Generation 2, Chapter 3

As the house was so small, they decided to set up the baby crib in their room. The only other room was with Robert but due to his moodiness they elected not to pursue that option. So it was their room or the hallway so they rearranged the furniture putting most of the extra furniture into storage. Having the baby in the same room would make it convenient when the baby cried during the night.

They were still deciding upon names when Jessica went into labor three weeks early. After twelve hours of labor Jessica gave birth to a healthy baby boy. In a way William was grateful that the new baby wasn't a girl as he was afraid he would have compared her to Sydney. A week later they were able to bring Michael home.

William would get up in the middle of the night and feed Michael, letting Jessica sleep. He was delighted to have this new little one to nurture and love. His heart was mending; although the hole left by Sydney would never be whole, it was a little less empty. After feeding and changing Michael, William sat in their new rocking chair that Jessica had brought home.

He thought about the day when Jessica brought the chair home.

"Honey what are we going to do with that?" William asked as they fought to get it through the door.

"It's perfect for the baby and it'll match the other chairs."

"But Jess we don't have room," William protested wondering if he would have the strength to lug it out again.

"I always wanted a rocking chair when the kids were small. When I saw this for sale, I knew I had to have it."

"Ok, ok where do you want it?" William asked once they had wrestled into the room.

After surveying the room, Jessica sighed realizing William was right. "I, I don't know. You're right we don't have room."

"Well," looking around the room "how about here?" William suggested.

"In the corner? We'll be hitting the wall and ..."

"It's temporary, Jess. Michael won't always be in our room and the damage to the wall won't be anything that can't be fixed."

"And you don't want to carry it out,"

"No I don't. It's here to stay."

William must have fallen asleep in the chair. When he woke he found Robert in the room, holding Michael.

"Hey little bro, I'm your big brother."

Some instinct kept William from moving and giving the impression he was still asleep.

"I promise to do all I can to protect you. If for some reason I let you down I hope you'll know it wasn't because I didn't try. I did all I could or knew how to do to save your sister. But it wasn't enough. Your my second chance to prove I'm not a failure."

"Son you don't have anything to prove," William said unable to remain silent any longer.

"Dad, how long? I thought you were asleep," Robert stammered still holding Michael.

"I heard enough. Do you think we blame you for what happened to Sydney?"

"No not you," Robert said turning away to put Michael in his crib. "I blame myself," he mumbled.

"Son look at me," William said getting up from the rocker. When Robert still stood facing away from him, William went over and put his hand on Roberts shoulder. "Son I'm grateful you were there that night. I know the decision you faced was awful but someone had to make it. You could've all perished in the fire if you hadn't acted the way you had. Sydney sacrificed herself when she chose to push Casey out of the way. If you hadn't carried your brother out, her sacrifice would have been for nothing. Don't you see, you saved your brother's life. You made the only decision you could. Sometimes bad things happen and there's nothing we can do about it. It doesn't make you a bad person or a failure for not being able to prevent it."

"Dad, I'm so sorry. I keep reliving it in my head. I keep thinking if I had done this or did that, things would have turned out differently."

"Son it's easy to look back and wonder what if but all it'll do is drive you crazy. You did the best you could do. No one could ask for more." Looking into his son's eyes William said "Son I know you're finding it difficult to talk to the counselor but do you think that you might be able to now? It might help."

"Yeah I'll try," Robert agreed "Dad, I don't know what I'd do without you." William gave Robert a hug, letting him cry upon his shoulder. This was the first time Robert was coming to terms with the loss of his sister. Holding his son, William wished he could take his pain away and vowed he would do whatever he could to make it better.

"Dad you have a moment?"

"Sure what's on your mind?" William asked turning to Gene.

"Well I was wondering when you were going to teach me how to drive."

"How about this weekend? William suggested.

Frowning Gene said "Why not tonight?"

"What's the hurry?"

"Well..." Gene stopped blushing

"Oh I see. There's a girl."

Shrugging Gene said "Yeah maybe."

"Ok right after supper. I'll give you your first lesson."

"Great."

While preparing supper, Evelyn wandered in "Dad how will I know if I boy really likes me?"

