Chapter 22: Happy New Year
Thomas was sleeping on his bed peacefully until Bandit stormed into his room and hit his son with a pillow. "Wake up mate!" Bandit shouted startling his son. "I'm up!" Thomas said, nearly falling out of bed. "Good, get ready mate we have a big day," Bandit said shutting the door. "Always with the big days," Thomas said getting up from his bed. He looked at his phone and noticed it was quite early, just a little earlier than when he would normally get up to jog. Thomas left his room and saw some bags packed up by the door, what was quite odd. "Dad?" Thomas said looking around for his father. "Hey mate!" Rad said from around the corner. "Uncle Rad?" Thomas questioned, surprised to see him. "You got those other bags, Stripe?" Rad asked, calling his brother from the other room. "Sure mate let the little brother carry everything," Stripe said coming in grabbing the bags. "Uncle Stripe? What's going on here?" Thomas asked. "Come on boys let's get this show on the road shall We?" Bob said from the front door.
"Grandpa? Okay what's really going on?" Thomas asked now really confused, especially since he was seeing all the males of the paternal side of his family on one place without being an holiday or family reunion. "We're having a boys weekend mate," Bandit said from behind his son. "A boys weekend?" Thomas asked. "Yep, just you, me, grandpa, uncle Rad and uncle Stripe," Bandit explained. "But when did you…" Thomas started. "Sorry if we didn't tell you, mate, but we just wanted it to be a surprise," Bob said, while approaching his grandson. "You did tell me at Christmas you wished we could have more time to spend together, so I thought what better way to do that than celebrating the New Year by having a traditional Heeler boys weekend," Bob continued. "So this is a tradition?" Thomas asked. "Dad never told me about it," he observed. "Well, at that time you lived at America, so you couldn't come, but now that you're here with us, it's time for you to participate as well," Bob told. "Oh, I see… A weekend just for the boys of the family… That sounds cool," Thomas said with a smile.
"But I want to go with them!" Bingo said to her mother, getting down with Chilli and Bluey, having being awaken with all the commotion. "But you can't go Bingo," Chilli said looking down to her daughter. "Why?" Bingo asked Chilli, who got down to her level and place her hand on her shoulder. "Because this is a weekend for boys to be boys… and you're not a boy, aren't you, honey, and besides we're gonna have more fun here, we're gonna celebrate New Year by having a girls weekend of our own," Chilli said with a warm smile. "Aunt Trixie is coming with Muffin and Socks and even Nana and Frisky will join us," she added. "Then why can't daddy and Thomas join us," Bingo asked. "Because there's no boys allowed this weekend" Bluey spoke up who, unlike her sister, was very excited. "But… I'm going to miss them a lot!" Bingo exclaimed, going to hug her dad and brother's legs.
"Come on, Bingo, don't be like that," Bandit said, while he picked her up. "I bet you're going to have a lot of fun with mommy, Bluey and the others," he said, while poking her nose playfully. "Yeah, little sister, beside we want you to tell us all about it… just like we're going to tell you all about our weekend, that way it will be like we've never been apart," Thomas said to Bingo. Those words from her dad and brother made Bingo feel a lot better. "Yeah, I think I can do that," she said, happier. "That's our Bingo," Bandit said, as he and Thomas went to hug her and then put her down. "Okay, boys, let's get going, we're losing time and there's still a lot to do," Bob said.
As the Heeler boys took their bags outside, Thomas had a question. "So, where are we going exactly?" he asked. "Oh, you already know it, mate, it's that cabin we went before," Rad replied, mentioning the place they went when Thomas got suspended from school. "Oh, yeah… you did tell me grandpa used to take you all there," Thomas remembered. "And… we're taking my truck get there," Rad replied, as he went to put the bags he was carrying at the cargo area of his truck. "I just hope you can get us there safely, okay?" Stripe said, while putting his bags at the truck. "Yeah, no funny businesses like last time you were driving," Bandit added. "Come on, you're still at it again? That was a long time ago," Rad protested. "It was last year!" both Bandit and Stripe exclaimed. "Grandpa, are they always like this?" Thomas asked. "That is nothing, but you don't have to worry, mate, your father and uncles, whenever they argue, are able to always make up very easily," Bob said. And in fact, just like his grandfather had told Thomas, the three brothers quickly ended up the arguing, while also not holding any grudge against each other.
After everything was at the cargo area and it was covered, they hit the road, heading towards the cabin, with Bob going at the front with Rad and Thomas going at the back, between his dad and uncle Stripe. Despite last time he didn't pay much attention, Thomas came to realize now why the others were a little concerned about being Rad driving. His driving skills weren't exactly those of a driver that would drive as safe as possible. Despite his control over the truck as very good, there were some times, when making curves, Thomas thought for a moment they would get out of the road.
