Sorry for the delay, hope you enjoy the extra long chapter.
TBTBTBTBTBTBTBTBTBTB
Day 9:
Once the bedside drawer was closed, Virgil swung his legs out of his bed and attempted to stand up. 'Oh God,' he inwardly groaned, feeling a wave of unexpected giddiness hit him. Sitting himself back down, Virgil lowered his head and exhaled slowly. He knew the exhaustion that he'd been feeling must be catching up with him again, but he didn't have time for this. He really wanted out of this day, nine times was enough, a tenth would not be acceptable! Beginning to feel somewhat composed, he raised his head and slowly brought himself into a standing position once more.
"Hey Virgil, what's taking you…" Kayo paused, taking in Virgil's pale appearance as he changed into his jogging bottoms and top. "Are you alright?"
"Yes," he answered, "just a bit tired from the back-to back rescues we've been having."
"I can see," she stated, noting the dark bags under his eyes, "look, if you need more rest then I can let the others know."
"And face an insufferable amount of smothering from Scott, I don't think so… Besides," he added, signalling towards the alarm, "we've got a mission to complete, right?"
"Yes, about that" she replied looking slightly guilty, "it's not a normal mission…"
"Yes, I know, it's the Christmas decorating," he finished for her.
"You remembered?"
"At first no… But now I do, and I believe this particular 21st of December will remain in my memory forever!"
"Why?"
"That would be difficult to explain without me sounding like I'm completely crazy."
"I would never think that!"
Virgil chuckled to himself. "Oh, you would!"
Kayo folded her arms. "No, I wouldn't!"
"Sorry," Virgil apologetically mumbled, fearful that Kayo was now scowling at him in the exact same way as the previous repeat.
"Why would you think I'd react like that?"
Virgil quickly racked his mind for an answer that would satisfy her. "A dream."
"A dream?"
"Yes," he responded, placing his arm around her, "a dream… It involved Christmas decorating, and for some reason you, grandma, and all my brothers thought I was mad… It was extremely vivid which is why I will always remember this day."
"Oh, okay," Kayo replied, instantly excepting his explanation, "they were probably caused by the tiredness you're feeling, and I'm guessing that you were eating late again?"
"Yes," Virgil nodded, making sure not to make eye contact for fear of being caught in his white lie.
"So, you are sure you don't want to rest up?"
"No, I'll be okay, but I would like to push the decorating back an hour or two."
"Why?"
"I really need to talk with Brains."
"Brains?"
"Yes, will you please let grandma know that I won't be long?"
"You can tell her yourself!"
"Oh, hi grandma."
Sally frowned at Virgil then regarded Kayo. "Could you please go and join the others in the command centre?"
"Of course," Kayo answered, giving Virgil's shoulder an encouraging squeeze before leaving the room.
"So, you want to go and speak to Brains before we start the Christmas decorating?"
"Yes please."
"Can it wait until after?"
"It's kind of important."
"Wait," Sally interrupted, her eyes twinkling with delight, "have you finally plucked up the courage to tell him how you feel?"
"I err…" Virgil stumbled beginning to turn a slight red, "I had, but now I'm not too sure."
"Because of Moffy?"
"He's not seeing her."
"He's not dating someone else, is he?"
"No."
"Then why not?"
"Because what if I'm wrong and he doesn't like me?"
"He definitely likes you."
"Are you sure?"
"Oh Virgil, even though you are an intelligent young man. Sometimes you don't see what is plainly staring you in the face."
"Grandma," Virgil questioned hopefully, "do you really think he does?"
"Virgil, sweetheart… Open those lovely eyes of yours."
"But what if you are wrong?"
"I was right when I said you liked him, wasn't I?"
Virgil rubbed the back of his neck with his hand. "Yes, you were."
"Well then!"
But what if I tell him… He doesn't reciprocate the feelings… Then he hates me… And never speaks to me again… And…"
"Wow, Virgil… Sweetheart, it's okay," Sally said, pulling him into her arms, "you know Brains would never hate you."
Virgil silently nodded.
Sally leaned out of the hold and regarded her grandson. "Then why say it?"
"I err… don't know."
"Yes, you do."
Virgil exhaled heavily. "I don't want to be hurt again!"
"Who hurt you?"
"My ex, and a couple of other guys."
"I hope your brothers sorted them out?"
"Yes," Virgil released a knowing smile, "well, Scott did!"
