Generation 1, Chapter 17

 

 

Upon returning home from China, Peter received a letter that was about to change his life. It read:

Dear Son,
Words cannot express my sincerest regrets and profoundest apologies for blaming you for the loss of my life's work. I've come to realize that my life's work was not my research but my children, of which I have failed miserably.
Instead of fostering an atmosphere of competition. I should have encouraged each of my sons to follow their own course. Maybe we would all be a lot happier if I had. But all I was focused on was continuing the Van Winkle legacy of science excellence.
I am, however very proud of you, my son, for your success. I have read every article I could find in Sim Science Digest about you and your scientific advancements. Mostly though I'm searching for pictures of your face and hope that one day soon to see you again.
Your Mother and I would very much like to be part of your life again. Your Mother, as would I, would enjoy being grandparents, as our other sons, your brothers, have yet to settle down and have children. Corina has been kind enough to share with me the pictures you have sent her of your beautiful children.
My heart overflows with regret that I have missed so much of my sons' life. I hope you can forgive me!
In sincerest regrets and deepest apologies your Father, Henry

Peter couldn't help but weep with joy. Forgive his Father, that was a foregone conclusion. He had many times forgiven him in his mind and heart. It just hurt so deeply to be so utterly abandoned for a mistake he wished with all his heart he could fix but knew he couldn't. Unfortunately he knew this would only complicate his divorce as Vallari would sue for more money. However he knew also with the Van Winkle money he could now afford to hire the best lawyers money could buy and fight Vallari so that the children do not lose out to her greed.

He went inside and immediately wrote to his father.

Dear Father,
You don't know how many times I've wanted to write or call you and beg your forgiveness. Of course I forgive you Father, and have done so right from the start. I would very much like you to be in my life again and the children would love to have grandparents to spoil them. Please come at your earliest convenience, spring would be great. I have so many things I would like to discuss with you and ask for your advise on. But I shall wait until we meet again to burden you with my problems. I've so missed you Father and sorely need your advise!
Your loving son, Peter


Peter thought it would be best to wait until after the holidays to tell the children about the divorce. Adam and Brian, along with the respective IF's could hardly wait to open their presents. Waking up early, they ran to the tree to find their presents and to check their stockings. They tried to be quiet but their excitement over their presents was too much to be contained and they eventually woke their parents up. They did wonder why Peter came up from the basement but thought that maybe he had been up working in the lab. Peter decided that he would take the boys to Winter Festival.

Adam and Brian both learned to snowboard and were getting pretty good at. There were really catching some air towards the end of the night. They did wipe out a few times but not enough to dampen the enjoyment of this new sport. They wised that it would stay winter forever so they could snowboard all the time.

Meanwhile Vallari decided to follow them to the Festival. Unfortunately for Peter, Vallari was there to convince him that divorce was a bad idea. While Peter and the boys were gone, Vallari had been snooping in Peters' desk in the lab and found his Father's letter. She didn't want to lose her chance at getting her hands on Peter's inheritance.

She asked Peter to help her as she said she was afraid she fall. Being a naturally nice guy, Peter skated with her.

"Honey, I've been thinking that maybe we were too hasty in deciding to get a divorce. I think maybe we should try marriage counseling first."

Peter was caught totally off guard, he couldn't decide if he believed his ears. Did she just say too hasty and counseling? Maybe he was being hasty ... wait a minute. Is she playing me for a fool again, Peter asked himself.

"No, Vallari, just no. It would be one thing if you were sincere in wanting to save our marriage but you're not. I know you snooped in my desk and found the letter from my Father. You just want my inheritance, you don't want me or the children. For once in your life be honest."

Vallari could hardly believe what she was hearing. Where did Peter get the idea he could tell her no. She was stunned, it broke here stride and she lost her balance, sending both her and Peter to their knees. She was mortified that she fell and immediately blamed Peter.

Peter simply shook his head and skated off the rink. Vallari yelled after him that he'd be sorry. She always gets what she wants.

