Generation 2, Chapter 13

As the months went by they adjusted to college life. Robert tried not to over react to the insensitive comments and questions that his fellow students and professors asked. He was especially thankful to Patricia when a professor during one of his lectures asked him how he would paint his experience with the aliens. What colors would he use? Would he paint them realisticly or use abstractionism? As the professor hurled questions at him and he stammered to make sense of the jumbled questions the class errupted into gales of laughter.

Feeling his face flush with heat and his eyes stung with unshed tears. He ducked his head refusing to look at anyone. He was on the verge of bolting from the room when he felt someone take his hand as they sat beside him. Glancing quickly to his side, he sighed in relief when he realized it was Patricia.

She had been sitting in the back and had tried to convince him to join her. He was too uncomfortable sitting in the back where everyone turned and gawked at him. He moved to the front where at least he wouldn't see them staring at him, unfortunately he was too visible to the professor. At times like this he wished he could just melt into the floor.

Patricia squeezed his hand, he looked up and found her smiling at him. She leaned over and whispered "Rob it's ok. Lift your head up like you don't care," giggling softly she added "besides he's an ass don't let him get to you."

That brought a brief smile to Roberts lips as he lifted his head and glared at the professor. Surprising himself he declared "It's none of your damn business how I would paint the aliens. If I ever do decide to paint them, you'd be the last one I'd tell or discuss technique with."

The professor stopped and stared at Robert as if he had grown a second head. The class erupted into laughter again but this time at the professor's confusion.

Later that day Robert approached Patricia "Thank you for helping me today."

"I didn't do anything."

"Yes you did. You gave me confidence to stand up for myself."

"Then you're welcome," she said softly. Reaching for his hand as she said "Rob I know it's difficult for you to talk about but if you ever need someone to talk to, I'm here."

"I'll keep that in mind," he said squeezing her hand. "It's been a long time since I've been able to trust anyone outside my family. You have no idea how hard it's been to be the object of so much curiosity and hostility."

"You'd be surprised by how much I'd understand," she said smiling briefly at him.

Looking at her in concern he asked "What do you mean?"

Glancing down at her feet she sighed "Maybe sometime I'll tell you. But right now I just can't," she finished on a strangled sob as she let go of his hand and walked away. Staring after her, Robert didn't know what he had done to cause her to shut him out. He didn't understand why she couldn't talk to him. He swallowed over a lump in his throat as he fought with himself not to follow her and demand to know. He feared that would only push her further away and he wanted to be there for her when she was ready to open up to him.

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Walking into the computer room to work on her assignment Evelyn noticed Shon was hard at work at another computer. Walking to the closest available computer, Evelyn sat down to work. Instead of concentrating on her assignment she kept stealing glances at him. After staring unproductively at her screen Evelyn breathed deeply to calm her nerves as got up and walked over to Shon.

Looking up Shon noticed Evelyn coming towards him. He attempted to gather his things. The last thing he wanted to do was talk to anyone, not after the news he just received. In his haste he knocked his books onto the floor. Groaning he bent to pick them up as Evelyn bent down to help. 

 

Standing, Evelyn handed him the last of his papers that had gone flying. "Thank you" he said gruffly.

Eying him in concern she asked "Is something wrong?"

"Yes er no," not wanting to discuss it he brusquely said "I don't want to talk about it." He moved to walk past her but was stopped by the soft touch of her hand on his. He jerked back unintentionally bumping into the wall behind him.

"I'm sorry ... I didn't mean," Evelyn faltered as thoughts skittered through her mind that he jumped because he was repulsed by her touch.

Shon noticed the hurt confused look she gave him when he jumped back. He didn't understand what that look was for, he was just startled by her touch and the thrill like an electric jolt that had gone through him. It had been so long since he had felt this way towards anyone and he wasn't ready to open his heart up yet.

"I thought we were friends," Evelyn began feeling her eyes sting, she knew she was close to tears. "You're just like everyone else. Judging me by how I look." she turned to leave before she lost control in front of everyone.

