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Amelia sits next to him reading a cookbook. Arthur sits stiffly, uncomfortably, and contemplates the future. Well, more like the inevitable.
"Are you afraid, Amelia?" He asks quietly.
"Afraid of what, Arthur?" She sighs softly.
"Of dying. Leaving our kids...the cat...everything." He replies in a very monotone type of voice.
"I don't like to talk of such things." She replies kindly.
"...after losing my parents, I just...can't help but wonder when my time...your time...our time is coming. I hope we go like my parents...together, but that's useless hoping." Arhur sighs still fixated on the wall.
"Are you afraid, Amelia?" He asks quietly.
"Afraid of what, Arthur?" She sighs softly.
"Of dying. Leaving our kids...the cat...everything." He replies in a very monotone type of voice.
"I don't like to talk of such things." She replies kindly.
"...after losing my parents, I just...can't help but wonder when my time...your time...our time is coming. I hope we go like my parents...together, but that's useless hoping." Arhur sighs still fixated on the wall.
"Why do you say that?" Amelia smiles to herself still indulged in the cookbook. Arthur remains unchanged.
"Remember the story I told you of my father. How he died in the war, and my mother's love for him was so strong that it brought him back? ...the only reason he died with her is because she had died. She still loves him, even after death, but he could not live without her unconditional love supporting his life." Arthur wishes he could be that young boy again. He remembers the day his mother told him that his father had come home.
"Arthur, death comes to us all...when our time comes, I hope that I do no leave you behind, nor that you leave me behind. I, too, hope that we can go together...peacefully. I don't think that's useless hope." Amelia assures him softly as the maid walks through the room.
*** Later that evening Bravery sneaks into the living room, she looks around cautiously and picks up the phone and quickly dials his number. "Ben? Bravery smiles as he answers the phone. She's head over heels for Ben, but to Ben it's all just fun and games.
"You leaving tonight?" He asks kind of snobby-like.
"I'm going to try. We just finished dinner, so everyone should be going to bed soon." She smiles kindly.
"Well, you better hurry! I'm tired of waiting around for you. I won't wait forever." Ben replies rudely. "Ben!" Bravery shouts quietly. "Don't be a jerk to me!"
"I was just kidding." He replies, though he wasn't kidding. "I love you, Brave." "Aww...you make me so happy. I'll leave as soon as there's an opening." Bravery smiles with butterflies fluttering around in her stomach. Brandy enters the room behind her, and she quickly hangs up the phone. "You going somewhere?" Brandy asks quietly.
"Yep." Bravery replies. "Once Amelia and Dad have gone to bed."
"You're not going to tell them when you'll be back or anything?" Brandy asks oblivious to her sister's intentions.
"I'm not coming back, Brandy." Bravery hangs up the phone. "Why not?" Brandy asks with much concern. She loves and looks up to her, more so than she does her own mother.
"I don't know...I've got a better life waiting for me out there." Bravery looks into the air.
"...what's wrong with your life here?" Brandy asks sadly. "Brandy, don't be silly." Bravery smiles. "My reasons are my own. Besides, I'm old enough."
"You're not even going to tell them that you're leaving?" Brandy stares blankly at her.
"No. I'm moving out for good. I'm tired of living in a broken home." Bravery tells her.
"Broken home!?" Brandy's blood starts boiling. "My mother took care of you since the day you were born! She's been with our dad ever since...since even before you were born! I can't believe you are so ungrateful!" "Brandy!" Bravery shouts. "I'm not getting into this with you! I'm going out to find my mother with the love of my life, Ben! She will tell me if I've been living a lie or if she really didn't want me!"
"Ben?!" Brandy gasps. "That guy in your Science class?! You're insane."
"No, we love each other! Besides, that's none of your business! You're always sticking your nose in my business!" Bravery growls.
"Because it's always all about you! You can't for one second not be in the center of the stage! It's always Bravery, Bravery, Bravery! For once, for once I'd like to be noticed!" Brandy screams. "Well, here's your chance sister, because I'm leaving and that's that." Bravery snarls back at her ready to fight.
"Why is it so hard for you to accept that my mother loves you and your mother doesn't?!" Brandy growls back.
