1222
Views
4.2
Rating
Oasis Island 7
No, you are not imagining things; part 7 is posted quicker than any before! Woot. Hope you enjoy it!
No, you are not imagining things; part 7 is posted quicker than any before! Woot. Hope you enjoy it! The trip home was long. Renee tried not to but she fell asleep when they were only half way over the bridge. By the time they arrived at the Speeler residence in Bluewater Village, it was dark. The night air carried a cool wind but it was not snowing like it had been in Oasis Valley.
Fred gently woke Renee and she immediately spotted the dim porch lights welcoming her home. Fieval happily jumped out of the car at the sight of a cat and chased it back into a barn. The front door to the house suddenly swung open and revealed a woman very beautiful, and very pregnant. It was Renee's mother, Mary. They could see Renee's sisters and brothers peeking out of the door from behind her.
"Is it really her, mum?" Hannah, Renee's youngest sister, cried, "Is that the boy?"
"Oh, Renee!" Mary exclaimed with a breath of relief. Renee ran to her mother and hugged her. "Come in quickly dears," Mary said as she pushed Renee and Fred through the door, "You'll catch cold!" Mary smiled at her daughter and hugged her tightly again.
Fred stood awkwardly in the corner.
"Oh mum," Renee said, "This is Fred."
"Lovely to meet you, dear. John's told me how you saved our girl," Mary said, pulling Fred into a motherly hug, "Now come in the kitchen, both of you. You must be hungry. I've made cookies and cocoa!"
"Told you," Renee smiled at Fred and she took his hand and pulled him behind the rest of the family into the kitchen. They all settled down at the kitchen table as Renee's father, John, lit a fire in the fireplace while Mary served them hot drinks and gingerbread men.
Fred had never been in a family environment before let alone one this big. He felt a little overwelmed but was comforted by Mary's concern for the both of them.
"I'm delighted that you're going to spend the holiday break with us," Mary said to Fred, "You can bunk with Roman. Our oldest son Mark is away at our shop in Pleasantville selling goods from the farm."
"Thanks," Fred said, sounding grateful, "I really appreciate it." "Are you homeless or somethin'?" Hannah suddenly chimed in.
"Hannah!" Renee yelled.
"No, it's okay," Fred laughed and explained, "I have an apartment not too far from campus in Oasis Valley. I work at the laundry place that it's above. It's not a great job but it pays the bills." "Well, you're certainly independent," Mary commented, impressed.
"Where is it you're from again?" John asked him.
"I grew up in Veronaville," Fred answered, "I applied for some scholarships and moved to Oasis Valley to go to college."
"Splendid!" John exclaimed, "You should teach Renee a thing or two about responsibility. I did the whole application process for her. She probably wouldn't have even made it in if Priya hadn't done two of her essays."
"Dad!" Renee choked on her cocoa and spit it all down the front of her sweatshirt, "Oh, bother!" She quickly stood up as the cup tumbled to the floor. "Sorry, hun," John laughed and he kissed Renee on the cheek, "I have to get to work but I'll be home all day tomorrow and you can tell me all about your adventure." With that and a wav to the rest of the family, he left.
"What does your dad do?" Fred curiously asked.
"Besides running the farm, he's an inventor," Renee told him as she tried to soak up the cocoa on her shirt with a napkin, "I'm not sure of what... all kinds of gadgets. He's always bringing some crazy things home... but they usually don't work." Renee walked over to the sink to wash herself off as she listened to the conversation at the table.
"Yes, I'm an orphan," Fred answered another one of Hannah's forward questions, "I don't know what happened to my family."
"You poor dear," Mary exclaimed. "Well, I think it's cool," Hannah boldly commented, "And I like your dog. Your hair is nice too. Are your eyes green or blue? I have freckles too. Can I be the flower girl when you and Renee get married?"
"Hannah!" Renee shouted as she quickly turned around, clumsily splashing water all over the floor.
"That's enough dear," Mary directed at Hannah, "Time for bed."
Hannah started, "But-"
"No buts. Bed." Mary sternly interrupted her, "And Roman, it's started to rain. Please make sure all the animals are in." "Why me?" Roman complained, "I just got back!"
"I'll do it and you can go to bed!" Hannah excitedly offered.