"Has someone asked you out?"

"Charlie Kidd. He seems nice but I wonder if he likes me for me and not because I'm different."

"Does this have anything to do with how things ended with Evan?"

Evelyn shrugged "I really liked Evan but he just wanted one thing. When I refused to put out he dumped me."

"This may be something you need to talk to your mother about."

"I'd rather talk to you."

"Ok," William sighed "Honey there's no sure fire way to know until you take a chance and get to know them."

"But what if I get hurt or make a mistake."

"Well if you never take a chance, you'll never know. You may even miss out on something special."

"So your saying I should throw caution to the wind."

"I'm saying talk to your mother," William mumbled. "I'm not saying this right. Evie you need to trust your instincts. If you think something isn't right it probably isn't. Don't let fear rule your life or you'll find out you're missing out on a lot of great things."

While William spoke with Evelyn and prepared supper, Gene took the opportunity to write a love poem to Pearl. He figured Pearl to be the kind of girl who would like a dopey poem. He doubted she received very many, most guys seemed to be more interested in looks than brains. She seemed to be on the same intellect level as Robert. Gene smirked when he thought that the girl he wanted would have been better suited for his brother. Fortunately for him, Robert was still missing his girlfriend he left behind in Aurora Skies to really notice Pearl.

After supper William took Gene for his first lesson; which was almost his last.

"Gene I said to slow it down," William shouted as he saw how close they were to the side of the cliff.

"Dad I did," Gene said looking at the speed-o-meter that still showed he was going 10 miles over the limit. He took another curve a little too fast and he sensed rather than saw his Dad brace himself in the passenger seat.

"Gene if you want to learn to drive you need to listen to me. If not you can wait and take Drivers Ed in school."

"But Dad the classes are always full and you have to enroll at least a year in advance I'll never get in."

"That may be your only option if you don't slow down and listen."

"Ok, ok you win," Gene slowed down to the speed limit and started to listen to most of what William was telling him.

"Stop," William shouted. "For crying out loud, didn't you see that stop sign?"

"What stop sign?" Gene shot back.

"Do you need glasses? It was in plain sight. Put it in park. We're done."

"But Dad I'm sorry. It won't happen again."

"I said we're done." William said waiting for Gene to do as he said. Once he was sure Gene was complying, he got out and walked around to the driver's side and waited for Gene to get in. They drove home in silence.

"Does this mean that I'll have to take Driver's Ed?" Gene asked getting out of the van.

"I don't know. I'm not sure I can take another episode like this one. You've got to listen to me Gene. If you won't I can't teach you."

"Give me another chance, please. I promise I'll do better." Gene pleaded.

"We'll see," William said going into the house.

"Hey Mikey," Gene said as he picked up his baby brother. "My first driving lesson didn't go so well. You should have seen Dad. I thought he was going to blow a gasket."

Looking down at the smiling face of his brother Gene said "Do yourself a favor, don't turn out like me. I'm trouble and don't deserve the family I have. One day my parents are going to wake up and see me for who I really am." Taking a deep breath Gene continued "I'll tell you a secret. I killed my sister. When they find out everyone will hate me," Bringing his face closer to Michael he whispered "I don't blame them, I already hate myself."

Generation 2, Chapter 2

Gene was having difficulty in his physics class and asked Pearl, the smartest girl in class to help him with his homework.

"I don't get it," Gene grumbled shoving his homework aside in disgust.

"Hold on a sec, have some patience," Pearl chided him looking at the problem and seeing where Gene went wrong. "Ok, this is what you did but this is how you get to the right answer." She patiently explained the solution. Gene listened and grasped the explanation, nodding in understanding.

"Why can't the teacher explain it in such a way I can understand it. He seems to thrive on making it more difficult than it should be.

"That's not the problem," Pearl said softly.

"Huh, what do you mean? Of course it is."

"Well when was the last time you actually paid attention in class?" she challenged.

"I was in class all day but it was so boring," Gene shrugged knowing that he had become distracted. Shooting spit balls at the nerd in the front row. He took great pleasure every time he nailed him in the back of the head. The nerd would turn around in a futile attempt to see who did it and each time the class would erupt in laughter.

