Peter walked into the silent, semi-dark room where a young man was asleep in a chair beside a young woman. Attempting to be as unobtrusive as possible Peter approached them. He was aware the young woman was quite pretty despite her alien features, he gently lifted her arm to adjust it's position to allow him to take a blood sample. The young man stirred, opening his eyes he jumped to his feet in alarm, demanding "Who are you?"
"I'm Peter Van Winkle. Your father-in-law called you to expect me," Peter explained.
Shon nodded "Yeah I'm sorry I ...."
"Wasn't expecting me so soon," Peter said brushing off his attempt to apologize. "I know but I thought the sooner I got here the better. I'll try not to disturb you too much."
"No it's ok," Shon said sitting down, yawning. "William told me about you. He has high hopes that you'll be able to put an end to the alien menace."
"I hope so," Peter told him busy with the tests he was running and gathering the samples he needed. "It's probably not a good idea to discuss it here. The aliens have been infiltrating our medical facilities to locate the right people to take. That's how they found my son."
Looking down at Evelyn, Peter found himself remembering when he was sitting along side Adam's bed waiting for him to open his eyes and his heart went out to this young man. "My son had been in an accident and had been unconscious for several days before waking. I know first hand how awful the waiting is and how helpless it makes you feel just sitting here waiting." Looking at Shon with concern he continued "I hope you're not wearing yourself out by being here like this. She's going to need you a lot once she wakes up. Do you have anyone who can help?"
Shaking his head wearily, Shon sighed "Evelyn's family has been doing all they can. Jessica isn't much help and I find it difficult to forgive her for some of things she's done and said to her children. Evelyn's siblings all have their own lives. Casey is away at college preparing for finals and exams. Gene can't handle stressful situations and Evelyn wouldn't want him here at the risk of him relapsing," shrugging Shon continued "Beverly's been great coming and checking on me but she's used up all the time she was given and needs to resume her classes. So it's just me."
"What about Patricia, couldn't she help?" Peter asked.
"She is helping by taking care of our son, Robbie," Shon said staring at Evelyn's face as she lay unmoving.
"What about your parents, couldn't they come and help?" Peter asked trying to find someone who could help him through this ordeal.
Grunting angrily Shon replied "my mom abadoned me when I was 12 and my dad hates me. The only family I had was my Gramma and she's gone now."
Peter offered the only thing he could think of to help alliviate some of the stress saying "Shon, why don't you go home for a few hours. Get some rest, play with your son, then come back. I'll sit with your wife until then."
Shon looked at him debating whether he should take him up on his offer. He instinctively liked this guy and knew William trusted him and that was good enough for him. His mind made up Shon said "I could use a good nights sleep and a hot shower. Thank you." Shon leaned over Evelyn kissing her cheek saying "I'll be back sweetheart."
After Shon left, Peter sat down in Shon's vacated chair. He wondered how William was able to cope, with a daughter in the hospital, a wife losing her mind and a son being abducted by aliens and carrying a hy-brid child and he thought he had problems. Shaking his head, he opened the file he brought along to read. He was researching early abductions, trying to see similarities between the victims then and now. There was a name that felt significant to him but he couldn't remember what it was. As he scanned through the pages he finally ran acrossed it again.
Olivia, David - could that be a relative of Shon's? He continued to read the medical profile and confirmed that this was Shon's father. He had been an early abductee and the aliens almost had a successful pregnancy, except the child was stillborn. It was only after the abduction, that Shon's father started having problems with drinking and experiencing anger issues. It wasn't hard for Peter to imagine why with what he'd been told about the treatment abductees received from the aliens.
A nurse came in to check on Evelyn. As she finished, Peter asked "Do you know how her accident happened?"
"Are you a member of the family?" she asked.
"Yes," Peter told her "I just came in this morning from out of town."
"Oh I'm so glad. Her young man needs someone to lean on right now." She smiled at him before continuing "the police say her brakes went out but that couldn't have happened. My husband was her mechanic and he just replaced those brakes a week before the accident happened. He's a good mechanic and he can't imagine how the brakes could have failed."
