second, son. You'll need to make arrangements for catering. Then there's the decorations and music and don't forget a photographer..."
"Dad! I'm on it. I'll enlist Kyrano's help with the caterers, Gordon can help rig up a sound system, and I'll find someone to take a few photos."
Jeff laughed a little at Virgil's enthusiasm. "Okay Virgil. I'll let everyone know by e-mail but don't be surprised if there's more than one unhappy person."
"I won't be, and I'll be happy to talk to them if they want." He winked at Jeff as he turned and left the room.
Jeff smiled, then sighed and turned on his computer. He had some e-mails to send.
Post by FrankieCTB2 On 1/13/2007
  
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