Social Services came by multiple times after that night attempting to persuade Adam into taking Windy's children. "Sir you have the ideal situation to care for th0se children. You have family willing and able to help. I don't understand why you don't want you son to know his siblings."
"Do you have any idea what their mother put us through?" Adam asked angered by her utter lack of understanding.
"Why should that have any bearing on the welfare of these innocent children?" she said ignoring what Adam was attempting to tell her.
"It has everything to do with it," Adam told her. "Their father nearly killed me. What do you think he'll do when he finds out I have his kids?"
"You'll figure something out by the time he's out of prison," she assured him
"No Scot attacks first, without warning. Believe me you do not want to be anywhere near what he considers his." Adam sighed pushing away from the table, before he was able to go very far the stupid woman announced.
"We've spoken with Mr. Macklamoor regarding the welfare of his children. He is willing to let you have custody of his children until he is out of prison. He's up for parole in five years."
"You're out of your freaking mind," Adam looked at her appalled. Do you really think that I trust anything that Scot says? What kind of a fool do you think I am?"
"I think your paranoid and judgmental and a heartless beast for not taking those poor kids in," she told him as she stood up from the table.
"You're entitled to your opinion. I have two children of my own and their best interests come first." He stared at the stupid, obstinate woman in front of him before continuing "I will not, I repeat, will not be bullied into taking in those kids. I am sorry for them, really I am but there's nothing I can do."
"Windy assures me that you'll eventually give in," the woman told him with a smile. "All I need to do is keep persisting and you'll come around."
"Next time you'll be talking to my lawyer," Adam told her walking away.
Stopping by the door the woman called after him "your not the pushover she made you out to be."
Turning Adam stopped "I've learned a thing or two since then."
"Good," the woman said "Windy may be my client but she's bad news for you."
Taking a step forward Adam asked "then why all the pressure?"
Shrugging "you'd be good for those kids. They need an advocate. I've observed how you are with your kids, you're a good father." She turned and opened the door.
"Then you understand why I can't," Adam said from behind her.
"Yes," shrugging she said "Windy would entangle you into her web of lies and deceit if you took those kids in. I know that but I had to do my best for their sakes." Pausing she hesitated "if I were you Adam, I'd move as far away as you can get. Do it before Windy or Scot get out of prison." With those final words she turned and walked away.
***
Later that evening Adam approached his dad in the lab. The social workers words laid heavily on his mind. "Dad the social worker came by again today."
Looking up sharply from his work bench Peter asked "is she still trying to get you to take those kids in?" Squinting at Adam he asked "you're not considering it, are you? After all Windy's put you and Heath thru. I can't believe you'd let yourself be talked into this....."
"Dad," Adam called sharply "take a chill pill. I haven't been talked into anything yet. I do feel sorry for them. I'd be lying if I said I didn't care but there's nothing I can do for them. I won't put my children in jeopardy, they come first." Looking away Adam sat down abruptly in a chair.
"Then what's bothering you?" Peter asked following Adam, taking the opposite chair.
"The social worker suggested I move far away from here before Windy and Scot get out of prison. She seems to think I'll be in danger if I stick around here." Looking up "what do you think?"
Leaning forward Peter considered what he should say "son it might not be a bad idea."
"No way, this is my home" Adam was shocked. He hadn't thought is dad would agree but he seemed to have given it some thought.
"Adam, you don't have to decide right now. You still have time to consider your options."
"I know I have time," Adam leaned back in his chair. "Dad when do you think it'll be safe for me to travel through the time portal?"
"When Irissa's at least a year old. Why?"
"It'd be nice to have at least one problem solved before I have to decide to move," Adam explained. "What exactly do you need me to do in the future?"
They spent the next couple hours discussing what needed to be done. Peter didn't mention that he hoped that while Adam was in the future it would spark his interest in robotics again. Peter smiled remembering the little boy who told him he was going to be the pioneer in robotics. Shaking his head, if things kept going as they were that dream would never come to reality and the future would be changed forever.
"What are you thinking about Dad?" Adam asked after his father had been silent for a few minutes.
Smiling Peter asked "Do you remember when we went to the future together?"
Nodding "it was one of the best times we had just the two of us."
