The screen lit up with something in black and white and Tony started to change the channel, the movie was old, he could tell from the strange clothes and the way the people talked. But something about the characters on the screen caught his attention, they were somehow more vibrant than any characters he'd ever seen before.
He became entranced with the story he saw playing out before him. He didn't really understand the love story, but the story of two people struggling to survive an African river and each other kept his attention until its final credits.
He didn't turn the channel when the movie ended, instead he was amazed when the next feature was in black and white. A child of his time, he didn't even know that a movie could be in black and white. He stayed to watch the western that followed. He fell asleep to the flickering screen and dreamed of Cowboys and Indians all floating down a river in Africa together.
The sound of knocking woke Tony up the next morning.
He blinked confused at the bright sunshine that streamed through the windows. The television was still on and for a moment he thought the knocking was coming from it. He switched it off and the knocking continued. He realized that it was someone knocking on his door.
Wildly he glanced around the suite before he remembered that he was alone. His father had left him the day before. He swallowed hard before scrambling off the couch and approaching the door.
What was he going to say if it was someone looking for his dad? What was he going to say if it was someone demanding to know why he was still in the suite by himself?
He took a deep breath before opening the door. He was surprised to find someone he knew on the other side.
Mrs. Brown stood at his door, a little boy at her side. She beamed down at him.
"Good Morning, Tony, you going to sleep the day away?"
Tony looked from mother to son, not sure how he was supposed to respond. Finally he found his voice, "Hi, Mrs. Brown, my dad's not here right now..." It sounded lame to him, but she didn't seem to notice.
"I'm not here to see your father. This is my son, Chris." He'd guessed as much, but he nodded a greeting to the boy as she continued, "I thought you might like to spend the day with Chris rather than be stuck up here all day."
The kid smiled at Tony. He had a gap in his grin where he had a tooth missing, without even trying he made Tony feel like a friend. "My friends and I were going to practice for Little League today. Can you play outfield?" He handed Tony a glove that he'd been holding behind his back, like a gift.
Tony took it awkwardly, not sure what to do with it, "I've never really... uh..." Tony didn't know what to say. He desperately wanted to go play ball with Chris and his friends, but he didn't know how. Playing catch was something other father and sons did, not the Dinozzos.
"It's okay," the boy shrugged, his smile infectious, "we're not very good. We're just going to mess around. My Uncle TC and his friend are going to come coach us. You should come." The words came out in a rush, as if he were afraid Tony would say no if he paused.
"Well if you're sure, I'd like to come," he said hesitantly.
"Well then that's settled then," Mrs. Brown looked very pleased with herself. "I just knew you two were going to be friends. Tony I think you should call your father and make sure it's alright."
Tony thought quickly, he didn't want to lie to Mrs. Brown, but he didn't think he could tell her the truth either. She'd make him go home and he suddenly wanted to stay more than anything in the world.
"He's uh..., had to leave for awhile for a business meeting." It was probably the truth anyway. "I'll call him to make sure it's okay and meet you guys downstairs?"
He watched her face anxiously, trying to judge if she suspected him of lying to her.
If she did, she gave no sign of it. "Why don't you call him and then meet us downstairs. We'll find you some breakfast before you have to leave."
Tony nodded and shut the door as they turned away. He couldn't believe it. Not only did she believe him, but he was going to escape the prison that the suite of rooms had become, shut in with his fears and doubts. He was finally going to get to see the island, and in a totally unexpected way. He was a little nervous, he had no idea what Little League entailed, but he was quick, he was sure he'd pick it up.
He rushed into the bathroom and brushed his teeth. After a moment of indecision, he took a quick bath. He wanted to make a good impression. He didn't do much more than splash in the water, but he did scrub behind his ears and under his fingernails. His mother always thought those areas were important and he wanted to be ready in case Mrs. Brown asked.
He pulled out a pair of jeans and his favorite shirt and slid them on. He brushed his hair quickly and pulled on his tennis shoes. Regarding himself critically in the mirror he decided that he was as ready as he was ever going to be.
Wow! Never even suspected that this story would be this long. I rather thought it would be a quick character study, nothing more. I do have a direction now. This is going to be a crossover, there was a huge clue in this chapter, hope you guys stay with me!
I know this chapter was short, but I'm updating a little more quickly so I hope you'll forgive me.
I've had a couple of people say they hope I'll get Tony home, rest assured he will make it home, he's just going to have a little bit of adventure before he gets there. Thanks for the reviews, it helps to know people are reading.I love hearing what you think, having your suggestions and comments, sometimes it even changes the story!