Disclaimer: I don't own anything from M*A*S*H*, no matter how much I would
love too, I don't so please don't sue me!
********
A month went by quickly for BJ. He started working at the hospital again, which he quickly realized how much he truly missed working. He thought a lot about Korea and about Hawkeye. It's been a month since he has seen or talked to his best friends, not including Margaret. Margaret and BJ tried to see each other a few times a week. Peg and Margaret because best friends instantly, and Erin absolutely adored her 'Aunt Margaret,' and Margaret absolutely adored her 'Niece.' BJ sat down at his desk and began to look at the different pictures around his office. There were a few of Peg and Erin spread around the room. Another picture was a picture of his first year at the 4077th. Everyone was there. The second picture was of Margaret, Potter, Charles, Jason and himself. And the last one was a picture of Hawkeye and him, standing outside the swamp with martini glasses and smiles on there faces, and there arms around each others shoulders. On the bottom of the frame it says, "July 6, 1952," and on the back it says, "Beej, my best friend, the finest kind, Hawk." He smiles and begins his paper work. Around six o'clock BJ decided it was time to go back home to his family.
"I'm home!" he calls as he entered his house.
"Daddy!" Erin calls to him, as she runs towards him. He scoops her up and says, "I've missed you Erin." As he gives her a hug and a kiss.
"I miss you too." She says smiling.
"Oh good! You're home." Peg says to her husband as he puts there daughter down on the floor. "It's going to be just you two tonight." She says to him, kissing him hello.
"Where are you going?" He asked. He always loved when it was just the two of them. It gave BJ a chance to make up for not being around the first years of her life.
"Shopping with Margaret. She needs a few things for her apartment and asked me to go along." She says, grabbing her pocketbook.
"Alright. Have fun and I'll see you tonight." He says a bit too eager.
Peg smiled at his eagerness and says, "I plan on it." She says kissing her husband, then her daughter. "Be good for daddy tonight Erin."
"Ok! Bye-bye Mommy!" She says.
"I'll be back around 9."
"Alright, tell Margaret I said hi."
"I will." She says as she heads out the door.
"Well Erin, it's just you and me Princess."
"Come play wif me Daddy!" She says, running into the family room.
"Alright." He says smiling. They spend there entire night playing. Then he gave her a bath and put her to sleep. It was nice spending time with his daughter. After she was asleep he went into the family room and watched TV for a while before Peg came home.
"Did you have fun?" He asked his wife as she came into the room.
"Yes. Margaret got some real cute things for her place."
"That's good." BJ says smiling.
"Yeah, and she is coming over tomorrow for dinner."
"Great!" BJ says, and adds in quickly, "I'll be home by six tomorrow."
"Alright." Peg says, sitting next to her husband. "So what did you and Erin do tonight?"
"Played, had a bath, read a story, the usual." He says draping his arm around her shoulder.
"Sounds like fun."
"It was... I still can't believe how much she has grown."
"I know." She says smiling. "Shall we go to bed?"
"It's only 10." He says, looking at his watch
"I know." She says smiling as she pulls him into the bedroom for the night.
The next day, while BJ was at work he decided he wanted to try and get a hold of Dr. Pierce. He calls to his secretary, "Linda?"
"Yes Doctor?"
"I need you to place a call for me."
"Of course." She smiles at him. "Where too?" She asks, as she takes out a pen and paper.
"Dr. Daniel Pierce, in Crabapple Cove Maine."
"Ok, I'll get right on that." She says, smiling.
"Thanks a lot." He says, smiling back at her. He went back to his paper work for a few minutes before he heard,
"Dr. Hunnicut, Dr. Pierce is on the line."
"Great!" He says excitedly, picking up the receiver, "Dr. Pierce?"
"Dr. Hunnicut." The older man says smiling to himself. "It's good to hear from you BJ."
"You too sir."
"No need for the sir's, call me Daniel."
"Very well." BJ says, grinning ear to ear as he talked to the elder man.
"When did you get home?"
"About three weeks ago."
"And did you pick up your daughter and not let her down?"
"I did, and my wife too for that fact."
"Very good." Daniel says smiling.
"How are you doing?"
"I'm getting a bit better every day, what about you BJ?"
"My family makes it better." He says smiling.
"Be sure that you keep them top priority in your life, because you never know when they are going to leave you."
"I do."
"So, when do I get the honor of meeting you BJ?"
"I was calling about that. I have off in a week and a half for a few days. I figured if you were free, I would fly out there."
"That is the end of August, the 28th?" He asks.
"Around there yes."
"That sounds good." He says smiling. He was truly excited to meet his Son's best friend.
"Are you bringing your wife and daughter?"
"I don't know yet. I have to bring it up with the Mrs." BJ says, smiling.
"Sounds good." He says.
"Dr. Hunnicut, you are needed in surgery." Linda says, coming into his office.
"I'll be right there." BJ says, before turning his attention back to the phone, "Well Daniel, I have to be going. I am needed in surgery. I will let you know what is going to happen."
"Alright BJ, welcome home and it was good talking to you." Daniel says.
"You too, good bye."
"Bye." And they both hang up.
For the rest of the day, both men were in a better mood.
"Dr. Hunnicut?" One of his nurses came up to him as he was getting ready to leave.
"Yes?"
"There's an emergency coming in. They need you."
BJ sighs, and says, "You're kidding me right?"
"No Doctor." The Nurse replies.
"Dammit."
"Do you have somewhere to be?"
"Yes, I told my wife I'd be home for dinner. My friend's coming over."
"Oh, well hopefully you won't be too long. It's only five now."
"And ten by the time I get home." He says, sighing, as he walks out of his office. "Can you call my wife and tell her I'll be late?"
"Yes."
"Thank you."
Surgery seemed to last forever as he worked quickly and safely on the young boy lying before him. After two hours, BJ was able to get home to his family and friend. It wasn't till about 8 by the time he got home.
"I'm home." BJ calls as he comes through the front door.
"Daddy!" Erin says running towards him.
"Hi Erin." He says, picking his daughter up. "Where's Mommy?"
"Aunt Margaret." She says pointing to the kitchen.
"Aunt Margaret's still here?" She nods to him, "Good." He replies as they walk into the kitchen. "Hi girls." He says, smiling.
"Hi." They both say to him.
"Where have you been?" Margaret asks.
"Emergency. I had a kid who came in at the last minute with internal bleeding."
"Oh."
"There's food in the refrigerator if you are hungry." Peg says smiling.
"Thanks," He says, bending down to give her a kiss on the cheek. He proceeds to place Erin on the ground and warm up the food in the oven. "Now, Miss Erin, what are you still doing up? It is 8:00! You should be sound asleep."
"Aunt Margaret is here!" She says, jumping onto her lap.
"I see that." He says, smiling. "But you should still be sleeping."
"I think daddy should take you up to get your Pajamas on." Peg says smiling.
"OK!" Erin says, jumping off Margaret and runs over to her daddy, "Come on Daddy."
"Ok." He says, smiling and picks her up as they head upstairs to her room.
"She has him wrapped around her finger doesn't she?" Margaret says smiling.
"Definitely. He is right where she wait's him to be." Peg says smiling before adding in, "Just where he should be." Peg quickly turns serious and says, "He isn't as happy as he use to be... it's like a part of him is missing."