It was then that they arrived to the place. When Thomas got out, he couldn't be more glad of being standing on steady ground. "Oh, it's so good this journey is over, you were right," Thomas said to his dad and Stripe. "But he was not like this last time we came here," he added. "That's because, that time, I warned him to drive as safe as possible or else… well, it's for the best you don't know," Bandit said. "The downsize of growing up with brothers is that when one asks for a favor, we kind off are forced to take it or else risk having some secrets revealed," Stripe told.
"Okay, boys, let's get everything ready," Bob told. "We need to cut some wood for the fireplace inside…" he said. "I can do that, being me the strongest, I can do that in a jiffy," Rad said, while Bandit and Stripe rolled their eyes. "And I need someone to help me clean the inside of the cabin," Bob told. "I believe it's Bandit's time for cleaning duty, dad," Stripe replied, causing Bandit to give a hard look on his younger brother. "You're right, Stripe, so Bandit, you'll help me, what leaves fishing to…" Bob said. "Us!" Stripe said, while pulling his nephew to his side. "But, uncle Stripe, I don't fish in a long time, I may have already forgotten what dad taught me." Thomas replied. "Don't worry, I can help you as we go, besides the basics are never forgotten, so you'll be okay" Stripe told.
Thomas and Stripe got into the boat they had there and crossed the lake, stopping at some distance from the cabin, and they fished for a bit. "Ain't this relaxing mate?" Stripe said kicking back. But before Thomas could reply to that, his phone buzzed, with it being a text from Prince. 'You coming down to New York or what?' Prince asked on the text. Thomas sighed before looking to Stripe. "Uncle Stripe," Thomas said softly. "Yes mate?" Stripe said sitting up. "I have a little problem," Thomas said looking out to the cabin while they were in the water. "What's the matter mate? You can always talk to me," Stripe said with a smile. "It's about my uncle Prince," Thomas said looking back at his uncle. "Oh… have you talked to your dad about it?" Stripe asked rubbing the back of his neck.
"No, I'm too afraid to do it," Thomas said with a sigh. "Mate, you shouldn't be afraid to tell your dad anything, you know he'll not get mad at you," Stripe said looking at his nephew "I know but I also know how my dad and uncle can act with each other," Thomas said sitting back. "Is it like how my brothers and I fight?" Stripe asked. Thomas shook his head, "Much worse," Thomas spoke up. Stripe nodded. "I see… Well, your father and Rad already told me things about your other uncle, but I always thought they were exaggerating a bit," Stripe said looking down. "So what does Prince want?" Stripe asked. "He wants me to come see him and I want to because I haven't seen him ever since my mom passed away but…." Thomas's train of thought went away. "But you don't want to hurt your dad's feelings," Stripe said. Thomas nodded. "Yeah," Thomas added.
There was a pause that was soon interrupted by Stripe. "Thomas, I will tell you something I think your father never told you… But you cannot tell him I told you this, it's against the vow my brothers and I made to keep each other's secret…" he said. "Uncle Stripe, if you don't want to tell me…" Thomas started. "No, I think it's important you know this," Stripe replied. "Your father always loved your mother, even when she was dating your uncle Rad, but then… well, you know, things between your mother and Rad didn't work out and your father took his chance… When you're a teenager, even at the edge of adulthood, we take all chances we may have when it comes to love, and when things between your parents got serious, he was afraid to tell Rad, fearing for his reaction", Stripe told. "I had no idea…" Thomas said. "But then your father gathered the courage to do it and, to his surprise, Rad was not mad, maybe hurt and sad, but not mad, he could see the two of them were happy and that was what mattered to him."
"So, what you're saying is that, if I tell my father I want to go visit my uncle Prince, even if he gets hurt or upset, he will not get mad at me?" Thomas asked. "Your dad loves you too much for that, besides he knows that, despite whatever problems there might be between him and Prince, he is part of your family and it's only your right to be with him," Stripe said. That caused Thomas to get more at ease. "Thanks, uncle Stripe" he said, turning then his attention to fishing. However, Stripe could tell there was more in Thomas' mind beside the complicated relationship between his father and uncle. "So, will you tell me what's in your mind beside what we just discussed?" he asked to his nephew. Thomas sighed. "I can't really hide anything from you, can I?" Thomas asked. "Not really, no…" Stripe joked. "So, tell me your worries, kiddo."
