He wasn't sure who was more shocked.
Virgil stood there, same as always in his blue jeans and plaid shirt, frown upon his face.
Jeff wasn't sure whose gasp was the loudest, Virgil's or Lucy's. But the reaction from his son had him swiftly stepping forward to grab the man as his knees buckled. It was a miracle he hadn't fainted, Jeff thought to himself as he hauled his son inside, Lucy following closely behind.
They went into what used to be the living/playroom when the boys were young, and Jeff deposited Virgil carefully on the couch while Lucy carried on through and grabbed some water.
'Dad?' he asked, confusion evident on his face. He looked his son over. Virgil looked tanned, as if he had just come from their island home, and was as fit as ever, making Jeff wonder where he had found himself when he had woken up yesterday.
'Easy, son. I'll explain everything in a minute.' Jeff sat beside him as Lucy passed over the glass, both watching Virgil drink, although Virgil's eyes didn't leave his Mom's face. There was a awkward pause, each one wondering who would speak first.
'I guess the first thing…' But Jeff didn't get to finish as Virgil placed the glass down and launched himself at his Mom. Jeff sat back and watched, a sad smile on his face.
'Mom?' He reached out and touched Lucy's cheek, feeling to make sure she was real, completely unheeding of the tears flowing down both faces. His Mom lent into the touch, her hands on his shoulders.
'My boy. You've grown up so well. I've missed you so much over these last years.' They sat on the floor, Virgil shuffling around so that they had their back to the couch, shoulders touching and holding each other's hands. Jeff sat on his other side, holding onto Virgil's other hand.
'I went to sleep two nights ago holding Scott's hand after sending John back to the hotel. I woke up the next morning in a tent in Peru. Apparently I have been working with Medicine Sans Frontiers for the last ten years, having been qualified for the last seven years. I don't know what was more shocking – that or finding out I had no plane, no money or no home to get back to.'
Jeff swallowed. No wonder it had taken so long for Virgil to get here. he sat back and let the two get reacquainted, knowing that it would be the last time. At least this time his boys had a proper opportunity to say goodbye.
There was so much that Virgil wanted to ask, to talk about, but now he was here he was content to just sit between his parents. There was obviously something…strange going on, but Virgil didn't want to know yet.
The three of them sat not talking for quite a while, until Lucy reminded them that the others would begin to worry, and that dinner was probably cold by now. There were some embarrassed grins and they all got up.
'Son, there is more,' Jeff started, hand on Virgil's shoulder. He turned his son to face them. 'When we go into the kitchen, your Grandpa will be there too.' Virgil's head shot up.
'My brothers?' Jeff looked away but nodded.
'Who? Who's missing?' Jeff looked into Virgil's face, convinced that the guilt was clear to see.
'Scott?' It was a whispered question, but Virgil was already sure. Something stirred in his mind – a conversation years ago about time travel and altering timelines he had had with John and Brains. That death is always there – if a death is prevented then another person dies instead.
Lucy wiped the tears away as Virgil rested his head on her shoulders, and Jeff placed an arm around his shoulders. They let him cry as they knelt on the ground together.
He wasn't sure when the others had joined him, but at some point Virgil became aware that he was at the centre of a pile of warm bodies. His Mom. His Dad. Gordon. Alan. Grandpa and Grandma. Kayo and her dad were standing in the doorway.
They broke apart slowly, Virgil smiling, slightly embarrassed. No one had dry eyes, but the smiles were soft and warm.
'Right, Dad. Tell me everything. I assume there is a plan?'