"He seems fine." Margaret says to her.
"He is, but he isn't." Peg says.
"Tomorrow's a hard day for him... for us."
"I wish I could help him."
"He'll be fine... He is fine." Margaret says reassuring her friend.
"How are you doing?"
"I'm the same as BJ. I cared for Hawkeye more than I ever cared for anyone before." Margaret says taking a sip of her coffee. "He was the first person I cried for in a long time... and BJ was the first one I cried in front of."
"I can't even imagine the pain that you all went through."
"And I envy you for that. No one should ever go through that." She says, sighing. "I just can't believe that it's been a year..." Margaret says before she is cut off by the two year old.
"Look Aunt Margaret!" She says showing her what she was wearing, "There new!"
"And you look beautiful." Margaret says, smiling at the child.
"Thank you." She says, before looking at her mom, "Mommy? Do I have to go to bed?"
Peg looks at her daughter, she still seemed like she was in a good mood, and if she goes to bed later, she'll sleep later. "Not yet." Peg says.
"Good!" Erin says, sitting with Margaret.
"Are you working tomorrow Margaret?" BJ asks.
"Not till one, why?"
"I was wondering if at twelve you would like to go grab lunch."
"Sure, where?"
"The diner?"
"I'll be there!" She says smiling.
"Good." He says, getting his food. "I talked to Hawk's father today."
"Oh?" Margaret says.
"Yeah. I think I'm going to head up to Maine and visit him in a week or so for a few days."
"That's great!" Margaret says, smiling. "I think he's lonely."
"Me too." BJ replies.
"If I had off I'd go with you..." Margaret starts.
"Next time." BJ says before looking at his wife, "Peg, would you like to go?"
"Maybe you should go and visit him yourself this time. It would be easier for you two to get to know each other without a two year old." She says.
"Ok." He says. He was glad in a way that he was able to go alone because he did want to get to know the man.
By 9:00 came, Erin was exhausted. She sat on Margaret's lap the entire tie, and began to fall asleep.
"Alright Miss Erin, it's time for bed." Peg says, picking her up off of Margaret's lap.
"Say goodnight to Aunt Margaret and Daddy."
"Night-Night." Erin says, giving them a kiss.
"Night Erin." Margaret says smiling.
"Good night Princess." BJ says.
"I'll be back in a bit." Peg says, as she walks up stairs to the little girl's room.
"I can't believe it's been a year." BJ says, shaking his head.
"Me neither." Margaret says, looking at her cup of coffee.
"So do I." BJ says, sighing.
"Do you still blame yourself?"
"Yeah. I don't think I'll ever stop. There are days where I stay awake and wonder what I did wrong, and other days when I don't think about him."
"I know what you mean. Some day's I can't even stop thinking about him."
"I thought it would be easier by now." BJ says.
"Yeah, me too." Margaret nods her head.
"I am just still so angry at him Margaret. I am so angry that he is putting us through this."
"I am too..." She says sighing. "I loved him BJ... he was the best friend I ever had before, and I had to watch him die."
"Same here..." BJ says, as he trails off. They sit there in silence and drink there coffee until Peg comes back down.
"Well you guys are awfully quiet." She says, smiling.
"Is Erin asleep?" BJ asks.
"Yeah. She went right down." Peg says. "She should hopefully sleep late tomorrow."
"That's a good thing for you Peg." Margaret says smiling. "Do you think you'll get to sleep till 8:00?"
Peg laughs, "Ahh to dream. That is one thing I am looking forward to when she gets older. I want to be able to sleep till at least 9am."
"You may have to wait another year or so for that dear." BJ says smiling.
"Are you two going to have any more kids?"
"Eventually." Peg says. "I want to wait till Erin's a bit older."
"That sounds good." Margaret says smiling.
They talk till around 10 when Margaret goes home. BJ spends the rest of the week planning his trip up to Maine. He decided that he would go for three days, and get to know the older Pierce. He left on Sunday evening, and would be staying at a hotel till Wednesday evening. Daniel tried to convince BJ to stay at his place, but he did not want to be an imposition, even though they would be spending most of the time together.
"I'll see you in a few days." BJ says, kissing his wife and daughter.
"Be safe BJ and call me when you get there." She says. She was never too fond of him going away for days at a time because it reminded her too much about when he was not there for over a year.
"I will. Be a good girl for mommy Erin, and I'll bring you home a present." He says, kissing his daughter again.
"Bye-bye daddy." She says.
"Tell daddy to have a good time." Peg says, to the little girl.
"Have good time daddy!" She says, smiling.
"Bye." He says, and he walks onto the plane and takes his seat. He smiled to himself as they took off and flew the five hour ride to Maine. It was 1am by the time he got there, so he took a taxi and went to the hotel he was staying at.
"Good evening sir, can I help you?" The hostess said smiling.
"Yes, I had a room saved for me, Dr. Hunnicut."
"Ah yes, here you are." The woman says smiling. "Room 304." She says, as she hands him the key.
"Thank you very much." BJ says smiling back at her.
"Enjoy your stay."
"Thank you." He says as he walks to his room. He throws his key down on the table, and puts his stuff in the bedroom. He then picks up the phone and places a call to his wife. He talks for a few minutes to her before hanging up and readying himself for some shuteye. He and Daniel had a previous arrangement to meet around 10am at his home. BJ was just in the next town over, so it would only be a few minute drive to the house. The next morning at quarter of ten, BJ hailed a taxi and got in.
"Where too sir?"
"125 Pine Drive Please." BJ says smiling.
"Ah, the good Doctor's house." He says smiling.
"Yes." BJ says grinning.
"Are you a friend?" The cab driver asked. It was a town just like Hawkeye had said. All the people were nice as could be, and eager to learn about outsiders.
"Actually, I was a friend of his son, Hawkeye." BJ says, quietly.
"Oh..." The cab driver said sadly, "He and my boy were best friends through grade school. My entire family was sad to hear of his passing, especially over there. How did you know Hawk?"
"We served together... I'm also a doctor." BJ says.
"Oh... I'm sorry to hear about that."
"Thank you." He says.
"Well Doc, here we are." He says as they pull up to a large Victorian House.
"Thank you very much." BJ says, paying the cab driver.
"You're welcome, and enjoy your stay." He says, grinning as he pulls away.
BJ stares at the house for a second before walking to the door and knocking on it. An older man opens the door. He was the replica of Hawkeye, only about 30 years older.
"You must be BJ." He says, as he opens the door to allow him to come in.
"I am." BJ replies smiling. "You must be the famous Doctor Pierce." He grins.
"I am." He says, holding out the mans hand to shake. "It's nice to finally meet you BJ."
"You too Daniel." He says, shaking the mans hand.
"Come on in, and have a seat." He says, motioning for BJ to follow him. They walk into the living room and sit down. "How was your flight?"
"It was fine thank you."
"And your hotel?"
"Also fine." BJ says.
"Good." Daniel says.
They sit there and look at one another for a few minutes before talking again.
"So how does it feel to be back in the States?"
"Weird." BJ says smiling, "But the greatest feeling in the entire world. You know, you never appreciate this place until you have lived in a place with absolutely nothing."
