Generation 2, Chapter 1

 

It's been a few months since they moved to Barnacle Bay. The kids were settling in and enjoying their new house and making friends at their new school. The house was smaller than their old house in Aurora Skies but it didn't have the memories they all tried to forget. Despite the house being small, William had a pool put into the backyard.

William lounged poolside, watching the kids, enjoying the sound of their happy voices and laughter. William smiled, knowing it had been a long haul for the entire family since the fire that nearly broke their family apart. Once they moved, William decided to see a different psychologist and for the first time in several years William was able to relax without the constant worry that something terrible was about to happen. William arranged for all the kids to receive counseling as well to help them cope with the loss of their sister. It was having mixed results as one simply refused to discuss their feelings and another refused to go at all.

He and Jessica had started to see a marriage counselor and William was slowly accepting that Jessica wasn't to blame for the fire. It was still difficult for William to not wonder what might have happened if he had been home that night. It haunted his dreams but he knew he had to let it go if their relationship was ever going to heal.

"Daddy, look at me," Beverly called. William turned to watch as his youngest slide down the slide and splashed into the pool.

"Did you see?" she asked once she surfaced.

"Sure did honey," William replied.

"Come on Daddy join us. It's fun."

"That's ok pumpkin. I just want to sit here and watch."

"Ok then watch this," Beverly proceeded to hurl herself down the slide again. Surfacing she giggled and raced to the slide again.

"Not so fast small fry. I'm going first," Gene said picking her up and dropping her into the pool.

"Dad," she shouted in outrage.

William looked up when he heard her shout. "Gene you know better."

"Yeah sorry" Gene said in a tone that indicated he wasn't the least bit sorry. He slid down the slide, splashing into the pool. Upon surfacing he said "she was hogging the slide, Dad".

"Gene your how old?" William scolded, laughing softly at his son.

"But Dad that isn't fair. She should share and take turns just like the rest of us."

"No I don't" Beverly said sticking her tongue out as she sat at the top of the slide. Gene took off after her, as he neared the top of the ladder, Beverly let herself slide down squealing "Can't catch me"

William kept a watchful eye on them as Gene chased his sister around the pool. During this commotion, Robert came out to join them. He stood on the diving board, nerving himself up before he dived.

William smiled, glad that Robert had decided to come out of his room. William was growing concerned that Robert was blaming himself for Sydney's death. He had taken to locking himself up in his room for hours, painting one picture after another. He was quite talented and had gifted William with a portrait of Sydney, that captured her essence more than her likeness. It was something that William would cherish forever but the artist was his main concern.

Robert had lost all interest in the things he once enjoyed all in the pursuit of painting. He had taken Sydney's easel and set it up in his room, painting for hours, only coming out to eat. Once he was out, he would stare at his plate and reply to questions with one or two grumbled words and return to his room.

Under the advise of his counselor Robert got an after school job, where he was forced to interact with people. William hoped it would help break through his reserve and force him to open up. So far there hadn't been much improvement.

As the kids were running wild in the back yard, William went inside. Jessica looked up from the book she was reading. "Is everything alright out there?"

"Yeah it's perfect. Robert even ventured outside for once. I haven't seen him smile like that in such a long time." He looked at his wife and for the first time in almost two years he saw her as his high school sweetheart, his soul mate and not the source of pain and misery. Clearing his throat he said "Jess I love you."

Startled Jessica never thought she would ever hear those words again coming from Williams lips. She got up and walked over to William, putting her arms around him "I love you too" she said softly.

"Honey don't cry" William said as he wiped a tear from her cheek. "I know it's been terrible but I'm glad we never gave up."

"Oh William what did I ever do to deserve you? I don't know what I would have done if you had left me."

"Shh it wasn't your fault. I know that. I guess I always knew that. I know that even if we had been home that night it might not have made any difference. We can't live our lives in the past and I don't want it to destroy our future. Our kids need us to be here for them. I'm ready to move forward with my life. I hope you'll be there by my side."

Gulping down tears, Jessica was at a loss for words, she simply pulled William close and clung to him.

