Generation 2, Chapter 7

Jessica and William were discussing plans for Michaels coming birthday.

"I think we should do something different this time," William said.

"Like what?"

Well it's the weekend. Why not have the party early then go to the festival as a family?" William suggested.

"That sounds like fun. Michael would probably like that a lot. Better in fact than having a ton of people over," Jessica said warming to the idea. "But what about Gene?"

"We'll still invite some friends over, so that Gene doesn't become anxious over the change. We'll put a time limit on the party so that we still have plenty of time at the festival."

The day of the party, everyone gathered around to watch Michael blow out his candles. He was a little nervous being the center of attention and half expected someone to push is face into the cake.

Michael grew up to be a well-mannered, quiet little boy. It had been decided that he would share a room with Robert since he would be going away to college soon. In the meanwhile they replaced Roberts single bed for bunk beds due to the room being so small and Robert had refused to move his easel out of the room.

William and Jessica were looking forward to having their room to themselves again. Jessica was working out where all their bedroom furniture would go once the baby things were moved out and donated to charity.

Once the party wound down William gathered the family together and announced they were going to the festival. This was greeted with enthusiasm and everyone was excited as they piled into the family van. When they arrived at the festival they took a family picture at one of the booths then everyone scattered.

Robert joined in on the hot dog eating contest. He found it embarrassing to lose to a girl but at least he wasn't last.

Beverly took it upon herself to teach Michael how to roller skate. He was doing pretty good until he fell on his face, knocking into Beverly sending her to her knees. They heard laughter behind them as Gene skated past them. They got up and continued to skate and encouraged Evelyn to join them.

Evelyn tried to get Casey to join them on the skating rink but he shook his head and continued scoping the festival grounds for girls. 
 

Casey met several promising young ladies and collected numbers to add to his collection. He wondered which one he would choose to call up for a date.

They stayed at the festival until it closed for the night. When they returned home all the kids changed and jumped into the pool.

As the kids splashed happily in the pool Jessica and William sat in the lounge chairs.

"That's the best sound ever," Jessica said listening to her children laughing and shouting at each other.

"It certainly is," William agreed. They faintly heard the doorbell as they sat enjoying this happy moment.

"I wonder who that could be?" Jessica said getting up to answer the door. She opened the door to find Pearl anxiously waiting on the other side. "I don't think you should be here."

'Please Mrs. Bennett I need to talk to Gene," Pearl said in a high nervous voice.

"Wait here and I'll see," Jessica said closing the door. She went to the sliding glass doors leading to the pool motioning for William to come inside.

"What's wrong?" William asked as soon as he was out of ear shot of the kids.

"Pearl's here," Jessica said motioning towards the door.

"What does she want?" William said in a harsh biting tone.

"I don't know. She just asked to talk to Gene."

"I don't like it."

"Neither do I. Should we let her talk to Gene?"

Thinking it over William said  "Tell Pearl she has five minutes then she has to go"  William hoped he was making the right decision as his stomach clenched as he thought their peaceful happy evening was about to come to an end.
 

Generation 2, Chapter 6

"Alright kid, hand'em over," a gruff voice said above his head.

Gene looked up at a pair of dark clad legs that led up to the stern face of a police officer. "Go away. It's none of your business."

"It is my business if your doing drugs," the officer said holding her hand out. "Now hand them over."

Reluctantly Gene handed the bottle over.

"What were you planning to do with these?"

Gene shrugged and sullenly stared at the officer.

"Son if you're in trouble I can help."

Gene's eyes flickered up towards the officer and smirked thinking to himself 'If you want to help than shoot me and put me out of my misery.'

"Have it your way. I'm taking you home."

Gene got up and followed the officer to the patrol car. When they got to his house he climbed out sighing loudly. The officer gently took his arm and guided him to the door. William opened the door before she was able to knock.

The officer motioned for William to follow her to her car. "Sir I think your son's contemplating suicide. I found him in the park and he had these in his possession." The officer handed William the bottle of pills. William looked at the label, sedatives, Inkbeard. Did Pearl give these to his son he wondered?

"Has your son been depressed lately?"

"We all have been. We ...." William stopped looked past the officer and sighed "We just lost our oldest in a tragic house fire. It's been difficult for all of us."

"I'm sorry for your loss," the officer spoke gently gaging Williams response. "I think your son needs help. This doctor is very successful for treating depression and self-destructive kids. I highly recommend him, he helped my sister a few years ago when she was on the brink. I keep a few of his cards on hand in case I run across someone who needs his kind of help."

William stared at the number on the card as the officer drove away He slowly walked into the house where Gene was nervously waiting for him.

"Dad I can explain."

"I certainly hope so," William exclaimed. "Where did you get the pills, Gene? Pearl?"

"It's not important where I got them," Gene shot back.

"I think it is. I want to know who it is who was helping my son kill himself. Now tell me."

