We Are Legion (We Are Bob)

Book 3: Chapter 59: Reconciliation

Book 3: Chapter 59: Reconciliation

Howard

October 2230

Odin

I was standing at the fibrex wall, staring out into the Odin airscape, when Bridget came up and put her hand on my shoulder. The subdued and silent approach made me turn to look at her, already expecting trouble.

Her eyes had a look—haunted, surprised maybe, but not horrified, not panicked. I cocked my head, waiting for her to talk.

She tried several times to smile, before finding her voice. “I’ve been invited to a wedding.”

“Those are always nice. Whose?”

“Howie’s.”

My eyebrows went up. “Hasn’t he skipped a few steps?”

Bridget smiled. “I’ve missed quite a bit of my children’s lives, it seems. But your idea of having Riker’s relatives—” she grimaced. “—you know what I mean, of having them talk to him, seems to have helped.”

“So he’s talking to you.”

“Um. And Lianne will be there. According to Howie, I should give her some time and she’ll come around.”

“Rosie?”

Bridget shook her head. “She laid down an ultimatum. If I show up, she won’t. Or if you do, for that matter.”

“She seems pissed.”

“I’ll, uh, I’ll be over at the buffet. Food calls.”

Bridget nodded, and walked toward her daughter.

* * *

I was just polishing off some excellent roast beast, when Bridget sat down beside me.

“And?”

She sighed and looked at me. “Rosie is emigrating to Romulus.”

“Seems a bit extreme.”

“That’s Rosie, Howard. Never back down, never compromise. She’s cut off her brother and sister.” Bridget’s eyes were tearing up. “Howard, am I being selfish? Should I just leave?”

“Oh, Bridget, there comes a point where you can’t be the one always doing the accommodating. Everyone’s tried with Rosie. It’s now time for her to do a little compromising. And I don’t see it happening.”

She nodded, but she was still not happy.

“Look, you can try reconnecting with her children, eventually. Assuming she has any. Remember, we’ve got forever.”

Bridget sighed and nodded again. I pointed to Howie, who was dancing with his bride, and Bridget’s face brightened.

Family. Good, bad, or nasty, you had to deal with them.