"Is that a yes?" William asked.

"Oh William you're impossible. When have I ever been able to refuse you?" She leaned in and their lips met.

All their passion, loss and yearning combined into that single kiss. William swept her up into his arms and carried her to their bed. Where they passionately rediscovered forgotten territory.

Chapter Thirty-One Part Five

Authors note: This s the end of generation one and the last of the finale.  I will be starting generation 2 slightly different.  I will not reveal who the heir is until a little ways into the generation.  I have several reasons one being I accidentally killed the heir, which was going to be Sydney from the start. Since she really died in a fire in game I decided to go with.  So I decided that I would let the game decide who the heir will be.  As the premise of the legacy started with alien abduction I'll go with the first child that is abducted in game.  However if the aliens have decided to leave this poor family alone I will be holding an heir vote once the oldest becomes a young adult.  Plus I have some wrap up to do with how the kids are coping with their sisters death, which will affect theirs lives throughout generation 2.

Chapter Thirty-One Part Four

Chapter Thirty-One Part Three

Chapter Thirty-One Part Two

Dropping the phone in her haste to get everyone up and out of the house. Shon heard her frantic pleas to awaken her siblings. He could hear the flames growing louder and he called for his Gramma to wake up and call the fire department. Why didn't the fire alarm go off? Should he go over there? He rushed to throw clothes on and ran out of the house. He could hear his Gramma calling after him but he couldn't stop. He had to get there before it was too late. By the time he got there the house was engulfed in flames, everything but the pool area.

He franticly searched the crowd for Sydney but couldn't find her. He bumped into Robert by accident who was standing in a daze watching his house burn. Shon grabbed him by the shoulders and shook him. Robert fixed glazed, pain filled eyes on his face saying "Oh God I tried to get to her but it was too late. I was too late."

For the first time Shon noticed the burns and blisters covering Roberts hands and arms. He guided him over to a paramedic who could tend his burns. He looked inside the open ambulance and found Casey laying on his stomach on a gurney, his back was severely burned. The paramedic knocked into him as he helped Robert into the back of the ambulance.

Shon didn't know what to do, he kept searching the crowd for the one face he needed to see but couldn't find. Where was she? He ran around to the front of the house stopping abruptly at the sound of heart rending cries. Mustering his courage he continued to walk towards those cries, around the fire truck. He caught his breath at the sight of Jessica sobbing on the ground and William staring blankly in the remains of the kitchen.

As Shon stood there he heard the Fire Chief tell William "The fire started in the fire place in the den."

"What? You've got to be mistaken I've told the kids never to use the fireplace unless I was home. They wouldn't have used it."

"Maybe they had a friend over that started it. The main problem was no working smoke alarms."

"That can't be. I just changed all the batteries two days ago. I tested them. They worked, they all worked." William bit his lip to keep from screaming, to maintain control. Why was this happening? He spotted the psychiatrist standing in the crowd. He stormed over to the doctor shouting "This is your fault. You and your tests. Are you happy now? Do you have enough data for your research? I would have been home tonight. I could have prevented this. Instead I was being held hostage by you. Thanks to you my little girl, my princess is dead!"

 Seeing all the accusatory glances, the Doctor said "This man is a patient of mine at the psychiatric hospital. He suffers from paranoid delusions. He doesn't know what he's talking about. I was running routine tests and released him into his wife's care when we were notified of the fire. I drove them here myself to offer my assistance in case it proved to much for him to handle."

"No you tricked me into helping you get my husband into your hospital. You tied us up and drugged us. Did you set the fire to prove your test results? You knew William felt something terrible was going to happen. Did you ensure it did so you got the results you wanted?" Jessica accused the doctor.

"You poor grieving woman. You're obviously suffering from delusions as well. Officer I'm taking my patient and his wife back to the hospital for treatment. This tragedy has obviously affected them adversely."

"No you can't let him take them," a woman's voice called from the crowd.

"Shut up you fool," the doctor growled at the nurse who pushed her way through the crowd.

"No you've done enough harm. Their daughter is dead."

