Long Long Way to Happy
Coming home wasn't everything Adam expected. He had looked forward to spending extra time with his son, he had all summer before he had to go back to college in the fall. His plan faltered in the face of one very cranky toddler.
"No Daddy, go way," Heath said pushing on his leg.
Adam looked down at his son, wondering why he was acting this way. All he wanted to do was spend quality time with him and this is what he got. He should have known that Heath would be acting out. He was too young to understand why his daddy was gone all the time. Adam understood but it didn't lesson his frustration as he listened to his son whine and fuss, repeating for him to go away.
"Heath, honey Daddy isn't going anywhere. I'm home and I missed you."
"Daddy home?" he asked tearfully looking up.
"That's right," Adam said smiling down at him. He was amazed at how much his son had grown in the past year. He was almost four years old and beginning to learn so much. He missed watching him discover the world around him, he worried that maybe he was missing too much of his son's life.
"Do you want me to go away?" Adam asked. His answer was a quick tug on his pants leg as Heath grabbed him.
"Daddy stay," he demanded sticking out his bottom lip pouting as he thought his daddy would leave.
"Easy there bud, I'm not going anywhere. Adam said sitting down to play with his son. He dreaded the time when he had to go back to college. He had one more year to go, then he'd have his degree, he would be home for good.
Adam marveled at his father's ability to juggle the needs of all his kids. It left him envious of his parenting skills, he made it look so easy. He watched as Peter grabbed Grace as she ran past him and scooped her up under his arm as he helped Faith with her homework. Faith tried so hard but struggled with her school work. She found reading difficult and was taking summer school to maintain her grades so that she wouldn't be left behind.
Faith's reading problems was a mystery, she wasn't dyslexic, yet she struggled to keep the words and letters from becoming jumbled in her mind. She was able to explain and answer questions about the material if someone read it to her but to do it herself, it came out a jumbled mess. It was almost like it turned into a foreign language that her brain couldn't translate. A simple assignment that took Grace minutes to complete had Faith struggling to complete hours later.
Adam didn't know how his father managed the patience to assist her every night, to explain it to her in a way she could understand. He never seemed to lose his patience as she struggled and yet he managed to not to neglect anyone else. Adam hoped he would be half the parent his father was; although he felt he was failing miserably.
Heath sat on the floor staring at the doll in front of him. "Don't like," he complained out loud as Jean walked by.
Stopping, she picked him up asking "what don't you like?"
Pointing down "don't like ugly doll."
"Oh Elliot had one of those when he was little," Jean smiled remembering how he would insist the doll was real. She frowned wondering if Elliot had given Heath his old doll. If he didn't, where did this one come from? The girls didn't have rag dolls they preferred playing with Barbies instead.
Seeing Adam coming towards her, she put Heath down. "Adam do you know where this doll came from?"
Looking down, Adam felt his heart drop to his stomach as he saw the doll he had thrown away when Heath was a baby. Windy must have found it and sent it here. Before he was able to answer, they were diverted by Heath who was fussing at the doll.
"Don't look at me, ugly doll," slapping it face down on the floor. Tugging on Adam's leg he firmly announced "don't like ugly doll."
Adam patted his head as he bent down and picked up the doll. "It's alright son, I'll get rid of it for you"
Smiling brightly he said "Thank you Daddy."
Taking the doll Adam went in search of his father "Dad, you have a moment?"
"We have about 5 minutes left then I'll be free," Peter said giving his attention back to Faith. Grace looking up saw the doll in Adams arm. "You found it," she exclaimed.
"Do you know where this came from?" he asked his little sister.
Nodding she said "A lady dropped it off by the mailbox."
Kneeling in front of her, Adam asked "Do you remember what the lady looked like?"
Scrunching up her face as she thought, Grace began to shake her head no when she blurted out "she had blue hair."
Adam swore under his breath, trying to control his emotions so as not to upset the little girl. "Did the lady say anything?"
Grace nodded as she tried to remember "she said the doll was for you, to remind you of how you met." Looking up at her brother she asked "Did something happen to it?"
