Disclaimer:
They aren't mine, never were and never will be. The title isn't mine either just took it from a song Ilike, found it fitting.
Spoiler:
Everything up to and including "4 percent solution"
Author's note:
I want to thank my friend Inken (Anybody interested in Harry Potter?She finally finished her first stories, check them out on wwwdotfanfictiondotnet/tildeinken. See I did the advertising ;P)for once again being my beta. And thanks to Birte who helped me with some original dialog even though she didn't know me at all. The both of you are great!
What will happen if somebody from the past is returning to Washington while Mac and Harm are finally getting what they want?
This is first person POV, though I might change persons between paragraphs.
THE LONG GOODBYE
- Sunday -
It's been about three and a half years since I've last been to the States. Three years were I haven't missed much about them. I've made my home back in Australia and it always will be I'm sure of that now.
Somehow, I now got stuck on that flight that takes me back into the past. How I got here in the first place, I am not sure of. Maybe it was because I've got my share of experience with American military or maybe it was just because my CO wanted to get rid of me for a while. Last week he told me about an international conference on military law, regarding especially the dealing with terror and sent me along. Therefore, I'm sitting in this plane for several hours already, getting closer to a place I have no desire to go to.
Suddenly the woman next to me pulls me out of my reverie. "You nervous sir?"
"No. Why do you think I am?"
"You've been checking your watch twice within the last minute."
"I did, didn't I?" I try to smile at her, but don't really feel up to it. I'm dreading the remaining minutes.
"And I noticed that you haven't had much sleep either."
"You must have been awake yourself if you noticed."
"But I'm not nervous sir, I simply feel too uncomfortable in planes for getting any sleep. I stick with reading." She shows me a thick book where the marker is well into the last quarter.
I sigh. She is right, I am nervous. Who wouldn't be? "I'm okay Lieutenant," I answer nonetheless. There is no reason I'm going to tell her about the things that kept me from the States. I turn my head to watch out the little window to my right and hope she would let it be.
And she does. We are on duty after all, and she knows when not to press a superior.
However, not telling the Lieutenant doesn't keep me from thinking about it. I've been wondering since the day my CO told me about our trip to Washington if she would turn up at this conference. What I would do if she did. I've quite successfully completed the task not to think about her while I was at home. I've gone on with life. But one moment made it all come back. Made the good and the bad memories come back. It feels as if my life during these three years was worth nothing, was for passing the time only. My eyes fall on the first outskirts of Washington DC. I hear the pilot tell us that we are now in process of landing. Last time I saw the houses that surrounded Dulles airport I was heading back home, finally facing the truth. And as if it had been yesterday I remember these last days. More precisely the last weeks. The weeks that should have been the start of my new life and been one of my happiest. And in the end they turned out to be the shattering of all my dreams.
It all started with the day of our rehearsal. No, to be more correct it started way before then. Nevertheless, it got worse that day. Our plans were cancelled. Cancelled for sure. I would have accepted if we had postponed it, but cancel it, that was way too much. And when I confronted her with it, only stating the obvious, she backed away. She always did when it came to our relationship. In the end, I wondered why she had ever accepted my proposal in the first place. It became very clear to me that she was not in it, not as much as I was. Therefore I had to face it, take the consequences she wasn't willing to. However, I had thought about a terminal break, something to clear our minds, to get sure of what we want in life and if it got to be combined somehow. And all she could do was run to him, the moment I left. I remember the saying: 'If you love somebody you should set them free. And if they don't come back again then it's meant to be.' Guess we weren't meant to be. Though I should have known it from the start. Should have accepted that I stood no chance. Even though at first I did. It was my ring she accepted, not his. Right it took some time for her to come to terms with it. I thought it meant she wanted that as much as I did, that I had got her for the rest of my life. I had planned on it, had loved her so deeply I thought it would work. Though somewhere deep inside I knew it wasn't enough for the both of us. Something did break inside of me the moment I had called his place to see whether she was with him or not, though I knew the answer beforehand, had always known. She had never declined it.
