Angsty Thanksgiving '92

Log Title: Angsty Thanksgiving, '92

Characters: Buster, Spike, Sparkplug, Ron, Judy, Sam

Location: Portland

Date: Thanksgiving, 1992

Summary: Facing a very unexpected early motherhood, Carly is now questioning whether marrying Spike was a good idea. During the holidays in 1992, she asked Spike to move out so she could sort out her feelings. Over Thanksgiving, Spike tries to wonder how things ended up where they currently are. His father offers encouragement. His brother offers snark.

As logged by Spikewitwicky

Thanksgiving 1992[]

Portland, Ore[]

Portland is the largest city in the U.S. state of Oregon and the seat of Multnomah County. It is a major port in the Willamette Valley region of the Pacific Northwest, at the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia rivers. The city covers 145 square miles (380 square kilometers) and had an estimated population of 647,805 in 2017, making it the 26th most populous city in the United States, and the second-most populous in the Pacific Northwest.

Approximately 2,424,955 people live in the Portland metropolitan statistical area (MSA), making it the 25th most populous MSA in the United States. Its Combined Statistical Area (CSA) ranks 18th with a population of 3,160,488. 60% of Oregon's population resides within the Portland metropolitan area.

1992! Thanksgiving at Ron and Judy's. It hasn't been the best Thanksgiving by a mile for everyone.

It's been wrought with tension. Buster's grades are tanking. Carly told Spike that yes, she's keeping the baby, but his dropping out of college to support the child was not well received, especially since he did it without telling her. Carly said she's keeping her kid, because she was told she may never be able to get pregnant but is not sure she wants Spike to be a husband.

Spike, gutted and dejected was looking for a two-bedroom place to live, but Judy has pointed out that he'll be paying child support, so that two-bedroom just turned into a studio.

Judy rubs Spike's shoulder and sighs. "Spike... why don't you just do the talk show circuit? You know you'll be paid handsomely for your story... and you'll even get to travel!"

Spike sighs and looks at Judy. "Aunt Judy... they're my family... not my meal ticket. I don't want them to be the reason I can support my kid... I'd rather work at Blackrock and take a night job at a gas station than do that..."

Spike sighs and gets up from the room where Judy and he are hanging out. He sighs and says, "Thanks... though for making out my budget... I'm gonna go in the kitchen to see if Ron needs any help."

The kitchen is vacant right now. Minus Buster, who may walk in. Right now, the two have been avoiding each other like the plague. Spike for fear of what Buster will say. Buster... for fear that his grades may become topic of conversation.

Spike's barely of drinking age now... 22. But he hasn't had anything... yet. At the kitchen by his lonesome, he cuts some carrots and celery for a relish tray. Carly is at her folk's place.

Buster comes in the back door to the kitchen, and immediately regrets it in spotting Spike.

Glancing around to see if he can withdraw without being seen, the screen door hits his butt from behind with a BANG, and he realizes it's too late to ninja-poof gracefully. "Hey," he says, running his hand through his blonde hair and setting his book down on the counter -- The Tale of the Body Thief by Anne Rice. Being a teenager, he didn't bring anything to contribute for Thanksgiving.

Spike frowns to himself as he hears Buster barge in. "Heyah..." is his only reply. He goes back to setting up the relish tray.

Ron, ever the task master, has set the table. The turkey has been carved. Sparkplug and Judy have helped out as well as Spike.

Buster whews as he sees the turkey has been carved. The last thing he wants is to be asked to perform a task before his family in something for which he completely lacks skill and understanding.

"Hello," he says to Spike neutrally as he goes to grab a can of Pepsi from the fridge. He looks around for his spot to sit, trying to avoid making eye contact with anyone.

Spike sits next to Sparkplug; Judy provides a nice buffer between himself and Sparkplug. Ron looks over at the group, who have had better years. The 1992 recession has affected Ron and Judy's finances.

Ron looks around and smiles. All of them aren't the most religious here. Sam sits next to Uncle Buster.

Ron... being the new-agey type, extends his hands for everyone to hold. Sparkplug gives a tough, awkward smile as he 'takes the hands' of Spike and Judy. Ron then says "Great creator, we're gathered here to give thanks. Thank you for the food on this table. Thank you for bringing everyone here safely. And please be with those who either do not have loved ones or food tonight."