"And your wife and daughter?"
"They are absolutely the most amazing people on the face of the earth." He says smiling.
"Here, I have a picture of them." He tells him pulling out the recent picture of Erin and an older one of him and Peg and shows the doctor.
"She is absolutely gorgeous." He says about the baby, "And your wife is a good looking woman too." He says smiling, and handing the pictures back.
"Thank you... I think so too." He says smiling.
"So, tell me about yourself BJ."
"Like what?"
"Everything and anything. I really want to get to know you."
"Well... I have lived in California since I was born. I come from three generations of Doctors..." He starts, and gives him the life story. After about 45 minutes of him talking, he finishes and says, "I hope I'm not boring you."
"No, not at all." Daniel says smiling. "So, are you planning for any more kids in the future?"
"Yes, but not just yet. I'm still trying to get to know Erin and it really isn't fair for her if a new baby comes since I haven't been around for just about her entire life." He says. "So we are going to wait a couple of month's or so."
"That seems reasonable."
"Why didn't you have any more kids?"
"My wife got sick when Hawk was three, so we decided that we weren't going to have any more."
"What did she die from?"
"Cancer." He says. "She lived with it for years, and died when Hawkeye was just ten years old. He turned ten on March 8th and she died on March 30th." He says shaking his head.
"I'm sorry." BJ says. "I couldn't imagine losing a wife and child."
"And I hope you should never have too. I saw Tommy's family, and my heard broke for them when their son had died, and I remember thinking my god, how horrible it would be to lose Hawkeye, and now I know exactly how horrible it actually is. The loss of your spouse is always hard, but the loss of a child is the most horrible thing you could ever go through."
"I can only imagine." BJ says shaking his head. "But, tell me about yourself. I don't think its fair for me to do all the talking."
"Well... I was born and raised here..." He began and spoke just as long as BJ did. "Then, we come to the letter that was sent home saying that my son had died." He says, finishing his tale. "I thought that viewing the body would be the hardest part, but I was wrong. The funeral was a hundred times harder. Trapper John came, and he introduced himself to me and told me how sorry he was. I invited him back to my house for a chance to talk with him one on one."
"I wish I had met Trapper..."
"Hawkeye did too." Daniel says, before, "I can give him a call if you want to meet him. I speak to him often."
"That may be an idea."
"I'll call him later. I think it's time for you two to be introduced."
"I think so too."
"Well..." Daniel says, looking at his watch... "Care to join me for lunch? It's one."
"That sound's good." BJ says, as they both rise from the seat.
"What do you like to eat?"
"I'll go for anything. I'm not too picky." BJ says, smiling.
"Alright."
They hop into the car and drive a few miles, before coming to stop in front of a cute, small restaurant and walk in.
"Hi Daniel." The hostess calls.
"Hi Louise." He says smiling. "How have you been doll?"
"Wonderful thank you, and yourself?"
"Good thanks. I'm keeping busy." He smiles.
Her attention turns to BJ and she says, "Hi."
"Hello." BJ says, smiling.
"A new face." She says smiling.
"Louise, this is BJ Hunnicut."
"It's nice to meet you BJ."
"You too Ma'am." He replies.
"Oh please, call me Louise."
"Alright." He says.
"So where are you from BJ?"
"Mill Valley California... it's on..."
"The Bay side." She smiles. "I lived in San Francisco for about 10 years before my family moved here after WW1."
"Oh." BJ says smiling.
"So, how do you two know each other?"
"He served with Hawk." Daniel says, his eyes clouding over a bit.
"Oh..." She says, looking at BJ, "You knew our Hawkeye."
"Very well." BJ says. "I came over in early '52, and we lived in the same tent for about a year before he was..." His voice trailed off.
"Did you work on him?"
"I tried." BJ says, looking down at his feet.
"I'm sure you did the best you could. He was a great boy."
"He was my best friend." BJ says, looking the woman in the eyes.
"Our son was killed in combat also... Hawkeye and he were best friends."
"Tommy?" BJ asks.
"Yes." She says nodding.
"I'm sorry..." BJ says.
"Thank you." She says, composing herself. "Well, enough of focusing on the sad times, what can I get you boys to drink?"
"I'll have a Coke." Daniel says, smiling.
"Same for me, please." BJ says smiling.
"Alright. I'll be back to take your orders."
"So that's Mrs. Gillis."
"Yes." Daniel says.
"She's a nice woman."
"She is a very nice woman... they are a very nice family. Tommy and Hawk were like brothers. They were both only children, so they bonded and spend their childhood together."
"This seems like a great place to grow up in."
"It is." Daniel says smiling.
"I am glad that I got a chance to visit. Hawkeye always talked so fondly about Maine, and I now know why."
"Yeah." Daniel says.
They order food, eat, and talk like they have been friends for years. It's funny how death always seems to bring people together. When they finished eating, they talked a bit more to Louise, and then got back into the car.
"Do you want to see the gravesite?" Daniel asked.
"Um..." He says, hesitating a moment, but knowing that he has to see it, "Sure..."
"I know the feeling." Daniel says sighing. Slowly they enter the cemetery, and head up to the Pierce Family Plot. Daniel turns off the car and both men exit, walking slowly up to the site. "The Pierces always lived in Maine, and if they didn't they were shipped here to be buried." He explains to the young man. They walk a few more feet in silence before they come to a stop. Daniel points out the headstone which was placed about 20 feet in front of where they stood. BJ takes a deep breath and heads up the small hill to the Headstone.
Benjamin Franklin "Hawkeye" Pierce
Beloved Son, Friend, and Doctor.
March 8, 1920- August 19, 1952
BJ stared down at the headstone, memories flooding through his mind of the first time he met Hawkeye to the last time he saw him. His last memories of Hawkeye were full of pain and suffering. Red and White were his most hated colors now-a-days because they reminded him of the blood and complexion of his friend. He imagined what it was like, standing here on the 24th of August, staring at the casket and watching it be lowered into the ground, but then, most people couldn't imagine having their hands inside the surgeon, trying to save his life and failing. BJ hung his head as a tear slipped from his eyes. He didn't even bother to wipe it off, he just let it fall to the ground.
"I hate it too." Daniel says, finally joining BJ on the hill. "Every time I come up here, I try to remember the good things, but all I can remember is..."
"The bad." BJ says, cutting him off. "I feel the same way."
They stood on the hill, while a cooling breeze blew through the cemetery for a few more minutes before they both head back to the Pierce house. BJ and Daniel sat and talked till about 8pm, when BJ decided he better get back to the hotel so he could call his family. Daniel calls a Taxi for BJ and they say goodnight. Tomorrow afternoon Trapper would be arriving so the two could finally meet. BJ was nervous to meet Trapper, and Trapper was nervous to meet BJ... the two of them were completely different.
"Hi Peg." BJ says... "Everything is fine, how are you and Erin doing?"... "Good to hear, give her a kiss for me.".... "No, Dr. Pierce is an incredible man. I now know the reason Hawkeye talked so highly of his father.".... "Tomorrow Trappers coming up."... "Right Darling, I miss you too, but I'll be home Wednesday evening.".... "Right, I love you too."... "Good night." He says, smiling as he hangs up the phone and gets ready for bed.