"You called it our vacation get away," Peter recalled fondly. "Try and duplicate that feeling with your kids. It may be the first time you'll have to bond with them without the stresses you've had to deal with here."
"I know dad," shrugging Adam smiled "I'm actually looking forward to it. All except the part of living in the same house with that girl. Are you sure that's what Emit has arranged?"
"She's there to help you Adam. Try to at least get along with her. No one expects you to marry the girl," Peter said laughing at his son's expression.
"Ok you win, I'll do it your way. I just don't understand Emit sometimes." Adam sighed thinking aloud "do you think I'll have time to...." his voice drifted away.
"Time for what?" Peter asked with a smile.
Shrugging "time to study robotics while I'm there."
"I'm sure that could be arranged," Peter said seriously trying to keep the smile from his face "just remember what you're there for."
"How could I forget? Irissa will be there to remind me everyday. Also I don't want Heath to have to worry about aliens when he grows up. It's time to put an end to this menace once and for all."
"It will be one way or another" Peter confirmed going over to his work bench to resume his experiment.
After Adam left, Peter found he couldn't concentrate. Putting his experiment away, he sat thinking about their conversation. He should have confided in Adam that moving was what Emit told him he should do. Why didn't he mention it? Shaking his head, he didn't mention it because there was something he didn't like about the way Emit told him. There was nothing he could put his finger on but he just didn't trust it.
He had a feeling he and Adam were being manipulated and pushed into a certain direction. What was Emit up to? What was Emit concealing? These questions were eroding his confidence in Emit, at one time he would have just done as Emit suggested without question. Emit was his friend, wasn't he? Emit had saved his life and was helping them save billions of other lives. So why all the doubts? But he couldn't ignore the warning bells going off in his head when he thought about Adam moving.
Wouldn't Emit be just as concerned about keeping Adam and Heath safe as he was? After all Emit wouldn't exist without them and neither would time travel. But the last communication he had received from Emit, he got the impression Emit wasn't telling him the truth. After years of dealing with Vallari, he had become good at telling when someone was lying and trying to manipulate him. He was getting that same vibe from Emit.
Sighing Peter got up realizing sitting there asking questions without answers wasn't helping. Unlocking the storage room where the time portal was kept. As he disappeared Peter hoped he was doing the right thing.
One afternoon Shannon came by the house to see how Adam was doing. "I'm fine," Adam told her. "How are you coping without Brian?"
"As good as can be expected I guess," she replied.
Looking at her Adam smiled "I miss him too."
She smiled in relief "I get tired of putting on a strong front for people."
"You don't have to, at least not in front of me," Adam told her. "Are you feeling ok?"
"Sure, just a little tired," Shannon sat on the couch patting the cushion next to her.
Sitting down Adam turned to her asking "any particular reason why your tired?" He attempted to figure out if it was her health or just worry over Brian being out of town.
A feint smile flashed across her face as she replied "that's a not so subtle inquiry into my health if I ever heard one."
Chuckling a little Adam said "you're right, do you mind?"
"No I guess not," she smiled at him. "How's the baby?"
"Good, hardly makes a sound," Adam moved to get up "would you like to hold her?"
"Not right now," Shannon bit her lip to stop herself from continuing. Adam looked at her in concern before sitting down beside her.
"Something's wrong I can tell," he grabbed her hand "is the leukemia back?" That would be the worst possible news he could give his brother. Even worse since Brian was out of town.
"No it's not that," Shannon sighed.
"If it's not that then what is it?" Adam asked trying to figure out why she was acting so weird. "You're not leaving Brian are you?" he asked jumping to the wrong conclusion. "If you are the least you could do is wait until he's home to tell him."
Lifting her hand she pressed her fingers against his mouth to stop the flow of words. She laughed at him saying "don't be silly I'd never leave Brian, at least not willingly. I'm pregnant."
"You're what?" Adam choked not sure he heard right.
"I'm pregnant," Shannon repeated laughing at his astonished face. "I want it to be a surprise. Please don't tell anyone."
"I won't I promise," Adam smiled wide at her "have you told Brian yet?"
Shaking her head "do you think I should? I mean I don't want to distract him while he's doing Sim Star. It was hard enough to convince him to do the show, if he finds out I'm pregnant he'll be on the first flight home."