Ron eyes Judy, Spike, and Buster. "We realize it hasn't been the best year for us, but we realize these moments where we can always reflect and be thankful. Amen."

Spike barely ekes out "Amen."

Sparkplug says "Amen" more forcefully. He nods to Ron. "Thank you, Ron."

Buster sits and smiles at the 2-year-old Sam in the highchair. So much potential! Sometimes Sam's sudden cries upset Buster when he's concentrating, but he's learning to mask his sensitivity to intrusive sounds and the effect they have on him. It does more damage when he holds it in, but there's less drama. Buster doesn't say, 'Amen,' but does thank Ron quietly, again without making eye contact.

The dinner goes ... surprisingly civilized. That's also because there's not too much talking from anyone. After the table's cleared and the cleanup is going on, Sparkplug catches Buster in the dining room. He gulps and smiles, realizing he's been trying his best to keep his other son's spirits up. But he knows Buster needs his dad too. Sparkplug smiles at his son. "Heyah, son - "

Sparkplug says hopefully "I... uh... have some good news."

"Oh, uh, really, Dad?" Buster answers, pausing his reading but not looking up from his book. "Oh, uh... what's the good news? Going to have a new roommate soon?" he smirks slightly, a slight mean edge to his voice. "Sometimes an adult son moving back in with his father to share expenses can help out both of them." He puts a bookmark in the page in case this turns into a longer conversation but doesn't close the book.

Sparkplug breathes out through his nose. He looks at Buster. "He's... working it out."

Buster's father shakes his head. "No... this is about you. I know you've had a hard semester ... and... I just want you to know I'm proud of you, but we're going to get those grades up. So... next year, I'm hiring a tutor for you." He smiles innocently enough at his son. "I think you'll be able to rally and get those grades up just in time for the half of your senior year."

Buster narrows his eyes, still looking down at his book. "Dad, you can't afford that," he says quietly. "Especially if Spike isn't pulling his weight, either." He sighs, staring forward. "I'll bring them up. Classes have just been... difficult. If they'd just give me the reading and let me submit homework, I'd have all As. I don't see the point of class participation. I either know the subject, or I don't. Once I get into the college I want, none of this will matter anyway."

Sparkplug lets out a sigh. "Buster... you may not get into college with these grades if you keep up this track. I CAN afford it; I WILL pay for this." He doesn't bring up that he's staying rent free in either The Ark or Autobot City.

Buster finally looks up. "Dad, please. I've gotten letters from MIT. I can have my choice of any college I want. I'm SMART. Not at fixing things, maybe, but at real subjects people care about -- I'm smart. I'm not going to settle for some loser school like OU, either -- I'm gettin' out of this dump. Maybe LA or New York, where they appreciate people like me," he grumbles, looking back at his book.

Sparkplug sighs and says "I believe you can do whatever you put your mind to, son..." With that, he steps out, heading into the kitchen. In the kitchen, he just hears a bit of Carly and Spike's interaction on the phone. Ron and Judy were cool enough to let Spike call Carly long distance where her folks are (long distance... remember that?!). The conversation is noticeably short... less than five minutes before Spike feels like he's losing Carly to other stuff with her own family. After a few awkward moments of silence, Spike says, "I love you..."

Sparkplug can hear Carly say, "...I know..." from where he's at before Carly says, "Uh...I have to go."

Spike lets out a sigh and walks back into the dining room where Buster is still there, reading his book. Like a reader.

Spike heard the few jabs Buster did at Spike from the other room. He frowns at his brother, now alone with him as Sparkplug went to do some of the dishes. He looks at Buster and shrugs.

"Well... congratulations... you've been telling everyone what a loser I am for years, now you've been proven right."

Buster sighs dramatically and places his bookmark back in a way to make SURE Spike realizes he's interrupting Buster's reading. Still looking at the book, Buster says, "Spike... you're not a loser. You're just going through a tough time. And how long did you really think Carly was going to stick around? We don't get hot girls like Mindy Moleford. Next time pick someone more your level," Buster advises.