Generation 1,Chapter 16

The trip to China was the furthest thing you could get from a honeymoon. Upon arriving in China Vallari took off on her own to learn martial arts. She thought she looked hot in her red heels batting at the dummy. Most of the locals thought she was just another crazy tourist.

She did persevere in gaining a martial arts skill level. Once that was accomplished she was done. She didn't even attempt the board breaker, she was afraid she might bruise her hand or break a nail.

Mean while Peter had tracked her down and decided to go fishing while he waited for her to be done. He hoped she would want to go sightseeing or maybe on an adventure in one of the tombs.  

However she seemed to be taking her time. Peter suggested that maybe she'd progress quicker if she had an instructor or at the very least changed into a suitable outfit to practice in. All he got for his effort to help was a growl and a glare. After that Peter decided to leave and find somewhere else to be.

Peter went to a little farmstead where he could harvest some of the local produce and there was a pond where he could fish. He was feeling out-of-sorts at the way Vallari was acting. He thought she wanted him to come with her to China. However he was feeling if he wanted to be alone he could have stayed at home. At least there he had the kids and the plum bots for company. He thought they had finally worked out there differences and admitted their secrets to each other. But he was feeling there was something Vallari hadn't told him.

He fished for hours, trying to rationalize what Vallari had told him versus what her actions were telling him. One was the truth and he was having the unwelcome realization that her actions were speaking louder than words. He reflected upon the conversation he had with Adam before coming to China. Did Vallari make him happy? He didn't answer that question. Not that he couldn't answer it, he just didn't like the answer. Simply, no she didn't make him happy. If he was honest with himself he hadn't been happy for quite awhile.

Vallari for reasons she only knew decided to find Peter. Instead of joining Peter she decided to play her guitar. Not that she expected anyone but Peter would here it. She rather hoped it would annoy him and at the very least scare the fish. She was feeling irritable and wanted to take it out on someone. That someone was Peter, the source of her unhappiness. It grated on her that he would not be inheriting millions from his Father. How could she have been so stupid as to say she didn't marry him for his inheritance. Of course she did and if she had known he was disinherited she would have said so and her misery would be over. Life was so unfair!

Peter was becoming annoyed by the constant racket Vallari was making. Not that it had any effect on his catching fish. But she disturbed his thinking. He was wondering how he could have been so blind. Why had he been so willing to believe her? He knew deep down that she only married him for his inheritance. Why else would someone who had out right told him she was going to marry for money, marry him? He thought she had changed or maybe that was what he wanted to believe. Even the kids instincts about their mother was more accurate than his. But he had to think of their welfare. He couldn't let Vallari poison their outlook on life. They were so young and deserved to have a happy childhood.

Peter decided it was time to put an end to all this insanity. He sat down and motioned for Vallari to join him. As he spoke he couldn't keep the tears from forming and rolling down his cheeks.

"Vallari are you happy?" Peter wanted to know.

"No" Vallari said without a hint of emotion. Although she was thinking, finally this was coming to an end.

Sighing a little Peter went on "Neither am I. I know this trip was supposed to be our honeymoon but it feels more like the end. We just don't have anything in common except for the kids. But we can't stay married just for them, it'll just make them miserable in the long run. I think we should get a divorce."

"I think so too" without another word Vallari got up and left. She never shed a tear, she didn't look back all she felt was relief.

Peter sat on the ground and wept. He didn't know how it had all gone so wrong. But in his heart he knew this was the only decision he could make but it didn't make it hurt any less.

Generation 1, Chapter 15

After Brian's birthday party, Peter finally decided to have a heart to heart talk with Vallari. It started while they were playing a video game that Peter had bought for the boys to play. Peter started to tell Vallari how hurt and awful he felt to know that Vallari had researched his family. He told her it felt like she was only interested in him for the money he would possibly inherit one day. Vallari was quick to deny and expressed regret that she had not told Peter about researching his family. She said she only did it because Peter was so closed mouthed about his family, she just wanted information, it had nothing to do with money.