"No Grace it's fine. It's just that Heath got a hold of it."
"Oh, he didn't break it did he?"
"No he didn't really like it," noticing his dad was finished he told Grace "Don't worry about it honey, it's ok." He smiled reassuringly at her. She smiled back before running off to play with her sister.
Peter asked "Do you think it was Windy?"
"It has to be. Grace is positive she had blue hair. Also she said that the doll was for me to remember her by."
"It's Windy alright. Look's like she's out of jail." Peter sighed knowing that trouble was looming on the horizon.
"Maybe I should hold off on going back to college. At least until we know what she's up to."
"Son you can't keep putting your life on hold. You know as well as I do that Windy is unpredictable and who knows if or when she'll do anything. We need to call the police and let them know what had happened. Windy knows she's not be within 100 yards of you or Heath, so she's in violation of her parole at the very least."
"Your right. It's just knowing she was here that sets my teeth on edge. Heath is my responsibility and being away from him makes me feel like I'm failing him as a father."
"I know it's hard but it will get better. You know he's in good hands, right?"
"I know, dad. Thank you for always being here for me and helping me with Heath. I love you."
"I love you too son."
While Adam and Peter spoke with the police, Faith and Brian watched from the kitchen window.
"Are they in trouble?" Faith asked in concern.
"No honey, they came over because of that doll that was left here," Brian thought for a moment, then asked "have you seen a blue haired lady hanging around the house?"
Staring out the window, Faith answered "No but I saw one at school."
"What was she doing?" Brian asked trying to remain calm.
Shrugging she said "I dunno, something about tutu ..."
"Tutoring?" Brian asked
"Yeah that's it. They said Dad was looking for one to help me with my homework and they thought she'd be good."
"Come on Faith," Brian said getting up. "We have to go tell Dad and the police officers about this lady."
Maneater
Peter enjoyed working in his garden. The feel of working in the dirt was somehow relaxing after a long day at the lab. Everyday he was grateful for the life he had and the people he had to share it with. Whenever he looked into his wife's beautiful eyes he was thankful that she was there, his love and support through all the ups and downs in their marriage. His children always reminded him of what was important, no amount of money or prestige could ever replace them. He would do anything for them if it was in his power to do so.
Wiping the dirt from his hands, he watched his children race into the house, home from school. Shaking his head, he'd never understand how anyone could intentionally hurt their own children. No matter how many times he's seen it happen, Vallari, his father, and now Windy. He found it inconceivable to cause pain and suffering to the one's you were supposed to love and protect. Couldn't they see the damage they were causing? Or were they so blind by their own needs and desires that no one else mattered?
He feared he'd never know and if he did he wouldn't like the answer. Going into the house Faith ran up to him, giving him a hug. "What was that for?" he asked looking down into his little girls face.
Shrugging she smiled saying "cuz I love you."
Peter smiled at her knowing she wanted something. He had heard her pleading with her mother that morning to go to her friends slumber party. Winking at her he asked "So what do you want?"
Shaking her head she said "nothing. I just missed you that's all."
"Don't get me wrong sweetheart, I like that you missed me so much you had to give me a hug. But I know you're buttering me up to ask me something. So why don't you just ask me."
"Well since you mention it, Molly is having a slumber party."
"And you want to go," she nodded "What did your mother say?"
Hanging her head she mumbled "I had to have all my homework done before I could go."
"Have you started it yet?" Peter asked knowing the answer already. Faith shook her head sighing. "Don't you think you should get started on it?" Sighing again she trudged over to he discarded book bag. Peter watched her before turning to pick up Heath who was tugging on this pants leg.
"Now what do you want, little man?" Peter asked as his grandson snuggled into him.
"Want Daddy. He come home?" Heath asked.
"Your Daddy will come home soon." Peter told him feeling sorry for the little boy who was finding it difficult to cope without this dad. Peter was glad that Adam had decided to finish his degree and had accompanied Brian to college. Peter couldn't stop the smile that spread across his face thinking of how proud he was of all his children. Noticing that Heath was nodding off to sleep in his arms, Peter laid him down in his crib.
