Bonding

Author: Eileen Thomson
 
Email: indigotoast@yahoo.com

Summary: after Season 2 `Burt and Ernie'
 
Authors Notes: Look Suzanne I got it right!! Thanks for putting up
with me.
 
 
--+--
 
 
Part one

Burton was sitting in the lounge of the Serendipity Club reading his
newspaper. He spends quite a lot of time here now. Nick has become a
member of the Club, and they meet for lunch more often than they
ever have before. This is neutral ground. Here they are free to
enjoy each others company, without the entire past rancor which has
held them back as father and son. Burton is just thanking the Gods
for this piece of good fortune - when all Hell lets loose.

"NO...NO… You are crazy to ask me that. What do you think I would do
with a teenage boy for four days? Go get someone else. Get someone
who has kids. Get some one who *likes* kids. Count me out of this
crazy scheme. I have important plans" The voice of a very angry Nick
Fallin is coming closer with every staccato sentence. Nick comes
blasting through one door and, at a very fast pace, exits the front
door of the Club slamming it so hard it bounces back and hits the
wall.

Judge Tilson is hard on his heels, but not quite quick enough. She
sits by Burton and puts her head in her hands.

Burton lowers his newspaper and speaks."I take it that didn't go as
well as it could have? I should have told you that Nick and I had
planned to spend some time together this week."

"That will not make any difference to the problem. You can find time
later, can't you? Your son is one of the most stubborn people I have
ever met. He reminds me so much of you, Burton! Still, he will have
to be persuaded."

Burton folds his paper and moves towards the door. "Good luck with
that, Judge. You will need all the good fortune you can get for this
one. This is his vacation time, you know."

"Get back here, Burton, and help me think of a strategy to inveigle
your wayward boy into compliance."

-*-*-

Nick has finished dinner and is just about to do some research for
one of the young lawyers at the Club, when he hears a knock at the
door. He is surprised to find a group of people there. His father,
Judge Tilson and another man and woman are all waiting for him to
invite them in.

Not wanting to seem rude, Nick stands aside to let them
pass. "Please, make yourselves comfortable. Can I get coffee for
everyone?" Inwardly Nick is fuming. This is his home and he does not
like people brought here for business purposes. He has already
guessed what this meeting is going to be about and he feels
railroaded.

Judge Tilson turns to Nick and introduces the couple. "Nick, this is
Mr. and Mrs. Malkoweicz. They are due to be witnesses in the case
against Harmon Scott. You are aware he that he has made threats
against these people and their son, Karl.

Nick interrupts. "I feel for you, but there is an adequate system of
protection for all witnesses. There is no need for you to worry
about your own safety, or for that of your son."

Mr. Malkoweicz looks up at Nick. "He is all we have. His safety is
the most important thing to us. Mr. Fallin, they found us and put a
letter through the door of the supposed safe house threatening Karl.
This is not good enough. Unless other arrangements are made we will
not testify against this man. Even threats of contempt will not
allow us to put our son at risk. All we ask is that he is taken away
from the area with someone not connected to the court or the police.
Someone told that man where to find us. Now Judge Tilson says you
are the person who will fix this, so I beg you take our son for four
days. Don't even tell *us* where you are going. Keep him safe. Our
testimony is very damning and once it is given there is no need for
this man to be a danger to us, he will be beaten."

Mrs. Malkoweicz looks pleadingly at Nick. "He is our only child. We
want to do what's right for our community. Mr. Fallin, how could we
live with ourselves if something happened to Karl?"

Nick stops to think. This is what he joined the Club for. To help
justice be done and not let loopholes assist lowlifes escape from
their just punishment. He turns to Judge Tilson. "I suppose you have
something in mind?"

"Then you will do this?"

"Yes.

"Let me have these good people taken back to the safe house and we
will get everything sorted from there. This will have to be done
quickly. Tell me what you think you will need."

"Will I need Permission to go from the probation department, or have
you thought of that already?"

"You have been very quiet, Dad. What is going on in your mind?"