The next morning went the same as the day before. BJ headed over to the Doctor's house, and awaited Trapper's arrival. He and Dr Pierce talked till about 12:30 when they heard a knock on the door. Daniel stood up and went to answer it with a smile.
"Hi Trapper." Daniel says smiling.
"Hi Daniel." Trapper says, shaking the mans hand. "It's been a while."
"Indeed it has." He says, letting the man into the house. They head into the living room where BJ is sitting.
"You must be Trapper." BJ says smiling.
"That's the rumor." He says in his Boston accent. "Nice to meet you BJ." He says smiling.
"I've heard a lot about you." He tells curly haired man.
"I wish I could say the same... but I have heard about you through Daniel." Trapper says, looking over his replacement. "So, you were my replacement."
"Yeah, I was." BJ replied. "You were the beginning and I was the end of the war."
"And of other things." He says, sadly.
"Yeah..." BJ says. They sit in silence for a few seconds when they hear the phone ring. Daniel jumps up to grab it and the other two men sit and stare at each other till Daniel returns.
"Sorry guys, but I have to go to the office for a little while. I have an emergency."
"Do you want any help?" Trapper asked.
"No. Why don't you two make yourself at home and get to know each other better. I'll be back in about two hours."
"Ok. Bye." BJ says.
"Bye."
"So, what did you think about Hawk?" Trapper asked the younger man.
"He was my best friend." BJ says, sighing.
"I know the feeling."
"Do you?"
"Do I?! What kind of a question is that?!" Trapper says, getting defensive.
"I didn't mean anything by it. It's just that, Hawkeye was really upset and angry at you when you left without a note." He says, looking at Trapper, trying to judge his facial expressions. "He tried to drive to the airport to catch you, but he missed you by 10 minutes."
"I didn't know..."
"Then you were all he ever talked about for around two weeks, and even times after. Why didn't you say goodbye?" BJ asked. That question always plagued him. How could Trapper just leave without saying goodbye? He knew that he could never leave without a goodbye.
"I didn't know how to say it." Trapper says, shrugging his shoulders. "We lost Henry, and then I was going home. How do you tell your best friend that he's losing another friend? Hawk and I went through a lot, and I couldn't put into words what I wanted to say. I didn't know that he tried to catch up with me at the airport, but I assure you I waited as long as I could to see if he came home, but he was late. I left him a kiss and that was all I could do. How do you put into words what you want to say to a best friend who you have lived, laughed, and cried with for over a year?"
"I know the feeling..." BJ says, nodding.
"I don't envy you BJ." Trapper says. "I had the choice on how I wanted to say goodbye, but you didn't. I don't know what I would have done if I was the one who had to operate on Hawkeye and lost him." He says, hanging his head.
"It was one of the worst days of my life." BJ says, shaking his head. "You would have never thought that one of your friends would die in combat, especially when your friend was a doctor. It's almost like we were safe from the war, but in real life we weren't. I opened him up and saw how bad he was and thought that I still could put him back together. I wouldn't listen to him when he said that he was dying and I wouldn't listen to anyone else telling me that he was gone."
"Do you feel guilty?" Trapper asked.
"Yes. I feel completely responsible for his death, and the guilt is still there. I feel that if I was as good as a doctor as Hawkeye was, then he would have been alive."
"I would have felt the same way." Trapper says. "I don't envy you..."
"I don't envy you either. In a way, neither of us got to say goodbye till he was already gone." BJ says, and that was all that was said for about twenty minutes. Both men sat in silence, remembering their friend.
"So," Trapper starts, trying to break the silence. He was never too fond of silence. "How did Margaret take his death?"
"Hard." He says, shrugging. "Everyone in the entire compound took it hard. Moral was down lower then it ever had been before, and it never fully was redeemed. Margaret took it just as hard as I did."
"She loved him..."
"I know." BJ agrees. "She told me that he was the only person that could get her to open up."
"That he was... usually he'd just piss her off, but there were times where he would get her to talk to him, even though he would never admit it." Trapper says smiling.
"She opened up a lot after a few months."
"Margaret?!" Trapper says, shocked... "Hotlips Houlihan?"
"The one and only." BJ says smiling. "She actually lives about ten minutes away from my house. We see each other all the time."
"I don't know how I would feel about that..."
"About what?"
"Seeing people again, and living so close. I want to forget everything about the war..."
"I did too, but there is no way I could, especially the people. I loved them all too much to forget about them. I feel like if I forgot about them then I would forget about Hawkeye."
"I could never forget about him, no matter how hard I tried."
"Me neither. We got a replacement soon after his body was shipped home and I couldn't get use to him. It just wasn't the same. It still isn't the same. Jason was his name, and I hated him for just about anything and everything I could. But, eventually I started to get along with him, but it wasn't the same. It was a rough time for all of us. I just wish I could have saved him."
"So do I. I would have a lot of stuff to explain to him about why I left and..."
"He knew." BJ reassures his new friend. Once again they sit and think for a while, before they start talking about anything and everything, except for Hawkeye. They got to know each other. They really enjoyed the time spent talking just the two of them. Dinner time came and Daniel had taken the two younger men out to dinner. The next day both Trapper and BJ left Maine, and went back to there homes, but they would be keeping in touch. They had made a connection between the two of them, one that would probably have never happened if it wasn't for Hawkeye's passing. They decided to visit and talk to one another every so often. Daniel was set to come out to California to meet Peg and Erin in February. He was looking forward to meeting the two, and BJ was just as excited to show them off.
BJ was glad to get back home to his family, and his girls were glad to have him back. Erin attached herself to him as soon as he walked through the door and did not let him out of her sight until he put her to bed. Peg was eager to hear all about the trip, and that is exactly what they did as soon as Erin was down for the night.
"So, how was it?" Peg asked, as BJ sat next to her on the couch.
"It was a really nice time." BJ says, with a hint of sadness in his voice. "Daniel was a great man. We talked about everything from ourselves to Hawkeye. I saw the family plot, which was difficult and I met Trapper."
"What's he like?"
"He's like Hawkeye..." He says, shaking his head. "The same mannerism as he had, and just an all around great guy."
"It sounds like you had a great time."
"Yeah. Daniel is going to come down in February to meet you and Erin."
"Good. I am anxious to meet him." She says smiling.
During those few days, something changed in BJ. He felt closure talking to Hawkeye's father. He felt like he knew a lot more about his late best friend then he ever had before. He and Daniel had bonded during those three days. A bond that was not liable to break anytime soon. BJ almost felt like he was a father figure to him. BJ's father died two years before he was drafted, and Daniel seemed to fill that hole in his life also. He was glad that he had the courage to go and meet the man and see where his friend came from. It provided closure talking to both Daniel and Trapper. BJ was happier from that moment on. Peg also saw the change in BJ and was excited that the husband came back to her the same way he left.
*****
TBC...
Please R&R, but please be kind... I haven't been writing fic's that long. Thanks for all the reviews! Keep them up! If there are minor things wrong with this fic, I apologize; it was 2am when I finished it... I got an idea and had to go with it! Thanks for the Reviews!!! KEEP THEM COMING! Only two more chapters to go! I hope you like it! Keep up the reviewing! Thanks so much for everyone who has reviewed me! It really helps me out! Glad you are liking it!
