Chapter 8 Damn 1984 Illinois
Alicia collected herself. Her sleeves were drenched with her tears. She could feel how swollen her eye lids were. She took a couple of deep breathes and started the car. Then a horrifying thought occurred to her. Peter would certainly tell their kids about the affair and her pregnancy if he got the chance. He would do everything to twist their children against Will. God damn it, he didn't have to use their children like tools.
"Call Zach" Alicia asked her car's blue tooth.
"Hey mom, we've been waiting here for you. Dad called and said that he was on his way-
"No, um.. Zach I'm on my way. When I get there I'll pick Grace and you up in front of the restaurant."
"What why? Mom we're-"
"Please Zach. We need to sit down and talk about something." The only way to stay in front of Peter's reign of terror was to tell the kids the truth.
"Ok, see ya soon." And her son hung up.
She raced to the restaurant praying to get to the restaurant before….fuck. She recognized Peter's car parked outside the restaurant. She almost ran inside, grabbing the attention of a few onlookers. She saw them all sitting down at a table in the back. Peter was talking to their kids, but she couldn't make it out until she got close enough. Her heart was racing, but she tried to stay as calm as possible. He told them, that bastard! Her assumptions were met with confusion when they started laughing.
"Hey hun! I've just told the kids the great news." Peter was smiling, as if 30 minutes ago their fight never happened. Alicia didn't know what to think.
"EWW, it's gross! Aren't you too old for that kind of stuck." Zach said.
"Stop being so immature. I think it's great." Grace hit her brother's arm.
"I'm not saying it isn't good, just as long as our new sibling doesn't turn out anything like you," Zach laughed, shielding himself from the onset of petty punches his sister was giving him.
"Stop that. We're in a restaurant so calm down."Jackie scolded her grandchildren, then turning to Alicia. "This is very exciting news. I'm so happy for the both of you."
What the fuck was going on! Her day had been long and eventful, but this may have actually taken the cake. Why was everyone ok with the fact that she was leaving Peter and having a love child with another man. Even Jackie was giggling with joy.
"Um yeah, thanks." She may have been acting awkward, but none of this made sense. Why was Peter so happy? Why wasn't the kids more upset and asking a million questions about the affair? Why did Jackie look like she just received the greatest news in her life? She wanted everyone to understand her choice, but didn't expect them to instantly be alright with it.
"So you told them." She asked Peter trying to piece together the odd moment. It was like a joke, but she was missing the punch line.
"Yes. I'm sorry, I know I should have waited for you, but I got too excited." Peter said, gesturing Alicia to sit next to him. She did without thinking, still not understanding everyone's reaction.
"And what did you tell them exactly?" Alicia asked Peter
"That you and I were having another baby. It may have been unplanned, but certainly not unwanted." He leaned over and kissed her on the forehead. She only allowed it to happen because she was too stunned to do anything about it. Her mind just stopped thinking and her heart sank. He had just hijacked her pregnancy in a way she never expected. He had made this situation far more complicated by convincing everyone it was his child. He even looked convinced of his own lie.
"Mom, are you ok?" Grace asked. Honestly, Alicia felt emotionally and physically sick. Sick of Peter and his games. She wanted out.
"N-No, I'm -I'm not feeling good," Alicia didn't know where to start. She didn't know if she should just expose Peter right then or keep quiet. Before she could make up her mind Peter intervened.
"I'll take mom outside to get some air. She might just be nauseous from the pregnancy." Peter led Alicia outside, without a word being said between them. Peter was tranquil, like this was an everyday thing. When they got outside to the abandons parking lot she let all her fury out on him.
"WHAT THE HELL PETER! YOU LIED! HOW COULD YOU MINIPULATE YOUR OWN CHILDEN LIKE THAT? YOU NEED TO STOP THIS NOW!"Alicia was yell, furious by Peters delusional attempt.
"Illinois Parentage Act of 1984 always the husband to take the responsibilities and rights of the biological father if he so desires. I told you, I'm protecting you from yourself. Will isn't right for you or our child-"
"PETER. IT'S NOT YOURS! You need to stop this. You're going to end up hurting so many people with this. Including yourself." She was panting for breathe, her head was about to explode with rage and disgust. "It's Will's child. He has the right to choice is he wants to be in his own child's life. I've given you two wonderful children-"
"Alicia, I'm helping you! What's going to happen to you when Will goes to jail? Do you actually think Lockheart and Associates are going to provide for his love child and his mistress? No. They want that dirty scandal put to bed and the only way they are going to do that is by firing you. Including which, all of Gardeners assets will be frozen. You will have nothing."
She knew he was right. He had the law on his side. Peter could legally control Will's child and take away his freedom, forcing Alicia into destitute. And, even though Peter dare not say it, she could easily loose Zach and Grace if she wasn't able to support them. He wanted to force Alicia to stay with him, no matter what the cost. Alicia wanted to drop to the floor and start crying, but Peter wrapped his arms around her. She tried to wiggle herself out of his hold, but he wouldn't allow it.
"I love you Alicia and I want us to be a family. I'll give you a few days to think about things, but then I want an answer. It's your choice." Peter's mello and soft tone couldn't mask the real truth. He was setting her up, black mailing her.
She looked up in the eye of the man who had taken all her happiness away.
"It's not a choice when you have me cornered," She whispered, too broken hearted to find the energy to yell.
They went back inside. Alicia told the kids that she wasn't feeling well and that they should get something to go. When they asked if Peter was coming home with them (possibly assuming that they must be getting back together) she told them that Peter had to work late. Peter looked a little disappointed, probably thinking he might actually be able to sleep over with Alicia. Go to hell. Zach drove Grace home in his car, leaving Alicia alone to ponder the situation.
She either leaves Peter and risk losing her kids, job and Will or stay with Peter and continue with the good wife routine. Loving Will hurt him. She was toxic because of Peter. Peter would never let her go.
NO! I want stand for it. I'm not some battered women. I can beat Peter at his own game.
She had a vengeful spirit that wouldn't allow her to bend to Peter's twisted plan. She picked up her phone and texted Kalinda.
"I need help."
She didn't know what to do, but she knew she needed an ally to back her up. Who better then the person who saved her life and…was her best friend. As she waiting for Kalinda to respond Alicia drove herself to the hospital to see Will. She didn't want to break his heart, but he needed to know the truth. She also needed to know what was true about Peter's accusations. She wasn't sure of anything anymore. One thing was certain; she didn't want to turn into Peter's pet wife.
….
So I know this short, but the next chapter will be longer. I know I promised to introduce Eli and Diane (also some Peter and Will), but I needed to put this chapter in first. Keep reading and review. Who do you think Alicia should choose?