"Come on," Roman continued to whine, "Can't Marta do it?"
"I did it all week while you were looking for Renee!" Marta, Renee's teenage sister, yelled back. "Enough," Mary said firmly, "Roman, now."
"Aw, mom," Roman put his head down, "Why do I have to do this stupid farm crap? I hate it."
"If you're not going to go to college or get a job, you're going to have to help out around here," Mary stated, "You're an adult now, Roman. Start acting like one."
"Can't Marta at least help me?" Roman continued to whine.
"Over my dead body!" Marta shouted.
Roman sneered, "Your wish is my command!" "I'll help him out," Fred politely offered, "I don't mind."
"Well aren't you just the sweetest thing," Mary looked adoringly at Fred, "Thank you, dear."
Renee smiled at him from across the table as he stood up and followed Roman, who was cursing under his breath, out of the door. "Nice boy, huh?" Mary referred to Fred as she looked expectantly at Renee and took another sip of cocoa.
"Is he your boyfriend?" Hannah asked.
"Hannah," Mary shortly stated, "Bed." "He is then, isn't he?" Marta teased, "Renee's got a boyfriend! Renee's got a boyfriend!"
"Honestly Marta," Renee rolled her eyes, "How old are you? If you weren't so tall and lanky, people would actually think you were Hannah's age."
"Well, at least I don't get into fist fights," Marta stuck her tounge out at Renee.
"You got in a fight?!" Hannah asked excitedly, "Cool!"
"Bed!" Mary said louder this time, "Now!" "Yea, squirt," Marta poked Hannah, "Get to bed before the boogie monsters come out."
"Mom!" Hannah yelled.
"You too, Marta!" Mary ordered.
"What?!" Marta shouted, surprised, "You can't do that! I'm sixteen!"
"Well then start acting like it," Mary stated. "Why can't I move into Renee's room now?" Marta whined, "She's got the biggest one and she's not even here most of the time anymore."
"You know you had to move in with Hannah after you set Renee's stuffed animals on fire," Mary scolded.
"I was only eleven," Marta exclaimed, "And it was only one stuffed animal. I'll never forget... Danny the hippo was the most ghastly purple animal I have ever seen. He deserved it."
"You almost caught the house on fire, Marta! And there's no point in talking about it now," Mary stated and then repeated, "Now get to bed. Both of you."
Marta and Hannah protested some more but after being threatened to have their television taken out of the room they shared, they sulked up the stairs. The sound of their bedroom door slamming echoed down the stairs and into the kitchen. "Glad to be home?" Mary laughed as she handed Renee another cookie, "You've only been back a few hours and Marta's already starting fights with you."
"I honestly missed it," Renee admitted, "It actually feels weird to back but I'm glad."
"Now," Mary smiled, "Tell me about this boy you've brought home." "He's really great," Renee told her mom of their adventures together, smiling as she did so. She was really starting to like him. Renee didn't even know how he felt about her. It seemed they had come so close to taking the next step and then something would cause it not to happen. Maybe Fred didn't want it to. He had been acting so secretive lately; taking the map and concealing pictures and books. Renee wasn't sure what was going on but she would give him the time he needed until he wanted to tell her. For some reason, she trusted him. Renee smiled at her mother as she stated, "Honestly though mum, Fred and I are just friends."
"For now," Mary responded with a wink. "You git," Roman cursed at the horse as he struggled to lead it inside of the barn and then turned to Fred, "I hate these bloody animals. I can't wait to get out of here."
"Are you going to go to college?" Fred asked.
"No. College is for losers," Roman stated, "No offense."
"None taken."
"I just know my band is going to make it big some day," Roman said confidently, "Then I can get away from these ruddy animals and move to the city."
"Renee will miss you," Fred commented thinking of their conversation back at the island house. "Speaking of my sis," Roman hopped over the fence and faced Fred, "What's going on with you two?"
"Nothing," Fred stated, "We're just friends."
Roman raised his eyebrows and said, "That's not what she told me." "Really?" Fred asked hopefully, suddenly turning toward him.
"Ha!" Roman jokingly laughed, "No. But now I know how you feel about her."
Fred forced a laugh and scratched the back of his head, a little embarassed. "Sorry man," Roman apologised, "Seriously though, I can tell there's something going on. You should see the way she smiles when she talks about you. I haven't seen her like that about somebody since... well, that's not important."
