Generation 1, Chapter 33

It's been almost eight months since Jean moved in and everyone has grown to accept her as part of the family. Although Windy disliked her from the start; especially when Jean supervised her room decorating. Windy felt hindered in expressing herself and felt Jean was just like Peter, a complete control freak. She stormed out of the house and ran across the street to complain to Vallari of all the injustices she had to endure.

One day while the kids were all at school Peter surprised Jean with a ring. "Jean I love you with all my heart and would like to share my life with you from now to eternity. Will you marry me?"

Jean was extremely happy and burst into tears as she said "Yes, yes, a million times yes. I'll marry you."

Peter couldn't believe he had been given a second chance at happiness. Jean was his intellectual equal, his hearts desire, his life's joy. He felt is life's happiness was wrapped up in her.

Jean barely noticed the ring other than to notice it was exquisite. She was the happiest she'd ever been, she finally had her man, her family, the father of her child, life couldn't be any more perfect. She was perfectly content to stay within the confines of the loving arms of her husband to be. She loved Peter and his kids as if they were her own. Her anger boils over when she thinks of the ill treatment they had to endure at the hands of their mother. She see's Vallari glaring at them from across the street and how she escapes back inside if any of the kids look like they might go over there. Jean just couldn't understand how a mother could be so heartless. Her heart aches at the thought of the pain that Peter and the kids endured because of her and Jean was determined to make their home a safe and happy place.

That afternoon Peter was cooing over Jean's baby belly. He couldn't wait for the baby to be born. He felt like he did when Adam was expected, like he was experiencing this for the first time. Maybe he was trying to experience it through the eyes of Jean who was having her first child.

"So Peter, do you want a boy or a girl?" Jean asked, curious to know if he had a preference.

"It doesn't matter as long as it's healthy." Peter said continuing to talk nonsense to her belly.

"I hope he looks just like you" Jean commented.

Peter laughed and said "You must want a boy. You keep referring to the baby as he or him."

"I guess I do. Somehow I feel sure he's going to be a boy."

"Before the baby comes, did you want to redo Adams old room" Peter asked

"I might want to a little later but the new baby furniture is
perfect. Thank you for putting it together for me."

"It went pretty smoothly with Adam's help. I've been thinking that it's time to redecorate the whole house. Would you like to help with that project?"

"I've been dying to make some changes but didn't know if you wanted me to or not."

"I would love any help you can give me. Right now the house looks too much like Vallari and I want it to look more like you."

"Looks like I have my work cut out for me. Planning a wedding and remodeling the house."

"Speaking of the wedding when do you want to set the date?" Peter asked.

Thinking a moment Jean said "How about a couple months after the baby is born? Is that soon enough for you?"

"That's perfect but does that give you enough time to organize everything the way you want it?"

"I don't see why not. I don't want anything extravagant. Just a simple ceremony in the garden and a few friends and family to share our joy. My biggest concern is whether or not to redecorate before or after the wedding."

"I'd say after. It'll give you more time to do it the way you want." Peter suggested.

"Ok I'll wait. So what is my budget for this remodel?"

"I was thinking within the neighborhood of 20 to 50 thousand. Do you think that's enough?"

"That should be plenty and if not I'll make do."

Later that night they announced to the family the wedding date. Everyone was excited accept Windy. As soon as she could, she snuck across the street to tell Vallari.

"Mom" Corina began then stopped in confusion "is it alright if I call you mom?"

"Yes if you want to sweetheart." Jean said happy that Corina felt comfortable enough with her to call her mom.

"Ok I will. I like you lots more than my real mom. I wish you could switch places and be my real mom."

"Honey just because someone gives birth to a child doesn't automatically make them a mother. It takes love and understanding to be a mom."

"Then you'll be a great mom." Corina said wistfully

"Are you excited for the baby to be born?"

"Yes I am. Would you like to feel the baby kick?" Corina nodded her head as Jean took her hand and pressed it against her belly. Corina smiled in delight as she felt the baby kick.

