Pair of Few Words  Chris nodded encouragement to Vin as the paediatrician lifted the child onto the examination table. Buck squeezed J.D. who wriggled uncomfortably on his lap, watching the process wide-eyed. Nathan had referred the boys to a qualified paediatrician for a good ‘once over’. While the appointments were supposed to be separate, Buck had followed Chris into the room and the doctor, an old friend of Nathan’s, had seen no reason to say anything. Vin flicked a nervous gaze at the man dressed in black whom he’d only known a month. Chris slipped his hand around the child’s and nodded again. Vin raised his face to look up at the doctor with a wary stare. “I’m just going to have a look at you, son. Is that okay?” the kindly faced physician asked. “Only if Uncle Chris says so,” J.D. piped up bravely. “Shhh,” Buck chastised gently, before giving the doctor a polite smile. “I’ll keep him quiet... believe me it is easier said than done.” “Uncle Chris?” Doctor Harris asked. “May I examine Vin?” Chris’ chin bobbed. “He don’t talk much," J.D. offered, helpfully. "Man of few words," Buck chuckled with amusement. "Vin don't talk much either. Uncle Ezra says they's a pair of few words. What’s that mean, Pa?” Doctor Harris smiled down at Vin. “So you two don’t talk a lot. That’s okay. Sometimes people don’t need to talk. You can just nod or shake your head to my questions, okay?“ As he looked into Vin’s ears with an otoscope he asked, “Do you think I’ll find Big Bird in here?” Vin glanced at Chris. The very slightest smirk creased the blond man’s face. Vin’s straight mouth lifted a little. “Big Bird is on Sesame Street. I watcheded that today,” J.D. announced. He appeared ready to recount the episode but Buck thrust a piece of apple into his mouth. The doctor winked at Buck, took out a tongue depressor and held it toward Vin’s mouth. The child frowned. “Open,” Dr. Harris prompted. Vin looked at his guardian nervously. Chris squeezed his hand. There may not be words passing between the blond and the child, but the non-verbal communication in the form of subtle gestures and eye-contact was doing the trick. Hesitantly, Vin opened his mouth, producing a very narrow gap between his teeth. “Do you think I’ll find the Cookie Monster down there?” Doctor Harris asked, still trying to calm the child. Vin remained silent. J.D. chomped on the piece of apple, shook his head and began to explain through the mouthful of fruit, though it was too muffled to understand. “Only way to shut him up,” Buck chuckled, ruffling the little boy’s hair. The doctor lifted Vin’s shirt and placed a stethoscope on the youngster’s chest. Vin’s grip on Chris’ hand intensified. Chris placed his other hand on the child’s head and smiled. J.D. swallowed the rest of the apple and watched intrigued. As Doctor Harris listened, he asked, “Do you think I’ll find Elmo in here?” “Oh, no,” J.D. replied confidently. “Uncle Josiah says that you’ll find Jesus in Vin’s heart. Elmo’s on my underpants.” At first there was silence and then Dr Harris and Buck burst out laughing. “Nothing he says shocks us any more,” Buck stated, kissing the top of the little boy’s head. “You really are a fountain of knowledge, aren’t you?” Dr. Harris chuckled. J.D. grinned and stated proudly. “Yep. I talk a lot. I’m real good at it, aren’t I?” Vin and Chris exchanged a wide smile. “Yep,” they agreed.
© August 2008 Aussie Lass : This relates only to the creative property in this story. The distinctive way the story unfolds, the specific dialogue and unique situations are mine. I acknowledge that some of the characters and settings belong to the owners of "The Magnificent Seven" and I thank them sincerely for turning a blind eye so I can borrow them. (g) No infrigement of copyright was intended and no profit has been made from this story... so, please don't sue me. It wouldn't be worth your while. |
