Following lunch, Ralph watched as Walter left them in the kitchen and went to the bathroom.
"Grandma, Grandpa, one thing for you both to know before Walter gets back. So you aren't shocked or scared by it. Walter's been having a nightmare around 6 a.m. and screaming. He claims he doesn't have one, nor does he remember screaming. So, just be aware you may hear it in the morning." Ralph told them quickly.
"Well if that doesn't beat all." Sean said as he looked at Louise.
"Do you believe him?" Louise asked.
"I've no reason not to. He doesn't get up when it happens. And it'll be at least a half hour before he'll get up for his shower. He never looks shaken or disturbed by it. I recorded part of it this morning for him to hear as I figured he'd deny it. He was pretty shocked by it." Ralph explained.
"How long has he been eating that much?" Sean asked, looking at the three empty and discarded boxes that Walter's hamburgers and fries had been packaged in.
"Actually he hadn't been eating very much, if at all since it happened." Cabe told them quietly. "I was happy to hear him say he was really hungry today."
"I can't believe he got burgers and not his fish." Ralph told them.
"Grief can do that sometimes. Feast or famine as they say." Louise sighed.
They heard the flush of a toilet and then water running in the sink before a door opened and closed.
Walter walked back into the kitchen and smiled briefly.
"I'm sorry Mom and Dad. I've got to get on with the job I need to finish up." Walter told them.
"Are you sure you are up to it?" Louise asked softly.
"Yes, it helps to keep my thoughts from wandering so much. This whole experience has taught me one thing. When I place bids moving forward, I'll pad the number of days needed in case there is another emergency." Walter told them. "Did you need me to do anything for you first Ralph?"
Ralph smiled as he shook his head no.
"I love you buddy. And I'm here for you." Walter's left hand touched his shoulder as he smiled.
"That's a remarkable change in our boy." Sean whispered as they watched Walter sit down at his desk.
"He's really been trying to reassure me that I'm still loved and valued since Mom died. He doesn't want me to feel alone." Ralph gave them a sad smile.
They all looked towards Walter's desk as they heard him turn on a radio.
"That's peculiar…Walter's never cared for the radio at work. According to the guys, it wasn't until he hired Paige and she used one that he allowed it." Cabe told them.
Walter struggled as he worked on the software job. His thoughts kept drifting over the upcoming memorial service. He sat with Ralph the other night, along with Paige's friends as they went over what Ralph wanted for the service. Ralph wanted Walter to conduct the services much to the dismay of Paige's friends. They had tried to redirect his thoughts on the matter as each of them remembered what Walter was like. But Ralph had been adamant that as long as Walter felt he could do it, his Mom would want him to.
Walter sighed as he still had no idea of what to say. He shook his head as he tried to get back to programming. But before he could, the door to the Garage opened. And slowly Happy, then Toby walked in followed by Sylvester.
"What do you want?" Walter said angrily.
"We wanted to come over, see how you and Ralph were doing." Happy said. As the only one with enough guts to open her mouth over the matter. The two guys left it to her to speak for them.
"We'd be doing a hell of a lot better if we had never met the three of you." Walter growled.
"That isn't fair Walt." Happy complained.
"And Paige having died, because of you three idiots, is?" Walter demanded. "Just leave, we don't want or need you here."
All three of them blanched even as Cabe and Ralph rushed out of the kitchen followed by Walter's parents.
"Look, we're not responsible for Beauchamp's inadequate safety measures." Toby tried to stick up for them as Happy backed down.
"Not responsible?" Walter slammed his left fist down on the desk before standing up. "Had you, as a company, not low balled the job you wouldn't have been in such a hurry to finish it. If Happy had been more careful, Paige wouldn't have had to try and help her get out of that room. If Sylvester had paid attention to the system, he'd have seen the system still had a test cycle set to happen. He could have cleared it before resetting the system. And I'm sure you were right there rushing them to hurry and finish the job since you had grossly underbid on it."
Walter's words and anger made them all step back.
"And if you hadn't walked out on me that night, none of this would have happened. Paige and I would have made up as well, and she'd still be working here." Walter told them.
"Hey, you're the one that screwed that up, we told you to tell her the truth." Toby yelled back.
Walter growled as his eyes narrowed and Ralph ran over to stand with him.
"You also told me I had two choices. Tell her the truth, which would hurt her and make me feel better, or not tell her and keep feeling horrible. So of course I didn't tell her. I didn't want to cause her any pain. Not to mention that nothing had happened." Walter screamed.
"That's enough!" Cabe finally said after whistling sharply. His eyes never left the three former members of Scorpion. "I'm not letting you come in here and jump on Walter over this. So get your asses out of the Garage and don't darken our doorstep again."
"W-we need to be able to talk about this." Sylvester piped up.
"That's what this is about." Ralph said suddenly. "They're worried I'll include them in the wrongful death suit with Beauchamp. They aren't concerned about us at all."
Walter's eyes flitted between his former friends and he saw Ralph spoke the truth. The look on their faces told the whole story.