"Does it hurt?" she asked in concern.

"Sometimes. But he can't help it. He's in such a small confined space. When he's born, do you want to help me take care of him? He'll need lots of help because he'll be so small."

"I'd like that. I want to be a good big sister."

"I'm sure you will be." As Jean said that she felt severe cramps. Panting a little in pain she was concerned that Corina might panic.

"Mom are you ok?" Corina cried in panic.

"I'm fine. The baby's coming. Get your Father." Jean said between stabs of pain.
 

 

Corina ran from the room shouting "Dad come quick. The baby's coming!" Peter was downstairs working in the lab, when he heard Corina shouting for him. Leaving his experiment, he ran up the stairs, knowing something wasn't right. When he reached the top of the stairs, Corina ran to him in relief and hastily told him "The baby's coming, hurry!"

Peter quickly grabbed the bags Jean had ready by the door and helped Jean out to the car. He told Adam that he was in charge and he would call once the baby was born. They arrived at the hospital in plenty of time. Eight hours later Jean gave birth to a baby boy they named Elliot. Elliot was born with the loves the outdoors and loves the heat traits.

 

A few days later they left the hospital and brought Elliot home. Everyone was excited to meet their new brother. Once Jean was feeling up to it she started to remodel the house, feeling there were some things she wanted to change before the wedding.

 

 

Generation 1, Chapter 32

A couple months later Jean came over to the house after all the kids had left for school. Jean had something important to discuss with Peter and didn't want to be distracted by children in the house; especially since she didn't know how Peter would react to what she had to tell him.

"Peter you remember the night we went to the karaoke bar?"

"Sure, it's a night I'll always remember" Peter confirmed with a smile. "Why?"

"Well, um I'm pregnant"

"What! How? I mean, I know how, but." Peter stammered in surprise.

"The photo booth."

"Oh we didn't use..."

"No we didn't and now I'm pregnant."

"This is great" Peter enthused "I'll help you through this You won't be doing this alone."

Smiling in relief, Jean was glad she had told Peter about the baby instead of listening to her roommate. Her roommate thought she ought to give the baby up for adoption saying Jean was too young to become a mother. However Jean always knew family would be more important than her career. So what the baby came earlier than planned; although it would have been nice to have waited until after she was married and settled.

As if reading her mind Peter suggested "I know this may be rushing things a bit but why don't you move in with us."

Hesitating a bit Jean said "Peter I'd love to but what about your kids? Wouldn't they be upset if  I just moved in?"

"They'll be ok with it I'm sure of it. But your right I should find out how they feel about it first. But it would give you an opportunity to get to know them better and decide whether you want to be a stepmother to my kids."

"Ok I will if it's alright with the kids."

Peter was so excited and happy that we took Jean into his arms and kissed her. He couldn't wait to tell the kids. He felt he was the luckiest man alive.

After Jean left and the kids came home from school, Peter decided it was time to talk with each separately. He decided to approach Doloris first, she was the one he feared would react most negatively to Jean moving in. He found her having a snack with Brian.

"Doloris you have a minute to talk with me?"

"Sure Dad. What about?"

"Well you know I've been dating Jean for a while now and I wanted to know how you felt about it."

Shrugging her shoulders Doloris said "She's ok I guess."

"Well I like her a lot and would like her to come and live with us."

"You're not thinking of marrying her, are you?"

"I'm thinking about it. Wouldn't you like to have a mom to talk to at times?"

"Not really. The first one wasn't so great. What if this one is worse?"

"I don't think that's even possible." Peter sighed. He had hoped for a more positive response from Doloris and he was beginning to wonder if this was a good idea.

"Dad" Doloris' voice broke into Peter's thoughts.

"Yes sweetheart."

"Does Jean make you happy?"

"Yes she does" Peter responded with a smile.