"Danny," Fred finished his sentence, "I know."
"Oh, I thought I was the only one she told," Roman stated and then went on, "But oh man, she was a mess about that kid, huh? She had to break up with him because she thought if mum ever found out they, you know, did it a bunch of times, she probably would kill him." "Well I was spared the details," Fred said and then stated, sarcastic, "But thanks for filling me in."
"Oh, sorry man," Roman responded, "I tend to talk before I think. I probably should've let Renee tell you that. Don't tell her I let that slip."
"Sure," Fred simply said. He hadn't thought about her and Danny that much up until now. He suddenly felt really uncomfortable. "Just be good to her, okay?" Roman said and then jokingly added, "If you hurt her, I'll hurt you." Roman punched him in the arm playfully and walked away. Fred sensed a tone of seriousness behind his threat as he rubbed his arm and followed him to the chicken coop. Renee's best friend, Priya was over first thing the next day.
"You were intimate with Danny, AGAIN?" Priya cried, shocked after Renee told her everything about her weeks at the island house, "And you dated that jerk, Deacon, from the dorm down the hall from us? And now you bring some mysterious guy home to stay with you? What has gotten into you, Renee?"
"I don't know," she said, "I'm so confused." She was really getting along with Fred. She wasn't sure why but she still couldn't forget about Deacon. She had so much fun with him at the house and she didn't want to admit it to herself, but she was actually missing him. Then Danny and her had another amazing night together that they were just supposed to forget? How did she end up in this situation over just a few weeks? She suddenly became confused as she held all of it inside. Priya had been talking the entire time Renee was lost in thought- Priya always talked a lot- and as many times before, Renee had to force herself to start listening again. "I mean, do you know how this could affect your academics?" Priya told her, "Final exams start next week and then we have to schedule our classes for spring semester and you're all wrapped up on these silly guys. School first, Renee!"
"You're just saying that because you can't get a boyfriend," Renee laughed.
"I know," Priya shamelessly giggled, "But still, I don't want you to get off track. I can't do your homework forever, you know!"
Priya was naturally very smart. She had always helped Renee all throughout school and was the cause of Renee being second in her class (after Priya, of course). But that wasn't Renee. Renee hated school and she hated homework. She didn't even want to go to college but her father and Priya did all of the work to get her there. She chose the same major as Priya, although it wasn't really what she wanted to do. Her real dream was to become an artist but her father insisted she pursue something more practical and safe. And so she did. "Instead of wasting time talking to Danny online," Priya said when Renee had been on the computer for a while, "Maybe you could clean your messy room if you're not going to study for our final exams."
Renee laughed, "You know that's not going to happen."
"You're just lucky you have me at college to keep our dorm straightened up and to do your homework," Priya said as she flipped a page in her text book, "Or else you wouldn't have any guys after you at all!"
"Sure, Priya," Renee laughed and stated sarcastically, "Obsessing over studying and being a clean freak really gets them knocking on the door."
"Shut up," Priya laughed a little and rolled her eyes. They had one full week of final exams before the semester would be over and the holiday break would start. It was strange for the six of them to be back in their normal environment. So much had changed with all of them in those few weeks at the house. It was hard to believe just a little while ago they were sitting in this same classroom and barely knew anything about eachother. They now had a connection between them that no one else could understand. The staff and other students had a hard time believing their stories (especially Deacon who had skipped most of his finals to party and his answers to their questions were nothing less than bizarre). The college strongly suggested group counseling for the lot. Naturally, they all refused. "Seriously," Melissa said to Talia, "What is up with you? You've been acting weird and you barely come around Cyd and me anymore. Did I do something to you?"
"No, no," Talia assured her. "I've just been busy with final exams and picking my classes for next semester," she lied, "I promise I'll be back to normal once it's all sorted out."