I feel the wheels touch the airstrip. I am back in Washington.
She had been at the airport the day I left. Had wanted me not to go. Had begged me, not with her voice but with her eyes. But my decision had been made. It was the only right one to take. I couldn't keep fighting for her my whole life. I wouldn't have had the strength to get her back then, but loose her again the moment both of them realized their feelings. Feelings I knew were there.
I find myself wondering if they had realized by now when the Lieutenant touches my arm to get my attention.
"Sir, we can leave now." She gestures for the seats in front of us that had already emptied.
"Okay." So here I am again. Moreover, I have to stay for the next week at least.
-o-o-o-o-
- Monday -
We are early. Nobody is there. I check the room first thing after we enter. A round table, flags positioned in the middle, 15 chairs around it. A few more chairs were pushed to the walls. I assume they are for secretaries, assistants and such. We choose two seats with their back to the window that is overlooking a small park.
A maid walks in after us, bringing the first of several bottles of water and asks whether we want some coffee. The Lieutenant declines while I take a cup. I would need the caffeine, if not for the conference itself than because of the lack of sleep.
The Lieutenant tries to do some small talk while we wait. She wants to know what I think the outcome of this would be, but I'm not in the mood of serious thinking before I really have to. Most of my mind is on Sarah anyway.
Slowly more people fill the room. As our CO hadn't told us who'd be taking part in this, probably because he didn't knew as well, I looked closely at the displayed flags. I was a tad surprised, that apart from the obvious teams of US and Great Britain the Russians would be coming as well.
I nod my good morning to the two British officers we met yesterday already, when I realize they brought a Sergeant along. He takes one of the chairs by the wall while his superiors join me on my right side. They seem to be quite enthusiastic about this.
After some more minutes, only three chairs at the table and one near the door remained empty. Two of them would surely be for the still missing US delegation while the third would be for the conference leader that would most probably be an American too. I wonder whether they would be sending Navy JAGs at all. This was an all-military meeting.
When I hear the door open, I shift my eyes from the Captain next to me onto the door and I see nearly everybody in the room do the same. This had to be them now.
An Army General enters first, a two star. Naturally, he wears the JAG insignia, so I get curios if he would be just another participant or the expected leader of this. After him, a tall black Commander and a female Petty Officer follow. I assume they are from Headquarters though I have never seen them before. But behind them I spot a familiar face walk into the room and close the door. I keep looking. I see the Petty take her seat by the door while the three officers take their seats opposite me.
I must have kept starring for a while because when Bradshaw touches my arm she asks, "Do you know him sir?"
I turn to face her and whisper, "Indeed I do."
When I focus back onto the known man, our eyes meet for a brief moment. From the look in his eyes, I could see that he hasn't known I would be here. I nod my good morning. He nods back. Now I'm back into the past for real.
A moment before the General clears his throat to get the show started; I'm thanking the mighty heavens that it hasn't been Sarah walking into this room to sit right in my view the whole day long. I couldn't have focused for a second.
"I think we get started by introducing ourselves. As I would preside over this, you should know with whom you're dealing first. My name is Peter Kessler, Major General in the US Army. I'm heading this as the Army JAG." He motions for the man to his left to continue.
"I'm Hauptmann Thorsten Schmidt from the German Bundeswehr."
I hear a thick accent with him, while his partner is speaking as if English is his native tongue. And judging from his name, it might as well is. The two women from Great Britain follow before it is my turn.
"Commander Mic Brumby, Royal Australian Navy." I simply state.
After Lieutenant Bradshaw we greet the French, the Canadian and the Russian team before we come to the US representatives.
"Hello, I'm Lt. Commander Bud Roberts. I'm working for the Navy JAG here near Washington."
"So do I, Commander Sturgis Turner US Navy."
"So now that we've got that covered we can proceed with the first issue," the General begins. "I assume that all of you have been briefed before this meeting." He lets his eyes wander round the table earning nods from everyone. "Well, about –"
The moment the work starts I manage to fully concentrate on the task at hand. No other thoughts distract my mind. I am glad for that.