"Nick, I know this not the best thing for you, but here is an idea.
Think about it. Aunt Liz is having trouble with Jeremy, nothing
serious, but it is wearing her down. How about taking him along with
you wherever you intend to go? He could be company for young Karl."

"It's not bad enough that you are imposing the care of one teenager
on me, you want me to take another! Jeremy is sometimes the worst
behaved boy I know. What do you think I could do with him? God, Dad,
the responsibility of having this Karl kid is frightening enough.
Here's another thought. Where am I to take them? What would a single
guy know about the care of two teenagers?"

Judge Tilson comes back into the house and hears Burton's
suggestion. "This is the right thing you are doing, Nick. These are
good people and this is what the Club is all about, making sure that
justice can be done without fear of reprisals. I will have to see
the Malkoweicz family and get them to sign an affidavit, giving you
control over Karl for the next week-- just case of accidents. The
same for Jeremy, should you decide to take him. And permission from
your probation officer to allow you to be away. Nick? Nick! You're
lost in thought. What is it?"

"My father and I will be glad to help in any way we can."

"Nicholas!"

Nick ignores his father's outburst. "When am I to get these two
kids?"

"Tomorrow, if we come up with a plan."

"Judge Tilson, can you get me an RV? I want to be completely mobile.
I would like to be able to stop at random. Not so easy to trace.
Make sure that the boy has good, warm clothing with him. I don't
want to have to go shopping. Good shoes, or better still, waterproof
boots and a water proof coat."

"Dad, you go get the monster from Aunt Liz, and bring him back here
tonight. I want to be on the road by sun-up. Bring outdoor gear for
you, too. We will be leaving about dawn and I don't want to have to
come pick you up."

Outside the house Judge Tilson turns to Burton. "You see why he is
such an asset. The speed he thinks on his feet! All thought out and
planned -- in just a few minutes. Now it will be a long night for
me. I have to go make it all happen. Permission…. without the need
to phone in for probation checks. An RV... I would have never have
thought of that! Two boys and you too, Oh Burton, I'm not sure I
would like to be any of you for the next few days!"

-*-*-

Jeremy sulks at the front door. He has been ordered out of the house
for complaining, and been told to watch for the RV. He does not want
to be here, least of all with a strange boy. Nick is bad enough, but
this geek is something else. His hair is half way down his back and
he has an opinion about everything! Nick is about to blow already
and they are not on the road yet. The RV rolls up and Jeremy is in
awe. It is a 2000 Winnebago Chieftain, and he has never been in one.
He wonders how Nick managed to learn to drive one, but you never ask
Nick things like that because you don't get answers.

Judge Tilson opens the side door and puts down the steps of the RV.
She jumps down and is followed by an elderly man...

"Nick, this is Judge Nicholson. You are about to drive off with his
baby, and I would appreciate you telling the Judge how much you will
take care of his new toy."

"Judge Nicholson, I really appreciate your trust in me. I will bring
her home without a scratch. Karl, Jeremy, get the things in the back
and stowed away."

"Nick I have stocked some provisions I thought you would need for
the next few days. If anything happens and you need to contact me,
use the phone in the Club. Try to bring them all back in one piece,"
she says laughing. "Oh, how I would love to see how you and your dad
handle this, Nick!"

-*-*-

Two very sullen boys and Burton sit in the RV. All three are
fighting with each other. None of them wants to be here. Nick
ignores them and puts Nirvana into the CD player.

"Do we have to listen to that?" growls Karl

"Is that the best we have?" echoes Jeremy

"Nick, really that is just one step too far. Real music, please!"

"Until all of you come to some agreement on how to behave and how to
interact with each other, I will decide everything. So learn quickly
to get along, or I will plague you with *my* taste in music, *my*
decisions will be final, and you WILL do as I say. Now talk… and
make nice.

-*-*-

"Where are we going, Nick, we have been driving for hours."

"North East. Do you want to stop for something to eat?"

"Big Mac, Kentucky Fried…." Both boys speak at once.

"Discuss and decide. I'm easy whichever you choose."

There is a lot of muttering in the back of the RV. Then Karl comes
back and says, "Kentucky Fried... that is the choice."

