Jack observed the scene of the children putting their various supplies away; they were happily chattering, innocent, enjoying life. It made him think about Amber. More specifically, about the talk they had had every so often about starting a family. He hadn't been certain in the least bit. Babies looked incredibly alien like to him. And parenting involved so much responsibility: had to make sure the alien didn't die, wasn't horribly maimed, didn't turn into a psycho and ultimately became a successful human being in the end. And meanwhile, the parent had the pleasure of worrying nonstop and putting dollar after dollar into a trust fund hoping the little bugger would actually use the hard earned money wisely.

Of course, he told Amber that he would be delighted to be a father and they should seriously consider it when they were married and things stabilized. After all, she was the woman he went to bed with every night - a truthful answer would have been deadly.

Months later, the truth did reveal itself. Its entire self and, somehow, it hadn't been a catastrophe. It was then that family talks ceased. Marriage talks ceased. And their relationship ceased. Just like that. All the time, money, vacations and emotions invested into a single person gone... and it only took a few days to sort out and tie up all the loose ends and watch her walk out, bags in hand. It almost made Jack sick.

He felt more alive and that put his heart at ease (mostly). And now he was facing his hopefully soon to be art teacher and life was going to be good. It had to be good because Jack really didn't have a back up plan.

Jack had moved out of the door frame and was hanging in the nearby corner waiting patiently and hoping he didn't look like a strange creep. He watched Samuel clean up various tables and talk with the alie-children. The teacher seemed at ease and gave off a good vibe. Although, Jack respected anyone that could deal with children, elderly or the disabled.