"Good, no one hurts one of my boys and gets away with it!" Sally replied firmly. "You know, you can't let being hurt hold you back… Did you know that I nearly missed out on being with your grandpa because I was fearful of being hurt again?"
"Who hurt you?" Virgil questioned.
"Henry Fields, we dated for just over a year, we broke up when I found out he'd been seeing another girl behind my back. I was single for two years, and I remember swearing I would never date again. Then I met your grandpa, he asked me out, but I turned him down. Thankfully I had a dear friend who saw how much I liked him and talked some sense into me… And well, the rest you know."
"Yes, you were engaged and married within a year."
"Well, when you know what's the point in waiting," gripping onto both of his hands, Sally looked into Virgil's eyes, "how does Brains make you feel?"
"He's wonderful," Virgil wistfully sighed, his face instantly igniting.
"Then tell him," she said firmly before giving her grandson a quizzical look. "If you weren't thinking of telling Brains how you felt then why do you need to see him so urgently?"
"It's difficult to explain, but I promise that once I've spoken to Brains, if his theory remains the same, I will come and talk to you and the others."
"Okay," Sally answered, with a mild look of confusion, "go and speak to him, but try not to be too long. Your younger brothers are really looking forward to putting the decorations up… And today is a special day!"
"Yeah," Virgil sniffed, "it is."
Noticing the tears that Virgil was trying to hide, Sally reached up, soothingly wiped them away, and then ruffled his hair. "Go on, go and speak to him."
Virgil placed a kiss on her head. "Thanks grandma."
"And make sure you tell him how you feel," she called after him as he dashed out of the room.
… …
"Hey Brains," he called out from behind the closed door, "can I come in?"
The door opened, and Max beeped at Virgil.
"Morning Max."
Releasing a series of happy beeps at seeing his friend, Max moved back over to Brains who was standing by his bed with his own Christmas decorations box in his hands.
"S…So, for what do I owe this…" Brains stopped, and observed Virgil's features. "You look e…exhausted."
"Just a bit." Virgil admitted.
"W…Would you like to sit down?"
"Yes please."
Placing the box on the bed, Brains summoned Virgil over to his sofa. Once they had both settled, Brains spoke once more. "So, what did you n…need to see me about?"
"I needed to tell you something. I err…" Virgil paused and breathed out, 'deal with the day repeating first, feelings later,' he thought to himself before continuing, "the day is repeating!"
"What?"
"I'm experiencing a Groundhog Day."
"A G…Groundhog Day?"
"Yes… It's not a practical joke… I'm not feeling sick… I'm not having a breakdown… Nothing is impossible... Oh, and I'm guessing from the look on your face you are experiencing a major déjà vu."
"Err… Yes… Y…Yes, I am," Brains confirmed gawping at him in shock.
"You do believe me, right?"
"Yes… Yes, I do," Brains answered while fiddling with his glasses, "I a…actually woke up this morning t…thinking about that film."
"You did?"
"Yes, and since then I've been having o…occasional bursts of déjà vu, and now… Well, as you mentioned the déjà vu feeling is very strong. We've had a similar c…conversation before?"
"Yes, we have!"
"How many times have you experienced the same day?"
"Including the original day, then this is the ninth time,"
"And I'm g…gathering from the look on your face and the dark bags underneath your eyes you want this to s…stop?"
"Yes."
"Have either of us had any t…theories as to why this is h…happening?"
"Yes," Virgil confirmed with a heavy sigh, "and to explain it better, it may be best if I outline the repeating days first."
"That would be h…helpful, it may also aid us in c…coming up with some f…further ideas."
Virgil nodded, then glanced over to Max who was standing quietly by the bed. "You know, Max hasn't been here when we've gone through this, maybe he could listen this time and offer his own conclusion?"
"Good idea, M…Max, could you c…come here please?"
Beeping his compliance, Max rolled over to them.
Brains smiled at his robot friend. "Do you r…remember me e…explaining to you the c…concept of a G…Groundhog Day?"
Max beeped an affirmative.
"Good, b…because it is h…happening to Virgil… And I n…need you to help us work out why, okay?"
Max released a series of beeps which signalled he understood
"O…Okay then," Brains said, focussing back on Virgil, "are you r…ready?"