-o-o-o-o-
I didn't feel the time pass and obviously nobody else did either. Soon it is noon and we're still discussing feverishly until by quarter past one the General finally calls for a break.
"I think all of us have earned an hour for lunch. We'll meet back here at 1430 hours."
Quickly people disperse out of the room in search for something to eat.
I turn my chair to look out of the window. Some time through the last hours it has started to rain and the drops are still falling heavily. That's when I decide that I would stay here, not go anywhere outside. Some others obviously think the same.
"I'm going down to the lobby. I think I saw a sandwich dispenser there when we first came in. You want me to get you something sir?" Bradshaw asks.
"Yes thank you. Anything would be fine."
"Okay sir." And with that she is gone.
I scan the room for lack of anything better to do. The British Sergeant is standing by the wall nipping on a cup that is holding something hot, as his glasses have fogged over. The French female Lieutenant and one of the Canadians, I don't remember who he is, are standing by the window talking animatedly. No one else is there.
I lean back for a moment, trying to relax the muscles in my back before I grab a bottle of water and stand up to leave the room myself. The corridor would be just as fine.
As I step through the door I spot Bud and the black Commander standing by a corner. Slowly I walk their way.
"Commander," the other, Turner I think, greets me when I'm near enough.
"Commanders."
"Mic. Commander Turner, that's Mic Brumby. Mic Commander Sturgis Turner," Bud does the unnecessary introduction.
"Congratulations Bud," I say pointing to the additional bar on the sleeves of his jacket.
"Thank you sir."
"So how are you doing?"
"I'm fine sir."
"What happened to your leg?" I have seen him limb a little when he has entered the room.
For a moment he hesitates and I think I see his eyes cloud over. However, the very next he is looking straight at me and answers my question.
"I've lost it about two years ago. I stepped on a landmine in Afghanistan."
"I'm sorry to hear that." I really am and I clearly haven't expected that when I formulated my question.
"No need to sir. I've made it through. Thanks to my family and friends."
I see him glance at Turner. He must have had his share in helping through.
"Ah, family. How are Harriet and little AJ?" I try changing the subject, for as comfortable he seems to be with the situation, I'm not.
"They are great. Though Harriet is constantly complaining about being fat."
"You didn't tell her, did you Commander?" Turner asks, the first time he says anything in this conversation apart from the greetings.
I wonder if he's just a quiet person or if he knows about me. Though if he does, he's hiding it rather well.
"No, I never would. But she's much more sensitive than during her previous pregnancies," Bud complains.
"She's carrying twins Bud. It is different this time. But it will only be two more months before it's over." Turner lays his hand on the younger man's shoulder.
"Yeah, that is if she's not shooting me first," he answers totally sincere.
"Oh don't worry. She won't. Who would relieve her of the soon to be four kids if she did?" I could see a smile on the lips of the black man.
"I hope you're right sir."
And only now does Turner's last sentence fully register into my mind. I do a silent double take, has he said four children? Bud Roberts father of four kids. I couldn't picture that.
"So I think more congratulations are in order. You really let the JAG-family grow."
"Somebody has to do it, if nobody else does."
"You don't have any kids Commander?" I ask Turner while all the while I'm strangely happy that Mac hasn't any children herself. It's not that I don't wish her to have any children, but it's simply more easy picturing her alone than with a large family.
"Not yet," Turner answers.
We fall silent after that, neither knowing what to say next. It is getting awkward by the second. The moment I want to open my mouth for an excuse I see Bradshaw coming our way.
"Sirs," she greets while handing me a package of sandwiches.
"Thanks. Would you excuse us Commander, Bud?"
"Sure sir."
"Greet Harriet from me please," I say before I turn. This was something more than simple courtesy though. Harriet had been the only one that truly made me feel welcome in their group. And I was glad that she had now the chance to grow a big family.
