Characters: Rube/Roxy, George, Mason, and Daisy
Genre: Fluffy/Romance/General
Abstract: As Rube finalises arrangements for a trip, Death tosses a curve ball his way and his time for reflection becomes serious business.
Disclaimer: Dead Like Me and its characters are the creation of Bryan Fuller et al. and copy written under MGM/Showtime/etc. No infringement of their rights is intended. The stories written under the penname Gabigail, however, do belong to me. None are written for profit and are intended for entertainment purposes only. In addition, Song for a Winters Night is originally written and preformed by Gordon Lightfoot, but you my be more acquainted with Sarah McLachlan's version. The same philosophy as the above applies in this instance as well. Please R&R
Rube's Song for a Winters Night
Every year, just after the first snowfall, I plan a trip to a secluded, picturesque cabin in the woods. Far away from everything and everyone for just a moment's peace and a chance to reflect. I am quick in making all the needed arrangements that will untangle me from my usual reaper duties for a solid week. Roxy will distribute the Post-its as she has done so many times before. She always makes sure that things run smoothly while I'm away, but I had thought perhaps this year George could handle it, which would free her to accompany me. Yet at the same time, I cannot help the feeling that the others, i.e. Daisy and Mason may not appreciate that very much, so I leave the distribution of Post-its in Roxy's capable hands. I cannot help, but selfishly think that merely thinking of her brings her to the restaurant.
"Morning Rube." Smiling, Roxy slides into the vacant seat across from me.
"Good morning." I reply lowering my newspaper. "You look like the cat that swallowed the canary. What's up?" I ask as I fold my newspaper and tuck it between the booths divider and myself.
"Do I?" she gives me a fairly good attempt at an innocent expression.
"Yes, you do." I reply as George enters the restaurant with Mason trailing behind like a puppy, the two of them are so darn cute. Roxy follows my gaze and winks knowingly.
"Morning guys." George says sitting beside me, Mason beside her, just as Daisy brings up the rear.
"Morning all." Daisy announces in her Southern accent, which seems a bit thick this morning, must be practicing for an audition or something I think to myself.
"Morning." Roxy and I manage to say in unison, we must be spending too much time together. Kiffany, noticing that we're all present and accounted for, makes her way to our table.
"Good morning, what can I get you?" she asks, pulling a small pad and pen from her apron pocket, she readies herself for our chorus of orders.
"I'll have French toast with orange juice and a coffee." George begins. Mason smiles.
"I'm in the mood for combo number four with hash browns and orange juice." Kiffany nods.
"Fruit salad with small curd cottage cheese and coffee please." Daisy says with a sweet smile.
"Just coffee for me thanks." Roxy adds.
"The French toast sounds good. Um, but could I get that with bacon please? And tea." I say as she collects the menus that we've piled at the head of the table.
"Okay gang, I'm going to say this once, and only once." I begin. I know that George has just rolled her eyes, as she usually reacts to my serious side in that manner. "Roxy is going to take over for me for a week."
"Where are you going?" George asks turning to look at me.
"I'm due for a little time away." I say with a smile, but give Roxy an 'I'm sorry' glance, mixed with a longing 'wish you could come too', look. She nods in understanding. "Now, when I return, I don't want to hear that any of you were out of line." I say sternly, but can see the smiles from my reapers, probably happy to be without me for a little while as well.
"But where are you going?" George presses.
"Just away."
"Just away? Come on Rube."
"I've booked a cabin in the woods." I reply, trying to be as vague as humanly possible. She nods her response as Kiffany returns with our breakfasts, where the exchange is pretty much 'here you go' and thank you's' all around. Conversation after breakfast is brought is down to the bear minimal, pass me this or that and whatnot.
Finishing breakfast, I get out my planner and begin to un-stick the assignments.
"Daisy, these are yours. Do you have an audition or something today?"
"I do, but I'm sure I can manage my duty." She says as she goes through her share. I smile as I catch Mason's smirk.
"Mason." I reach across George to hand him his.
"What is this?" he asks floored by the number of yellow sheets.
"Why Mason, dost thou protest too much?" I return his glare with one of my own. George cannot help the laugh that erupts no doubt form her stomach.
"I'm sorry, the two or you are always so entertaining." She continues her snickering. I wonder how she's going to react to her own appointments.
"Peanut, these are yours." Her eyes nearly bug out of her head in disbelief.
"It's the fist snowfall, are you serious? All of these people have an appointment?"
"Afraid so." I reply simply. It is what it is.
"No way! That's royally messed up." She says with a low whistle. I wasn't expecting her reaction to be so calm. I somehow thought she would be worse than Daisy in the complaints department.