Nodding his head, Virgil slowly exhaled, and hoping it would be the final time he had to do so, he began to run through the major points of each repeating day. Which Included the accident that he had upon discovering Kayo and Scott together. The injections he and Alan had to receive… With a side-note to Max not to use coconut if baking for himself or Alan… The merriment of the previous repeat, with details on how his family had believed that he was losing the plot, the two of them chilling with the latest edition of Star Wars, and Brains suggestion that he conduct his own 'montage.' Then finally, Virgil revealed the detailed history of the music box, why the song was special, how during the seventh repeat he had managed to play it on his own, and the new theory that he had to play the song surrounded by those he loved.
"Well, I do agree that the montage would be hilarious," Brains stated, when Virgil had finally finished talking.
"And your most recent theory?" Virgil asked.
"I'm a…afraid that hasn't c…changed."
"Oh," Virgil responded, quickly wiping away a tear that had trickled onto his cheek.
Brains gripped Virgil's hands. "S…Sorry."
"Not your fault."
Summoning Virgil into his arms, Brains held him tightly as he continued to talk. "I can be there with you when you tell them, that's if you want me too?"
"Of course," Virgil confirmed, leaning out of the hold and looking into Brains eyes, "I have to share the song with those I love, and I love you… Err…" Virgil bit his lip, desperately trying to think his way out of what he had said. Despite what his grandma had said, and briefly thinking about taking the plunge, he still didn't feel that he had the confidence to declare his feelings. "Err… because you are family!"
"Thank you," Brains replied, with a secret sigh of disappointment that Virgil had backtracked from his love remark. "B…Before we do go and s…speak to them, we should hear Max out, m…maybe he will have a d…different theory?"
Virgil nodded and gazed at Max expectantly. However, before the robot could answer the door creaked open and Scott peaked his head inside.
"Hey, is everything alright?" He asked.
"Yes, why?"
"It's just… Well, grandma told me to leave you both alone and that you'd be up shortly… But you were taking ages, and I was getting worried… And…"
Recognising that his oldest brothers smother mode had been activated, Virgil offered him a warm smile and summoned him into the room.
Scott grinned and moved over to the sofa, suddenly stopping when he took in Virgil's dark eyes and pale features. "God, you look awful!"
"Geez, thanks bro."
Scott stepped closer, then placing his hand under Virgil's chin, he tilted it towards him. "Have you been crying?"
Virgil released a sigh, he knew he hadn't cried that much, well not this time, and the tears he had shed had been wiped away. No physical evidence remained, but his brother was a ninja when it came to spotting tears and could probably smell them. He couldn't deny it, but he really didn't want to go into details of his mother's song until he was with the rest of his family.
"Virg?" Scott queried when his brother still hadn't responded.
"I promise I'll explain," Virgil eventually answered, "but later, with the others."
Scott frowned, and was about to push the reason from him, stopping when he noticed Brains with a firm 'I've got this,' expression printed on his face. "Okay, will you be coming up soon, we've still got the Christmas decorating to do, and Al and Gords really want to get started?"
Virgil gazed at Max, he desperately wanted to hear the robot's theories, and do whatever he needed to bring the day to a close, but no matter how many times he repeated the day it would always be the first time for his family, and understandably they all wanted to celebrate their parent's memories with the annual Christmas decorating. So, even if he did want his Groundhog Day to finally be over, for him, his brother's wishes would always surpass his own. "Okay, we'll come up now… You go ahead, and I'll just give Brains a hand with his Christmas box."
"Cool, see you upstairs bro."
…
"Finally, Virgil's here," Alan practically sang, running straight up to his brother when he stepped into the room with Brains and Max, "what took you so long?"
"Sorry Al, had stuff I needed to talk through with Brains."
"But it's taken you nearly two hours!" Gordon whined.
"Well, that's better than the three it previously took me," Virgil retorted.
"Ha?" Gordon returned.
Virgil shook his head. "It doesn't matter."
"Everything is alright though, isn't it?" Alan queried, noting the unusual pale exterior of his brother.
"I'll be okay Alan," Virgil glanced at the rest of his family alongside the hologram of John in Thunderbird 5, "but there is something I need to speak to you all about."
"What is it?" They all asked.
"If it's okay I'll explain after lunch?"
"Yes, sure," they all replied.
"Thanks," Virgil responded, "John, could you be there as well?"
"Yes… I'll have to appear in my usual hologram form, can't make it down until this evening I'm afraid."
"John, why don't you come down for lunch?" Kayo questioned. "EOS is perfectly capable of handling things up there."
"He can't," Virgil answered for him, "he's got a visitor this afternoon."
"Err… No," John quickly lied, "no visitor today."
