Chapter Seventy Six: Silent Night

Smiles had been scarce in the Hasslich household since Coralie’s disappearance, but the news of Aurora’s engagement to Palani – and of her new addition – brought joy to them all. The house felt lighter, airier, more cheerful than it had in months. Good things were happening, and life was moving on.

Aurora’s belly seemed to grow bigger by the day, and though she battled constant exhaustion, morning sickness, and an aching back, she never once complained. She still didn’t know quite how it happened – how she’d gotten so lucky as to have another chance at an heir, and the love of her life by her side. But here they all were, and Aurora was overwhelmingly, blissfully grateful – whenever she could keep her eyes open, that is.

As Aurora’s belly grew, so did her youngest song.  Xander had grown from an infant to a child, eager to learn all he could about the world around him – and when he finally jumped from his crib, Palani was close by as always.

Unlike his mischief-making dad, Xander was a quiet and well-behaved little bookworm.  He was a happy kid with a playful spirit and a wild imagination.  And while Xander and Palani could not have been more different, they had the most important thing of all in common – each other.

Interestingly, Xander’s skin tone changed once he entered childhood.  He here is in CAS:

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Meanwhile, Aurora’s middle son was more than enjoying his time in high school. As a creative, lazy, snob, Axel was never going to be the captain of the football team – but he certainly didn’t lack for popularity!  Axel had found his niche in a group of artsy, pretentious, drama club kids.  But  Axel wasn’t just any snob.  Axel was KING Snob!  And King Snob – oddly enough – had many female snob admirers.  Including the lovely Peyton Holiday-Scott.

Peyton – like her cousin Tabitha Piper-Hasslich – was the granddaughter of Dean Holiday-Scott.  No matter – Axel was smitten.

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Of course, Axel wasn’t the only Hasslich with romance on the brain – the past few weeks had brought Tabitha an adventure of her own.

No, she hadn’t stolen Brennan away from Addie, though the thought had crossed her mind (Brennan was like catnip to the Hasslich women, it seemed).  But while she was not immune to his many charms, the relationship that Tabitha enjoyed with Brennan was strictly platonic – and entirely orchestrated by his wife.

It had started back on the day of Roxas’s wedding to the beautiful Beth Elstree.  It was the first time that Addie had seen her brother – and the first time she had seen her estranged family – since their falling out many moons ago.  Addie had been beyond nervous.  Brennan had changed her, yes, but she knew she had said unforgivable things to her brother.  She knew she had hurt Aurora, who had only ever been kind to her, and that Coralie would still be intensely and justifiably angry with her.  But Roxas had extended the olive branch, and Addie was sure that attending his wedding – supporting his marriage – was the first step to bridging the gap and reuniting with her family.  She had a long way to go to make up for all the things she’d done, but this wedding was her first step in the right direction.

And so, when she arrived at the wedding with Brennan at her side, she clutched his hand in her sweaty, shaking palm.  Would her family even acknowledge her?  Would they pretend not to know her? Would Coralie confront her?  Addie felt nauseous, sick with anxiety. They would never forgive her, she was sure of it.  She didn’t deserve their forgiveness.

But then, suddenly, there was Tabitha.  Tabitha, who caught Addie’s eye from across the room, and smiled – smiled! – at her.  Tabitha, who made a beeline towards them and enveloped Addie in a tight, reassuring hug, and whispered kind words in her ear.

“It will be okay,” she had said, “We all make mistakes.  We’re all family here.”

And of course, Tabitha had been right.  By the end of the wedding, Addie had made up with Roxas.  She’d welcomed Beth as a sister-in-law, laughed with Aurora, and even danced with Coralie.  All was well, and Addie had Tabitha to thank, for breaking the ice and being the first to welcome her back into the clan.

So when Addie heard that Tabitha was single and looking, she tasked her husband with finding her cousin a match – and not just any match.  The PERFECT match.  Addie knew she could never repay Tabitha for her kindness, but maybe this was a good place to start.

Luckily, Brennan had just the guy.  Or so he thought when he introduced Tabitha to Jesse Franklin, who – unbeknownst to Brennan – had been blessed with the insane trait.  After a nonsensical tirade, Jesse mocked Tabitha’s outfit and stormed off, flailing his arms and talking to himself.  That was Strike One.

A week later Brennan set Tabitha up with a coworker named Bradford Joyce.  Tabitha had been impressed when Bradford made dinner reservations at the most romantic (and expensive) restaurant in Newcrest.  But when the bill came and Bradford explained that “the old dine-and-dash” was a powerful aphrodisiac, Tabitha was forced to pick up the hefty tab kick the loser to the curb.  That was Strike Two.

But this time, Brennan was sure. Tom Locke was the one.

Or so he hoped.

Tom Locke was a cheerful, lazy, glutton who had befriended Brennan over a chess game at the park.  He was sweet and easy-going, and most importantly, he was single.

Tabitha took one look at him and was obviously entranced.  Tom, on the other hand, was harder to read.  Brennan got up to “get them some drinks” and left the two of them alone, throwing a quick wink in Tabitha’s direction.

Tabitha: So Tom, what is it you do for a living?

Tom:  A little of this, a little of that.

Tabitha waited for him to go on, to ask a question in return, but Tom was quiet.  She watched him as he looked around.  At the sky, at the floor, off into the distance – anywhere but at her.

Tabitha: So, uh, Tom… tell me about yourself.

Tom: I’m a happy guy.  Yeah.  And I like food.  French fries.

Again, no follow up.  Tabitha sighed – her interest was clearly one-sided.  Brennan had missed the mark on this one.  This was definitely not going anywhere.  Again.  She looked at her watch.

Tabitha: It was nice to meet you, Tom, but I think I’ve got to get going.  I, um. I have to wash my hair tonight.  Totally forgot!  Yup.  Late for my hair washing!…. Tell Brennan I’ll call him later, okay?

She stood up and started off towards home.

Dating is the pits, she thought sadly.

But then she heard someone calling her name.

Tom:  Hey, Tabitha!  Tabitha!  Do you think maybe I could call you sometime?

Tabitha scratched her head.  What was this guy’s deal, anyway?

Tabitha:  You do realize that calling me would require you to actually speak, right?

Tom just nodded in silence and pulled out his phone.  Tabitha shook her head in confusion, but she found herself punching her number into his contacts.

What the plum, she thought. Two strikes and a foul ball. I’m not out quite yet.

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Late that very same night, Aurora woke with a start.  There was a sharp, familiar pain in her abdomen that she recognized as a contraction.  It was time to go to the hospital – it was time to deliver this baby!

Aurora experienced a rollercoaster of emotions as Dr. Isla performed the delivery.  This baby had to be a girl – a boy would mean another “transaction” with another man.  It would mean putting Palani through that all over again!

….But even if it was a girl – then what?  Aurora worried.

Another little girl to breed into an heiress – to force into a legacy?  Another little girl with no choice, no freedom in her own life?

Another little girl to run away from the responsibility – from the legacy, from the family, from her – just like Coralie?

Aurora’s heart skipped a beat at the thought of Coralie, but Isla’s voice broke through her thoughts.

“You have a happy and healthy daughter, Aurora!  Congratulations!”

Happy Birthday, Lola Hasslich!

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It was 5am by the time she arrived home with Lola, but Aurora couldn’t sleep.  Instead she rocked her new baby girl, covering her with kisses and tickling her tummy.  Another daughter – the only daughter – the Hasslich future heiress.  But Aurora had made mistakes with Coralie, that much was certain.  She’d driven her away, smothered her with responsibility and legacy duties, forced her own daughter to disappear silently into the night.

I have to learn from my mistakes, Aurora thought.  I have to protect Lola at all costs.

And then she heard it, softly at first, and then harder.  Louder.  A knock on the door.

Aurora stopped and listened, cautious.  She tucked Lola into her crib and crept quietly down the stairs, baseball bat in tow. She had a family to protect.

She tiptoed up to the front door and put her eye to the peephole.

The bat clattered to the floor.  Upstairs, Lola cried.  Aurora gasped, and threw open the door.

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Note:  A big thank you to Sabreene for submitting our third place Hasslich baby daddy winner, Tom Locke! Sabreene is also the author of the amazing Elstree Prettacy, where you can follow Roxas and Beth as they embark on their next adventures!

 

Chapter Seventy Five : Hey Jealousy

Aurora’s stomach was tied into knots, tight and twisty and heavy. She loved watching him play with Xander – really, she did. Palani was such an involved father, doting on his infant son at every turn, eager to feed him, to bathe him, to spend every possible moment tending to his needs.

It tugged at her heart strings, this fatherly devotion. The paternal bond was a rare thing in the Hasslich family, yet thanks to her own sweet and wonderful father, Aurora knew firsthand what a special relationship that was, what a difference a father can make in his child’s life. Tears sprung to her eyes as she watched him, overwhelmed with appreciation for the kind and wonderful man she loved.

The man she would have to let go.

Aurora had put off the inevitable for as long as she could, but her conscience told her the time was now. She had spent days gathering her courage, preparing for his reaction. For his hurt, and for her own impending loss.