"Good, how did you decide?"

"Tossed a coin and whoever wins this one will agree, that the next
choice belongs to the loser."

"See how easy it is to get along?"

"Dad, you okay with that?"

Burton is sitting beside Nick playing with the direction finder. He
is loving seeing his son take charge, and if he were honest with
himself, he is looking forward to being with Nick, even though he
will have to share him with two very sullen boys…

-*-*-

After traveling for most of the day, everyone is getting grumpy and
Nick pulls into a trailer park and sets up for the night. Since
there only three beds Nick has provided a sleeping bed for
himself. "Get showered and then we can have some supper. I think it
would be a good idea to have an early night. We will arrive at our
destination tomorrow."

Burton showers first then excuses himself to go outside and stretch
his legs. While Nick is in the shower, he hears something breaking.
Grabbing the towel he wraps it round himself and steps out to see
what's going on. Soup is running down the unit and broken plates lie
on the floor. He looks from one boy to the other and waits for an
explanation. None is forthcoming and he silently hands both of them
tea towels.

"Clean it up. Then go to bed."

"What will we have for supper?" asks Karl

"Nothing."

"Not the best decision, Nick," says Burton coming in after hearing
the crash.

"Then what? Help me get this right, Dad."

"With kids sometimes there is no right, there is only almost right.
But given with love and without any ill will, sometimes it's enough."

Nick settles in the chair to work on the research. Soon his eyes
droop and he gives in to fatigue. He lies gazing up at the ceiling,
wondering if he should have handled the fight tonight between the
two boys better. Well, he is not experienced, and they will have to
get along to enjoy the next few days.

-*-*-

The next day the music is Justin Timberlake, not everyone's taste
but Nick has to concede to Karl's.

"Nick, did you notice we are all `only' children? Were you lonely
growing up?" Jeremy asks.

"No more than you, I suppose. I didn't like boarding school but I
survived it and moved on. Life's tough, I'm tougher."

"I was always near my parents," says Karl. "I think I got lucky
there. They are really cool, and are there for me no matter what I
do. Does that make me the spoiled one?"

"Not at all," Nick says. "Most `only' kids are given too much of
everything, but not enough of anything that they really want. I
mean, I always wanted discipline and to do things with my Dad, but
he was busy keeping us and building the business, but I never did
without other things, material things."

"Dad, wake up, come read this finder for me, will you?"

Burton has been sleeping on the chair inside the RV trying to get
away from the music.

"Here, watch this. We are looking for the turnoff. We are on
Interstate 80 and are looking for Exit 273, White Haven."

"Where are we going, Nick? Do you have a plan, or are we just
wandering? Come on now, it can't be a secret," Jeremy asks.

"Keep a look out, pay attention to the route I have marked here.
There we are," Nick suddenly says as they turn a corner.

Lehigh Rafting Rentals
White Haven
White Water Rafting

Burton looks at the sign with horror. "You don't mean me to go out
with you, I hope?"

Karl whoops with delight. "Nick, are we going to raft? I've never
done that! Way to go man. Have you done this before?"

"No… but I always thought I would like to. How about you Jeremy?"

"I'm cool, I've done it with the school."

"Then you look after me."

This amuses the two boys and they double over with laughter.

"Hey Karl, I'll look after you, and we can tip Nick over the edge."

"Yeah, when we go over some big run."

"Just try," growls Nick.

"Nick, you didn't answer me," says Burton just a bit wary.

-*-*-


Part two.

Burton wakes the next morning to the smell of coffee, he struggles
for a moment, wondering where he is. It is light and the sun is
pouring in through the front window of the RV, shining fully on
Nick, sitting reading. His hair glows blonde red in the sun, and his
new beard is red as well. Burton is amazed in the change in his son.
His inner stillness has always surprised Burton, but this is yet
another side to the enigma which is his boy. Nick controls with ease
any situation, and Burton sees now the man he will become. This man
will take over the business. He knows people will follow him for his
charismatic ways.

"Nick, what have you planned for today? I'm not keen on the white
water rafting, I have to tell you."