"Oh, so the name Captain Ridley O'Bannon doesn't ring a bell?"
"Err… She's not visiting."
"Yes, she is!" EOS stated.
"EOS!" John scolded.
"O sorry John," EOS sang, "was that meant to be a secret?"
"Ridley… Really?" Scott teased.
"It's not like that!"
"Whatever you say bro!" Gordon retorted with a snort.
"It's really not!"
"I think you are protesting too much their Johnny boy!" Alan countered with a big smile.
"I hate you all!"
"No, you don't," Kayo stated, "you love all of us!"
"If you say so!"
"Seriously John, I think it's great that you two are together!" Virgil stated.
"Do you?"
"Yes, of course… She makes you happy, and you love her!"
"Love…" John spluttered. "Well, err… I, err… Don't know about that."
"You do though, don't you?"
John finally, but silently nodded his confirmation.
Virgil grinned. "Well, as grandma would say… That's all that matters!"
"Absolutely," Sally agreed, smiling at John's hologram, "and if that's how you feel about her, then you really should bring her down for a visit this evening."
"And I'll make sure this lot don't tease you both." Virgil added.
"You will?" John questioned.
"Of course!"
"Okay then, I will!"
"Good, then we'll see you this evening… Oh, and after lunch..."
"Don't worry, me and my hologram will be there," John responded with a light laugh before signing off.
"Right you lot," Sally called out, gaining everybody's attention, "I suggest you all get started on the Christmas decorating, the sooner we get it done, the sooner we can have lunch. Plus, we have some mince pies for later."
"Oh, and don't worry they are store bought!" Gordon added, earning him a clip around the head. "Sorry grandma."
With a slight smile, Sally shook her head at him, then continued speaking. "Come along you lot, hop too it… As the saying goes many hands make light work! With everyone setting off to begin their own individual decorating tasks, Sally signalled Virgil over to one side and whispered. "Did you tell Brains how you feel about him?"
"No."
"Why not?"
"I err," Virgil glanced at the floor, "I'm scared…"
"I know, but life is too short… And about taking risks, which you do nearly every day!"
"That's different… Flying Thunderbird 2 and rescuing those in danger, it's what I was born to do… Telling someone how I feel about them," Virgil shuddered, "yes, that's very different."
"Just do it… Think of it like a plaster, if you take your time it hurts more. However, if you rip it off, then it will only sting for a few seconds.
Virgil lightly chuckled. "Great analogy grandma."
"I'm full of them," she said with a smile, "now, you just gave John some great advice, and now I want you to follow mine… I want you to go over there and help Brains with the tree, and please think about telling him!"
Nodding his agreement, Virgil turned and began making his way towards Brains, 'just do it,' he thought to himself, 'tell him…' Virgil stopped, taking in the intelligent eyes staring at him.
"Hey V…Virgil."
"Hi Brains, I need to… Err…" Virgil held his breath, 'oh god… I'm going to do it…'
"Virgil?"
'Oh, thank goodness,' he exhaled to himself as he turned to face Gordon, "hey bro, what's up?"
"You're not wearing a Christmas hat," Gordon informed him, "everyone else is."
"Okay then," Virgil replied, holding out his hand. "pass it here."
Gordon grinned as he passed the hat over to his brother.
Virgil examined the Black hat with 'Bah Humbug' on, and then placed it on his head. "So, do you think it suits me?"
"Yeah, it helps cover up that gelled mop that you call hair!"
"Hey, it's not gelled today," Virgil retorted, "and anyway I don't use as much as Scott."
"Yeah, that's true," Gordon snorted as he headed back to his own work.
"It does s…suit you."
"Ha?" Virgil questioned, facing Brains again.
"The hat," Brains clarified, "despite what it says, it does suit you."
"Thanks," Virgil replied, blushing slightly.
"So, w…what were you g…going to say?"
"When?"
"Before G…Gordon interrupted?
"Oh… Err… I…" Virgil released a slow deep breath, 'come on Virg, you can do this, you can do this.' "I wanted to ask you if…" Virgil looked over at Max who was currently helping Alan… "If Max told you what his thoughts were on stopping this day from repeating?" Virgil asked, with a silent, 'nope, couldn't do it,' curse at himself.
"No, I h…haven't, but we can a…ask him now," Brains called the robot over, "M…Max could you please run through your t…theories on how to stop Virgil's G…Groundhog Day."