Melissa looked at her suspiciously. Talia had been avoiding telling Melissa of her new relationship with Danny because she knew Melissa still had a crush on him despite the fact that she was dating Cyd. Talia would wait for the right time to tell her... if that time would ever come. Danny, on the other hand, didn't want anybody (and by anybody, he meant Tatum) to find out because he knew she'd try to screw it up like she always did to everyone else's relationships. Danny and Talia were very careful to play it cool around other people. They played it safe by spending most of the time chatting with eachother online. In their opinion, it was worth it not to see eachother so their relationship could be kept a secret. Tatum couldn't stand to see other people happy when she wasn't. She now hated Renee. 'Everything is always about Renee,' she thought, the voice in her head just as snobby as her real one, 'Renee took Danny. Renee took Deacon. Everybody loves stupid little Renee. She's not going to get what she wants anymore. Not if I can help it." Fred had trouble concentrating on his final exams as he had many other things on his mind. He was holding some things inside that he had promised to tell Renee but he wanted to wait for the right time. Fred was happy to be staying with Renee over the holiday break and hoped they would be able to find some time to spend alone together. Priya, of course, scored top marks on all of her tests. Renee did okay as, beknownst to Priya, she had copied some of her answers. Renee milked the excuse of the wolf attack for more than it was worth. Her real reason for lousy grades was because she just didn't care. But it didn't matter now. She passed and that was what was important. The semester was finally over and she could go back home and be with her family. The first week of the break went by very fast. Priya was over most of the time and with seven other people in the house, Fred rarely got a moment alone to talk to Renee. He celebrated his first Christmas ever with decorating a tree, opening presents, and singing carols. By the end of day, they were all sitting around the fire, telling stories and laughing about how Roman choked on Hannah's mud pie that he mistook for one of Mary's chocolate cookies. 'So this is what it's like to have a family,' he thought as he looked around the room at all of their laughing faces. After New Years came and went, the excitement of the holidays calmed down during the remainder of the break. Priya had insisted that they read all of their new text books before starting their courses for the spring semester, but Renee certainly had other plans in mind. With Priya at home studying and the weather starting to warm up, Renee found a lot of time to show Fred around their large farm. She couldn't help but laugh as she watched Fieval chase a chicken that was chasing after Fred who was running awkwardly away from the parade behind him. Although a lot of what they did were silly chores, Fred couldn't remember ever having more fun or being in better company. In turn, Renee had always looked at helping out on the farm as work, but now she was looking forward to it each day.
The weeks seemed to fly by and neither of them wanted it to end. Fred finally felt like he could put himself out there to someone and not be judged. The constant company of such a loving family made him realise what he had always been missing. The morning of the day before they were to go back to school, Fred asked Renee to use her computer.
"Sure, go ahead," she replied, "I'm going to take a shower. If my phone rings, it's probably Priya about leaving tomorrow. Just tell her I'll phone her when I get out."
"Will do," Fred said and Renee left to the bathroom. Fred had no sooner booted up the computer when Renee's phone rang. He answered it, "Hello?"
"Renee?" came a male's voice through the receiver.
"Um, no." Fred said thinking it strange that someone would even ask that given a man's voice.
"She hasn't answered any of my messages," the voice said, "Where is she?"
"In the shower," Fred responded, "Do you want her to call you back?"
"Who is this?" the voice asked.
"Fred," he answered. "Fred?!" the voice yelled back, suddenly with a forceful tone. Fred could hear the male yelling to someone in the distance, "Renee's in the shower with Fred! He is sooo dead! Just wait 'til I get my hands on that #$*@!n punk!"
"What are you talking about?" another male voice responded from the background and then picked up the phone, "Hello?"
"Um, hi?" Fred responded, confused.
"Oh, Fred, hey! It's Danny," Danny explained, "Sorry; that was Deacon. He's gone a bit overboard with the partying lately and has been making some pretty crazy phone calls to Renee and-." Danny stopped in the middle of his sentence and yelled, "Deac, don't touch that! You're going to break-" Fred heard Deacon yelling in the background and a large crash before Danny quickly said, "I better go. We'll see you guys on campus tomorrow. Later!" On their last night of break, the whole family gathered in the living room to discuss the plans for the next day.
"Now Priya's got most of it covered," John said to Fred, "But keep an eye on Renee and her studying."
"I'm sure he'll be keeping his eye on more than her studying," Roman muttered so that only Renee could hear her. Renee responded with a punch in the arm. "Fred's the best," Hannah raved. "He's been helping me take care of Stewart all week," she said referring to her pet bird, "And he even taught him how to say a new word!"
"What word is that, dear?" Mary asked.
