Chapter 46 - Humberto

As far as Delia was concerned things were off with Goodwin until this new mess with Humberto was sorted out. Alex wasn’t too happy with this strange boy that just showed up in their home either. He had just begun to have a normal life and now he had to share it with his mom’s boyfriend’s kid. Not good.  His already small room just got a lot smaller as his mom put a bed in there for Humberto. 

Delia wasn't happy with Goodwin and this was bad for their relationship so he wasted no time. He picked up Delia and they went to the Science Lab to get everyone’s DNA tested – Humberto, Goodwin AND Delia to prove to Humberto that they were not his parents and more to the point to prove to Delia that he was absolutely positively not that kid's father. He was fast losing her confidence and he just finally got her to trust him. 

The results soon arrived in the mail. Delia called Goodwin to come over so together they could read the results. She was beside herself and upset. She waited until he got there to even take it out of the mailbox. She didn’t want to be tempted to open it. She knew this would be the end for them or at least lead into a huge fight.

There was no long embrace when Goodwin arrived this time.  She went straight to the mailbox and with Goodwin watching, pulled out the envelope. Delia couldn’t bring herself to open it and asked Goodwin to read the results. 

They went inside and he began to read. Goodwin couldn’t believe what the results were. “Delia – it – it says that I am his father” stammered Goodwin.  “I knew it! He looks just like you!” cried Delia.  “But wait, Delia, there is more" whispered Goodwin, "you....you are his mother.”  

Delia looked at him in disbelief and began to rant and cry:  “No.  It’s a lie… Let me see that paper!”  Delia read the results and continued her rant:  “Oh – Goodwin. This is wrong. This – this just doesn’t make sense!" Then it suddenly occurred to her - The Time Machine? She continued her ranting, "Could it have been the Time Machine? That is crazy. A kid. From the past? What are we going to do?  If this is true, it has to be our secret. We can’t tell anyone he is our child. They would run us out of Twinbrook. Lord knows I don’t want to move agai…I mean I don’t, I don’t want to move to another town. Alex has found friends for the first time in his life. No. We must figure this out.”  

Goodwin just let her talk herself out. When she finally ran out of steam, he asked, “The Time Machine? I thought you said it was only virtual reality. Now you are saying it is real?"  "Oh Goodwin, I am so sorry.  I thought it was harmless." she said timidly. "Delia! Why didn't you tell me?" he asked furiously. 

"What difference would it have made?" snapped Delia, "You and I would have gone in anyway. You are so curious about everything. We would have had made love in there regardless. You know that and so do I," she said defensively.

Goodwin swore under his breath, knowing she was right. Before he continued he took a deep breath, looked Delia in the eye and said, "Don't ever lie to me again." Delia couldn't look at him. She just looked down at her feet and stammered an apology. 

Goodwin continued, "Now that we know the truth we can devise a plan. Delia, this boy, this Humberto, is how old? 17? So he is almost out of High School and will be moving out in a year. Are you okay with continuing to let him live here?" “Of course,” sighed Delia, “now that I know he is his mine – uh ours – there is no way I am sending him away. He can stay here as long as he wants to. But, Goodwin, we can’t tell him the truth. Maybe I can adopt him, make it official.”  “Hmmm,” thought Goodwin seeing a way out, “that sounds like a good plan. He will be your son and no one will ever have to know otherwise. Are you sure you are okay with that?”  “How could you even ask?  snapped Delia, "Of course. But, we, uh, I will need to talk to Alex. He has to agree.” said Delia. 

Goodwin told her it was late and he had some things to attend to plus a lot to think about so needed to leave. The Time Machine, he thought, that must be the tip of her ice berg. With that thought, he told her he would call her. Just like his arrival, there was no lingering goodbye kiss or even a hug. He was upset, but she was too.  However, now that the initial shock of it all had worn off and they had a plan, Delia was feeling some better and began to relax a little. She felt awful about deceiving Goodwin and worse about not trusting him. Maybe she misjudged his understanding and acceptance of the supernatural. Maybe, in due time, if she didn't run him off, then he might be the special one she can share her deepest darkest secrets with. With that thought she drifted off to sleep. 

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