Author's note: Jeffries was the toughest one to figure out what to write. I had to make up a few things in order to make his chapter possible – so this is a very AU chapter.
Spoilers for this chapter: 2x22 "Best Friends"
Thanks: to my beta reader, AndreaB; and to Joutsensydn for some creative help.
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Chapter 3 – Will Jeffries
As I sit here alone in this bar, there isn't much to celebrate. I never felt much like celebrating life anymore since she went away.
If my kids were here, they'd say, "Let it go, Dad. It wasn't your fault," like they've said so many times. I shouldn't have shut them out. I shouldn't have yelled at them that they didn't know what my pain was like. We live the consequences of our own actions, and that's why when my son graduated from Law School I only got an invitation in the mail. Or why I only heard that my daughter is expecting a baby through a message in my answering machine.
It's not like we hate each other or anything. No, I love them and I know they love me, but I drove them apart. I stare at the circles in the scotch, and all I can see is her face. The jazz music playing in the background gives me the shivers. I've heard it before. Suddenly I'm 35 years back in time, and while we're dancing she's whispering in my ear that she's expecting our first child.
I drink the whole scotch at once and leave the bar hastily. At home, I throw myself in the couch, grab the remote and flip through channels, even though I know I won't find anything I want to watch. I turn off the TV, to do what I came home to do.
I finally look at the phone. Three messages on my answering machine. The first two are from old co-workers. I can't believe they remember me, because I certainly didn't call them on their last birthdays. The third is from my daughter. "Hey, Dad, it's Veronica. Happy birthday." Her tone of voice isn't exactly cheery. Then to my surprise, a male voice speaks. "Dad, it's Martin. I'm here at Veronica's place. Happy birthday." Both sound like they're just doing some kind of annoying obligation, those you do only to avoid feeling guilty later.
I reach for the phone, but hesitate. Then I remember the circles of the scotch, the jazz music in the background, and what she wants me to do.
I press the # 1 on my dial. "Veronica? It's Dad." I say as she picks up the phone. Surprised, she wishes me happy birthday again. "How are you doing?" I ask. She has only one month before her due date. She quickly tells me about the baby – it's a girl. "Is Martin there?" I ask, and she puts me on the speaker.
"Hey, Dad," he says in a much colder tone. I ask how he's doing and thank them for calling me. Then, I ask them to come for dinner tomorrow night. There's silence in the speaker for a few moments, but they agree. Veronica is bringing her husband and Martin asks if he can bring someone to, being immediately teased by his sister. They can't see, but I'm smiling at them.
Starting again is hard indeed, but worth it – because tomorrow always gives a second chance to you.
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Scotty Valens will be next...