Ch 22 Two Special Books

"What other books?" Jeff asked again.

"Just another thing I wanted to show you, it's kind of in a different category." He had wanted Jeff to really experience and enjoy his birthday presents, before he introduced any more emotions. He'd planned on giving him the other two books when they had two weeks left at headquarters. That way, Jeff would have time to read them right away if he wanted, or just think about them and reminisce. He was planning to give him the key to his own locker at the same time, so he could keep these things safe between trips to headquarters.

A few days later, Bogg handed Jeffrey the rucksack and watched as he sat on the floor and opened the flap and took out the first book. Jeff slowly lifted it and read the title, "To Kill a Mockingbird," he paused, "this was the book, how did you get it?"

"Tom's omni goes up to 1985, he took me to the estate sale," Bogg said quietly.

Jeff ran his finger over the binding and touched the cover. He stared at the outside for a long time before opening it. He caught his breath when he looked at the title page, "Bogg?"

"Yeah?"

"Did you look inside this book?"

"No, why?"

Jeff stared at the words written across the white expanse of the page under the title. In his mother's handwriting it said,

To Jeff,
This was one of my favorite books growing up, I hope you like it too.
Love, Mom
10/3/81

He swallowed hard and spoke in a hushed voice, "I guess my mom was planning on giving it to me for my birthday," he explained and handed the book to Bogg. He remembered his mother buying Christmas gifts during the summer. She must've bought this early too.

"I bet it's worth reading then," Phineas said softly as he looked at the inscription. He handed it back, keeping his eyes on Jeff. He was upset, but he didn't move toward Bogg for a comforting hug. Instead, he just sat looking at the book.

Finally, he reached into the sack again and pulled out the other book, "The Hobbit?" he said in confusion, "I thought it was 'The Habit', what's a hobbit?"

Bogg shrugged, "I guess you'll have to read it to find out." He watched as Jeff opened up the cover and then saw him half smile.

Another message was written above the curious title of this book and Jeff smiled as he read it, even as a tear trickled down one cheek and he sniffed. It read,

To my son Jeff,
As you grow into manhood, don't forget to have fun.
Love, Dad
10/3/81

As he sat staring at the books, Jeff wiped his eyes and then handed the second book to Bogg. "Dad always said I was too serious," he whispered.

As Bogg read the inscription, Jeff sat thinking that these were more than just books, they were treasures. His parents had held these books. They had picked them out and written a message to him. There was a large lump in his throat and it was hard to keep from crying.

Phineas took the book and read the inscription. He wished that he could somehow communicate to Jeff's parents that their son was doing all right. That he had someone to love him and take care of him. Once, he had thought that he felt Jeff's mother very close, but he'd never really known if it was a dream or not.

Finally, Jeff thought he could trust his voice to speak. "I should've gotten these books after the accident, they were meant for me..." and his thoughts flew to his Aunt Elizabeth. She probably hadn't bothered to look at them, and Jeff hadn't been allowed into his dad's study after that fateful day.

A knock at the door interrupted them, and Jeff scrambled to his feet. He placed the books on his bed and wiped his eyes, trying to compose himself.

Phineas opened the door and saw Tom standing in the hall, a strange, shocked expression on his face.

"What's wrong?" he asked inviting him in. Jeff heard the worried tone of Bogg's voice and immediately went to stand beside them.

Tom stared at Phineas and shook his head, "I don't know what to do."

"What happened?" Jeff noticed that Bogg's voice had the same tone he used with him when he was upset.

"I'll leave if you need privacy," Jeff offered.

Tom shook his head, "no, you can stay," and he sat down in the chair that Phineas directed him too.

"What is it?" Bogg urged, kneeling beside him as he placed a hand on Tom's shoulder.

"They approved me, I'm supposed to go get the kid."

Phineas smiled with relief, "but that's a good thing."

"But what do I do? What if I make a mistake, I don't know anything about kids."

"First, just relax, it's okay, you can do this."

Tom stared at Phineas expectantly, "tell me what to do?"

Jeff listened intently, curious about what Bogg's advice would be.

"The only thing you can do is be yourself. This kid is gonna be smart. He'll be able to tell if you're faking something." Tom's doubtful expression didn't change so Phineas continued, "look, I made a lot of mistakes, especially at first, and I'm still making them. It's okay to make mistakes, the kid won't break."

Jeff put his hand on Bogg's shoulder as he spoke.

"I can't believe you've made any mistakes."

"Well I have. Just be honest and you and the kid will work it out. Like I said, if the kid's anything like Jeff, he'll tell you or show you what he needs." At this comment, Jeff glanced up at Bogg and thought to himself once again that Bogg was the best voyager that had ever lived.

"That's not much to go on," Tom complained.

"And don't be afraid to give him a hug."

"A hug?"

"Yeah, and you're luckier than I was, at least you've got some warning."

Tom sighed, "I can't believe I volunteered for this. I must be crazy."

"It'll seem crazy at first, but it'll be worth it," Bogg told him.

Tom paused and sighed, "I have to leave now, I guess I'll just have to do my best."

Phineas put his hand back on Tom's shoulder, "it'll work out," he said as he moved with Tom toward the door. "You're gonna be great," Bogg whispered to him as he left. Then the door closed and Phineas and Jeff were alone again.

"I wonder what that kid is like?" Jeff asked immediately.

"I don't know, I guess we'll have to wait for the next Convergence to meet him."

Jeff went back to his bed and picked up the books. He sat quietly, just holding them, then he put them together on his night table and didn't touch them for a few days. Finally, after supper one evening, he picked up The Hobbit and began to read.

The End