An officer on crowd patrol escorted the nurse over to his chief who asked "Ma'am what do you know about this?"

"I," pausing to take a deep breath "I'm the nurse for the Doctor and I have proof to back up what Mr. and Mrs. Bennett said." She handed the Chief the folder she took from the doctor's office. The Police Chief scanned through the documents, then motioned for his deputies to arrest the Doctor.

The Doctor began to protest "This is an outrage. I'll sue you for this public humiliation."

"You do that doctor but I think your lawyer will be too busy trying to defend you against charges of malpractice, destruction of private property, arson and manslaughter to worry too much about your humiliation."

Shon stood there in the flashing lights of the emergency vehicles, alone, scared, his heart congealing inside him. His eyes desperately searched the crowd. He found Gene, staring mutely at the burned remains of the house. Then he saw her, skin a sickly pale green, tears streaming down her face, holding tightly to a sobbing little girl and he knew the light of his life was gone. It struck him like a physical blow, falling to his knees he wrapped his arms around himself trying to control the trembles that shook him.

His mind reeling, trying to make sense of what happened but he kept rejecting it, wanting, hoping he would wake up from this nightmare. 'This can't be happening. I was just talking to her, she can't be gone. They're wrong. She's still in there, hurt needing help.' Shon staggered to his feet towards the still smoking ruins.

"Son you can't go in there," a voice commanded him. He felt hands pulling at him, hindering his progress, he tried to push them away but it was like fighting an octopus.

"Let me go. She needs me," he kept screaming but no one heard him or cared. Then he felt strong arms holding him tight and through pain deafened ears he heard.

"Son she's gone. There's nothing we can do for her now. Going in there won't bring her back." The voice speaking those words were laced in pain and he looked up into a pair of grief filled green eyes and he collapsed into the arms of Sydney's father. William held him until his knees buckled and they crumpled into a heap on the cold, wet ground. Their tears combined and their broken hearts sought solace for a pain they couldn't bear.

"Sir? I'm sorry sir but we need to clear the area," a kindly voice said touching his shoulder to get Williams attention. "I'm sorry for your loss but you need to go to the hospital and check on your boys."

Stirring William shook his head, his boys? Casey and Robert were burnt in the fire. He had to be strong for them and the others. He took several steading breaths and stood up, bending down he helped Shon up.

"Sir can I come with you? I...I don't want to be alone," Shon said, his eyes pleading with William to let him stay, to be with the family he felt he belonged to

William nodded saying "Call you Grandmother so she doesn't worry." Putting his hand on Shon's shoulder, William looked around at the remnants of his life. He moved towards his children, huddled in a group, he opened his arms wide and they ran to him. Gene, Evelyn and Beverly seeking comfort and strength and hoping to find it in the arms of their father. After a few moments hesitation Shon joined them, feeling safe in the arms of the family he had hoped would be his some day. William hugged them to him wishing he could keep them safe, wishing he could have prevented this tragedy. He lifted his head and looked over the children's heads and his eyes fell upon Jessica. He felt his heart go cold, frozen as if all the feelings he ever had for her were lost and gone forever.

William guided the children into the van, moving past Jessica. She tried to catch William's eye but he refused to acknowledge her. "William please," she pleaded in tears. He stopped jerking his head towards the van. She followed and sat in the front with William, she tried to hold his hand but he jerked away from her touch. So she sat, huddled in on herself, lonely and dejected. 'It's all my fault, my fault. I should have believed in him. I should never have let myself be conned by that Doctor. I thought I was doing the right thing Now my beautiful girl is gone, my husband hates me.' She gulped in air putting her fist to her mouth to keep from crying out as she watched the houses sweep past her window.

At the hospital William tried to find someone who could tell him anything about Robert and Casey. The nurse on duty said they were in the burn unit. "I'll take you to them but the kids will have to wait here."

William turned to the children and found four young faces looking up to him, pleading with him not to leave them alone. He turned to Shon and asked "Son do you think your Grandmother would mind coming here and sitting with you for a while?"

Shon nodded, pulling his phone out of his pocket "Gramma? Can you come to the hospital?"

