Poprocks & Coke (a JFK / Lee Harvey Oswald Fanfic)

26: The Live-In 9 Year Old

A week after Harvey and LJ's ordeal with Cuba, they were no longer grounded thankfully, but today though (29th July) would be Jack, Lee, Harvey, LJ, Robert, Bobby and everyone else's last day in The White House because it is Jack's last day of being president. Harvey would be turning 9 in two days time, and wasn't very happy about moving so he has insisted that he would be staying in the White House, even when the new First Family arrive, who would be the Nixon's.

"I don't want to leave!" Whines Harvey to his Uncle Robert who was helping the complaining 8 year old put his things into boxes that were getting removed from his bedroom.

"I know you don't want to leave, Harvey but we all have to, we don't really have a choice,"

"But why can't Dad be president anymore, and why does this Richard idiot have to be in charge?"

"Because eight years is how long a president can serve in Office, that's just how it works, buddy. And don't you think it's rude to call someone an idiot if you haven't met them before? That's like the old saying, don't judge a book by its cover, in other words don't judge a person until you get to know them,"

"Oh. I guess that makes sense, sorry Uncle Robert,"

"That's alright. Why don't you go and find your brother? So I can finish packing your stuff for you,"

"Alright," Harvey sighed as he walked out of the room searching for his younger brother. He found his brother in his own room as well, standing looking around the room in a sort of trance as if to remember what it looked like when he leaves, the elder boy walked up to the young boy and placed his left hand on his brother's right shoulder as a sign of comfort, which brought the boy out of his trance he then looked into his brother's blue eyes, and then said:

"I don't want to leave, Harv it's not fair! Why can't we live here forever?"

"I know, I don't want to leave either, LJ but we just have to. Do you not think it would be a bit awkward for the new First Family to have to live with two kids that aren't related to them? And we would obviously miss our own family, so I think moving out is best, even though it seems like the worst idea ever but as Uncle Robert was explaining to me, Dad's no longer president so we can't stay here because he's already served eight years, and apparently that's how long a president can serve their term in Office,"

"I guess you're right, Harv,"

"C'mon, LJ everyone's waiting for us downstairs, let's go," Harvey says to his brother as he has to lead him out of the room by the wrist so that they could meet everyone that was wanting to say goodbye to them, since they were leaving.

"Alright," sighed LJ as he followed his older brother. They passed their Uncle Robert who was just coming out of Harvey's room after packing all of the eight year old's things into boxes, he noticed the band of brothers and said:

"I know you boys aren't happy about having to leave, but you never know you might like your new home, once you get used to it, and also if you're lucky you might even make some new friends,"

"Yeah, I know. But, Uncle Robert the only 'real' friends that I have are my brothers and sisters, I'm not very good talking to new people since I lack social skills, so how the heck do I start talking to someone that I don't know about things that they like and not what I'm obsessed with?"

"I'm not entirely sure, Harvey but I'm sure your dads will teach you how to act sociable with people and how to act 'normal' around new situations, and I know it is difficult for you with all of the new surroundings, sounds, bright lights and all of the other things that comes with needing to deal with meeting new people in public areas, but I'm sure you'll be taught all of that, and you've got Caroline, John, LJ, June and Audrey to help you, and you've got all of your aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents as well, so you're not alone, Harv you have all of these wonderful people who love and care about you, so don't worry about it, alright?"

"Thanks, Uncle Robert,"

"No problem, kiddo. Now, run along I'm sure all of your family are missing you,"

"You're making it sound as if I'm never, ever going to see you again, Uncle Robert," Harvey sniffled sadly as his eyes started to water as he looked up to his 'uncle' with a pout

"I know, but I'm sure we'll be seeing each other in the near future,"

"I'm going to miss you, Uncle Robert," Harvey says as he wraps his arms around his 'uncle' hugging him tightly, not wanting to let go

"I'm going to miss you too, Harvey,". Thankfully for the boys, they would be staying in Washington so they were glad they wouldn't be moving state, just moving house. Just like Robert had said to him, Harvey did eventually make new friends who were interested in space (because of The Moon Landing) with the help of his little brother, who was a bit more confident when it came to dreaded social interaction with strangers, in a new, confusing, unusual environment.