She’d lost so much already. Coralie was long gone, and with Sebastian careening into young adulthood, he would soon be leaving, too. He was an independent boy, sure of himself and his ability to make his own way in the world. His plans to leave the nest were already well underway – the lease on his new apartment (his “bachelor pad,” he’d called it) would begin the day after his birthday. And then he would be gone as well, lost to the world of parties and girls and youthful irresponsibility.

But to lose Sebastian was the natural way of things – a child isn’t meant to be in his mother’s care forever, after all. Sebastian was meant to have his own adventures and learn from his own mistakes. It was her job as his mother to let him go.

Losing Palani, however, was an entirely different type of loss.  They were in love – they were meant to grow together, to to live out their days side by side.  Aurora felt sick at thought of life without him – and physical pain at the thought of life without Xander. Because in the end, if – no, when – Palani left her, he would want to take Xander with him. And who was she to deny him his son? Who was she to rob him of his family?

It was an impossible choice. Family had always been her top priority, but to keep Palani meant to fail the legacy – and to uphold the legacy meant to fail Palani and lose her son. There was no simple answer, no solution that would make everyone happy. The best she could do was to do right by her family – and that meant letting Palani go, and letting Xander go with him, to be loved and cared for by a father whose devotion knew no bounds. It meant sacrificing her own happiness for the good of the legacy.

Palani suddenly appeared beside her, shirtless and handsome and leaning in for a sweet kiss on the cheek.

One more day, she thought to herself.  It can wait for one more day.

 

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The next day was Sebastian’s birthday, and he aged gracefully into his young adulthood, picking up the romantic trait along the way.

He wasted no time in moving out – there was no time to lose when it came to the ladies! He started up the moving van and picked up his cousin, and before long Sebastian and Beau were settled into their new place, partners in crime once again.

 

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But back at home, Aurora sat down with Palani, ready to face the fallout of her decision.

Aurora: I love you more than anything, Palani. I never thought I would fall in love, but then there you were – and here we are. But I’ve always said my family comes first, and that means the legacy, too. And with Coralie gone –

She choked at the thought of her daughter.

Aurora: With Coralie gone, I have no choice but to produce another heir. And since you can’t be the father…

Her face fell, and she looked at her hands.

Aurora: I have to be with someone else. Woohoo with someone else. Maybe more than one someone else. I never, EVER want to hurt you, and you have to know I don’t WANT this. You’re the only man I want, Palani. You’re the only man I could ever love. Letting you go is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. But I can’t fail the legacy. I just can’t be the heir to end it all.

Palani stood up, silent and staring at her, mouth agape. Painful, graphic images ran through his head – thoughts of Aurora – his Aurora – in bed with some other man. And it stung, more than he’d ever thought it could.

Aurora saw the hurt written all over his face. And when he finally spoke, she could hear the pain in his voice.

Palani: I need time to think, Aurora.  I’m sorry, I just…. I just can’t look at you right now.

 

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Palani “slept” on the couch that night, but sleep never came. He lay awake, staring at the ceiling, jealousy and anger tearing through his veins. How could she do this to him? To them? She was tearing them apart! All for some dead lady’s legacy! Grief threatened to break through his rage, but he squashed it down, smothered it with anger.

By the time the sun came up, Palani, red-eyed with exhaustion and consumed with despair, walked out the front door, across the street, and down the block. His dastardly side at work, Palani Wahine was looking for trouble, and it didn’t take long to find it.

Palani: Oh hey, you’re Marvin Powell, right? Sebastian’s dad? Aurora’s ex?

Marvin said nothing, afraid to provoke the volatile young man.

Palani: You woohoo’ed my woman! And I don’t think I like your face!

Palani also ran into Mathias Goth…

And even Dr. Evan Murray, who had delivered Xander. To Palani’s knowledge, the doctor had never shared a bed with Aurora, but he had seen her va-hoo-ha, and that was enough for Palani.

But when all was said and done, Palani sat down on a bench and put his head in his hands. What good would it do to beat up Aurora’s ex-boyfriends? It wouldn’t change anything, and it certainly wasn’t making him feel any better (well, maybe a little, if he was totally honest with himself). But in the end, the only thing that could make him feel better wasn’t a thing at all. It was a person.

She was a person.

A person he didn’t own.

A person he loved more than anything.

A person he trusted more than anything.

Aurora would sacrifice anything for her family, Palani thought. And she is my family. Maybe it’s my turn to sacrifice for her.

Palani pulled out his phone and sent a text to Aurora:

Meet me by the canal in two hours.

 

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When Palani arrived at the canal, Aurora was already there waiting for him.

She heard his footsteps as he approached, and braced herself for the bad news. But when she turned to face him, he was grinning ear to ear.

She frowned, confused, the ever-present knot in her stomach tightening and twisting with anxiety. And as he dropped down on one knee before her, she could only stare at him wordlessly in bewilderment.

He looked up at her and winked.

Palani: Geez, Aurora, could you smile? I’m trying to propose here!

He laughed easily as he teased her, but Aurora said nothing.

Palani: Aurora, I know your legacy is important to you and to your family. But your family – our family – is the the best thing that’s ever happened to me. You are the best thing that has ever happened to me!  And I’ve realized that there is nothing more important than keeping our family together – you, me, Xander, Axel, Sebastian, and Coralie, wherever she is and whenever she comes home. That is what’s important.

Aurora opened her mouth, interrupted, choking on her words, but Palani spoke over her objections.

Palani: You are the most selfless woman I’ve ever met, Aurora. You would sacrifice your own happiness to put your family first. Let me be the one to sacrifice for you. If it means I can spend my life with you, then I give you my blessing, and my unfailing support, to do whatever you need to do to fulfill your duty to your legacy.

Aurora: But Palani, I could never ask you to – it’s just not fair to you –

Palani: What’s not fair is you making this decision for me. I know what’s best for me, and I know that together, we can handle this. Where I come from, mating is completely separate from love. I know this kind of arrangement is unorthodox here, but in the Amazon, it’s completely normal.

He paused and raised an eyebrow, and smiled indulgently.

Palani: I mean, in the Amazon, I’d be dead already! Look – I never imagined that one day I would grow up and fall in love, and have a family! I never dreamed I’d have the chance to be a real father. That I could be a husband!  Supporting you in your responsibility to your legacy is a small sacrifice for the woman I love. And you love me, too, Aurora, I know you do. So what do you say? Will you marry me after you woohoo some random dude and have a daughter for your crazy dead great-great-grandma’s legacy?

He was beaming up at her, laughing at her stunned expression. She wiped a tear from her eye, and then laughed with him, the absurdity of it all suddenly hilarious.

She kissed him and threw herself into his arms.

“Yes,” she whispered into his ear. “Of course I will marry you after I woohoo some random dude and have a daughter for my crazy dead great -great-grandma’s legacy.”

And they dissolved into laughter all over again.

 

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The chosen random dude turned out to be an unemployed, jealous geek named Jacob Schaeffer.  Aurora had already learned that Jacob hated children, which was exactly what she was looking for in her next baby daddy .  Since Palani had decided to legally adopt all of Aurora’s children, including the yet-to-be-conceived, a man who didn’t want kids was the perfect candidate.

Palani made himself scarce for what he and Aurora had dubbed “the transaction,” and Aurora set herself to the task at hand.

She closed her eyes and pictured Palani’s handsome face, and tried to enjoy herself. There were no fireworks – he was no Palani if you know what I mean – but he would do in a pinch.

Afterwards, Aurora heaved a sigh of relief as she watched the pink plus sign appear on her pregnancy test. Once was more than enough with Jacob Schaeffer. Now all she had to do was pray for a girl, so she didn’t have to go through this again.

 

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Of course, Aurora wasn’t the only one who hoped she’d seen the last of Jacob Schaeffer, and of any other potential baby daddy for that matter.

Downstairs, as Palani returned from his well-timed outing, he passed Jacob in the kitchen.  Jacob was on his way out, and Palani ordered himself to hold his tongue (and his fists).

Well…..no such luck.  No one ever said he was perfect.

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Chapter Seventy Four : Take A Little Piece Of My Heart

Aurora awoke with a start. Palani was snoring beside her, but otherwise the house was still. The clock read 3am and the back of her neck was slick with cold sweat.

Go back to sleep, she told herself. It was only a nightmare.

She laid back down and closed her eyes, but sleep was elusive. Staring up at the ceiling, she listened to the nighttime quiet. Palani’s soft snoring, the hum of the refrigerator downstairs, the rustling of Axel’s sheets as he tossed and turned in the next room over.

Aurora sighed and threw the blankets off her legs.

There would be no sleeping until she checked in on her children. Aurora loved her kids fiercely, and she always knew that becoming a mother would mean a certain level of vulnerability.  But no one ever told her how that love – that ever-present maternal instinct – would keep her up at night, night after night, just like this.  No one ever told her that to have a child meant to set a piece of her own heart free in the world, to makes its own choices, its own mistakes, to make her crazy with worry at 3 o’clock in the morning on a random Tuesday night.  She placed at protective hand over her belly – for now, at least, she knew that this little bean was safe and sound in her belly.  Teenagers, however, were a completely different story.