"Yes dear. I'm so sorry about that dear, sweet girl."

"I know Gramma but you comin to the hospital will help the Bennetts an awful lot."

"I'm on my way."

"Mr. Bennett my Gramma's on her way."

"Thank you son," William turned to the others, putting a hand on Gene's shoulder and another on Evelyn's shoulder with Beverly in the middle. "Kids I know your scared but your mom and I have to go check on your brothers."

"Daddy please take us with you," Beverly begged and William took her into his arms and hugged her tight.

"Honey I wish I could but I can't. You have to stay here. Shons' Grandmother is coming to sit with you. If you need me, tell her and she'll have someone come get me, ok?"

Three heads nodded in unison. William got up to follow the nurse. Jessica once again tried to take his hand but he shoved them in his pockets as he walked. Not knowing what else she could do, Jessica grabbed hold of his arm as they followed the nurse. She refused to believe that this emotional distance was the end, she needed him. She couldn't do this on her own. 
 

Chapter Thirty-One Part One

Authors Note:  This is the start of the five part finale of generation one.  There will be wrap-up chapters after this finale until the gen two heir has been chosen.  Please note this is the first time I've used 'poses' in the story so I'm hoping they are ok.  Not what I was hoping for but better than what the game would have provided and if I waited until I was 100% happy with the result the chapter would never be posted. LOL All poses used in Part One are from Mod the Sims and Kiddos.  I've also added some music that helped me while I was writing this chapter. 

 

 

Chapter Thirty

"Dad is Mom still upset with me?"

"Have you apologized for the way you acted?"

"No, why should I?"

Stopping in mid throw, William silently looked at Sydney. Sometimes her lack of empathy towards others astounded him. "Sydney you can't really believe you have nothing to apologize for. Your mother was trying so hard to give you everything you wanted and you kept pushing her for more."

"Well it's not my fault that you have too many kids you can't afford to give us what we need."

"That's enough young lady. You are not lacking in life's necessities. You have clothes to wear and food to eat. We may not be able to afford all of life's luxuries but we are not poor and you are not neglected."

"I know, but Dad it's so humiliating to have to do my own hair."

"Sydney, if you wanted your hair done professionally you should have saved your money up or you could have selected a less expensive dress."

"I knew you would take her side_"

"I'm not taking anyone's side. I'm trying to explain to you that you need to grow up and stop expecting the world to revolve around you. Honey I love you and one day your going to be making your own decisions, right or wrong, you'll have to live with the consequences of those decisions."

"Oh Daddy you sound so serious. If it'll make you happy I'll apologize to Mom. I didn't mean half the things I said anyways and I know I was being unreasonable," Sydney said putting her basketball away.

"Honey," William called after her "Love you and thank you for apologizing."

One cold snowy day Robert gathered up his courage and asked Patricia out on a date. They met up at the park.

"Robert I'm so glad you called me; although I was almost tempted to say no."

"What? Why?" Robert asked feeling his heart speed up as he thought that she didn't like him. Did she just give him her number to be nice with no intention of ever going out with him?

She laughed silently saying "Why such a sad face?"

"Because you didn't want to go out with me."

"I what? No you misunderstood me. I meant I was tempted to say no about coming to the park. It's too cold and snowy. But I was so excited that you called me that I said yes without thinking."

"You were excited to see me?" Robert said smiling in relief.

"Why shouldn't I be excited to see the boy who spilt his drink all over me?"

"Please don't remind me. The memory of that almost kept me from calling you. I didn't think you'd want to see me again because of what happened."



 

Coming closer to Robert, she took his hands and pulled in him close. Patricia whispered in his ear saying "That's what I like about you. You don't expect girls to fall at your feet and are astonished when they do."

"Girls don't fall at my feet and if they did, something's wrong with them."

"No you just don't realize that girls like the silent intelligent type."

"So I'm Super Man. Does that make you Lois Lane?"

"Nope and you're more like Clark Kent."

"Oh you wound me." Robert said placing his hands over his heart pretending to be hurt.