"Maybe a manufacturing flaw," Peter suggested.
"Could be but we'll never know. They can't recover the car from the bottom of the cliff." Smiling at Peter again she said "I have other patients I need to check."
"Oh I'm sorry I didn't mean to hold you up," Peter acknowledged as she nodded and left the room.
Peter was dozing in the chair when Shon arrived later that evening, freshly showered and rested. Opening his eyes Peter smiled saying "you look better."
"Thanks, I feel better," Shon said pulling up another chair. "Any change?" he asked hopefully. At Peter's slight shake of the head, he slumped into his chair. "You're welcome to go to the house and get some rest and a shower," he offered.
"Thank you. I think I'll take you up on the offer," Peter got to his feet, hesitating at the door before turning around and asking, "does your father live around here?"
"I suppose so, I don't really know," Shon shrugged "he doesn't like who I married so I doubt he'd care whether she's in the hospital or not."
Debating with himself whether to mention his suspicions or not Peter said "Shon I have a bad feeling that your wife's accident was manufactured." Shon looked up startled as Peter continued "I spoke with one of the nurses and her husband happens to be your wife's mechanic. Did you know her brakes were just replaced a week before the accident?" Shon shook his head. "Brand new brakes just don't fail for no reason. It could be the brakes were defective from some manufacturing flaw but it could also mean they were tampered with."
"You ... you think they were tampered with, don't you?" Shon stammered.
"I know something about obsessive personalities and the harm they can do. I'm just guessing and have no proof to back up my hunch but your father has a personal vendetta against aliens." Handing the file folder to Shon he said "you should read this. Your father had been an early abductee of the aliens and it was only afterwards that he started to drink heavily and have uncontrollable fits of rage."
Shon stared at the folder in his hands. He now held in his hands the reason why his father was the way he was and all he could feel was panic as he thought of the implications. "You think he may be responsible for Evelyn's accident, don't you?"
"It's a possibility," Peter said putting a hand on Shon's shoulder saying "I think you need to take precautions."
"You're right," Shon mumbled, closing his eyes as he thought of the threats his father had made. He knew his father was going to do something, he should have done more to protect his family.
"Shon I want you to listen to me," Peter said kneeling beside his chair. "If it was foul play and your Dad was involved, you can't bame yourself. I know it's hard and it's natural to blame yourself. But you're not the one at fault. Trust me I've been there. Take precautions but live your life. You can't live in a bubble and I doubt you'd want to."
Shon was about to reply when he was interrupted by a soft voice asking "Shon, where am I? What happened?"
Shon found himself dreading going into the house. The looks of despair upon his wife's face coupled with Patricia's, it nearly broke him up inside. He knew someone had to keep it together, so he dug deep inside himself for the strength to be the rock everyone needed him to be. It had been four weeks since Robert was taken and still no sign that the aliens were coming back.
After the initial shock, Evelyn pulled herself together enough to go back to work. She hoped that she would be able to help the astronomers on base search for intrsteller activity. Shon knew she was desperate to keep herself busy and her mind occupied to keep from falling into depression. Sighing loudly Shon ushered up the fortitude to enter the house.
Coming into the kitchen Shon was suprised to find it empty. Listening he heard Robbie and Jennifer chattering to each other. Walking upstairs, Shon wondered where everyone was, he expected to find Evelyn in Robbies room. But upon entering, he found the kids happily playing in the playpen alone.
Lifting his head Robbie smiled saying "Daddy home."
Jennifer spun around in expectation, her smile fading into tears. Shon quickly picked her up trying to comfort her as she cried "Daddy not home. I want Daddy."
"I know sweetheart," Shon cooed trying to comfort the distraught toddler, "you miss your Daddy." She nodded her little head, too young to understand why her daddy was gone. Once Shon was able to calm her down and dry her tears he put her back in the playpen. He watched as Robbie hugged her close, he smiled at them, before leaving Shon ruffled Robbie's hair. As he left the room his smiled faded, letting his concern crease his forehead as the silence felt unnatural and ominous. Racing down the stairs imagining all kinds of things, knowing the girls wouldn't willingly leave the babies alone. He burst into the bedroom, the door banging against the wall.