<OOC> Buster says, "Jess says, "Wow... wow."

Spike clenches his jaw. Jesus, what is it about brothers who know how to hit the jugular? He gives a steely look at his little brother.

"Buster... I'm probably going to be working in construction all my life... I may even have to work a second job at a gas station to pay for my kid... you can still make something of yourself.. .but you're not going to do it if you keep sliding the way you've been doing."

Buster doesn't even look up from his book, so he misses Spike's steely gaze. "Don't worry about MY future, Spike. I have more than a monkey-wrench's skills to fall back on. AND, Dad always found work, no matter how dire. He raises us right. Neither of us will become failures. And worse case, you can always move back into their spaceship or whatever, right?"

Spike mumbles, "f**k you, Buster..." under his breath, mainly because he can't think of a more hurtful comment. He probably could if he read more.

Spike walks to the kitchen. He's old enough to drink, so he pulls out one beer from the fridge, his first he's had since being at Ron and Judy's for the past 2 days. In the backdoor, Jesse walks in.

While Jesse and Spike obviously aren't on the best terms, since Jesse is on team Buster, Jesse does have enough perspective to see some greys in their family dynamic, and after what Buster's told her about the looming divorce, she can't bring herself to say anything other than a friendly "Happy Thanksgiving - is Buster here?" Spike gestures to the room where Buster is and goes outside. Ron has Judy. Jesse has Buster.

Spike goes outside, since it's not too cold, but it's slightly chilly. He sits on the porch swing and stares out at the houses facing Ron and Judy's.

Sparkplug comes back in the room. Externally, he seems calm, but both sons know from his red complexion and tight jaw that there is anger just beneath the surface. "Buster," he says through clenched teeth. "My 'monkey-wrench' skills kept food on the table your entire life. Don't be so sure that college ability equals success. I saw a lot of guys after the war fall into that same trap. Brains or no, you need resolve and grit to be a winner -- riches aren't just going to fall into your lap because you're good at readin'."

No doubt an unexpected pregnancy and dropping out of college was NOT in Sparkplug's perceived plan for Spike. But he's also seen his son grow up rapidly in the past few weeks. Spike could have taken the 'easy' route and quickly done the talk show path. But he's determined to get out of this with his own skills and abilities. Even if it's working with his hands for 80 hours a week and living in a cruddy studio apartment (roughly the same where HW-Spike lived for a few years before their business started to stand on its own).

Sparkplug and Susan had their scuffles and fights. But in their case, divorce was never on the horizon. Thankfully, maybe due to Sparkplug being slightly older and him being very much a 'what you see is what you get' and not 'potential journalist/space explorer.' So, Spike's current situation is a tad uncharted for the Witwicky patriarch.

Buster is taken aback by the tough love from his father, used to Ron's more touchy-feely approach. He closes his book and turns to look at his father directly in the eyes, something he never does anymore. "I hear you, sir," he says, with usual respect. He then frowns. "Give me until the end of the semester to bring up my grades. If I don't by Christmas break, I'll accept a tutor, and work with them until I turn things around."

Sparkplug nods, catching Buster's eye contact... something he hasn't seen too many times recently. He gently rests a hand on Buster's shoulder and pats. "That's all I ask son... for you to give it your best... "

Spike sniffs slightly as he's sitting on the swing outside. He thinks what next Thanksgiving will be like. Will he have his son or daughter or will Carly have them for Thanksgiving. Would she have them for Christmas too? What kind of life can he provide a kid if he brings them to a studio apartment that will likely just be able to house his tools, yet alone his vast collection of 30 books?

Buster nods to his father. "I meant no disrespect, sir," he insists. "I just meant that I have different choices than Spike does. You guys can build or fix anything -- you're friends with alien robots! That's... that's a unique path in life. I'm tryin' to find my own path. I don't have a natural ability like you two... you're right, no one is going to pay me to read," he says, holding up his book.

Spike takes another sip of beer on the swing on the front porch. He looks inside, looking at the silhouettes of his brother and father talking. He then thinks of the next day. Blackrock Construction does not do Black Friday, but construction work does not stop. At least he'll have something to preoccupy his time for at least 10 hours tomorrow.