She tiptoed down the hall and cracked open the door to Axel’s room. He seemed restless, muttering something incomprehensible in his sleep, but he was tucked firmly in his bed. Aurora smiled softly and shut the door.

Outside Sebastian’s room, she stopped and listened with her ear to the door. It was late, but her oldest boy was nothing if not a night owl. Sure enough, the familiar sounds of The R.E.F.U.G.E. drifted through the door – a clamor of virtual gunshots, followed by Sebastian’s frustrated voice (“Son of a plum!”). Aurora laughed silently and moved along.

She shuffled downstairs to the first floor, past the living room and the kitchen. She checked the lock on the front door, and reminded herself to pick up milk at the store first thing in the morning. Tomorrow was Coralie’s young adult birthday, and Aurora planned to bake an extra-special cake for the occasion.

She descended the second set of stairs, down to the basement that housed the family’s home gym and second set of bedrooms. Coralie had moved down here just days ago – a little more privacy for the future Hasslich heiress.

“Flarn!” Aurora spat, stubbing her toe on the treadmill in the dark. “Plummit, Coralie!” There was one condition to Coralie’s move to the basement  – she’d had to promise to leave the hall light on at night (in case of emergency, Aurora wanted her daughter to have an easy, well-lit escape route).  Aurora fumed – one thing she’d asked – one simple thing! – and Coralie had dropped the ball on the second night.

Teenagers.

Aurora knocked sharply on the door, not caring that it was late, or that she was waking her daughter up. No answer came, and Aurora charged into the room.

Aurora: Coralie! I told you to leave the light on! What were you thinking? What if we had a fire or –

But as she flipped the switch and the room flooded with light, Aurora’s heart leapt to her throat. Coralie was nowhere to be found.

“Coralie?” Aurora whispered softly.

The bed was still made, and a quick search through the room revealed nothing out of place. Coralie’s favorite purse was gone, and there was an empty space in her closet where her sandals should have been.  Otherwise, everything was as usual.

Aurora called out, louder this time. “Coralie?!” She would wake the whole house, but she didn’t care. Coralie was a good girl. She didn’t break curfew, she didn’t break the rules.

Yet it was 3am and her daughter was not where she was supposed to be.

Aurora tore through the house, calling her daughter’s name, and before long, light shone from every window of every room of the Hasslich household.

 

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Aurora called a family meeting. It was 4am by now, and the entire house was wide awake.

Axel had been put back to bed (“Don’t be afraid, honey, it was just a spider that scared Mommy. Everything is okay.”), and the rest of the family gathered in the kitchen.

Plans were made.

Aurora: Sebastian, I need you to stay here with your brother. He needs you, and if Coralie shows up I want you to call me immediately, ok?

Sebastian nodded. He wanted to argue, to go out searching for his sister, but he knew better. His mother was upset enough already.

Aurora looked at Palani and Tabitha. Palani squeezed her hand.

Aurora: The rest of split up to go look for her.

Tabitha: We’ll find her, Aurora.  I promise.

And off they went into the night.

 

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They didn’t find her. The night passed, the sun rose, and when the family regrouped at the kitchen table, it was with grim faces.

They called the police, and plastered missing signs all over Willow Creek.

They had no other choice.

But days passed with no sign of Coralie. Her birthday came and went, with no word from the future heiress. In a show of feigned optimism, Aurora baked a birthday cake – strawberry cream with homemade icing – but the confection sat lonely and untouched until Aurora dropped it in the trash at midnight.

More days passed, and hope of Coralie’s return began to fade. Aurora called the police station – they knew her by the sound of her voice by now.

Aurora: Any news on my daughter, Officer?

Officer: I’m sorry, ma’am. There’s no easy way to say this, but your daughter is classified as a runaway. There’s not much we can do except wait for her to come home.

Aurora: But Coralie is not a runaway! She loves her family! She would never just leave, she would never run away from home!

Officer: I know this is hard to hear, Ms. Hasslich, but this is a textbook case. I don’t mean to offend, but your family is rather well known in these parts and I’m aware that Coralie is in line to take over your legacy as the next heiress. How do I put this gently? That’s a lot of pressure for a young girl, don’t you think? And the timing – just before her young adult birthday – it’s telling, wouldn’t you agree? All that responsibility, all those restrictions – it’s a classic trigger, if you ask me.

Aurora hung up, stunned. She’d never considered the possibility that Coralie had disappeared by choice. But what if the officer was right? Had she failed as a mother? Had she pushed her own daughter away?

 

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Days turned into weeks, and the family began to move toward acceptance. Coralie was a runaway – she had escaped the Hasslich legacy like Palani had escaped the Amazon. She’d made her decision, and she’d left them behind.  What choice did they have but to respect her wishes and move on?  Only Aurora refused to believe, insisting they were wrong, that Coralie would never leave of her own volition, that something terrible had happened to her beloved daughter…

Yet Coralie was gone, and life moved on without her.

Axel aged into a teenager, gaining the snob trait, and his mother’s nose, along the way.

But the celebration was somber. Two months had passed with no word from Coralie – and Aurora knew that it was time to accept the truth.  Her daughter had left, because she had wanted to leave, and she took a piece of Aurora’s heart with her. 

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A few nights later,  Aurora, finally went into labor.  But as she lay down for the procedure, for the first time in her term as heiress, she wished – she prayed – for a girl.   She had failed her daughter – she couldn’t bear to fail Grainna’s legacy, too.

At home after the delivery, as she held her newborn son in her arms, she kissed his forehead and held his tiny fingers.  Her love for him knew no bounds – there was nothing in this world she wouldn’t do for her youngest son.  But as she tickled his pudgy feet, a knot formed in the pit of her stomach. This little piece of her heart – this little piece of herself – was officially his own separate person.  Already the slow detachment had begun, and one day, just like Coralie, he would leave her, too.

But for now, all she could do was hold him tight and keep him safe.

“Happy Birthday, Xander Wahine,” she whispered.  She’d given him his father’s surname – Palani deserved to leave a legacy of his own.

But what about my legacy? she sighed despondently.  Without an heiress, she had no legacy.   Without an heiress, she would fail all the Hasslich women before her.

There was only one way forward, Aurora was sure.  But it would cost her the love of her life.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chapter Seventy Three : Under Cover Of Darkness

Aurora never expected to fall in love. Growing up in the Hasslich household, she never fantasized about a “soulmate,” or a wedding, or even a boyfriend. Sure, she’d seen the romantic comedies. She’d watched beautiful leading ladies meet muscled leading men, watched the stars form in their eyes during the whimsical (and ever-so-cliche) meet-cute. But that was fiction.  In reality, life goes on after the first kiss. And the movies never show what comes after – the fighting, the cheating, the inevitable breakup. No, men were for mating, plain and simple. To venture past procreation was to end up like her mother – a slave to her own lust, driven mad by the heartbreak of unrequited love.

But then there was Palani. More handsome than those muscled leading men – and even better, Palani was real. And, now more than ever, Aurora found that what she felt for him was real as well. Whatever misconceptions Aurora had about the meaning of love, Palani had changed all that in just a few short weeks.

He supported her dreams.

He was kind to her children.

He made her laugh.

And above all, he stayed.

Palani treated Aurora like some kind of queen.  He took care of the garden, the cleaning, and the endless array of home repairs. He worked tirelessly night and day to ensure her comfort, catering to her every whim and desire – and when what she desired was him….well, that was even better…

But as Palani busied himself with the cleaning, gardening, and cooking, Aurora grew concerned.  Palani put her happiness above his own in all things – but why?

Aurora: Palani, why don’t you come inside and let me make you a drink?

Palani: Oh no, my creator, let me make YOU a drink!

Aurora blanched at his subconscious slip. Palani had escaped the Amazon, but old habits die hard – and it seemed Palani’s slave mentality was no exception.

Aurora: I’m not your creator, Palani! I’m not anyone’s creator – unless you count my kids, I guess, but that’s beside the point. You’re not a slave here! The gardening and cleaning and housework – it’s a joint effort in this family. It’s not your job – you don’t even live here!

Aurora felt a tear slip down her cheek, and she buried her face in her hands. She had suspected as much, but she was unprepared for the cold hard reality. She’d been so sure of her own feelings, so content in their realness – but what about Palani? Were his feelings real? She’d never thought to ask.

Evidently not, she thought as she stifled a sob.

It wasn’t his fault, she knew. Palani came from a culture where men were subservient to women, where they were trained to obey and to please, to answer to a woman’s beck and call. To do a woman’s bidding. And in her own way, hadn’t she bade him to love her?

She looked up at him sadly, suddenly embarrassed. She’d assumed his presence here was his choice.

 

Aurora: You are no one’s slave, Palani – you answer only to yourself. You have no obligation to me or to anyone else. Your life is yours.

He looked at her, the confusion written across his face.

Palani: Don’t you think I know that, Aurora?  I’m fully aware I’m not a slave…. That’s the whole reason I escaped the Amazon! You can’t really think I’d just forget I’m a free man, do you? I don’t do your yard work or cook for you because I think I have to – I do it because I choose to. Because I care about you, and want to help you. I love you, Aurora – but you sure as plum won’t ever own me.  I do the things I do because it’s what I want to do.  Palani does what Palani wants!