"All right then I got them from Pearl. She didn't know why I wanted them. I told her I couldn't sleep, she thought she was helping me."

"Why Gene if you were having problems, why didn't you come to me?"

"Because you're the problem," Gene shouted at him.

"What problem?" William shouted back as Gene turned to walk away. William reached out and grabbed his shoulders. "Don't walk away. Talk to me." William pleaded.

Whipping around Gene yelled "You won't understand. Nobody can."

"What are you talking about? Just tell me and I promise I'll do everything I can to help."

"I...I," Gene stammered looking straight into his Father's eyes knowing he was about to see all the love drain away, dreading the look of hate he knew would come as he said "I took the batteries."

"Batteries? What are you..." William began than he understood. You don't mean..."

"I took them. I knew they were new. I meant to put them back." Gene said between sobs "I forgot and now she's dead."

William grabbed Gene by the shoulders holding him as his body shook with wracking sobs. "It's not your fault."

"It is. I heard the fire chief. He said if the alarms had gone off they would have gotten there sooner. It is my fault."

William pushed Gene away from him and shook him until he got his attention. "I want you to listen to me. It's not your fault. You made a mistake. You didn't cause the fire."

"No, no I knew you wouldn't understand. I killed her. I killed my sister. I don't deserve to live." William held Gene as he sobbed. William motioned for Jessica to come over and held the card out to her whispering for her to call. Without hesitating Jessica called the number.

Gene mumbled into Williams shoulder "I just wanted the pain to end. To sleep and not wake up. I know what I did and I can't live with it anymore. I just want to die." As if realizing for the first time that his Dad was still holding him he asked "Why don't you hate me?"

"Oh Gene, how could I hate my own son? I love you." William glanced up at Jessica who whispered in his ear "The doctor wants to see him now. I'll pack a bag."

William continued to hold his son while the others came out and watched concerned. "Make them go away, please," Gene begged.

William motioned for them to go back into their rooms. Robert took it upon himself to take charge of his siblings and coaxed them into their rooms. Gene was admitted into the psychiatric ward and stayed there for a month.

Generation 2, Chapter 5

 

"Dad do you ever wonder where the aliens came from? or why they experimented on you?"

"Why all the questions, sweetie?" William asked not wanting to discus this again with her. "You know I don't have the answers."

"I know Dad but I have so many questions and so few answers."

"I know sweetheart and I'm sorry," William said giving her a hug.

"I'm so confused about who I am and wonder if there's a purpose for my existence. Or was I an accident, an unfortunate side effect of an experiment gone wrong."

"Oh sweetie I've asked myself those same questions. I wish I had the answers but I don't. My worst fear is that they'll come back and take you away."

Looking thoughtful, Evelyn said "I wouldn't mind having a chance to talk to them. At least I might have some of my questions answered."

"It may not be that simple Evie. The aliens may just want to see how their experiment is progressing and have no real feelings for you."

"But Dad your biased and can't..."

"No your right I am. I can't think about the aliens without becoming emotional. I was nothing more than a lab rat to them to do with as they pleased. You can't expect me to be happy with the idea you want to seek them out."

"I know Daddy, I'm sorry," Evelyn said "But they're the only ones with the answers I need."

"I know sweetie, I do understand. I'm concerned that once they have you they'll never let you leave. I don't want to lose you."

Evelyn attempted to smile saying "I doubt they want me. They haven't come in seventeen years. I'm afraid they were interested in whether they could then in whether they should. Do you think they'll come back and try it again?"

"I'm sure they will."

"But why? Wasn't once enough?"

"Once would be a fluke. If they're able to replicate it, then it moves into provable fact. I don't know the reasons but they will try again." William's mind went back to the aliens that were with the doctor at the hospital. He was sure they were ready to try again, this time with the help of someone with knowledge of human anatomy. He shivered at how close he had come to producing another half alien child.

Afterwards, Evelyn found it difficult to settle down and wandered aimlessly around the yard. Stopping at the telescope Evelyn wondered if she would ever find the aliens responsible for her existence. She didn't want to worry her Father but she needed answers, to know, to understand her alien side. She couldn't give up the hope that one day she would have the opportunity to meet them. She spent hours searching for signs of aliens somewhere in the night sky.

The next day William was up with Michael.  "Wanna dance little man?" William asked picking him up and dancing around the room. He enjoyed every chance he had to play and nurture each one of his kids. He never imagined having such a large family but he wouldn't give any of them up. Thinking about his conversation the night before with Evelyn, he hoped he was wrong. But deep in his bones he knew he would see the aliens again. His worst fear would be they would turn their attention from him to his children. The idea startled him so much he stopped dancing.

"More Daddy more," Michael giggled.

William started moving again and was rewarded with Michaels happy chatter in his ear. William would give anything to prevent his children experiencing what he went through.