*STARY*
********
A month went by quickly for BJ. He started working at the hospital again, which he quickly realized how much he truly missed working. He thought a lot about Korea and about Hawkeye. It's been a month since he has seen or talked to his best friends, not including Margaret. Margaret and BJ tried to see each other a few times a week. Peg and Margaret because best friends instantly, and Erin absolutely adored her 'Aunt Margaret,' and Margaret absolutely adored her 'Niece.' BJ sat down at his desk and began to look at the different pictures around his office. There were a few of Peg and Erin spread around the room. Another picture was a picture of his first year at the 4077th. Everyone was there. The second picture was of Margaret, Potter, Charles, Jason and himself. And the last one was a picture of Hawkeye and him, standing outside the swamp with martini glasses and smiles on there faces, and there arms around each others shoulders. On the bottom of the frame it says, "July 6, 1952," and on the back it says, "Beej, my best friend, the finest kind, Hawk." He smiles and begins his paper work. Around six o'clock BJ decided it was time to go back home to his family.
"I'm home!" he calls as he entered his house.
"Daddy!" Erin calls to him, as she runs towards him. He scoops her up and says, "I've missed you Erin." As he gives her a hug and a kiss.
"I miss you too." She says smiling.
"Oh good! You're home." Peg says to her husband as he puts there daughter down on the floor. "It's going to be just you two tonight." She says to him, kissing him hello.
"Where are you going?" He asked. He always loved when it was just the two of them. It gave BJ a chance to make up for not being around the first years of her life.
"Shopping with Margaret. She needs a few things for her apartment and asked me to go along." She says, grabbing her pocketbook.
"Alright. Have fun and I'll see you tonight." He says a bit too eager.
Peg smiled at his eagerness and says, "I plan on it." She says kissing her husband, then her daughter. "Be good for daddy tonight Erin."
"Ok! Bye-bye Mommy!" She says.
"I'll be back around 9."
"Alright, tell Margaret I said hi."
"I will." She says as she heads out the door.
"Well Erin, it's just you and me Princess."
"Come play wif me Daddy!" She says, running into the family room.
"Alright." He says smiling. They spend there entire night playing. Then he gave her a bath and put her to sleep. It was nice spending time with his daughter. After she was asleep he went into the family room and watched TV for a while before Peg came home.
"Did you have fun?" He asked his wife as she came into the room.
"Yes. Margaret got some real cute things for her place."
"That's good." BJ says smiling.
"Yeah, and she is coming over tomorrow for dinner."
"Great!" BJ says, and adds in quickly, "I'll be home by six tomorrow."
"Alright." Peg says, sitting next to her husband. "So what did you and Erin do tonight?"
"Played, had a bath, read a story, the usual." He says draping his arm around her shoulder.
"Sounds like fun."
"It was... I still can't believe how much she has grown."
"I know." She says smiling. "Shall we go to bed?"
"It's only 10." He says, looking at his watch
"I know." She says smiling as she pulls him into the bedroom for the night.
The next day, while BJ was at work he decided he wanted to try and get a hold of Dr. Pierce. He calls to his secretary, "Linda?"
"Yes Doctor?"
"I need you to place a call for me."
"Of course." She smiles at him. "Where too?" She asks, as she takes out a pen and paper.
"Dr. Daniel Pierce, in Crabapple Cove Maine."
"Ok, I'll get right on that." She says, smiling.
"Thanks a lot." He says, smiling back at her. He went back to his paper work for a few minutes before he heard,
"Dr. Hunnicut, Dr. Pierce is on the line."
"Great!" He says excitedly, picking up the receiver, "Dr. Pierce?"
"Dr. Hunnicut." The older man says smiling to himself. "It's good to hear from you BJ."
"You too sir."
"No need for the sir's, call me Daniel."
"Very well." BJ says, grinning ear to ear as he talked to the elder man.
"When did you get home?"
"About three weeks ago."
"And did you pick up your daughter and not let her down?"
"I did, and my wife too for that fact."
"Very good." Daniel says smiling.
"How are you doing?"
"I'm getting a bit better every day, what about you BJ?"
"My family makes it better." He says smiling.
"Be sure that you keep them top priority in your life, because you never know when they are going to leave you."
"I do."
"So, when do I get the honor of meeting you BJ?"
"I was calling about that. I have off in a week and a half for a few days. I figured if you were free, I would fly out there."
"That is the end of August, the 28th?" He asks.
"Around there yes."
"That sounds good." He says smiling. He was truly excited to meet his Son's best friend.
"Are you bringing your wife and daughter?"
"I don't know yet. I have to bring it up with the Mrs." BJ says, smiling.
"Sounds good." He says.
"Dr. Hunnicut, you are needed in surgery." Linda says, coming into his office.
"I'll be right there." BJ says, before turning his attention back to the phone, "Well Daniel, I have to be going. I am needed in surgery. I will let you know what is going to happen."
"Alright BJ, welcome home and it was good talking to you." Daniel says.
"You too, good bye."
"Bye." And they both hang up.
For the rest of the day, both men were in a better mood.
"Dr. Hunnicut?" One of his nurses came up to him as he was getting ready to leave.
"Yes?"
"There's an emergency coming in. They need you."
BJ sighs, and says, "You're kidding me right?"
"No Doctor." The Nurse replies.
"Dammit."
"Do you have somewhere to be?"
"Yes, I told my wife I'd be home for dinner. My friend's coming over."
"Oh, well hopefully you won't be too long. It's only five now."
"And ten by the time I get home." He says, sighing, as he walks out of his office. "Can you call my wife and tell her I'll be late?"
"Yes."
"Thank you."
Surgery seemed to last forever as he worked quickly and safely on the young boy lying before him. After two hours, BJ was able to get home to his family and friend. It wasn't till about 8 by the time he got home.
"I'm home." BJ calls as he comes through the front door.
"Daddy!" Erin says running towards him.
"Hi Erin." He says, picking his daughter up. "Where's Mommy?"
"Aunt Margaret." She says pointing to the kitchen.
"Aunt Margaret's still here?" She nods to him, "Good." He replies as they walk into the kitchen. "Hi girls." He says, smiling.
"Hi." They both say to him.
"Where have you been?" Margaret asks.
"Emergency. I had a kid who came in at the last minute with internal bleeding."
"Oh."
"There's food in the refrigerator if you are hungry." Peg says smiling.
"Thanks," He says, bending down to give her a kiss on the cheek. He proceeds to place Erin on the ground and warm up the food in the oven. "Now, Miss Erin, what are you still doing up? It is 8:00! You should be sound asleep."
"Aunt Margaret is here!" She says, jumping onto her lap.
"I see that." He says, smiling. "But you should still be sleeping."
"I think daddy should take you up to get your Pajamas on." Peg says smiling.
"OK!" Erin says, jumping off Margaret and runs over to her daddy, "Come on Daddy."
"Ok." He says, smiling and picks her up as they head upstairs to her room.
"She has him wrapped around her finger doesn't she?" Margaret says smiling.
"Definitely. He is right where she wait's him to be." Peg says smiling before adding in, "Just where he should be." Peg quickly turns serious and says, "He isn't as happy as he use to be... it's like a part of him is missing."