"Are there any health risks that he should know about?" Adam asked in concern uncomfortable with keeping this a secret.
Shaking her head "no in fact I'm a little surprised that I got pregnant so easy. I expected to have fertility issues with all my past cancer treatments it was a possibility."
"Well I'm happy for you and Brian," Adam told her then added with a mischievous grin "the next thing you'll be telling me is your having twins."
"Don't say that, one at a time is enough," she laughed. "Have you seen Doloris and the twins? They're just adorable."
"She brought them by just the other day," Adam smiled at the memory. Doloris appeared to be happy in her role as mom. "the twins are just a little over a year older than Irissa."
"What are there names again?" Shannon asked trying to recall them. "Joseph and Rebecca, right?"
"That's it," Adam confirmed "so how far along are you?"
"Not far, a few weeks," she smiled "they're honeymoon babies." Shannon got up "I should be going or I'll be late for my appointment." At Adam's look of concern she laughed "don't worry it's just a checkup."
Relieved Adam followed her to the door "Shannon if you need anything while Brian's gone let me know."
"I'll do that," Shannon accepted "remember this is our secret, at least until I figure out how to tell Brian."
"I promise," Adam hugged her goodbye. "Don't take too long, people will start asking questions. It's not like you can hide a pregnant belly."
Laughing up at him Shannon agreed "speaking from experience?"
"I am, so take my advice and tell Brian as soon as you can." Adam watched Shannon drive away waving. Why couldn't he have found someone like that? Brian was lucky to have found her. Sighing Adam shook his head at his foolishness in picking Windy of all people. But he couldn't regret the little boy that resulted from that relationship.
***
"How's daddy's little princess?" Adam asked as he lifted Irissa from her crib. Wrinkling his nose he gagged "ugh gross," he looked at the little girl in his arms "what have you been eating? Cow manure?" Where's the clothes pin when you need one? He would gladly chop his nose off right this second if it meant he wouldn't have to smell her diaper.
He set a speed record changing her diaper. Leaving the room with Irissa secure in his arms he bumped into Faith and Grace coming into the room.
"Adam come quick," Faith gasped out of breath.
"Heath needs you, now?" Grace added pulling at his arm.
"What's happening?" Adam asked beginning to panic.
"The lady with the blue air ...." Faith started to explain.
Before she was able to finish, Adam was running towards the door, mindless of the infant in his arms. He was in full panic mode when he rounded the corner beholding Heath struggling with Windy. "What do you think you're doing?" he bellowed at her as he ran up beside his son.
Dropping her hands from Heath's arms, Windy coldly eyed Adam as he ran up beside his son. Heath visibly breathed a sigh of relief "dad the bad lady tried to make me go with her but I fought her off."
"I'm not 'the bad lady," Windy huffed "I'm your mother."
"No you're not," Heath asserted "you're a bad lady. All you ever do is hurt me and my dad. That in my book makes you a bad lady," Heath told her lifting his chin.
"What nonsense have you been telling this boy?" Windy glared at Adam.
"Only the truth," Adam said "he concluded the rest himself. Heath go in the house and wait for me."
"No not until the bad lady goes," Heath obstinately stood his ground.
"Heath do as you're told," Adam demanded.
"No," Heath shot back. "I just got you back. I'm not letting this so called mother of mine hurt you or Irissa." He crossed his arms "I'm staying."
At the mention of Irissa Adam realized she was in his arms, staring up at him in alarm. "Ok son we'll do it you're way." Taking his phone from his pocket, he handed it to Heath "call your grandpa and tell him of our unwelcome visitor."
Taking the phone from his father, Heath did as he was told. Disconnecting he listened to them argue.
"Windy you need to leave," Adam told her.
"Don't be like that Adam," Windy said coming closer to him. "We used to be good together, don't you remember?"
"No I don't," Adam told her coldly.
Smiling up at him Windy winked "it must have been good once. Look at our son, that's the result of our love." She attempted to wrap her arms around him.
"Don't," Adam stepped back forcing her to drop her arms. "Whatever we had was ruined a long time ago. Your manipulations don't work with me anymore. Give up and go home."
"You need me," she purred in his ears as she stepped close to him. Laughing as Adam sidestepped her move, she knew eventually she would corner him, it was only a matter of time.