Aurora exhaled heavily, relief coursing through her – she’d misread the situation entirely.  She laughed, abashed, and then threw a coy glance his way.

Aurora: So, then, Palani Wahine – what is it you do want?

Palani raised an eyebrow and shot her his best come-hither smile. She snuggled happily into his arms, and looked up at him.

Aurora: I mean it, Palani. You’ve spent your whole life doing what other people told you to do. What do you want?

He nestled his chin in her hair, then pulled away to look her in the eyes.

Palani: Truthfully, Aurora, there is something I’ve always wanted. In my tribe, men are executed after they mate – after they initiate a pregnancy, that is. Fathers never get to know their children – I never even met my father. I know you have a legacy heir already, and I won’t pressure you to marry me, but since you’re asking what I want – I would like to be a father, and I would like the chance to know my child.

Aurora giggled.

Aurora: Now that I can get on board with.  And for the record, Palani?  I could never say no to you – especially if you were down on one knee..

Palani grinned and grabbed her hand, and they ran off laughing toward the bedroom.

---

Meanwhile…..

Coralie was jolted awake by the abrupt chirping of her cell phone.

Meet at the park in an hour?

Kierra. Coralie quickly typed her response and then bounded upstairs to get changed.

When she arrived at the park an hour later, Kierra was nowhere to be seen. Coralie looked at her watch – she was a few minutes early, so she decided to wait.

Five minutes went by, and then ten and twenty, and Kierra was officially late.

“Coralie!” a voice called.  She looked up expectantly, sure to see Kierra walking her way. Instead, she was greeted by her distant cousin,Stefania Landgraab-Solomon.

Stefania: Coralie! I thought that must be you! It’s been so long, but Hasslich women are hard to miss! What are you doing here?

Coralie: I’m waiting for Kierra, actually. You should hang around until she shows up – I’m sure she’d love to see you! But anyway, how have you been? I was so sorry to hear your mom passed away…

The minutes ticked by as the cousins caught up, but still no sign of Kierra. Coralie pulled out her phone to send her a text. She was beginning to worry.

You ok? Why so late?

As Coralie tucked her phone back in her pocket, Stefania nudged her elbow. She spoke softly and slowly, and Coralie realized that her cousin sounded suddenly nervous.

Stefania: Coralie? Who is that?

Coralie glanced over her shoulder, and felt a chill run up her spine.  He did look creepy, she’d give Stefania that, but Coralie was sure he was harmless…right?  She laughed uneasily.

Coralie: No clue, just some random weirdo, I guess.  I mean, who wears a Star Wars costume out in public, anyway?

Stefania: He keeps staring at you. It’s freaky. I have to get going, Coralie, but why don’t you come with me? Something about that guy just feels….off.

Coralie felt a twinge in her stomach, but she brushed it off.

Coralie: No way! He’s just checking you out! I’m going to wait for Kierra a little longer, but I’ll be okay! Tell your brothers I said hi, okay?

Stefania walked off, worry etched into her face, anxiously looking back at Coralie as she went.

Coralie checked her phone again – still no word from Kierra. She checked her email (nothing) and her missed calls list (nothing again).  When she looked up, her heart skipped a beat. The creepy guy was still there, and this time, he was definitely staring at her. The hood hid his eyes, but he was staring – Coralie could feel it.

She flinched, but shook her head and chalked it up to paranoia. But just for peace of mind, she walked inside the park – closer to people, and further from the daunting figure.

But it had gotten later than she’d realized, and there were less people in the park than she thought. Coralie suddenly felt uncomfortable, uneasy. Something told her it was time to go home, NOW,  Kierra or no Kierra.

But as she hurried towards the gate, Coralie felt the hairs on her neck stand on end. She shuddered – something was wrong.

He was here.

---

No one knew what happened next.

No one heard her cry for help, the crash of her phone as it fell from her hand.

No one saw him lead her to the woods, the dark hooded figure and the dazed teenage girl.

But Coralie was gone, without a trace.

---

The next morning, a young boy playing in the park would find the phone she’d dropped.

He would pick it up and see the unread message on the screen, and the sender’s name blinking in green: Kierra.

Late for what, C?

Chapter Seventy Two : In The Jungle, The Mighty Jungle

Days passed.

Life went on.

And Axel grew into a child, gaining the lazy trait along the way.

But try as she might, Aurora could not forget Palani Wahine. His blue eyes (and biceps) invaded her daydreams and swam through her head at night. His face was the last thing she saw before she went to sleep, and when she opened her eyes in the morning, she imagined him in bed beside her.

Aurora sighed and forced herself out of bed. This was ridiculously, vastly indulgent. She needed to be present for her children. She refused to turn into Andalie. She refused to put a man – or her own selfish desires – before her daughter and her sons.

Tabitha: So….who’s the guy?

Aurora paused, shot her niece a cautious, sidelong glance. Tabitha laughed knowingly in response.

Tabitha: Don’t deny it, Aunt Aurora! We know there’s someone! You’ve been walking around here in a trance for days!

Aurora: What do you mean we know? Who’s “we?”

Tabitha: Just me….well, me and Coralie, I mean. Sebastian and Axel have no clue. You know boys – oblivious.

Aurora: Fine. There’s someone, sort of. I guess. I mean, I don’t even KNOW him! I just saw him one day. I’ll get over it.

Tabitha: But why should you get over it? It’s really none of my business, but wouldn’t it be a shame not to at least get to know him? Your duty to the legacy is fulfilled, there’s nothing standing in your way. You could be the first Hasslich heiress to find love before elderhood! This guy could be the love of your life, Aunt Aurora!

Aurora: My kids are the love of my life. I don’t need romance. Romance equals drama, and drama is nothing but a distraction from what’s really important.

Tabitha sighed.

Tabitha: Turns out your daughter knows you pretty well then – that’s exactly what Coralie said you would say.

————————————————————————————–

And so, when Coralie called and asked Aurora to meet her for ice cream after school, Aurora didn’t ask questions. She already knew what this would be about. She knew she was walking into an ambush – an intervention, even. She wouldn’t be surprised to see all (33!) of her Hasslich relatives waiting for her, ready to jump on the Aurora-finds-love bandwagon.

It turns out that she was right and wrong. It was an ambush – just not the kind she was expecting.

Son of a plum.

An intervention, she could have handled. But not this. Her body was burning up already, and all she’d done was look at him! And now he was coming closer! He was talking to her! He touched her arm – and her skin was on fire.

Palani: Would you like a drink, Aurora? Or maybe you’d like some ice cream instead?

He raised a (perfect) eyebrow.

Palani: Your daughter told me you’re a fan of mint chocolate chip.

Aurora: Of course Coralie would be behind this. How did she find you?

Aurora was surprised at the sound of her own voice – shocked that she could formulate actual words, that her voice wasn’t trembling like her hands.

Palani: She didn’t find me. I found her. I’ll be honest – you made quite an impression on me. Your family possesses a unique brand of beauty, Aurora – it doesn’t take a genius to see the resemblance between mother and daughter.

She could feel her head swimming. Palani was so handsome, so sexy – and he knew just what to say to heighten her interest. She eyed his tattoos again, wondering where she’d gotten them, and imagining – not for the first time – his mysterious “Amazon” home. He seemed so sweet and so gentlemanly, but Aurora sensed an underlying edge to him. A hint of that bad boy magnetism that only intensified her longing.

She took a breath and shook her head, breaking herself out of her trance. A sudden sense of urgency overwhelmed her – she needed to get away from him.

Aurora: I’m sorry, Palani. I have to go. My daughter….she was mistaken about all this.

She turned to go, forcing herself not to break into a run. She couldn’t trust herself with him, she couldn’t go down this rabbit hole! There would be no going back and she’d be useless as a mother! – it would be Andalie all over again! No – she had to get away from him – it was the only way.

Her phone chirped in her pocket and she pulled it out as she walked. Coralie. Of course.

“Mom – I’m sorry for tricking you, but you should give him a chance. I know you’ll want to run from this, and I know why. But you’re nothing like her – you could never be like her. You love us so much. Maybe you can love him too? You’ll never know if you don’t try.”

Aurora slowed to a stop – her daughter knew her even better than she’d realized. She paused, staring at her phone, considering. And then she turned and looked back. Palani was still there, watching her. He hadn’t moved – too respectful to follow her against her will but not quite ready to give up on her, either.

And so she put her phone back in her pocket and walked back toward him.

He looked at her quizzically, waiting for her to speak first. And then she smiled.

Aurora: I guess I can’t resist that mint chocolate chip, after all.

—————————————————————————————

Their date passed by in a whirlwind, and Aurora found that the more she got to know him, the more she liked him – and the more she was able to relax around him, too. With every tidbit of information she gleaned, Palani became more and more human. He became more real to her, more than just a pretty face.