Max beeped, then printed out an A4 piece of paper which he promptly passed to Virgil.
"Thanks Max," Virgil opened the note and smiled at its length, "loving the detail."
Max released a series of beeps which translated to, 'I like to be thorough, and you are important too me!'
"Ahh, thanks Max."
Max beeped a, 'no problem,' then headed back over to Alan.
"So, what d…does it say?" Brains asked.
Virgil began to read. "Firstly, he focuses on the various Groundhog Day films, in these the protagonist will have to do several things, for example stopping anything that as physically gone wrong from occurring. As I've already done that then I need to focus on the next step which involves making sure that everyone I care for is having a great day."
"Didn't you say that you'd a…already c…checked that?"
Virgil nodded his confirmation.
"And e…everybody does have a good day, r…right?"
"As long as none of the major incidents occur then yes, they are all happy," Virgil paused for a moment and then smiled, "although, in a previous repeat Gordon was frustrated when he discovered Penelope's conference had been cancelled, if she had known then she would have been here today. I guess if the day repeats then I could inform her as early as possible, that way she may be able to arrive here for lunch… John is good, especially if I reiterate what I said today. I could also make sure to leave some of the decorating for him when he gets down here. He won't admit it, but he does miss joining in with us on family time."
"Well, in that case, I will leave my childhood star for him to put on top of the tree."
"Wow, Brains," Virgil commented, feeling himself slightly melt at the mans sweetness, "that's really kind of you."
"No p…problem," Brains answered with a slight blush at the way Virgil was looking at him. "what about S…Scott and Kayo?"
"Well, they certainly seemed to be having fun when I caught them during that one repeat in Thunderbird 1."
"Any chance they might want to reveal their relationship to the others, I really don't think anyone would be against them?"
Virgil looked over at the couple working together and smiled. "I think they would like to, and they certainly do make a lovely couple… And you're right, I believe most of the family would be fine with it… But, there's Al to consider?"
"I b…believe he's over his c…crush."
"I think you are right, but I can understand why Scott doesn't want to say anything. If there is any chance of Alan being hurt, then the risk isn't worth taking."
"You are all so protective of him."
"He's our baby brother, we love him, and all of us would do anything to protect him," Virgil looked over at his family, "In fact, I would do whatever necessary to protect any of them... Including you!"
"Me, really?"
"Yeah," Virgil replied, releasing a soft smile as he gazed into his eyes.
"And I would do a…anything for you."
"Thanks," Virgil responded, glancing shyly down at his one hand which was now entwined with Brains.
"So, err," Brains eventually mumbled, breaking the hand hold and the natural silence that had occurred between them, "what else has M…Max said?"
"He goes on to say that after accomplishing this the next step usually involves the main character learning a valuable life lesson, like family and friends being important… Or life is to short, and therefore risks need to be taken."
"What is it?" Brains queried, noticing the half smile across Virgil's face.
"Grandma said something very similar," Virgil informed him while continuing to read, "he also says that I may need to complete a task that I've previously put off."
"Like playing your mother's song?" Brains guessed.
"Yes, it does suggest that, he also says that I need to confess…"
"Confess what?"
Glancing back at the piece of paper, Virgil bit his lip, and inwardly laughed at what he was reading. Then shaking his head, he called across to the robot. "Max, come here," when Max had reached him, Virgil continued speaking, "have you been speaking to grandma?"
Max beeped an innocent 'no, just commenting on what I've observed,' then trundled back to join Alan.
"W…What on e…earth has he said?" Brains enquired.
"He erm…" Turning a sight rouge, Virgil gazed at the comment which noted that he needed to admit his feelings to Brains.
Realising that for whatever reason Virgil didn't feel comfortable divulging what Max had said, Brains decided to move the conversation along. "So, any f…further c…comments?"
Virgil nodded. "Yes, his final one suggests that escaping this day could simply involve staying awake past the allotted time when the day usually rewinds."
"That sounds easy enough," Brains paused, taking in Virgil's tiredness, "or maybe not?"
"I can try," Virgil replied with an automatic yawn at the thought, "although, you will have to keep an extra watch on me. If I don't fall asleep then something usually goes wrong, and I'll end up needing an injection, or some other random incident will occur and I'll most likely be knocked out. Plus, you know that I tend to become a lot clumsier the more exhausted I am."
"D…Don't I know it!" Brains retorted, recalling all of the times that he had to patch Virgil up, and then ground him for a few days after hurting himself, and not just on rescues, due to being overtired.