"Way." I say before un-sticking Roxy's. "Lastly, these are yours. And you and I have to have a word about next week." I add, hinting to the others to finish their breakfasts and get moving, which they quickly pick up on.
Left alone with Roxy I smile brightly before sharing my little idea with her.
"I don't know Rube, I mean this is George that we're talking about. It isn't that she can't handle it, it's the other two I'd be worried about." She replies leaning in towards me. I know she's right, but it had been worth a shot. I sit back and raise my hands in defeat.
"Fair enough. I thought that the reason behind my suggestion would change your mind."
"Perhaps you could give the kiddies their Post-its before you go." She tilts her head and I find myself seriously considering her suggestion.
"I like the way you think. I just thought that I should give George the chance to step up, you know? I know she's capable of it."
"Mason would undermine her and you know it." She says rolling her eyes. "Daisy might back her though."
"Perhaps I'll keep the plans as they are, and give her a trial run another time." I say quietly, gathering my hat and winter jacket. Roxy follows suit and we make our way out. "We'll meet up later?"
"Of course." She says, than ever so gently brushes my cheek with her lips before heading off. Glancing at my watch I head off to tend to my appointment.
A lawyers office, I can't possibly imagine what might occur here, so I converse with the secretary briefly to get a feel of who may be on my Post-it. She's not very helpful, but that's to be expected in these situations. Looking around the space I notice a very modern décor, which is very stark and cold. An arrangement of leather furnishings that I'm fairly certain have never been sat on, nor the Persian rug that anchors the arrangement been stepped on. I pace a little and check the time again. It seems so odd that I'd have a Post-it here and there doesn't appear to be anyone in need of assistance, and then it hits me. Maybe it's actually going to happen outside. I make a dash for the elevator and curse under my breath as I step off the lift into utter chaos. It's been a very long time since I've screwed up an appointment and this badly, but I only have the information provided to go by.
Making my way through the gathered crowd, I nonchalantly stroke the injured man's arm and just as quickly, he slumps over and the paramedic, who had been working on him realises that he crashed, covers him quickly before moves onto the next person. Had I not appeared it looks as though the paramedic had it under control and he would have survived, but his soul would have decayed to the point he would eventually wish he were dead, and probably take his own life. His soul now stands beside me and I direct him away from the madness towards a more secluded area so that no one will notice the inevitable lightshow that's soon to follow. I find it strange how utterly amazing and beautiful the crossing over experience looks, so much so that I can see why Betty had wanted, or couldn't wait to be a part of it. I still have so much that I enjoy, I always get a slight knot in my stomach before opening that envelope, because one day I will find my very last assignment tucked within, and I dread it so much, even though I will hopefully see Lucy and Rosie again, I have so much to stick around for. Especially right now.
"This is so utterly amazing!" the man says as he is drawn towards it. "What is it exactly?"
"I honestly don't know." I reply simply. I've never thought to ask anyone. All I've ever known is that it's basically catered to that individual's desire or desires, I'm not exactly sure which. He seems very happy, I can see shadows, perhaps loved ones, I'm not sure, just as everything seems to come into focus, its gone almost as quickly as it opened for him. With a sigh of relief, knowing I have quite a few things to do before I leave, I head home.
Sitting at my cluttered desk, I work through the many piles of papers that have magically accumulated on the desktop. Determined to see the top of my desk I take a quick breather, and grab a glass of juice from the fridge. I hear the familiar swish of the customary internal envelope that's pushed under my door. It's usually a daily event, but it's thicker this time indicating that the week's appointments are inside. I finally get to the envelope and thumb through the contents, my eyes resting on a second envelope with my name neatly written, and a chill runs down my spine as it nearly slips from between my now shaky fingers. Could this encompass my final assignment? I sure as hell hope not and take a deep breath before opening it:
Rube Sofer,
Our records indicate that you have served in our office for over seventy-five years. We congratulate you on your outstanding service we are writing to inform you that your quota has nearly been attained. Having said that, we have been in various meetings regarding your current situation, which I am sure you will agree is very unique, and the decision reached is unanimous, we have considered extending your quota. Enclosed is all the necessary paperwork pertaining to the above request, all require your signature. The decision is entirely yours and our office shall respect your wishes. Please consider our formal request and return completed paperwork within fourteen business days.
Sincerely,
Lydia Vincent
My heart seems to restart and I stare at the page in disbelief. How soon would all of this have been over? I've always known that we only have so much time in life as in unlife, I just never imagined having to face that situation so soon after things have started to fall into place. How many more Post-its? I don't even stop myself from thinking about the fact that that man could have been my last soul, and yet at the same time I am completely aware that there must always be two reapers in such a case. Dropping my head in my hands I read through the accompanying paperwork, which reveals the reason why I have no Post-its this coming week, the week I chose for some time to myself. How typical, that something so screwy would have to happen now, at least in the sense I know the answers. There appears to be a catch, however, that I will not be told what my new quota is.
