My first posted fanfic, although not my first Thunderbirds story.
I don't own them, but wish I did all the time.
John is the eldest in this story for two reasons, I believe that it creates a more interesting family dynamic and in the movie, in my opinion, John was also portrayed as the eldest!
And I just want to say thank you to my very bestest friend for all her unwavering support, and putting up with my constant worrying! Enjoy, and please read and review.
THE DRAWING
Chapter 1
The Diary of Virgil Tracy
3rd October 1992
It happened again today. Scott wasn't there but he can't protect me all the time. Plus he reckoned he sorted it out before, but then it just started again and I couldn't be bothered to say anything. It's different now he's in high school, as really we shouldn't mix. They have lots of work to do apparently! It's alright for Gordon and Alan, they're together and they do see me sometimes but…it's seen as weird if your younger brothers look after you. They're in the 2nd Grade, and I'm in 6th Grade! If only Scott was a few years younger.
It was great at the beginning as James was on vacation. The teachers weren't happy but it was loads better for me! The night before the first day was great cos I knew that James was going to be on vacation. It was nice to have a final meal together with the six of us, well five, not including Alan, the baby!!
The previous month, at the Tracy mansion, Massachusetts
"Virgil, are you going to be OK at school this year?" asked Jeff Tracy, who was a business man and father to his five sons. Their Mum, Lucy, had died in a skiing accident the previous winter.
"Too right!" grinned 11-year-old Virgil. "I'm trying out for the State Musical Championship."
"Third year running," winked Scott to his eldest brother, 16-year-old John.
"Scott, John?" asked Jeff, and the two eldest looked at each other wearily. They know exactly what was coming as it happened every year without fail. "How's school?"
"Fine," smiled Scott. "Exceeding every teacher's expectation and still on-line to achieve the highest grade point average ever!"
"Wonderful news. John?"
"So, so..."
"John," pressed Simon.
"Fine Dad. Every year you ask us the same question and every year it's the same. I'm still working towards achieving a scholarship at Cambridge."
"Where's that?" asked Gordon.
"England," replied John.
"Whatd'ya wanna go there for?" asked Gordon.
"It's a nice place, even though it's a bit cold! Plus it is one of the best places for Engineering and Computer Science."
"Wow," admired Gordon. "I think you'll be a great computer whiz!"
"Thanks Gordy," grinned John, ruffling his younger brother's hair. Gordon made a face.
"What's the matter? Does Gordy not like his new name?" teased Scott.
"No, everyone at school calls me it and I'm starting to hate it!"
"What do you wanna do then when you're older, Gordy?" asked John, and smiled at his face. "Fine, Gordon…"
"Swim…"
"What? Be an Olympic swimmer or something?" admired Virgil, "that's cool," and Gordon nodded.
"Well, I'm pleased we've all got our future mapped out but some of us have work to do," joked Jeff, as he made to get up.
"Hey," retorted Scott, "you've not asked me yet?"
"OK, what are you going to do then?"
"Join the USAF…" and he grinned round proudly at everyone's shocked faces.
"Wow, I can't believe it…I'd actually know someone who did that! I mean you watch all the movies with the cool pilots but never thought I'd know someone who did that," admired Gordon, looking proudly at Scott.
"Do you want something, Gordy?" asked Scott. "I mean, you're sucking up to me and John like a leech!"
"Do I have to always want something just cos I look up to you two," retorted Gordon, hurt. "I really think it's great that you know what you wanna do!"
"OK, OK…I've gotta go now. Baseball's on."
"But…" started Virgil, "what about me? I wanna…"
And John smiled at his younger brother before saying, "musician come painter."
"Is it really that easy to see?" asked Virgil, in surprise.
"Look Virg," added Scott, turning to look back at the table from the doorway. "People with your sort of talent, don't just waste it. You'll ace the music championship this year!"
"Really?" asked Virgil, and his eyes lit up, after Scott nodded and smiled. Eventually Scott wandered into the vast lounge at the back of the house.
Virgil knew that the following school year was going to be great. As long as he had his music he was happy. James Archer could not ruin it for him, not again…
Jeff's office
"Dad, you got a minute?" asked John, after knocking on his dad's door.
"Sure, what's up, John?" and Jeff turned away from his computer to face his eldest son.
"I'm um, just worried about…you know the press…"
Jeff frowned, "were they OK last year?" and John nodded slowly.
"Guess so…but, just cos Virg is going for state championship and I don't want his chances ruined by those jerks!"
"I agree, John…I'll look into it tonight."
John smiled, "thanks dad, don't want another episode like last year…I mean, we wouldn't want anything to happen, cos…" but it was too late, John had regained Jeff's attention.
"John…what happened?"
"Nothing dad, nothing…well, nothing that we couldn't fix. Was just Scott, and you know what his temper's like.
"On the school grounds?" and John shook his head slowly.
"John! You know I have no control outside the grounds...and if the press catch you out of school, they are within their rights. I expected better from you…and Scott, I'll talk to him before tomorrow. Don't worry, I won't mention your name." John nodded before leaving the room.
"Are you really having trouble with the press?!" asked a voice, suddenly appearing infront of John. There was no mistaking the awe in his voice.
John jumped at the voice, and stared at his younger brother.
"You shouldn't listen into private conversations, Virg…but it's nothing me and Scott can't handle. You concentrate on your music!"
Virgil sighed as John walked upstairs. He was never told anything.
3rd October 1992
How wrong I was….
But Virgil had to stop writing as the tears started to fall on to his paper. He glanced out of his bedroom window in the school dorm, slowly shutting his diary with the incomplete entry. The night was closing in. The tears started to fall faster as he realised what the next day was going to bring.