The Music of Time

Chapter One: Theodore

A/N; Fife and drum is a military music tradition that originated in Switzerland and is now most commonly associated with the american revolutionary war era. Or, if you really want to know what it is, google it there's a good Wikipedia page. 

PART ONE

I've been talking to William ever since we left the parking lot. Well, actually, I'm not really talking to William because he isn't responding, it's more that I'm talking at William. He's got a bland look stuck to his face. I mean, usually he's got a relatively serious demeanor (and this includes his expression). Well, okay, that's a bit of an understatement. He kinda can't have a conversation. but that's beside the point. He's even more vacant than normal at the moment. He just keeps nodding and occasionally saying

"yeah, that's right".

However, when I told him that Massachusetts gave us all the big 'f you' surrounding budget cuts and such, William said,

"Yeah, that's right,'' even though I know for a fact he disagrees with it. I don't think he's actually heard a single word I've said.

He's sulking. I'd bet anything it's because Sue told us not to practice on the bus. Not that that bothers me. I actually like it better this way. No annoying drummers. Well, either way it wouldn't quite apply to me since I'm the drum major and not a musician anymore. That's not to say I don't play. I still do. I know all the music, and even though I'm not the best at playing it, it's still pretty fun. I still play my fife at rehearsal every week.

William starts fingering out a fife tune on the table, his eyes still staring with a blank gaze at me. I pause my monologue.

"Willie, are you awake?" I say.

He shakes his head, and blinks twice, rapidly before running a deft hand through his hair.

"Yes, I'm awake. Don't call me Willie. It's William."

"Oh, that's right. You murder anyone who calls you that, right."

After another minute, I decide to call over Jimbo. He's fun, and a great conversationalist. He tells some pretty excellent jokes, if I do say so myself. He sits beside William. William's face screws up in disgust, and I can already tell he's not enjoying having Jimbo next to him. We've already started talking and William looks like he might punch Jimbo. Jimbo gives me a war hypothetical question, and I turn to William, deflecting the question onto him.

"Well, why don't you answer first?"

"I don't know, why don't I, Teddy?" he snarks back.

"It's not Teddy, it's Theodore," Jimbo informs William with a little more snideness than I think William can take right now.

"Jimbo, do you mind if we switch seats?" William asks, which I know is his way of saying 'get the hell out of my life'.

You know, I think this is the first time ever that Will has ever wanted to spend any time with Jimbo, even though I can't say he really wanted to. Ever. Even though he's really only tolerating him. William really hates Jimbo. I don't think any one in the corps likes Jimbo. I mean he's fine and everything, but he's annoying. Also his personal sense of neatness is lacking. And by lacking, I mean near to not there at all.

Overall, I think William is handling this pretty well. I chat a little more with Jimbo, who is more than happy to talk. It gives me a chance to converse with someone who will actually talk back and respond. Talking to William can be like talking to a mannequin.

Jimbo starts to prattle on about history. World War Two or something. Or maybe World War One. But actually, who gives a fuck? Not me. I could care less. I try to pay some attention to him at all. I give him all the answers I can. I give up.

It's just a casual banter until I go to look at Jimbo and he isn't there. William has started to say my name, slight panic in his voice, and then I can't see him anymore. In fact, I can't really see the bus. Worst of all, I haven't a clue where I am