"What? No," Shon said shocked. "You just...surprised me that's all. I was thinking of something else and wasn't expecting anyone to be there. I'm sorry I overreacted."

Drying her eyes Evelyn said "now I'm the one that needs to apologize. I guess I'm so used to people reacting that way towards me that I jumped to the wrong conclusion. I'm sorry."

"It's alright. Don't worry about it," he said inching away from her saying "I'd like to talk but I've got a test to study for."

Sitting down at Shon's vacated chair Evelyn attempted to finish her homework. She couldn't concentrate, wondering when Shon had changed. She could tell he wanted to get as far away from her as quickly as possible. Whatever spark she thought was there must have been her imagination or wishful thinking.

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The following day after class Robert and Patricia were busy studying together. "Who would have thought there was so much to learn about art?" Robert said closing his book. "I don't think half of this stuff we have to cram into our heads is of any use."

"Well supposedly it's to give us a well rounded education."

"It's more like a lesson in patience," Robert grumbled.

Laughing softly, Patricia said "let's go outside and work off some of that aggression."

"Think your up to catching my fast ball?"

"Try it and we'll see," she replied, up to the challenge.

It was getting dark and Robert had to fight with himself to continue to play catch. Ever since he had been abducted he found it difficult to be outside after it got dark. It gave him an overwhelming feeling of vulnerability, not that he thought being inside was of any protection, he knew when the aliens came again they would be able to get him anywhere.

After the third ball went flying past him, Patricia asked "what's the matter Rob?"

"Uh nothing," he said reluctant to reveal his feelings to her. He had hoped that his nerves would calm down after he forced himself to be out here for awhile.

"Yes there is. You wouldn't miss those catches if your mind was on what you were doing," Patrice insisted walking up to him. "So tell me what's wrong."

"I'm just tired," he evaded, hoping to avoid explaining the real reason. What eighteen year old college student was afraid of the dark? He was frustrated with himself and his inability to just get over this irrational fear and wished he had been able to hide his fear better.

She looked at him knowing he wasn't telling her the truth. Sighing she wondered if this was a side effect from him being abducted. If he would just open up and talk to her. She might be able to help. She's been through this before, if she could only bring herself to tell him.

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"Hey Shon have you seen Rob anywhere?" Evelyn asked wishing she could avoid talking to him but she needed to know where Robert was. It was unusual for him to be out after dark. Usually she would find him reading in a quiet secluded corner but since he met up with Patricia again he had become less predictable. Evelyn had become so accustomed to looking out for her brother she was finding it difficult to let go.

"He's with Patty, playing catch out back."

"He's outside? She said in disbelief "but it's dark!"

Looking at her curiously Shon said "What's wrong?"

"He doesn't like being out after dark," she said in concern. She moved towards the door "maybe I ought to go out there."

Clearing his throat Shon interjected "Don't you think you're carrying this mother hen bit a little too far?"

"What do you mean by that?  I'm just looking out for him, which is more then she's doing by keeping him out there."

"Evie I know you think you're protecting your brother but you have to let go and let him be." Shon sighed as he saw anger spark in her eyes. "Try and see it from his point of view. He's outside with a pretty girl, someone he likes. Do you think he wants his sister barging over and reminding him he's afraid of the dark?"

Glaring at him for a moment she thought over what he said. She laughed a little imagining how Robert would react. "You're right. I wasn't thinking." Shrugging "I guess he can tell if it's dark and come inside if it bothers him."

At about that time Robert walked past them going up the stairs. Evelyn noticed the haunted look in his eyes. "Maybe I out to go and see if he's alright." She moved to follow him when Shon reached out to stop her.

The touch of her skin sent shivers through him as realized she felt the way he had imagined. Momentarily stunned by his thoughts he held onto her arm, forgetting what or why he had reached out to stop her.

"Shon?" Evelyn asked trying to get his attention, concerned with the blank expression on his face. As he continued to stand there, staring she was becoming aware of the strange looks others were giving them as they walked by. Growing irritated she demanded "Let go of me," she said jerking her arm from his grasp.