"He seems fine." Margaret says to her.
"He is, but he isn't." Peg says.
"Tomorrow's a hard day for him... for us."
"I wish I could help him."
"He'll be fine... He is fine." Margaret says reassuring her friend.
"How are you doing?"
"I'm the same as BJ. I cared for Hawkeye more than I ever cared for anyone before." Margaret says taking a sip of her coffee. "He was the first person I cried for in a long time... and BJ was the first one I cried in front of."
"I can't even imagine the pain that you all went through."
"And I envy you for that. No one should ever go through that." She says, sighing. "I just can't believe that it's been a year..." Margaret says before she is cut off by the two year old.
"Look Aunt Margaret!" She says showing her what she was wearing, "There new!"
"And you look beautiful." Margaret says, smiling at the child.
"Thank you." She says, before looking at her mom, "Mommy? Do I have to go to bed?"
Peg looks at her daughter, she still seemed like she was in a good mood, and if she goes to bed later, she'll sleep later. "Not yet." Peg says.
"Good!" Erin says, sitting with Margaret.
"Are you working tomorrow Margaret?" BJ asks.
"Not till one, why?"
"I was wondering if at twelve you would like to go grab lunch."
"Sure, where?"
"The diner?"
"I'll be there!" She says smiling.
"Good." He says, getting his food. "I talked to Hawk's father today."
"Oh?" Margaret says.
"Yeah. I think I'm going to head up to Maine and visit him in a week or so for a few days."
"That's great!" Margaret says, smiling. "I think he's lonely."
"Me too." BJ replies.
"If I had off I'd go with you..." Margaret starts.
"Next time." BJ says before looking at his wife, "Peg, would you like to go?"
"Maybe you should go and visit him yourself this time. It would be easier for you two to get to know each other without a two year old." She says.
"Ok." He says. He was glad in a way that he was able to go alone because he did want to get to know the man.
By 9:00 came, Erin was exhausted. She sat on Margaret's lap the entire tie, and began to fall asleep.
"Alright Miss Erin, it's time for bed." Peg says, picking her up off of Margaret's lap.
"Say goodnight to Aunt Margaret and Daddy."
"Night-Night." Erin says, giving them a kiss.
"Night Erin." Margaret says smiling.
"Good night Princess." BJ says.
"I'll be back in a bit." Peg says, as she walks up stairs to the little girl's room.
"I can't believe it's been a year." BJ says, shaking his head.
"Me neither." Margaret says, looking at her cup of coffee.
"So do I." BJ says, sighing.
"Do you still blame yourself?"
"Yeah. I don't think I'll ever stop. There are days where I stay awake and wonder what I did wrong, and other days when I don't think about him."
"I know what you mean. Some day's I can't even stop thinking about him."
"I thought it would be easier by now." BJ says.
"Yeah, me too." Margaret nods her head.
"I am just still so angry at him Margaret. I am so angry that he is putting us through this."
"I am too..." She says sighing. "I loved him BJ... he was the best friend I ever had before, and I had to watch him die."
"Same here..." BJ says, as he trails off. They sit there in silence and drink there coffee until Peg comes back down.
"Well you guys are awfully quiet." She says, smiling.
"Is Erin asleep?" BJ asks.
"Yeah. She went right down." Peg says. "She should hopefully sleep late tomorrow."
"That's a good thing for you Peg." Margaret says smiling. "Do you think you'll get to sleep till 8:00?"
Peg laughs, "Ahh to dream. That is one thing I am looking forward to when she gets older. I want to be able to sleep till at least 9am."
"You may have to wait another year or so for that dear." BJ says smiling.
"Are you two going to have any more kids?"
"Eventually." Peg says. "I want to wait till Erin's a bit older."
"That sounds good." Margaret says smiling.
They talk till around 10 when Margaret goes home. BJ spends the rest of the week planning his trip up to Maine. He decided that he would go for three days, and get to know the older Pierce. He left on Sunday evening, and would be staying at a hotel till Wednesday evening. Daniel tried to convince BJ to stay at his place, but he did not want to be an imposition, even though they would be spending most of the time together.
"I'll see you in a few days." BJ says, kissing his wife and daughter.
"Be safe BJ and call me when you get there." She says. She was never too fond of him going away for days at a time because it reminded her too much about when he was not there for over a year.
"I will. Be a good girl for mommy Erin, and I'll bring you home a present." He says, kissing his daughter again.
"Bye-bye daddy." She says.
"Tell daddy to have a good time." Peg says, to the little girl.
"Have good time daddy!" She says, smiling.
"Bye." He says, and he walks onto the plane and takes his seat. He smiled to himself as they took off and flew the five hour ride to Maine. It was 1am by the time he got there, so he took a taxi and went to the hotel he was staying at.
"Good evening sir, can I help you?" The hostess said smiling.
"Yes, I had a room saved for me, Dr. Hunnicut."
"Ah yes, here you are." The woman says smiling. "Room 304." She says, as she hands him the key.
"Thank you very much." BJ says smiling back at her.
"Enjoy your stay."
"Thank you." He says as he walks to his room. He throws his key down on the table, and puts his stuff in the bedroom. He then picks up the phone and places a call to his wife. He talks for a few minutes to her before hanging up and readying himself for some shuteye. He and Daniel had a previous arrangement to meet around 10am at his home. BJ was just in the next town over, so it would only be a few minute drive to the house. The next morning at quarter of ten, BJ hailed a taxi and got in.
"Where too sir?"
"125 Pine Drive Please." BJ says smiling.
"Ah, the good Doctor's house." He says smiling.
"Yes." BJ says grinning.
"Are you a friend?" The cab driver asked. It was a town just like Hawkeye had said. All the people were nice as could be, and eager to learn about outsiders.
"Actually, I was a friend of his son, Hawkeye." BJ says, quietly.
"Oh..." The cab driver said sadly, "He and my boy were best friends through grade school. My entire family was sad to hear of his passing, especially over there. How did you know Hawk?"
"We served together... I'm also a doctor." BJ says.
"Oh... I'm sorry to hear about that."
"Thank you." He says.
"Well Doc, here we are." He says as they pull up to a large Victorian House.
"Thank you very much." BJ says, paying the cab driver.
"You're welcome, and enjoy your stay." He says, grinning as he pulls away.
BJ stares at the house for a second before walking to the door and knocking on it. An older man opens the door. He was the replica of Hawkeye, only about 30 years older.
"You must be BJ." He says, as he opens the door to allow him to come in.
"I am." BJ replies smiling. "You must be the famous Doctor Pierce." He grins.
"I am." He says, holding out the mans hand to shake. "It's nice to finally meet you BJ."
"You too Daniel." He says, shaking the mans hand.
"Come on in, and have a seat." He says, motioning for BJ to follow him. They walk into the living room and sit down. "How was your flight?"
"It was fine thank you."
"And your hotel?"
"Also fine." BJ says.
"Good." Daniel says.
They sit there and look at one another for a few minutes before talking again.
"So how does it feel to be back in the States?"
"Weird." BJ says smiling, "But the greatest feeling in the entire world. You know, you never appreciate this place until you have lived in a place with absolutely nothing."
"And your wife and daughter?"