Shock momentarily silenced him as he took in what was happening, then anger washed over him as he demanded "what the hell do you think you're doing?"
Startled Patricia jumped putting her hand to her chest. "I'm leaving," she said turning back to throwing clothes into a suitcase.
"Your what? Why?" Shon asked struggling to understand.
"I can't do this," she mumbled wiping tears from her eyes.
"Can't do what?" Shon shouted at her, "marriage, be a mother, live in this house, what exactly can't you do?" As he spoke he walked closer to where she stood immobile, staring into her suitcase as if it held the answers. He barely heard her whispered reply "the aliens."
Shon reached out and grabbed her arm. He felt her begin to shake as she was convulsed with sobs. Drawing her close, he held her tight while she cried on his shoulder. "You knew when you married him there was a strong possibility of him being abducted. You told him you could handle it, that you'd be here waiting for him. Was all that a lie?"
"No I thought I could but I can't. I didn't know what it'd be like. It's like my heart's been ripped out and I have this gaping hole and it hurts too much. I ... I just want the pain to go away. I want to look at my daughter without bursting into tears. To touch her hair and not think of him and how I enjoyed watching the light catch the golden highlights in it. I want to feel her arms snuggling around me without it reminding me of him." Her voice dissolved as she choked on sobs.
Holding her tight Shon said "honey, running away won't make the pain go away. Your daughter will still remind you of him. You know this isn't the answer." Shon continued to hold her, letting her cry herself out. He kept thinking he had to do whatever he could to help her. He wouldn't stand idly by and watch her walk out of Robert's life before he was able to come home and do something about it.
Slowly Patricia calmed down. Looking up at him she said "I'm sorry, you're right. I don't know what came over me." Looking at the half packed suitcase she said "I just got to thinking that if I wasn't here I wouldn't feel so bad. But no matter where I go I'll still be miserable, missing him, wondering where he's at, if he's alright." Looking at Shon with large frightened eyes she said in a low voice "he'd never forgive me for running out on him, for giving up" Sitting down on the edge of the bed "what am I going to do?"
Patting her shoulder Shon said "he'll understand. He knows the stress and heartache all of this puts on the family. You know it too, from your parents experience."
"That doesn't help," she said putting her head in her hands. "I can't believe I almost did what my mother did to my father. Pack up the kids and move, that nearly destroyed my father. What was I thinking? I'm a horrible person."
Kneeling in front of her, shon said "Honey it's going to be alright. You can get through this. Robert will come home. He's going to need you and all the love you can give him. Do you think you can do that? If not, you should go ahead and pack."
Lifting her head in shock, eyes swimming in tears she considered Shon's words, letting them sink in. "No I'm not my mother. I may panic. I may temporarily lose my mind but I won't quit. I won't abandon my husband." Reaching out she grabbed Shon's shoulder "I love him and I want to be here when he comes home."
"I know you do honey," Shon said getting up. "Can I help you put all this stuff away?"
Smiling through her tears "No I can manage." As she started to unpack she asked "Do you know what's keeping Evelyn? It's getting late, shouldn't she be home by now?"
"I'll giver her a call," Shon said as he tried not to worry. His call went to voice mail, he left a message and disconnected. Wondering where she could be, well maybe ... he reached for his phone again "hello Dad? .... Is Evelyn over there? .... When did she leave? .... " Panic knifed through him as he listened. "But that was over two hours ago .... no she isn't home. I wouldn't have called if she was .... no you're right, I'm sorry .... I'm really worried .... If you could, Patricia could use the company .... Thanks Dad."
He looked up seeing his worry mirrored in Patricia's face, he explained "Evelyn was visiting her Dad and the kids but she left over two hours ago. What could be taking her so long?"
"Maybe she had a flat tire?" Patricia suggested.
"It wouldn't take her two hours to change a tire." Coming to a decision he said "I'm going to go look for her." As he grabbed his keys he told Patricia "William is coming over to be with you."
"No I'm alright. I'm sure he'd rather be out looking for her too."
"Your sure you'll be alright?"