"$%*#!," Hannah blurted out.
"What?!" Mary gasped in shock.
"I didn't teach him that," Fred said looking embarassed.
"Oops," Roman said trying not to laugh, "My bad!" "Oh, man!" Marta suddenly cried, "Luke pooped!"
"So change him then," Roman stated the obvious action.
"Ew! Gross!" Marta looked disgusted, "No way! I don't do that! Ugh, it smells!" "Oh, grow up, Marta!" Renee said taking their little brother from her, "I'll do it. You'll have to do it some day when you have kids, you know."
"I'm never having kids!" Marta exclaimed and then whispered to Renee, "But we know you're already working on yours."
Renee kicked her in the schin. Marta grabbed it and screamed tumbling to the floor. Renee smiled, ignoring her pain and took Luke upstairs. That night, Fred was flipping through one of the books that he brought back from the island house. Roman was practicing his guitar despite the late hour of the evening.
"You're a really great player," Fred complimented him.
"Thanks," Roman smiled, proud of himself, "Mum will be up here any minute though to tell me to shut it. She just doesn't appreciate good punk music. But what mom does?" Roman looked at Fred's blank expression and responded, "Oh, right. Sorry."
Fred set the subject back on track, "Any luck with that gig you were talking about?" "Yea, man," Roman nodded as he continued to play, "We're playing at your college's lousy formal but it should get us in with a good audience. Except our drummer bailed on us to take some lame office job; how bogus is that?
"Bummer."
"Now we have to find a new one by the time that gig rolls around," Roman explained, "That's why I'm driving you guys up to school tomorrow; to scout the talent on your campus. There's gotta be somebody decent." Fred continued to read over the stories that they found in the island house. He was feeling uneasy. He had some things to tell Renee but he had never been completely alone with her and hadn't yet found the chance.
After Fred was sure Roman was asleep and the rest of the house was quiet, he crept over to her bedroom in the silent of the night. "Renee?" Fred said as he walked into her room that evening.
She turned, startled, and gasped.
"Oh, sorry," he responded noticing she was just finishing putting on her shorts. He looked away and put his hand up to the side of his face to shield his view, "I didn't mean to walk in but I didn't want to knock and wake everyone. I'm sorry; I can leave." "No, that's okay," Renee responded, "You just startled me."
"I've been wanting to talk to you," Fred said, "It's just never seemed like the right time. But since everyone's moving back to campus tomorrow, this is pretty much my last chance."
"I've been wondering," Renee said, smiling at him curiously.
"Here," Fred pulled the yellow book out from behind his back and gently handed it to her, "Just take a look." She opened it to the first page. There were old pictures arranged neatly on the aged paper. There was one of a beautiful red haired woman with a crown placed daintily on her head, one of a rugged raven haired man looking adventurous and some of the two of them together romantically embracing.
"I saw some paintings of them around the house," Renee commented as she carefully ran her finger down the page, "This is Marya and Tobias, isn't it?"
Fred nodded.
"She was beautiful, wasn't she?" Renee said in awe as she looked at Fred who smiled back, "They look like they were so happy together." She turned the page and saw pictures of them with their crew. Maraya was dressed in fancy gowns but it was apparent that she was pregnant.
"It's so sad how they died," Renee said, choking up a little, "They were so happy." She looked at Fred who remained expressionless. Renee's hand flew to her heart as she reached the next page. There the couple was, cradling their newborn twins, Vincent and Theodore; those poor twins who were the only survivors of an awful battle and were left parentless. The following pages were of the twins as toddlers and children. Renee reached one where they were tightly hugging their radiant mother and Renee's eyes began to swell. "It's just not fair," she whispered quietly as she stared at the picture for a while before turning to last page. Renee gasped. "Look at them, Fred!" she shouted, "Look at the twins!"
She reached a page with a picture of the twins full-grown. The book had skipped many years of the twins' lives and these final pictures were in a different style than the others. Renee gawked at them in disbelief and turned to Fred who looked unsure.
Renee looked at the pictures once more and then back at Fred. She whispered as calmly as possible, "They look exactly like you."
