Generation 2, Chapter 1

 

It's been a few months since they moved to Barnacle Bay. The kids were settling in and enjoying their new house and making friends at their new school. The house was smaller than their old house in Aurora Skies but it didn't have the memories they all tried to forget. Despite the house being small, William had a pool put into the backyard.

William lounged poolside, watching the kids, enjoying the sound of their happy voices and laughter. William smiled, knowing it had been a long haul for the entire family since the fire that nearly broke their family apart. Once they moved, William decided to see a different psychologist and for the first time in several years William was able to relax without the constant worry that something terrible was about to happen. William arranged for all the kids to receive counseling as well to help them cope with the loss of their sister. It was having mixed results as one simply refused to discuss their feelings and another refused to go at all.

He and Jessica had started to see a marriage counselor and William was slowly accepting that Jessica wasn't to blame for the fire. It was still difficult for William to not wonder what might have happened if he had been home that night. It haunted his dreams but he knew he had to let it go if their relationship was ever going to heal.

"Daddy, look at me," Beverly called. William turned to watch as his youngest slide down the slide and splashed into the pool.

"Did you see?" she asked once she surfaced.

"Sure did honey," William replied.

"Come on Daddy join us. It's fun."

"That's ok pumpkin. I just want to sit here and watch."

"Ok then watch this," Beverly proceeded to hurl herself down the slide again. Surfacing she giggled and raced to the slide again.

"Not so fast small fry. I'm going first," Gene said picking her up and dropping her into the pool.

"Dad," she shouted in outrage.

William looked up when he heard her shout. "Gene you know better."

"Yeah sorry" Gene said in a tone that indicated he wasn't the least bit sorry. He slid down the slide, splashing into the pool. Upon surfacing he said "she was hogging the slide, Dad".

"Gene your how old?" William scolded, laughing softly at his son.

"But Dad that isn't fair. She should share and take turns just like the rest of us."

"No I don't" Beverly said sticking her tongue out as she sat at the top of the slide. Gene took off after her, as he neared the top of the ladder, Beverly let herself slide down squealing "Can't catch me"

William kept a watchful eye on them as Gene chased his sister around the pool. During this commotion, Robert came out to join them. He stood on the diving board, nerving himself up before he dived.

William smiled, glad that Robert had decided to come out of his room. William was growing concerned that Robert was blaming himself for Sydney's death. He had taken to locking himself up in his room for hours, painting one picture after another. He was quite talented and had gifted William with a portrait of Sydney, that captured her essence more than her likeness. It was something that William would cherish forever but the artist was his main concern.

Robert had lost all interest in the things he once enjoyed all in the pursuit of painting. He had taken Sydney's easel and set it up in his room, painting for hours, only coming out to eat. Once he was out, he would stare at his plate and reply to questions with one or two grumbled words and return to his room.

Under the advise of his counselor Robert got an after school job, where he was forced to interact with people. William hoped it would help break through his reserve and force him to open up. So far there hadn't been much improvement.

As the kids were running wild in the back yard, William went inside. Jessica looked up from the book she was reading. "Is everything alright out there?"

"Yeah it's perfect. Robert even ventured outside for once. I haven't seen him smile like that in such a long time." He looked at his wife and for the first time in almost two years he saw her as his high school sweetheart, his soul mate and not the source of pain and misery. Clearing his throat he said "Jess I love you."

Startled Jessica never thought she would ever hear those words again coming from Williams lips. She got up and walked over to William, putting her arms around him "I love you too" she said softly.

"Honey don't cry" William said as he wiped a tear from her cheek. "I know it's been terrible but I'm glad we never gave up."

"Oh William what did I ever do to deserve you? I don't know what I would have done if you had left me."

"Shh it wasn't your fault. I know that. I guess I always knew that. I know that even if we had been home that night it might not have made any difference. We can't live our lives in the past and I don't want it to destroy our future. Our kids need us to be here for them. I'm ready to move forward with my life. I hope you'll be there by my side."

Gulping down tears, Jessica was at a loss for words, she simply pulled William close and clung to him.

"Is that a yes?" William asked.

"Oh William you're impossible. When have I ever been able to refuse you?" She leaned in and their lips met.

All their passion, loss and yearning combined into that single kiss. William swept her up into his arms and carried her to their bed. Where they passionately rediscovered forgotten territory.