"Dad, don't worry about that. Today we are just going for a nice
walk." Nick grins slyly. "You will just love this. They say it is
the most beautiful countryside around where we are going. Will you
wake the boys up? We will go out for breakfast.

"Okay boys listen up. Are your boots waterproof? You need to wear
shorts and put on jeans over them. Pull on a t-shirt, wear a shirt
over that and a sweater over that. Then your waterproof jacket… I'm
reading this out of the book, so don't look at me like that! Is
everyone ready then? There is our SUV rental for the week just
arriving. Let's go.

"We are heading towards the town of Jim Thorpe, so watch for the
turnoff."

When Nick finds the place he is supposed to park, they all get out
and stretch. They are met by a guide who gives them their back packs
with their lunch and rain pack. Then they hop into a small bus and
up the mountain they go.

"Nicholas, where are we going? I have been leaving this up to you,
but I feel you should impart more information."

"Just for a ramble, Dad. It will take us four to five hours to get
back down, but we stop for lunch on the way." Nick laughs at the
sight of his fathers face. "That's what you get for leaving all the
arrangements to me!" he chortles.

The trail down hill follows a gurgling brook, and they fall into an
easy rhythm. Karl and Jeremy have by now given up all pretence of
hating one another, and are joking and laughing. After they have
traveled for just a short time, they all take off their sweaters and
jackets. The guide shows them how to make a pad with the jacket and
loop the arms round the straps of their back packs. Soon the shirts
are off as well, and tied round their waists

Burton and Nick tag behind watching the boys, and for the first
time in many years they are forced to talk to each other.
Tentatively, they skirt round all the pain and talk about interests
they both share. They talk good times and bad, and when they stop
for lunch, they separate once more into their own space to
contemplate what has been said, each knowing that some sort of
breach has been made, but not sure how to continue.

The scenery is stupendous, through hemlock and rhododendron and the
pines they travel, keeping to the edge of the stream. Crossing the
stream by using stepping stones, they stop and gaze in wonderment at
the beauty around them. The colors and the smells entice them and
their mood mellows. They come to a beaver dam and the boys move
nearer the water to see more. Burton sits with his back against a
rock, looking at his son. Nick stands in the light, still as a
statue. The sun gleams off his curls and his beard and blazes off
the sheen of sweat on his brow. He is like the sun god standing so
at ease with himself and his surroundings.

"Nicholas, do you wish we had done this when you were a child?"

"I thought I did, I suppose I did. Now I look at this, and I know
that my trees are the high buildings in Pittsburgh, my stream is
the Allegheny River and my stepping stones are the Smithfield and
the Sixth street Bridges. I am where I belong, and although this is
great, I won't rush to get back. I enjoy your company, Dad. Maybe we
could find something we could do in Pittsburgh?"

Burton nods to Nick. "That is something we should look into, as soon
as we get back."

They continue down hill, and when they at last come to the parking
place, a deep peace has descended on both father and son.

Night time finds Burton awake and unable to sleep. He gazes down at
Nick lying on the floor on his back. His son's face and upper body
are bathed in moonlight, one arm flung wide, his hand curled like a
half- opened lotus flower. Impulsively, Burton puts out his fingers
and touches Nick's lightly on the palm. Nick closes his hand and
holds onto Burrton's.

"You all right Dad?" Nick asks groggily..

"I'm just fine son, just fine."

-*-*-

"Come, get up!" Nick's voice echoes round the RV. "Come on, we have
a great day planned."

They drive the short trip up to Lehigh Rafting Rentals and they
start their instruction learning to white water raft. This is not
the best time of year for serious rafters, but the courses are good
for beginners. Once they have learned to control the raft, they will
be able to take it out by themselves. This is why Nick has chosen
this particular place. He likes the idea of independence. Burton is
not sure of this, but Jeremy and Karl are so excited that he sits
back and goes along for the ride. They will go down the course after
morning break, and it will take the better part of four hours with
time for a dinner break.