The teacher would turn around and face the class demanding to know what was going on, then he would tell the class to settle down. The teacher's face turned redder each time as he lost his patience and lost further control of his students.

"If you gave the teacher half a chance you might learn something," Pearl suggested.

"Not likely," Gene mumbled. Seeing that Pearl was about to say something else Gene continued "Don't start in on me. I get enough of that at school. I always get blamed for every disruption that happens. Then I have to endure the principles lectures on proper decorum and respect for my elders."

"Well if you want to go to college you need this class."

"Who said I was going to college? Not me. I'm done as soon as I turn eighteen. I don't need to know this crap. I'll never use it."

"Then why'd you want me to come over and help you if you don't care to learn it?"

"Because my Dad will blow a gasket if he knows I'm failing. Coupled with the note from the principle I thought this might appease him. Show him I'm making an effort."

"I take it he doesn't know you're not going to college."

"Are you kidding? There's plenty of time for that. No sense giving him a heart attack until I have to."

"He wouldn't approve?" Pearl asked.

"Let's just say he'd be disappointed. Neither my mom or dad went to college, so he wants all us kids to go. He'll understand, I just have to wait before I lay it on him."

"Well he seems to be a pretty understanding guy. So what's this video you were showing everyone in class today?" Pearl asked changing the subject.

"What you were actually paying attention instead of watching my video?" Gene asked in mock disgust.

"So sue me. I actually do want to go to college."

"Yeah whatever teacher's pet. Get a load of this." Gene held his phone out so she could see the video. He enjoyed watching her face as she watched going from shocked to somewhat entertained. "Good isn't?"

"It's unusual," she said unsure whether she should be fascinated or repulsed by what she had just seen.

Taking advantage of her confusion, Gene quickly stepped forward and kissed her. When he backed away he thought she would slap him but all she did was smile.

"I um I think I should go now," Pearl said more confused than ever. She thought Gene was cute but thought that he only saw her as the teacher's pet, the straight 'A' student, not someone he would ever be interested in.

Gene surprised himself when he kissed Pearl. He had never looked at her as anything other than the teacher's pet. Now he wondered if he could actually get her to go out with him. This just might be a challenge worth pursuing.

Robert was finding it increasingly difficult to be around people, even his own family. Everyday he was faced with the decision he had made. He couldn't help but wonder if he had made the right decision. Maybe he should have tried harder, maybe he could have managed to save both of them. Now he would never know. Every week he went for his appointment with the psychologist and he would talk about anything other than what he was really thinking or feeling, when he talked at all.

How could he explain that he felt he had let his sister down. That he saw himself as a coward who couldn't force himself to go beyond his fear and weakness. That he saw himself as a failure, who would let everyone down when they needed him the most. So he kept his mouth shut and let the doctor's words wash over him, than he'd leave and go back to painting.

All he wanted to do was paint. He remembered how Sydney would try and teach him some new technique and how she would become excited when someone complimented her paintings. She had such raw talent that never had a chance to blossom. Standing before Sydney's easel, Robert felt at peace and closer to his sister than he ever was when she was alive.

Robert never played chess any more and he couldn't remember the last time he read book. All he wanted to do was paint. Sometimes he would paint from morning till night, only taking a break when someone forced him to stop and eat.

"Honey I've got something to tell you," Jessica hesitated unsure of herself.

William finished the article he was reading in the paper and calmly asked "What's up?"

"How would you feel about an addition to the family?"

"No way. You're not, are you?" William got up going over to Jessica saying "You're pregnant."

Jessica nodded happily. William put his hand out to feel her stomach and grinned, remembering when this little one came to be. 

 

"Hey little one, welcome to the family," he told the baby. Looking up into Jessica's worried face he added "Jessica I'm so happy."

"Will are you sure?"

"Of course I am. We can hardly send'em back, even if I weren't"

"I know but you were so adamant we were done. I wasn't sure how you'd take the news"

"That was so long ago Jess. Right now this moment is all that matters." Gesturing towards Jessica's stomach William continued "This is a gift. A precious gift."  

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.