"What? I'm sorry," Shon said sheepishly as he realized what he did.

"Why did you grab me?" she asked rubbing her arm.

"I ... did I hurt you?" he asked overwhelmed with remorse as he imagined he had squeezed to hard.

"Not really, mostly it was me jerking away."
 













"I'm really sorry," hanging his head he was afraid to look at her. Afraid to see fear and accusation written in her eyes, at times like these he was afraid he was turning in to his father.

"Shon it's alright. I'm alright. I over reacted." She tried to get him to look at her but he stared steadily at the floor.

Shon turned away from her whispering barely loud enough for to hear "I'm sorry. Please forgive me."

Evelyn watched him walk away, head low reminding her of a puppy that had been kicked to many times. She wanted to go to him and put her arms around him, reassure him that it was alright. She let the moment slip away as she wondered if he would appreciate the gesture.

As Shon climbed the stairs and slowly walked into the room he shared with Robert he wondered if he would ever belong to a family like the Bennets. They had accepted him despite his background. As protective as Sydney's dad had been of his daughter he had never once judged him on what his father had done. After Sydney had died, Shon was afraid he'd be forgotten and left behind, but despite his grief Sydney's dad had always found time to make sure he was alright. Shon missed having William around when the Bennets moved to Barnacle Bay. He remembered begging his Gramma to move there and she might have done just that if she hadn't gotten ill.

If it hadn't been for William reaching out to him when his Gramma passed away he was sure he would have killed himself. But at his darkest moment William had called to express his condolences and ever since he had continued to offer support and encouragement. William never let him give up on his dreams or on himself. Even though it took a few years he was finally able to afford to put himself through college and he would always be grateful to William for giving him the courage to go for what he wanted. Which made what he had just done that much worse he thought, as he threw himself on the bed wishing for oblivion.

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Getting up the next morning, raiding the refrigerator for whatever edible left overs they could find, Rob and Shon sat down to eat breakfast. Shon was unusually quiet, the events of the night before weighed heavily on his mind. Robert sensing something was wrong asked "What's the matter? Someone steal your girl or something?"

"What are you talking about?" Shon asked confused.

Shrugging Robert said "You're so quiet. Just figured it might be girl problems. Want to talk about it?"

Considering the offer, Shon looked at Robert who reminded him strongly of William. He had always felt comfortable being with Robert and he could certainly use a friend. He doubted he'd ever be able to confide in William about what happened. He knew he would react like a father instead of like a friend.

"I thought she might have already told you."

"So it is about a girl," Robert teased. "So who is she? and why would she tell me anything?"

Looking down at this plate he was finding it difficult to put into words what happened when he didn't understand it himself.

"Come on spit it out. We don't have all day."

"Um last night Evelyn was looking for you and um I grabbed her arm to keep her from following you."

"So?" Robert asked bewildered why this would cause anyone so much turmoil.

"You don't understand I could have hurt her."

"But you didn't, did you?"

"She says I didn't," Shon says in a tone like he doubted she told him the truth. He fell silent unable to put into words what was bothering him the most. Reaching out and grabbing her brought back memories of when his father and mother would argue and how his father would grab her before he'd hit her.

"Trust me, if Evie felt threatened she'd have told you. Then I'd have to beat you up for hurting my sister. Seriously though you're making too much of this." Seeing the worry in his friend's eyes Robert offered "if it makes you feel better I'll talk to her but I think it'd be better if you did."

"Thanks for the offer but I'll talk to her myself," Shon said worry twisting his stomach as he wondered how he would explain his actions. Changing the subject he asked "Have you asked Patty out yet?"

Shaking his head Robert mumbled "no".

"What are you waiting for?" he asked in astonishment. "If you don't make a move soon she's going to think you're not interested."

"Like you should talk."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Oh I think you know," Robert said getting up to clean his dishes. "If you weren't hung up on Evie you wouldn't be worried about what she thinks of you."