They sit with Jeremy in front to call the line because he has done
this before. Nick and Karl will sit either side and Burton will take
the back. The boys joke that Burton is the ballast to keep them in
the water.

They take off and they all feel the excitement build up as they
approach the first of the downgrades. Jeremy calls, "All forward,"
and they are off, paddling like crazy. The exhilaration is mind
blowing and they shout their joy to the heavens as time and time
again they go round rocks, over mini falls and fight the current.
Coming off a straight run they bang right into a reversal, caused by
fast moving water with a drop just down stream. It makes the water
spin like a clothes drier. Jeremy guides them by shouting directions
till they are on the edge of the reversal and it catches them and
hurls them clean through to the other side. The raft was back down
and front up and for a moment Nick thought they would all fall out.
It was a sensational and electrifying experience. Nick had a moment
to wonder if this had been a reasonable choice, but too late,
already the raft was thundering down stream and the roar of the
water wiped all thought from his mind as he anticipated the next
foaming run.

They came at last, their bodies screaming for respite, to the place
the guides had set up for lunch, and with a good deal of
thankfulness pulled in to rest.

After lunch Karl and Jeremy took out a ducky, an inflatable kayak.
They played about as only teenagers can, while Nick and Burton had
some well- earned rest.

Burton turned to Nick. "Every bone in my body is begging for mercy."

"Dad, so is mine, but I will not show it to those two," he said
laughing and looking at Karl and Jeremy.

Time to go again, and the guide has told them to stop in the quiet
areas and get their breath back before trying the next patch of
white water. This turns out to be the best advice. There are places
to pause and rest, and they enjoy the feeling of being at one with
all things round them. The sound of the thundering water fills them
with heart pounding, breathtaking elation. Back in the raft this
time, even Burton is looking for the rush. When at last they reach
the takeout point, they are all exhausted, but contented, with their
team effort.

"This has been a learning experience for all of us," says Burton
that evening when they are all sitting round talking about the
trip. "We learned to allow for each other and came out being better
people. I'm glad Nicholas persuaded me to come, I would not change
one day."

-*-*-

The journey home is easier than the outward one was, everyone is
laughing and telling bad jokes. They make only one stop to check
whether it is safe to return. Judge Tilson says the jury is still
out, so they stay one more night in an RV park. They discuss and
decide to remain on site for the last night, and go to the
restaurant in the park for their evening meal. There is a dance to
be held in the rec. room that night and Nick says they should all
go. The music is raucous, and Nick is very popular with all the
young girls, much to the disgust of Karl and Jeremy. He takes the
ribbing good naturedly and tells the boys that one day, even they
may be as good looking and popular as him. The night draws to an end
and they step wearily to their beds.

-*-*-

Judge Tilson and the Malkoweicz are waiting for them at Nick's house
with Aunt Liz. When the big Winnebago pulls up, the step bangs down
and bags are thrown out of the side door to land piled up on one
another. The Judge exchanges looks with Karl's parents and Liz, her
heart sinking. Has there been trouble? Then the street erupts with
the noise of two rowdy boys, Burton and then Nick, all looking happy
and pleased to be home. Karl runs to his folks and hugs them.

"I've had the greatest time, I wish you could have been there! We
have taken loads of photographs. Wait till you see us in our Ducky's
on the river, and wait till you see Nick dancing with all the girls.
We walked down a mountain and…" his voice falters, "It's so good to
see you."

Burton puts his arm round Nick's shoulder. "Maybe we should have
done this when you were a boy."

Nick looks up at him and curls his arm round his fathers back. "I
still am a boy. Thank you for coming with me."

-*-*-

Burton stands in the Serendipity Club, looking at the table with
deep concentration.

"What are you doing?" asks Judge Tilson, coming over to join him.

"Come and see these, Liz sent them over. Jeremy took them."

The photographs show Nick and Burton side by side in one photograph,
looking at something up in hills, the sun shines on them both, and
their happiness is evident. The other is at Nick's house with arms
round each other. Father and son are looking in each others eyes and
laughing

"I will get them framed for my office," Burton proudly states. My
boy, the sun- god.

The End