Legacy of the Dreams

Chapter 62 - Concerns of the Children

The Abernathys headed to the Oakland Airport following a very short visit with Alan and his family for Olivia's birthday. The next day was a school day for Jessie and a workday for Greg and Susan, so there was some eagerness to get home. Aside from that, Susan couldn't help thinking about Zackary home alone ... hoping he was alone, and not continuing his explorations in their cave with Kelly unsupervised.

"He's sixteen, Susan. I'm sure Zackary's fine," Greg tried to assure her as they discussed it on the way to the airport.

"He's sixteen-and-a-half, Greg. He's old enough to drive. And, Matt called me a little while ago. He went by the house after church. The car Zack drove to church was in the garage, but he couldn't find him. He thought Kelly might have come home with him," Susan shared.

"Mmm. That's not good," Greg said.

"That's exactly the reason I am worried," Susan said.

Greg looked at her obliquely. "I thought you trusted him, Susan."

"I do trust him ... but putting temptation in his way doesn't seem like a good idea at this point either. I keep remembering what you said," Susan told him.

"What I said?" Greg asked.

"Isn't sixteen-and-a-half about the age you were when you and Ruth got into trouble?" Susan asked.

"Ah ... I see what you mean. I suppose we don't need to be encouraging any more additions to the family this year," Greg said. "Did you suggest Matt look in the cave?"

"I did," Susan said. "He's going to call me back."

They pulled into the car rental return place and got out.

"Are you talking about Alan and Cindy's babies, Papa?" Jessie asked as they made their way inside the airport and checked in for their flight. "Or Zack's?"

"Alan and Cindy are the ones having a baby this year," Greg said. "Not Zack and Kelly."

"Are they too young?" Jessie asked Greg and Susan.

"Yes, Jessie, they are too young to have a baby and to get it right," Susan told her.

"Okay, I'll tell them," Jessie said.

Greg cocked his brow.

"That's what they're trying to figure out, Papa. They got it wrong before," Jessie said seriously.

"How do you know that?" Greg asked.

"Kelly told me. One time they were too young. Another time they were too old and died first before their girl could be born. They need to get it right to succeed," Jessie said. "They are spending time in the cave to try to figure it out."

"Because they can remember when they're there?" Susan wondered.

"I think so. Me and Bert do," Jessie told her.

Greg exchanged a look with Susan. "Then perhaps it is not so great a risk as we initially believed."

"Maybe not," Susan agreed. "Are you surprised about Alan and Cindy's baby?"

"No, not really, if I stop to think about it. Alan is thirty-nine this year and Cindy is thirty-six, as he said, and he is right. Given their age and our experience with Melody, I'm certain they feel a certain urgency to have their family complete," Greg said.

"But you were surprised initially," Susan guessed based on his expression.

"I suppose I was. I knew Alan and Cindy originally wanted a relatively large family, but after their difficulties with Olivia as a newborn last year, I did wonder if they might reconsider," Greg said.