Rating T
Spoilers: Major ones series 5
Disclaimer: Don't own Primeval or characters
Chapter Two
It had been many months since they had a proper visit from their son Hilary. He had gone back to London to his top secret post. The general had misgivings about his return. Something at that job had caused his son to retreat inside himself.
"I hope he isn't a killjoy this time," said Ashley.
"Grow up," said Lionel.
"What?"
"You just want Hilary to help you get a girl, some us can get our own, you know."
"So can I."
"Boys, don't fight. Here, be useful," she said, shoving food dishes into both boys' hands and putting them to work. "Then, Ashley, you get the dessert from the freezer and set it out to thaw, and Lionel you get some wine."
Their father chuckled. "That's what happens when you misbehave, KP duty."
The boys set the dishes on the table, then frowned and went to do their chores.
"Why do people think I'm the general?" asked their father, winking at their mother.
"Dad has a point," said a voice. The parents looked up to see Hilary walking in. He kissed his mother. "Anyone can see that you're the boss."
He smiled his bright smile with the twinkling eyes that his mother had not seen in a long time.
She sighed happily at the sight of him. She hugged him, and said, "You seem happy."
"I'm OK. It's been a good week," Becker smiled. "A really good week."
"Something special happen?" asked his father.
Hilary sat beside his father at the table. "A couple of friends returned to work."
The general stared at his son's face, and sensed there was more to it, but he didn't press.
"Oh, Mom, I brought you something," said Hilary. He handed his mother a chocolate bar.
"Thank you dear. Um, Why?"
Becker laughed. "Just because, Mom. Besides, doesn't everyone need a little chocolate every now and then?"
His mother smiled. "It took years for your father to figure that one out."
Becker smiled.
"You do seem happy," said his father. "What's going on?"
"Nothing. It's just, work's going well, for a change. That's all."
"Uh-huh," said his mother. She smiled. "What's her name?"
"Mom! I'm just happy. Can't I be happy?"
"Of course," she said. "There's a girl though, mark my words. You may not know it, men tend to be dumb, but there is a woman behind your good mood."
Becker blushed.
His father's eyes grew big and he and his wife traded looks. She smiled and went back to the kitchen.
His father watched Becker but didn't say anything.
Ashley came in. "You're a trouble maker."
"Me? I just got here," said Becker.
"We were talking about your foul moods, and we got in trouble."
"Ash, you're always in trouble."
"This is true," said Lionel. "Hey, Hil," he said, putting a wine bottle on the table.
"You're brother is in a good mood. Don't spoil it," said their mom, bringing in a platter of roast beef.
"Oh, really?" said Lionel. "Who's the girl?"
Becker rolled his eyes.
"There is no girl," said his father. "Hilary just woke up happy and learned a complex lesson about women all on his own."
"Learning that women like chocolate is a complex lesson?" asked Becker.
"Yes," replied his parents in unison.
Lionel smiled, and sat beside Becker. "There is a girl." He ignored his brother's frown. "What's her name?"
"Oh, he isn't going to tell us her name," said Mom, sitting down.
"Could we all please stop thinking about me and this imaginary girl and have dinner," said Becker.
"Of course," said Mom.
They all closed their eyes while their father said grace.
"Thank you dear Father for the bounty upon our table and the blessing that we are all together once again."
"And thank you for blessing Hilary by sending him a girl."
"Mom!"
A few weeks later, Becker visited again, this time unannounced and in the middle of the day. His mother saw the obvious wound on his leg.
"I just want to look."
"I told you mom, it's fine. It's been treated by a doctor."
"Why won't you let me see?"
"You don't have to mom. It's fine."
"You're being a bit strange about it," said his father. "She's seen lots of wounds. She is a general's wife you know."
Becker frowned. 'She hasn't seen a wound like this,' he thought. He couldn't explain about the prehistoric bite, so he just tried to ignore their concern.
"I just don't want her to see," said Becker. "Let's change the subject. How's the garden?"
Becker's mom glared at him. "They bloom, they wilt, they die. Let me..."
"No."
His mom looked stunned. "When did you start saying 'no' to me?"
Becker's father chuckled. "Who is this amazing girl?"
"Dad!"
"I'm sorry, boy, but there is usually one woman at a time that a man just can't say no to. Apparently your mother has been replaced as that woman since you just told her no. Therefore, there is a new woman in your life and she has you doing her bidding."
"She does not."
His mother smiled.
His father smirked. "And you just confirmed her existence. You're slipping, son. She has you rattled."
Becker blushed. "Dad, stop," he whined.
His mother smiled bigger. "What's her name?"
"Its...It's not like that. She's a co-worker. She's...different. Stop looking at me like that Mom! There's nothing going on between us. She just works there. So do I. End of story. I came here for R & R. You might notice I'm injured."
Becker's mom laughed at his puppy dog face. "Well, who ever she is, I'm grateful."
"For what?" asked Becker.
"For bringing my son back. You aren't so sullen all the time. I see cracks in your armor. I hope I can thank her sometime."
Becker didn't say anything, or even blush. He sat still, thinking.
"You care to tell us her name?" asked his father.
"No."
"He will," said his mother. "in time."
End Chapter Two