The Future Trap
Chapter Three

Phil's POV
Wow, who would have thought I would be married, have two kids and now be getting a divorce all by the age of 21? No wonder drinking is legal at this age, Phil thought.

"Keely, I am sorry, but I am not staying in Pickford. I got a new job in Sydney, Australia. I think it is best for both of us."

"Phil, please, let's talk and work this out. I don't want to lose you. The boys need their parents together. Parents who end up in a divorce - there is a 65% chance their children will be troubled."

"Keely, I love you. Don't get me wrong, I am not happy anymore. I hate all this fighting. I want what's best for our kids, too. Please, I will let you have 75% of everything. It's for the best, Keels. Please just sign the papers. I want to be happy again."

She looked up at me through tears in her eyes and whispered,"Ok. Give me the pen."

As she started to sign the papers, I changed my mind. I wanted to shout, "STOP!" but I restrained myself in silence and just watched as she signed all papers.

***Ten Years Later***
I looked at the clock; Five A.M. Today, I will be kid-free for a whole eight weeks. Fifty-six days! Alex is off to Space Camp in Houston, Texas.

I walked into his room, "Hey Kiddo, time to get up; we have a long flight ahead of us. Let's grab a bite to eat, then we will head to the airport.
"This is Keely Teslow reporting in the heart of the Pickford tomato patch where tomato legend and Tomato Ranch Public Relations Director Arvin Fleet is about to hold a press conference addressing the recent unconfirmed rumors of ..."

I always watch the Pickford news.

"Dad, you are starting to cry again."

"Wait, no, I'm not. I have something in my eye."

"Whatever, Dad. You are still cool ... even if you have a thing about the news lady."

"Hey, hey, hey. That lady is the reason you are alive."

"Wait - - that's my mom?"

Crap me and my big mouth - - try and change subject. Alex knows about Keely, but not about James. Keely and I decided not to tell the twins about one another because the boys might resent us.. Umm, let's see ... ahh, I got it: rules for camp.

"Alex, I want to give you some of my own camp rules. These won't be a lot, just the usual:
- No harmful pranks
- Be the bigger person
- Lastly, respect everyone and be kind."

"Ok, Dad, I promise."

Alex's POV
YES! At last! Space Camp! This is going to be so much fun. Zero gravity chambers, rocket simulators, food fights and, best of all, pranks. This is going to be awesome!

"Now, Dad, just because I am gone doesn't mean you can throw crazy parties, stay up late and skip work."

"Yes, Son, I know….wait - hey, that's my job to give that speech, Mister."

We reached the entrance to the space camp. I looked up at all the activities with a huge smile on my face. I looked at my dad and he was for once happy.

"All parents to the conference center for camper registration and check in. All campers to the mess hall."

"Well, Dad, I guess this is 'goodbye' for the next eight weeks."

"Yeah, Bud, guess it is."

"Would all parents please report to the Conference Center for camper registration and check in. All campers to the Mess Hall."

End of Chapter Three

Hope you enjoyed this latest chapter. Please review and let me know what you think.
~TEW592~