Brook - Gen 6 Ch 1

*Ka-boom*

Yep, it's me, Brook. I still love blowing things up.  But I am not happy that my dad pretty much blew up my life. I told him I didn't want the inheritance, and he agreed, but as you can see, it didn't do either one of us a bit of good.

All of the past Greenbow heirs have always known exactly what they wanted to do with their lives, something that would enhance the legacy. But not me.

 I just like to fish, and mess around at the workbench. I try to invent things, but my grandma Olivia pretty much invented everything before I was even born. She even invented a time machine. It doesn't work any more, but Bennie says she used to actually time travel. Wouldn't that be cool?

But I digress. There's one more imperative that I'm required to accomplish - and that of course is producing an heir. Which is a huge problem for me.

The problem being I don't like girls. Not like this anyway. And I'm hopelessly in love with my BFF Brannon.

 My dad didn't mention that, did he? I'm not surprised. He's not real happy about it, to say the least. So I guess I better backtrack a little.

*******************

"Hey, wait up!"

I heard someone calling behind me, but I just kept walking. I really didn't have any friends at school, so they couldn't be calling me.

"Hey, Brook, stop, will ya?"

I was surprised to see one of the most popular guys in school running to catch up with me. I remembered him from the school play - I had a bit part, he had the lead role. I had a hard crush on him, but that was my secret. I would never tell anyone.

"Hey, you wanna come over after school? I'm about to flunk out of chemistry. Do you think you could help me with it?"

"Sure," I replied, in what I hoped was a nonchalant tone of voice.

It turned out Brann needed a lot of help with his chemistry. Like almost every day. Sometimes after we were finished with homework, we'd go to my favorite place, Lost Willow Park, and just hang out at the picnic tables or fire pit.

He told me how he wants to be an actor someday, and I told him the story of my dad's pendant, and how Firebloom would probably get it someday.

One day we got to the park a little late. The sun was going down, but I had found something I wanted to show Brann. I grabbed his hand and pulled him through the bushes.

"Look at this tree here! My great-grandparents carved this! 'Margie + James'."

He was duly impressed. Then he pointed out another carving I had missed, much older than the other.

"'Sunny +Max'. I wonder who they were?" he questioned. My mouth fell open in a perfect O.

"They were my great-great-great grandparents."

We stood there a few minutes, until suddenly I became acutely aware that I was still holding Brann's hand. I quickly glanced over at him, hoping against hope he wouldn't had a problem with it. He was staring at me with this goofy little smile on his face.

Still holding my hand, he gently took my other hand and pulled me close, and from that moment I was well and truly in love.

"Uh oh, Brook. We are so dead."

Of course. I should've known happiness like this couldn't last.

I tried to be strong for Brann's sake, although my heart was pounding. He gets scared so easily. He grabbed my arm as we were escorted to the cruiser.

"What's gonna happen to us?" he whispered frantically.

"Shh, it'll be okay. We're just out after curfew. I'll say it was all my fault."

Of course I told my dad the truth about Brann, and so I was not expecting to see Brann at my birthday party. Actually, I was not even expecting a birthday party, but Colt and Jia Li arrived for the occasion, so my dad kinda had to. It was really great to see my big brother again. Unfortunately, they couldn't stay; Colt still has some finishing touches to go on his book.

It was late when we finished our goodbyes with Colt and Jia Li. I finally had a small opportunity to be alone with Brann, the first time since the night at the park.

"Hey," he smiled softly. "Happy Birthday. Are we still set for tomorrow?"

I nodded. Tomorrow we would be off for Bridgeport together. Brann had a job lined up with the film studio there, and I was going to.. well, I hadn't figured that out yet.

"Brook! Brook, get your butt out here. I need to talk to you."

My dad's yells interrupted our conversation. I sighed.

"I'll be right back. Wait for me?"

"Here. This is yours."

My dad glowered at me as he pushed his pendant into my hand. I was so shocked I almost dropped it.

"Why are you giving this to me? I don't want it."

"If I had any choice in the matter, you wouldn't be getting it, believe me. But I don't."

"Huh? What are you talking about?"

"The pendant. It wants you, for whatever reason. I can't keep it. It's yours for better or worse."

I trudged up the stairs with a heavy heart. Brann was nowhere to be seen. He must have gotten tired of waiting. My dad was right about the pendant. It did want me for some reason. It glowed as I held it, and even though I wanted to give it back, I just couldn't.

"I thought you'd left," I was trying to hold back tears of frustration as I entered my room.

"Hey, I promised I'd wait. I thought it'd be better to wait up here."

"Hey, what's wrong love?"

"I..I can't go to Bridgeport with you."

"Why... why not? We had it all planned." I could see bright tears forming in his eyes, and I couldn't hold back my own any longer.

I felt my eyes overflow as I silently held out the pendant for Brann to see. His face fell as he stared at it. He knew what it meant.

"What if... what if I didn't go to Bridgeport. What if I stay in Riverview. What then?"

"I can't ask you to give up your career."

"But I wouldn't have to. There is a new studio opening here in Riverview. I only took the job in Bridgeport because you said you wanted to move away from here."

He chewed at his lower lip a second before continuing.

"The heir thing is the problem isn't it. I guess it'd be easier for you if I did move away."

I shook my head emphatically. "No. If you really want to stay, we'll figure it out somehow."

I saw a slight glimmer of hope in his eyes then as he turned back to me.

"...We?"

I nodded. "You and me, together.. always. If that what you want."

"Of course that's what I want. I love you."

"Love you too, Brann."

My heart was soaring.

And that brings us back to the present. Now where were we? Oh yeah...

I still don't know how we're going to make this work, but I sure am determined to try.

I woke up late the next morning. Brann had been gone for hours, down to the studio for an audition at the crack of dawn. First order of business on the 'making it work' agenda: talking to my dad.

I found him in his usual place at the computer. He is retired only in that he doesn't go on actual physical stake-outs anymore. He claims that Internet sleuthing is much easier and more profitable.

"Uh, Dad. Can I talk to you a minute. I need to ask you something."

"Spit it out, son," he grunted, not taking his eyes off the computer screen.

I took a deep breath and continued.

"Dad, would it be okay with you if Brann moves in? Now that we aren't moving to Bridgeport, he needs a place to stay."

That got him out of his chair in record time. He threw up his hands in..frustration?..disgust?.. surrender?.. maybe all three; I can never tell with my dad.

"Do whatever you want. Destroy my legacy. It's your house now. Why even ask?"

"Well, I'm asking because.. well.. you're still my dad, and I love you, and this is still your house too. I... I know you're disappointed in me, but.. it's not my intent to 'destroy your legacy.' I promise you I'll figure something out. I give you my word. "

I plucked nervously at my sleeve as I waited for his response. He eyed me closely for a long minute, still frowning. Finally he nodded curtly.

"You were never one to lie, not sure why. I'll play nice with Brann, but I'll hold you to that promise."