Stunned Shon stood there staring after him. Wondering when he had become so transparent that even Robert, who was notorious for being oblivious noticed. Hanging his head in his hands he groaned thinking this just keeps getting worse.

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After class Robert and Patricia were discussing what might be on their up coming exams.

"I still don't understand why we need to know what artist painted what picture?" Patricia just shook her head at him. "It's not like its important unless you're planning on being an art appraiser or a forger. Which I'm not by the way. Why can't we learn the techniques that the greats used?"

"Because they're afraid we will become great forgers," Patty said rolling her eyes at him.

"Ha ha very funny," he said becoming bored with something that seemed to have no relevance with what he wanted to do. He had noticed lately that he was becoming more interested in writing then in painting and was thinking of changing some of his classes to creative writing next term. He blamed it on the journals his psychologist suggested he write in daily. They were becoming filled with short stories and ideas for novels. He was becoming interested in other things than just in painting, not that he was giving up on painting it's just that he had come to realize that painting had been his way of coping with Sydney's death. As he learned to accept it he no longer had the driving need to paint and had started to enjoy other things and realized he loved to read and write, things he had put aside and just rediscovered lately. "So what do you feel like doing?" Robert asked leaning against the couch.

"Now that's a loaded question if I ever heard one," she said with a secretive smile. Thinking to herself that she would really like to have his arms wrapped around her listening to him tell her that the events of the past year and half were just a figment of her imagination. But she'd settle for him to hold her telling her it'd be alright, that they'd face the future together.

"Why so said pretty one?" Robert asked peering into her eyes.

Smiling sadly she shook her head sighing. How could she tell him she was more in love with him today then she was when they said goodbye in Aurora Skies? She was afraid it was all one sided, not once had he hinted at wanting to renew their relationship. They were friends but she wanted more. She was afraid that he didn't feel the same way she did.

"Hey did I do something?"

"No, no everything's fine. Really it is," she tried to reassure him but she could tell it wasn't working.

He watched her bite her lower lip wishing he could say something to get her to smile. Reflecting upon his conversation with Shon from earlier he wondered if Shon was right. Does she think I'm not interested? Panic jolted him into opening up, to say something but what came out was "Would you like to get some coffee?"

"Sure I can make a run to the coffee shop. What do you want?"

"What? No I meant together. You know you and me ..."

"You mean like a ..." Patricia began but faltered.

"Like a date," Robert finished for her holding his breath knowing he had screwed it up. Smiling Patricia nodded yes.

Sitting the coffee on the table, Robert sat down beside her. Taking a sip she put the coffee down asking "So what took you so long to ask me out? I was beginning to think you weren't interested."

Choking on his coffee, Robert sputtered "not interested, you're joking right?"

"Well why'd you wait so long?"

"I don't know," he shrugged looking into his cup for inspiration. Sighing he went with the truth " I guess I was afraid you wouldn't want to date someone who had been abducted by aliens."

"Whatever gave you that idea?" she asked.

"Past experience mostly," he sighed recalling how everyone avoided him at first when he returned to school then treated him like he was a freak show by inviting him to their parties so they could ask him questions. It got so bad he refused to go anywhere, uncomfortable with all the attention and people staring at him.

Reaching across the table she took his hand "I'm sorry. I didn't know you felt that way." Still holding his hand she looked directly into his eyes "I know how you feel, to have all eyes on you like you're an exhibit at the zoo."

Robert just stared at her wondering how she could say she understood the humiliation and the shame of being abducted by aliens. The mental anguish and fear that would wake him in the middle of the night drenched in sweat.

She squeezed his hand "I know you don't believe me but I do understand. I lived the fear for weeks waiting for my dad to come home wondering if he ever would, afraid I'd never be able to tell him how much I loved him. Then to have all my friends asking questions I couldn't or didn't want to answer. Coming by the house so they could gawk at him." She stopped wiping tears from her eyes.

"I'm so sorry," Robert said squeezing her hand. "I guess you do understand and you have a different perspective of the same problem."