Jack and Isla

FOURTEEN

Four months Later

Jack pulled into May's in his wagon with an empty load having agreed to do one more trip before giving up his driving days altogether. The sun was shining still but the leaves were starting to change to the early autumn colours. The breeze was still warm but had the fresh smell to it that came off all the trees. Jack loved this time of year and so did Freddie.

He sat next to Jack, taking pictures out of the window with his new camera. Jack grinned at him remembering how he had helped Freddie enter a competition last month for photography and he came in first place, prompting a new passion for it, so Jack thought as the kid had potential, it was only right to treat him to a camera. It was also part of Jack's attempt to distract him from what they all went through three months ago, that was still fresh in his mind and hearts.

He did the same for Bradley as well. He had officially started his apprenticeship at the yard and was really starting to show some skill. William was even impressed with him and took him personally under his wing and Jack had cleared a corner of his own garage out so Bradley could put his own small workbench in and work on his own projects.  As a way to help and give him a start, Jack had brought him a bike. Just a small 125cc but it was better than a 16 year old cycling on a rusty old bike he found in a garage.

Jack always admired the resilience those boys had. How the most unforgivable things could happen to them, at such young ages and they still were standing tall, growing into fine young men. He meant it when he told Isla that they were a credit to her. She had managed to raise two fine young men and now he was determined to be there for them also, taking some of the burden for them and letting them live the lives that they deserve. 

Jack jumped out the wagon and was greeted with open arms by May. She squeezed him tightly and smiled warmly. She then spotted Freddie and almost shoved Jack out of the way, plodding over to give him a hug.

"Let me have a look at you boy?" She exclaimed and stepped back taking him all in, "You've definitely shot up, young man. Go on in, Frank is out the back." She ruffled his hair and he made his way in, taking the odd photo on the way.

Jack chuckled as he watched him go and turned to see May smiling at him. "He is growing into a fine young man, that one. It seems you're doing a great job with him."

Jack smiled back, "I think he does me just as much good. Both of the lads in fact."

They headed inside and spent the evening catching up on everything. From how Freddie has got into school in Two Rivers and has deferred his start until after Christmas on account of missing the deadline for enrolling. How Bradley was doing well and even has started seeing a girl he met in town. They talked about how Bradley and him have practically house swapped, Jack living at the lodge and Bradley in his apartment most of the time.

The next morning at breakfast Jack and Frank sat out with a drink in the chairs watching the main road.

"So this is definately your last drive then Jack?" Frank queried.

"Yes, sir, giving up the wheels for good."

"We are sure going to miss your drop in's"

"I know but I need to do it. I want to do it." Jack sat knowing he was making the right decision. He didn't doubt it for a second. "What happened, with Isla and the boys, really put it all in perspective and I promised the boys I would be there for them." Jack sighed contentedly holding back the choked up feeling he had building, then looked at Frank, "I love them."

Frank grinned back at him, joy at his confession. 

"I'm glad you've managed to find happiness, Jack, especially after everything, you know. You deserve it."