Coming out into the living room, he went over to Faith and whispered. "I'll help you with your homework so you can go to Molly's slumber party."
Squealing in delight, she jumped up and flew into her father's arms. Peter hugged her as he threw her across his shoulders.
"Daddy let me down" Faith squealed laughing.
"Say please."
"Please," she said still laughing.
"Ok let's get that homework done before your mom gets home," Peter told her sitting down beside her.
After finishing the Skype call he made nightly to his dad and son, Adam sat wondering if he was doing the right thing. Maybe he should have waited until Heath was older and in school before going back to college. Sighing Adam knew his dad was right, now was the time before life became anymore complicated. He just hated being away from his son, he was growing up so fast and weekend visit's wasn't enough. He was confidant Heath was being well taken care and he was safe, it just wasn't the same as being there. He wished for the millionth time that he could have managed daycare on campus. But that option went out the window the minute they found Scot's name on the faculty list. He trusted him even less then he trusted Windy.
Windy was currently in jail serving a one year sentence for attempted kidnapping. She also had to pay a fine that neither she or Scott could pay. It still infuriated him thinking of the call he received from her begging him for the money. As far as he was concerned they would all be better off if they lost the key and kept her locked up forever.
Adam accompanied Brian to the Student Union building to break up the monotony of classes and homework. Brian wanted to spend sometime sketching but was distracted when he saw a girl he knew from one of his classes. Feeling like a third wheel Adam meandered up stairs to the pool table.
"Patricia did you take notes from today's lecture?" Brian asked hoping he would be able to borrow them. He felt he had missed something and wanted to double check his notes and he knew she was a prolific note taker.
"Why would I give them to you?" she asked in a hostile tone.
"Jeesh what's your problem? I only wanted to compare my notes with yours," Brian tried to placate her wondering why she was having such a fit. It's not like he asked for the answers to the exam or something.
"I never share my notes with anyone. Why should I? I went through the trouble of actually listening in class and taking the notes. It's your tough luck if you couldn't be bothered to do the same."
Brian stood there flabbergasted not comprehending her hostility, wondered how he could get her to stop yelling at him. A group of girls walked by giggling. One of them yelled across to them "Hey Patty have you asked him yet?"
Stopping in mid tirade, Patricia glared at the girl her spoke, shaking her head.
"Ask me what?" Brian asked the group of giggling girls who were busy watching the frantic hand signals from Patricia. The same girl who spoke earlier looked at him, mindless to Patricia's efforts to stop her. "Patty wanted to invite you to a party tomorrow night." Following her statement the girls walked away heedless of the glares that Patricia was giving them.
Turning towards Brian, Patricia sighed loudly "Well do you?"
"You're joking right?" Brian asked dumbfounded that she had the gall to ask him after she had just chewed him out for something so petty as asking to borrow her notes. Who did she think she was? God's gift to man? Shaking his head laughing "Hell no. You may be pretty but it only goes about skin deep. You're pretty ugly otherwise."
As he walked away he could feel daggers being thrown at him by her intense glares of hate. He couldn't believe he had liked he, thought she was pretty and she was a talented artist. He would have considered going out with her if it hadn't been for the tongue lashing she had doled out. Joining Adam he asked "want some company?"
Looking up Adam smiled at him "Sure. What happened with what's her name?"
"Don't ask," Brian rolled his eyes. "I never thought asking to borrow someone's class notes was a capital offense." Shrugging Brian took his shot. "I lend mine out all the time, no problem. But to her it was the crime of the century." Waiting for Adam to finish his turn he added "Then she had the nerve to ask me out?"
"She didn't," Adam said laughing. "What'd you tell her?"
"I told her she was pretty but hell no. I have no intention of getting involved with a VW."
"Good for you," Adam told him as he won the game.
The following night they each had commitments to attend different parties. Brian was looking forward to the party even though it was the same one Patricia had asked him too. He hoped she wouldn't come as he really couldn't stomach another scene.
