Written in the Stars

Star Wars

St. Louis. Saturday afternoon, June mid-1980s.

Ellen Parker walked into Blockbuster Video with Danny. She hoped that a pizza and movie would keep the boy entertained and distract his mother. This month marked the anniversary of when the three of them had gone into Witness Protection, meaning it was the anniversary of when Danny's father had confessed to murder and when Danny's mother had filed for divorce, ending a marriage that had also started in June. Was it any wonder Deirdre seemed depressed?

Seven-year-old Danny was zipping between the new releases and old favorites. He was supposed to pick one movie, but Ellen could tell from his speculative glance up at her that he was going to start bargaining for two. That's when Star Wars caught her attention, and she picked it up without thinking.

"Mom never lets me rent that," Danny said, his blue eyes wide in surprise.

"I know," Ellen said, "but maybe it's time."

###

Deirdre Brooks was surprised at their selection when they brought it back to her house. "You know I don't like that movie."

"What I know," Ellen countered, "is that you and James both loved that movie, and you're avoiding anything that reminds you of him, especially around your wedding anniversary. It's a fun movie, and Danny will love it, too. Let him share that with you."

Deirdre shot a distressed glance at Danny, who was listening avidly. She tried to avoid talking about James, with the result that any reference to him was fascinating to her son. She wanted to be annoyed with Ellen, but she recognized how wallowing in negative memories was getting tiresome. It didn't help that she'd spun a story about James being a tragic hero, and now Danny also associated his father with death and sadness. Would it hurt to relive some happier times? "You're right," she said. "Let's order that pizza and celebrate my anniversary properly."

Danny did love the movie, becoming so engrossed that he forgot to eat any popcorn. They watched it through twice, and by the end of the second round he leaned heavily against Deirdre, his body tired and relaxed, but his mind too busy to sleep. Mother and son had the same dark hair, but her eyes were green.

"Can I have a light saber?" Danny asked as the movie rewound.

"We can put that on your Christmas list," Deirdre said absently, her mind drifting back to when she and James had first watched this movie, and he had asked if their son would be...

"... Luke Skywalker or Han Solo?"

"What?" Deirdre was startled, bringing her mind back to Danny in the here and now.

"For Halloween. Should I go as Luke or Han?"

"Definitely Luke."

"Why?" Danny asked.

"Because I don't know how to make a Han Solo costume." She squeezed Danny tightly for a moment. "Time for bed."

"If I'm Luke for Halloween, I'll need a light saber before Christmas."

"True."

"If I had a dog, I'd name him Chewbacca."

"And he'd chew on the furniture, and we'd call him Chewy. God, you are so much like your dad sometimes." Deirdre felt Danny go still, holding his breath in the hopes that she'd say a little more about James. "Did I tell you we met at a movie?"

Danny shook his head. "Star Wars?"

"No, we were already married when that one came out. In fact, we went to see it for our first anniversary. We'd been talking about starting a family, and after we saw Star Wars, James asked if I would want a son to be more like Luke or Han. And then he said he wanted a dog named Chewy."