"So, shall we get this Christmas decorating done then?"
"Yes p…please," Brains replied, "the s…sooner we do, the s…sooner we get mince pies!"
"Yep, and as you noted in the previous repeat, as grandma didn't bake them they won't taste like charred feet!"
Brains released a giggle. "Did I r…really say that?"
"Yes, you did… Oh, and don't worry, I won't tell grandma."
"I h…hope not, she would ground me for a m…month. Or, because I don't really go a…anywhere, she'd bar me from w…working on the birds, or one of my own inventions, unless it was for a m…mission."
"Mm… She probably would do that," Virgil remarked, then gently squeezing his shoulder he continued, "but don't worry, as I said, it's safe with me."
"Thanks," Brains grinned, pushing the box between them and setting back to work.
… …
As requested, after lunch had been consumed, everyone, including John in hologram form, gathered silently around the kitchen table, each one of them wondering what Virgil had to tell them, especially as he looked so nervous.
Seeing the anxiety seeping from him, Brains, who was sitting next to Virgil, reached out and seized his hand. "Just t…take your time, like you did w…when you s…spoke to me."
Taking a deep breath in, Virgil nodded, then after exhaling slowly he began to talk. "When mom and dad first started their Christmas decorating tradition, they also started another one… It was the first-time dad heard mom's song."
"The one that your music box used to play?" Scott questioned.
Virgil nodded. "He fell in love with it. So, every evening on the 21st of December, mother would play the song while dad sat next to her and listened. A secret tradition just for them. Until…"
"Mother passed away." John filled in for him.
"Yeah," Virgil sniffed.
"Do you want to c…carry on?" Brains asked, gripping his hand tighter.
"Yes," Virgil answered, wiping the tears away.
"C…carry on when you are r…ready."
Eventually regaining his composure, Virgil continued. "It was the first 21st of December we had celebrated after losing mom. Grandma, you had gone to sleep early after putting me, Alan, and Gordon in bed. John, I think you were stargazing, and Scott you were in your room. I hadn't been able to sleep, so I snuck downstairs in search of my sketchbook which I'd left in the lounge. I made my way inside and I saw dad, he was staring out of the window while he listened to mom's music box. He was crying, all I wanted to do was to make him feel better, so I went over to the piano and I played the song… Dad turned, he obviously thought mother had been playing at first because he looked shocked, then when he realised it was me he looked sad, and then his face filled with rage… Seeing his reaction made me instantly stop. I was petrified, but seeing how frightened I was, dad softened, sat next to me, and silently held me in his arms. Eventually he released me and asked me why I had started playing the song. I told him that I really hated seeing him in pain, and I wanted to make it better… He started to cry, then I started crying, and he held me once more. After a while, he began telling me about the tradition he and mother had… When he finished, I asked, 'would you like me to play it every year, so you can remember mommy?' He nearly burst into tears again at my offer… He said yes, and I've played it every evening on this date… Just dad and me… Until three years ago… When… When…"
Sally rose from her chair, moved over to Virgil and wrapped him in her arms. "It's okay."
When she released him, Virgil, with tear stained eyes, glanced around at all of his brothers and at Kayo. "Sorry, I haven't told you sooner."
"Hey, you've got nothing to be sorry for," Kayo said, making her way over to him.
"Definitely not!" Alan and Gordon stated, also moving from their chairs so they could be closer to Virgil.
"You haven't played it since?" Scott queried, also moving out of his chair and next to his brother.
"Kind of… But I do think that I need to play it again, but…"
"I know," Scott soothed, pulling Virgil up out of his seat and into his arms, "it will be hard, but we will all be there with you."
"Absolutely!" Everyone agreed, joining in the cuddle.
After several minutes, Virgil untangled himself from the giant hold and smiled at John. "Are you okay bro?"
"Yes, wishing I was there with you," John admitted, "and even though I'm not really into all that touchy-feely stuff, I kind of want to hug you right now."
"I can save a bear-hug for you when you come down later…" 'as long as the day doesn't repeat, and I actually get to see you,' Virgil added in his head.
"That would be wonderful," John replied with a big smile.
Virgil returned the smile, then looked at everyone else. "I was hoping, that's if it's okay, would you mind if I tried playing the song for you now?"
"You don't want to wait until John's down this evening?" Scott questioned.
