Bubba's Past

An In the Heat of the Night Fan Fic

Disclaimer: I own no names or places of ITHOTN. Only the story is mine.

Prologue

Tuscaloosa, Alabama 1969

The rain had come unexpectedly that evening as the man waited impatiently inside the Italian restaurant. His date was forty five minutes late. He'd hoped that she hadn't stood him up.

He was about to leave when a stylish red head walked in. He stood up.

"I was afraid you were not going to show up tonight."

She kissed him. "I'm sorry V L. I'm running late. I had a phone call from mother."

V L grimaced. "Let me guess, Dana. She doesn't approve of us dating."

"V L, She's set in her ways. You know her parents.."

"I know I know. Is one of the oldest families in Sparta Mississippi. But she moved to Alabama for your dad."

"Mother loves Daddy. Besides, I would follow you to Egypt if you asked me to."

V L smiled. College life was going well. His football career under Coach Bryant was going well. And now he was going to tell this beautiful creature he wanted to make her Mrs. V L Skinner.

"I have something to tell you, Dana. You know we are six months out of graduating at the University of Alabama. I was wondering if you would consider being my wife." He produced a beautiful heart shaped cut diamond ring.

Dana felt tears forming in her eyes. If only he hadn't done this tonight.

"V L, I love you. But I can't marry you."

V L had a questionable look on his face. "Say what?"

"I found out a few weeks ago that I'm pregnant. Somehow the test results were sent to my parents. They're sending me North to visit family. I leave in the morning."

"How far North?"

"Vermont. I'll write you as soon as I can."

V L smiled a sad little smile. "Here. Keep this ring. Who knows. We might meet up again in the future."

The next morning after promises of writing and keeping V L in the loop with the baby, a tearful Dana boarded the bus that would take her to her new home.

She never knew it, but V L would change too. He quit college and went home to Sparta Mississippi. He had his one proud name of Virgil Lawrence changed to what everyone called him in high school. Bubba.

As far as Bubba was concerned, V L was dead.