"Don't you mean, you need me," Adam said "how many kids did Scot leave you with?"
"Three," Windy shouted losing patience "and all three are as worthless as their father."
Out of the corner of his eye Adam saw a girl a year or so younger than Heath glaring at Windy. "Is that one of them?" Adam asked hoping to divert Windy's attention and hopefully stop her from saying anything else.
Turning to see who he was talking about Windy yelled at the little girl "didn't I tell you to stay in the car?"
The girl shook under her mother's harsh glare "I .... I" taking a breath "Maurice is hungry and needs to be changed," she stammered.
"So what do you expect me to do about it?" Windy yelled at her.
"But .... but mama," she stuttered glancing over at Adam than back at her mother. "You said you'd be right back. You said it wouldn't take long to get our brother."
As her words resounded in his head Adam was overcome with a desire to throttle the woman in front of him. "You were planning to take my son and would have if he hadn't fought you."
"Yes," she snapped at him. "He's my son too. You've kept him from me."
"You never wanted him, remember?" Adam shouted back at her. "You signed the papers giving up all rights to him. Why now? Why do you want him now?"
"Because he's yours," she shouted at him "I'd take that green brat too if it meant you'd come back to me." She struggled as two officers pinned her arms behind her back.
"You're delusional," Adam told her putting an arm around Heath.
"But you'd come," Windy asserted "you'd come because of them." She nodded towards them. "Your love for them would have made you come."
"You're right, I'd have come for them, not you." Adam told her "but you would never have me. You would have had the shell that looked like me but inside where it counts, you'd never have me."
Windy screamed, struggling against the officers as they handcuffed her. Glaring at Adam she growled "I'll get you one day and you won't escape."
One of the officers started to give her her rights when she turned on him shouting "I know my rights, so shut up." She screamed as the officer ignored her as he led her to the police car.
As Adam began to walk back towards the house, an officer ran up to him. "Sir she says your the children's guardian."
"I'm what?" Adam asked shocked.
"The children's guardian," the officer pointed towards a group of small children huddled together beside an old beat up car.
"She's mistaken. I'm not their guardian," Adam told the officer.
"Maybe you could take them just for the night," Officer suggested "otherwise we'll have to get social services involved."
As much as it pained Adam to see those frightened children, he knew he couldn't take them. It was just another trap. He couldn't take Windy's children without giving her hope that he still cared, not to mention future trouble with Scot. Her words came back to him and realized that if he took the children, she would have him. He would never be able to let the children go back to her once she was out of jail. He wouldn't have the heart to abandon them to her tender mercies. Shaking his head "no I can't I'm sorry."
"With all due respect sir they are your son's half siblings," the officer reasoned.
Looking at the officer Heath stepped away from his father, stomping his foot "I don't care if they're my half siblings. I don't know them and don't want to know them. I never knew about them until the bad lady came to take me away with them." He looked towards his dad "I don't want them here."
Smiling at his son Adam turned to the officer "my son said it all. You'll have to make other arrangements."
If you' like to read more about Brian at Sim Idol you can check it out here Sim Star Idol
Adam intended only to use his father's painkillers to get him thru the day with his son but as time went by he found he was using them to, get thru the days leading up to Brian's wedding. He knew something was wrong but he didn't want to disappoint his brother by not being a part of the wedding.
"Adam are you alright?" Peter asked coming up behind him.
"Yeah Dad," Adam said rubbing his shoulder "I must have slept wrong, my shoulder hurts."
"You look a little pale," Peter peered at him in concern. "Are you experiencing any abdominal pain?"
Shaking his head Adam moved towards the door "I'd tell you if I were" he mumbled.
Staring after his son Peter sighed. He felt arms wrap around him "What's wrong?" Jean asked.
"I don't know. Maybe nothing," Peter said turning towards her. "I just have a feeling Adam's hiding something from me."
Looking at Peter she asked "What makes you think that?"
Shrugging "he's in pain and denying it. He's so pale and listless lately," Peter explained.
"Has anything shown up on his exams?"
"That's another thing, he's rescheduled the last couple of checkups because of the wedding." Peter stopped as Jean put her hands to his face to calm him. "I think something's wrong and he's not telling me."