Virgil exhaled, in any normal situation he would wait for John to physically be there, but it was nearly 2.30pm, and if he didn't manage to follow Max's instructions and did fall asleep then this evening wouldn't arrive, and the day would begin again. "I've kind of hyped myself up to try it now," he eventually responded, looking guiltily towards John.
"Don't worry bro, me and my hologram will be there," John looked behind him, then back at Virgil, "and Ridley, as she's here now, if that's okay?"
"Yes," Virgil answered, "of course it is."
"May I listen as well?" EOS questioned, really not wanting to be left out.
"Absolutely EOS, you are our family too!"
… …
While everybody congregated themselves around the piano, Sally called Brains over to her. "So, apart from the history of his mother's song, as Virgil confided with you about anything else?"
Brains gave her a puzzled look. He knew she wasn't talking about the day repeating, Virgil had told him about the previous repeat and how his family had believed he was losing the plot, Virgil wouldn't have risked that again… "S…Sorry, I'm n…not sure what you are r…referring too?"
Sally sighed with exasperation. "I'm guessing he hasn't then."
"S…Sorry?"
"Never mind," Sally said, placing her arm around him, "however, I would like to thank you for the support I know you've given Virgil today."
Brains blushed while fiddling with his glasses. "I would do a…anything for him."
"I wish you two would get your act together!" Sally mumbled under her breath.
"S…Sorry?"
"Oh nothing… Anyway, we should head over, it looks like Virgil is ready to start." Sally informed him, leading him towards the piano.
Upon reaching the piano, Brains slipped onto the bench next to Virgil and gently held his hand. "A…Are you ready?"
"Yes, I am," Virgil confirmed, squeezing his hand back, "and thank you for everything."
"N…No p…problem!"
Virgil looked at all of the faces smiling kindly at him, including John's and Ridley's image from Thunderbird 5, and EOS's blinking light. "Are you all ready?"
Everyone nodded.
Breathing in, Virgil flexed his fingers over the keys, closed his eyes, then began to play.
… …
"You did it! … That was fantastic! … Well done!" A chorus of voices chirped, causing Virgil to release the pent-up breath he had been holding in, and open his eyes.
"I… I… I really did it?"
"You certainly did!" Gordon and Alan confirmed.
Virgil gazed down at his fingers which now rested on the keys. "How did it sound?"
Kayo grinned at him. "It was beautiful."
"It was?"
"Yes," Scott confirmed, moving behind him and squeezing his shoulder.
"And your father would be damn proud of you!" His grandma informed him, reaching across the piano so she could stoke his hair.
"He… He would?" Virgil stumbled
"Absolutely!" John stated.
Glancing at the empty spot where his father would have been, Virgil felt the tears he had been suppressing burst forth.
"Hey, it's okay," Brains said, bringing Virgil into a soothing hold.
"T…Thank y…you." Virgil stumbled out in-between his deep sobs.
"N…Nothing to t…thank me for."
Virgil released an elongated yawn.
"You should get some sleep," Kayo recommended, summoning Virgil off the piano stool and over to the large family couch, "you will feel much better for it."
"N…Not tired," Virgil yawned out, as they all settled themselves around him.
"Yes, you are!" Sally stated, "you're struggling to keep your eyes open."
Virgil looked desperately at Brains. "Don't want the day to repeat."
Brains looked around at all of the confused faces. "It's a l…long story," he informed them before focusing his attention back on Virgil, "y…you've played the s…song, and in front of your family."
"But what Max said?"
"I know," Brains whispered, bringing Virgil's head onto his chest, "and I won't d…deny that there's a chance that everything will r…rewind. H…However, I really think you need to s…sleep and get some rest, and if e…everything resets back to 7am then you know that you can s…seek me out and t…tell me what's h…happening."
"Okay, then," Virgil mumbled, with his eyes still forced open.
"C…Closing your eyes will work b…better," Brains instructed, "now, stop f…fighting the t…tiredness, and get some rest!"
Surrounded by his family, Virgil allowed his eyes to close, and slowly succumbed to his fatigue.
… …
"No, need to stay awake!" Virgil suddenly exclaimed, forcefully opening his eyes, and bringing himself into a sitting position. Taking in his surroundings, a moan of frustration escaped his lips. It was already too late…He was back in his bedroom, the alarm was ringing out, his bedside drawer and art cupboard were open, and his clock signalled that it was once again 7am, on the 21st of December. Sinking back onto his bed, Virgil pulled the covers over his head, and released a loud guttural cry.
TBC
