Gordon opened his eyes and looked up at the ceiling.
"Today is the first day of the rest of forever," he whispered. "What happens is my choice, and no one elses." He sat up and rubbed his hair out of his face. "What a beautiful day in paradise." He smiled softly as he gazed out of the window. He hadn't forgotten the day before, but he'd come to the conclusion that nothing could be done unless he did it, and that's just what he was going to do.
After dressing, Gordon walked out into the dining room. Scott was already up, as usual, and Jeff too. He sat down in his usual seat calmly and seriously.
"Good morning Scott, Father. Sleep well, I hope?" Scott and Jeff glanced at each other.
"Yes, thank you son. And you?" replied Jeff.
"Yes, I slept very well. What shall we do today?"
"Uuuuh..." Scott and Jeff shared worried looks, but were saved from answering by Virgil's appearance.
"Morning," he mumbled, plonking down opposite Gordon.
"Good morning brother. I trust you slept well?" Virgil's head came up and he narrowed his eyes at Gordon.
"What's your game?" he said suspiciously. Gordon's face was all innocence.
"Nothing! I was merely enquiring after your repose!"
"Yeah. But seriously Gordon, what are you plotting?"
"Absolutely nothing." Gordon smoothed his napkin calmly. "What are we eating to break our fast this beautiful morning?" He smiled around at everyone. Scott and Virgil stared, while Jeff smothered a smile. No jokes, no tricks, no whoopie cushions or- anything. Just Gordon. Being SERIOUS.
Alan walked briskly into the dining room and sat down next to Scott. "Morning!" he chirped.
"Did you have a good run?" asked Gordon politely. Alan nodded his head, then waiting for a quip about his fitness. But nothing came. Gordon was watching the door, waiting for food. Alan looked around the rest of the family and saw they were as stumped as he was.
**
"Gordon, please come to my study," Jeff's voice buzzed through the intercom. Gordon put down his pool cue and stubbed out Scott's cigar.
"Coming! Scott, you shouldn't smoke, it's bad for your health," he called over his shoulder as Scott started to retaliate in indignation. He made his way up to Jeff's study and sat down in front of his desk. "Yes father?" Jeff looked up and smiled.
"Ah, Gordon. I'm to inform you that you have a holiday coming up. You may leave whenever you like." He smiled. Gordons face brightned.
"A holiday? That's great! Thanks, dad!" Gordon stood. "How long do I have?"
"You may have three weeks."
"Thank you!" Gordon smiled and left the room, going immediately to his room and pulling out a world map. "Where shall I go?" he mused aloud.
"Knock knock," came a voice from outside.
"Come in," replied Gordon. Virgil appeared as the door slid back.
"Hi." Gordon smiled and went back to his map. Virgil walked over. "Whatcha doing?"
"Just figuring out where I'm going to go for my holiday," he replied. "I'm thinking probably, um, New Zealand, or England. I haven't been to England since WASP, and the Accident. And I thought that New Zealand looked really beautiful in that "Lord of the Rings" movie, I wouldn't mind seeing it." Virgil nodded.
"I say... hmm. England. We've got relatives there that you could visit, and I know what it's like to visit the old haunts." Gordon grinned.
"Yeah. There's a lot of memories attached to England. Right. I'm going there." Gordon stood up determinedly and went to his wardrobe, pulling the suitcase off the top of it. Virgil watched him pack for a while. Finally he just had to ask.
"What's up with you today?"
"Hmm?" Gordon looked up. "Nothing!" He went on packing. Virgil shook his head.
"Liar. You've been really serious and sensible all day. What's the matter? It's not like you." Gordon paused. Then he sighed.
"Okay. I just got the feeling that, well, nobody takes me seriously. I'm always the joker that everyone laughs at, and I wanted to change my image, I guess." He shrugged. "It's no big deal, really." Virgil shook his head.
"Dopey! We LIKE your silliness! Scotts always fatherly and sensible, and Alan is Alan, and John's serious and dreamy, so we need you to break the tension! I like you to joke around." Virgil frowned and shook his head. Gordon put a pair of jeans in the case, then laughed.
"I guess, once I've had some time to figure myself out, I can go back to myself. Do you know how much willpower it took NOT to diss Alan about his running?" Both brothers laughed. Gordon shut the case. "Well, I guess, I better be off. Call me!" He smirked at Virgil and the two went into the lounge. Jeff looked up.
"Ready to go?"
"You bet! I'm off to Liverpool."
"Great. Scott will fly you to the nearest airport and I'll book your flight. Good luck."
"See ya, bro." Gordon hugged Virgil, and yelled "SEE YA!!!" off the balcony at Alan. And so, in the very same day, Gordon found himself settling on board a 767 for a long flight to Manchester Airport.
***
A/N: Okay, so it's a short one. But the next one will be longer, promise! Enjoy? Please tell me! ^_^