Prelude/ Chapter1
Four years went by fast, 5 rather. One year ago they were married. At that time, Rebecca was all to happy to have finally met someone who understood her, and vowed to care and love her forever.
Brian never expected to fall in love in college. She was perfect, with her soft brown curls down to the shoulders, and bright hazel stare. Her smile was what he loved most, and her ability to remain positive even during the most difficult circumstances.
She had admired his many talents, gaining a PhD in physics, being the youngest to graduate in his class. His future options were unlimited. Brian could've settled anywhere and found respectable work, however, the twosome settled on going to Los Alamos, as he was able to find work on a government project to find a source for clean nuclear radiation. His smarts were unmatched...more so his demeanor. He was kind, though slightly stand-offish at times.
Together, they were happy. She laugh, he'd smile, hold her close while she either sang or hum a soft tune with her gentle voice.
But like every family, there were secrets...some of which Brian Banner vowed to never disclose with anyone, not even his wife.
And like every couple, there are dreams. Future adventures some wish to embark on before the other is ready. Rebecca had no shame in sharing her excitement for raising a family...however, Brian's response, or lack of, demonstrated his internal desire never to have a child, for he had vowed within his heart, 'Never to bring another Banner into the world.'
Sure, they were happy for the past 5 years...but work got stressful, more demanding.
Rebecca would stay up well past midnight before her love would enter the house after a long day. Later and later, he'd come home, looking more and more torn apart and drunk.
She'd assure him of her support, but that went unheard. In an alcoholic fit, he'd puncture wholes in the walls, become irate with his co-workers, even more quick to anger with his one true love.
It was shocking that first time he struck her, both tired and exhausted. He marched in at 2 am, and like always, she had waited up for him.
"How was work honey? Are you alright?"
He mumbled, growling angrily as he walked away from her without a word. She followed him, hesitant that he may yell at any given moment. This was life...especially when she could smell liquor on him. He headed straight for the cabinet, pouring himself another glass. She whispered again from a distance;
"Honey? Are you alright?"
With those soft-spoken words, he lashed at her, calling her vile things before throwing the bottle in her direction. Trembling in the corner, hidden from his view, he yelled for her.
It was hopeless, this was life. All her dreams had been taken from her, any hope of being loved and tenderly cared for had vanished. She only wished he would stop and think for while. She often wondered if he even cared for her anymore.
His apology was weak that morning, stuck in bed with a hangover. She refused to leave his side no matter how irate he had been. Despite her urging for him to stay home, he stated that he "had to work," and that the "project was due that morning."
She just nodded, tears in her eyes. He was so focused on his work, they barely talk anymore.
Despite being lost in a haze, he kissed her forehead gently before leaving the home. Rebecca clutched her heart as he drove away leaving her to wonder about his sanity, his well-being, and their future.
He should've listened to her, he should've stayed at home under her tender and loving arms. It had been a mistake to go ahead with this project, not being sound in mind;
"Alright Banner, what is this?" The boss was furious, seeing the disaster made from a careless mistake.
He fumbled for words, "Sir, please, it was an overload of equipment, it was just a mistake."
"We don't have time for mistakes Banner!,' he breathed heavily, 'how do you feel?"
He looked into his palms, the overload of nurses and doctor's had checked him to insure he was safe. Brian felt radiation within himself. He stressed over the fact that he had been sure to hide behind a shield when it blew. It had to have altered his genetic structure, even the slightest...he could feel it despite multiple physicians claiming to have found not a single thread of the chemical.
Brian was court-martialed and released from off the project.
How could he tell Rebecca? She had been right, she was always right. He should've never left the home in that state. On that drive home he vowed even stronger within his heart never to have a child.
But Brian was too intelligent not to be able to find work, and he did. In Ohio with the full support of his one true love. The money was good, the home was clean, and the bond between the couple was improving due to his limiting alcoholic intake. He finally believed that he had accomplished something good. And Rebecca had learned to love him even more for his ambitious spirit and will to continue despite all they had been through.