2005
While Charlie was at the Koi pond, Don sat at his apartment, pondering the life he coud have had, if Alan hadn't accepted Charlie or had refused to forgive Margaret.
"I would've seen Dad only on the weekends." Don mused, remembering how it was for school friends of his, with divorced parents. "That would've sucked." Not wanting to think about it any more, the agent switched on the T.V.
Back at the house,Alan, who worried about the cold,night air,draped a jacket on Charlie's shoulders.
"It's getting chilly out here" Alan said. The Backyard lights were on.
"I'm fine" Charlie muttered.
2003
As the puzzle marathon continued, Margaret remembered what she went through when she firstfound out about being pregnant with Charlie.
"I can't believe it!" she lamented inwardly, while getting into her car, after leaving the doctor's. "I'm pregnant and I don't know who my baby's father is! I'm not one of those women who go on the Phil Donahue show! What if it's not Alan's and he notices? what if he leaves me? Donnie and the baby will live without a father! Should I abort? I wish there was a wayto know for sure. Let's see, two months ago...I slept with two men. If only I knew the exactdate of conception...Damn!"
She returned to the present, when Charlie asked her about some piece she had in her hand.
"Is that blue?"
"It's actually aqua." she quickly got back into the hang of things.
2005
Alan just stayed near Charlie, for a while. Then went to the house to call Don on his cell.
"Eppes?"
"It's me"
"Hey dad!"
"Charlie is planning to meet his biological father next week at an exhibit" Alan said.
"So soon?" Don worried again that Charlie's expectations would be too high, and then he'll be disapointed.
"You need to go with him." Alan said, having the same concerns.
"Whenever he needs me, I'll be there"the agent promised.
TBC