Generation 1, Chapter 20

Corina and Doloris didn't quite understand what was going on. They thought it was strange that their parents no longer spoke to each other. Peter tried to keep their arguments to a minimum while the children were at home. It was especially easy to do since Vallari was spending less time at home then usual and when she is home everyone tries to stay out of her way.

Brian finally decided that he needed a haircut and to go with that haircut he decided to change his image. Although he isn't sure about this tie, his mother insisted he wear it. He didn't want Vallari making a scene in the store, so he agreed to wear it. 

Vallari insisted that the girls learn ballet. Doloris was less than thrilled with the idea but decided to try it. Although she would rather have pursued her interest in chemistry; especially after rolling wishes to learn all the potions.

"Dad why do I have to learn ballet?"

"I thought you wanted to" Peter said, somewhat confused.

"Not really. Mom said I had to and it didn't seem like I had a choice."

"Hmmm sometimes your Mom doesn't listen to what others want. So if you don't want to learn ballet, what do you want to do?"

"I would rather learn chemistry and work with you and Adam in the lab." Doloris stated. She had already mastered the logic skill and wanted to build on that.

Peter's heart was warmed by the thought of teaching Doloris chemistry and sharing his knowledge with her. However he knew that this would cause another unpleasant confrontation with Vallari.

"Dad, I could continue to take ballet but I really need something intellectually stimulating to do" using a phrase she had found in a book she was reading. Doloris was willing to compromise and do something she didn't want to do, to get something she wanted. She had already figured out that quitting ballet would only cause more stress in the house.

Peter gave it some thought and decided that now wasn't a good time to start Doloris on chemistry lessons. At least not until he managed to get Vallari out of the house. He knew it would be a source of contention between Doloris and her mother. As much as he disliked Vallari, he didn't want the children to hate their mother. So he decided to give Doloris a telescope to learn astronomy.

Doloris was excited when she discovered her first star. She named that star Peter after her Dad. Now ballet lessons didn't seem so bad since she had something else to do that she enjoyed. She couldn't wait to start her chemistry lessons; although she agreed to devote her time to astronomy for awhile.

Corina on the other hand loved ballet and was practicing all the time. She would happily dance than do homework, she didn't understand the need to acquire knowledge about anything else. The only thing that would make it better, would be to set up the ballet bar outside.
 

Meanwhile Vallari was spending more time in front of the mirror, obsessing over any signs of aging. She knew her time was running out and she had to figure out how to push Peter into paying her price. She was fast approaching her birthday and becoming an elder and she knew once she lost her looks it would be almost impossible to snare another victim err husband