"Figures." I say under my breath to the empty room. Preparing everything for Roxy, I add a number where I may be reached and only in an absolute emergency, not to be used if Mason messes up either and she knows this, but I always stress said fact. Closing my planner with a heavy sigh, I decide to get some air and drop the day planner at Roxy's, just slip it in the mail slot. I thought that I had made up my mind, knew without a doubt what I want. But I can't help but think what if what I want, isn't what I need? I gently tap her door, expecting her to be out, I can't expect her to drop whatever she's doing just for me. I can see the concern in her expression as soon as she opens the door. I suppose my burden is written all over my face.
"Rube. What is it?" she asks stepping aside.
"I hope this isn't a bad time." I cannot help but say. I hadn't called first, which is something that I would normally do.
"Never. Can I get you something?" she asks as I remove my snow kissed shoes and jacket. She holds out her arm and wraps it around my waist, leading me into the kitchen.
"I'm actually fine." I reply in a quiet tone.
"Well I'm going to have a cup of coffee. You'll join me for a cup?" I nod as I sit at the table while she prepares the water. Sitting across from me she looks at me for what seems like a fairly long time before speaking. "So what brings you here?"
"This." I reply simply and put the envelope on the table. She stares at it for a moment before I nod for her to open it and read its contents, which she does, and I can see her face fall.
"And you have just under two weeks to decide?"
"Yes."
"But I'm presuming that you've already made up your mind. Am I right?"
"I have an idea of what I would like to do." I reply as the coffee maker stops. She gets up and makes the coffee, retuning to the table and setting a mug in front of me.
"They won't tell you your new quota if you accept? So they get to keep you in limbo for however long?"
"Yes, it's been how many years already. Things have only begun to make sense and I'd be uprooted. George isn't ready to deal with every little thing that being a reaper entails. Yes, I know that you are the prefect candidate to take my place, and have been wonderful." I pause, reality taking its toll.
"If you've already decided, then why are you here?" she asks looking very intently at me. Searching my eyes for what I am unsure of.
"I came to give you the assignments for the coming week and seek your advice. I'm not making a decision based solely on what I want; I'm making a decision that effects two people. We don't know what tomorrow brings, your quota could be just around the corner." She opens her mouth to say something, but stops just short. Instead she lets the tears she had been fighting make their way down her cheeks. I reach across the table and wipe them away with my thumb.
"So you're leaving then?"
"I don't know. My first thought was to sign everything. There is too damn much for me here to want to that promotion."
"But what of Lucy and Rosie?"
"I thought about them, but as selfish as this sounds, I will see them again. When the time is right. I found Rosie once, I was able to explain my actions, let her know the things I never thought imaginable. At the very least I was there to say goodbye." I say holding onto her hand.
"What happens if you sign all those documents and somewhere down the line change your mind?" I look down at the table for a moment then into her eyes. "You'll end up miserable, waiting for that last Post-it. Longing for it so that you too can have your happy ending." She looks at me intensely as if studying me and somehow makes me believe that she's right.
"They didn't tell me when or which Post-it will be my last. It couldn't be too far off. Especially if they are giving me fourteen days, business days no less, to dot the i's and cross the t's." I try to sound methodical, even if it's killing me. Roxy squeezes my hand reassuringly and I try to smile. I stand and take the empty mugs to the sink and rinse them quickly.
"I know that this is cliché, but you have to trust that the kinks will work themselves out. I know you've already made up your mind, and I'm not going to try and change it. I respect you far too much to even try. Besides, it would be for purely selfish reasons and that wouldn't be fair to you." She smiles and wraps her arms lovingly around me.
"I almost forgot. I come bearing the one gift I know you dread."
"Rube!" she says as she stands and sits on the edge of the coffee table. "I thought you'd have dropped it in my box or something, not spoil our time together reminding me that you're going away for a week, which reminds me." She says with a slight pout and turning to a desk that sits under the large window. "This is for you. Don't read it till you get to your little secluded cabin in the woods." She hands me an envelope and I reach out and cup her cheek in my hand, I lean in towards her, I can smell the fragrance she is wearing, jasmine mixed with vanilla, and brush her lips with my own.
"You're right, but I have to get going. I have an early start tomorrow morning." We stand and she walks me to the foyer.
"Just remember one thing in your decision making process. This is your unlife; don't do something because you think it's the right thing to do. Make your choice your own. Okay?" she kisses me before taking the planner filled with the up coming appointments.