Vallari was very convincing, Peter continued to explain that the reason he hadn't gone into detail was that it was painful for him to talk about as he hadn't parted from his family on the best of terms. It was the closest to an honest conversation that Vallari ever had with Peter. She was sorry that Peter found out she had researched his family but she didn't really regret it

As Peter poured his heart out to her about how his parents; especially his Father, had disowned him. Vallari mentally stopped listening at the word "disowned", she asked herself if that meant he would not inherit anything! She began to regret her artfully contrived story to convince Peter she wasn't interested in his money. Now what was she going to do? She couldn't just dump him now; although she was thinking it may have been better to have let Peter dump her. Then she could have taken him for everything she could get, dump the kids and go catch someone with a bigger wallet, while she was still attractive enough to do it.

She certainly regretted inviting Peter to come with her to China. She needed to go to China to learn martial arts to advance her career. She had told Peter it would be the honeymoon they never had. She now saw it would have been a perfect opportunity to scope out a rich tourist travelling alone.

In the days leading up to their departure to China, Vallari was beginning to unravel and fray at the edges. She wished that Adam and Brian were still toddlers. That way she could stick them in the playpen and forget about them or Optimus Even would take care of them. But no, Adam would insist on reading to her while she was trying to sleep.

Or Brian would tell her stupid stories about his invisible friend, Pat. She was now thoroughly convinced that there was some kind of mental instability somewhere in Peter's family.

It was all becoming so unbearable. She finally reached her limit when Brian ate the last of the pancakes. Pancakes were her favorite and how dare Brian eat her pancakes! She followed him outside to yell at him. Poor Brian didn't know what to do. How was he supposed to know that you don't touch the pancakes because mom will go ballistic on you?

Brian discussed this with Pat. Pat had only one idea, that Vallari was off her rocker and was to be avoided at all costs. Either that or don't eat the pancakes.

Brian thought he should discuss it with Adam to see what he thought.

"Adam why is mom so mean" Brian asked.

"Born that way and getting meaner everyday" Adam replied.

"Do you think Dad knows how mean mom is?"

"Yeah, she's even meaner to him. Sometimes I wish she'd go away."

"Yeah Optimus Even is more of a mom than she is." Brian agreed.

"Wouldn't it be funny if Optimus Even had feelings and fell in love with Dad? Optimus would make a better wife than mom."

"But Gracie Loveland is prettier. Maybe if we could convince mom to leave then Dad could marry someone nicer."

"Yeah he deserves to be happy. All mom does is make him miserable." Adam agreed

The boys continued to scheme and make plans until Brian decided to go swimming with Pat.

When Peter came home from the Science lab he and Adam enjoyed some quiet time together reading books.

"Dad why did you marry Mom?" Adam asked.

"Because I loved her"

"But why, what made you love her?" Adam insisted.

"Well she made me feel like I belonged somewhere and I wasn't lonely anymore."

"Oh. Does she make you happy?"

Instead of answering Peter turned to Adam and asked "Why all the questions?"

"Just curious. Good night Dad" Adam promptly went to his room to avoid anymore questions.

Brian trusted that Adam would be able to get the information they needed from Dad as to why he married Mom. So he concentrated on his painting while Pat watched and gave him advise on how to improve. Brian loved to paint and wanted to become a famous artist. His room was filled with his artwork. He hoped that one day he would have enough paintings for his own art show. Although mom had told him he needed to become a scientist like Dad. But he told her he didn't have to because Dad said he could be anything he wanted and he wanted to be an artist!

Generation 1, Chapter 14

After returning home, Peter and Adam got busy on improving their skills. Adam has mastered chemistry. He now has the illusive potion to turn Windy real. Adam is unsure when will be the right time to use it and he rather enjoys having a friend no one else can see. Besides it's fun to see the look on his Mom's face whenever she sees him talking to Windy. He doesn't know why he finds enjoyment in irritating her but he does. 

