Season of Terror
by Tigger
Copyright 2002, All Rights Reserved

Chapter 26: A Time to Reap, A Time to Sow

The winds of January howled their fury, blowing snow across the Kingston train platform.  Four figures huddled together, backs to the wind, awaiting the train.

"I still say you should let me drive you up there, Victor," Jane said.  "It would only take a day.

"Unless it snowed and you got stuck up there, which the weather report says is likely.  I'd rather have you here and know you're safe, Aunt Jane," Victor shouted to be heard above the wind.  "besides, you need the time to finish up preparations for the arrival of Pretty Penny's little sister.  Last I heard, she was supposed to be here day after tomorrow unless the snow stops train travel.  You need to be here."

"Don't try to confuse my emotions with logic, young man. I am having a "mother with a chick leaving the nest" moment here."

"Yes, Ma'am."

Victor Denato took a lingering look about the wind-blown station house and it's quaint New England setting.  For all the cold and snow, it no longer had the feeling of dread about it that he'd sensed on arriving here so many months ago.  As it had for so many young men before him, Jane Thompson's Seasons House had become a second home for him, and she had become like a second Mother.  Marie was the loving and doting aunt he'd never known before coming to this place, while Penny had become the sibling he'd never had.

At the thought of Penny, Victor smiled.  She'd come a long way in the last three months, he thought as he gave her a thoughtful inspection.  She just stood there, straight and determined, as if the sub-zero chill factor did not exist for her. *Heck, even Jane is shivering, but Penny just stands there unmoved and unmoving.*

Her deportment was now excellent as were all her skills and mannerisms.  The only problem she faced on a daily basis was her beard.  Naturally dark haired, Penny's beard had started to become something of a nuisance.  Five o'clock shadow on a sixteen year old girl is a bit of a giveaway in terms of the Jane Thompson masquerade.  The answer had come in the form of a special bleaching depilatory designed for facial use.  Victor had tried it once, and had felt like his face was being scorched although it had not left behind any marks or rash.  Still, it was one more facet of her new life in which Penny truly did suffer for her looks and thus worked to atone for Janey's death. 

*Please help her forgive herself and learn to laugh again,* Victor prayed silently.

The lonely wail of a far off train whistle called to them through the snow. "Now, I expect you to apply yourself to your studies, young man," Jane said firmly.  "This will be a tough semester for you, but if you do as well as I expect you'll do, I am sure that I can arrange for you to be accepted into the pre-veterinary program at Brown this coming fall."

"I'll do my very best, Aunt Jane," the young man said as the train chugged up to the platform.  "God, I'm gonna miss you all so much!" he rasped, even as he reached out to pull all three women into his arms.

For several not-nearly-long enough moments, they stood there, sharing a warmth far deeper than merely physical.

"BOOOARRRDDD!!!" the conductor called, intruding on their connection.

"I have to go," Victor said finally.

He went to Marie and hugged her close.  "Send cookies!" he begged shamelessly before turning to Penny.  

With an ease that pleased Jane greatly, Victor put a brotherly arm about Penny's shoulders, and pulled her close. "Each one, teach one, sis," he quoted softly.  "Help Jane make it better for your little sister.  It will be tough on you both, but I know you can do it.  You got heart, Penny."

"Thank you for being here for me," Penny whispered as she hugged herself close to him and rested her head on top of his.

*Mutt and Jephinia,* Jane thought as she watched the quiet farewells. *And yet, there is no doubt which of them IS the big sister. . . or brother.*

His arm still securely about Penny's back, Victor turned to smile up at his beloved teachers.  "Aunt Jane, if you ever need any help - mine or Victoria's - with some other menace to society like this big stringbean, just let me know, okay?  Like the song says, just call out either of my names and you know that I'll be there."  

"Thank you, sweetheart.  That means a very great deal to me," Jane said, feeling the prickle of wet heat behind her eyelids.

Victor grinned and then hugged Penny again.  "I wouldn't have missed knowing you for the world and all that's in it." 

"I'll miss you, big sister," Penny whispered shyly.

"So will we, Victor," Jane said, getting her hug in as they walked up to the train car.

"Ummm, Aunt Jane?"

"Yes, dear?"

"It won't bother me if you slip up and call me Victoria, you know - in fact, I'd kind of miss it if you didn't."

"Really?"

"Really.  If Captain Wilma can handle it, so can I.  Besides, Victoria's me and I'm she, if you know what I mean.  I don't want to leave her behind with her skirts and petti's."

Jane smiled, a bit tearfully, and nodded.  "Call often, Victor/Victoria."

The train left the station slowly, and the three women were able to keep up with Victor's window by walking until they finally ran out of platform.  They stood there, on the edge of the concrete platform, simply watching, until the train had rolled out of sight.

Finally, Jane sighed.  "Well, ladies?  Shall we go celebrate Victor's graduation and Penny's promotion?  Dinner at the club, I think.  Tomorrow is soon enough to finish the preparations for Jesse's arrival, don't you think, Marie?  Penny?"  Both women nodded their agreement.  Jane put a hand on the elbow of her two companions and began to walk back to the train station parking lot.

And tonight, she promised herself, she would fully savor the ceremonial entry of Victor Denato's name into the 'success' column of Jane Thompson's Rogues' Gallery of Seasons House.