Ron sticks his head into the living room, pausing a moment to wonder what he's blundered into.

Shaking his head, he says, "Hey, Sparky. Judy and I are off to visit dad at Regina. Are you coming this year?" he asks neutrally.

Sparkplug's face reddens slightly as his brows furrow at the mention of dad. Ron spent roughly the same amount of time under their father's rule, but Ron, perhaps emboldened by his older brother striking out and making a life any way he could not involving his father... had fewer problems actively rebelling against his father, whippings be damned.

Sparkplug nods as he gets up. "Sure, Ron."

Ron nods. "Hey, Buster," he asks with a smile. "Would you mind gathering up the dishes and putting them by the sink for Judy to do when she gets back?"

Buster stands. "No, I'll do them, Uncle Ron. I appreciate you both cooking." He sets the book aside, and heads into the dining room to pitch in for a change, his dad's words obviously heavily on his mind. He can't bring himself to send along greetings to his grandfather.

Spike looks inside. Ron and Judy seem like they're getting ready to go out somewhere. He knows he needs to go back inside, but right now, he can't bear to even look at his brother. That line about 'next time, aim lower' seemed to hit with a wicked effectiveness. If it hurts this bad, is his smartass brother right?

"Gimme one second, Ron," Sparkplug requests, before joining Spike on the porch. "How ya doin', kiddo?" he asks, ruffling Spike's hair up like he did when Spike was a kid, giving him a smile. He settles heavily into a groaning wicker chair on Ron's porch, taking a moment to frown down at its questionable construction.

Spike smiles wearily at his dad. He knows his father's not one for pity, but he's hoping that he won't go all in on the tough love this time. He lets out a labored sigh and gulps.

"It's... like you taught me... one mistake can cost you your entire life."

Though unbeknownst to Spike, Sparkplug MIGHT have been talking about the horrors of war. The young man sniffs and sighs.

"I just... didn't realize that I'd make that mistake at 22..." He looks over at Sparkplug and says in a defeated, but slightly defiant tone. "But dad... I don't want my kid thinking they were a mistake..." He sniffs and clears his throat.

"Even if... I'm like... picking them up twice a month, I want them to know they're loved... by each of us."

A few tears fall down Spike's face. "Dad... what would mom even THINK of me now? 22... divorced. College dropout? What would she even say to me?!"

Sparkplug leans forward and takes a LONG moment to respond. "Son," he says at last. "We are Witwickys. We do not give up. You think your mom and I never fought? One time, she bundled you BOTH up and was ready to take you to her mother's. I..." He thinks back, shaking his head, before returning to the present.

"You're 22. Your life is far from over. You will come back from this, and you will be a great dad, whatever the arrangement. I did my best not to repeat the acts of MY father..." Sparkplug glances back into the house, towards where Ron was waiting. He looks back at Spike. "You, too, have to reckon yourself what that means. But I have faith in you. You'll work it out. I did, and I'm here to help you do it, too."

Spike lets out a sigh and nods. "Yesssir..." He gulps. "I still love her dad... more than anything."

"I'm sure she still loves you, son. You just have to remind her why and show her you're stronger and better together than apart," Sparkplug advises, before getting back to his feet and heading begrudgingly after Ron.

Two weeks later![]

Almost toward Christmas. Ron, Judy, Sam, and Buster are at the table. It's pretty much a hodgepodge-style dinner of whatever's available for sustenance. Judy steps away to take a call, which is within earshot of Buster. A few moments of discussion pretty much confirms it's Sparkplug.

"Oh? Oh, that's wonderful! Oh my god, I bet Spike is elated!" "He's moving back tomorrow? Oh, that's such a relief!"

Ron looks over curiously at Judy. Judy sits down and smiles "Great news! Carly's taking Spike back! At least for a few months after the pregnancy! Sparkplug thinks it'll last longer though - he thinks she really wants to make this work!"

Buster smirks. "She probably just wants help changing diapers at 2 a.m.," he chuckles, not looking up from his homework. He's started doing it down in the dining room, away from the distractions of his other books. His grades have already gone up and his teachers have noticed -- Buster still isn't the king of class participation, but he clearly is trying his best.