Fred smiled. Renee looked stunned. "You think you're the-" she struggled to get her sentences out, "And that poem is for- And all of that land is yours? And the treasure?" Renee's breathing grew heavy as she sunk to the floor. "Oh, Fred, do you know what this means?" Renee cried, "But how can you be sure?" Fred handed her one last picture. It was of Vince and Taryn as a young couple. They were smiling brightly and Renee was in shock at how much he resembled Fred. Fred motioned for her to turn the picture over and she immediately saw that neat writing on the back clearly read: Vincent and Taryn Shaddock.
"That's your last name!" Renee cried, "I just... I just can't believe this! Fred, these are your... these are your parents!" It took a while for Fred to calm her down but once he finally did, he explained everything to her.
"I don't understand the last poem though, Fred," Renee commented, still confused, "I guess it's to find the treasure but where do you start?"
"The well," Fred said. When Renee just stared at him perplexed, he explained, "The well behind the mansion. I found a stone built into the well with a strange engraving of an awkward star shape. I didn't know what to do with it at first but on the day we left, it occurred to me. The stone I have on Fieval's collar engraved with my initials was the same shape. I've had it since I can remember; the only thing I've really ever been able to call mine. It fit and the stone shifted aside revealing a thin, stone tablet." Fred pulled it out for Renee to see. The stone was engraved with strange symbols that she did not recognize.
"How does this help?" she asked examining it with doubt. "Look at the map," Fred said, "It's all marked in code. Danny thought it was some other language and it kind of is, but it's one that the family made up. Look at the marks on the map and the marks on the tablet."
"It's like the alphabet," Renee said excitedly, figuring it out, "A different symbol for every letter!"
Fred pulled out a notebook and showed it to Renee, "I've deciphered most of it but I still don't know where to start. It says, 'begin where you would have seen'. It doesn't make sense to me." Renee peered at the map and examined the notebook for a few minutes. "The castle," Renee suddenly said with an air of realisation, "This says 'begin where you would have been' not 'seen'. You mixed up these two symbols." She started to get excited, "The castle is where you would have been if Tobias wasn't banished and Maraya didn't run away and if Theo hadn't killed the king and if Taryn hadn't left Vince!"
"Wow," Fred said, overwelmed, "I've heard that there are still ruins of the castle in the valley but I've never been there." "I'll look it up," Renee suddenly exclaimed as she hurried to her computer, "The internet has stuff on just about everything these days. There must be something we can find on it."
"Renee," Fred started, "I really appreciate your help but I-"
"You had quite the man for a father," Renee interrupted him and commented, "Vince was a good and honorable man. Look at all the great things he did for his family and the love he had for his wife... I mean your mother... oh, Fred! Imagine what it would've been like to be their son!"
"I have," Fred said, "It's been difficult thinking of anything else. I'm sure Taryn- I mean my mother- passed away shortly after I was born. They were so old when she got pregnant. I wish I could remember."
"She must have left you that star stone in hopes that it would help you find out some day," Renee said as she continued typing away at the keys, "And it worked!" "But what if I'm wrong?" Fred asked unsure.
"You can't be!" Renee cried, "It all fits! This is so exciting. We can research this together and figure out-"
"Renee-" Fred started again but was quickly interrupted.
"Look!" she cried and pointed to the computer screen, "I found something! It says that it's at the edge of Oasis Valley by the ocean. There are no roads... people don't live anywhere near there... yada yada... oh for goodness sake! It says it's believe to be haunted. Of all the ridiculous... oh, wait! Look!" Renee read aloud, "Professor Able Cobert of the history department at Oasis Valley University has made many expeditions to the castle ruins. Although Cobert has uncovered many heirlooms of the last king of the valley, he has not yet discovered anything that assists in unraveling the mystery behind the strange and secretive dissapearance of the royal family." Renee smiled at Fred who was looking at it over her shoulder. "That would be you!" she said excitedly, "Maybe we could talk to this Cobert guy. I'm sure he could help us out in some way."
Fred didn't answer. Renee didn't see him as he sighed and quietly made his way over to the small sofa in her room. She continued typing and clicking and then said, "Here it is. Professor Cobert's office is in the Integrated Studies building. Room 38B. I can look up his office number-" "Wait, Renee," Fred suddenly said, looking weary, "I want to talk to you about something."
"What's wrong?" she asked, finally turning her attention away from the computer.