"I'm through here, Brandy." Bravery snaps after a long pause and grabs her back pack, and heads out the front door and down the sidewalk. "Brandy?" Arthur appears in one doorway.
"Is everything alright?" Amelia appears in the other.
"Where's Bravery going?" Amelia looks out the front door and notices Bravery walking down the sidewalk.
"She's leaving." Brandy smiles rudely. "For good."
"What do you mean?" Arthur looks back in confusion.
"I meant what I said." She says rudely, and heads for her room. "I need to call the police...an ambulance...someone!" Arthur starts to worry.
"An ambulance?" Amelia looks over at him in confusion.
"I think I'm going to have a stroke." He puts his hand on his forhead.
"Don't be silly, honey. Besides, if they bring her back, she'll just leave again, Arthur." Amelia sighs sadly.
"You're siding with her!" Arthur snaps.
"I'm not siding with anyone, honey. I'm just saying that she'll only leave again." Amelia stares at him compassionately. "Maybe if they bring her back we can talk to her and straighten things out?" Arthur offers.
"First off, she has to be missing for 24 hours. Secondly, she's a legal adult now. They may not even look for her if we call."
"Amelia! You don't even seem bothered by this!" Arthur shouts.
"I am, Arthur. But, unlike you I've witnessed this before...I've been there. I've been where she is. I know what it's like...she'll come home when and if she wants to. I never came home...I've not seen my parent's since I left...and that was my choice. She's old enough for her own choices, you can't shelter her forever, honey. You can't tame a free bird, she's just like her mother. We both know that." Amelia tells him softly.
"You ran away?!" Arthur looks at her with mass confusion.
"I ran away to Twikki Island because I knew they'd never look for me there. Once I was able to leave on my own, I took the opportunity and flew." Amelia looks down at the ground shamefully.
"...why didn't you ever tell me?" Arthur looks at her sadly. "I didn't think you'd understand." Amelia looks at him painfully. "After so many years, when it crossed my mind again...I didn't think it mattered anymore."
"Amelia...I don't know what to do with you." Arthur sighs.
"What do you mean?" She looks astonished.
"...it seems every week you tell me something else that I never knew. How do I know that I really love you and not who you're letting me love?" Arthur looks at her, almost angrily, and then leaves her standing alone and ashamed in the living room.
***
A few days later, and still no sign of Bravery. Arthur and Amelia went out and acquired part time jobs to be able to have a little extra cash, so Brandy has to watch Baxter every day after school. She doesn't mind, she loves her little brother dearly, but he's not been himself since Bravery left.
"I miss Bravery." He sighs during a commercial break on the TV.
"Me, too, Baxter." Brandy sighs sadly, wondering if she found her mother and where she found her.
"It's my fault." Baxter stares blankly at the television. "Why do you say that?" Brandy gasps.
"...I talked her into leaving. I said I'd be curious, too. I promised her I wouldn't tell anyone." Baxter says shamefully.
"It's no one's fault, dude. She made her own choices...and while we're sad that she's gone, we have to respect her choices. she's our half-sister." Brandy looks over at him and notices a tear sliding down his cheek.
*** Two years have passed since Bravery left. She has never returned to her family, or even spoken to them. She blew off her invitation to Arthur and Amelia's Golden Anniversary Party, and missed both Brandy and Baxter's birthdays.
About 8 months ago, Amelia became very, very ill. Her doctor tried everything he could to save her life, but he couldn't get ahead of the sickness. She passed away shortly after. Arthur kept himself up for some time, but he soon fell victim to severe depression and grew very ill in a matter of days. The same doctor who tried to help Amelia was called on by Brandy and her brother to help Arthur. And while Arthur bounced back to good health, he soon fell back down and eventually fell so far to his demise.
It's been a week since Brandy and Baxter laid their father, General Arthur Andretti, to rest. Bravery didn't show to the funeral, and has yet to contact anyone about the deaths of her father and step-mother.