"Ok. I'll try to like her because I want you to be happy too." With that Doloris got up and went outside to play.

Peter was pleasantly surprised with Doloris' response. But he was also encourage as she was his most opinionated child and if she was willing to give Jean a chance then he knew the others would too.

Next he sought out Brian who was busy practicing chess. Peter challenged him to a game, he enjoyed how Brian's mind worked and playing chess with him was a challenge.

"So Brian do you like Jean?"

"She's really nice and she want's me to teach her how to play chess. Yeah I like her." Brian responded while trying to concentrate on the game.

"How would you feel if she came to live with us?

"That'd be ok. Does that mean you're going to get married?"

Smiling a little Peter said "Well I have to ask her first."

"Well, what are you waiting for?"

"I wanted to know how you guys felt about it first."

"I'm ok with it and I know Adam is. He told me you would probably ask Jean to marry you. He said some other stuff about how great it is to be in love but it was getting a bit mushy so I tuned him out. Do you think he's in love with Windy? I hope not. She's not very nice."

Peter was amazed at the keen insight that Brian was offering regarding Windy.   Peter wished he knew what he should do about her.  Brian was right, she was disturbingly too much like Vallari for him to even want to give her a chance. He hoped that Adam wouldn't get hurt. He wondered if he should put forth more of an effort to get to know her better. But her whole attitude was such a turn off that he felt most comfortable not acknowledging her.

After the game was finished and Brian gloated in his win, Peter went upstairs hoping to find Corina. However he found Windy first doing her homework. She looked like she could use some help.

"Need any help?" Peter offered.

"No if I needed help I would of asked. It's just a stupid book report that I forgot about." Eyeing Peter for a moment she continued "What's this I hear about you wanting to get married again?"

"Thinking about it." Peter didn't feel comfortable discussing it with Windy and decided to change the subject. "I've been thinking about adding on to the house, so that you and Adam could each have a room of your own."

"Well it's about time and I better be able to decorate my room anyway I want."

"Within reason" Peter agreed.

"Exactly what does that mean?" Windy heatedly responded taking offense.

"Just that the decorating be in good taste and within budget."

"How could I forget who I was talking too. The control freak strikes again."

Control freak? Peter thought he was a lot of things but control freak wasn't one of them He looked at Windy and mulled over what she just said. Then he shook his head in disbelief. If he could he would send her to live with Vallari but he wouldn't do that even to his worst enemy.

After speaking with Windy, he noticed his stomach had become upset. He wondered if an antacid would help calm his stomach He had hoped that his stomach was better as it had been a few weeks since he had felt nauseous.   Attempting to ignore his upset stomach, he went in search of Corina. He found her downstairs watching Adam run on the treadmill.

"Hey honey, have something on your mind?"

Shrugging, Corina turned towards her Dad and said "No I mean yes, well sorta."

"Want to talk about it?"

Nodding her head she asked "Are you going to ask Jean to marry you?"

"I'm thinking about it. Does that bother you?"

"No she's really nice and she's pretty but, I don't know."

"Corina what's bothering you about it? Are you afraid she'll take your place and I won't love you as much?"

Looking up to her Dad she whispered "Yes"

"That's just impossible. I'll always love you no matter what. My heart is big enough for you, your sister, your brothers and Jean."

"Really?" Corina asked

"Yes really, truly and always." Peter said giving her a hug. "Now off to bed with you."

After Corina went upstairs to bed. Peter stood there watching Adam run on the treadmill, wondering if he should interrupt him or wait until he was done. He wanted to thank him for speaking with Brian and preparing him. However before he could decide, his stomach twisted in pain and it felt like someone was stabbing him with a knife. He rushed to the bathroom where he felt so wretched that dying might be welcome relief.

Adam had observed that his Dad had been talking to the kids all evening. He was glad he had spoken to Brian before hand to ease him into the idea. He became concerned that his Dad was obviously ill again and he couldn't help but reflect upon the nightmare he had a while back. He hoped that Jean could convince him to see a doctor. He wondered if he should mention it to her now so that she could help.

