Chapter 24: An Impasse
Author: zeusfluff.
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Blue Blood's characters. They belong to CBS. I do own all originals. Date Started: 12/19/24. Date Finished: 12/22/24. Enjoy!
An impasse. That's where Jamie felt he was at. Or maybe it was stuck between a rock and a hard place. Either way, it was still an impasse. He was brought out of his thoughts when Patrick entered their home office.
"Dad. Are you ok?"
Jamie looked up at Patrick but was still somewhat in thought.
"Hey bud."
Patrick looked at Jamie concerned. He'd been distant for the last couple of days.
"Dad."
Jamie looked Patrick in the eye, but a serious look was plastered on his face.
"What's up Pat?"
Patrick sat down in a chair in front of the desk.
"Dad. You look kind of sad. Are you ok?"
Jamie gave Patrick a small smile.
"I'm stuck at an impasse."
Patrick gave Jamie a confused look.
"What's an impasse?"
Sighing, Jamie reached across the desk and ruffled Patrick's hair with his left hand.
"An impasse is where you feel like you can't escape from something."
Patrick nodded his head and started connecting the dots.
"You're sad about your job huh dad?"
Jamie nodded and put on a brave face.
"Yeah, I am bud. I really love my job. Helping people is what I do."
Patrick shook his head and looked Jamie in the eye.
"I heard you and mom talking last night. You're going to quit being a doctor, aren't you?"
Jamie furrowed his eyebrows.
"I am still trying to decide bud. If I do quit, it means no baseball camp this summer."
Jamie almost held his breath waiting for Patrick to protest his answer. But what Patrick said next surprised him.
"It's ok dad. We can practice in the backyard. I still want to be on the team. So, can you help me practice?"
A full-fledged 100 watt smile adorned Jamie's face.
"Of course, bud. That's very mature of you. You never cease to amaze me how you handle things. I'm proud of you."
Jamie stood up and pulled Patrick into a hug, ruffling his hair one more time.
"Come on dad. No time to be sad. Let's go in the living room and watch the Yankees game."
A smirk came to Jamie's face.
"Well, I was going to wait to surprise you with these for your birthday next week but…"
Patrick's eyes went wide as Jamie pulled out a couple of tickets to the next Yankees/Redsox game.
"No way dad! How'd you know?"
Jamie let out a small laugh and pointed to the tickets.
"You've been hinting at wanting to go to another game."
The smile fell from Patrick's face.
"But dad. These tickets… You just said we can't afford baseball camp. These tickets cost a lot of money…"
Jamie put a hand over Patrick's and kept the smile on his face.
"Pat, bud. I got these tickets a long time ago. We're good."
Patrick shook his head.
"Dad, let me pay you back from my allowance."
Jamie again pointed to the tickets. He then put his hands up slightly and waved them.
"That's your money bud. You've earned it. This is your birthday present. You've done so good in school this year and helping your mom out. You're getting really good at changing your sister's diapers."
Patrick shook his head.
"Is it really true that mom can't have any more babies? I need a brother to show the ropes to around here."
Jamie tried to hide the sad/pained expression that was creeping up on his face.
"I'm afraid so bud. Sorry."
For a moment, Patrick's face fell. Then he nodded, looking Jamie in the eye.
"It's ok. On a lighter note, we're missing the second inning on the game. Come on dad!"
Jamie chuckled as Patrick took his hand and pulled him towards the couch. Sitting down, Jamie grabbed for the remote and switched the tv on. Eddie then entered the living room with a large bowl of popcorn for both of them.
"Popcorn for both my boys."
As Eddie set the bowl down on the coffee table, Jamie pulled her towards him and whispered in her ear.
"Well, when the kids go to bed tonight, how about we have some time for us?"
Eddie put her forehead against his and smiled. When she pulled away, she whispered in his ear.
"Do you know how much I love you?"
Jamie pulled Eddie down next to him and kissed her forehead. Patrick interrupted the couple.
"Ew! If you're going to kiss all night I'm out of here!"
Jamie and Eddie smiled at each other and then she placed her head on his shoulder.
"Sorry bud. Game time."
As much as Jamie was at an impasse right now, his family was surrounding him and they were his support beams, through all kinds of struggles. Eddie placed a quick peck to Jamie's lips, ruffled Patrick's hair and then kissed his head.
"You two enjoy the game. I'm going to check on Keena, Maisie and Kaitlyn. I turned on Frozen for them. Cora is reading in her room."
Patrick got Jamie's attention suddenly.
"Dad! You're missing a great play."
Turning his attention back to the tv, and his eyes were now glued to it. Patrick sat on the edge of the couch, his hands gripping the couch cushion in anticipation. Eddie had come back into the living room and was standing behind the couch.
"Glad to see you two having fun together."
Jamie turned to her and smirked.
"Baseball is a metaphor for life Ed."
Eddie rolled her eyes and smacked his shoulder.
"You always say that bub. I guess I don't get it."
Jamie turned his attention back to the tv let out a holler along with Patrick.
"Home run!"
Eddie took her seat on the couch next to Jamie. Nothing made her happier than seeing everyone in their family having a good time.
To Be Continued…
A/N: So, what'd you guys think?