Toddling Along: Fireworks
By
Gemsong
I'm not sure how we ended up doing this. I usually ignore the
Fourth of July unless Jack would drag me along for one of his 'outings". This year I
expected him to start whining about seeing the fireworks, but he was strangely silent.
Every time an advertisement for an upcoming display came on, Jack would either shut it off
or walk out of the room.
It was hard for him I think. A reminder of all the things he couldn't do anymore. I would
have let it be, but Jack and I were out voted. By Teal'c. He was not a man to take no for
an answer. Jack attempted to dig in his heels about the outing, but Teal'c just picked him
up until they were eye to eye.
"Done wanna go," Jack said firmly. The bottom lip was making an appearance.
"It was you who took me to my first Fourth of July celebration,
Jack squirmed in his arms a little. There was no hiding the guilt on that little face.
Even guilty he looks cute.
"I'm wittle now," Jack mumbled.
"So you may now see it with new eyes," Teal'c said.
Jack's suffering sigh was his agreement. Fortunately Teal'c had planned everything in
advance. Probably that argument as well.
So we were all off to the Air Force Academy. They put on a pretty spectacular display
every year. There was no private use of fireworks in the state, but the professional
community displays were always worth it.
Parking of course was a bear, but Teal'c was a patient driver. Nor did he give Jack much
option. He carried him through the parking area to the parade grounds. I just tagged along
behind. We hadn't brought anything with us, but like I said. Teal'c had planned in
advance.
After winding our way through the crowds I saw Sam, Janet and Cassie waiting for us. They
had lawn chairs and a picnic spread laid out.
"Jack!" Cassie crowed jumping up to greet us. She held up her arms and he
actually allowed her to take him from Teal'c.
"Hi Cathee!" he said giving her a hug.
Cassie knew the right bribe for Jack. Food. That little body had a hell of an appetite.
Who knew where he put it. Though I knew exactly where it came out. Janet held up a diaper
bag and I breathed a sigh of relief as I dropped
into one of the chairs.
As the evening progressed it was obvious Cassie had figured out how to manage Jack. He may
have been in the body of a toddler, but most of that adult mind was still there. But then
Cassie always had Jack wrapped around her finger. Why should the size matter?
Cassie was showing Jack little games she had learned. She would do them just wrong enough
that he would have to correct her. Of course with his two year old coordination his own
attempt was far from perfect. But he was soon giggling and laughing with the young girl.
"Ithy bithy pider went up da watta out. Down came da wain and wathed da pider out. Up
came da thun and dwied up all da wain and da ithy bithy pyder went up the pout
again."
I'm going to say it. It was the cutest thing I've ever seen. And after you translate it, I
dare you not to agree. If you don't, I'm sure Teal'c will be happy to zat you. After I'm
done with you of course.
I watched the two of them playing together. They looked like brother and sister. There was
music over the PA system blaring out a selection of songs from oldies to newer hits.
Cassie was up holding Jack's hands as they jumped up and down in their version of dancing.
The song playing? Dancing Queen by Abba. Teal'c looked pleased. I thought I was never
going to stop laughing. Janet and Sam made me tell them why I found it so funny. Soon they
were laughing as I described the previous antics of Jack 'Travolta' and his Boogie Nights.
I loved to watch Jack like this. When he didn't think about it, he acted like the child he
could have been. His laughter was like music to me. I looked over to see Janet watching
them as well. She turned and caught my eyes. I raised an eyebrow at her and she smiled and
nodded. I felt the grin take over my face. Fortunately Jack missed it. Though I owe him
for saving me from the occasional predatory female in retail outlets.
The sun had finally set and Jack and Cassie had settled down on the blanket for the
optimal viewing position. In other words, Teal'c was leaning back against the cooler;
Cassie was leaning back against his chest and Jack leaning back against hers. Sam, the
saint, snapped that picture.
The fireworks didn't disappoint. In fact, I hardly have the words to describe the amazing
burst of color and sound. And I'm supposed to be a linguist. But sometimes, words aren't
necessary. The display ended with the sky full of light and the 1812 Overture pounding
through the speakers.
We packed up and headed out along with the rest of the crowd. I was carrying Jack this
time draped over my shoulder. He had fallen asleep shortly after we started walking.
Cassie had worn him out. Cassie had hold of my free hand while holding Janet's hand. Sam
and Teal'c were following with the rest of the gear. Janet had the diaper bag over her
shoulder along with one of the smaller coolers.
When we got to Teal'c truck, Sam made us stop. She wanted a picture. So we posed for her.
Jack on my shoulder and my arm around Janet. Cassie stood in front of us, leaning against
me with Janet's arm around her. One of those
perfect family picture moments.
Janet looked up at me and smiled.
"Chinese." She said
"Saturday," I said.
"Baby sitting," Sam said.
Fin