Generation 1, Chapter 31

The following weekend Peter decided to teach Adam how to drive. Adam was a cautious driver and crept slowly along the roads of Appaloosa Plains.

"Hey Dad, why don't we stop at the salon and get you that tattoo you said you'd think about getting." Adam jokingly said as they slowly drove past.

"Sure why not" Peter agreed.

"No kidding?" Adam asked hardly believing this was his Dad.

"Yeah I'm in the mood to try something different."

"But it's a tattoo. It's kinda permanent."

"I'm well aware of that."

"So is this some sort of mid-life crisis or something."

"No. I'm not that old, kiddo."

"So can I get one too?"

"No, not until your older. As you said, it's kinda permanent and you'll want to make sure it's something you want to live with for a while."

So Adam helped his Dad pick out a tattoo and decided where to put it. It was an interesting process and until Peter was put into this funky machine to have the tattoo inked. They were told it was the latest in tattoo technology but it reminded Adam of Mid-evil torture devices he had read about in the history books. He was kinda glad he wasn't getting a tattoo himself. He may even rethink the whole idea. But his Dad's tattoo looked pretty good though.

Afterwards Adam drove them home, getting more confident behind the wheel every time he drove. He couldn't wait until he finished his driving lessons, took his driving test and was a licensed driver.

While Adam was learning how to drive, Windy was getting dressed for the prom. She wanted to look perfect for this night and she hoped that Adam would get home soon so that he wouldn't embarrass her by not looking perfect for her big night. She knew she was going to be made prom queen and if she wasn't than someone was going to pay.

Adam got home with just enough time to change clothes and brush his teeth. He was not looking forward to going to prom but he knew how much Windy was looking forward to it. He just hoped it was all she was expecting and he even arranged for a limo to come and pick them up.

Adam and Windy arrived early and stayed late; although Adam would have liked to have stayed home. Upon Windy's insistence he danced every dance and waited on Windy making sure she had everything she wanted. He was astonished that he was voted prom king and Windy was voted prom queen. He didn't want to go up in front of everyone and be presented with a crown but he had little choice as Windy grabbed is arm and dragged him up to the stage. Windy was ecstatic about being made prom queen and made Adam wear his crown for the rest of the night with her. It was a perfect night, that could have been made even more perfect if Adam would have agreed to go to the after party.

"Come on Adam, everyone else is going. They expect us to go."

"No I told Dad that we would come right home after prom."

"Don't be such a goodie two shoes. Have some fun" Windy tried to convince him to break curfew.

"No I've been in enough trouble lately. All they're going to be doing is drinking and that's not what I call fun."

"Come on live a little. How do you know you won't like it until you try it?"

"Windy I said no. Go if you want to but I'm going home."

"You'll cover for me?"

"No way. You get caught you pay the consequences."

Windy glared at him for a moment not liking that he wouldn't do what she wanted. But when the limo came to take them home, she followed Adam and sulked all the way home.

The following weekend, Adam agreed to stay home and babysit the kids while his Dad went out on a date with Jean. Adam was glad to help out as he could tell his Dad was looking forward to going out. It was good to see him happy for a change.

Adam met up with Jean at the local karaoke bar; although he hoped he wouldn't have to sing. He wondered why he choose this place, instead of someplace else. Oh well he was here and it was going to be a good night no matter what. He was going to see Jean again and he could feel his heart beating faster with anticipation.

Jean talked him into singing a song with her and as they were about to leave the stage she surprised him with a bouquet of flowers. She could tell that the whole singing in front of people was not Peter's element but she was glad he tried and she wanted to show him how much she appreciated his effort.

Afterwards Jean took Peter to the second floor, where they spent an hour or so playing video games together. It was a good way to unwind and Jean could tell this was more to Peter's liking than being the center of attention. She wanted a picture as a memento of their first date and suggested they go into the photo booth.

