Home » The Archives » Chapter 11 » Regaining Momentum
| Re: Regaining Momentum [message #388 is a reply to message #387] |
Mon, 23 July 2012 20:31   |
artisticrainey
Messages: 1228
Registered: July 2012
Location: Northern Ireland
Karma:
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Field Commander
Switzerland |
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Friday, October 5, 9:30 AM, Tracy Island time; somewhere over the South Pacific
Will sat in the co-pilot's seat of the Tracy jet. Scott had flown from Tracy Island to Scottsdale Air Park while John slept, and they would switch on the return trip. So, not to disturb the eldest Tracy son, Will had gone forward. He and John had chatted easily for some time, pausing only when Will went to the galley to get food or drinks for them.
Finally, the talk had faded into a friendly silence, leaving each man with his thoughts. Will went back over the events of the last several days. Getting Carl up to speed on the job was the easiest thing he'd had to do. Getting his things packed up was harder. Good thing I had an SUV. I had more stuff than I thought. But I was able to get rid of a lot. And my folks were willing to store what I brought down, but didn't want to take with me. And Jenny and her family can sure use the car.
The most difficult thing was telling his family how far away he'd be going to live and work. His mother was especially distressed.
"Australia? Why on earth would you take that job? What kind of life will you have when so far from family, Will?"
"I'll be fine. I've already met several co-workers. They all seem very friendly. I'm told I'll even learn how to fly."
"Flight? You don't know how to fly. How are you going to meet a nice girl?"
Will had laughed, then hugged her. "Mom, you have a one track mind. Look, if I'm supposed to find someone, I'll find her no matter where I live. And if not, well, so be it. It won't be the end of the world. But it might comfort you to know that there are plenty of unattached women in Australia. I haven't even met all my co-workers, yet."
"I suppose it does somewhat. But what about your living arrangements?"
"I'm sure I'll find a suitable apartment and can purchase furniture. I brought my other stuff with me, to take there."
Will's mother had insisted on going through what he had, and pronounced some of it too old or too ugly to use. So she went shopping - something she loved to do anyway - and returned home with a trunkload of items for him. Fortunately, she knew him well enough to stick to things he'd like and use.
He got to know his brother's new girlfriend, Helena, and liked her. She seemed to fit in with the family very well, and showed a deep affection, at least, for Mitchell. He even spent an evening at his sister's, having dinner, playing with the kids and watching a movie they had picked out.
Also during this time, a couple of parties were thrown for him. Neighbors, friends and relatives came from far and near to say goodbye and wish him well. He accepted their good wishes, but told them that he'd probably be back for visits from time to time. "I just don't know when yet."
Will had called Jeff, to let him know that his mother insisted on him staying with them until the fourth, so he couldn't start work sooner. He also asked his new employer how to arrange for shipping of his things, and was told that two of the older Tracy sons would fly out to pick him up, so he could bring everything with him. Will gave him the name of the nearest airport and was told he'd be contacted about the arrival time.
The jet had landed at 7:30 in the morning, and Will was there to meet it, along with his parents. They helped load everything into the cargo hold, then Joanna suddenly burst into tears.
"Mom! What's wrong?"
"Y-you're going so far away!" she wailed.
He took her in his arms. "I wasn't exactly just around the corner for the last two years, you know."
"But you were" sniff "not out of the country. You won't" sniff "be able to come home as often. I'll miss you!"
"And I'll miss you, Mom. But we can keep in touch by phone and emails. And I will come home whenever I can."
"Promise?"
"Promise. Now stop crying, and give me a smile. It's time to go."
Poor Mom, Will thought. She won't be happy until I'm married, have kids, and live within five miles of her and Dad. It may happen someday - or part of it will - but not for a while.
"Will?"
Startled out of his thoughts, he turned to John. "What's up?"
"We're about a half hour away from the island. Would you mind rousing Scott? He'll want to be fully awake when we land."
"Okay."
Will headed back into the cabin and shook Scott gently. When the other man opened his eyes and looked at him, he said, "Did you sleep well?"
"Yes, until you woke me up. I was having this dream... Why'd you wake me, anyway?"
"We're about half an hour from landing. John thought you'd like to be awake when we do."
"He was right. Thanks. Why don't you go back to the cockpit so you can get an aerial view of the island? I know you couldn't when you were here before."
"Thanks. I'd like to do that. See you on the ground."
"Right." Scott grinned at him.
Will headed back to the cockpit, ready to begin a new phase of his life.
Posted by hobbeth on October 16, 2007
  
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