*** "You won't be mad?" Brandy asks softly.
"No, honey. I understand. I really do." He stares back at her, the love of his life, the woman of his dreams, in agony that she keeps refusing his marriage proposals. "If you don't want to move out of here until Baxter is old enough to take care of the house...that's quite fine.The two of you have ben through a lot lately." He sighs softly. She steps forward and embraces him. She knew he was the one for her when he walked into the hospital room with his nurse to meet Amelia and her family for the first time. He's incredibly understanding and considerate, and Arthur was head over heel's for this man the minute he met him. He was proud that his daughter had found an exceptional doctor to fall madly in love with.
"There are so many memories here." Brandy sighs. "I'm not ready to leave it all behind just yet." He squeezes her tighter, and kisses her cheek. "You'd better get going. I'm sure you've got paitients to see." She smiles, and kisses him good-bye.
*** An hour or two after Drake left for work, the doorbell rang, and Brandy heads to answer it.
"Can I help you?" Brandy asks nervously as a couple stand before her looking a little rough around the edges. "You don't recognize us?" She laughs. "It's me, Bravery...and this is Ben, surely you remember Ben." Bravery laughs.
"No, I didn't recognize you at all." Brandy says bluntly. Bravery is the last person she wants to see right now, especially with Ben. Brandy invites them in, and Ben makes himself right at home, and Bravery stares back in awe of her little sister who grew into a beautiful woman.
"Brandy...you are so pretty." Bravery smiles jealously. "I'm shocked, I'm sure Baxter is absolutely handsome."
"...why are you here, Bravery?" Brandy asks wanting her to stop beating around the bush.
"Ben and I are leaving the country." Bravery says softly. "He got a great settlement from an Insurance company after he told them he'd been crippled in a car wreck. We're heading out later this week. I cam by to pick up whatever was left to me in the will."
"But, he's not crippled." Brandy looks down at him on the couch. She knew she never liked him. "What they don't know won't hurt them, right?" Bravery laughs.
"What have you become, Bravery?" Brandy whispers sadly. "...nothing was left for you in the will." Brandy speaks louder when she realizes Bravery hadn't heard her previous comment.
"You can't be serious." Bravery gasps and then smiles sheepishly.
"I am. If that's all you wanted, then can you please leave? I need to run a few errands." Brandy says sternly. "...nothing?" Bravery questions sadly. "I just...nothing at all?"
"No, Bravery, nothing. Is there something you wanted? All we wanted from you was a big sister and they wanted was for you to come home." Brandy tells her. "Sometimes wants are replaced with nothing and that's the way life goes."
The school bus pulls up outside, and Bravery turns to see her brother and a young girl walking up the sidewalk.
"Brandy?" Baxter looks at his sister wondering who the two strangers are.
"You don't recognize me either!?" Bravery laughs loudly. "It's me...Bravery! You look great, bud. Who's this chick?"
"I'm Brenna." She says softly with a polite smile. Brandy adores her, and Baxter is crazy about her.
"...that doesn't mean anything to me, honey. Are you a friend? A girlfriend? A babysitter?" Bravery says rudely. "That's enough, Bravery." Brandy snaps. "It's none of your business what's going on in this house anymore. You haven't cared for the last few years, and we don't care now."
"Come on, Ben." Bravery growls and pushes through Baxter and Brenna and Ben quickly follows. Bravery kicks over the trash can as she walks past it and storms down the sidewalk.
*** This side of dinner, Baxter heads to the kitchen to talk to Brandy.
"Before you get involved with dinner, can we talk?" Baxter asks quietly.
"Sure. What's up?" She asks.
"Bravery...why did she all of a sudden appear?" Baxter looks at her with concern. "She wasn't like I remember. She was mean to Brenna, embarassed her even...I can't remember Bravery ever being like that." "Just blow it off...let it go, Baxter." Brandy smiles at him. "She wanted to know what was left to her in the will, and I told her the truth and it upset her."
"...she just came back for that?" Baxter looks up at her in shock.
"She doesn't want any part of us, Baxter. She feels like we aren't related to her. I wonder what her mother told her...if she ever found her." Brandy sighs. "...I wonder, too." Baxter sighs in agreement. "I've been talking to Brenna. I told her we might be moving out of here. She seemed upset, but she understood. I think that I'm ready whenever you are."