He was enjoying himself until he heard her strident voice, complaining the music was too loud. He groaned inwardly thinking the music wasn't half loud enough to drown her voice out.
Excusing himself from the group he was in, he went outside to the join the group at the bonfire. Not as lively as the group inside but at least Patricia wasn't there to ruin it.
Adam was nervous to be going to Ashley's party. He had been successful most of the year avoiding parties altogether. He was afraid of losing control and falling into old habits. His reputation for drinking and being the life of the party was still alive with some of the older students like Ashley. He knew they were expecting him to liven things up and he knew that was all alcohol induced.
When he arrived Ashley couldn't keep her hands off him and wouldn't let him out of her sight.
"So what happened to the bitch?" she asked.
"If you mean Windy, we broke up a few years ago." Adam said somewhat taken aback by her question.
"Oh so no new girlfriend or wife?" she asked moving closer.
"Err no," he said taking a step back, uncomfortable with her being so close.
Moving closer, Ashley ran her hands up his arms, smiling up at him. "Would you like a drink?" she offered.
"No I don't drink," Adam told her.
"Don't drink! Who are you trying to kid?" Ashley asked pouring him a drink despite his protests.
Taking the glass she offered him, he sniffed it wrinkling his nose at the strong aroma of alcohol. "Ashley I meant what I said I don't drink," he said firmly putting the glass down, moving away from her.
"Don't be a goody two shoes," Ashley said annoyed. "I know you like to party and get a good drunk on." She handed his drink back to him.
Feeling heat flush his face Adam once again refused. "That wasn't me. At least not the person I wanted to be."
"Nobody changes that much," she said waving the drink in front of him. "Come on drink it. I know you want too."
He stared at her knowing she was drawing attention to them and others were watching to see what he would do. All he had to do was take the drink. One swallow and she'd leave him alone. One drink couldn't hurt. Reaching for the glass Adam looked into her cold, calculating eyes as she handed him the drink. Feeling foolish, he let the drink slide through his fingers. Falling it splashed onto the carpet and their pants legs.
Looking at him, Ashley growled "look what you did. Now who's going to clean this mess up?" Adam eyed her knowing she was implying he do it. Refusing to give her the satisfaction, he walked stiffly away. "Come back here and clean this mess up," she demanded as he continued to walk away.
Leaving, Adam breathed deeply of the clean, cool night air. He wondered when he had become a magnet for VW clones. The last thing he needed was another cold blooded, life sucking bitch in his life.
Bury Me Alive
Adam didn't know how long he laid there when he opened his eyes. Fuzzily he recalled coming in, carrying Heath when something hit him. Heath? Where's my son? Adam thought as he heard scurrying and shuffling noises in the room. Then he heard her voice, tight with annoyance.
"Come here you little brat," he heard Windy shout. As Adam got unsteadily to his feet, he felt unstable but he was thankful that they were still there. "Windy," his voice came out in a hoarse whisper trying again he said a little louder "Windy leave my son alone."
"He's my son too," She glared at him saying "I thought you'd be out longer."
"Should have hit me harder."
"Next time I will," she replied turning her attention back towards Heath. "Son come to mama." She bent down holding her arms towards the confused little boy.
Adam leaned on the door afraid that in his current condition Windy could easily overtake him. He thought that she would have to come through him to get to the door. By then he hoped he'd have some strength back. He watched helplessly as Heath held his arms out to keep her at a distance crying "Bad lady not mama." He beseechingly looked towards Adam saying "Daddy help."
Stepping away from the door Adam shouted "He doesn't know you Windy."
"And whose fault is that?" Windy shouted back turning away from Heath. Taking his chance Heath ran around her to take refuge behind his dad. Peering through his legs Heath watched the bad lady warily.
"You're the one who gave up your rights to him. You're the one who walked out of the hospital two years ago and never looked back."
"I didn't have a choice," she said.
"Liar," Adam shouted back at her. "I was there remember? Whatever your game is, it won't work."
