A little flashback…

Hi everyone! I am working on a post about the next book and will post soon, but in the meantime, I wanted to share a flashback that hasn’t been in any of the books yet. I love writing Jack, Julie and Tommy flashbacks because it helps to shed some light onto their personalities and how they all became a family.

It’s been so amazing, to me, that when I thought about creating this little family unit, it actually worked. I know it’s unrealistic two 18 year old boys taking guardianship of a 12 year old girl, but it just worked. Julie needed them and I think, more so, they needed her. I hope you like this little flashback and I would love to know about any flashbacks you want to see.

Enjoy!

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(The past)

 

“I don’t understand the big deal,” Julie hissed to Tommy and Jack after her team played the first of the double header. “Everyone is going to Adrienne’s for a party. I want to go and now you’re telling me I can’t?

 

Tommy sighed.

 

“No. I’m not telling you that you can’t. I’m simply asking that you have dinner with Jack and me.”

 

Jack wasn’t sure why Tommy was insisting on this, but it seemed important. Truthfully, he had so much studying to do, spending the night at the library was what he really wanted.

 

“I don’t want to have dinner with you. I am a senior in high school and I just lost the championship game. I want to be with my friends and not my brothers. Why do you always do this to me?” she yelled at him and Jack smiled at the people who stared.

 

“Just so you know, the entire field can hear your argument,” he said.

 

Tommy crossed his arms and scowled at her.

 

“You’re a selfish brat. Not everything is about what you want. Go spend time with your friends and hopefully we’ll have another chance to have dinner. In case you forgot, tomorrow isn’t a guarantee,” Tommy said and turned and stalked off.

 

Julie looked at Jack and he was as surprised as she was.

 

“What does he mean? Is he sick? Is there something you’re not telling me? What’s wrong with him?” she began to cry and Jack watched Tommy drive away.

 

“No. He isn’t sick. We aren’t keeping anything from you. I think he just has his feelings hurt, but don’t worry about it. Go with your friends and I’ll take care of this,” Jack smiled at her.

 

“I don’t know. I don’t want him to be mad,” she wiped her eyes. “I’ve never seen him like that. He looked like I broke his heart.”

 

Jack agreed, but didn’t want to make it worse.

 

“You know your brother. He’s too sensitive about things. Go ahead and enjoy yourself. Just call me and I’ll pick you up later.”

 

Julie sighed and turned to walk to her friends. Jack decided to get to the bottom of this. He headed to find Tommy.

 

******

Jack had been everywhere and he was at a loss. He didn’t know where his friend went and he felt like there was something deeper going on with him.

 

He picked up his phone and called again.

 

“Where are you?” he asked when Tommy finally answered.

 

“The old ballpark,” Tommy said. “I’ll be home later, okay?”

 

Jack sighed.

 

“Okay,” he said as he drove to the park. He saw Tommy sitting on the bleachers, flipping a baseball in his hand. He parked and got out, making his way to his friend.

 

“So, what’s up?” Jack smiled as he sat down.

 

“You didn’t have to come here,” Tommy smiled as Jack took the ball from him and jogged to the field.

 

“Come on. Let me see if I can still throw a strike.”

 

Tommy chuckled.

 

“I’m not in the mood.”

 

“Oh, so you’re scared?” Jack taunted.

 

Tommy got up and shook his head.

 

“Of you? Hardly.”

 

They went to their places and Jack threw the ball and soon they were both laughing and acting like they were back in high school on the team. Tommy walked back to the bench and sat down and Jack sat with him, both of them panting.

 

“I don’t think my knees can handle catching anymore,” Tommy rubbed his thighs and Jack laughed.

 

“Ask me tomorrow when I can’t lift my arms,” he joked and they both looked up as a car pulled up and dropped someone off. They saw it was Julie and they both smiled as she jogged over.

 

“Jules? What happened? I told you to call me when you were ready to come home.”

 

“It was a lame party and I was hungry. I figured eating with you guys would be better,” she said and took the ball from Jack.

 

“How did you know where we were?” Tommy asked, grateful she was there.

 

“Well, I figured there was something bothering you about tonight and it probably had to do with baseball. I took a chance and I was right. So tell me what’s bothering you.”

 

Tommy looked at his hands and shrugged.

 

“It’s nothing. I overreacted and this has nothing to do with either one of you. How about we just go somewhere and eat dinner?”

“We can do that, but I need you to answer something for me first,” Julie said.

 

“Okay.”

 

“Why did you say that tomorrow isn’t a guarantee? I mean I know what you mean, but what’s wrong?”

 

Jack watched them and he suddenly remembered what it was. He couldn’t believe he had forgotten.

 

“This is about your dad,” he said.

 

Tommy looked at him and sighed before he turned to Julie.

 

“Daddy and I used to have this routine after each game. He would take me to dinner and we would go over the game; all of the strikes and balls and what worked and didn’t. It was supposed to be about the game, but it always turned into a great boys night out and it was special and unique. It was a time where he talked to me about what it meant to be a man and how proud he was of me.”

 

Julie wiped her eyes and smiled.

 

“I didn’t know that.”

 

“Yeah. He said you would get upset, so it was our secret,” he said and she rolled her eyes. “Well, come on, you were always trying to butt in.”

Julie pouted and then smiled.

“True. But still, why are you so upset now? Is it because I didn’t want to go to dinner?”

He smiled and shook his head.

“No. Our last game of the season was a really bad loss. The guys on the team were all going to head out to someone’s house and I wanted to go. I lied to daddy and went to the party and things got bad.”

Jack nodded.

“There were a lot of people there we didn’t know and the crowd wasn’t good. The police were called and we ended up calling your dad to come and get us.”

“He thought we were at my house, packing up some things and getting ready to move, but we weren’t. He got there and was so hurt.”

Tommy nodded.

“He didn’t say anything for a while after we got home, and then he sat me down and explained how he had never really had any bonding experiences with his dad. He wanted me to know how much he loved me and how proud he was of me and that he didn’t want me to grow up and wonder what he felt about me. He simply wanted to make memories and it was almost as if he knew he might not get another chance. I think when you went with your friends, I just felt a little like dad. I get it. I’m not him and you don’t owe me anything, but I don’t want you to feel like you missed out on everything. I want to give you those memories, as much as I can. I don’t want you to feel like you aren’t loved and important to me and Jack.”

Julie sniffed and looked at the two men.

“I don’t know how I could ever thank you both for all you’ve done. I feel loved every day of my life. I don’t look at what I missed, but what a blessing you both are in my life. I know mommy and daddy loved me and they did the best job in raising you and embracing Jack because that enabled me to survive. I love you both so much.”

The three of them sat there for a little while and Tommy got up.

“I think it’s time for some dinner.”

“I’m starving,” Julie smiled and jumped up.

“You coming?” they looked at Jack.

“I think I need a hand. I feel like I’m 80. Why didn’t you tell me I need to work out more?”

Tommy laughed and helped him down and Julie put her arm around his waist.

“Come on Grandpa,” she teased and they laughed as they left.