"...Baxter, I know how you feel about her. If you want to wait until she can come with us...or you can support yourself in your own house, we can do that." Brandy looks down at him. Brenna's parents weren't really 'parents'. Brandy is often surprised at what a civilized and proper girl Brenna is compared to what raised her. They probably woulnd't even realize she was gone if she moved with the Andretti's. "You'd let her come along?" Baxter's eyes brighten.
"Of course." Brandy laughs. "Was that your next question?" Baxter laughs with her, smiling ear to ear.
"Thank you so much, Brandy. Brenna is going to be so happy." He looks up at her. "I have one more thing...to tell you. It might come as a shock...you might not agree....but, it's what I want. I was hoping that Dad would be here to hear this, but...I'm sure he's looking in from up there." "What is it?" Brandy asks curiously completely unsure of what's to come.
"I...joined the military today." Baxter asys bluntly.
***
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52 Comment(s) posted so far
On Feb 15, 2008 ksinclair878 wrote:
ahh come on. u can't end it there. im waiting for the next part!!!
On Feb 15, 2008 Nenehunni wrote:
awwwww - thats so good - its a shame that arthur ied but no-one lives forever - you've done a great job on these stories - one more or two more or loads loads more pleeeeese
On Feb 15, 2008 Maaak wrote:
nice story, waiting for the next part
On Feb 15, 2008 wrote:
But BRAVERY, oooh she makes my skin crawl - i can't belive her, she is such a grr, i don't know - but i can't belive she didn't even CARE that her dad an uberly-caring step mum died, garhhh.
Btw, 5.0! I can't wait for the next part!
On Feb 15, 2008 spacelady01 wrote:
Just came across your stories and I think they are great!
Great job with all of them. I just need to tear myself away from the pc now 
lol
I was wondering, where do you mostly get your downloads from? I love the girls hair and clothes
On Feb 15, 2008 iluvhorses13 wrote:
Whoa! Great addition!
On Feb 15, 2008 misha1013 wrote:
i loved it i can'r belive bravery turned out that way....and my god the son looks just like arthur....can't wait for the next part
On Feb 15, 2008 Claudia35 wrote:
On Feb 15, 2008 captainlicious wrote:
I love this story!
On Feb 15, 2008 SnowiJingleBells wrote:
Amazing story!
Can't wait for more 
On Feb 15, 2008 samcactus101 wrote:
On Feb 15, 2008 panda_bears1 wrote:
Good job, I thought this one was going to be the last when I came across the shot of Arthur & Amelia's picture (which is adorable btw)
, but I guess the legacy continues with his son?
Can't wait to see what happens.
On Feb 15, 2008 MissJay wrote:
Awww they passed
Bravery has some nerve. Wonder if she found her mother.
On Feb 15, 2008 hazabaza1 wrote:
Dang! My fave people just died... Well, I can't wait to see more of gen 3! Except Bravery... HUmph... >:[
On Feb 15, 2008 qasert wrote:
On Feb 15, 2008 gizmo31 wrote:
Great story line
On Feb 15, 2008 Veronn wrote:
Very nice.
On Feb 15, 2008 charliefell wrote:
cool story i give it a 4 shame arthur died
On Feb 15, 2008 binky13 wrote:
Aww like father like son.
And wow. Bravery seemed like she'd turn out better than that.
On Feb 15, 2008 petskittleskitten wrote:
On Feb 15, 2008 kat795 wrote:
On Feb 15, 2008 babygirl15526 wrote:
What happened to bravery?! She just... I can't.... I am at a lost for words. It is so sad that Amelia and Aruther died but as the others said no one lives forever. Awww Baxter is following in his dad's footsteps how lovely is that. Must be a family tradition.
Can't wait for more.
On Feb 15, 2008 mini me3393 wrote:
Awww poor Arthur and Amelia.
And I'm surprised Ben even stayed with Bravery, although I'm thinking he might drop her now that he knows that she's not in the will. And I hope that Baxter is safe in the military! Can't wait for the next part!
On Feb 16, 2008 OCIKITTEN wrote:
First generation was great. So sad to see them go but on with Baxter and Brandy
On Feb 16, 2008 goodie2shoes wrote:
Wow, I can't believe Bravery.
