Will & Indie

8.

An hour spent with the one you love

Flies as swiftly as one mere minute

"Hey," Will's dad stopped him just before he could sneak out the door. "Where do you think you're going?"

"I was just..." Will looked to Alice for some kind of support, but her nose was buried in a book. Will cleared his throat. "I already asked mom if I could go over to James' house tonight."

"James..."

"Platt?... He's the quarterback?"
To Will's surprise, his dad let out a laugh as he lit a cigar that he pulled from thin air. "Right, James! I remember that kid. Great football player." He let out a large puff of smoke.

"Clyde, please go outside to smoke," Will's mom urged, her tone quiet. Clyde simply waved Betty away. She continued silently washing the dishes from dinner.

"Isn't his dad Bob Platt?"

Will nodded, wondering what this had to do with him leaving. "So... am I allowed to go?"
"Yeah, yeah," Clyde harshly patted his son on the back. He clearly didn't care what Will did or did not do; he just wanted a quick power trip. He maneuvered his way into the living room, sitting in the plush chair in front of the television and tuning in to his favorite sports channel.

Will stood by the doorway, watching as his mom cleaned up practically the entire dining room and kitchen by herself while her husband sat in the living room. He looked upon her sympathetically before giving her a quick kiss on the cheek.

"I'm sorry, mom." He consoled her.

Betty smiled, obviously fighting tears as she turned off the sink and wiped her hands on a towel. "There's nothing to be sorry for, Willy." She shook her head, quickly glancing into the living room. Clyde's eyes were glued on the TV as he gave the occasional "ha" or "oh!"

Betty placed her hands on her hips. "I barely recognize him. It feels as though the man I fell in love with all those years ago is now long gone, replaced with some lazy, ignorant, controlling slob." She slapped a hand over her mouth. "Sorry, was that too aggressive?"

"Of course not," Will shook his head. "I can't even remember dad being any other way..."

"I think he may just need to be reminded of the man he used to be... and how much his family loves him." Betty smiled weakly at Will. To Will's surprise, she reached up and gave him a hug. "Even if he's not who I remember, he sure did give me some amazing children."

"Thanks, mom." Will squoze a bit tighter. "I love you."
"I love you too, Will." Betty exited their embrace, patting him on the head. "And, because I love you, I have the authority to command you to get a haircut."

Will chuckled as he fixed his mop of fluffy curls. "You don't like the shag?"

"Not when it looks like a bird's nest, sweetheart." His mom winked. "Oh, by the way, have fun on your date."

Will blushed instantly. "You... you know?"

Betty smirked. "Moms know everything, Will." She exhaled. "Now get going, you don't wanna leave your girl waiting!" Her tone was quiet, yet excited.

Will shook his head and smiled as he grabbed his coat. "You're the best. See you at eleven," he began to open the door.

"Ten!" Betty called after him.

"Ten thirty," Will challenged.

"Just... get home safe." Betty rolled her eyes.

"That's fair." Will laughed. "I'll see you later. Bye, Buttons!" He yelled into the living room.