The Long And Winding Road
Notes: I don't own the show, the characters, etc. Thanks for all the reviews so far. To Giana – Yes, I've been thinking about becoming a writer, though I think I'd want to be a scriptwriter instead of a novelist.
Chapter 13 -- Obligations
Two weeks passed following Emma and JT's declarations to one another. At the Yorke home on a Friday evening in November, JT sat in the kitchen trying to make a phone call.
"Yes, I understand that he's a very busy man. I'm his son, not some stranger calling to hire him to take my case. Although maybe if I WAS a potential client, I might actually get to speak with him once in awhile. No, don't interrupt his meeting. It's nothing urgent. Yes, I'll leave a message. Tell him the last couple of weeks have been the happiest of my life and it would be nice to be able to tell him all that's been going on around here. Even if he IS too busy to get back to Toronto these days, he could at least pick up a phone once in awhile. It's not like I'm dead, too."
JT paused for a moment, took a deep breath, then resumed.
"Never mind. Cancel that message. Just tell my dad that I called to say 'Hi'. No, he shouldn't try to call me back tonight. I'll be unavailable for the rest of the evening. His son…JT. That's right, James T. Yorke. Thanks."
JT ended the call and put down the phone. Then, he picked up his tie off the table.
'Now for the REAL challenge of the evening,' JT thought, now smiling. 'Trying to get this stupid tie on the right way.'
At the Nelson/Simpson home, Spike and Snake were sitting together on the couch in the living room when they heard Emma calling from her basement bedroom.
"Is he here yet?" Emma shouted.
"No!" Spike answered, loud enough so Emma could hear. "You've still got plenty of time!"
"They eat together, either out or at his house or over here, most nights," Snake commented. "Any idea why she's so excited about this particular night?"
"Snake, they've been, as JT says, 'officially official' for about two weeks now, and this is their first time going someplace fancy together."
"The Burrito Hut sounded plenty fancy to me."
"I know, honey, but somehow I think Campanelli's will be more romantic."
"Yes, but you don't need a reservation to eat at The Burrito Hut."
"Oh, I have plenty of reservations about eating there, Snake."
"Very funny."
"All kidding aside," she continued, "I'm happy things seem to be going okay for the two of them."
"I agree," Snake said. "In just a few short years, Emma's gone from dating a juvenile delinquent intent on squandering his potential to falling for a likable best friend with decent grades, a steady job and a healthy bank account. A very healthy bank account."
"Snake, you're horrible!" Spike rolled her eyes. "You make it sound like Emma's a golddigger."
"Hey, I didn't mean it that way. I'm just saying that between the money JT inherited from his mother back in the spring and whatever funds he already had – which you know has to be sizable considering both his parents have built financially successful careers in the last few years – JT can feel a lot more secure about his future. The fact that he's stayed the same and has never acted like he's got the money makes me respect him all the more."
"That's true," Spike agreed.
"Plus, considering how hard he seems to work at that theater, I don't think he's the type who'd feel comfortable living the stereotypical rich man's life of leisure."
"Which is good, since Emma wouldn't want someone like that. No, JT seems to be the ideal person for Emma. They share the same core values. The same work ethic. They respect one another. And their quirks and differences all seem to balance out. And have you noticed how they really light up when they see one another?"
"All of which can only mean one thing, Spike."
"Exactly. It's bound to fall apart and end badly, probably followed by Emma learning she's pregnant."
Snake was surprised to hear her say this.
"Uh, I was going to say it can only mean they've finally found true love."
At the managerial office of The Movie Difference, Patrick sat talking on the phone.
"Everything's running smoothly, JT. Believe it or not, nothing's changed since you called ten minutes ago."
JT was in his car driving while talking to Patrick on his cell phone.
"Hey, if this were a Tuesday or Wednesday, that would be one thing. But it's Friday. This is the first Friday night I haven't been there in months. There's a lot to keep an eye on, Pat."
"You do remember that this place has been open since before you and I were even born. I think it can survive without your presence for a day."