They talked about his childhood, the perks and pitfalls of growing up in an Amazon tribe. Aurora hadn’t known that such a society even existed – but she was glad he escaped the fate of a slave and had found his way to Willow Creek. And it turned out that Aurora was right about that bad boy vibe she’d picked up on – Palani had been a slave so long that he had grown into a dastardly rebel with a Public Enemy aspiration – but Aurora was far from bothered. To the contrary, she found the flaw endearing – it was proof of his imperfection, proof of his humanity. Palani was no longer a fantasy, held up on a pedestal of her own creation. He was real, and Aurora knew that her feelings for him were real as well.

And as their conversation continued long into the evening, they discovered that they each had suffered the loss of their mothers, which naturally led to talk of the Hasslich legacy, and Aurora’s role as heiress. She told Palani how Grainna had begun the whole thing so long ago, and how the responsibility of continuing the family line had landed squarely on her shoulders. She told him about the one-child-per-daddy rule and she told him how her mother’s erratic, neglectful behavior had impacted their family, and she told him how she’d vowed to be a better mother to her children than she’d ever had herself. Aurora heard the words tumbling out of her mouth, and amazingly, she did nothing to stop it. Palani was easy to talk to, non-judgmental, and she found herself telling him things she’d never said out loud before.

Aurora: At the risk of sounding presumptuous, the whole legacy thing also means I can never get married. Well – I could get married, but I’d have to be done having kids first. That’s why most of the Hasslich heirs never got married, and the ones who did didn’t do it until they were already elders.

Palani: Correct me if I’m wrong, Aurora, but doesn’t that mean you could get married anytime you want now? I mean, you do already have a daughter…

Aurora: I never really thought about it before, but yeah, I guess I could. I’ve just always assumed I’d have as many children as possible and marriage would be a non-issue…

Palani didn’t say anything for a moment, and the silence hung meaningfully in the air between them. They both knew that something special was happening, that this date was the beginning of something wonderful. But Palani held his tongue – no need to rush things. Instead, he took her hand..

Palani: Come with me, Aurora – there’s something I want to show you…

She should have thought it was creepy, walking off into the bushes with a dastardly (and dangerously sexy) man.

Maybe it’s some kind of Amazon thing, she thought to herself. He must want to show me some basil bushes or something.

But there were no basil bushes. Palani just wanted a little privacy for their very first kiss…

…..and a selfie, naturally.

Maybe it was an Amazon thing, after all.

Chapter Seventy One : Handsome Devil

With Addie out of the house, things had been quiet – too quiet, as far as Aurora was concerned. Sebastian was obviously missing Beau – he still saw his best friend and partner-in-crime every day after school, but he the absence of his 24-7 playmate was keenly felt. And so as Aurora’s due date drew near, she looked forward to expanding her family, and to the arrival of a new sibling for Sebastian and Coralie.

When the big moment finally arrived, Aurora went off to the hospital on her own. Mathias hadn’t actually ever called her again, and Aurora knew she was more than capable of handling the delivery on her own anyhow. She was a self-sufficient kind of gal, after all.

The delivery went smoothly, and before long, Aurora welcomed her second son into the world.

Happy Birthday, Axel Hasslich!

((Note: Aurora did go to the hospital to have the baby, but I’ve been plagued by the hospital delivery bug. After hanging around the hospital for 3 hours doing absolutely everything but giving birth, I had to send her home to deliver the baby.))

—————————————————————————————

The days following Axel’s birth were more hectic than she’d anticipated, and soon Aurora found herself wishing for those quiet days she’d been so eager to leave behind. With Addie gone, Aurora was the only adult in a house with a fussy infant, a heartbroken teenager, and a rambunctious little boy. Aurora realized she was in over her head – and she needed help.

Luckily, Aurora knew exactly who to call in her time of need. Her big brother would know just what to do!

Aurora filled Milo in on the debacle with Addie, but it turned out he had already heard all about it from Roxas – who had heard it straight from the horse’s mouth. News sure got around fast in this family!

Milo: For what it’s worth, Rory, I think you did the right thing, asking her to leave. You have a legacy to run, and a family of your own to raise. They have to come first, no matter what.

Aurora: Well it turns out, despite her flaws, I kind of needed her help. Now I’ve got three kids, and a full-time job, and I’m all on my own! I’m completely overwhelmed, Milo!

Milo: I think I might have an idea….

Milo hung up with Aurora, and went inside to find his wife and daughter.

Milo: So, Tabitha – how would you like to go stay with your Aunt Aurora for awhile?

————————————————————————————–

Three days later, Aurora opened the front door to find Tabitha smiling on the front porch, suitcase in hand.

Aurora launched at her, drawing her in for a tight, grateful hug.

Aurora: Just look at how big you are! You’re all grown up! And so beautiful! You look a lot like your grandmother, has anyone ever told you that? Oh, Tabitha, come in – I’m just so glad you’re here!

This is Tabitha Piper-Hasslich in CAS. She is the daughter of Milo and Juliana, making her Aurora’s niece and first cousin to Coralie, Sebastian, and Axel, as well as to Sylvie and Abe’s twin boys. Tabitha is a young adult and she is squeamish, family-oriented, jealous, and gregarious with the Party Animal aspiration.

————————————————————————————–

Over the next few days, Tabitha settled into the household. She seemed to get along well with her cousins, and immediately assumed the gardening responsibilities. And when Aurora tasked her with painting the family portraits, Tabitha was more than happy to oblige, and took to improving her artistic technique in her free time.

And so it came as no surprise that when Sebastian’s teen birthday rolled around, Tabitha was on hand to help Aurora prepare for the festivities. Together with Coralie, they baked a cake, wrapped the gifts, and sent out the invitations. Despite Coralie’s grumbling, they even sent one to Addie in a gesture of goodwill and family unity.

“You don’t have to forget, Coralie, but someday, you will have to forgive her.” Aurora had said gently. “She’s family above all things, and her family is your family too. If you cut out Addie, you’re also cutting out Beau, and her two beautiful twin baby girls. Don’t you want to get to know Addie’s daughters, Coralie? Wouldn’t you like a relationship with little Morgan and Ada?”

Coralie did want to know her cousins, as it turned out. And so, however begrudgingly, she agreed not to tear Addie’s hair out if she turned up at the party.

And turn up at the party she did, streamers in hand, and ready to celebrate.

Here is Sebastian in CAS. He acquired the childish trait, making him both childish and self-assured. With his mother’s nose and Marvin’s body type, Sebastian is kind of a goofy looking guy, which actually seems to suit his personality well.

—————————————————————————————

Meanwhile, Tabitha’s help around the house had allowed Aurora just a bit of time to herself, which she chose – predictably – to spend at the gym.

It was just after her weekly yoga class, as the sun began to set and a chill tinged the air, that first saw him.

He was gorgeous. Different. She could tell just by the look of him – the way he dressed, the way he walked, those strange tribal tattoos – that he wasn’t from around here.

Could it really be true? Had the Watcher answered her prayers?

Aurora gravitated toward him involuntarily, her feet moving her closer of their own free will . She watched as his muscled form dropped to the ground for another set of push-ups, and fanned herself as a parade of scandalous images marched through her head. Aurora had been to bed with men, of course, but always – and only – to serve a purpose. She wanted children – and woohoo was a necessary step to creating them – nothing more. But this man – this man stoked a fire in her. This awakened something primal in her, something lustful, animalistic. This man would be her downfall.

He jumped up abruptly and she startled as their eyes met. He’d caught her staring at him. She felt the heat rising in her cheeks.

The handsome blonde held her gaze as he approached, and Aurora felt dizzy. When he stopped before her, he did something surprising. Ever so slightly, he bowed.

“My name is Palani Wahine,” he said. “I have just come to this town from my Amazon home. Your beauty is…..exotic.”

Well that answered one question – he was from out of town! She’d never heard of this Amazon place – was it another city? Amazon could be a different country, or a whole different planet – Aurora didn’t know and she didn’t care. As far as she was concerned, this beautiful man had been dropped straight from the sky into Willow Creek, chosen carefully by the Watcher, just for her….

He was perfect. And he thought she was beautiful! -or did he? He said she was exotic. That could be a compliment – or it could be a euphemism. Or it could mean nothing at all.

Aurora shook her head.

It DID mean nothing.

Just listen to me! she thought. Ruled by lust just like my mother! Well I won’t be tempted! I won’t allow it! I’ve fulfilled my duty to the legacy already, and family comes first, always. No matter WHAT my va-hooha says!!

Chapter Seventy : Too Late To Apologize

Weeks passed, but the chill between Addie and Coralie had yet to thaw. Unsurprisingly, Coralie was crushed, the loss of her fantasy – of what could have been – heavy on her heart. And unsurprisingly, Addie happily flaunted her relationship in her cousin’s face. Aurora did her best to comfort her daughter, but Coralie’s teenage heartbreak was still too raw to heal.

Aurora: I’m so sorry you’re going through this, sweetheart. I know this isn’t what you want to hear, but this is a normal part of growing up. Your first crush, your first heartbreak – it’s a learning experience. Who knows – Brennan might come around one day, once he sees Addie for who she truly is. And if he doesn’t, well – there’s plenty of fish in the sea.

Coralie nodded in silence, hearing her mother’s words but unable to believe them.

Aurora: You have to try and forgive Addie, okay? She’s family. I don’t know why she does the things she does, but if anyone is going to see the best in her, it’s us, right?