-o-o-o-o-
I look after the two Australian officers as they walk back into the room. Judging from the conversation Bud and the Commander just had I'd say that the Commander has been here before. But there is something else about Brumby though I can't quite put my finger on it. And if he has been here, wouldn't he have asked about the others from the office. Because at least Mac and Harm as well the Admiral would have been there.
"Sir?" I turn to face Bud. He must have said something to me I've lost.
"Sorry. What did you just say?"
"Just wanted to know what you think about having lunch as well."
"Sure," I nod. "We're going to find ourselves something to eat. Come on Commander."
As we walk silently towards the elevator I'm still pondering the name Brumby. I've heard it before. But as I still haven't come up with an answer when we reach the ground level and step out of the elevator I ask Bud about it.
"Bud, who is Commander Brumby?"
"The Commander spent some years here in Washington. He used to work at the office. He stayed as a replacement for Commander Rabb when Harm returned to carrier life."
Then it hit me. That's where I knew him from. Harm has talked about him. As I have understood then, Brumby hasn't only been a replacement in the office. I don't need Bud to go on to know that this was the Australian that was about to marry the Colonel.
"So I'd say it's a good thing neither Harm or Mac are taking part in this."
I see Bud nod next to me. I doubt that either of us will tell them about Brumby being here. Telling from my point of view and with the things I know about Harm and Mac and their feelings we better keep it silent.
-o-o-o-o-
When we reenter the room the Russians have returned as well and are talking loudly. Bradshaw rolls her eyes at me, they are probably filling more than one cliché she has in her mind.
I now look at the sandwiches for the first time. Salad and eggs. I have never taken much interest in eating eggs. But this is somehow exemplary for the whole situation I am in right now. Nothing seems to be the way I like it to be. And there isn't much I could do about it. I could decline the sandwiches and I could have asked my CO to send somebody else for personal reasons. But what good would it have done? I would be starving now and I would have been send most probably anyway, as everybody else had been occupied elsewhere. So I begin ripping open the package and deal with it.
The Lieutenant must have seen me hesitate for she started an excuse immediately.
"I'm sorry sir, but these were the only ones left." She shows me hers and the label reads the same. "Don't you like them?"
„It's alright Kylie."
She gives me a suspicious look.
"If I may ask, is there something else bothering you?"
I'm slightly shocked as I thought I have my feelings hidden rather well.
"Like what?"
"I don't know something about the Lt. Commander?"
She thinks this got something to do with Bud. Always the nice guy Bud, the man that should have been my best man. I shoot her a little smile. "Why do you think it has?"
"Maybe from the way you have kept starring at him this morning or from the silence spread between you when I joined you outside." She shrugs her shoulders a worried look on her face.
"No, it got nothing to do with Bud." Another smile forms on my lips about the ridiculousness of this thought.
She now eyes me the way a police officer would eye a non-confessing criminal.
I sigh a little, more for the theatrical effect than for anything else. "As you are a nosy Lieutenant and you surely won't stop asking me about it, I may as well tell you. I've met the Commander when I was stationed here five years ago due to some exchange program. We've been working in the same office. And let's simply say I've not got the fondest memories of this stay." I'm not gonna tell her that this results from the additional year I came back as a civilian, not from my first stay. And when I see the 'see-I-knew' look in her eyes I add. "But this had nothing to do with Bud."
She nods. "Thank you sir. I promise I'm not digging anymore."
"I'd appreciate that." With that I take a huge bite of the egg sandwich which I don't like.
Soon enough everybody comes strolling back into the room. As we are all gathered before the 1430 mark we make a head start, maybe for finishing early. Once again, everything about previous stays in Washington fades back into the dark of my mind.
-o-o-o-o-
By the end of the day when I am leaving the room as one of the last Bud catches me at the door. He must have waited for me.
"Mic, I'd like to speak to you."
We walk a little down the hall before he finally starts. I'm curios what that is about, as he seems to be eager not to reveal this to Turner, though I don't know why.
"What is it Bud?"
"When I talked to Harriet over lunch I told her about you being here." He eyes me as if he'd just confessed to treason.