Gene had to stay after school for disrupting class again. As usual the teacher sent him to the principles office.

"Well Gene, what have you got to say for yourself?"

Shrugging Gene said "Not much to say."

"Son with this attitude you'll never make it into college."

"Who says I'm going?"

"Don't you want to? With your intelligence and some self-control you could accomplish anything you want. Tell me what you need so that I can help you. What are your goals?"

"Haven't got any goals"

"Alright. Let's try something else. I'm scheduling you to see the school guidance counselor and he can discuss what your options are."

"Suit yourself," Gene shrugged slouching in his chair. "But I won't go."

"It's either that or detention and I call your parents. Then you can explain your behavior to them. I'm trying to work with you Gene. I know your better than this."

Gene gave his principle a simmering stare as he thought 'you don't know me. This is who I am, a screw up, a pathetic excuse of a human being.'

"Son your trying to hard to be the outcast. It isn't you. I want you to talk to the guidance counselor today. Be there or suffer the consequences."

Gene sat there debating with himself whether he wanted to push this further. Inwardly he shrugged, what difference would it make, it was all coming to an end anyway. Principle Shanahan was an ok guy better than most. "Ok you win. Can I go now?"

The principle shook his head as he watched Gene leave. He knew he should have given him detention but he could sense something was eating away at this kid. He hoped talking to the counselor would help before the kid self-destructed. He picked up his phone, shaking his head hoping he was doing the right thing.

Gene kept his appointment with the guidance counselor. He spent an hour slumped in his chair staring at him.

"Son do you have anything to say?"

Gene sighed and shook his head. The counselor pressed his lips together and handed some brochures to Gene. "This is some information on local colleges you might be interested in."

"Don't you mean who might be interested in discipline cases with bad grades?" Gene scoffed taking the brochures and leaving. Before he got through the door the counselor said "I'll see you tomorrow same time."

Hesitating, Gene said "not if I'm dead," and kept going. Once he got outside he sat down and wrote in his notebook.

Dear Family,

Please accept my apology for being the source of so much unhappiness and pain. I'm sorry I'm not the son I should be. Words cannot express the deep regret I have for my actions the night of the fire. I took the batteries and because of me the firemen were unable to respond to the fire. It was my fault. I thought I could live with this pain but I cannot. Please forgive me my cowardice. I do not wish to bring you more pain but I know it cannot be much. How could you love someone who killed your daughter? I cannot even stand myself. I am so full of hate and loathing that I cannot stand to see my own reflection. I love you too much to foist my vile presence upon you. I know you cannot love me and for this I blame myself. After tonight my existence will only be an unpleasant fading memory.

Gene
Seeing Gene writing in his notebook, Pearl asked "Did you have detention?"

"Naw had to talk to the guidance counselor. Shanahan thinks I have potential and the counselor gave me some brochures to read."

"You know it wouldn't hurt to look at them. Keep your options open."

Snorting in disbelief Gene threw the brochures into the nearest trash can. "Come on lets ditch this place and find something to eat."

Leaving the restaurant Pearl said "Thanks for supper. Now I should be getting home."

"Hey not so fast," grabbing her arm Gene said "Did you remember to bring it?"

"Bring what?" Pearl asked looking past him towards the setting sun.

"You know, the pills. You said you would."

"I'm not so sure about this. They're prescription. I don't think you should be taking them without a doctors say so."

"But you promised," Gene said "You know I haven't been sleeping well. You said these would help. Don't you want to help me?"

"Yes .... but it's still not a good idea," Pearl sighed handing her mothers sedatives to Gene. "Just be careful and don't take more than you need."

"Don't worry I won't," Gene said rubbing his neck wondering how many he would need to take to finish the job.

"Here let me," Pearl stepped behind him and messaged his neck and shoulders.

"Hmm that feels good,"

"Good. Now go home and get a good nights sleep."

"You bet with these," shaking the bottle in his hand "I'll sleep like the dead."

Instead of going home, Gene went to a local park and tried to fish. He had hoped fishing would help him relax but he was more keyed up than ever. He finally had the means to put his plan into action. A grin spread across his his face as he shook the bottle in his hand.

He wondered if he should just take them now. This place was as good as any other. But he still had things he wanted to do first, like making sure his Dad found his note.  'Who are you kidding? You're just a chicken' a little voice in his head told him. 'Just take the pills now. Waiting will only delay the inevitable. Your family won't miss you any more now than later'.

His hands shook as he fell to his knees gripping the bottle unable to open it due to his violent shaking. The voice in his head taunted him 'Just do it, get it done and over with.'

 

 

 

 

Generation 2, Chapter 4

Beverly tried her best to get good grades in school. Despite missing her friends she left behind, she liked living in Barnacle Bay. No one here knew about the fire so there were no awkward silences. Her old friends had started to treat her differently, some even quit talking to her altogether. Here she was just the new girl.