Peter went in first and Jean followed and what was supposed to be an innocent photo op turned into something so much more. The pictures, well they won't be mentioned and were discreetly shredded once Peter got home that night. But the memories lived on.

It was a magical night and as Peter held Jean's hands in his he knew he wanted her to be in his life forever. He only hoped she felt the same.

Generation 1, Chapter 30

Adam decided to clean the house before his Father came home, knowing that he might not be in a good mood from having to cut his trip short. Adam didn't regret egging his mother's house, only he wished it hadn't ruined his Father's trip. He was a little nervous to see his Dad knowing he had disappointed him. He should have used more sense or at least waited until she had gone to work. Adam sighed heavily knowing that it couldn't be undone no matter how much he wished he could go back and do it differently.

After cleaning the house Adam waited nervously for his Dad to come home. He tried to read his favorite book but he couldn't concentrate. He kept worrying about what his Dad would say or how he was going to react. He hoped that his mother wasn't anxiously waiting for his Dad to come home. He wouldn't put it past her to confront Peter before he was able to make it inside the house. That would be the absolute worst thing that could happen.

After moping around the house, Adam decided he needed to do something, anything to distract himself from his thoughts. He joined Windy outside playing soccer. The exercise was exactly what he needed and he was soon working up a sweat. At times like this he was glad he made Windy real. At least she was pretty and everyone at school thought she was his girlfriend. Well maybe she is but sometimes he just didn't know what she was thinking. He hoped his Dad would except her into the family. 

When Adam and Windy were tired of playing soccer they went inside. Windy followed Adam into the lab and decided to investigate the chemistry table. She mixed a few chemicals together and when nothing happened she mixed a few more. She was becoming pretty frustrated with her lack of results when all of a sudden everything blew up. She was a mess, covered in goo and she became enraged when she heard Adam laughing at her. She stormed out of the room to the basement bathroom to shower, vowing she would never touch chemistry again.

 Adam had started to take an interest in his Dad's science station and he enjoyed all the science experiments he could conduct. He had been busy analyzing a seed he had found outside when he heard the explosion. He wasn't surprised when Windys' experiment blew-up, he knew the chemicals she mixed were incompatible but he refrained from saying anything. The best way to learn was from your mistakes and he knew that Windy wouldn't have listened to any suggestions either, so he just let her do what she wanted. He rather hoped she would give up eventually, he didn't want to share the lab with her. This was his retreat where he and his Dad could talk. While Adam was busy with his research his Dad came home.

As Peter was paying the taxi driver, Vallari had run across the street and was impatiently waiting for Peter.

"Do you know what your son did?" Vallari angrily asked as the taxi drove off

Sighing heavily Peter nodded his head, picking up his bags to go into the house.

"Well aren't you going to say anything?"

"Like what?"

"You could apologize for your son's rude behavior. Offer to pay for the damage to my door and for my emotional stress. You could be a Father instead of gallivanting all over the country."

"I was on a business trip not a pleasure cruise. I've been in contact with the police and the insurance adjusters. Everything is taken care of. Neither I nor my son need to apologize, least of all to you. Now get off my property before I call the cops and have you arrested for trespassing." Peter walked passed her and into the house. He briefly looked out the window to see Vallari standing with her mouth open staring at the house. Finally she stormed off across the street and slammed her door.

Peter shook his head wondering what he had ever seen in her. Whatever it was, was no longer there. But he couldn't regret his marriage to her as that would mean regretting the four beautiful children that both he and Vallari made together. He put his things away, stalling for time before confronting Adam. He couldn't really see himself punishing Adam for egging Vallari's house but he knew he couldn't let Adam feel his behavior was acceptable either. He eyed his bed wishing he could just lay down for a while, resisting the urge, he went downstairs to the lab.

