Livin La Vida Loca, Pt. 3
Franchesca's Story
Author: Kitchens, Cassie
E-mail:
kitchensyevette@hotmail.comSummary: What Franchesca's feelings are throughout the funeral, and the reception.
Disclaimer: I don't own JAG. They belong to Don Bellisario and CBS/Paramount. I also got some sense and realized there was a difference between Zulu time, Romeo time, and Military time. I hope now the times make more sense.
0900 hours
Arlington Nat'l cemetery
Arlington, VA
Franchesca Chegwidden is sitting in the first row of chairs lining the gazebo, and cried. She wept openly, and her friends couldn't console her. Of course they couldn't. If you'd lost your father, would you want sympathy? She couldn't blame her friends. It was just as hard for them, too.
She gazed at the paper she held in her hands; the poem and stories to share with everyone.
Soon, the funeral had started, and Harm had called her up to speak. As she spoke, her words caused Mrs. Rabb, and Mrs. Roberts to cry even harder.
"Changes, By Franchesca Cheggwidden"
A little boy marches by today. He smiles and holds tight the hand of his grandpa, who so long ago, had fought in foreign lands.
A teenage boy comes by today, he smiled at the scene, his friends were joining up with him to earn the name Marine.
Young recruit jogs by today, he jodies with the breeze. His cammie hat and cammie pants blended with the trees.
An old Marine ships out today, his face all grim and tight. He wonders as he nears the front, will I survive the fight?
No little boy comes by today, a man now takes his place. His childhood was left behind, the war had aged his face.
An old Marine stood near today; he smiled through the flood of tears that came with the memories of friends who'd shed their blood.
A little girl now watched him cry, and swore that she would earn, the pride behind those tearful eyes. Soon it would be her turn.
" I guess I should replace the Marine with Seal or JAG. But my father was more than just a military man. He was a good leader, a good father, a wonderful friend. He touched the lives of everyone he met, and was especially nice to the ladies."
At this point, Franchesca became so overwrought with emotion that Harm had to take over. He finished out the rest of the story, ending with the words,
"A friend is but a single soul that dwelleth in two bodies."
~ Frankie, (as she called herself), you must pull yourself together. Come on. Don't put yourself down for this. ~
Next to her, Sarah Jane Rabb was holding her mother. She smiled at Franchesca, and squeezed her hand. Franchesca smiled back. She's an ok kid. ~
The funeral ended with Harm, "Mac", Bud, and Harriet all adding their final wishes, and with "Wind bentheah my Wings" playing in the background.
1030 hours
The Rabb Residence
Franchesca sat on the Rabbs comfy green couch. It was made of heather green velveteen, and it could hold up to 5 people comfortably. She was wedged between Sarah and Harriet. She looked around the room. The carpet was a dusky rose color, and the walls were off white, with roses in the trim. The beautiful cherry oak entertainment set against the northern wall set off the walls.
Mic Brumby and his wife were there, seated on the love seat. Caroline Keith and her husband sat at the other end of the couch. Bud was on the floor, and Harm was in the easy chair. It was the picture of relaxation.
They sat listening as Brumby told of his life to date, but Franchesca kept zoning out. She was playing her memories over and over in her head.
End of Part 3------------------------------------------------------------
