Meeting the Beckers
Rating: T
Spoilers: major ones for series 5
Description: A peak inside Becker's family. Becker has gone through major trauma and the family witnesses it. Then he seems to lighten up and they want to know why. They also suspect there is a who involved.
Author's Note: Kind of a prequel to Age Difference. Ashley, Becker's bro is the same character. This is pre-ship Becker/Jess. Major references to series 5. Story starts after series 3. Around 4000 words for all chapters.
Update: I'm in the process of editing it for spelling.
Meeting the Beckers
"What the hell's wrong with him?" asked Ashley.
"I don't know, but he's changed," said Lionel.
"You're imagining it," said their mother. "He's just having a bad day."
General Alistair Becker sat at his dinner table watching his family. His wife Alice and his two younger sons were in the dining room with him. His eldest was outside. The General could see him through the window. He was standing under their old oak tree.
His family might be baffled by Hilary's behavior, but he wasn't. He was an old military man, and had been through it all. His son was simply going through another phase in a military man's life. Unfortunately, it was one of the more difficult.
"Let's ask him to go out again," said Ashley.
"OK, but he'll say no," said Lionel.
"Hilary has always had a quiet, reflecting side, why are you so worried?"
"Mum, this isn't the same. He's moody and sullen and it's constant. He jokes, but you can see he's not happy," said Ashley.
"It's in his eyes, Mum," said Lionel.
"I still say you're over-reacting."
"No they aren't, dear," said the General at last. "But your mother is right that you should leave him alone. You can't do anything to help. It has to run its course."
"It?" asked his wife.
"Yes dear, it: grief, guilt, doubt, and lots of other emotions. They're all hitting him at once and he's re-thinking his entire life and doubting his very existence."
"That's heavy, Dad," said Ashley.
His father grinned. "It is indeed. I hope you never have to go through it. I have faith, however, that Hilary will come through it, just as I did."
His wife stared and then seemed to remember and understand. Tears formed in her eyes. "Poor Hilary." She turned and left the dining room.
The general smiled and watched through the window, waiting. Sure enough, his wife soon appeared outside, beside his son.
"Honey, I'm not going to bother you or ask you to talk. I just want to remind you that we're here. We love you," and she leaned up to kiss her son's cheek.
"I know Mum."
She nodded and went inside.
"So, we just leave him?" asked Lionel.
The general nodded.
"Dang. This upsets the whole plan. We always have three of us when he hit the clubs. Now I have to come up with a new strategy," said Ashley.
"You could just call one of your friends to be a wing man," said Lionel.
"That won't work, stupid. Hil's always the bait. I guess it's time for little brother to step up. I am cute," Ashley said with a wink.
His mother agreed. "Yes, dear, you are."
"But he lacks Hil's subtlety and charm," said Lionel. Lionel was the second oldest, so he often found Ashley to be immature.
Ashley glared at him. "Let's go. Don't wait up folks."
"Be polite, Ash," called his mother. "I raised gentlemen. Don't forget that when you go to pick up chicks."
The boys stared at their mother.
"Please don't ever say that again," said Ashley.
Lionel nodded. "It's weird," said Lionel, "and a bit sickening."
Ashley nodded as the general smiled. The boys left, leaving the parents alone in the dining hall. The General kept staring out the window at his eldest son.
"I hate seeing Hilary like this," said Mrs. Becker. "I miss his smile, the twinkle in his eyes. I expect his quiet moods, but if you're right then this mood is not going away soon."
"He'll be OK. He's strong."
"He shouldn't go through this alone."
"He has to."
"You didn't dear, or have you forgotten?" she said, her hands on her hips.
The general smiled. "No, I haven't. You were a blessing from heaven. I shudder to think what I would have been without you. You saved me."
They were quiet for a moment.
"I'm praying," said Hilary's mother at last. "Praying for peace for him, and us." She picked up the dinner plates and began leaving the room, then she turned. "I'll pray for his own blessing from heaven," she said with a wink.
The general smiled. As he was left alone, the general mused out loud, "It will take a special kind of woman."
End of Chapter One