He watched Adam absorbed in his research and his heart swelled in pride. "Adam we need to talk" Peter said quietly from across the room.

Adam looked up from his work and nodded and quietly put his work away. Walking over to Peter he said "Dad I'm sorry".

"I know son. But why? Why did you do it?"

Hanging his head Adam shrugged his shoulders "I don't know. At the time it felt right. I had to do something. She was responsible for my car being stolen and I wanted to get even. I know I shouldn't have done it. I, I ruined your trip."

"Son don't worry about the trip. I would have liked to have stayed for all of it but nothing is more important than my family. I understand how frustrated you were over your car. But what proof do you have that Vallari orchestrated the stealing of your car?"

"Dad you heard her when she left my birthday party. Then the missing burglar alarm. It all points to her. She had to have done it, I know it."

"Pretty convincing but no proof. So you let your anger and frustration get the best of you and you egged your mother's house. Did you feel better after vandalizing her house?"

"Yes, I mean she deserved it but when the police arrived I knew they would call you and you would be disappointed in me and I'm sorry for that."

"Son I may be disappointed by your actions but I could never be disappointed in you."

"So do I have to apologize to her?"

"No. However you will not go to her house for any reason unless she invites you. Even then you are not to go alone. I would not put it past her to try to set you up. Is that ok with you?"

Smiling in relief Adam shook his head in agreement. "Dad how was your trip?"

"It was good" Peter answered with a smile remembering the night before and a pair of beautiful blue eyes in moonlight.

"Oh I see you met someone, didn't you?" Adam guessed.

"Yes I did. A pretty young lab assistant. I'd like to see her again. If I did, would you have a problem with it?"

"Of course not. You deserve to be happy Dad. So when do we get to meet her?"

"I don't know. I haven't even asked her out yet. But she knows all about you guys."

"That's good then we won't scare her off. So bring her over sometime so we can meet her. But um Dad, I have a little problem I'm hoping you can help me with."

"What kind of problem son?"

"Well remember when I was a kid I had an imaginary friend named Windy?"

"Yeah I remember something about it. Why?"

"Well I sorta made her real. I thought she would help me with the kids while you was gone. But she caused more problems than helped and I was kinda hoping you would know how to reverse it."

"So I gather you discovered the potion on the chemistry table on how to do that."

"Yeah a long time ago but with the divorce and everything I didn't use it until now."

"I see but now your creation is becoming a little annoying."

"Kinda. I still like her but I think she made a better imaginary friend than a reel one. I don't know, she kinda reminds me of someone but I don't know who."

"Son I don't know of any way of reversing the potion. I wish you had waited until I was home or at least discussed it with me before you did this. But since it's done the only thing we can do is help her adjust to the real world. So where is she?"

Adam went to find Windy and brought her into the lab to meet his Dad. Adam introduced them and then listened quietly while his Dad explained the house rules to her. As feared, Windy disliked being told what to do and she especially disliked the idea of rules. She had pretty much did whatever she wanted until Peter came home and didn't like that it had all changed because an adult was taking charge. Adam was glad though as he was tired of having all the responsibility, he just wanted to be a carefree teen again.

After meeting Windy, Peter understood why Adam thought she reminded him of someone. She was remarkably similar to Vallari. Peter sincerely hoped Adam would not let himself believe he was in love her. He would not turn her out of the house, not matter who she reminds him of, she needed someone to take care of her, whether she thought so or not. It had been a long and exhausting day so Peter decided to turn in early.

The next morning Peter got the kids up and off to school and left for work. All day his thoughts kept turning to Jean and their moonlight stroll. He thought about their first kiss and the way she felt in his arms. He hoped to see her in the lab but remembered she was still at the conference and she wouldn't be back for another day.

When Peter came home from work, he checked the mail and found a letter from Jean. He felt his heart skip a beat and he was still smiling after he had finished reading her letter. As soon as he came into the house, he sat down and wrote her back. He found the words were just flowing and he poured his heart out to her. He knew he had to see her again.