Biting her lip Jean said "you may be right. I..." she hesitated "I ... this may have nothing to do with what's going on but ..... I noticed that your old painkillers were missing from the medicine cabinet. Did you throw them out?"
"What?" Peter asked blankly "Oh I forgot all about those Did I still have some left?"
"Yes," Jean sighted. "I meant to throw them out but never got around to it."
"You think Adam's taking them don't you?" Peter asked.
Nodding she said "it makes sense doesn't it? If he's in pain and afraid to admit it he would take them. He doesn't want to disappoint Brian or his son again."
"That stupid idiot," Peter fumed "wait until I get my hands on him."
Grabbing his hand Jean restrained him "Peter don't, not today. Let him have this, let him be there for his brother."
"But ..."
"I know, I do. It's dangerous but it's obvious this means a lot to him." Looking into Peter's eyes she continued "don't you think he knows the risk he's taking?"
"Yes and he obviously isn't thinking straight," Peter grumbled.
"Maybe," Jean argued "but try to understand that he feels like a catastrophe waiting to happen and he's afraid of disappointing the ones he loves. Can't we let him have this?"
"I want to say no, the sooner we find out what's wrong the better," Peter looked at her and relented. "I know what your telling me. Adam's been depressed over the time he's missed with his son and family. None of it's been his fault and I wish there was something that could be done to help him. We'll give him the day but at the first sign of trouble I'm taking Adam to the hospital. The thing that worries me the most is we don't know how long he's been masking the pain."
During the wedding Peter watched over Adam like a hawk, anxious he might miss something. As the day progressed and Adam appeared to be ok, Peter's worry lessened allowing him to enjoy Brian's wedding
The morning after the wedding, Adam woke up to the feeling his insides were exploding. Trying to sit up he succeeded in rolling off the bed to the floor. As he fell he knocked over the night stand and his alarm clock went flying and crashed into the wall.
Peter woke with a jerk at the sound of something crashing, he got up to investigate it. Coming into Adam's room he found Adam lying on the floor moaning. Rushing to his side Peter felt for his pulse, weak and rapid, he was barely conscious. "Son?" Peter asked "son can you hear me?"
"Dad?" Adam croaked.
"Can you tell me where it hurts?" Peter asked as he carefully turned Adam over so he could check for abdominal tenderness. Stopping when Adam cried out in pain as he pressed down on his side. "How long have you been in pain?"
Biting his lip to keep from screaming Adam concentrated on answering "couple of, couple of weeks," he managed.
"You've been taking my old painkillers haven't you?" Peter asked trying to get as much information from Adam before he passed out. Adam nodded. "How's the pain in the shoulder?"
"Worse," Adam panted.
Peter swore under his breath. He should have taken Adam to the hospital sooner, when he first mentioned the shoulder pain. He's probably been bleeding internally since yesterday, god how could he have been so stupid? He should never have let himself be talked into letting Adam get thru the wedding.
After several hours, Peter was allowed into Adam's room. He sat in a chair beside Adam's bed waiting for Adam to open his eyes. Adam stirred in his sleep, moaning. Reaching out Peter held Adam's hand and gently wiped the hair from his son's forehead. His heart ached at what he had to tell him. How would he take the knowledge of losing a child, even one that never had a chance to live?
Leaning back in the uncomfortable chair, Peter drifted off to sleep. Awakening a couple of hours later to find Adam awake and staring at him. "Good morning," Adam said in a hoarse whisper.
Glancing at his watch Peter yawned "more like evening," he mumbled.
"Whatever," Adam said looking away.
"Why son, why'd you do it?" Peter asked leaning forward.
Shrugged Adam continued to stare at the far corner of the room unable to meet his father's caring gaze.
"You could have died, do you know that?" Peter asked his frustration, hurt and anger mixed in his voice as he spoke.
"I'm sorry," Adam said focusing on the dark corner. He knew this conversation was coming and he would have done anything to avoid it. Adam spent what felt like hours watching his dad sleep in the chair beside him trying to prepare what he was going to say. Now that his dad was awake, Adam had no idea what to say. What could he say? That he put his life in danger because he wanted to spend the day with his son. That Brian's wedding was more important than his life? It all sounded so stupid now.