Peter has been working hard and since he still hasn't made a decision regarding Vallari he's pretty much done everything he could to avoid thinking about it. He even worked on solving the Fermat Last Theorem computer problem that was supposed to be impossible.

He even bought some gardening pots to improve his gardening skill. The feel of dirt between his fingers helps him to relax but he's slowly coming to the realization that he has to talk to Vallari. But he knows now is not the time. Maybe after Brian's birthday party. Once he get's through planning that then he'll have a heart to heart talk with Vallari.

Meanwhile Adam was doing great in school, making the honor roll and trying to make friends. He was invited over to Dora Blanco's house after school one day. They did their homework together and then spent some talking.

Adam told her all about Windy and how she was real but no one could see her. Dora plainly told him she thought he was crazy for having an invisible friend. She was much too mature to believe in such childish things.

So Adam tried to impress her by showing off his sprite. Dora out right laughed in his face for thinking she would be interested in that absurd orange fishy looking thing. After that Adam pretty much lost all interest in trying to be friends with Dora and went home.

Peter planned on having a pool party for Brian's birthday. Once again he invited all his and Vallari's co-workers and a few of Adams friends from school. 

Brian grew up into a cute little boy, even though he needs a haircut. Brian obtained the computer whiz trait upon aging up. He also has an invisible friend, named Pat.

Brian's birthday party was really heating up, at least for the adults. The kids not so much, one even decided it was a good time to do his homework.

This guy came just so he could catch the news and I'm not sure what happened to cause that look on Gracie Loveland's face.

This guy was having way to much fun dancing on the counter tops. But it was a great party, the best one Peter has thrown yet. Unfortunately for being a pool party no one even went into the pool

Generation 1, Chapter 13

Peter and Adam arrive in the future late in the evening. It was a bumpy ride and Peter landed on his backside. Although there were people around to greet them, Adam makes a beeline to the food synthesizers. His stomach was growling before they left and now he was famished.

After getting to his feet, Peter is greeted by Jay Van Winkle a descendant of Adam's. He couldn't believe how excited Jay was to meet him. But then again maybe he would be just as excited if he were to meet an ancestor too. But it felt more than that but he didn't know what or why.

Peter felt good about meeting Jay as it confirmed his conviction that this individual wouldn't exist unless he and Vallari hadn't met and had children. But he wondered, since his children already exist, would he mess up the time line if he and Vallari were no longer together? What time paradoxes will exist if he and Vallari split up? He wanted to talk to his good friend Emit and see if he knew of any dire consequences.

While Peter was talking to Jay. Adam had eaten his first synthesized meal and found a corner where he could read a book. He's such a little nerd, he is surrounded by all kinds of new and interesting things and he reads a book.

Peter finally says goodbye to Jay promising to see him later. He and Adam find a room to sleep in and call it a night. Peters dreams are a continuation of this thoughts and he feels less than lucky.

Adam on the other had was having little boy dreams about being an astronaut and walking on the moon.

The next morning Peter had an interesting conversation with this Alien who was visiting Oasis Landing. He was asking her questions about the crashed alien space ship but for some reason she became upset and left. Shrugging off that unpleasant scene Peter decided it was time he and Adam went to Legacy Park.

"Hey Dad, that statue looks like you" Adam excitedly points at a Statue. Peter was astonished that he was staring at his statue and it finally dawned on him why people were staring at him and asking for his autograph. He spent some time staring at his statue feeling proud that he had donated all that money towards the future. He had a real legacy to be proud of and his descendants would remember his contribution. However Adam had already lost interest and was off to the next statue.

"It says here this person was the Pioneer in Robotics. Do you think that one day I could have a statue made of me? I really want to advance artificial intelligence in robotics." Adam was explaining to his Dad what he wanted to do in the future.

They spent some time in Legacy Park discussing Adams love of robotics and his desire to make an A.I. Peter suggested that they go and watch the Plum Bot competition.

However before they were able to leave this resident of Oasis Landing came running up to Peter asking for an autograph. Adam stood there wondering what the big deal was all about. This was just Dad not some big celebrity. Shrugging his shoulder Adam thought people from the future sure were weird.