"It's just… I can't help but wondering what can happen when I meet my uncle Prince, after all I have a lot of memories with him… about my mom, including after she…" Thomas started. "What if, when I come to meet him, I…" he tried to say. "You're afraid to have a panic attack, right?" Stripe asked, to which Thomas nodded. "Dr. Beagle says that I need to confront my fears if I ever want to overcome this panic attacks, but… I just don't know if I can do that step right now," Thomas said. "So, if you think you're not ready, then don't go, I think your uncle will understand," Stripe told. But Thomas released a sarcastic chuckle. "Obviously you don't know my uncle Prince at all, uncle Stripe, he can be very… difficult, I mean, I love him, but… I know that, if I tell him about my panic attacks, he will think it's just an excuse to not be with him… or that I must just suck it up," Thomas told.
"Wow… the more I hear about this Prince, the more I am inclined to hate him, just like my brothers," Stripe replied. "Well, if we look over his flaws, my uncle Prince is actually a very nice guy, but still I don't feel ready to confront him," Thomas said. "Well, my dear nephew, my advice for you is the same one I gave you with your other problem: talk to your father, he will help you to know what to do," Stripe said. "Yeah… I think you're right, you're very good at giving advices, uncle Stripe," Thomas commented. "Years of practice, nephew of mine, years of practice…" Stripe replied, before he could feel a bite from his rod. "And it looks like we have lunch…" Stripe said, taking the rod to reel the fish. "And dinner…" he added, motioning to Thomas' rod that was also getting a bite, causing him to also try to reel his fish. Eventually, the two of them managed to get a fish each.
After a few hours of getting fish, Stripe and Thomas came back to shore and walked up to the cabin. "Hey there mates! Nice catch," Rad said putting the fire wood down. "With a team like this one, what could you expect?" Stripe asked him. "Whoa now that's what I can catch of the day mate!" Bandit said walking out of the cabin with Bob. "Yeah… it was fun," Thomas said nervously. "Alright let's get to cook some of these babies for some fish and chips," Bob said taking the fish from his son and grandson. "Remember what we talked about mate," Stripe whispered to Thomas. "You got this mate," Stripe added, while he patting his nephew on the back. "Okay," Thomas whispered back as he went up to his father. "Dad, can I talk to you?" Thomas said as he walked up to his father. "Sure mate," Bandit said with a smile. The two of them then walked down to the dock.
"What do you want to talk about mate?" Bandit asked while skipping some rocks along the water. "Dad I… I…" Thomas tried to say but couldn't. "What is it son?" Bandit asked but Thomas couldn't have the heart to tell his dad about Prince. "I wanted to thank you for this weekend dad," Thomas said forcing a smile. Bandit smiled as he went up to his son and hugged him. "I've always wanted you to join me on these boys weekends ever since you were little and now that I have you here now it's the best weekend ever mate," Bandit said while hugging his son. Thomas smiled while hugging his dad back.
Still with Prince on his mind, Thomas pushed him away so he could just enjoy the weekend with his family. "Come on mate let's help your granddad with the fish and chips," Bandit said while having his arm around his son's shoulders. They then went to help prepare lunch. After it, the four Heeler boys proceeded to engage in many activities like hikes or swimming. Thomas enjoyed every single moment of that and, when the sun went down, they made a fire pit outside, where they enjoyed some marshmallows and s'mores, all while telling spooky stories, admiring the night sky and breathing the night air.
It was then that Bob consulted his watch. "Okay, boys, it's almost midnight, it's time for New Year," he said. They all cheered for that. "Bandit, can you go get the champagne and glasses?" Bob asked. "No worries, dad," he replied, while getting up. "Oh, dad, if you go inside, can you get me my cellphone, please, I want to wish a happy new year to my friends," Thomas requested. "Of course, son," Bandit replied. Going inside, Bandit grabbed the four glasses they had their, placed the champagne bottle under his arm and then went to get Thomas' phone. But, at that moment, it buzzed with a new message and Bandit froze when he saw that it was message from Prince. Seeing that, Bandit couldn't help but feeling conflicted. On one hand, he wanted to know what was on that message and what other ones Thomas got, but Bandit knew if he did it, he would be violating the trust Thomas had for him and that took a lot of time to rebuild. Taking deep breaths, Bandit just grabbed the phone and headed outside.
