Five or Six? AKA Plugging a plot hole.
Author: Alicia
Genre: attempt to plug a plot hole
Summary: Let's assume that Bud saying AJ is six isn't a continuity issue.
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: I don't own JAG. I'm just trying to give DPB the benefit of the doubt. (Though I have no idea why.)
This hasn't been beta read. All mistakes are mine.
Bud and Harriet's house
After AJ's been put to bed.
"I can't believe he ran away. Bud. We need to spend more time with him."
"Harriet, it's not our fault he ran away."
"Really! When was the last time either one of us spent time alone with AJ?"
"We spend time with him every day."
"I said time alone with him."
Bud stops and thinks a minute. "I can't remember."
"That's not all you can't remember." Harriet snorts.
"What is that supposed to mean?"
"Mike called while you were talking with AJ. He said you accused him of being unable to take care of a six-year-old child."
"So what?"
"So what? So what? Bud, AJ isn't six. He's only five."
"No, he's six."
"Oh my god! You don't know how old your son is. I realize you were trapped in an elevator but trust me AJ's five. I had to push him out without benefit of drugs on the floor of the Admiral's office and believe me I remember. AJ was born on May 18, 1999. That makes him five and that's only because I'm rounding up!"
"He's not six?"
"No, Bud, he's not."
Bud sits down in a chair and just stares into space.
"I really told Mikey, I mean Mike, that he's six?"
"Yeah, you did."
"Oh my god. I think I need to take a serious look at my life."
Harriet kneels in front of Bud.
"Bud?"
"Well, I had my son's age wrong. I told my brother he was a screw up and I had to think twice about if I was going to fly home when I knew my son was missing. I've been so busy trying to prove I can still be a naval officer without my leg that I've been ignoring my family."
"I haven't been much better. I was so busy setting up that USO tour and dealing with Jimmy that's I've ignored AJ too. After Sarah I thought we'd never have any more kids. I was so excited about Jimmy and having another baby in the house that I guess I ignored AJ. We both need to do better."
Harriet reaches out and hugs Bud
"I'm just glad he's back, Bud."
"Me too and I promise I'll be a better father, Harriet."
"Don't make a promise you can't keep."
"I will keep this one."