"I can't believe it." Walter said softly. "Ralph's right. You came over here worried, to see if we were planning to include you in the lawsuit."
"It crossed our minds but that isn't why we came over here." Toby tried to obfuscate.
"Bull!" Cabe yelled. "Had it not been the truth, Happy and Sylvester would have said it. But neither of them are comfortable telling a bald-face lie, unlike you."
"It's time for you three to leave and don't come back unless my son asks you to come back." Sean told them.
They watched as the three geniuses backed up a few steps before turning and leaving.
Walter fell back into his chair. His head down and his eyes squeezed shut tightly. His shoulders seemed to collapse as his grief rushed out of him.
Ralph began crying even as he threw his arms around Walter.
Walter's left arm came up and hugged Ralph back.
Walter sat on his couch that evening after dinner massaging his right arm as Ralph played his video game.
"Walter." Ralph said as he paused his video game.
"What's up Ralph?" Walter asked softly even as he yawned.
"I wasn't sure how to ask this when Mom was alive. Since meeting me, you've always treated me as an equal. Always making sure we were safe and cared for, even when you couldn't get past your issues to ask Mom out. You told Drew that I was your son and that made me so happy. I've wanted to call you Dad for some time now, would that be okay?" Ralph looked at him sincerely.
"As far as I am concerned it is more than okay." Walter smiled as he brushed several tears away. "Once your Mom and I began dating I had hoped that we'd get married and you'd both agree with me adopting you."
"Dad." Ralph grinned and jumped up from his place on the couch and hugged Walter tightly.
"Oh, this is a happy scene." Louise said as she stepped out into the living area. "How's your arm?"
"Except for the pain, it still has a dead feeling." Walter answered softly.
"I'm sorry my boy. Dinner was delicious though." Louise smiled as Ralph sat back down on the couch. "It was a wonderful change to Irish stew."
"I used Paige's recipe." Walter yawned.
"Are you that tired dear?" Louise asked concerned.
"Yes, every morning I wake up as tired or more tired than when I went to bed." Walter sighed.
"Well, why don't you go lay down early? I'll sit up to be sure Ralph is okay. Not that he really needs that, getting as big as he is." Louise smiled as her hand reached out and stroked Ralph's hair.
Ralph had to really fight the feeling to move away from her hand.
"That's not a bad idea, if you are okay with that Ralph." Walter asked.
"I think you should." Ralph nodded. "I'm thinking I might go lay down soon myself. I could use a little more sleep."
"Was there anything in your school work you need any help with? I can't imagine there is, but if you just want me to sit with you while you work on it, I will." Walter smiled.
"Thanks but I'm up to date with it. It's been nice not having to go to school and just do the work from home. I know I'll have to go back Monday, it's what Mom would want." Ralph told him.
"She was always worried about your socialization and wanted you to always attend." Walter nodded with a grin. "I was a good role model for why you should do that."
"I know you and Mom got into it, that night you went off the cliff because of me emulating you. But, if I could be half the man you are I'd be proud." Ralph told him.
A tear ran down Walter's cheek.
"Ralph, you are already a better man than I will ever be. Never doubt that. You are smarter, and you have your Mom's EQ behind you. You have grown so much in the four years with us. You are able to successfully recognize someone else's emotional state and act appropriately. Something I still struggle to do. You both sleep well when you get there." Walter said as he stood. He paused after standing and he bent over and kissed the top of Ralph's head. He stopped and kissed his Mom's cheek before walking to his bedroom.
"No Pinocchio, you are getting closer and closer to it every day." Ralph said with tears in his eyes looking back towards Walter's bedroom.
"Oh." Paige moaned softly in pain. 'Lord how I hurt.' Paige thought. 'And I feel even more tired. What is wrong with me?' Her right arm hurt so much. It almost felt like she had slept on it all night. Her mind began running differentials on what she thought had been how long she slept. "How long has this night gone on?" Paige said as her calculations didn't make sense. She grimaced and tried clearing her throat several times. "I hope I'm not coming down with a cold. We'll fall behind on projects if I have to miss days."
Her eyes barely opened and it was dark, so she closed them again. She smiled a little in gratitude as she could sleep another hour or so. She rolled over onto her left side and she frowned, not feeling the weight of her breasts again. Her hands came up as she looked down at her chest. She saw and felt a smooth chest. Paige screamed.
Louise was in the kitchen mixing up fresh biscuit dough when Walter screamed horrifically. She turned instantly and ran towards his bedroom. The bowl she was mixing the dough in spun and slipped off the counter and crashed onto the floor.
"Walter!" Louise said loudly as she ran up to his bed.
His eyes were partially open, but it was clear he wasn't conscious.
"Walter!" She said again as she shook him.
Walter's eyes closed for a moment and then they opened again as Walter looked confused. He was staring straight at her.
His head then turned from side to side as he looked around the room.
"Mom?" Walter asked, confused.
"My boy, you screamed so horribly. I thought you were dying." Louise nearly sobbed.