Peter sighed so loud Adam glanced in his direction curious. "Son I understand, believe me I do. Why do you think I put off seeing the doctor when I was so sick? I knew something was wrong but I wanted to pretend there wasn't. We all do stupid things when faced with the alternative of disappointing the people we love."
"I just wanted to give Heath what he wanted, my time and attention. I was going to tell you, then there was the wedding. I didn't want to disappoint Brian or have him postpone the wedding again on account of me." Adam struggled to sit up, finding it difficult to move.
Peter reached out to assist him asking "didn't you think your son and brother would have understood?"
"Yes, no .... I don't know. I didn't want to disappoint them. It seems like every time I promise to do something, something comes along and makes it impossible." Adam looked down into his lap picking at the blanket.
"Don't you think Brian and Heath would rather be disappointed than have you dead?" Adam's head jerked up as his father's words hit home.
"It wasn't that bad was it?" Adam asked fear gripping his heart. For the first time he noticed the heart monitor, the tubes and needles. Then he noticed the tired, strained look on his father's face and he had his answer whispering "I'm sorry."
"I know," Peter said gently holding Adam's hand in both of this. "If I hadn't heard you fall it may have been too late to save you." Peter took a deep breath before continuing "you were bleeding internally ..."
"From what?" Adam interrupted "I was in pain but I don't remember getting hurt."
"You remember I said the aliens didn't allow enough time for you to adjust to the modifications they made?"
"Yeah I remember but what does that have to do with it?" he asked in confusion.
"Do you know what an ectopic pregnancy is?" Peter asked
Thinking for a moment Adam nodded "that's where an egg implants in the fallopian tubes instead of the uterus. But I thought that wasn't a possibility since I don't have either."
"Well I was wrong," Peter smiled at Adam's look of shock. "You have the alien equivalent to a uterus where the embryo should have been. Since the aliens hadn't waited long enough there were small holes in the wall that allowed an egg to slip thru and it lodged in your abdomen. When it burst it caused internal damage resulting in severe blood loss."
"I lost the baby didn't I?" Adam asked his voice full of sadness.
"Yes I'm sorry," Peter confirmed "there was no way to save it once it attached to the abdominal wall." Squeezing Adam's hand he looked into his son's dark eyes "son there's something else and I'm not sure you'll like the decision I made."
Wetting his lips with a mouth gone dry Adam asked unsure whether he wanted to know or not "what else? What decision?"
"You were having twins. I'm not sure if that was what the aliens intended or not but the twin to the one that was lost is still in the uterus equivalent." Patting Adam's hand Peter continued "The embryo was stressed out and struggling but it's doing better now. It appears that it sensed something was wrong and was doing it's best to help you."
"What? I don't understand," Adam blurted out looking at his father surprise and shock mixed on his face.
Pushing Adam down to the bed Peter told him "I doubt you would have survived as long as you had if it weren't for it's help. The aliens have remarkable regenerative powers and the embryo was tapping into that and endangering itself to save you. Up until I learned this I was all for terminating it." Peter stopped to look at Adam to gauge how he was taking what he was saying. "I didn't have the heart after learning how it was struggling to save your life at the cost of it's own."
"Was that the decision you thought I might not like?" Adam asked putting a hand to his stomach.
"Yes, I thought you might have wanted to end both pregnancies." Sighing Peter said "I didn't make the decision on my own." This was what concerned Peter the most. He wasn't sure how Adam would react knowing he involved his young son. "Heath was really worried about you and upset about the alien baby that hurt his dad. I had to tell him what was happening. I explained that it wasn't the baby's fault that it wasn't where it was supposed to be. Heath being his stubborn self insisted it was a bad alien out to hurt you. So I told him about the other baby that was trying to help you." Looking into Adam's face Peter smiled "You know what he said? Heath told me it was ok to help the good alien baby because that was what his daddy would want."
***
For the remainder of the pregnancy Adam was on bed rest. He delivered a baby girl six and half weeks early. After much deliberation Adam named his little girl Irissa May Van Winkle.
Coming home from the hospital Heath insisted on holding his baby sister. With Irissa in his arms Heath whispered to her "thank you for saving our daddy's life and for being a good alien baby."
Brian's Wedding Pictures
"Dad how am I going to do this?" Adam asked.
