You're All The Way Over There

Chapter 2

Soon Virgil had to return to work, his break being spent with Thomas. However Thomas didn't want to leave Virgil's side, so Virgil took Thomas with him. Thomas sat behind the counter helping customers while Thomas said have a good day to them.

It was four nearing five when a man in a light blue shirt and gray cardigan wrapped around his shoulders ran in. The man had apparently been crying as his eyes were glossed over. The man looked around the store rapidly before spotting Nick and running to the counter.

"My son! I got a call and my son, Thomas!" The man spoke to Nick, who in turn apologized and said he didn't know where his son was. The man groaned before Virgil spoke "Patton?" The man jumped up and turned to meet Virgil's eyes.

"You know!" The man ran over to Virgil, tears already spilling from his eyes. Virgil smiled and went around the counter gesturing for Patton to follow. They walked to the break room where Thomas sat reading books. Virgil flinched when the man gasped the boys name and ran over to him.

The boy immediately flung out of his seat and to his dad. The two hugged crying and smiling. "Papa! Oh papa! I was so scared!" Thomas cried into Patton's shoulder as Patton squeezed him just a bit tighter. Virgil smiled at the display and turned to leave but was stopped.

"Wait! Sir!" Patton stood up his son in his arms. "I just can't thank you enough. Uh....can I take you out somewhere as a thank you?" Virgil stood quiet a bit shocked before shaking his head.

"You don't ne-"

"I insist! Please." Patton pleaded, Thomas soon pleading with his dad. Vigil sighed and checked his watch. His shift was over so why not.

>>>>>

Virgil sat in front of Patton and Thomas at an ice cream parlor. Patton spoke up "So I didn't catch your name before."

"Oh it's Virgil, Virgil Sands."

Patton smiled and looked down at Thomas, who was eating his ice cream sundae. Virgil didn't want to pry, but then at the same time he just needed to know.

"If you don't mind me asking Patton, why was Thomas' mother so...rude?" Virgil asked Patton who in turn tensed up. "Uh you don't have to an-" Again Patton cut him off.

"No it's fine I just despise that woman. We decided to divorce not long after Thomas turned four. I wanted to take Thomas with me to Bakersfield, but that woman did anything and everything to take me down." Patton sighed before taking a sip of his drink.

"That woman won in court. I knew she wouldn't take care of Thomas so I tried my best to go around every so often, but she did everything to keep me away. I knew from the very beginning that she would waste all the money on men, alcohol, and cigarettes. I knew it." Virgil bit his lip noticing how glossed over Patton's eyes were.

Virgil reached don't taking Patton's hand into his. "You know she did this proving how incapable she is of taking care of Thomas." Patton held onto Virgil's hand tighter. Tears now streaked down Patton's pale face clearly upset about how things went.

Patton cried and cried and Virgil let him, because he of all people knew a good cry would help. Thomas abandoned his ice cream hugging his father with all his might. Then Thomas spoke "Papa...I want to live with you." Patton immediately let go of Virgil and hugged Thomas.

"I'll make sure you come with me Thomas, don't worry." Patton said hugging the little figure a bit tighter.

>>>>>
Virgil yawned and opened his apartment door slamming it shut. "Today was just too much work." Virgil said to himself as he slipped off his comverse.

Virgil walked down the little hall that led into the living room and turned on the light. He threw himself onto the couch and turned on the tv watching whatever was on.

Virgil told himself he'd relax for the remainder of the day, but he just couldn't help but think back to Patton. He knew the man would be fine, but Virgil insisted on giving Patton his number, just in case he needed help. Virgil stood up and walked to the kitchen retrieving a bottle of Arizona.

Virgil turned to walk back to the couch, but was halted by his phone. A ding erupted from the speaker meaning he had gotten a notification. Virgil unlocked his phone and opened the text.

[Unknown number] hey there kiddo! Just wanted to say thank you for today again.

[You] Patton?

[Unknown number] well yeah! Duh! Thought it'd be obvious! XD

[You] Oh yeah sorry, just wanted to make sure and all. Sorry.

Virgil found himself grinning and changed the name to Patton's number. 

[Patton] don't apologize kiddo! It's normal! Anyway! I was wondering if you wanted to join my friend Logan and I for dinner tomorrow?

[You] Oh uh can I get the time?

[Patton] ah right! It'll be at 6 at Maple Night!

Virgil thought for a moment he was anxious about this, but he did want to see Patton again.

[You] sure, I'll see you there.

[Patton] YAAAAY! I'm excited! I'll see you tommorrow then kiddo!  :D

Virgil put his phone down and smiled a bit. He bit his lip hoping this didn't end badly. Virgil was one to get anxious easily, but around Patton he hardly got anxious. Virgil smiled once more laying across the couch with a pleased sigh.