—————————————————————————————

Meanwhile, Addie had been spending more and more time with Brennan. He was wrapped around her little finger, that much was obvious, and Addie was high on the power that came with that.

In the weeks since they’d met, Addie had seen Brennan nearly every day. He kept inviting her out, and each time she accepted. It had nothing to do with enjoying his company – of course not. It had nothing to do with those deep brown eyes and soft, tousled hair. It was a game, she told herself – to see how long she could keep him chasing her, how long he’d stay on her hook. And so Addie and Brennan had been to the theater, to a soccer game, out dancing, and to the beach. They’d gone fishing and admired art at the museum. He’d taught her the basics of computer programming, and she’d actually read that book he liked so much. Brennan was smart, Addie knew – just not smart enough to see through her charade.

She breezed in and out of the house, wearing her relationship with Brennan like a badge of honor.

“Off for dinner with Brennan!” she’d call over her shoulder in Coralie’s direction, as she strutted out the door. Callous, entitled – the mean girl she’d always been. The mean girl she’d always be.

But somewhere in the back of her mind, something felt different. She worried. She worried about Coralie, knowing that she’d hurt her cousin’s feelings. And she worried about Brennan, too. She worried he would catch on to her antics, that he’d find out what she was, that he was being used.

She pushed the feelings aside, brushed away her ever-growing guilt. Coralie was young and beautiful, and as a Hasslich heiress – she’d have plenty of men lined up, she’d be able to pick and choose at will. Did she really need Brennan too?

Kind, sweet Brennan…whose beautiful brown eyes were currently gazing into hers with such adoration that it took her breath away.

It wasn’t that she actually liked him – of course she didn’t actually like him – right? Addie didn’t like men – she used them. And Brennan was no different. Just because he was smart and handsome and funny and sweet – just because he was a gentleman, and treated her with respect – didn’t mean that she had feelings for him. She was Addie Hasslich, resident mean girl – and Addie Hasslich had feelings for no one.

Brennan’s voice brought her back to the present.

Brennan: I think I’m falling in love with you, Addie.

—————————————————————————————

The next day, Addie and Brennan were scheduled for a date at the spa. It was something they had yet to experience together, and Brennan had generously sprung for massages and facials for them both.

After her facial, Addie hurried to the locker room. They’d made her take all her makeup off, and she didn’t want Brennan to see her without it. But he was already there, and waiting for her. She buried her face in her hands.

Brennan: What’s wrong, beautiful?

Addie: Nothing – just – don’t look at me!

Brennan: What? Why?

Addie didn’t respond, and turned her back to him. She heard him sigh, and felt his hands on her shoulders. He turned her around to face him, and then he gently removed her hands from in front of her face.

Brennan: You’re gorgeous, Addie. Now I’m going downstairs. That yoga instructor is the head of the Books for Tots charity I volunteer for, and I have a few things to run by him. Meet me in the sauna in ten?

Addie sighed heavily. I love you too, she thought.

And ten minutes later, as steam filled the sauna, Addie submitted to her growing feelings for Brennan. There was no denying it now – he was more than a pawn in some game she was playing. For better or for worse, she had fallen in love with him.

Afterward, Addie quickly excused herself to the bathroom, a bag of mixed emotions. She needed to collect herself. She’d set out to hurt Coralie, that much was true, but she’d never meant to take it this far. She never meant to fall in love, to care about Brennan’s feelings. She was mean Addie, nasty Addie – but if that was true, then why did she feel so bad?

She felt a rumble in her abdomen, and it was then that she knew. Beau was going to be a big brother.

Addie promptly vomited – whether it was nervousness or guilt or morning sickness, she would never know. Coralie would never forgive her for this. And Brennan – she could never tell Brennan. She couldn’t drag him further into this, further into her twisted ways and warped schemes. He deserved far better than this, better than her. She’d lied to him and used him. Losing Brennan, she realized, was exactly what she deserved.

She changed out of her towel and walked straight out of the spa without looking back. Brennan would be better off without her.

————————————————————————————–

Addie had meant to avoid Brennan forever, but that turned out to be impossible. He’d sent text after text, worried about her, concerned for her safety.

Where are you? he asked.
Are you okay? he asked.
What’s wrong? he asked.

And finally, when her phone rang for what seemed like the millionth time, Addie caved and picked up.

Brennan: I don’t know what I did, Addie! Why are you ignoring me?

Addie sighed. He was right – she did owe him an explanation. She’d put him through enough – and it was time to come clean. It was late – the sun would be coming up in just a few hours – but there was no point in waiting.

Addie: Meet me at the dock in half an hour. We need to talk.

————————————————————————————–

Addie heard his footsteps before she saw him. She took a deep breath.

Brennan: What’s going on, Addie?

Addie: I owe it to you to be honest. Brennan – I’ve been lying to you all along. The truth is… Coralie has a huge crush on you. She told me about you – that you worked at the library. She didn’t order that book or try to set us up. I went behind her back, and went after you, and I did it because I knew it would hurt her. Because I was jealous, I think… I’m a bad person, Brennan. I always have been. You should hate me – my own mother would be ashamed of me. I used you to hurt my own family. I’m not the person you think you love.

Brennan: You…. used…. me? Why are you telling me this now?

Addie: The thing is – well – I went after you because I wanted to hurt Coralie, but somewhere along the way…. I fell in love with you, Brennan. I couldn’t lie to you anymore… you deserve better…and especially after yesterday, in the sauna… Brennan – I’m pregnant.

Brennan: PREGNANT?! We’re having a baby!?

Addie: No, Brennan, WE are not having a baby! I am having a baby! You’re the father, yes, but you should RUN from me! I’m a terrible, awful person! You shouldn’t be with someone like me! You should be with someone like…. like Coralie! Someone sweet and nice and agreeable and who doesn’t intentionally hurt the people who love them! I hate myself for being this way, Brennan, but it’s who I am!

Brennan looked at her, silently. He looked her up and down, and just when Addie thought he would turn and walk away, he took her by surprise. He reached out, caressed her arm. Touched her hair.

Brennan: Addie – you don’t think I knew that Coralie had a crush on me? She wasn’t exactly subtle… of course I knew.

He chuckled quietly to himself, and Addie looked at him, dumbfounded. Why wasn’t he running, screaming?

Brennan: But the truth is, Coralie is a kid. She’s a great kid, but she’s still a kid. I’m too old for her, she’s too young for me. I could be put in jail just for looking at her the wrong way! And besides that – I don’t want sweet and agreeable. I want you, Addie. I won’t tell you it’s okay that you went out of your way to hurt your cousin. But people can change – and it’s obvious that something’s changed in you. I love the honest, caring Addie Hasslich. Just promise me that the conniving and scheming is over….okay?

—————————————————————————————

Addie may have worked things out with Brennan, but she knew she wasn’t off the hook yet. She still had to go home and work things out with her family. She owed Coralie an apology.

Unfortunately, Coralie was not as forgiving as Brennan had been.

Coralie: How could you, Addie? You KNEW how I felt about him! You did this JUST to hurt me! When my family has let you stay in this house, even after all the terrible things you’ve done!

Addie apologized, over and over again, but Coralie’s usually quiet voice only increased in volume, and soon enough, Aurora came running to see what the commotion was about. She heard Brennan’s name, and the words “baby” and “lies,” and it didn’t take long for her to catch on.

Aurora: Addie, I appreciate your honesty, and I believe your apology is sincere. It takes a lot of courage to come clean, and to ask for forgiveness, and I’m proud of you – and I think your mom would be too. But I’m afraid I’m going to have to ask you to leave. I just can’t subject my family to this kind of drama anymore. It’s just…. this is just too much. I’m sorry.

Aurora walked away, shaking her head sadly, and Coralie stalked off in the other direction. Addie just hung her head in remorse.

—————————————————————————————

The next morning, Brennan called to ask Addie to meet him at what he now referred to as “their spot” out on the dock. Addie, having nothing else to do and nowhere to go, was there in record time. Brennan was there waiting for her.

Addie knew she still had a lot of work to do to repair her relationship with her cousins. But at least now she knew that whatever would come, she’d have Brennan at her side. And as she hugged him tight, filled with love and gratitude, she cast her eyes to the sky and thanked the Watcher for bringing him into her life. Because despite the pain and chaos their love had caused, Brennan Summerfield had changed her for the better.

Chapter Sixty Nine : Crazy For You

Sebastian was born only one day before his cousin, and so it wasn’t long before Beau followed him into childhood. Growing up with Addie for a mother didn’t leave him untouched, and Beau had grown into a gloomy child – but unlike his mother, he didn’t have mean bone in his body.

Sebastian and Beau were inseparable, much like their uncles before them. Where you found Sebastian, you would also find Beau – and where you found Beau, Sebastian was never far behind. They were rambunctious and imaginative, and their daily adventures ranged from dramatic pirate attacks to archaeological digs a la Simdiana Jones. But in one thing they were always consistent – whenever anyone asked, the boys would insist that they were brothers.