"They are absolutely the most amazing people on the face of the earth." He says smiling.
"Here, I have a picture of them." He tells him pulling out the recent picture of Erin and an older one of him and Peg and shows the doctor.
"She is absolutely gorgeous." He says about the baby, "And your wife is a good looking woman too." He says smiling, and handing the pictures back.
"Thank you... I think so too." He says smiling.
"So, tell me about yourself BJ."
"Like what?"
"Everything and anything. I really want to get to know you."
"Well... I have lived in California since I was born. I come from three generations of Doctors..." He starts, and gives him the life story. After about 45 minutes of him talking, he finishes and says, "I hope I'm not boring you."
"No, not at all." Daniel says smiling. "So, are you planning for any more kids in the future?"
"Yes, but not just yet. I'm still trying to get to know Erin and it really isn't fair for her if a new baby comes since I haven't been around for just about her entire life." He says. "So we are going to wait a couple of month's or so."
"That seems reasonable."
"Why didn't you have any more kids?"
"My wife got sick when Hawk was three, so we decided that we weren't going to have any more."
"What did she die from?"
"Cancer." He says. "She lived with it for years, and died when Hawkeye was just ten years old. He turned ten on March 8th and she died on March 30th." He says shaking his head.
"I'm sorry." BJ says. "I couldn't imagine losing a wife and child."
"And I hope you should never have too. I saw Tommy's family, and my heard broke for them when their son had died, and I remember thinking my god, how horrible it would be to lose Hawkeye, and now I know exactly how horrible it actually is. The loss of your spouse is always hard, but the loss of a child is the most horrible thing you could ever go through."
"I can only imagine." BJ says shaking his head. "But, tell me about yourself. I don't think its fair for me to do all the talking."
"Well... I was born and raised here..." He began and spoke just as long as BJ did. "Then, we come to the letter that was sent home saying that my son had died." He says, finishing his tale. "I thought that viewing the body would be the hardest part, but I was wrong. The funeral was a hundred times harder. Trapper John came, and he introduced himself to me and told me how sorry he was. I invited him back to my house for a chance to talk with him one on one."
"I wish I had met Trapper..."
"Hawkeye did too." Daniel says, before, "I can give him a call if you want to meet him. I speak to him often."
"That may be an idea."
"I'll call him later. I think it's time for you two to be introduced."
"I think so too."
"Well..." Daniel says, looking at his watch... "Care to join me for lunch? It's one."
"That sound's good." BJ says, as they both rise from the seat.
"What do you like to eat?"
"I'll go for anything. I'm not too picky." BJ says, smiling.
"Alright."
They hop into the car and drive a few miles, before coming to stop in front of a cute, small restaurant and walk in.
"Hi Daniel." The hostess calls.
"Hi Louise." He says smiling. "How have you been doll?"
"Wonderful thank you, and yourself?"
"Good thanks. I'm keeping busy." He smiles.
Her attention turns to BJ and she says, "Hi."
"Hello." BJ says, smiling.
"A new face." She says smiling.
"Louise, this is BJ Hunnicut."
"It's nice to meet you BJ."
"You too Ma'am." He replies.
"Oh please, call me Louise."
"Alright." He says.
"So where are you from BJ?"
"Mill Valley California... it's on..."
"The Bay side." She smiles. "I lived in San Francisco for about 10 years before my family moved here after WW1."
"Oh." BJ says smiling.
"So, how do you two know each other?"
"He served with Hawk." Daniel says, his eyes clouding over a bit.
"Oh..." She says, looking at BJ, "You knew our Hawkeye."
"Very well." BJ says. "I came over in early '52, and we lived in the same tent for about a year before he was..." His voice trailed off.
"Did you work on him?"
"I tried." BJ says, looking down at his feet.
"I'm sure you did the best you could. He was a great boy."
"He was my best friend." BJ says, looking the woman in the eyes.
"Our son was killed in combat also... Hawkeye and he were best friends."
"Tommy?" BJ asks.
"Yes." She says nodding.
"I'm sorry..." BJ says.
"Thank you." She says, composing herself. "Well, enough of focusing on the sad times, what can I get you boys to drink?"
"I'll have a Coke." Daniel says, smiling.
"Same for me, please." BJ says smiling.
"Alright. I'll be back to take your orders."
"So that's Mrs. Gillis."
"Yes." Daniel says.
"She's a nice woman."
"She is a very nice woman... they are a very nice family. Tommy and Hawk were like brothers. They were both only children, so they bonded and spend their childhood together."
"This seems like a great place to grow up in."
"It is." Daniel says smiling.
"I am glad that I got a chance to visit. Hawkeye always talked so fondly about Maine, and I now know why."
"Yeah." Daniel says.
They order food, eat, and talk like they have been friends for years. It's funny how death always seems to bring people together. When they finished eating, they talked a bit more to Louise, and then got back into the car.
"Do you want to see the gravesite?" Daniel asked.
"Um..." He says, hesitating a moment, but knowing that he has to see it, "Sure..."
"I know the feeling." Daniel says sighing. Slowly they enter the cemetery, and head up to the Pierce Family Plot. Daniel turns off the car and both men exit, walking slowly up to the site. "The Pierces always lived in Maine, and if they didn't they were shipped here to be buried." He explains to the young man. They walk a few more feet in silence before they come to a stop. Daniel points out the headstone which was placed about 20 feet in front of where they stood. BJ takes a deep breath and heads up the small hill to the Headstone.
Benjamin Franklin "Hawkeye" Pierce
Beloved Son, Friend, and Doctor.
March 8, 1920- August 19, 1952
BJ stared down at the headstone, memories flooding through his mind of the first time he met Hawkeye to the last time he saw him. His last memories of Hawkeye were full of pain and suffering. Red and White were his most hated colors now-a-days because they reminded him of the blood and complexion of his friend. He imagined what it was like, standing here on the 24th of August, staring at the casket and watching it be lowered into the ground, but then, most people couldn't imagine having their hands inside the surgeon, trying to save his life and failing. BJ hung his head as a tear slipped from his eyes. He didn't even bother to wipe it off, he just let it fall to the ground.
"I hate it too." Daniel says, finally joining BJ on the hill. "Every time I come up here, I try to remember the good things, but all I can remember is..."
"The bad." BJ says, cutting him off. "I feel the same way."
They stood on the hill, while a cooling breeze blew through the cemetery for a few more minutes before they both head back to the Pierce house. BJ and Daniel sat and talked till about 8pm, when BJ decided he better get back to the hotel so he could call his family. Daniel calls a Taxi for BJ and they say goodnight. Tomorrow afternoon Trapper would be arriving so the two could finally meet. BJ was nervous to meet Trapper, and Trapper was nervous to meet BJ... the two of them were completely different.
"Hi Peg." BJ says... "Everything is fine, how are you and Erin doing?"... "Good to hear, give her a kiss for me.".... "No, Dr. Pierce is an incredible man. I now know the reason Hawkeye talked so highly of his father.".... "Tomorrow Trappers coming up."... "Right Darling, I miss you too, but I'll be home Wednesday evening.".... "Right, I love you too."... "Good night." He says, smiling as he hangs up the phone and gets ready for bed.
