Face to Face

I thought I'd put this one to bed but it seems not (see review from I Did Like It for new story Pride) so for him or her, and anyone else wanting more of Face to Face, I've decided to add to it when time and inspiration let me.

Part 32

Paddy had picked the mail up off the hallway floor and had been surprised to find something with Aaron's name on it. Walking over to the breakfast table he handed the young man an envelope. "For you! Why can't I get something other than bills," he complained as he started to rip open the first of his letters.

"What is it?" Aaron asked, turning the envelope over in his hands, he never got mail usually.

"If you open it you'll find out!"

Aaron tore open the envelope, pulling out a neatly folded sheet of paper.

"Well?" Paddy asked as he scanned the itemized phone bill he was holding.

Aaron handed the paper over for Paddy to see.

"A visiting order!" Paddy couldn't hide his surprise.

"Put it in the bin."

"What? No, not until you've given it some thought."

"I've given it all the thought it's getting. I'm not going Paddy, end of!"

"He's been in that place over a month now; it must be tough..."

"Like I care! And you shouldn't be giving him a second thought anyway!"

"I put him them."

"No you didn't!" Aaron exclaimed, "He put himself there, don't you go feeling sorry for him Paddy, he deserves all he got and more!"

"Aren't you being a bit harsh?"

"No!" Aaron spat as he got to his feet and stormed out through the front door, slamming it behind him.

The loud display of temper had a towel clad Jackson hurrying downstairs. Hair still dripping wet from the shower he'd just taken he eyed Paddy questioningly and said, "What did I miss?"

Paddy held the letter up for Jackson to see, "This!"

Jackson took the sheet of paper from Paddy's hand and read it, "The bastard!" He spat angrily.

Paddy was a little taken aback by Jackson's reaction; he was normally so laid back.

Meeting Paddy's gaze. Jackson shook his head, "Sorry! It's just that it's going to unsettle him again isn't?" Pointing to the front door he added, "It already has."

"You don't think he should go then?"

"No! Do you?"

Paddy shrugged, "I don't know. I want what's best for Aaron, but I don't know what that is right now."

"I don't like the man Paddy. He's hurt Aaron in so many ways. He's hurting right now because of this damn thing."

Paddy nodded, Jackson was right about that, although he felt partly responsible. He shouldn't have pushed Aaron on the matter.

Scrunching up the letter and tossing it onto the table Jackson said, "I'll get dressed then go look for him."

Paddy stared down at the visiting order. How could one sheet of paper cause so much upset? More worrying still was that it could cause a lot more. Aaron had no intention of visiting his father in prison and Jackson didn't want him going. He himself didn't like the idea of it either but knowing Aaron still loved the man made him reluctant to dismiss the idea completely. He picked up the paper and after working it into its original shape folded it and tucked it into his pocket.

Just a few minutes later he heard footsteps on the stairs, then saw Jackson disappear through the door, hot on Aaron's tale.

He couldn't help but smile despite the mood of the house. Jackson was...what was the word he was looking for? Devoted! That was it. Jackson was devoted to Aaron. Aaron was lucky to have found someone who truly loved him. Sometimes Paddy wondered if he realised just how lucky he was.

He hadn't had to look far for Aaron, the music booming out from his car told Jackson exactly where to find him. Getting in the passenger side he turned the volume down until it was barely audible. "Well?"

"I'm not going."

Jackson had calmed down a little now himself, as much as he disliked Gordon Livesy and he had plenty of reason to dislike him, he couldn't forget the fact the man had tried to make some amends for his treatment of his son. He'd come here and apologised. It had thrown Aaron at first but it had also helped him in some ways too. Knowing that, how could he not encourage Aaron to give some thought and consideration into visiting his father in jail?

"I didn't think it was a good idea at first but..."

"Now you do?" Aaron stared in disbelief at Jackson.

"No, I just think you should put some thought into a decision before making it, and you haven't put any thought into your decision not to go. It's a kneejerk reaction and you might regret it."

"I don't think so." Aaron spat, turning the music volume back up.

Jackson reached out and turned the volume down again, "Well until you 'know so', you give it some thought, ok?"

Aaron shrugged, he knew Jackson was right. "Ok but I'm not going to change my mind."

TBC