Author's note: After the last concert, Marty McFly ponders over his decision to retire from touring - in order to spend more time with his family.

August 28, 2005
1:30 PM PST

Marty McFly had some rather mixed feelings, as he bit into his bacon cheeseburger. It seemed so hard to believe that, last night, he had given his last concert performance. While he would, quite likely, have future opportunities to perform on stage - he simply decided to make this concert tour be his last. After all, he had his family to consider.

He smiled at the young blonde, who was sitting across from him. While Emerald Green was only twelve years old, she had already acquired fame as a rock star. It had quite been a pleasure for Marty, as he had the privilege to join her on her very first tour.

"This has really been a great summer, Marty," Emerald replied, with a wistful sigh. "It was such a pleasure, being on the road with you." After a brief pause, she added, "I sort of was wondering. Do you really, uh, feel that you've made the right decision?"

"I'm quite sure of it, Emerald," Marty insisted, in a soft voice. "Granted, it would be a lie to say that I... that I don't feel any pang of sadness. What I mean is, this is quite something that I've really enjoyed - so this is such a bittersweet experience. I simply feel that it's worth it, though. The thing is, Emerald, I am doing this for my family."

"I think it's wonderful," agreed Emerald, nodding. "I mean, I agree that family really is important. I still remember how, earlier this summer, we had that talk. Y'know, when I really wanted to go to that party - and my parents wouldn't let me. I feel ashamed."

"Hey, don't worry about it," Marty replied, as he flashed her a lopsided smile. "I really think we all go through that phase. I still quite remember my days, from when I was a teenager. It almost seems like it was yesterday. It's hard to believe that I'm now 37."

"You simply don't look that old," commented Emerald, as she smiled back. "It's so hard to believe that I'll soon be, uh, returning to school. I just feel nervous, y'know, about starting a new school. I guess I would, basically, be a school celebrity. Oh, Marty, it's going to feel strange. I don't want to seem like I'm actually, uh, an egotistical type."

"Aw, I don't think you need to worry," replied Marty, gently. "Emerald, you are a real down-to-earth kind of person. You're sure gracious to your fans, and you really have an outgoing personality. The thing is, you don't quite have anything to worry about."

"Thanks, Marty," replied Emerald, in a near whisper. "So, you said that you have two children?" Marty nodded, as a smile spread across his face. "Well, I sure think they're so adorable. I'm sure you'll make a wonderful father. I sure would like to meet them."

"Maybe you can," suggested Marty, warmly. "I've sure missed my children, as well as my wife. It'll be quite a joy to see them! I'm sure that they'll all be happy to see me. I am quite looking forward to this. One of my biggest regrets, Emerald, is how I missed seeing my children take their first steps. Both times, I missed it. I felt sad about it."

"I guess it's a real important milestone," agreed Emerald, softly. "Well, I'm sure you'll be able to witness their other milestones. I mean, they're still quite young. I just see the family resemblances. So, what about your wife? Did she sort of pressure you..."

"No, not at all," replied Marty. "She was real supportive, in fact. When I explained to her that I would make this be my last tour... Of course, she was thrilled! She wanted to be sure that I really was certain... that I truly had a desire to retire from touring."

"It sounds like you simply have a great wife," commented Emerald. "Say, what about your parents? Were they supportive about your career? I mean, what do they really think about your music? I know that your father has become a famous science fiction author. I just think A Match Made In Space is a great novel. I enjoy the movie, too."

Marty smiled, as he thought of his parents. His parents have always encouraged him to follow his dreams. He thought of how pleased they really were, when his first solo album made it on the Top 20 Billboard chart. His parents were real wonderful people.

On the other hand, though, Marty could also remember when his parents weren't that supportive. Even after twenty years, he quite had some faint memories of the original timeline. In that timeline, his alcoholic mother had quite been much more disapproving.

Marty just sighed to himself, as he thought of how much he missed time travelling. He thought of his scientist friend, Dr. Emmett Brown, who he called "Doc". Ever since the scientist had unveiled the time machine, Marty's life was never quite the same. It was hard to believe that it was twenty years ago. Time certainly seemed to really fly by.

