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.