"I-I, I did?" Walter frowned. "I don't recall anything. Just really tired."
"Still? You slept over ten hours. Maybe you better make a doctor's appointment." Louise said as she sat down next to him.
"I'm not sure who to call. Toby had been my doctor for years now. I guess I could call Cabe and see who he uses." Walter sighed.
"Please do." Louise said as she bent over and kissed his forehead. "I've got to go clean up the mess I made coming to see you."
"Sorry about that." Walter told her as she stood up.
"Nothing to be sorry about. It was just a bit of flour and ingredients." Louise smiled and walked away. She smiled at Ralph who stood there watching. She reached out and rubbed his head as she passed him.
Ralph had anticipated that and fought hard not to pull away.
"Dad, you are going to go see a doctor, right?" Ralph asked as he moved towards Walter's bed.
"I will buddy, I promise." Walter smiled.
Ralph reached his hand out and Walter extended his left hand. They held hands for a moment.
"I'm going to go get ready." Ralph told him.
"Sorry for waking you up again buddy. Was it worse this time?" Walter asked him softly.
"You're my Dad. I was awake, but wouldn't have minded if I was." Ralph smiled. "It was a bit worse." Ralph nodded and left.
Walter sighed but pulled the covers back and slipped his legs out of bed. He reached over with his left hand and grabbed his phone.
"Cabe. I think I need to see a doctor." Walter texted Cabe. "But I don't know one. I always saw Toby, maybe I could see yours?"
Walter sighed as he tried to exercise his right hand first. As he got to twenty five his phone dinged. Walter stopped and checked.
"I don't think he's accepting new patients, but I can call them. He's got several partners. I think one is a woman. Would you have a problem with that?" Cabe sent back.
Walter smirked as he shook his head. "I have a problem with going to doctors in general, but not because of gender. Thank you for checking for me."
Walter finished his other five reps and then began moving his shoulder and elbow for their exercises as best he could. It was nearly 7 a.m. as he finished. He had a bad feeling his arm would never be right again. But he'd gladly have it ripped off if he could
have Paige back.
"I'm so sorry Paige. I swore you weren't going to die and I wasn't strong or fast enough to rescue you. But I promise, I'll take care of our son just like you would." Walter whispered to the ether.
Just as he went to stand to go take a shower his phone's text app dinged. He picked it up and checked.
"The doctor has an opening at 8:30 this morning. I'll be there by a quarter till 8 to pick you up." Cabe texted.
"Thanks Cabe." Walter texted back as he smiled.
Greetings! I hope this finds you all well! Been a good week, I actually finished chapter 12 and then wrote chapter 13 in 2 days and I started on 14 Saturday.
Marti - Thank you! It definitely is sad, but you are right, Walter and Ralph are being very sweet together! Can't really comment yet on Walter's EQ...but more will come up in the following chapters!
DaToad - Thank you! hehe Yeah, I definitely like Centipeed on their Partners. lol Ralph called them that in a previous story, but I'm forgetting which one now...Glad the stories have helped bridge that horrible cliffhanger. And I'm happy to hear you are writing some stories! Looking forward to reading them. Yes, prior to 2020 there were several others writing more. It's gotten a bit slim since.
Lucy - That is definitely a good question, sadly we'll have to wait and see. Drew...hehe hahaha *wink*
Railman - Thank you! So glad you are liking it! As for your speculation...maybe? hehe
LouBe - So glad you are enjoying it! I guess we got some more to go before we find out. I don't think Layla is going to be needed here...but, we'll see. lol Yeah, Ralph is a bit detached, but he got in touch with some of the feelings in this chapter. I do love that they both are worried for the other. hehe Well my one test reader thought maybe I had used The Stooges enough, and I kind of felt like it myself so, the duck nephews were a good choice to take their place. hehe I think it is actually a little better in theory. Yes, I was very surprised when they jumped a plane and came as quickly as they could. Maybe this will be good for their relationship with Walter as well. Poor Louise certainly got more than she bargained for! Thanks, I really like Mrs Kovelsky from "Piège de l'innocence" so I was happy to see her here very close to the same. hehe Yes, you have read of Danielle in a couple of stories now. The first was "Callan" as she handled them adopting Happy. And in "Lawsuits" she appeared again. I think she knows that, but just in case. lol Thank you, I'll try!
Susan - Thank you! I know how much you really like Paige, so I was a bit worried for you to read this, but glad you are enjoying it!
Pearliegirl - lol Thanks! I'm not going to say anything like that to the Muse, I want her to keep talking! lol
Guest - Thank you! Definitely some unknown waters with this one!
Marie Mac - Glad you aren't disappointed in the posting schedule! I've been going back and rereading some of my stories as well as others hoping to encourage the Muse. It has been nice reliving them!
James - Thank you! So glad you are liking it! Yes, as a big Waige fan, this really tore me up, but it has been interesting exploring this possibility. As for her coming back...we'll have to wait and see. It definitely is a sad concept. You're welcome, Scorpion definitely went off the air way too soon.
To the Adventure! -Tim