"I will." I reply grabbing one last kiss before walking through the gently snow dusted streets home.
I know she's right. I know that in essence it is myself who I should please and know that I'm not disappointing anyone. Going through my mental list, I double check my bags, make sure that everything that I will need for a week alone is present and accounted for. Roxy's words "Make your choice your own"; fill my mind, as my initial decision seems so far away. I had prepared to sign the documents, not for myself entirely, but those who need me now. Settling myself in bed, I stare up at the ceiling and think about the mistakes I've made that no doubt had very negative consequences, putting my death aside, of course. But the damage caused by those decisions will never be repaired. Finally leaving all thoughts aside, I take a deep breath and close my eyes, letting sleep take over. I've had one heck of an emotional day.
I awake early this morning, fresh and ready to go. I add the extra paperwork to my luggage, quickly pack the truck, and head north. I make fairly good time, as I've managed to by-pass the morning rush hour traffic that can tie you up and set you back hours. Stopping at a gas station, I fill the truck and get a newspaper, a cup of coffee, and a piece of cherry pie from the adjacent diner. Sitting at a vacant table, I open the paper. I don't want to read the obits, but it's such a habit that I quickly scan them nonetheless, before turning to my favourite section the crossword puzzle. Finishing up my coffee, I head back to my truck and the open road.
Arriving at the cabin, I unload the truck. Before getting settled, I open the pre-made package of soup and put it on low while I unpack, put on some soft music and light a fire in the cast iron woodstove. Setting the table, I look out the window and catch a glimpse of the shimmering snow as it swirls and is caught on the windows ledge creating a crystal like web. I can hear the brisk wind that no doubt wraps itself around the tress as their naked branches reach up to the night's silver moon. I pour a glass of wine and enjoy dinner. Tonight I will forget about the extra envelope tucked in my bag and concentrate on enjoying this night as my own, which I begin after I've washed and put away the dishes. Going to one of my bags, I pull out the envelope Roxy had given me to read once I had gotten settled. I also place a CD I brought with me into the player, pour myself some brandy and settle myself in one of the great comfortable overstuffed armchairs and open the letter.
The lamp is burning low upon my tabletop,
The snow is softly falling.
The air is still within the silence of my room,
I hear your voice softly calling.
If I could only have you near,
To breathe a sigh or two.
I would be happy just to hold the hands I love,
On this winter night with you.
The smoke is rising in the shadows overhead,
My glass is almost empty.
I read again between the lines upon the page,
The words of love you sent me.
If I could know within my heart,
That you were lonely too.
I would be happy just to hold the hands I love,
Upon this winter night with you.
The fire is dying now, my lamp is growing dim,
The shades of night are lifting.
The morning light steals across my windowpane,
Where webs of snow are drifting.
If I could only have you near,
To breathe a sigh or two.
I would be happy just to hold the hands I love,
And to be once again with you.
To be once again with you.
After reading the letter Roxy wrote I cannot help but spend the next day thinking of her as I walk on the freshly snow covered ground. Why hadn't she agreed to accompany me? Or on the other hand, could it truly be a good thing? After all, time and space away makes for a better homecoming, I smile at the thought as I walk down to the lake. It hasn't yet begun the process of freezing yet, but still adds to the natural beauty around me. I dust the snow off a fallen log and sit for a moment looking out across the waters expanse. It's still fairly early, but the sun is beginning its decent, creating a beautiful hue in the sky that I could never do justice trying to describe, something akin to the lightshows that those who pass on experience.
With the last of the dishes washed, dried, and put away, I finally decide to break into the envelope, at least it wasn't the first thing I did when I arrived, and while I know I should just leave it till I get home I'm curious to see what's expected of me should I agree to have my quota extended. Soft piano instrumental plays in the background as I pour the amber liquid into a short goblet before settling myself in that old comfortable chair and begin to read through the enclosed documents. Initially, I had thought to sign them and continue onwards as I have now for how many years has it been? Seventy-nine, but there are times when it feels as though I'm still just gaining my bearings as if I only became undead yesterday, but my thoughts are interrupted by a tapping on the cabin's front door. Perhaps it's a lost hiker, I think as I make my way to the door. I check to see who it is before opening the door and my heart is caught in my throat.
"Roxy!"
"May I? It's damn nippy out here." She says with a smile.
"How did you? What about the Post-its?"
"George gave me a lift and I gave them their Post-its. If they mess up, they know they are answering to me. Enough said." She replies and drops her bag as I envelope her in my arms. "You aren't mad that I crashed your little getaway are you?"
"No, not at all." I reply in utter disbelief that she's here and in my arms.