"I really appreciate your help," he said sincerely, "You've found out more than I have in a short time. I didn't know you had it in you."
Renee smiled, "Well when you really care about something and you put your mind to it, you get it done. I think we can really-"
"Renee," Fred simply said cutting her off. He was staring at his lap. She stood up, slowly walked over and sat down next to him. "What's wrong?" she asked again.
"I can't ask you to help me," he said to Renee, who wasn't looking directly at him, "It's a lot to handle and it's dangerous. I don't want to be the one wh-"
"I bet that professor can tell us exactly how to get to those ruins," Renee unintentionally cut him off, "He can probably even give us details about the inside of it!"
"Are you even listening to me?" Fred laughed at her vacant expression.
"Sorry," she apologised, "I'm just so happy for you!" She hugged him and rambled excitedly, "I just had such a fun holiday break with you and I've been worried about what you had been keeping from me. I thought it was bad but it's not at all! I can help you figure this all out! I'm so glad you'll be with me when we go back to school tomorrow."
She pushed the shag of hair aside that usually hung infront of his brilliant green eyes and stared deeply into them. His hand felt so warm resting on her thigh. She closed her eyes as she took in his scent and pulled him closer. His bare skin pressed against hers sent a tingling sensation through her entire body.
"Renee, I'm n-," Fred started to say but Renee couldn't listen anymore. She kissed him... and he let her. Fred had never told anyone, for there was no one to really tell, but he had never experienced it before. He was never close enough to anyone. She looked determined and he couldn't help but smile as he let her motion take control of his.
Time passed; he wasn't sure how long it had been, but Fred knew they were close to getting carried away. Everything in him didn't want to, but he knew he had to stop it. "Wait, Renee," Fred suddenly said, slowly pulling away, "We have to stop."
Renee clung onto him and continued to kiss his neck, "Why?"
"We can't do this," he reluctantly told her.
"Don't worry," Renee smiled at him, "Everyone else is asleep."
"No," Fred said as he laid her down and sat up, pulling a pillow onto his lap, "Although your family would probably murder me if they saw us right now, that's not it." "Then what's wrong?" she asked, sitting up to face him.
"Renee, I'm not-" he hesitated for a moment and then finished his sentence, "I'm not going back to school."
"What?!" she cried in response, "What do you mean?"
"I've never known who or even where I've come from," he explained, "And now that I finally have a start, I have to go looking for it. I've put college on hold for a while... I just can't wait any longer."
"Well, I'll come with you!" Renee offered as she tried to hold back tears.
"I can't let you do that," Fred replied, "You've worked so hard at school and what would your parents think of me if I pulled you away from that?" "You can't just leave without me!" Renee whimpered; a single tear rolled down her cheek.
"Please, don't cry," Fred said, wiping her face, "I'll come back... for you."
"No," Renee said stubbornly, "I'm coming with you!"
"I can't let that happen," Fred looked at her with a saddened expression.
Renee knew Fred wouldn't let her drop out of school and she knew the consequences she would face from her family if she did. She wanted to ask him to wait, but she knew he had waited long enough, and so she just nodded silently. Renee laid her head down on Fred's lap; he gently stroked her hair as she softly cried into the pillow. The feelings she had for Fred were different than any others she had ever experienced. She had felt risk and she had felt fun but this felt different. This was serious. She believed it could go somewhere. To hear such great news and then such dissapointing news in such a short time left her confused and unsure. She didn't expect any of this. Why had he waited until now to tell her? Didn't he want her to be a part of his life? She cried, as Fred continued to calmy stoke her hair, until her emotions exhausted her and she fell asleep. It was early in the morning although the world outside was still dark. Fred slowly lifted the pillow off of his lap and gently laid it on the sofa. He covered Renee up with a blanket, kissed her on the forehead, and quietly left the room. The next morning at breakfast, both Renee and Fred tried to pretend the previous evening never happened around the rest of the family. Renee didn't think anybody else knew about it either until Roman made a suspicious comment about her not getting any sleep last night. Marta inquired for the meaning behind his statement, but Renee's expression pleaded with him and Roman graciously decided not to elaborate. "Why are you so gloomy today?" Priya asked, "You look dowdy."
"I look what?" Renee asked, "Why do you have to use such strange words?"
