Title: A Simple Call
Author: veiledndarkness
Summary: Jack makes a phone call. Not as simple as it seems.
Movie: Four Brothers.
Warning: Not mine, I just play with these guys. Final warning: Implied Bobby & Jack.
ooo
Jack stared at the payphone on the brick wall beside the pharmacy. He kicked at the ground as the sudden urge to call home struck him. Jack eyed the phone warily. He had a bad feeling that calling would only make him more homesick if that was possible.
Sighing loudly, Jack walked over to the phone and picked up the receiver as though it was a poisonous snake about to strike. He scrounged in his pocket for a quarter, fumbling through the loose change in his jeans. He dropped it in, dialed and prayed that someone, anyone was home, that he wouldn't lose his courage before someone picked up.
The phone rang once, twice, before Jack heard the telltale click as the payphone connected to the home phone. He held his breath as the voice came over the line.
"Hello?" Evelyn's soft voice floated through the phone. Just hearing her voice made his eyes prickle with hot tears.
"Uh hey Mom," Jack said quietly, resting his head against the side of the phone booth.
"Jackie! Sweetheart, how are you? Oh I miss you so much already," she said, her voice brightening.
"Ma, it's only been a month," Jack protested feebly. 'Oh who am I kidding?' he chided himself.
"So? Jackie, I miss all my boys when they aren't home. Especially you, my youngest," she said, her voice firm and loving.
Jack swallowed over the lump in his throat. "I'm not a baby anymore Mom."
"You'll always be my baby sweetheart, scoff all you like," she said, a laugh clear in her voice.
Jack rolled his eyes. "Uh huh, Mom. So how've you been?" he asked wincing at the sad sound of his voice.
"We've all been just fine, dear. I'm more worried about you. Have you been eating enough Jackie?" she asked, worry lacing her voice now.
Jack smiled. "Sure Ma, every day."
'Ok, so a partial lie,' he reminded himself. On cue, his stomach rumbled threateningly.
"Well you know I worry. I really wish that you'd consider coming back home," Evelyn said wistfully.
Jack sighed as he watched the cars go by. "You know why I had to go Mom. I'm not gonna make it anywhere in life, music or otherwise if I never leave home."
"I know, Sweetheart, I know. But there's a big part of me that doesn't want you to go, if only to keep you safe," she said
"I'll be fine Mom, I promise I'll be careful," he said, his voice thick again as he swallowed back against the cry that wanted to jump out of his throat.
"Will you, uh I mean, will you tell…" he trailed off, suddenly embarrassed.
"I'll tell Bobby you say hi, don't worry. The very next time he calls, I swear I will," she said.
Jack ignored how warm his cheeks felt. "Thanks," he whispered.
Jack swiped one hand across his face, only to discover that a tear had leaked. 'Damn it.'
"Listen Mom, I gotta go now. It's getting kinda dark," Jack said uneasily.
"Alright Jackie, just call me again soon you hear?" she said.
Jack nodded, another tear sliding down his cheek. "I will."
"Love you Sweetheart," she said softly.
"Love you too, Mom. Bye," Jack said, wiping furiously at his face with the back of his hand.
"Bye Jack," she said before hanging up with a quiet click.
Jack hung the phone up and wiped one last time at his eyes. He hunched his shoulders as he walked, ignoring the chill air. He wasn't sure if it had been a good idea to call, but it sure felt good to hear her voice again.