Red Dead Revelation II: Unshaken Legacy (Jack MarstonXOC)

Chapter Thirty: Two Fold

Anniversary, Christmas, New Years, birthdays. Time waits for no man. It flies by through slow moments that only give the illusion that time runs slowly. The boys are growing like weeds, and it only feels like a moment ago that they were shivering in that dark cave.

Now, they're robust, healthy, and strong. Excelling in their studies and coming into their own uniqueness and personalities. Alice and Jack are proud.

Randy, now almost a teenager, has grown taller and muscular. Helping Jack with the bigger chores on the homestead, his knowledge of horses and livestock has increased and he spends most of his free time drawing and spending time alone on the back of his horse, a sabino-coated Tennessee Walker, who he named Nimbus. And he has many reasons to prefer solitude. One is that his wavy, sandy hair and blue eyes make him the center of attention with some of the girls at school, and his shyness while making him less apt to speak to them, has the reverse effect of deterring them. He's a regular charmer without even trying. Alice has been curious to know if he reciprocates any of the girls' feelings, but he's pretty tight-lipped. He will open up in his own good time.

Jimmy, still retaining his sweetness, is extremely passionate and empathetic. He feels deeply what others feel, and will do anything within his ability to make Alice laugh. He's growing tall, and Alice wonders if he will tower over Jack when he's older. She has to constantly trim his dark hair, as it grows what looks like inches overnight. He's learned to defend himself when classmates pick on him and will come to his older brother's aid when girls tease him, though he's yet to understand that it's not warranted. He has also learned to be stealthy, as he's made several attempts to sneak in a raccoon and wild rabbits as pets into the house. He has yet to be successful, as his father and mother alike are well attuned to the goings on in their home. Try, try again.

The Marstons have been busy, especially the adults. Alice will be due soon, as she expects to have the baby next month. But April 1921, has a lot of bustle to keep her occupied regardless. It seems that something new happens every day, the family gathers around the radio, Jack's anniversary gift to his wife, and listens to broadcasts of things that they would have heard about weeks to months later in the newspaper. It is a nice way to close the evening since Alice really doesn't have much energy by that time.

In addition to keeping house, keeping up with the world's events, and keeping track of the boys, Alice has been dealing with the stages of her pregnancy. When Dr. Williams examines her, he has continuously commented on how much progress her baby has been making. He has explained, or rather, tried to prepare her, that her baby is going to probably be very large by the time he or she is delivered, and has suggested she deliver at the hospital. But Alice, if she is anything like her parents, is stubborn, and has adamantly refused. Given that there is still time before the baby comes, she doesn't want to be waiting around in town for the off chance that she goes into labor. She wants this to be a smooth, natural affair if she can help it.

But today, she grows impatient as she waits on the front porch. She has to finally sit down, but she still watches the road excitedly.

Randy, after finishing with taking care of his horse following a late afternoon ride, walks up and sees her anxiously wringing her apron. "Mama," he begins. "Is it really that bad? Don't worry, he'll be here soon."

Clearly interrupting her thoughts, she looks at him startled. "How long have you been standing there?"

He shrugs. "I just got here. I went for a ride, remember?"

She looks away, her eyes returning to the road. "That's right."

He, too, looks out, curious. "Where is Jimmy?"