"My parents are so wonderful," Marty finally commented. "They were both real happy for me. Granted, I rather had a tendancy to slack off in school - and my parents have expressed concern over that. Still, it's to actually be expected of any good parent."

"That sounds great," replied Emerald. "I wonder what kind of parent I would be. I just can't imagine it. I mean, I love being around little kids - but I'm not sure if I could quite handle the responsibility. How did you feel, Marty, when your first child was born?"

"It was simply a joy!" gushed Marty, as he smiled at the memory. "I almost didn't make it, though. Fortunately, I really was able to make some negotiations. I was performing in Burnaby, British Columbia - when I was told that I could spend a week at home. This really made me happy. I mean, I felt that it would only be right to be with my wife."

"I'm glad that it worked out," commented Emerald. In a softer voice, she added, "I'm really going to miss you, Marty. I mean, it's been a great summer - and we just had a lot of fun. I still remember how you were really in tears, as we walked off the stage."

"Well, it really was a hard decision," Marty explained, sighing. "Of course, it'll be worth it. My family sure needs me. There's certainly more to being a father, than just making a paycheque. My wife can't do this all alone. We are a team, and we need to stick..."

Tears came to Marty's eyes, as the finality of the situation rather began to sink in. Of course, he wasn't entirely going to quit his career. Any future performances, though, would likely be far and few between. He felt sad, as he realized just what his decision would entail. In spite of the melancholy, though, he wouldn't go back on his decision.

"You feel sad about this, don't you?" Emerald asked, softly. "I feel real sad about this, myself. I mean, this was my first concert tour - and it's actually gone to an end. I sure enjoyed it. I won't be able to on another tour, until next summer. It'll be a long time."

"I'm sure it will be," choked out Marty, "but it'll really be worth the wait. I mean, won't it? After having a break for nine months, you'll probably come to have an even bigger appreciation. I suppose I could see it that way, myself. Still, it certainly won't be..."

"You've been a good friend, Marty," Emerald commented, as tears filled her eyes. "By the time next summer rolls around, I'll probably be with someone else. This was simply an interesting experience. You've really taught me a lot, and I would just like to thank you for all your advice. Maybe, if Verne Brown is receptive to the idea of touring..."

"I'm sure he'd really love that," replied Marty. "It's amazing, thinking of how Verne has decided to follow in my footsteps. I was always real close to Dr. Brown, and it's rather amazing to think of how... Man, I still remember when Jules and Verne were so small."

"Dr. Brown is such a genius," commented Emerald. "I'm sure that, in a hundred years, he'll be the history books. He's simply be up there, with all the great scientists. I quite have a great feeling about Hill Valley. Someday, Marty, I would love to live there."

"It really is a great town," agreed Marty. "My ancestors have lived there for over 120 years. I always quite vowed that, no matter how famous I come, I would never leave Hill Valley. I still remember how my parents were very crushed, when Dave decided to leave for New York. Granted, he certainly does have a right to make that decision."

"Well, he is his own person," Emerald pointed out. "Well, this has really been a great lunch." After a pause, she added, "So, Marty, I guess your children are really seven and eight. It looks like they're growing. Your son actually want to take after you?"

"That's what he says," Marty replied, as a smile tugged at his lips. "Some people think that I've quite pushed him into it, but I didn't. In fact, I've encouraged him to explore other options. Still, if that's what he actually wants to do... Who am I to stop him?"

"It looks like your children really admire you," observed Emerald. "I sure think they're lucky. I mean, they have such a wonderful father. I think it's rather wonderful, what you're doing. Just think, you'll quite be able to spend more time with them - and they certainly won't have to keep asking their mommy when their daddy is coming back."

"That's quite true," agreed Marty. "I'm sure that the kids will really be happy, by the time next summer rolls around. We'll be able to play catch, and I sure can take them swimming. It'll be wonderful, being able to spend time with them... being a father."

"I can tell that this is really a bittersweet time for you," commented Emerald. "It must be a little tough for you, having to choose between two things that you love. I really do wish you the best of luck, though. Remember, there really is no place like home."

Marty smiled, as he knew that the young blonde really was correct. He thought of his wife and children, and how much he really missed them. While he quite enjoyed being able to perform, it was quite tough for him to be away from his family. He knew, right then and there, that he made the right decision. Above all else, he valued his family.