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."

Ren - Gen 5 Ch 10

Maureen is expecting again! We're both thrilled, although we're not quite sure how it happened. We are both getting up there in years after all.

Brook and Heather are teenagers now, and as you can see, Bennie is still around, and still just as annoying. Maureen of course vetoed my plan to dismantle him, and I guess we do need him to run the place. I need to come up with a plan to keep him away from the house when Brook is at home.

I swear that kid is driving me crazy.

"Wash that mess off your face right now!"

"Sure dad. Sorry. Didn't mean to upset you. It was for a school play."

Like I said before. Way too dang nice for a teenage boy.

Heather is in an almost constant bad mood.

"I wanna go back to France. I miss my friends."

The only time she relaxes is when she is playing her bass.

And Mathilde keeps us updated with pictures. She looks exactly like her mom, except for her hair and eyes.

My newest daughter, Firebloom is the light of my life. Since I've retired, we've become the best of friends, a girl after my own heart.

I love to show her off to everyone down at The White Rose. Oh, and I put Bennie to work at the bar here. Brook isn't happy about it, but he does seem to be making some friends at school now.

It was a sad day for me when Firebloom started school, but life goes on.

Every day I look forward the the time she arrives home from school.

"Wheee! Faster, daddy!"

"Psst! Fiery! Look at Bennie talkin' to his plants. Why don't you sneak up and scare him a little?"

"Hehehehe! Okay!"

"Boo!"

"Argh! Firebloom!"

Then we'd both laugh and giggle at his silly simbot squeaks.

"Hey dad, is it okay if Brannon and I go to Lost Willow Park this afternoon?"

"Finish your homework first, and be sure to be home by nine. Your mom will be finished at the theatre by then, I don't want her to worry."

But nine o'clock came and went,with no sign of Brook. No answer on his cell, either.

I was about to hop in the car and head out to the park myself, when I saw the flashing lights of a police cruiser out front.

"Mr. Greenbow?"

I nodded in reply.

The officer continued sternly. "We've been doing patrols of Lost Willow Park due to reports of tagging there, and found your son and his friend out after curfew."

I put on my best angry parent face and turned to Brook. But in truth I was inwardly pleased. Maybe he isn't quite the goody-two-shoes I've always known him to be.

"You were tagging at the park?"

"No, dad. Nothing like that. I swear."

The officer interposed, "I found no evidence of it, Mr. Greenbow. I'll just leave him with you. Make sure he is home by curfew from now on."

"Thank you officer, I will."

As the cruiser disappeared down the street, I turned back to Brook, ready to unload on him again, but he was already talking.

"I'm really sorry dad. I totally lost track of time. It won't happen again."

"You're dang right it isn't going to happen again. You are grounded for the next month, until your birthday. Now tell him what you were up to out there."

Later I sighed as I watched him slowly make his way into the house. What am I gonna do with that kid?

"Dad, mom, I'd like you to meet someone very special. This is my wife, Jia Li."

Colt had made the long trip home from China for Brook's birthday, and surprised us all with this announcement.

Brook was excited to see his brother again.

"Hey, I wouldn't miss your big day for anything. I just wish we could stay longer."

Heather started off the birthday singing with her beautiful voice.

For being an aspiring actor, Brannon is sure a nervous nellie. I wasn't going to invite him, but Maureen and Colt insisted.

Fiery saw an opportunity and took it.

"Boo"

"Aeeiieee!"

To everyone's surprise, Brannon fainted dead away.

"Ren, you really shouldn't encourage her, you know."

Maureen was probably right, but it's pretty funny to watch, don't you think?

Heather of course was freaking out about something or other as usual.  I can't keep up with her current ghost stories any more.

That's my girl!

And Brook is all grown up. I still gotta figure out who the pendant will go to. All I know is, after what happened at Lost Willow Park, it's not gonna be Brook. Which is fine with him, he says he doesn't want it anyway.