"Can I kiss it and make it better?" Patricia said pulling Robert close and planted a kiss on his lips.

"Hmmm that would make almost anything better," Robert smiled.

"It should. My mama kissed all my booboo's and made them better."

"Oh yeah. Your not my mama."

"No but I inherited it from my mama so now I can heal others too."

"You're not making any sense," Robert told her enjoying the opportunity to just let go and enjoy the moment.

"That's ok, that's why you like me."

Robert grinned in acknowledgement and pulled her to him and kissed her.

"Hmm that's nice," Patricia mumbled against his lips. "You just might have a chance at turning into Superman."

Evelyn had been successful at avoiding 'the talk' for several days but her luck was about to run out. She went outside to watch it snow. She loved it when it snowed and felt at peace watching it silently drift to the ground.

"Honey we need to talk"

Evelyn nodded as she continued to watch the snow flakes. "About?"

"Oh I think you know."

"Dad I'm sorry about the other night but we weren't going to do anything."

"Evie you're too young to be that serious with a boy."

"But Daddy you like Evan, don't you?"

"Yes Evan seems to be a good kid and I'm not saying you can't see Evan. But you need to slow down before you do something you'll regret."

"Like sex, right?"

"Yes, since you say it so bluntly."

"Then don't worry, we haven't done it yet nor are we planning on it."

"Well that's a relief but sometimes our emotions get the better of us and we do things we don't plan on doing."

"Daddy if it'll make you feel better I'll be more careful in the future and do things within a group. I'm not promising that we won't ever but it'll be when we're both ready. Right now we're not, at least I'm not."

"Well I can't expect anything more than that. Just promise me you'll be responsible and careful."

"Always. Besides there's too many kids around here anyways. Why would I want to add to the chaos?" Evelyn said giving her Dad a hug. "I'm glad we talked."

"So am I, now I can go to work with one less worry."

"Only one less?"

"Hmm I have 3 other teenagers that I get to give the same talk too. I liked it better when you were all little kids, you're problems were easier to deal with."

"Just wait until Gene becomes a teenager. You think your hands are full now."

William smiled "You know exactly what to say to cheer me up."

"I can't stay long," Sydney said "I have to be home early to help with Gene's birthday party."

"No problem, I'll be there to watch the little squirt become a teenager."

"My parents invited you?"

"Yeah. You're parents are pretty cool about including me in your family gatherings."

"Cool? I'd think more like boring."

"No really I enjoy it. I always wanted a brother or sister when I was kid but I would have settled for a parents who liked each other. You don't know how lucky you are."

"You know Shon, I never thought about my family much until I met you. I always wanted to be an only child and I've resented having to share everything. But I guess I am lucky that my parents love each other and their kids. I don't know what I would have done if I had been in your place."

"Just be thankful for the family you have,"

"So why did you ask me to meet you here? Are we joining the Polar Bear club?" Sydney said pointing at the pool.

"What? No! I wanted to know if you've finished applying for college yet and if you have if you would help me."

"Oh I sent all my applications in a week ago. So I have time to help you with yours. Then hopefully we'll be accepted into the same one."

"Babe you're the best."

Later that day they all gathered around to watch Gene blow his candles out. He was more than ready to get this show on the road. 
 

He took a huge breath of air and blew the candles out almost wishing someone would have switched the candles for exploding ones. How awesome would that be to have cake exploding all over everyone? He's suggested that every time they planned a birthday party and yet no one toke him seriously. Why doesn't anyone understand how funny that would be besides him?

That thought kept a smile on his face for a moment until someone started blowing a party favor behind him. He wanted to snatch that thing and shove it done her throat but clenched his fists and tried to ignore the annoying person behind him. He refused to look to see who it was, it would be all the more tempting to do what he imagined.

Everyone was in anticipation of his aging up and he was excited to see what kind of trouble he could get into as a teen. He closed his eyes and wished that he would have the ability to accomplish all his goals, good or bad.

 

Gene figured with his natural charm and acting ability he'd be able to accomplish all his ambitions. Nothing was going to hold him back.