 

Generation 1, Chapter 29

Adam couldn't believe his car was stolen. Worse he knew his mother was responsible. How could she be so mean? Why couldn't she just leave them alone? What makes her enjoy causing us so much pain? It's like breaking his Dad's heart wasn't bad enough, she had keep one inflicting everyone with pain. He stood outside staring at the spot where his car should have been. He knew if he asked, his Dad would give him another car. That wasn't the point, why should his Dad pay for what that woman did? Why should they all pay for her evil ways? Why couldn't she just let them be happy? Why couldn't she just ruin her own life instead of trying to ruin theirs too?

All these thoughts continued to run through his mind until he wanted to scream. Becoming chilled from the cool night air, Adam made his way inside. He was unable to settle down and let go of his ill feelings toward his mother. However he forced himself to lie down until he drifted off into an uneasy and fitful sleep.

He was in a room waiting for someone, anyone to help him. His brother and sisters were clinging to him, sobbing and no matter what he said or did consoled them. He frantically looked for his Dad but he couldn't find him. He started to search for him down a hallway that led to another. There was a single closed door at the far end. He slowly walked towards that door, fighting the floor that sank beneath his feet, he tried to run but the hallway seemed to get longer and longer the harder he tried to reach that door. He struggled and stretched and as he grasped the handle in his hands, Brian, Corina and Doloris were all their clinging to him, begging him not to open that door. He had too, it was important that he open that door. He pushed as hard as he could and the door finally opened and he screamed as he saw his Dad lying motionless in a hospital bed with Vallari standing over him, laughing. As he turned to run, Vallari reached out and grabbed his arm and brutally announced "your father is dead and you're all coming to live with me."

He awoke with a start shouting 'No' and choking on sobs. He had tears streaming down his cheeks and the pillow was wet. Shakily he ran his hands across his face and through his hair, trying to convince himself it was just a dream. But he couldn't shake the horrible feeling that something wasn't right with his Dad. He knew his Dad hadn't felt well for awhile, but he thought it was just the flu. Could it be something worse? Was he pretending he was alright so that his children wouldn't worry? Could he be deathly ill? No Adam firmly told himself it was just a dream and everything was ok.

Noticing the time he quickly got the kids up for school. He even had to get Windy up, she wasn't as much help ass he had hoped she would be. She always slept late and refused to help with the younger kids. All she cared about was having fun and causing trouble as she was constantly pulling pranks. That morning as the kids were trying to get ready for school, Windy booby trapped the shower and died Corina's hair a horrid shade of yellow and then Doloris was soaked when she tried to wash her cereal bowl. Adam couldn't help but wonder why Windy wouldn't help him instead of tormenting the little kids.

He tried to explain to her that he needed help but she refused to listen. Lately Adam has begun to feel it might have been a mistake to have made Windy real. But there was nothing he could do about it now. He wondered if his Dad would know how to reverse it. Until he was able to talk to his Dad, he gave her his room and moved back in with his Dad.

 After watching that everyone, especially Windy got on the bus and left for school, he contemplated going back to bed. However he wasn't ready to repeat the dream he just had, it still had him feeling unsettled. Turning to go back inside he glanced across the street and glared at his mother's house. Smirking a little he went inside and gathered some eggs. He walked across the street and starting throwing eggs at Vallari's house. 

He didn't stop throwing eggs even when she came outside to investigate. He rather hoped she would get in the way of one of his eggs. He didn't intend to stop until his eggs were gone. He heard his mother screaming at him to stop and something about calling the cops. He didn't care, she had it coming, that and worse. He was almost out of eggs when the cops showed up. His mother was shouting spiteful words at him but he just ignored her, refusing to look at her or acknowledge she was talking to him. 