"Oh, so now I'm irrelevant?"
"Stay calm, JT. I don't know why you're nervous. This isn't exactly your first date with Emma. You've been together every day for the last two weeks, even if it's sometimes just sharing lunch and some classes together; and you two hung out together most days as friends before that."
"But this IS my first chance to give her a real romantic dinner for two," JT reminded him.
"Hey, I know a certain steak place that would be perfect," Patrick joked.
"Don't start THAT again. I think you'd better leave the joke telling to me."
"Aww, you're no fun, JT."
"I think Emma might disagree with you about that."
"No doubt."
"Anyway, tonight, I want to be sure she's happy with me and that things are perfect. The restaurant, the conversation, everything. I never want her to start wondering if she's missing out on something – or someone – better by choosing to be with me."
"Stop worrying already," Patrick instructed. "She IS happy with you and things will be perfect…or as perfect as one can hope for when you're involved."
"Gee, thanks a lot."
"Relax. Just take a few deep breaths."
"I don't think so," JT said, now smirking. "Find someone else to give you an obscene phone call."
"Sounds like you're feeling better already."
"I just have to remember a few important things about what to do and what not to do in a fancy restaurant."
"Like what?"
"For instance, if I don't know which fork to use with which part of the meal, just keep dropping forks on the floor until I have to use the only one left for all the courses."
"Brilliant," Patrick responded sarcastically.
"If a violinist comes over to the table," JT continued, "I can't pay any attention to him because restaurant musicians are like strays. Once you show a tiny bit of interest, you can't get rid of them."
"Can't have that."
"Oh, and if the waiter speaks only in Italian, I should just nod and point to things on the menu."
"Good to see you've learned your lesson after trying to use Pig Latin on the waiter at that Mexican restaurant."
"And above all else, no putting straws up my nose and doing a walrus impression."
"I know it will be rough, JT. Just don't give in to that temptation."
"I'm pulling up to the house now."
"Oh, be sure and take the fuzzy dice off your rearview mirror and hide them in the glove compartment."
"Pat, I do NOT have a pair of fuzzy dice."
"Oh?"
"At least, not anymore," JT admitted. "I think Emma took them months ago and buried them, but she won't admit it."
"Good for her. Now have fun. And if you call back here again to check up on things, I'm putting you on permanent hold. So don't bother."
"Okay, Pat, but if anything should come up…Hello? Hellooo? Did he just hang up on me? Nah, we must have got cut off."
Inside the house, Snake was hoping Spike would elaborate on her comment about the young couple's chances for a successful relationship.
"Care to explain?" he asked.
"Snake, when two people really connect, it either crashes and burns, someone gets pregnant, or both."
"You're exaggerating."
"Need I remind you that her mother has had not one, but TWO unplanned pregnancies?"
"Considering the results of those pregnancies, Spike, I think you made out quite well."
"You know what I mean," she responded. "I could never regret having Emma and Jack. But I do wish I was better when it came to timing."
"I doubt she and JT are even thinking about sex," he suggested.
"And they actually let you teach? What planet are you from? They're almost 18 years old."
"A very mature almost-18."
"I know that. All the more reason for concern. The idea is bound to cross their minds if it hasn't already. And for all we know it might very well be a possibility tonight."
"Spike, they've only been together for two weeks."
"We both know they've been together a whole lot longer than that. They just didn't figure out it was a relationship until two weeks ago."
"I agree with that," he said. "Okay, IF anything of a sexual nature were to happen, whether tonight, next month, next year or whenever, they both know the risks and precautions involved. Both physical and emotional. And just to remind you, a knack for unexpected pregnancies isn't a gene you can pass down to Emma. But even on the off chance that it happened, can you really see JT bailing on Emma? Do you really think he's the kind of person who'd do that to her? And do you think she's the kind of young woman who'd let him get away with it even if he tried?"