Outside, the four Heelers prepared themselves, each one with a glass of champagne, while watching the countdown for the new year. "Oh, it's almost here!" Rad exclaimed excited. "I know, I can't wait!" Stripe replied. "Are they always like this during new year?" Thomas asked his grandfather. "This is nothing, you should have seen when they were kids," he replied. "Okay, guys, we're seconds away," Bandit told. "Ten… nine… eight… seven… six… five… four… three… two… one…" they counted. "Happy New Year!" they shouted, while toasting and taking a sip of the champagne. "Now this is a great way of celebrating New Year." Rad said. "I agree, no crowds, no noises… although I do miss the firework," Stripe said. "Yeah, but we do have this beautiful starry sky over us," Bob replied, while looking up. While Bob, Rad and Stripe were looking up, Bandit approached his son.
"Thomas, can I talk with you, mate?" he asked. "Of course, dad," Thomas replied. The two of them went inside. "What do you want to talk about, dad?" Thomas asked. "I just want to know if there's something you want to tell me," Bandit said. "Not particularly, no," Thomas answered. "I won't force you, but I want you know you can tell me anything, I promise I won't get mad, I just want us to have an open and trusty father-son relationship," Bandit told. Thomas found that sudden talk from his father strange and, after a moment, he started to wonder if he knew about Prince. "Wait, did uncle Stripe told you anything?" he asked. "Why, should he have told me something?" Bandit asked. And then a moment of realization came to him. "My phone… You looked into my phone?" Thomas asked, starting to get upset.
"No, I didn't, but when I came to get it I saw you got a message," Bandit told. "Please, Thomas, I just want us to be honest with each other, to trust each other, you don't have to fear tell me anything, I'm your father and I won't love you any less no matter what," Bandit pleaded. Thomas couldn't help but feeling cornered, it was like his father was forcing him to tell the truth, even when he was not pressing him to do it. However, he knew that all that feeling was because of his fear of how his father would react. He then decided to follow his uncle Stripe's advice, sitting on a chair. "I got a text from uncle Prince when I came back from grandpa Scout's and we've been texting each other ever since, I wanted to tell you, dad, but…" Thomas said, unable to finish. But Bandit knew what he wanted to say. "I'm sorry if the hostility between me and your uncle made you think you had to keep this from me, son, but I'm not mad that you'd been talking with him, he's your uncle and you can't just keep him away from your life if you don't want to," Bandit told.
"Yeah, but… the real reason why I kept this from you is… that he wants me to come visit him in New York… and I didn't know what you'd say about it," Thomas said. "If you want to go visit him, I won't stop you, I know you'll never do anything to hurt me or our family on propose, you can go visit Prince for a week, before school starts," Bandit told. "But that's just it, dad… I don't know if I can visit him right now… I don't know if I'm ready," Thomas said. "Then you don't go, as simple as that," Bandit replied. "But you know how uncle Prince is, he will not take it well if I decide not to go," Thomas said. "Well, too bad for him, because it's your decision not his," Bandit replied. "And I don't care if he thinks I'm the one poisoning you against him or… whatever he might think about it, as long the decision comes from you, and you'll have my support, no matter what," Bandit told. That caused Thomas to smile and have tears on his eyes, as he advanced to hug his father. "Thanks dad…" he thanked. "You're welcome, son," Bandit replied
The Heeler boys enjoy the rest of the night before heading off to bed. Thomas and Bandit bunked together as Thomas texted Pronce about coming to New York.
Thomas
Hey I think I'm gonna pass on coming to New York this time there's just stuff I have to deal with first.
Thomas texted that to his uncle and turned his phone off for the night. "You alright mate?" Bandit asked his son. Thomas smiled at his dad and nodded. "Yeah I think I'll be fine," Thomas said as he got under the covers Bandit smiled at that as he turned off the light and laid down in his bed. In no time Bandit was sleeping while Thomas stayed awake for a little bit. Thomas thought about the whole weekend and then closed his eyes to try to sleep.
The next morning they all went home and Thomas and Bandit walked into their house. "Dad! Thomas!" Both Bluey and Bingo cheered as they ran up to their favorite dogs in the world. "Hey guys;" Thomas said picking up both Bluey and Bingo. "We missed you guys!" Bingo said hugging her brother. "We missed you too," Thomas said setting down his sisters. "Why don't you guys tell me about your weekend," Thomas said sitting down on the couch. Bandit brought in all the bags and rested himself in his chair. "Long weekend?" Chilli said as she placed her hands on Bandit's shoulders "yeah, but a fun one," Bandit said with a smile. "Good I'll get lunch started," Chilli said heading into the kitchen.
Kodiwolf321 A/N: hey guys I hope you liked this chapter with the boys having their own weekend together it was a fun chapter to make with Rakoon1 alright guys I'll see you in the next chapter soon!