Disclaimer: This story is written solely for the purpose of entertaining myself and hopefully those who read it.
A/N: Criminally Charmed suggested this story line and as such is entitled to some of the credit. Thanks, CC, for sending this particular plot bunny my way. Oh, and I'd best warn you, I wrote this after looking at pictures of my dad, the only physical thing I have to remember him by.-sam1
Bittersweet Recollections
Scott
I'd never really thought about Dad not being here not only for us but for International Rescue. It's been hard to adjust to the emptiness that seems to echo within each of us Tracy brothers. At first, I tried to act as if nothing had changed but every time I went into the lounge where he'd spent so many hours working or just relaxing with one or more of us. Kyrano, despite his sadness, saw through my façade and in his quiet way offered advice to help ease the pain I was feeling. I'm Scott Carpenter Tracy, a younger version of Jefferson Grant Tracy not only in appearance but also in personality and demeanor. As such, I keep my emotions bottled up until they erupt with all the raw power of Mt. Saint Helen.
It's been three years since Dad died from a massive heart attack but he's never too far from my thoughts. Sitting back in his desk chair, I try and remember one of the more special moments in my life with him…
Flashback
The quietness of the lobby of the office building was unnerving for the boy walking next to his father. At home there was very rarely a quiet moment especially with five active boys ranging in age from four to ten-years-old. Both father and son were dressed in blue jeans and a t-shirt. Athletic shoes completed their outfits for a day out.
"As soon as I drop off this file, the rest of the day will be just us," Jeff promised.
"What are we doing today, Dad?" Scott asked. "You still haven't told me where we're going or what we're doing?"
"Well, I thought that since Alan and Gordon have the chicken pox and John was staying over at Kyle's and Virgil was practicing for his upcoming recital," he said. "I thought we could go to the air show today." Scott's gaze snapped up to meet his father's.
"Which team is performing?" he asked, excitedly.
"Both," Jeff answered. "Of course the Thunderbirds will teach the Blue Angels how to best captivate a crowd." After dropping off the file, Jeff drove them to the air field where the show would take place. They had some time to kill until the military performance teams took to the air so they wandered around the various tents and booths.
"Dad, there's a simulator that the Air Force uses, can we try it out?" Scott tugged on his father's hand much like Gordon and Alan did. His enthusiasm was contagious and laughing Jeff allowed himself to be led along. Nearing the front of the line, an Air Force Sergeant recognized Jeff and nudged the man next to him.
"Colonel Tracy?" The Sergeant asked. Jeff felt Scott's posture tense as well as heard the small sigh of annoyance.
"Yes?" Jeff replied. Keeping a hand firmly on Scott's shoulder, he gently pushed him forward as the line moved.
"Would you be willing to help us?" The other man asked. "We could garner more recruits if civilians could see the famous Jefferson Tracy." Jeff's eyes narrowed in anger as he realized just who the man was.
"My contract is up and I'm here with my son," he answered. "Surely, your recruiters are more than capable of managing the task." The line moved up again and Jeff followed his son into the simulator.
"Dad, if you want to help them, I'll understand," Scott offered.
"No, Scott, the Air Force and NASA had their time as my top priority," Jeff replied. "Now, my family is my top and most important priority."
End flashback
A small mirror on a stand now sits on Dad's desk and the words printed upon it will forever and always help us deal with the loss of our parents…
As you hold me close in memory,
Even though we are apart,
My spirit will live on,
There within your heart…
I am with you always
When you lean on trusted friends
And their caring hugs enfold you,
Within their loving arms,
I'll be there to hold you…
I am with you always
And beyond the far horizon
When we'll finally be together,
Where love will be eternal
And life will last forever…
I am with you always
Author Unknown