"No, she isn't," Spike admitted. "And no, he wouldn't. And I hate it when you're right, especially when I'm acting ridiculous. I know Emma is old enough and bright enough to make good choices, whatever those choices are. JT too. I really am happy for them. Now don't tell Emma I was starting to get worried over nothing or she'll never let me hear the end of it. I'm supposed to be the cool mom of the neighborhood."
Snake laughed.
"I promise to keep your secret," he joked. "For a price…"
He then guided her body closer to his side of the couch.
"I like the way you think," Spike remarked.
"Hey, people who are almost 18 aren't the only ones with such thoughts frequently floating around in their heads," Snake explained.
"I can't argue with that."
They started kissing. Soon there was a knock on the front door, but they ignored it. Spike got up momentarily and gently pushed her husband until he was on his back on the couch. She then lay on top of him and they resumed kissing and holding onto one another.
JT, on the other side of the door, knocked again. Emma came upstairs wearing a blue dress. She noticed her mother and stepfather preoccupied on the couch and she rolled her eyes.
"Didn't you two hear the door?"
Hearing Emma's voice, the couple started to break apart.
"What's that, Em?" Spike asked, startled and out of breath.
"I was afraid I'd have to turn the garden hose on the two of you. Please try to control yourselves for a few minutes. JT's here!"
Emma then went and opened the door.
"Hi JT," she greeted upon seeing him.
JT looked at Emma for a moment, temporarily forgetting how to put words together.
"Wow!" he finally exclaimed. "Err, I mean…Hey Emma. You look great!"
"Thanks," Emma replied, pleased with JT's positive reaction.
"Oh, not that I mean it to sound like I'm surprised," he quickly added. "Because you always look great, Emma. Greater than great. Greattastic! I just mean…"
Emma laughed.
"You can untie your tongue, JT. I know how you meant it, and I appreciate it. You're looking rather 'wow' yourself. Come on in."
The older couple, still sprawled on the couch, struggled to stand up.
"You'll have to excuse them," Emma cautioned JT. "I think they believe it's mating season around here. Thankfully they're still fully clothed."
"Don't be silly," Spike responded. "We were just…a little preoccupied, and we didn't hear the knock on the door. Hi JT"
"Evening, JT," Snake added. "There's something different about you tonight. The suit maybe?"
"Probably that whole lack of oxygen thing," JT joked, pointing toward his necktie. "They call them ties, but it feels more like a noose."
"I hear ya," Snake agreed.
"I'm not late am I?" JT then asked his girlfriend.
"No," Emma assured him. "In fact you're a little early."
"Even more remarkable, JT," Snake offered, "is the fact that you're dating a woman who's actually ready to go when you get here. Don't count on that happening too often."
"Keep talking, Snake, and JT won't be the only one having trouble breathing tonight," Spike warned. "You have no idea the hassle women go through to…"
"As much as we'd love to stay and watch the latest Battle of the Sexes," Emma interrupted, "JT and I should go."
"See you later," JT said as he and Emma turned to leave.
After the couple left, Spike pulled Snake back over to the couch.
"I thought they'd never leave," she said to him, smiling. "Now, where were we?"
Outside, JT and Emma kissed for several moments then walked toward his car.
"So, do you need to stop by the theater on the way?" she asked. "Make sure everything's all right?"
"What, you think I'm worried? Pat's taking care of my duties over there tonight. I haven't given that place a second thought."
"Uh-huh. You know, it's not nice to lie to your girlfriend, especially when she might just decide to order all the most expensive items on the menu to get back at you."
"I'm going to have to avoid you in another month," JT joked. "I'll never be able to keep secret whatever I decide to get you for Christmas. I can't get away with anything around you."
"Aww, poor thing."
"Don't worry, Emma. After my fourth phone call in the last hour, Patrick's decided to ignore me. So we won't be stopping along the way."
"Good."
The two got into the car.
"Say, Emma, do you remember that pair of dice I used to have?" he asked as they both were fastening their seat belts.
"Dice?"
"Yeah, the big fuzzy ones. You don't know whatever happened to them, do you?"
"No comment," she replied knowingly. "Just start driving."