Through Time Again

Ch.15 Junior

June 19, 1933

"What's the matter, Vic baby?"

"Nothin'! Everything's Jake."

Vic sat trying to distract his mind with a book. He contemplated getting jazzed on gin and dames at Ida's brothel. He didn't want to be here in this house tomorrow morning. But Junior was sick again. He needed to be here for him. So the book would do... but it wasn't helping.

Isla crossed the room. "You've been on a merry-go-round of emotions all week." she sat on the arm of the chair. One arm gentle around his shoulders. "What can I do to help?"

"I'm fine Isla—,"

She didn't buy it. Her lips brushed his forehead. Her other hand slid through his shirt collar. "I know how weighed down you've been." Her hand travelled. "Let me help you relieve some of the tension."

~•~

June 20, 1933

Vic woke up on the floor of his study. Isla nestled beside him. Gin bottles empty on the coffee table. It had been a sensuous and erotic night. Any other day and he would have woken her up for another round... But today wasn't that day.

As much as he appreciated her trying to take his mind off what today was, it wasn't enough.

There were about 4 days on the calendar that Vic would falter into the abyss for 24 hours, and no one could do a thing to bring him to until the day was done.

But this was one of those calendar days when only one person could lift his soul to a small level of ease.

Vic slipped on his pants. His undershirt. And crept out of the room.

Vic entered Junior's bedroom, giving the door a light knock.

"Hey there, chief." he said quietly.

Junior's eyes fluttered open. "Hey, Dad." his smile crooked. Arms a little shaky sitting up.

"Careful, son." he sat by his side. "How're you feeling this morning?"

Junior cleared his throat to no avail. Shrugged his shoulders. "I been worse."

"You remember what today is?"

"Mom's birthday." even though Victor Junior was only one when his mother died, he remembered how loved he felt seeing her face. As he grew up without her, he kept photos of her. Looking at her face, and her smile, he could feel how much she must've loved him. He didn't know how to explain, but his Dad knew.

Junior never minded the dames his pops pushed around. Isla was a great stepmom... but there was something about his Mom he knew no woman could compare to. Boy! How he wished he could have known her.

"Are you feeling strong enough to travel to the kitchen for waffles? Or you want I should make 'em and bring 'em up here?"

"I think I can manage." the 11 year old smirked. He clambered about, then clung to his dad's back. "Still strong enough for this? Or should I hobble along beside you, old man?"

"Don't get cute." he laughed. Adjusted his son's position and piggy-backed him down to the kitchen.

After a show of skill, father and son sat to eat.

"We gonna go visit Mom today?"

"Wish we could, son. The doc says you can't leave the house, you've got to rest and get better. I promise I won't go without you, though."

"You can go if you want to, Pop."

"We'll see."

"You should do something with Uncle Tommy. He'll make sure you have a good day."

Chuckle. "Yeah," he forks a mouthful of pancakes. "I do have to see an old friend who just got back in town."

"Who?"

"You remember that sweet filly, Anet Peters."

"Oh yeah! Man! she was a looker!"

"Junior." but he couldn't help laughing.

"But y'know. She kinda reminded me of Ma. I mean, I always thought she looked a little bit like her in this one photo I have. Not like, they was identical twins but their hair and eyes look a little bit the same. Plus, she made you smile the way you do when you talk about Ma."

"... I never noticed."

"Why she in town?"

"She didn't want to go back to her father's. Her dad is grandpa's closest buddy."

"Oh." shrug. "I thought maybe she was here to try to win you back."

Vic laughed. Ruffled his son's hair. "No, son, she's not the kinda dame to steal another dame's husband."

"That sounds like Ma."

"Yeah," smile. "Me and your Mama were eachother's whole world—and you too of course." wink.

"Yeah." laugh. "Tell Anet I said hi."

"I will."