"I'll go to court. I'll get custody."
"Try it Windy, you won't win."
"I'll prove you're not the father." She smiled feeling confident that Adam hadn't followed through on getting the DNA test once she signed the papers. She was confident with the fake DNA results that Scot had made would provide all the proof she would need.
"Did Scot put you up to this? Where is he by the way?"
"Of course not and it's none of your business," Windy started to regret coming here tonight. She should have listened to Scot and kept to the plan. She smiled as she realized that Adam was too much like his father and she knew Heath would be his weakness. He'd pay anything to keep that squalling brat.
As if reading her mind Adam asked "What's the matter Windy? Things not going to plan. You'd never win, want to know why?"
Windy stared stonily at him refusing to back down but secretly glad that he was standing up to her.
"I listened to you. You warned me that Scot might try something. I took precautions."
Seeing their carefully thought out plan was going up in smoke Windy moved fast. Pushing Adam aside she grabbed a screaming Heath and ran out the door.
Stunned for a split second, Adam shook his head as he regained his feet. Panic knifed through him as he heard Heath screaming for him. He ran out the door after Windy and his child.
Grabbing her arm he squeezed causing Windy to slow down and stop. "You're hurting me," she accused.
"Good," he said ruthlessly reaching for his son. Windy sidestepped so he couldn't take Heath from her. She held tightly to the squirming child. Heath was terrified of being in the arms of the 'bad lady' and reached for his Daddy who was behind them crying "Daddy, Daddy help."
Hearing the terrified pleas for help impelled Adam to be more aggressive with Windy. "Let my son go."
"No I won't, he's mine, you can't have him," She cried as she took off running across the yard.
"Windy please don't do this. Can't you see he's terrified of you." Adam pleaded with her but she turned a deaf ear and kept running. Suddenly the yard was filled with lights as a couple of police cars pulled up. "Mr. Van Winkle we received a report of a disturbance. Is everything alright?"
"Thank god you're here," Adam said pointing towards Windy. "That woman has my son."
Standing still, weighing her options Windy stared defiantly into the unfriendly faces of the police. Slowly she lowered Heath to the ground before giving herself up. Running to pick up his son, Adam turned to her saying "I forgot to mention that I informed the police of the harassing text messages I've been receiving and they agreed to drive by and keep an on eye on the place." Adam was thankful he had listened to his father's advise and got the police involved.
After the police left with Windy, Adam walked into the house holding his son tightly. He couldn't believe that Windy had tried to take Heath from him. It was surreal. The events left Adam feeling both shaken and thankful. Shaken that Windy could have put their child through something so traumatic and thankful that the police had shown up when they did. They were safe and Windy was in jail. He'd feel better if he knew where Scot was. He was sure he was the one who put Windy up to this. On her own, she was never this ruthless.
"Well little man it's past time you went to bed," Adam said looking into his son's frightened eyes.
"No Daddy," Heath said "Scared."
"Oh honey I know," Adam said gently kneeling down by the couch sitting Heath on the arm. "But the bad lady is gone."
"Gone?" Heath asked seeking confirmation.
"Yes," Adam asserted. "She went with the police men."
Heath sat there absorbing what he said. Adam wondered how much he understood of what happened. "Daddy?" Heath said then stopped.
"Yes son," he said looking down at him.
"Bad lady not mama," Heath said becoming upset.
Taking Heath into his arms Adam sat on the couch putting Heath on his lap. Adam sighed knowing his son picked up on the one thing he hoped he would miss. How could he explain the bad lady was his mother?
"Heath honey, you know Daddy loves you, right?"
Nodding his head Heath said "Yes me luv's Daddy."
Squeezing his little boy Adam continued sighing "That bad lady her names Windy."
Heath looked steadily up at Adam repeating "Bad lady Windy, ok."
Looking down at his small son, his heart breaking as he said "Windy is your mom."
"Windy mom?" Heath looked at him with big round eyes. Adam nodded. Heath repeated this several times becoming more agitated each time until he shouted. "No not mom. Windy bad lady not mom."