I just nod my head to tell him it was no big deal for Harriet to know I'm here. That's as long as she wouldn't tell anybody else. I wonder why I'm so sure that neither of Bud's accompanies would tell.
"So we'd, that is Harriet and me, like to know whether you would care to join us for dinner some time this week. We could catch up on old times and you could get to know Jimmy."
I think for a moment about the offer. I'd rather not go, the fewer things to remind me of the past the better. But Harriet would be quite disappointed if I wouldn't show up. So finally I'm about to answer.
"How about tomorrow? I'd go to my hotel to change and then catch a cab to your place."
For a second I think Bud has expected a different answer. He probably isn't as enthusiastic about having me around as his wife seems to be. But just like me he thinks better of it.
"I'm sure it's okay. I'll check with Harriet and give you directions tomorrow. She will be delighted."
He starts off to get home to his pregnant wife and two little kids. I envy him for that. I wish I could have that myself. A place and people I can go home to. That's when something or rather somebody creeps back onto the surface. In a sudden hurry I walk after Bud.
"There wouldn't be anybody else, would there?" I ask when I reach him. With Harriet around one never knew.
For a moment he looks confused before he recalls the reason for my question.
"No."
"Good." That came out pretty quick. However, I'm sure Bud does understand. "Thank you Bud," I add before I let him stand there, still a little surprised by my outburst.
-o-o-o-o-
- Tuesday-
During the last night I finally managed to get more than an hour of sleep at once. That might be because the Roberts' invitation made me realize that Washington was a big enough city not to run into Mac if I don't choose to. Moreover, it hasn't been all that was bad about this place. There are things I actually liked about having lived in Washington. I always loved the atmosphere of power that lingered in the air everywhere you went. After all this was the capital of one of the mightiest countries in the world. So if I can keep myself from going to Georgetown I would surely get this trip over well and be back home by Sunday night.
This morning I surprise Kylie as I walk into the breakfast room with a smile plastered on my lips. My anxiety has lessened over the hours I finally found sleep and to some point I was looking forward to tonight's dinner with Bud and Harriet.
"Sir, you look much better today."
"I am, a little. It's still not the place I'd be if I could choose, but I think I can make it through this week," I say when I grab my plate to head for the buffet.
"Good for you and me," I hear her murmur behind my back.
-o-o-o-o-
As we're heading for the entrance after breakfast to walk the few blocks to the building that holds our conference room, I check into the souvenir shop in the lobby of our hotel for a moment. I plan on bringing something for the kids.
A grin forms on my lips when I see the Lieutenant walk a few more steps before she realizes I'm no longer by her side. I see her turn, a highly puzzled look on her face, her eyes searching for me. I must be truly confusing this morning.
The little shop offers few toys. But I don't mind, as I've got absolutely no idea what to bring a five year old and I don't even know how old the second Roberts' son is. After a few minutes I finally decide on a fire truck and a stuffed lion.
When I'm about to pay and ask about the things to be brought up to my room, I hear the little bell over the door ring. As I turn I see Bradshaw coming towards me.
"Here you are, sir. We'd gotta go or we'd be late." She was still eying me as if I've gone totally crazy.
"I'm finished here anyway," I answer as I receive my exchange.
"Sir, permission to speak freely?" she wants to know when we're about two blocks from the hotel.
I assume she needed some time to either find some logical explanation for my behavior or collect her guts to ask me about it. I pull my eyebrows up for her to go on. She still hesitates a moment.
"You're acting strange." She practically spills these words out; afraid she might have overstepped a line there.
"I'm sure I am. But I've got my reasons."
"Okay sir. Sorry I asked sir." She isn't satisfied with my answer and I wonder if she ever thought I would truly tell her. But she would have to cope with it. We are co-workers, seldom seeing each other out of the office.
We finish the rest of the way in silence. Again no comfortable one. This seems to get a habit around me.