Adam was fascinated by the Plum Bots in the competition and Peter picked up a book about all the different plum bots that were in the competition. He couldn't wait to read it, so while Peter went into City Hall to check the lottery records, Adam sat outside and read his book.

Peter had decided to check for additional winning lottery numbers as insurance that he would have enough money for him and the kids in case the inevitable happens. He knew if he even brought up the discussion of divorce that Vallari would take him for every dime he had. He didn't think she would fight him for custody of the kids but he wanted to have enough money to fight her if she did.

When Peter came out of City Hall with more lottery numbers, Adam came and gave him a hug.

"Thank you Dad for bringing me with you to the future."

"Hey buddy I'm glad you suggested it. I'm enjoying sharing this time with you. Now I think we should call it a night. There's more to do tomorrow."

They went back to Emits' place and Adam went to sleep dreaming about his future career. However Peter was unable to sleep and decided to sit up and read for awhile. The next morning he planned on talking to Emit and his mind was racing on what he wanted to ask him.

The next morning Peter was finally able to discuss his concerns with Emit.

"So you see Emit I'm concerned that if I and Vallari separate it will somehow impact my future descendants." Peter explained.

"Well Peter it's possible as the future is always in a state of flux. The decisions you make in your present time line will filter into the future with bigger or smaller effects. One thing you need to realize is that you have already produced the one individual that is needed to this time line. Adam will in deed become the pioneer of robotics and the legacy statue will change as it should. You and Vallari had to meet and have Adam for this to happen. However that does not mean you have to remain with her. It's possible that Vallari's attitude could disrupt the time line by making Adam not pursue robotics out of a sense of rebellion."

Peter felt better after talking with Emit. He knew it was going to be a hard decision and wished he knew exactly what he should do. However he knew that he needed to do something about Vallari cramming science down Adam's throat it would only lead to more problems, not least of all changing the time line. He wasn't sure divorce was the course he wanted to take. After all they did share some wonderful memories together and produced four beautiful children. Divorce wasn't something to take lightly and he felt he should try and preserve his marriage if at all possible.

While Peter was talking with Emit, Adam went to the Stellar Observatory and took a space training class. He was excited to practice the moon bounce he learned and immediately took to bouncing all over the place. It was a lot of fun although it would have been better if his Dad could've come with him. But he was busy talking to Emit and Adam didn't want to disturb them. He knew his Dad had something weighing on his mind lately. He just wasn't happy anymore and that made Adam sad.

Peter met up with Adam at the observatory and asked Adam what he wanted to do next. Adam wanted to check out the wastelands, he had heard that one time it used to be an ocean. Adam had fun picking crystal plants and catching nanites. Peter was intent on rummaging through junk piles. Adam wasn't sure if his dad was doing that because he was bored or if he had a purpose in doing it. He just mentally shrugged it off and said whatever makes him happy.

Eventually Adam became bored with catching nanites, so he sat down and started playing with Windy. His Dad was still intent on rummaging through junk piles. It grew darker and darker and Adam was growing uneasy at the thought of being in the wastelands at night. So he asked his Dad if he could go back to Emits' and read. Peter said it was alright and that he'd be there in a little bit but he still had to finish what he was doing. So Adam went back to Emits' wondering what his Dad had to do that was so important that he had to dig through junk piles. He didn't get it but it must be important or Dad wouldn't be doing it.

Peter was intent on finding the key to the crashed alien space ship. He was curious if there was something there that he had missed the last time he was there. He couldn't get the thought out of his mind that the alien he questioned earlier became upset because there was something she didn't want Peter to find in the ship. But unfortunately, when Peter finally found all the fragments to enter the ship there wasn't much to find. Peter was disappointed and wondered if the Alien had gotten here before him and removed everything. It was possible. So he thought he would come back at another time and search the ship again. He did find a sprite form he thought Adam would enjoy. As it was so late he decided to go back to Emits and try to get some sleep before traveling home tomorrow.