The next morning went the same as the day before. BJ headed over to the Doctor's house, and awaited Trapper's arrival. He and Dr Pierce talked till about 12:30 when they heard a knock on the door. Daniel stood up and went to answer it with a smile.
"Hi Trapper." Daniel says smiling.
"Hi Daniel." Trapper says, shaking the mans hand. "It's been a while."
"Indeed it has." He says, letting the man into the house. They head into the living room where BJ is sitting.
"You must be Trapper." BJ says smiling.
"That's the rumor." He says in his Boston accent. "Nice to meet you BJ." He says smiling.
"I've heard a lot about you." He tells curly haired man.
"I wish I could say the same... but I have heard about you through Daniel." Trapper says, looking over his replacement. "So, you were my replacement."
"Yeah, I was." BJ replied. "You were the beginning and I was the end of the war."
"And of other things." He says, sadly.
"Yeah..." BJ says. They sit in silence for a few seconds when they hear the phone ring. Daniel jumps up to grab it and the other two men sit and stare at each other till Daniel returns.
"Sorry guys, but I have to go to the office for a little while. I have an emergency."
"Do you want any help?" Trapper asked.
"No. Why don't you two make yourself at home and get to know each other better. I'll be back in about two hours."
"Ok. Bye." BJ says.
"Bye."
"So, what did you think about Hawk?" Trapper asked the younger man.
"He was my best friend." BJ says, sighing.
"I know the feeling."
"Do you?"
"Do I?! What kind of a question is that?!" Trapper says, getting defensive.
"I didn't mean anything by it. It's just that, Hawkeye was really upset and angry at you when you left without a note." He says, looking at Trapper, trying to judge his facial expressions. "He tried to drive to the airport to catch you, but he missed you by 10 minutes."
"I didn't know..."
"Then you were all he ever talked about for around two weeks, and even times after. Why didn't you say goodbye?" BJ asked. That question always plagued him. How could Trapper just leave without saying goodbye? He knew that he could never leave without a goodbye.
"I didn't know how to say it." Trapper says, shrugging his shoulders. "We lost Henry, and then I was going home. How do you tell your best friend that he's losing another friend? Hawk and I went through a lot, and I couldn't put into words what I wanted to say. I didn't know that he tried to catch up with me at the airport, but I assure you I waited as long as I could to see if he came home, but he was late. I left him a kiss and that was all I could do. How do you put into words what you want to say to a best friend who you have lived, laughed, and cried with for over a year?"
"I know the feeling..." BJ says, nodding.
"I don't envy you BJ." Trapper says. "I had the choice on how I wanted to say goodbye, but you didn't. I don't know what I would have done if I was the one who had to operate on Hawkeye and lost him." He says, hanging his head.
"It was one of the worst days of my life." BJ says, shaking his head. "You would have never thought that one of your friends would die in combat, especially when your friend was a doctor. It's almost like we were safe from the war, but in real life we weren't. I opened him up and saw how bad he was and thought that I still could put him back together. I wouldn't listen to him when he said that he was dying and I wouldn't listen to anyone else telling me that he was gone."
"Do you feel guilty?" Trapper asked.
"Yes. I feel completely responsible for his death, and the guilt is still there. I feel that if I was as good as a doctor as Hawkeye was, then he would have been alive."
"I would have felt the same way." Trapper says. "I don't envy you..."
"I don't envy you either. In a way, neither of us got to say goodbye till he was already gone." BJ says, and that was all that was said for about twenty minutes. Both men sat in silence, remembering their friend.
"So," Trapper starts, trying to break the silence. He was never too fond of silence. "How did Margaret take his death?"
"Hard." He says, shrugging. "Everyone in the entire compound took it hard. Moral was down lower then it ever had been before, and it never fully was redeemed. Margaret took it just as hard as I did."
"She loved him..."
"I know." BJ agrees. "She told me that he was the only person that could get her to open up."
"That he was... usually he'd just piss her off, but there were times where he would get her to talk to him, even though he would never admit it." Trapper says smiling.
"She opened up a lot after a few months."
"Margaret?!" Trapper says, shocked... "Hotlips Houlihan?"
"The one and only." BJ says smiling. "She actually lives about ten minutes away from my house. We see each other all the time."
"I don't know how I would feel about that..."
"About what?"
"Seeing people again, and living so close. I want to forget everything about the war..."
"I did too, but there is no way I could, especially the people. I loved them all too much to forget about them. I feel like if I forgot about them then I would forget about Hawkeye."
"I could never forget about him, no matter how hard I tried."
"Me neither. We got a replacement soon after his body was shipped home and I couldn't get use to him. It just wasn't the same. It still isn't the same. Jason was his name, and I hated him for just about anything and everything I could. But, eventually I started to get along with him, but it wasn't the same. It was a rough time for all of us. I just wish I could have saved him."
"So do I. I would have a lot of stuff to explain to him about why I left and..."
"He knew." BJ reassures his new friend. Once again they sit and think for a while, before they start talking about anything and everything, except for Hawkeye. They got to know each other. They really enjoyed the time spent talking just the two of them. Dinner time came and Daniel had taken the two younger men out to dinner. The next day both Trapper and BJ left Maine, and went back to there homes, but they would be keeping in touch. They had made a connection between the two of them, one that would probably have never happened if it wasn't for Hawkeye's passing. They decided to visit and talk to one another every so often. Daniel was set to come out to California to meet Peg and Erin in February. He was looking forward to meeting the two, and BJ was just as excited to show them off.
BJ was glad to get back home to his family, and his girls were glad to have him back. Erin attached herself to him as soon as he walked through the door and did not let him out of her sight until he put her to bed. Peg was eager to hear all about the trip, and that is exactly what they did as soon as Erin was down for the night.
"So, how was it?" Peg asked, as BJ sat next to her on the couch.
"It was a really nice time." BJ says, with a hint of sadness in his voice. "Daniel was a great man. We talked about everything from ourselves to Hawkeye. I saw the family plot, which was difficult and I met Trapper."
"What's he like?"
"He's like Hawkeye..." He says, shaking his head. "The same mannerism as he had, and just an all around great guy."
"It sounds like you had a great time."
"Yeah. Daniel is going to come down in February to meet you and Erin."
"Good. I am anxious to meet him." She says smiling.
During those few days, something changed in BJ. He felt closure talking to Hawkeye's father. He felt like he knew a lot more about his late best friend then he ever had before. He and Daniel had bonded during those three days. A bond that was not liable to break anytime soon. BJ almost felt like he was a father figure to him. BJ's father died two years before he was drafted, and Daniel seemed to fill that hole in his life also. He was glad that he had the courage to go and meet the man and see where his friend came from. It provided closure talking to both Daniel and Trapper. BJ was happier from that moment on. Peg also saw the change in BJ and was excited that the husband came back to her the same way he left.
*****
TBC...
Please R&R, but please be kind... I haven't been writing fic's that long. Thanks for all the reviews! Keep them up! If there are minor things wrong with this fic, I apologize; it was 2am when I finished it... I got an idea and had to go with it! Thanks for the Reviews!!! KEEP THEM COMING! Only two more chapters to go! I hope you like it! Keep up the reviewing! Thanks so much for everyone who has reviewed me! It really helps me out! Glad you are liking it!
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