Chapter Text
“How far do we have to walk? My feet are getting sore.” Wally complained as he carried a little picnic basket in the bush. He and Conrad were going for a mini camping trip on the island.
Conrad was carrying the tent, “Not far. Once we get there, we’ll sit before we set up.”
Wally nodded walking behind his father. After a few more steps, Conrad stopped, “Okay, we’re here.”
Wally whined, “I need to go to the toilet.”
Conrad smiled, “That bush behind there looks like it’ll work.”
Wally looked in his father’s direction, “A bush? I can’t pee in the bush!”
Conrad laughed, “Well, you’re not heading back to the house. I won’t look. I’ll be setting up the tent and dinner.”
“Fine.” He walked behind a tree.
Conrad laughed as he opened up the bag and pulled out a holopad, “Hey.” He smiled putting it on the ground.
Estrella smiled, appearing in holographic form, “Hey, you made it?”
Conrad nodded, “Wally’s peeing in a bush.”
She laughed, “You didn’t tell him about the long and short drops a few meters inland?”
He laughed quietly, “That’s a conversation for once he gets back. How’s Lucy and Emery?”
“Emery’s asleep and Lucy and I are about watch a few movies on the couch. I’m just getting all the snacks.”
“You got the baby monitor?” He asked her.
Estrella rolled her eyes, “I know how to take care of her. I’ve got it. Have fun with Wally, okay?”
“F A B. Love you.”
“Love you too.” Estrella disappeared from the holopad, and Conrad put it down into the bag. He opened a pocket and pulled out the tent, slowly setting it up a few meters away from the cliffside. He pulled the gear out of the bag as Wally walked back over, “Are we both sleeping in that?” Wally looked at the tent. He noticed the tent only really fit two people and a few bags.
Conrad nodded, looking at his son, “Yes. It’s not a big deal. Wally, it’s just one night.”
“Are you sure?”
Conrad nodded, smiling, “Yes, it’s just to sleep in. Now, come help me with the tables and chairs, and how about a few card games with snacks.
Wally grinned, “Sure.” He helped his father setting up a mini table and chairs where they could have some food and sit down. Wally sat down on his designated seat. He watched his father open a bag of chips and put it on the table. Wally dug right in.
Conrad smiled at his son, “You must be hungry.”
Wally nodded, “How long were we walking for?” He asked.
He looked at his watch, “About half an hour.”
“Why did you want to be our Dad?” He had stuffed chips in his mouth.
Conrad looked at his son. He then smiled, “Because you deserve a loving family. Harold…Harold wouldn’t ever make that easy. It might have been fine for you but your mother and sister… That’s another story.” His smiled faded as he spoke, “This family that we’ve got now is a loving family. I’ve rarely fought with your mother. She’s never had to feel the same way she did when…you were conceived, and Emery never has to know about it. The only reason you know is because, well you picked up on things that no one else. Not even most of your Uncles have picked up on.”
Wally smiled, “Really?”
Conrad nodded, “Honestly, the more I think about it, the more I realise how much you’ve probably noticed. You’re a good kid. Very smart. I’m proud of you.”
“Thank you for being there. Dad.”
Conrad smiled, “How about a game of cards and then I’ll make dinner.”
“F A B, Dad.”
***
“I’m glad you’re our Dad.”
Conrad looked at his oldest daughter, “What was that?”
“The Professor was really creepy when I met him. He gave me everything he owned the second before he died.” She relaxed at the table where her father was sitting, “He was old. Like really old.”
Conrad laughed, “I agree, he was pretty old, but what does that have to do with anything?”
Lucy justified, “When you and Mum came to confront him, he tried to make a move on her. He called her weird pet names that only you ever call her. Not that it’s creepy when you do it. It’s just creepy because he’s like half a century older than her. He's older than grandpa.”
Conrad smiled, “I know it’s creepy. I know he is creepy, but we can’t do anything about it. He’s gone now. Your mother can finally breath without worrying.”
“How much did she worry?”
“Everyday. More about you than your brother. You’re more likely to have become a victim. She didn’t want that. Neither of us did.” Conrad assured his daughter.
Lucy smiled, “There’s no need to. I’ve had a good life. There’s no need to worry.”
Conrad put his hand on his daughter’s shoulder, “I’ll always worry about you. That’s my job.”
Lucy sat down at the table, “Aww, thanks.”
Conrad got up and grabbed a coffee. He poured a glass of water for his daughter and handed it to her.