"Son it's natural to be a concerned about taking care of your children. What exactly has you the most concerned?" Peter asked.
"All of it," Adam threw his hands into the air. "I'm barely able to support my son. How can I care for another one?"
"You're welcome to stay here as long as you need," Peter began.
"But Dad I can't live with you forever," Adam paced a few steps away. "Everyone is accomplishing things with their lives. While I'm stuck in a never ending circle of one catastrophe after another. Stopping by the window, Adam peered outside "why can't I have a normal life."
"I don't know son," Peter walked up to him. "I know it doesn't seem like it now but it will get better." He put his arm around his son's shoulders.
"When?" Adam shouted turning his back on his father. "When I'm too old to care? When Heath is too old to need or want my attention? I'm tired of waiting for things to change." Turning back to Peter he said "I don't know how much more I can take between Windy and aliens I'm about to break."
Walking over to Adam, Peter gently wrapped his arms around him. Feeling Adam shake as he tried to control his sobs Peter patted his back. "I know it feels overwhelming but you've got to hang on. No matter how hard it gets, you have people who love and care about you."
Wiping his eyes, Adam gave his father a strangled smile "I have no intention of giving up. Sometimes I just need someone to tell me it's going to be alright."
A noise by the door caused them both to turn as Brian rushed in. "Adam you're back," Brian said rushing over to hug his brother. "I'm so glad. Dad said you were coming home soon." Brian pulled away to tell his Dad "sorry I couldn't wait. I had to see for myself that Adam was really here." Turning back to Adam he smiled "you have a certain glow about you. Must be the hormones."
"Ha ha very funny," Adam mumbled. "You look good. Sorry about missing the wedding."
"We postponed it," Brian told him.
"What? Not on account of me I hope." Adam blurted.
"Well I couldn't get married without my best man now could I?" Brian told him. "Now that you're back, we'll set a new date."
"I'll never fit into my tuxedo," Adam protested.
"They make tuxedos in all shapes and sizes," Brian said reasonably.
"Yes but not for pregnant men," Adam grumbled "it'll never fit and I'll look ridiculous."
"Nonsense," Brian laughed "besides we're not waiting until you're huge. We're having a simple wedding at the house. I just need to make the final arrangements. Now that your back I can do that."
"Is Shannon alright with this?" Adam asked.
"Of course she is," Brian smiled "she suggested it."
Laughing Adam said "I guess you have yourself a best man. I'm all out of excuses just don't complain later that I ruined the pictures by being fat."
"That would never happen," Brian assured him. "I wouldn't care what you looked like, as long as you were there." Catching Peter's eyes, Brian continued "I've got to go but I'll let you know the arrangements, alright?"
After Brian left Peter said "son you need to rest."
"Alright, I'll see you in the morning," Adam said walking to his room.
The following morning Heath came bounding into his father's room. Jumping on the bed, Heath crawled over to his father's sleeping form. "Dad? Dad wake up," he spoke loudly excited to spend the day with his father. It always seemed like something horrible was about to happen and he always expected that when it did his dad wouldn't come back. He was determined that today would be different.
Shaking Adam's shoulder, Heath repeated "Dad wake up. You promised we'd spend the day together."
Moaning Adam opened his eyes. How was he going to keep up with two kids? He could barely keep up with one and that was with help. He knew this pregnancy was zapping him of energy and he had a new found appreciation for all pregnant women. He had no idea how they managed it.
Before he could close his eyes again, Heath was peering intensely into his face. "Dad, don't go back to sleep. You promised remember?"
Groaning Adam acknowledged "I know, I know." Adam glanced at the alarm clock "son do you have any idea what time it is? It's 4 o'clock in the morning. It's too early, go back to bed." He shut his eyes, relaxing back into his pillow.
"Daddy?" Heath pleaded shaking his arm "I can't go back to bed. I want to be with you."
"Ok, ok," Adam sighed "if you don't want to go to your bed, climb in beside me and let me rest a little while longer, ok?"
"Ok," Heath said snuggling close to his dad. Adam was about to drift off to sleep again when he heard Heath ask "are you tired because of the baby?"
"Yes," Adam mumbled in response.
"Why?" Heath asked.
Hearing the concern in his son's voice Adam replied "the pregnancy isn't natural."
