Chapter Four

Their adventure to the market was a success and they were rambunctiously greeted when they returned to the dig site loaded with imperishable food items and six large pizzas.  Everyone helped unload before diving into the now lukewarm pizzas.  Someone, most likely Charles Orwell, the team's personal rock star, cranked up a stereo.

Orwell had been in an inspiring local band all through the high school that began to take way during his college days.  Yet, tragedy struck: after recovering from a severe case of chronic bronchitis that damaged his vocal cords, doctors decided it would be best to quit singing or he may risk damaging his chords further.  So, Orwell focused on his studies and soon became a rising star in the paleontology department.  Grant snatched him up the instant Orwell was eligible for in-the-field-training.

It wasn't until a few months ago that Orwell learned that continuing his singing career would not have resulted in the negative effects his doctors had originally fear.  Yet, instead of being resentful, he smiled and declared that he preferred "digging up awesome bones, man".  Since then, the crew had been treated to a couple karaoke nights.

Grant stood off to the side, leaning against one of the few trees that managed to survive in the rocky climate.  He twirled his raptor claw in his right hand as he watched his pupils devour one pie after another.  He really was proud of their accomplishments, but found it hard to express his commendation in words.  He hoped last night and today's pizza showed the younger generation his appreciation for their excellent work.

Ellie sauntered over, staggering a bit as her foot stumbled into a slope.  She had her hair pulled back in a ponytail and was wearing a smile.  "Hey, Alan, it wouldn't kill you to interact from time to time."  She was now standing directly in front of him, blocking his view of the ravenous herd of young adults.  "Gina checked the weather report.  She said the winds should dissipate by later this evening."

Gillian Davis was a computer nut who jumped at any chance to use – what Grant called – "the damn technological downfall."  She, like a handful of others, only chuckled and shook their heads when Dr. Grant began muttering obscenities whenever the words "computer" or "program" or "software" were mentioned.

Grant now shrugged.  "They can have this day, but that means double time tomorrow."

"You crack that whip!" Ellie joked, moving to be beside him.  "They really are good kids," she mused somewhat to her self.  Granted, she was only a year or two older than some of the older students, but she felt years ahead at times.  She supposed that after acquiring a Ph.D. did that to people sometimes.

"Those aren't kids," Grant retorted, indicating the students with his raptor claw.  "They are motivated young adults; not whiny, snobby, disrespectful little rascals that get under your feet with their neediness."

Ellie rolled her eyes.  "Oh, Alan, that's just because you've never amalgamated with children.  They are full of energy and fun and genuinely curious about the world.  Imagine what you could teach a child about prehistoric life."  She sighed.  "I bet you've never actually spent time with a child.  How do you know if you really find them a nuisance if you've never conversed with one?"

"Both my sister and brother have two children," Grant pointed out.  "I've 'conversed' with them; and there is just no corresponding or negotiating with the little pests."

"Alan," Ellie laughed.  "You act as though they are war criminals.  I know you don't despise children that much.  They adore you too much for you to brush them off altogether.  If there are anyone in this world who enjoys your lectures, it is the children."

He looked at her oddly, but said nothing.  Instead he looked out over the excavation and pondered over whether or not to tell Ellie about Lisa.  In the end, he took a different approach.  "I don't hate children, Ellie.  They are going to grow up someday and run the world just has all the generations before them did.  I just…don't want children nor do I know how to handle them.  You can reason with adults.  You can't expect children to follow the same guidelines."

She didn't know why she found the need to tell him.  Yet, it was pressing on her.  "Alan," she whispered.  "I want children."

Grant once again looked at her strangely, but this time there was regret and pain in his eyes.  He looked away, debating once more whether he should bring up his beloved wife.  Neither of them wanted children, but when Lisa had learned she was pregnant she could not even fathom having an abortion.  It was against both of their morals to kill an innocent.  Yet, in the end it was their selflessness that stole her from him.

"I'm going to the lab."  Grant turned and strolled away leaving Ellie feeling awkward and alone.

End Chapter Four

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