"I'm positive. One melt down a day is enough." Patricia told him as she inwardly prayed Evelyn was alright.
An hour later, Shon was parked along side the road discussing with William where else they could look.
"Dad where could she be? We've looked everywhere." Shon said beginning to panic as he paced beside the parked cars. His phone began to vibrate grabbing it, he anticipated it being Evelyn as he said "babe where have you been? I've been so worried ..." He dropped to his knees as the call ended, the blood draining from his head. William raced to his side knowing instinctively the call wasn't from Evelyn.
"Shon what's wrong? What's happened?"
Looking into William's concerned face, Shon tried to focus to comprehend what he was told. "That was the hospital, they said .... they said Evelyn was in a car accident. Her car went over a cliff and she's in surgery." Shon tried to stagger to his feet but feinted half way up. William caught him before he hit the ground.
The next four months were hectic as the new parents adjusted to having a baby. Patricia was becoming anxious over the arrival of their baby. She woke late one night to terrible cramps, she laid their hoping it wasn't what she knew it was. She couldn't help but think she wasn't ready to be a mom yet. Rolling over she nudged Robert "Rob wake up, the baby's coming."
"Huh?" Robert groaned sleepily, his tired mind not quite comprehending what he heard. "Oh my God the baby's coming!" he shouted with a jerk that sent him jumping from the bed. "Where's the bag? Keys, I can't find my keys," he ran in circles accomplishing nothing.
"Honey calm down," Patricia laughed. "We have time for you to get dressed."
Racing back into the room, Robert threw some clothes on. Brushing against Shon's bed he woke him up "What's going on?"
"The baby's coming," Robert said as he rushed out of the room. Shon followed, finding Evelyn holding the baby and laughing silently. "Do you think we should follow?"
"In a bit," she replied still laughing "get dressed while I feed Robbie and arrange for a sitter."
Patricia was rushed to the delivery room as soon as they arrived at the hospital. Several hours later the baby still hadn't arrived. Robert observed the worried glances the doctors and nurses exchanged. Leaving Patricia's side he approached one of the nurses "what's wrong?"
Looking up at him the nurse explained "The baby's heart beat isn't returning to normal, it's slowing down. We're prepping her for an emergency c-section."
His mind racing he numbly went to hold Patricia's hand. Her eyes searched his, creasing in worry she asked "what's wrong?"
Robert squeezed her hand while he gently rubbed her face with the other. "It's going to be alright," he tried to reassure her.
"Something's wrong with the baby isn't there?" she asked starting to panic.
Sighing Robert wished there was something he could do to eliviate her fear. "Honey they're prepping to do a c-section. The baby's heartbeat is slowing down..." Before Robert could finish, Patricia screamed as another contraction hit her.
The doctors and nurses all rushed over as she began to push. "The baby's crowning." The doctor looked up and smiled at them. "You're about to be parents."
When the baby came out one of the nurses exclaimed "doctor take a look at this."
"Well that explains why the baby had such a difficult time turning," the doctor said. Becoming curious Robert went over to them, seeing him approach the doctor continued "the umbilical cord was too short and the baby couldn't turn."
"But the baby's ok?" he asked watching the nurse carrying his baby.
The nurse smiled "you have a beautiful baby girl papa," she said as she handed the baby to Patricia.
"Hi little one," Patricia cooed. "I'm your mama."
Robert smiled as he walked over to his girls "So mama what are we going to name our little girl?"
Staring into the eyes of her daughter Patricia smiled. All the months of arguing over baby names she knew instantly the name that best suited their little angel, "Jennifer Willow Bennett."
******
The following months were filled with happy memories of baby firsts and parental mistakes. Somehow they all survived and the addition to the house was in progress by the time Shon and Evelyn were planning Robbie's first birthday party. Shon was finding it difficult to share in the joy of the moment. He was missing his Gramma and wishing she were around to share in this moment with him. He was sure she would have been happy to see him married, a father, he wished more than anything that she could have seen her first great grandchild.
No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't keep from dwelling on the things he didn't have. Like parents who loved and cared for him. His mother walked out of his life and never looked back and his father threatened his wife and family. In the back of his mind he nawed on that threat, wondering when his father would strike.