Meanwhile, Coralie was busy navigating her first steps into her teen years. She was an exceptional student and most of her free time was spent either working out, or tucked away at the library under a pile of books. And whenever she wasn’t on a treadmill or lost in a novel, Coralie could be found with her best friend (and distant cousin) Kierra Pancakes-Hasslich.

Though the two were thick as thieves, Kierra was very different from Coralie. Where Coralie was generally shy and reserved, Kierra was outgoing, popular, and more than a little boy crazy. But Kierra was most certainly a good egg, and her bouncy, uninhibited attitude helped to draw Coralie out of her shell.

Kierra: Omigod, Cora – did you SEE Roman Benson today? He is SO. TOTALLY. HOT.

Coralie: Yeah, I guess he’s okay….

Kierra: He’s OKAY!?!? That boy is smoking!!! You just wait till he asks you out… I’m telling you, Coralie, he’s got it bad for you!

Coralie: You’re crazy, Kierra! But honestly, even if he did…. He’s nice and all, but… I just don’t like him like that! He seems a little…. immature or something….

Kierra sighed in exasperation.

Kierra: Well if you don’t want him… All the better for me! I guess I’ll go ask him out then!

Kierra had meant to rile her friend, but Coralie only nodded agreeably. In truth, Coralie was not uninterested in dating – she was just uninterested in dating the boys she knew from school – the boys who thought farts were hilarious and that quoting lines from dumb movies made them smart and interesting.

And so it wasn’t until one morning at the gym when she met a boy – no, a MAN – who caught her interest.

When Coralie spotted him across the way, she felt her heart leap in her chest. Those eyes! That hair! Who was this dashing creature?! She sauntered up to him, trying to project an air of maturity and sophistication. If she was going to attract his attention, she’d have to make him see her as Woman with a capital “W.”

She introduced herself, feigning confidence where she felt none, suddenly wishing for a bit of Kierra’s je ne sais qua. But Coralie was a better actress than she realized – and the magnificent man before her seemed not to notice her shaking voice or wobbly knees.

He merely flashed a dreamy smile (her heart nearly exploded) and introduced himself as Brennan Summerfield.

Brennan: It’s very nice to meet you, Coralie! I’m new to Willow Creek, just got a job at the library, in fact –

A librarian?! He couldn’t be any more perfect for her! This is love, Coralie thought, this is what Kierra’s always going on about! Sure, he was a few years older than her, but age is only a number! Love knows no bounds!

Fragments of fantasies raced through her head as he spoke. Their first kiss at the movie theater… He’d hold her hand and walk her home…. He was a gentleman, of course, and would wait patiently until she was old enough to take that next blissful step…. High school graduation, that breathtaking smile in the crowd… Then him on one knee, a sparkling ring, a white dress, their wedding night, a picket fence, two kids – no three –

His lips were still moving, but Coralie couldn’t make out the words. By the time she returned to reality, Brennan was asking a question.

Brennan: So maybe I’ll see you around?

Coralie nodded voraciously, smiled her most flirtatious (and awkward) smile, and waved goodbye. She sighed dreamily.

He wants to see me around! she thought. I knew we were soul-mates!

—————————————————————————————

Over the next week, Coralie spent more time on the town than ever before, constantly on the lookout for Brennan, always hoping to “accidentally” run into him again.

But when she finally saw him again at the Town Square, the most she could manage was to wave hello, and a few nonsensical words strung together in something that vaguely resembled a sentence.

Luckily, Brennan was friendly and made easy conversation for the both of them. Coralie learned all about his life, and where he came from. She learned that he had a twin brother (she swooned at this – ANOTHER man who looked like Brennan? SIGH.), and that his love for technology led to his career in library science.

Coralie squeaked out a few words in response. She told him about the Hasslich legacy, and how she was the only girl, which put her in line as the heir. She talked about her favorite class, which she immediately regretted. She wanted him to see her as a woman grown – not as a silly school girl.

When Coralie returned home that evening, she was a mixed bag of emotions. Her love for Brennan had only grown, but she worried that he’d never take her seriously.

As she turned the corner to the kitchen, Addie greeted her with a saccharine smile.

Addie: What’s got you down, cousin?

Coralie paused, unsure of how to respond. Addie was the last person she wanted to talk to about Brennan – she’d much rather wait to talk to Kierra – but Kierra was at soccer practice and Aurora was at work, and Coralie found that the words just tumbled out of their own volition.

Coralie: It’s this boy – well, a man, really. Addie, he’s gorgeous. And smart and kind and wonderful….

Addie: And who is this boy-man?

Coralie: He’s new to town, he works at the library. His name is Brennan Summerfield.

She said his name as a deep, dreamy sigh.

Coralie: He’s my soulmate, Addie – I just know it! But I don’t think HE knows it. He’s older than me, and I think he just sees me as a kid…. I don’t know how to make him see me as a woman.

Addie patted her cousin’s arm and launched into a riveting inspirational speech about self-confidence, true love, and taking charge of your own life.

But even as she spoke – as she assured Coralie that Brennan was sure to come around eventually, that he was bound to feel what she felt – Addie was scheming.

——————————————————————————

It didn’t take long, of course. Addie had never been the patient type. She waited until Coralie had gone to Kierra’s house, and then she slipped on her highest, sexiest heels, and headed off to the library.

Addie hung back, watching Brennan work from a distance before approaching. She sure could see what Coralie saw in him. That was going to make this a whole lot more fun.

Addie: Hi, I’m Addie Hasslich – I’m picking up a book?

She batted her eyelashes as Brennan looked up at her. He reached under the desk for the book she’d requested. It was his favorite, Addie knew – Coralie had mentioned it earlier.

Brennan: Good choice! Hans Heidrich is a genius, if you ask me – his work is so nuanced… – hey, did you say your name is Hasslich?

Addie: Addie Hasslich, yes.

Brennan: I’m Brennan Summerfield, I think I may have met your little sister –

Addie: Coralie, yes. She mentioned you, actually. She’s my cousin, not my sister, though.

Brennan: She’s a sweet kid! She was the first one to welcome me to town!

Addie smiled innocently, willing herself to blush.

Addie: Yeah… The truth is SHE sent me here… She’s the one who ordered the book…. Coralie said she wanted me to meet you, that you and I were “soul mates” or some such nonsense. Crazy teenagers, you know?!

Addie laughed flirtatiously, and then sighed in feigned exasperation.

Addie: Coralie thinks she’s Cupid or something, always trying to set up her poor single cousin! Ridiculous, isn’t it?

She held his gaze just a moment too long, then stared demurely at her hands.

Brennan: I don’t think ridiculous is the word I would use…. Addie – would you care for a cup of coffee? I’m off work in 15 minutes…

————————————————————————————–

Fifteen minutes later…

And just before midnight, Addie’s scheme came to fruition. Brennan, completely enchanted, finally uttered the words she’d been waiting to hear.

Brennan: I know this seems crazy fast, Addie, but I think Coralie was onto something with us. Would you… uh… will you be my girlfriend?

Addie smiled as the flash went off, and then opened the Simbook app on her phone.

————————————————————————————–

Meanwhile, at home – Coralie’s cell beeped an alert from her Simbook account. Her heart dropped at what she saw.

“Addie Hasslich is in a relationship with Brennan Sumnerfield.”

————————————————————————————–

A big thank you to Pammiechick, who submitted the dashing Brennan Summerfield, who comes to my little story from the Summerfield Legacy. Brennan was the second place winner in my Hasslich Baby Daddy Vote – look for him in upcoming chapters of the Hasslich Legacy!

Chapter Sixty Eight : Fight For Your Right To Party

With all the new babies, the Hasslich household was filled to capacity. As much as Sylvie wanted to stay, she knew that the time had come for her and Abe to move out and make a home of their own.

Aurora: I really wish you would stay, Sylvie! We’ve got plenty of space, really!

Sylvie: Oh, sweetie, you really are the best sister I could ask for. But I have TWINS! And I know you want more babies – if the four of us were to stay, you wouldn’t have room for your own family!

Aurora: But you are my family!

Sylvie drew her little sister in for a tight hug.

Sylvie: Seriously, Aurora – we’re only moving down the block! We’ll see each other all the time, the kids will still grow up together. And I’ll always be around to put Addie in her place – since you insist on letting her stay here.

Aurora glanced around, making sure they were alone, not to be overheard.

Aurora: She’s family, Sylvie. I want to see the best in her, despite her…..short-comings. And where would she go, anyway? She has no money, Beau’s father abandoned her, and Roxas is out of town ….. Look, I don’t trust her as far as I can throw her. I’m not delusional – I know she’s not a nice person. But people can change, right? Besides – if she’s here at least I can keep an eye on her….

Sylvie nodded appreciatively.

Sylvie: Ahhhhh, you’re much more wily than I give you credit for, baby sister! I see what you’re doing here – keep your friends close and your enemies closer!

Aurora: No! That’s not what I’m doing at all! Addie’s not an enemy….

But Sylvie just smiled conspiratorially.

——————————————————————————

The day after Sylvie and her family moved out, Aurora woke up feeling lonely. She missed her sister – the house seemed empty without her, too quiet without the extra ruckus and hullabaloo.