Deciding not to force the issue, Adam dropped it. He hoped his father was correct that giving the bad lady a name would help, even it was one he didn't want. He would have to build on this knowledge and eventually Heath would understand. He knew this would be better than lying to him now then dumping the truth on him later. Changing the subject he asked "Would you like to go live with Grandpa and Grandma?"
"Yes," Heath said snuggling into his fathers lap and falling into a sound dreamless sleep.
It's been almost a week since Heath saw the 'bad lady' looking in through the window. Adam was looking forward to when his Dad would be home and he could make the move. Normally he enjoyed the weekends and the extra time he had to spend with Heath but today wasn't going so well.
"Heath stop that!" Adam said crossing his arms in frustration as he watched his son thrashing about on the floor, screaming so loud his ears hurt. This had been going on since Heath spotted the 'bad lady' in the window. Adam was at his wits end trying to figure out why he was doing this. He couldn't wait until his Dad was home tomorrow, this among other things, were at the top of his list of what he needed help with.
"Heath, honey Daddy isn't going to work today," Adam said hoping this would calm the toddler down. Momentarily what he said grabbed Heath's attention. Standing up, Heath walked over to him and swung his little hand and hit him.
"Hey little man what's up with the hitting?" Adam asked bewildered as Heath had never done anything like this before.
"Bad Daddy," Heath said swinging again.
"Whoa there little man, that's enough of that," Adam said stepping away from him. Bending down to be on the same level as his son, he caught his little fist before Heath was able to strike again. "Heath what's the matter with you? Why are you mad at me?"
"Bad Daddy," Heath repeated looking at him reproachfully before going to the other side of the room, curling into a ball and crying.
Sighing loudly Adam walked over to his son. "Heath, please tell me why I'm a bad daddy." The only response he received was a high pitched whine. Throwing his hands into the air Adam was at a loss as to why his son was acting this way. Adam was sure he was acting this way because of Windy. Somehow she had upset his son's sense of safety and he was taking it on him. Adam was so angry at Windy he could just strangle her for doing this to their son. The sooner they could move the better, he needed to restore Heath's sense safety and well being. Something that he couldn't do in this house, that sense of safety was gone for both of them.
So deep in his thoughts, Adam didn't realize the whining had stopped until he felt a small hand patting his leg and a quivering strained voice say "Daddy up?"
He looked down to find his son reaching up to him, tears drying on his chubby cheeks Scooping his son up into his arms, Heath immediately snuggled close to him, whispering into his Daddy's ear "luv's you Daddy." Holding his son tightly Adam knew he had to do whatever it took to protect his little boy.
"Let's get you cleaned up and dressed so we can go outside and play."
"O-tay Daddy."
A half an hour later Adam was walking around the yard with Heath clinging to him, refusing to be put down.
"Over there Daddy," Heath directed and Adam would walker in the direction he pointed.
"Do you want down?" Adam asked as they came up the flowering bush that grew along side the house.
"No," Heath whined shaking his head. Pointing at the bush he demanded "Look Daddy look."
A little confused Adam wondered "What am I looking for?"
"Bad lady," Heath said pointing at the bush again.
"Do you think the bad lady is hiding in there?" Heath nodded his head burying it into the crook of Adam's neck. Sighing Adam wondered how Heath figured out that Windy had used the bushes to hide in. Pushing aside the branches and flowers to create a little hole in the middle he said "See little man no bad lady."
Heath turned to look then pointed to the next bush along the house. After repeating this with every single bush they finally made it around to the front of the house.
Giggling a little Heath demanded to be let down. Adam smiled as he lowered Heath to the ground. Evidently checking each bush for the 'bad lady' eased Heath's fears enough that he felt confidant to be down on his own. Sitting on the front steps Adam watched Heath run around the yard. Adam stood and called to his son as he neared the edge of the yard "Heath that's far enough. Come back here to Daddy."
Heath looked back then continued on. Stopping suddenly he shrieked and ran back to cower between Adam's legs.