The officer took one look at Vallari and the egg mess on her front door and walked over to Adam and escorted him to her patrol car. Vallari was still shouting about how she was going to sue for damages and the officer calmly went to speak with her and to assess the damage. She calmly explained that eggs, other than leaving an ugly mess didn't cause any damage, at least not enough to sue over. After speaking with Vallari for sometime she drove Adam to his house.

"Adam I will have to inform your Father about what you did to your mothers house and he will have to cut his business trip short so that he can arrange compensation to his ex-wife for the mess you made. No matter what your grievances are with your mother is not justification for vandalizing her property."

Adam just sat there, staring glumly out the window. Wondering what his Dad would say when he heard what he had done. He didn't regret egging her house but he felt bad that he was going to his Dad to be disappointed in him. That was worse than the humiliation of getting caught and riding in a cop car. He couldn't help but feel he had made things worse and from the look he saw on his mother's face, she was going to seek some sort of revenge.

Peter received the call from the Appaloosa police department later that night. He agreed to cut his trip short and made arrangements to fly home the next night. There was a meeting he couldn't miss the following morning but after that he would be able to leave. The police informed him that they would be keeping on eye on the house until he got back as they didn't want anymore disturbances. Peter doubted that there would be anymore and he doubted that Adam would risk it. He wondered what happened to cause his normally level headed son to lash out at his mother.

After speaking with the police, Peter didn't feel up to going back into the meeting that he had been in. So he decided to go outside for some fresh air. It had been a good few days, he felt rested but the nausea and lightheadedness still persisted. He wondered if he should see a doctor but he doubted he would find the time in his busy schedule to do so. Surely it would get better on it's own he told himself, ignoring the voice in his head telling him that it had already been a couple of weeks and he still didn't feel any better.

"Peter, are you alright?" Peter turned around as he heard someone call his name. He smiled when he saw it was the pretty new scientist at the lab approaching him.

"Yeah I'm alright. Just needed some air."

"I was concerned that maybe you were ill or something when you left so abruptly from the meeting. I wanted to make sure you were alright."

"Thank you but I'm alright. I just had an emergency call from home. My son egged his mothers house and got caught. So after tomorrow's meeting I'm going to have leave and go home and take care of it." Peter explained not sure why he felt the need to tell her about but it felt good to talk to someone.

"Oh how many kids do you have?"

"Four, two boys and twin girls" Peter proudly said. They spent some time talking about his kids and how proud he was of each one of them.

"You said that your son egged his mother's house. Are you divorced?" she inquired.

"Yeah it was a doomed marriage from the start but I didn't realize until much later. The only good thing that came out of it my kids."

"So you have custody of the kids I take it."

"Yes, Vallari wasn't much of a mother and I lucked out on getting a Judge that listened to what the kids wanted. Ms DeGraf it was nice talking to you but I should probably go and pack my things."

"Ok if you want but I thought that it would be nice to go for a stroll. It's a nice night, your welcome to join me if you'd like and you can call me Jean."

Peter knew he should go and pack but how often would he have the opportunity to enjoy the company of a pretty young woman. So he opted to enjoy himself and let responsibilities wait.

He enjoyed his time with Jean, she was so different from Vallari and seemed to be interested in him and his family. Peter learned that Jean was a genius, a computer whiz, was family oriented, loved animals and a great kisser. He hadn't meant to kiss her but looking into her eyes and seeing how the moonlight sparkled in them he got caught up in the moment and kissed her.

He was even more surprised when she returned the kiss. It had been so long since he had been in a relationship and this felt so right. He remembered his mother telling him that he would meet someone but he had laughed and said that he didn't want to be that vulnerable again. He may have been wrong and it might be time to take a chance.

They sat and watched the stars and talked until late at night. Peter sharing his hopes and dreams he had for his kids and every minute they spent together, Peter felt himself falling in love with her. He had always believed in love at first sight. He thought he had found it with Vallari but it was just a mirage, something that Vallari created but wasn't real. How would he know if this was real? Can he trust what was happening? How would it affect the children?