"Honey is anything wrong?" Evelyn asked pulling him out of his thoughts.
Smiling he shook his head "No, just thinking things I'd be better off not dwelling on."
"Like what?" she asked in concern.
Shrugging Shon replied "I can't help but wonder when my father will show up again. Make good on his threats." He looked into her eyes saying "I don't know what I'd do if anything would happen to you or Robbie."
Taking his face tenderly in her hands she pulled him close "Nothing's going to happen," at his mumbled protest she gently kissed him, "at least not today. We'll handle it if something happens, as long as we have each other, we can handle anything."
Leaning into her Shon breathed deeply "I just don't know what I'd do if he ever hurt you. He's dangerous and capable of anything."
"I know but we can't live in fear," Evelyn smiled trying to give him some peace of mind. "Isn't that what you keep telling me about the aliens. We can't live in fear that they'll come back and destroy my family. The same principle applies to your father. I won't live in fear and neither will you, it gives him too much power."
Shon hugged her tight "I know you're right." Smiling as he pulled away "I'll try I promise."
"Good we have guests due to arrive any minute and a son anxious to eat cake." Evelyn told him kissing his cheek.
******
Four months later it was Jennifer's birthday. Patricia was running in circles trying to make sure everything was done.
"Calm down, it doesn't have to be perfect," Robert said coming up beside her.
"I can't help it. I want everything to be perfect," Patricia replied looking up at him.
Chuckling a little, Robert smiled "don't kill yourself doing it. There will be other birthdays and milestones that will require a certain amount of perfection. This one just isn't one of them. Wait until she can at least remember it."
"I'm not that bad, am I?" she asked crossing her arms.
"Yes you are," Robert said kissing her nose. You've already chased Evelyn out of the house and Shon's afraid to come out of the bedroom. Ease up a bit and I'm sure things will run a lot smoother."
"Ok, Ok," Patricia sighed "tell my subjects the queen is sorry for being a tyrant."
After the party wound down and the kids were asleep they stood around in the kitchen talking. "Thank you," Patricia said "for helping with the party and for putting up with me."
"You're welcome," Evelyn said giving her a hug. "Everyone get's a little crazy sometimes."
"I'm sorry," Patricia told them "I hadn't realized I was so bad until Rob told me to cool it."
"Well your forgiven," Shon told "besides it's not everyday we get to celebrate my neices birthday."
"Thank you," Patricia said giving him a hug. "What would I do without you?"
"Good question. I'm a hard act to follow," Shon said with a cheeky grin.
"You're impossible," Evelyn told him.
"But you love me anyway," Shon said giving her a kiss.
"Debatable, very debatable," Evelyn said laughing as she leaned into him, enjoying the feel of his arms wrapped around her. Pulling apart when Patricia's voice intruded upon their thoughts.
"Do you know where Robert is?"
Still looking at Evelyn, Shon replied "he took the garbage out."
"But..." Patricia started then stopped to peer out the window "that was over twenty minutes ago. What could be taking him that long?" She bit her lip as she tried to remain calm.
"I'll go look for him," Shon offered and walked outside. The yard was small and he could tell Robert wasn't anywhere around. Shon found the trash laying beside the trash can. Looking carefully, Shon found Roberts footprints where they seemed to stop suddenly and disappear.
With a sinking heart he pulled his phone out "Anderson, do me a favor and check to see if there has been any alien activity tonight." Shon waited while his collegue checked and called him back. Answering his phone he nodded gripping the phone as he listened to the answer. Shon sighed turning towards the house he saw two anxious faces looking back at him.
How could he tell them? Shon wondered, searching for the strength to see them through this ordeal. They came running out of the house, Evelyn took one look at his face before saying "they came back."
Shon nodded his head wanting to comfort her but before he was able to move to her, Patricia grabbed him. "They who?" she asked in confusion. Shon watched as the answer hit her and her eyes glazed over. "No, no, no they can't. Get him back," she cried falling to her knees. "I want him back." Kneeling beside her Shon held her as she sobbed.