But as she rolled over and pulled herself out of bed, it dawned on her that today was also a double birthday! Today was the day that Sebastian would spin into childhood, and the day that Coralie would officially become a teenager. And Aurora could think of no better way to celebrate than by throwing a party and filling her empty home with friends and family.

Of course the first person on the guest list was her sister, so she immediately picked up the phone to call Sylvie.

Sylvie laughed on the other end of the line.

Sylvie: A party tonight? You just can’t survive without me, can you? Of course we’ll be there! This couldn’t be any more perfect – you know it’s my elder birthday today, and Abe’s too!

Aurora hung up the phone and slipped on her shoes. There was a lot to do if she was going to pull this party off in one day – she had errands to run.

After a whirlwind shopping trip in town, Aurora was passing the pool on her way home when she was approached by a handsome, and flirtatious, stranger.

Okay – upon closer inspection, maybe he wasn’t actually as handsome as she’d thought. But at least they weren’t related, and that was saying something in this town.

She checked her watch. Three hours to go until the party – which left plenty of time to work on another addition to her family. Coralie was at school, Addie had taken the babies to the park, and the house was completely empty. The timing couldn’t be more perfect.

Aurora: Would you like to come by my house for a glass of lemonade?

Mathias (that was his name, she had learned) jumped at the chance.

Aurora: Let me be clear. This isn’t ever going to be anything serious. I’m just after a bit of fun. Well, fun and a baby. But don’t worry! – if there’s a baby, your level of involvement in the child’s life is entirely up to you. Me and you, though – it’s just never going to be a thing.

Mathias shrugged. Aurora had expected more of a reaction, maybe a little protestation, some semblance of romance – but there was nothing wrong with a shrug.

Mathias: Works for me.

Afterward, Aurora jumped out of bed to take the pregnancy test. Mathias didn’t seem to mind, as he was already gathering his things.

Aurora: Well it worked! I’m pregnant!

Mathias shrugged.

Mathias: Works for me.

Man of few words, Aurora thought.

But then Mathias surprised her. REALLY surprised her.

Mathias: I mean, it’ll be cool to have another little Goth running around.

Aurora froze.

Aurora: A GOTH?! You’re a GOTH?! My Uncle Elliott was the only Goth left! He was the heir! Uncle Elliott is….your dad?! You’re… MY COUSIN?!

Mathias: What?! NO! Chill, babe, I don’t have any cousins. And Elliott’s not my dad. I know who he was, being a Goth heir and all. But my pop’s name was Jaxon Goth, and my grandmother was Elisa Goth. My dad was some kind of a secret love child or something, says he had to stay hidden in the basement until he was like 30 or some plum. Anyway, we’re not related. Chill out.

Aurora heaved a sigh of relief, wiping the sweat from her brow. But, still, she thought – it was too close a call. And as Mathias headed for the door, Aurora cast her eyes skyward.

“I swear next time I’ll be more careful, I’ll do my research! But please, Watcher – next time, send me someone from OUT of town?”

She took a deep breath and pushed the whole thing out of her head. She had a party to throw.

——————————————————————————

The idea had been for Sebastian to age up during the festivities, but as eager as he had been to enter the world just days ago, he was equally impatient to leap out of his crib.

Aurora held him for the last time as a baby, and then it was time.

Sebastian: Sorry, mom, I just couldn’t wait! No WAY am I spending half of my own birthday party stuck in a bassinet!

Sebastian’s first trait was self-assured – here he is in CAS:

——————————————————————————-

Soon the guests began to arrive and the party was underway.

Roxas surprised everyone by showing up, even if he could only stay for an hour or so. But he had wanted to meet his nephew Beau, and so the men gathered around Beau’s cradle, cooing and tickling his soft tiny feet.

Mackenzie had also brazenly shown up with Dante, and while Roxas had left before she even arrived, Milo took the opportunity to tell her exactly what he thought of her.

Milo: Ballsy of you to show up here, Mackenzie! Does Dante know you used to date his cousin? I could tell him… but it turns out Roxas is better off without you anyway, so I won’t bother. He’s off traveling the world with his beautiful fiancé, Beth – see what adventures you miss when you marry for money?

Mackenzie stormed off, and Milo smiled mischievously to himself.

Meanwhile, Sylvie and Abe celebrated their spin into elderhood…

And Aurora spent some time getting to know her son…

Of course Lamont even showed up to see his baby girl grow up. He wasn’t exactly thrilled to see that Aurora was pregnant with another man’s baby, and so he spent most of his time passive-aggressively hurling horseshoes into the horseshoe pit.

But before they knew it, it was time for Coralie to blow out the candles.

Here is Coralie in CAS. She is a romantic goofball with the bodybuilder aspiration.

———————————————————————–

Hours later, after all the guests had left and the family was tucked into their beds, Emmeline floated alone, unnoticed, in the backyard.

“I tried to tell them,” she muttered to herself. “I tried to warn them, but no one believed me!”

She paced back and forth, on high alert. She’d seen the strange figure lurking around the house over the past week. She’d watched him as he had watched them.

Tonight she patrolled the perimeter, unseen, as the party raged on. She would protect them from harm. She would fight for them, fight to keep them safe. She would defend the legacy.

But tonight the figure was nowhere to be seen.

Emmeline bristled.

“Mr. Tall-Dark-and-Creepy has no idea who he’s up against.”

Chapter Sixty Seven : Oh Boy!

Time passed slowly for Abe, as the only man in a house overflowing with pregnant women. He did his best to accommodate them all – he did the cleaning and the seemingly endless string of repairs. He tended the garden, prepared the meals, and catered to the whims and cravings of his wife, sister-in-law, and… well, whatever Addie was to him. He didn’t like helping Addie, not after she’d tried to drive a wedge between him and Sylvie. But he was kind to her regardless, as a favor to Aurora, who’d opened her home to him and his growing family.

Day after day, it was the same. Hormones abounded, bellies grew rounder, and feet swelled to epic proportions. But excitement filled the air as the due dates drew near, and finally, Aurora was the first to feel the indisputable pangs of labor. As she walked out the door and headed for the hospital, Grainna popped by to wish her luck with the delivery.

“Another girl in there,” she grinned. “I’m sure of it!”

By the time Aurora arrived at the hospital, she could feel that her baby was more than ready to enter the world. The doctor hurried her into the delivery room, but no sooner was Aurora on the table than she was welcoming her new baby into the world.

Happy Birthday, Sebastian Hasslich!

Aurora was thrilled to hold her very first little boy. Unlike the heirs of the past, she was genuinely happy to have a son. She had no underlying concerns for the legacy – there would be other girls in time, she knew – and she wanted a true family, filled with real children, who would grow into real people, with lives and families of their own. Aurora wanted more for her sons and daughters – she willed them to be more than just legacy pawns – more than heirs and spares.

——————————————————————

Of course Addie had no concerns over heirs and spares, but she was far more invested in the sex of her baby. It had to be a girl, she thought, a beautiful girl to show everyone what a better heir she would have been, how much more she had to offer the legacy than Aurora. But when her time came just the day after Sebastian was born, Addie found herself the mother of a strapping baby….. boy.

“You were supposed to be a girl!” she wailed, holding her son up in front of her. “I don’t even know what to call you – it never even occurred to me you might be a boy…. You are rather handsome, though….so much cuter than that repulsive little Sebastian!”

She stopped and thought for a minute, studying the boy’s face, considering what to name him.

“Beau,” she announced, finally. “We’ll call you Beau. And you’ll grow up to be smarter and handsomer than your ugly cousin, and the whole world will know what a mistake it was to leave the legacy on Aurora’s hideous shoulders!”

Aurora’s face fell. She had heard every word.

————————————————————————————–

Sylvie was the last to deliver, and to say she was ready would be a vast understatement. Her due date came and went, but the baby was yet to make an appearance. Spicy spaghetti made no difference, and though Sylvie ran miles and miles on the treadmill, the baby refused to budge.

They had waited so long for their baby’s arrival that when the time came at last, the reality struck Abe with unprecedented force.

He was going to be a father! He was going to be a FATHER!

As his paternal panic set in, Sylvie was escorted to the delivery room.

She pushed and she pushed, and finally, her baby made its grand entrance into the world! Sylvie heard Isla’s voice saying something to her, something that sounded vaguely like, KEEP PUSHING! THERE’S ANOTHER ONE!

WHAT?!!!!

Minutes later, Sylvie and Abe greeted their second child. They now had a pair of beautiful twin boys – Abe’s panic mounted, but Milo, who had turned up in a show of support, managed to quell his fears.

Happy Birthday, Auggie Hasslich-Lothario…

….and Isaac Hasslich-Lothario!

—————————————————————————————

After the delivery, as Sylvie and Abe returned home, Abe said something that made Sylvie stop in her tracks.

Abe: I can’t believe that just days ago, I was the only man in this house! Now there are FOUR of us! You girls are outnumbered now!

He said it with a laugh, punctuated with his ever-magnetic smile. But Sylvie didn’t smile in return. Instead she froze, stunned into fear.

Sylvie: All boys. No girls. Abe…. do you think….? Could I have been wrong? Was Emmeline right? Is the legacy cursed?