"What do you mean, not natural?" Heath asked.
Biting his lip Adam realized he choose the wrong words and now needed to calm his son's fears. "Well with humans only girls are able to have babies."
"Did the aliens turn you into a girl?" Heath asked leaning close to his Dad. "Does that mean you're my mom now?"
"No, I'm still your dad," Adam chuckled at his son's question. "I still have all my boy parts. The aliens made changes inside me that makes it possible for me to have a baby...."
"and that's why it's not natural?" Heath asked.
"Yes," Adam agreed drawing Heath close.
"Is it dangerous for you to have this baby?" Heath asked turning to his dad.
"I don't know," Adam sighed. At times like this he wished his son was less intuitive and not as intelligent as he was. He had promised himself that he would never lie to his son, no matter how bad the truth was. "Your Grandpa is concerned the aliens didn't allow enough time for my body to adjust to the changes. My body may not be able to handle having a baby."
"Can't you get rid of it or something?" Heath asked. "I don't want anything to happen to you."
"If it was an option I might consider it," Adam sighed knowing he would do anything to be with his son but it wasn't just about him. He had to consider the bigger picture and the lives that could be saved if he continued with this pregnancy, despite the potential complications. If his father was right and they could bring an end to the aliens and save his son from being abducted later on, it would all be worth it.
"I don't think I'm going to like this baby," Heath mumbled.
"Why" Adam asked putting his arm around his son "it's not the baby's fault."
"It is," Heath insisted "if it weren't for the baby you wouldn't be tired all of the time. You'd be ok and I wouldn't have to worry."
Squeezing his small shoulders, Adam sought for something he could say to reassure his son. "Heath you don't have to worry about me, everything's going to be ok."
"No it's not. You can't promise it will be," Heath cried turning away.
"You're right, I'm sorry but it's still not the baby's fault. It didn't ask to come into existence. It's completely innocent of what the aliens did."
"Like you?" Heath sniffed wiping his eyes.
"Yes like me. I didn't ask for this to happen anymore than the baby did. It'll be up to us to give the baby as much love as we can. Do you think you can do that?"
Shrugging his shoulders Heath nodded his head. But he couldn't help the thoughts that skittered through his head. Would the baby be evil like the aliens? Good like his dad? Heath reserved the right to dislike the baby if it hurt his dad even if it wasn't born yet. He didn't care if it didn't ask to be born. All he cared about was his dad. His dad was everything to him.
Adam laid beside his son, listening to the muffled sobs his son tried to hide. How could he go thru with this pregnancy when it brought so much uncertainty to his son's life. If he had no other concerns or responsibilities there would be no thought of terminating the pregnancy. It wouldn't be an option but he had to think about what was best for Heath and whether he would be around to raise his son. Was it fair to his son to put his own life in jeopardy to have this baby? He had to believe he was making the right decision, for the good of humanity. But at times like this his doubts all but smothered him.
Later that morning Adam rolled out of bed trying not to disturb his sleeping son in the process. He smiled down at his son, knowing Heath had cried himself to sleep. Adam shook his head wishing there was something he could do to make his fears disappear.
A stabbing pain pierced his side, doubling over Adam gasped for breath. The throbbing pain eased as he held his side tight, Adam composed himself willing the pain to subside. This couldn't be happening not today. Not the day he promised to spend with Heath. He knew he should tell his dad but Adam decided to wait, to hope the pain wouldn't return. He wasn't going to let a little discomfort interfere with spending the day with Heath. He owed his son his undivided time and attention, he wasn't going to break his promise. Even if it meant his life, he smiled at his melodramatic thought, nothing was wrong he told himself, even though his reflection in mirror made a liar out of him.
Moving cautiously he gathered his clothes and went to shower. The pain in his side was building but at least it was manageable. As he dressed he told himself he could give his son a carefree day, after all what harm would a few hours cause?
He snuck into his parents bathroom where he knew his father kept the remnants of his pain meds he had while he was undergoing cancer treatments. Adam took a few pills from the bottle, looking at them in his palm, debating with himself whether or not to take them. He knew it wasn't a good idea to take someone else's pills but he had to keep his promise. What harm would it do? Sighing he swallowed a couple and pocketed the rest and went to wake his son.