*gasp* Is she taking after her mother? 
Tension in the second generation...Ah, and like binky13 said, "Like father, like son." But is Brandy okay with it? 
Aww, R.I.P. Amelia and Arthur. We 
you! 5.0!
On Feb 16, 2008 kitfu11 wrote:
Great job! I see Baxter is following in his dad's footsteps. Can't wait for more!
On Feb 16, 2008 spicylove wrote:
very good story nice job i love your snap shots for the story keep uo the good work
On Feb 16, 2008 smp6185 wrote:
I just started reading this tonight, i loved it!!
On Feb 16, 2008 S.Cains wrote:
Great update!
And Brandy is indeed beautiful, I never thougth that Arthur was much of a looker, but he has very strong genes doesn't he, I was actually a litle surprised that Brandy looks like Amelia to be honest, I thought she'd have Arthur's nose.
Don't really know Baxter too much, so don't know if it is his dream to join the military but if so good for him!
Looking forward to the next part. Thanks for keeping us entertained, this is the only legacy I have read and enjoyed and will continue to read.
On Feb 16, 2008 S.Cains wrote:
Also, do you think it would be possible for you to tell me how to put my pictures in a frame, like you have done? I'd really appreciate it, thanks
On Feb 16, 2008 wrote:
On Feb 16, 2008 wrote:
Im curious though how you got the shot of arthur and his wife into a photo frame?
On Feb 16, 2008 seelindarun wrote:
I'm loving this legacy, and was so happy to see it featured! Congrats!
On Feb 17, 2008 wrote:
Military tradition! WOOO!
Brenna seems like a sweety! Course...so did Abbie....and so did Bravery...I'm skeered!!
On Feb 17, 2008 elvizog wrote:
Amazing as usual!
On Feb 17, 2008 Simlover4eva wrote:
Oh that Bravery... Oh, I have no comment for her. But man oh man, Baxter looks so much like his father. Brandy is so gorgeous! Wonderful addition I will be eagerly waiting for the next part eagerly.
On Feb 19, 2008 joker52455 wrote:
I love this story! Such suspense! I can't believe Bravery ran away, that was so sad
Anyway, GREAT STORY!!! 
and I wanted to ask you: I've noticed the names of the characters all begin with the same letter according to generation (excluding Arthur's parents). Was this intentional?
On Feb 19, 2008 joker52455 wrote:
On Mar 17, 2008 donaldch wrote:
On Mar 21, 2008 justvex wrote:
On Mar 23, 2008 civetinja wrote:
Good work ! Thanks for sharing !
On Apr 7, 2008 wrote:
On May 13, 2008 redwingsbeann wrote:
On May 16, 2008 UnwrittenLove. wrote:
Great!
On May 16, 2008 sims2isthebest5 wrote:
Grrr I hate that Bravery! But I
Baxter & Brandy. Is Brandy named after Brandy Broke? sighn my GB
On Aug 1, 2008 tiffanydenise69 wrote:
brandy is so pretty bravery got a lot a nerve didn't show for her parents funeral then just shows uo out of nowhere with her hand out awful so did she find abbi? i guess i;ll find out in a minute nice job
On Aug 1, 2008 PAP3RxH3ARTS wrote:
Wow I stopped reading a while ago but now i'm reading. Wayyy Behind xD
I love how all the Andretti guys look just alike xD
On Aug 23, 2008 Murphy75 wrote:
Yeah for Baxter! He will be just like his father!
On Jun 8, 2009 Mangio wrote:
Baxter is like his dad, and his grandfather. I wonder why Bravery was so mean to Brandy and Baxter...
On Jun 16, 2009 Fikcija wrote:
Awww I knew it! I kneww that he would join the military too! I'm falling in love with this story.
On Jun 16, 2009 Fikcija wrote:
Oh and I've read this far from the very first part only in one evening. But I must go to sleep now, I have an exam tomorrow. But if I could stay up all night I'd continue reading. Great story. Really.
On Nov 19, 2009 Ethelle wrote:
Awww... so many sad things happened in this chapter. I hope things will be better for Brandy and Baxter soon. They deserve as much.