This will be a series of vignettes about Seth's life up until, and including, his relationship with Jessica. In these stories there will be references to Ruth and Frank, Seth renting and then having a mortgage, his military service, his brother and Molly, his actor friend David and military buddy Ben but that's it. Any other personal aspects about Seth like him having a daughter and grandchild or a niece will be treated as if they never existed. Enjoy!
It was Indian summer that September of 1926, not too hot nor too cold. The trees were still bright green and it seemed that Fall would be postponed for at least a few more weeks.
Irene Hazlitt was happy tending to her newborn son, Seth. He was just a few weeks old and, overall, a good baby. He slept well and ate well…a little too well. His father, Samuel, was a proud father but was busy working now that there was another mouth to feed.
Samuel was a fisherman and spent long days on the boat bringing in enough seafood to the residents of little Cabot Cove. Everyone knew everyone and friends came around with gifts and food to welcome the newest member of the Hazlitt family.
Irene cooed over her son who had the biggest hazel eyes she'd ever seen. Samuel, was a stern man. Not one to show his emotions and certainly not one to fawn over children. That was a woman's job.
As time went on, Seth grew into a polite young boy. He had a paper route but suffered from Asthma. HE hated the treatments he received and couldn't stand his mother fawning over him. She even made him wear a hat(sometimes they were hideous) even at the slightest temperature drop outside. Seth was a smart boy and enjoyed fishing with his friend David, who was a year older. The two would spend their summers at the lake swimming, camping and being boys. The further Seth was away from home the better. Oh, it's not that he didn't love his parents. Irene was loving and Seth loved her with all his heart but she was, well, overbearing and overprotective. It could be embarrassing.
His dad was all about being a reliable worker, worrying about his pay and less about how his sons were fairing. Samuel was all about punctuality, a strong work ethic and saving for a rainy day. Then there was younger brother, Richard. It was a 3 year age difference but Seth felt he had less in common with Richard than most brothers he knew. Maybe that would change as they got older?
Seth had just turned ten years old and he was in town with David looking at Perkins General Store. He saw in the window a marvelous site, a train set. It was too late for a birthday gift but maybe, just maybe, it would be under his Christmas tree this year. Time flew by and the time had come. All those shiny presents in red and silver, under the fresh cut tree. Seth could barely sleep and Richard kept him up all night asking questions. At six AM the time had come to run downstairs. The boys began shaking the boxes, anxiously and politely awaiting their parents arrival. Irene came in with a big smile while Samuel carried the morning paper and sat down, totally unaware. The boys asked if they could begin and Irene gave them the nod. Seth couldn't wait, here it comes…socks. Seth frowned by figured the train HAD to be here somewhere. As he frantically moved through the pile he got…underwear. In less than 15 minutes all the packages were opened and paper strewn around. Richard didn't fair any better. No toys, no trains, just clothing. Seth tried to hide his sadness since he was the older of the two. Richard ran upstairs crying. Samuel seemed angry. He informed his downtrodden son that those were the best socks around. It cost a pretty penny to get something that would last the whole season. Besides, Seth was too old for toys and needed to learn the value of a dollar. Irene knew her son was disappointed and gave him a hug, wishing him a Merry Christmas.