Author's Note: Readers you should love power outages. You know why? Because they force me to find something other than go on the internet or do online homework. Namely they get me to write fan-fiction (as I write it by hand first usually). I hope you enjoy this chapter. And to an unsigned reviewer, of course this story is Alternate Universe—says so in the story synopsis.

Chapter 25

Spencer practically jumped into his arms after he got through security. Dave just smiled over his son's head at his mom and hugged Spencer tight. He knew exactly how the boy felt. After the publicity tour ended he was overjoyed to be home with his family. Say what you may about biological connections but Spencer was definitely his son.

The drive home was filled with Spencer happily chatting away about his time at school and everything he was learning. Apparently, though, his son did not take too kindly to some of the arts classes he was taking. According to Spencer English Literature was fine but geography and history were boring and did not interest him.

Dave was immediately worried when he went downstairs Monday morning. Unlike usual Spencer was nowhere to be seen. Usually his son was downstairs ahead of him drinking orange juice and watching Star Trek.

When Dave went to his son's room he found Spencer lying in bed. His son had definitely come down with something and that worried Dave. He was woefully unprepared when it came to dealing with sick children. Serial killers were one thing, sick children another.

He immediately got on the phone to his mother, knowing she would have the answers he sought,

"Mom, I think Spencer's sick." Dave immediately began, even before greetings were exchanged.

"Davie clam down. Why do you think my grandbaby's sick?"

"He didn't wake up at his usual time and he's hot and sweaty to the touch" Dave explained, the nervousness seeping into his voice,

"He's probably come down with the flu son. I want you to wet a wash-cloth with cold water and put it on Spencer's forehead. I'll be over as soon as I can." Mama Rossi instructed,

Dave followed his mom's instructions and was sitting at Spencer's bedside when his mother let herself in with her key. Mama Rossi immediately went into mothering mode with her sick grandson. She gently roused the sleeping boy, reassuring Spencer he was going to be fine as she took his temperature. The problem with Spencer's memory at times like this was that he could not stop the flood of information about various ailments, major and minor. Dave felt overwhelmed as he sat watching his mom work.

Soon Mama Rossi announced that Spencer had the flu but no, despite Dave's fears—and Spencer's—he did not have to go to either the hospital or the doctor. Then she directed Dave to call the school to tell them that Spencer would not be in that day.

Dave spent the next couple of days nursing, or helping to nurse, his sick son. Luckily, for all of them, Spencer's temperature did not critical levels. Either way Dave was hoping not to repeat the experience any time soon.

As soon as Spencer was feeling better talk turned to planning of the boy's eleventh birthday. What started as a small gathering of a few boys from Spencer's class at their house turned into Dave taking ten boys to the museum and then dinner and a movie at their house. Despite his grumbling Dave truly did not mind what the birthday party had turned into. He was happy to give his son the party as he suspected it was the first big birthday celebration Spencer had ever had. Though that being said Dave was ready to drop when the day was over. The boys had driven the museum guides crazy with all their advanced knowledge. Then dinner had been filled with science and Star Trek discussions that flew over Dave's head. He had a hard time getting the boys to eat their dinners as they were so engrossed in their discussion. Spencer's face had absolutely lit up when Dave had brought out the birthday cake. His son was so overwhelmed with emotion that no statistics or stream of information emerged. All in all it turned out to be an amazing day despite the exhausting nature of it all.