GEN IV: Chatper 19 - Part 1

***Writers note: I had to move the Fuller family to Sunset Valley, there were way too many glitches in Riverview to allow for easy game play. This won't be put into the story however. ***

Brian spent the next few weeks at home working on all the things that went unattended in the family's grief. While Jennifer and Logan were at school, Brian took care of the household things. Scheduling things like they were, caused Brian to work nights most of the time. It seemed he rarely saw his children anymore.

When he did get to spend time with them they tried to pack as much fun in as possible, and that always left all three of them exhausted by the end of the day.

Adelaide called Brian frequently to chat, and most of the time they talked for a little while. He really enjoyed talking to her when she did call and usually stopped whatever he was doing to answer. She had quickly become his best friend.

On afternoon Adelaide was taking a walk at the same time Brian was taking out the garbage. She saw him and waved then came over to talk to him.

"Hey. How are you today? Are you busy?" She asked.

"I'm doing better, thank you. Nice to see you."

Saying it was nice to see her was a bit of an understatement for him. He was actually very happy to see her, but he would never admit that. He barely admitted it to himself. It did feel slightly like he was betraying his family by allowing himself to like another woman.

 Brian had finally told Adelaide what happened to Rachel. They had a pretty long discussion about it and Adelaide was there whenever he felt like he needed to talk more.

"Actually I was just about to get ready for work, I need to finish a case up tonight."

"Oh, shoot. I was kind of hoping you would go to the park with me. I didn't really want to go by myself." Adelaide said, pouting slightly. "Well, if you are busy it's not a problem. Maybe some other time." She smiled at him. "Have a good afternoon."

Brian smiled. Truly he would have rather go, but he did have work to do. "Okay sure. You know I won't be busy tomorrow. Maybe I can pick you up in the morning?"

Adelaide's face brightened. "Of course, anytime you can. I'll be ready."

"Great, see you tomorrow then." Brian said goodbye and watched her leave. He threw on his work jacket and hat and went off to work.

When Jennifer came home that afternoon she automatically prepared an early dinner. Logan was always hungry when he came home and it was easier to do homework on a full stomach. She noticed right away that her dad wasn't home and instantly felt a rush of different thoughts.

At first she figured 'Well he must be working.' That was immediately replaced by a more suspicious thought 'I hope he's at work and not out with Adelaide.' Then she actually began to wonder why she didn't want her father to be around Adelaide. It felt to her like he was betraying her mother. Even though she knew otherwise, she couldn't help the feeling. 'Well I know hanging around her has helped him through his grief. He does have the right to be happy doesn't he?' She finished making dinner with conflicting emotions.

When Brian came home from work he saw Logan seated in the entryway reading a book. Logan had also inherited the bookworm trait from his mother, as did Jennifer. Anytime you were looking for him, you would probably find Logan reading a book some where.

"Hey little man, can I talk to you for a minute?" Brian asked.

"Yeah dad, what's up?" Logan closed his book and looked at his father.

"Um. I was just curious, I know you have talked to Addy a few times. Do you like her? I mean, she's a good friend of mine but if you do not like her to be around, I would want to know okay?"

"I like her. She's very cool. We get along great actually dad. Why are you asking? Is this because of Jen?" Logan looked at his lap then back at Brian. "You know, I miss mom too. I may not remember her much anymore, but I do miss her. I'm not like Jen though, I don't think you are trying to replace mom with Addy."

Brian had to chuckle slightly at his son, "You have become quite grown up in a short time haven't you? That was a very mature response. I'm glad you like her though. I like her company, and she is so good with you."

Logan nodded, then smiled. "Hey wanna go throw the ball around?"

"Well, I'm starving actually, aren't you?" Brian asked.

"Oh yeah. Right, I am hungry." Logan said patting his stomach.

The two of them had some dinner together. Brian briefly wondered where Jennifer was but then he saw her in the garden through the window. Logan cleared up the dishes and put them in the dishwasher and ran it. Right away it started spewing water and smoking.

"Uh, Dad! You might want to come fix the dishwasher. Again." Logan called to his father.

Brian came in and rolled his eyes. "Maybe it's about time we replace this thing huh? It breaks nearly every time we use it." He laughed and got down to do his usual work. Logan helped out by mopping up the puddles.

The next morning, breakfast consisted of pancakes. Jennifer, Logan and Brian all ate together. Afterward the family sat on the couch to watch a little TV before the kids went to school. Also, as Brian had failed to mention to the children, before he left to pick up Adelaide and go to the park.

To be continued ...