"What the ..." Adam began looking down wondering what happened. At the look of fear on his son's face Adam asked "Heath what's wrong?"
Clinging to his Dad's leg Heath timidly pointed towards the road "bad lady
With those two words fear shot up through Adam's body like electricity. He looked where Heath was pointing to see Windy walking along the sidewalk. She stopped briefly, looking straight at them. Adam's phone began to vibrate, ignoring it he continued to watch Windy. She smiled in their direction before she turned and ran across the street. Adam stood there feeling his son clinging to his pants leg as he watched Windy's figure disappear out of sight down a side street. Bending down to pick up his son, Heath said once again 'bad lady."
Smiling sadly Adam hugged his son close. "Time for bed little man." Later that night, Adam looked at his phone wondering when he had received a text. Looking at the ID and seeing it was from an unknown caller a shiver ran through him as he remembered it was from Windy as he read "See you soon."
Monday evening after work Adam made an impromptu visit home. Dropping Heath off to play with his young aunties, he went downstairs to the lab to speak with his Dad.
"How was your trip?" he asked his Dad.
"It was great. Next time you should come with us," Peter said happily. Frowning slightly as he noticed the troubled look on his son's face. "Did something happen while we were gone?"
Nodding his head, Adam slumped into a chair. "Windy's been doing a peeping tom on us."
"She's what?" Peter asked incredulously . "How do you know?"
"Heath saw her in the window. Now he's having nightmares and throwing tantrums every morning before I go to work."
"Have you explained to him who the 'bad lady' is?"
Shaking his head Adam said "I haven't the heart to tell him that the 'bad lady' of his nightmares is actually his mom. It's bad enough that every time we go outside I have to take him around the house and show him she's not hiding in the bushes."
Sitting in the chair opposite him, Peter sighed "Son it might help him if he knew who she is. Give her an identity then she might not be so scary."
"I can't do that! I don't want her anywhere near him."
"Adam you don't have a choice. She is his mother," Peter said sternly. "It's better that he here the truth from you now instead of hoping Windy will drop out of your life forever. That's an unrealistic expectation considering who you're dealing with. You know full well that Windy won't stay out of your life. It'll save you a lot of heartache if you tell Heath who she is instead of waiting for Windy to do it for you."
"Oh god Dad, you're right. I don't know what I was thinking. I just want to protect him from her," Shrugging Adam ran his hands through his hair. "I guess I should have thought of that before having a kid with her. She's always going to be lurking on the edges of our lives, isn't she?"
"I'm afraid so son. Now is the time to lay the groundwork for Heath. If your honest with him from the start it'll go better for both of you. He'll always know you were there for him."
"It's going to be hard explaining all of this to him. I'm not sure he'll even understand."
"Most likely not. You'll have to build on the little he does understand as he get's older. But at least he'll know he can come to you with questions. Right now he doesn't have that security. You can give him that."
Laughing a little in relief Adam got up and gave his father a hug. "How did you get so wise?" Adam asked as he pulled away.
"From years of dealing with Vallari," Peter said sadly. "But seriously son, don't underestimate Windy. I pray to god that she won't be as dangerous as Vallari was." Peter said pulling Adam close again giving him a reassuring hug. "Have you given any more thought to moving home?"
"Yeah I have," Adam said looking into his fathers eyes. "I'm going to take you up on your offer. Heath needs to feel safe again. Thanks to Windy his whole world has collapsed around him."
"I'll tell Jean and we'll get things arranged here for you. Would you like some help packing this weekend?"
"Yeah I could use some help," Adam agreed hugging his father again. Another thing he was thankful for in his life.
That night after talking with his Dad Adam entered the house, Heath comfortably asleep in his arms. Not turning any of the lights on, Adam started for the stairs when a noise startled him. Turning he saw a flash of light glinting off of something flying towards his head. The impact reverberated through his head, he was vaguely aware that he was falling and Heath was screaming for him. The last thing he heard as darkness overtook him was "That'll teach you to ignore me."