-o-o-o-o-
When we walk into the room it is already crowed. We'd been running late indeed. We quickly bid our good mornings and head for our chairs. As I check my watch when I'm settled down I see that we weren't late though, we were right on time. As I glance around I see that we weren't the only ones that were later than usual. The French were missing as well. They walk into the room about two minutes later. I realize something with them that I can't quite put my finger on. But there is something about the way the Lieutenant greets the General. There's something in her voice that I haven't heard before. However, I have no time pondering the issue any further because as soon as they have closed the door Kessler orders us to take our places and the conference starts into another day.
By two minutes to twelve we've made enough process for the General to call a break. And he's one of the first to leave the room.
I walk over to where Bud and Commander Turner are talking with the German that speaks English that well, Major Connor I think. After all I still need to get Bud's address for tonight. But as he has been that cautious towards the Commander about the invitation last night, I solemnly step up to them, listening to their conversation and waiting for my chance to speak to Bud alone. Soon after I joined them I see the Petty Officer quickly come our way.
"Sorry to interrupt sirs," she says before she turns to Turner. "Sir may I speak to you?"
"What is it Coates?"
She looks at us for a second before she answers. "In private sir."
"Excuse us." Our eyes follow the two of them a few meters down the hall.
This is my chance. "Bud about tonight."
"Harriet thought that around six would be great, if that's okay with you sir," he answers silently. "This way you could still meet AJ and Jimmy before they go to bed."
"Six would be fine," I assure him. This gives me plenty of time after our meeting.
"This is our new address." He hands me a small paper.
"So you've moved?" Pretty silly question when you're getting somebody's new address.
"Yeah, the old apartment wouldn't have fit two kids, not to speak of four, now would it? So we got a house with room enough for the kids."
I see his eyes lighten while he speaks of his family. This is one glad man.
"I'm looking forward seeing it."
With that, our conversation is over as Turner steps up next to Bud only to pull him away some steps and quickly talk to him.
-o-o-o-o-
I follow a step behind Coates, wondering what's so important she couldn't tell me in public.
She has stopped now and turned towards me. For a moment we just keep looking at each other. Finally she starts to explain.
"Sir, I've just spoken to General Creswell and he told –"
I interrupt her. "Why you've been speaking to the General?" I ask confused.
"He wanted me to update him on a daily basis at the end of each meeting. And as he wouldn't be in tonight I informed him just minutes ago."
I wonder why Creswell thought it necessary to get updated by her rather than wait on Robert's and my report. But who am I to question his motives. Surely Coates wouldn't know about them either, so I shrug it off.
"What has he told you?"
"He wanted me to tell you to get back to HQ immediately."
I see she isn't done yet, but pondering on how to get finished. I wait, wondering on what was that important that he would take me out of this.
"Your father has been brought to hospital about one and a half hour ago. He says they say it's bad."
I have to swallow hard on the words I just heard. Did she really say that? But when I see her eyes and hear the whispered "I'm sorry," I know she has.
With a "Thank you Jen," I turn on my heels and walk, no almost run, back towards the conference room to get my things.
-o-o-o-o-
I let my eyes rest on the two men talking only mere meters away. I don't hear what they say, but I can clearly see Bud's reactions to what the Commander is saying. I see his face cloud over with what I would judge as concern. This couldn't be good news. Then Bud nods and Turner proceeds into the room only to come back out with his briefcase and cover seconds afterwards. I still watch Bud when Turner passes him again, now both their faces showing a great worry. But within a second the look on Bud's face changes from worry into shock or surprise, I don't know which. Something beside the obvious must have settled in his mind. Something that wasn't quite appealing. Our eyes meet for a brief moment and like the day when we first saw each other at this conference his eyes linger on me as he was trying to make something out of my presence. Could this have something to do with me? But why should it?
I feel Turner brushing past the Major and me. My eyes drift from Bud onto the back off the black man. I'm not sure whether I heard a rushed "Goodbye,". Or if I just thought I did.
"Wonder what has him that worried?" Major Connor says next to me.
And so he is gone, not to return for the rest of the day.
Bud is talking to General Kessler when the later returns form his lunch. I guess he's explaining things.
