Generation 1, Chapter 34

It was a busy couple of months after Elliot was born. Jean was busy planning the wedding and finalizing the guest list. They both decided to have an informal ceremony and reception in the garden. Peter was disappointed that his parents couldn't make it to the wedding but he knew they were happy for him and Jean.

The only thing that marred the happy festivities was Jean's concern over Peter's health. She knew something wasn't right but he kept saying he ate something that upset his stomach or he was dizzy from the chemicals in the lab at work. It all seemed reasonable but still the nagging worry persisted. She would feel better if he would just go and see a doctor. However she decided to wait until after the wedding, hoping that it was just a major case of butterflies making Peter's stomach more upset than usual.

The day of the wedding finally arrived and everyone gathered in the garden. The happy couple met under the arch and as the ceremony began, everyone's attention was diverted towards the lone figure running across the street shouting to stop the wedding. Vallari entered the garden as the guests parted to let her in, unsure what she was planning to do.

"Stop the wedding!" Vallari panted out of breath "They can't get married. I won't allow it." She tried to get closer but Crash and Optimus Even blocked her path.

"You should leave" Crash told her.

"I will not" Vallari obstinately refused to leave. "Why should he be happy when I'm miserable!" Vallari cried when she realized that no one was going to help her stop the wedding. Worse they were actively preventing her from approaching the bride and groom.

Peter didn't know what to do when he saw Vallari sprint across the road bent on stopping the wedding. He was afraid she would attempt something like this when she saw the ceremony begin. Peter was thankful that Crash and Optimus Even had his back and stopped her. He thought he should try to talk some sense into her but as he hadn't been able to do that all the years they had been married he doubted it would do much good. Also it would take attention from Jean and focus it on Vallari, which ultimately was what Vallari wanted. He refused to be diverted by Vallari and he was certain he was right when he felt Jean's hand slide into his, giving him strength and comfort. He turned away from the spectacle that was Vallari and focused completely on Jean.

They said their own vows to the sounds of Vallari's sobs and shared their first kiss as husband and wife. As they turned to their friends and family, Peter knew that this was the happiest day of his life and that no matter what Vallari did or said could change that. His children were there sharing in his joy and he hoped that some day he would see them all happily married and that they wouldn't experience the heartache he had in marrying the wrong person.

Jean joyously held Peter's hand in hers and drew him towards the cake. Then they sliced the cake and made their way through the guests, being stopped along the way receiving well wishes from everyone there. It couldn't be better, Jean thought until she caught the glare that Vallari threw at her from across the garden. She couldn't help but wonder why Vallari was there. What drove a person to be where they were not wanted and where they were obviously not happy to be? Why did she persist in wanting to cause so much pain and grief? She had an unwelcome feeling that she was going to have an unpleasant confrontation with that woman, she just hoped it wasn't today.

The kids were mortified by the actions of their Mother but they were glad that their Dad and Jean did not dignify her by responding to her. They were happy to have a new mother, one they were secure in knowing she cared about them and would do anything for them. Adam felt especially uncomfortable with Vallari there and attempted to stay out of her way as much as possible. Although he was concerned by the obvious friendship between Windy and Vallari. He wasn't sure he liked that development and he noticed how delighted Windy seemed to be at the uneasiness his parents were experiencing due to Vallari appearance. Maybe it hadn't been a good idea for him to have agreed to be Windy's boyfriend. Somehow he had the uncomfortable feeling that he had been manipulated and he wondered if it was Vallari pulling the strings, coaching Windy on what to do to get him to do exactly what she wanted. Maybe he had nothing to worry about, he most certainly was not getting married anytime soon and definitely not to Windy.

Windy delighted in the aftermath of Vallari's appearance at the wedding. She especially liked the glares exchanged between Peter and Vallari and the stunned look Jean had when Vallari glared at her. Windy followed Vallari into the house after picking up a slice of cake. As she entered the dining room she smirked in anticipation when she saw Peter, Jean and Vallari were the only ones in the room. 'Oh this is going to be good' Windy thought to herself.

Peter looked up as he noticed Jean stand up beside him. "Oh this isn't going to be good" Peter thought as he saw the glare Vallari was giving Jean.

Jean took a deep breath and said "Vallari I would appreciate it if you would leave."

Smirking a little Vallari said "Why should I?"

Trying to keep a lid on her temper Jean said "You weren't invited. It's just plain rude to show up at someone's wedding without an invitation."

Smiling nastily Vallari diverted her attention to Peter. "What's the matter Petey? You need this little girl to fight your battles for you? You never did have much backbone."

"Vallari I believe my wife asked you to leave." Peter said supporting Jean and deciding not to rise to the bait Vallari provided to get into a fight with her.

Setting her cake down, Vallari ignored Peter and decided to come to the point of what she wanted to say. "Listen girlie, you are not my kid's mother. They are not to be calling you mother. I won't have it, do you hear me?"

Taking a deep breath, Jean put a hand on Peter's should to reassure him she could handle this  and said "Our kids will call us Mom and Dad. We are their parents, we love and care for them. You lost that right when you act like a monster.  If you don't like it that's just to bad."

Vallari was silent for a moment but before she was able to respond she was interrupted by someone clapping enthusiastically. Adam was never more proud of Jean than he was at that moment. He was glad someone other that his Dad stood up to Vallari. He couldn't help himself when he started clapping in agreement. From that moment on Jean became his mother from that day forward. As far as he was concerned Vallari ceased to exist and he was delighted when his siblings joined him in clapping. Vallari didn't know what to do, she had never had to face them all at once, and not one of them was on her side. She glanced around the room for Windy, for some support but Windy was already retreating and backing out of the room. Vallari whirled around and left saying "You haven't heard the last of me. I'll have my revenge I promise you that."