Home » The Archives » Chapter 9 » Regrouping and Recouperation
| Re: Regrouping and Recouperation [message #279 is a reply to message #278] |
Mon, 23 July 2012 15:58   |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma:
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Field Commander
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John kept an ear on the jumbled background noise that made up his job, and kept an eye on the vid feed from his family. Virgil's piano number had him tapping his feet in time with the jazzy piece, and he was looking forward to the "special number" that Gordon had announced.
"Hm," he murmured. "Where's Kat? I don't see her in the lounge." The camera, held by Gordon, was panning slowly across the room again. Cherie's tired face suddenly appeared and she waved, mouthing words at him, then blowing him a kiss. He smiled, and watched Scott guide her out from the room, heading up the few stairs into the study. They were followed by the Carmichaels, saying their good nights, Drew's hand resting on the small of Maggie's back. A dark-haired woman passed by them, greeting them soundlessly, then stepping down into the lounge. She sat down beside Lisa, who turned briefly from Kyrano to speak with her. "Who's that? The counselor?" he wondered, frowning a little. "I still don't see Kat," he said again, his frown deepening. "Where could she be?"
A soft chime to his right, signaled an incoming email. He craned his neck over, and saw the address pop up on his computer screen. "Kat?" He rolled his chair over, and opened up the missive. A soft dance tune that John didn't recognize started up in the background.
Dear John,
I suppose you are puzzled as to why I am writing now, when Virgil's party is very likely still in full swing. It's not that I wasn't enjoying myself; I was, very much so. But I have never been one for dressing up in glad rags or wearing heels, and my feet were beginning to ache, most likely from my new shoes. I wanted nothing more than to put them up and have a quiet moment or two to myself. Also, I found myself missing you. As much fun as the party was, I would have found it far more enjoyable had we been together.
In any case, I thought I would write and tell you all about it. I went over to the party with Heather Kennedy, our newest recruit. She and I share the elevator between us, and she needed someone to guide her to the fête. She wore a lovely red velvet gown and a ruby necklace. I was quite pleased with my own frock, though it was not a full-length gown as hers was. I hope you were able to see me in it.
The buffet was full of delicious food, some of it catered and brought in from Christchurch. Parker was pressed into service as barkeep and server. Kyrano, Lisa, Mrs. Carmichael and Mrs. Tracy were assisted by Mrs. Anna Hanson. I have heard she is a counselor and is here to help those involved in Thunderbird Seven's crash.
Lady Penelope was there, of course, looking very chic in black. She was quite taken with the fact that we girls all wore red; I made a joke that, on Tracy Island, red was this year's black. I wish I could have spoken longer with her, but we are to have tea tomorrow and a good long chat to each other.
Gordon was quite the nuisance at times with the vid camera, and Alan only less so. Both were very busy filming and making silly comments about this and that. I am sure the recording will be very funny; Virgil suggested that we might have a movie night and view it. I shall ask him to wait until you are back on earth so you can view it, too.
I sang at the karaoke, and felt very foolish doing so, though I had many kind compliments about my singing. I chose the song, "The Closest Thing To Crazy". It was interesting to hear each of the other singers. I noticed that your brothers shied away from the karaoke, except for Alex, who, I am sorry to say, does not sing well. Cherie also took a turn, but does not have a good voice. Perhaps as they grow older, their musical talents will develop. Tyler did not sing, but I believe Joshua tried to. Oh, he was so adorable in his little fireman's suit! Dom told me that when Josh heard the words, "Dress up," he took it to mean a costume, and would not settle for anything else.
Your father made a lovely toast to Virgil, and your grandmother insisted on pinching his cheeks! He took it well, and later on, we danced together. He said he was dancing with all of his lady guests, and I told him his feet would ache at the end of the night. I managed to dance with nearly all the gentlemen, save your father and Dr. Carmichael. I even danced with Brains! However, had you been there, I should have saved all my dances for you. Well, perhaps I would have let the birthday boy cut in.
I hope enjoyed what you saw and heard of the party. I miss you, and hope to hear from you again soon.
Love,
Kat
John shot a look at the vid screen. A slow dance was going on, and for not the first time, he wished he were there with his family. Still, it was nice that Kat missed him. He listened to the music as he replied to her email.
Dear Kat,
Thanks for telling me about the party. I'll have to admit that the vid feed and music are better than nothing, but it makes me want to be there, too. I did see you in your dress; you looked very pretty, and the dress was very flattering. I'm sorry to hear that your feet ached so much, but you did do a lot of dancing, and perhaps had your toes stepped on once or twice. If it was Gordon, believe me, he does it to annoy and not because he can't dance! He'll be uploading the vid to me later on, so I can hear the conversation as well as see what else I missed. Too bad he can't upload some of the food; just hearing you talk about it made my mouth water!
I have been able to hear the karaoke piped up here. You did very well with your song and have nothing to be ashamed of. I'm afraid that you're right about Alex and Cherie, and the same goes for me and all of my brothers. We are not singers! Only Tyler can carry a tune. I'm surprised Mom didn't try and get him to sing. I was surprised that she didn't sing either, but I suppose that singing would be a bit painful still. Grandma P sure belted out a song though, didn't she? And watching her dance with Kyrano! Wish I knew where he learned that move! That is not like him at all!
I take it that Mrs. Hanson was that dark-haired lady I saw. I got the email about her coming on board. You're right about Josh, he sure was a bundle of firefighting energy. I'll have to ask Dom where he got his suit. I might try something like that for our next formal event... of course, Grandma would have my hide if I did. As far as the "pinching cheeks" business is concerned, she does that to all of us, every year, just as if we were six again. Tyler makes the funniest face when she does it and he's still young enough for it to be sort of permissible. He and Alex sure got smeared with cake and frosting. Mom is not going to be happy about that.
Well, I'd better get back to work. Thanks again for telling me about the party. I'm sorry to have missed it, but... well, I feel good knowing that Callie's had a birthday celebration with her family, too. Looking forward to seeing you again.
Regards,
John
He checked his spelling -- being an author, he was particular about that -- and sent the missive off. Then he rolled his chair back over to where he could see what was happening on Tracy Island.
Post by Tikatu on 3/2/2007
  
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