So we continue this afternoon with one seat empty.
-o-o-o-o-
I hear the bell and call for Harriet that I would get it. So there he is.
I felt strange about this whole situation from the very beginning, but Commander Turner's announcement has made things somehow worse. I wished he could have stayed. But I wish him well and I do understand. And for once I wish for some other senior officer to be among the staff of JAG-HQ. It would make things easier, a lot easier.
Things have a foul taste and I don't know how to handle them. I longed to talk to Harriet before Mic arrived. I didn't even had the time to tell her about Chaplain Turner, for when I'd come home she has already been busy with dinner and needed me to have an eye on Jimmy. Moreover, I had yet to spend some quality time with my oldest.
As I walk to the door throwing a last glance at AJ I think about my possibilities.
Should I tell Mic that most probably either Harm or Mac would replace Turner in the meeting, so he was prepared? Which of them would be most difficult for the man that now stood outside my door? Or should I just keep it to myself not to upset him beforehand? Either choice I take it isn't going to be pleasant for him. At least I think it wouldn't, judging from the way he has eyed me that first day.
-o-o-o-o-
I've been waiting all afternoon for Bud to cancel our dinner tonight, but nothing such has happened. So now here I am, standing in the driveway of a rather big white house that looks pretty inviting. Still I feel a little uneasiness rise inside of me when I take the few steps to the door to ring the bell, holding both toys from this morning in one hand and flowers for Harriet in the other.
It's Bud who opens the door a little sleepy boy on his arm.
"Good evening Commander. Come on in."
"Thank you, Bud. This must be Jimmy then," I say while I pass him as I enter his home.
"Hi," a little voice calls from my right side. I turn to face a little blond boy.
"Hi AJ. You remember me?" I doubt he will.
I'm right; he shakes his head, still standing someway off in the doorway to the next room.
"I've brought something for you." I eye Bud with a questioning look and kneel down when he nods at me. I hold out both toys for him to choose. I smile as he slowly comes my way and takes the car off my hand.
"AJ!" his father warns when he is about to turn around.
"Thanks sir," AJ says before he runs off into the adjourning room.
I turn back to face Bud and hand him the lion. "That's for Jimmy then."
"Thanks. Uh, I'm sorry to leave you standing here but I think I need to get Jimmy's diaper changed. It's late for him anyway. Harriet's in the kitchen, it's down that way." He motions past the stairs into the back of the house.
"Sure, no problem. I go find her." With this I walk off into the shown direction.
I knock the door before I enter not to startle her.
"Harriet, it's great seeing you again. You're looking great." And she really does. Pregnancy and motherhood is suiting her well.
"Pleasure's all on my side. Did Bud ask you to tell me that?" she asks, though I don't miss the lightly tone her voice holds.
"No, I did see for myself. These are for you." I hand her the flowers.
"It's wonderful finally meeting you again. We'd never got the chance to say goodbye."
I drop my eyes to the floor. I'd rather not think about this time anymore.
"I'm sorry." She realizes immediately and blushes a little on the lack of thoughtfulness.
After some moments we both recover and I ask if she needs any help.
"No. It's all settled, we only wait for Bud to come back down. This way please." She passes through a door a bowl in hand and I follow.
I watch as she places the item onto the table set for four. I remain at my spot by the first door while she goes to get her son.
"So how do you like the house Mic?"
"It looks great, you've got excellent taste."
"The Commander helped me get it." For a moment I wonder why she's referring to her husband by his rank before I realize she means somebody else.
She must have realized the same thing for she clapped her hand to her mouth. "Oh my god, I'm sorry Mic. I don't know where my thoughts are tonight."
"It's okay." I manage though she knows as well as I do it's not. However, I'm not going to let this ruin the nice day I've had so far.
-o-o-o-o-
Anybody interested in the proceedings of Wednesday?
If so, would somebody - for the sake of the next chapter - tell me whether Mac crashed her Corvette or some other car on X-mas (the ep hasn't aired in Germany yet).