The Winter of 63

Chapter 17

“Jack?” Bobby asked startled.

“GET OUT!”

Bobby silently got up and closed the door. He hovered for a few minutes before leaving but he heard his brother sobbing. He turned and headed downstairs.

When he got outside he turned to Jerry and Roy. “Hey Bobby.” Roy smiled.

“Hey, I need you to do me a favour.”

“What?”

“Jack and I are going to go sailing but he doesn’t want you following in another boat, he just wants to be alone during this time.” Bobby said.

“Bobby we’re not allowed especially after the assassination attempt on the VP in Dallas.”

“Please, he needs this.” Bobby pleaded. “He’s been in a goldfish bowl since it happened and it’s been really difficult for both him and Jackie.”

“Bobby….”

“If it helps I’ll take a gun.”

“Fine, you can go.”

“Thank you.” Bobby said tucking the gun into his trousers before going back into the house. He had just closed the door when Jack came down the stairs. He was dressed for sailing. “You ready Bobby?”

Bobby couldn’t believe his brother could have changed so quickly. “Yes.”

“Good let’s go.”

The two brothers went in silence down to the Victura; Jack climbed in and stared straight ahead with his sunglasses on. Bobby was busy controlling the boat.

Bobby sailed quite far out so they couldn’t see the house and so no one could see them. When he was confident they were far enough out he stopped and turned to look at his brother, but Jack was still sitting with his back to him staring out into the distance.

“Jack?”

“Jack?” Bobby said again placing his hand on his brother’s back. Jack jumped slightly but he remained silent.

Bobby quietly pulled his brothers sunglasses off. The sight that met him was something he rarely ever saw. Jack had tears streaming down his face. “Bobby.” Jack sobbed his breath becoming tense.

Bobby rubbed his back but much to his surprise Jack lay down and rested his head on his brother’s side. “It’s okay Jack….just let it out.”

Bobby careful placed his hand on the back of Jack’s head but he could feel the dampness of his cheeks. He could see his brothers lips quivering as he tried to say something but he couldn’t he was too choked up to talk. Jack’s body was jerking as soft whimpers escaped his mouth.

“Jack?” Bobby asked quietly.

Jack slowly lifted his head. Bobby could see the freshly shed tears glistening on his cheeks. “Oh Jack.” Bobby whispered as he hugged him tightly. “I’m sorry Bobby.” Jack murmured.

Bobby handed him a tissue. “Thanks.”

After a few minutes Jack sat up. “Bobby…. I’m sorry I didn’t mean too.”

“Jack its ok no one’s judging you I know you’re suffering. I want to help you.” Bobby said. “You can talk to me.”

“It’s just not fair….We lost Patrick and now this….It’s hell I don’t know how to deal with it and then to top it off I have my dead sister telling me everything’s going to be ok.”

Bobby looked confused. “Kick?”

“Yes I had a dream and she and Billy had a child and she kept telling me everything was going to be okay.”

“Jack maybe she’s right, things will get better.”

Jack nodded. “I just don’t know how to help Jackie especially so soon after losing Patrick.”

“I know, I know.”

Jack sighed. “Life’s shit.”

“You and Jackie will have another kid, I know it.”

Jack shrugged. “Let’s go sailing.”

“Ok.” Bobby took the ropes and began manoeuvring the boat.