Chapter 5

Tim finally made an appearance in July, taking a much deserved thirty day leave from the Army. He had driven his own car to town, and always stayed with his parents, though it somewhat hampered his desire to kick up his heels. Pulling into the driveway, he saw a car he didn’t recognize, but he was merely curious. Since he was expected, he just walked in with his luggage. It wasn’t much, since he kept some civvies stored, for when he was home. Going in search of the family, he found them in the dining room having lunch.

“Hello, dear. We’re so glad you’re home. We’re right in the middle of lunch. Are you hungry?” Tims’ mom asked.

Entering the dining room, he was surprised to see me sitting at the table, sitting beside his sister. Raising his eyebrows, he waited for some kind of explanation. Everyone was eating, but there was a place set for him, so he threw down his luggage and washed up at the kitchen sink, then took his seat. Looking over at me, he asked:

“So, who let your ugly face in here?” he smirked.

Pulling myself erect in my seat, I retorted:

“I am an honored guest, here to welcome your sorry ass home.”

“I thought that was why my baby sister was here. Who needs a stupid civilian to welcome home a soldier from the wars?”

Mr. Brennan spoke up:

“Okay, you two hellions. Keep it civil.”

“Gee, dad, that was civil. Wait until we get alone.” Tim suggested.

“Well, just so you know the whole truth, Tom is here as Breanne’s guest.” his mom chimed in.

“Why, what did he do, build a new school for her?” Tim chided.

Getting up from her seat, Breanne went around the table and stood in front of her brother. Smoothing down her blouse, to accentuate her slightly bulging abdomen, she stated:

“Much more important than that! He helped me make a grandbaby for our parents, and his mother, which will also make you an uncle.”

She’d prepared herself to stop Tim from launching himself toward me. Looking at his beloved sisters’ face, and taking a second glance at her baby bump, he threw down his napkin. Breanne and I steeled ourselves. Tim suddenly laughed explosively and roared:
“It’s about fucking time! Oh, sorry, mom, sorry dad. I forgot I wasn’t on base.” he apologized, then continued:

“I mean I can’t believe you two sorry souls have finally got together. I wanted to tell you back in high school, Tom, but my brotherly responsibilities wouldn’t let me throw my only sister to the wolves – well, one wolf. When Frosty got married, I told myself that you were a poor, sorry son-of-a-bitch, ‘cuz you really missed out! I’d given up hope for you Tom. You weren’t interested in dating much. How did this happen?”

“It was all you, buddy! When you coerced me into taking the flowers, candy, and card to her for Valentines, I asked her to have dinner with my mom and me. Afterward, I asked if I could see her again, and the rest is history.” I explained.

“Not quite history, buddy. I don’t know how far along she is, but Valentines was only a few months ago. What did you do: lay her at the restaurant?” Tim smiled evilly.

Breanne cut in:

“No, dear brother. I ovulated on Valentines. He didn’t lay me until three days later, if it’s any concern of yours.”

“Please, please, we don’t need to know all this. Perhaps your dad and I need to go in the living room and let you young people catch up without impinging our sensibilities.” Tims’ mother implored.