She missed her sister and had stopped asking for bed time stories. Somehow it just wasn't the same anymore and she didn't want to be untrue to her sister's memory. It had been their special time together.

"Honey it's time for bed."

"But Daddy I'm not tired," she protested.

"Would it help if I read to you?" William asked expecting her to say no as she had done since the fire. He was surprised when she said yes.

"What's the matter sweet heart?" William asked when he finished.

"Daddy why did Sydney have to go away?"

"Oh pumpkin I don't know. Sometimes bad things just happen."

"Sometimes I think I caused the fire"

"Why do you think that?" William asked in concern

"Because I saw the fire going in the fire place and I didn't tell her. I fell asleep while she was reading to me. Then it was too late. If I had told her none of this would have happened. It's my fault."

"Is that why you haven't wanted me to read to you?"

Nodding her head Beverly said "Yes Daddy. It's my punishment."

"Your punishment?" William asked confused "Oh honey, it wasn't your fault. You didn't do anything to be punished for. You didn't start the fire did you?" Beverly shook her head. "Then you haven't done anything to be punished for now have you?"

"I guess not," Beverly whispered.

"I know not," William confirmed "Listen pumpkin sometimes awful things happen that we have no control over and can't prevent no matter how hard we try. It doesn't mean it's our fault. Do you understand?"

"Maybe a little," Beverly yawned "I think I can sleep now. Thank you Daddy."

William kissed her goodnight, hoping her dreams would be happy ones. He sighed knowing it was going to take awhile before the family healed. William wondered what things were festering in the minds of his children's minds and whether he would be able to help them when it came up.



"Mom?" Evelyn hesitated

"Yes dear, what is it?" Jessica asked surprised that Evelyn was coming to her instead of William.

"Well Dad thought you might know more than him on this subject."

"What could I know more about than him?" Jessica wondered aloud.

"I thought the same thing."

Stifling an indignant snort Jessica asked "so how can I help?"

"How do you know when a boy really likes you?"

"Hmm that is a difficult question. Sometimes you just have to trust your instincts."

"That's what Dad said. So I just have to take a chance."

"Yes sometimes you do Evelyn. Sometimes a guy is out to get what he can get and that applies to some girls as well. But if he genuinely likes you he will go out of his way to help you. He'll do it without expecting anything in return."

Thinking this over Evelyn said as much to herself as to her mom , Like Shon was with Sydney."

"You could say that. Shon was able to bring out the best in Sydney." Jessica agreed. "When you meet the right one, he'll do the same for you."

"Thank you Mom," Sydney said giving her a spontaneous hug.

After talking with her Mom, Evelyn was feeling a little restless and decided to check out the new inventing table her Dad had given her. She had been a little envious of her siblings artistic talents. She was all thumbs when came to painting and chemistry held little interest to her. But for some reason she found tinkering around with bits of junk relaxing and she a knack for creating gadgets from it.

She realized she was almost out of scrap for the project she was working on and decided to take a quick trip to the junkyard. She scavenged around and found several items she could use. She lugged them all back to the house. While she worked her mind kept drifting to the time she spent with Shon while her brothers were in the hospital. She wondered how he was and if he missed them. If only she could meet someone like him.

The months flew by and it was soon Michaels birthday. As he grew everyone could see he resembled his sister Sydney. They hoped his attitude would be different though. Michael was attached to Robert and the night of his birthday he started to fuss and cry until Robert picked him up. It didn't stop the tantrum that was building but it did help, he cuddled into Roberts neck and whimpered into his ear.

Robert comforted him saying "It's alright bud, I don't like crowds either. But your safe with me."

Robert carried him around for the rest of the evening. Whenever someone came up to them, Michael would turn his head and bury his face into Roberts shoulder. Once the party wound down and everyone left, Michael wanted down.

"I don't get it" Jessica said "Michael's so easy going I wonder what got into him tonight.

"Maybe he doesn't like crowds," Robert suggested "I don't like lots of people around either. He seems fine now."

"Think your right, Rob." William said watching Michael crawl over to Evelyn.

Evelyn picked him up and carried him over to a quiet spot in the hall and tried to teach him a few words. She soon lost interest finding it more difficult than she expected. However with patience and endurance William was able to teach him the basics and Michael picked up the rest. Soon Michael was talking nonstop and repeating things that know one knew he had even heard.

Jessica noticed that Michael was attempting to stand on his own and walking along the furniture. She decided it was time he learned to walk. He learned quickly and was soon walking everywhere. Potty training was a different story. A wet messy diaper didn't bother him but to take him away from his chosen activity to the potty was enough to start a tantrum.

The only thing he disliked more was to be left in his crib. If he was awake he wanted out and he would scream until someone came. Both William and Jessica were looking forward to the time when he was big enough to not be in a crib anymore.