"Mangy... Shabby... Unkept..." Priya said, "You look like crap."
"Oh," Renee stated, "Well, I didn't sleep much last night." "Ah ha!" Priya raised her eyebrows, "I knew that shaggy red headed boy would get to you soon enough. It was only a matter of time before you two experienced intimacy."
"Experienced intimacy?" Renee repeated. "Can't you just talk like a normal person? Besides it's not what you think," Renee frowned, "He kind of prevented that from happening."
"What?" she asked, "He turned you down?"
"Not exactly," Renee explained, "He's not coming back to school." "Why not?" Priya asked, curious.
"I don't really know," Renee lied, "He says he has to figure some stuff out." She had always told Priya everything, but Fred trusted her and she certainly didn't want to lose that.
"Sounds like a weirdo to me," Priya stated, "I'd go after Danny if I were you. He seems like a safe choice. And after what happened with you guys at the house, he's a shoe in."
Renee shrugged. "Maybe," she said although she had no intention of following her advice. "So this is it, huh?" Renee said quitely to Fred as they stared out over the orchard just after packing the car.
"I won't be gone forever," Fred said as he watched Fieval sneak up on one of the cats, "Plus I have to go back to my apartment first to get everything together. I won't be leaving right away."
"How long will this journey take?" Renee questioned him.
"I don't know," Fred honestly answered, "I still have to figure things out."
Renee hesitated, but then asked, "So where does this leave us?" "Well, you didn't ask me to wait for you," Fred said slowly as if he really didn't want to, "So I can't ask you to wait for me."
Renee looked at him, "You won't forget about me, will you?"
"Of course not," Fred said, certain, "I know it's only been a couple of months but this is the closest I've ever been to anyone... having someone I can trust."
"I can still help you figure things out until you do leave," Renee said hopefully.
Fred shook his head, "You should really concentrate on your school work." Renee laughed, "We both know that won't happen either way."
Fred smiled and kissed her lightly on the cheek. He was glad to have her company, even if it was only for just a little while longer.
Thanks for reading!
Moderator actions:
Unpublish
Report this Story:
If you find a problem with this story or wish to report inappropriate content, click here
Add a Comment
Note: Please report any offensive comments so we can remove them. Use of bad language, unsuitable links or flaming will result in deletion of your account - regardless of your membership status.
53 Comment(s) posted so far
On Oct 16, 2007 RIDance wrote:
Whew, I really whipped this one up quick! I was excited to reveal some things so again, I hope I didn't rush it too bad (and my bad on the typos and the piece of sky but I didn't feel like setting that shot up again!). Heads up! I know this part was mostly about R&F but I assure you, none of the characters are dissappearing from the story; they'll all certainly play bigger roles in the next part with more crazy antics to entertain you.
Rach
On Oct 17, 2007 samcactus101 wrote:
SERIOUSLY!!! THAT WAS QUICK!!! Another fantastic job!!!
I really enjoyed this part! Like a typical family, siblings & parents. Ahh the joy, I can't wait to go to college next year..
On Oct 17, 2007 BBKZ wrote:
Photoalbum look absolutely gorgeous! And she with her pregnancy belly... awww
great story! thanks for making this one 
On Oct 17, 2007 wrote:
Fabulous!!!! I loved every single minute
I can't wait to see what Fred finds out, and I hope Deacon doesn't cause trouble whilst Fred is away
On Oct 17, 2007 Saoz wrote:
Deacon doesn't need to cause trouble ... Renee seems to always need a man, any man, by her side.
: I wonder what havoc Tatum is going to wreak.
On Oct 17, 2007 jaundyce61 wrote:
That was indeed quick, but welcome update. I liked it! Especially your shots, call me crazy, I still kind of like Fred!
On Oct 17, 2007 bryk1984 wrote:
WOW this was out really quick
I really love reading this story
can't wait to read more
On Oct 17, 2007 caclark wrote:
nice story
On Oct 17, 2007 inge8208 wrote:
very nice once again. I hope Fred en Renee end up together in the end.
On Oct 17, 2007 Hellfrozeover wrote:
5.0 again! I hope something happens that brings them together in the end but I suppose we'll just need to wait and see. You're a brilliant writer, can't wait for the next part
! HFOxx
On Oct 17, 2007 atangki wrote:
i SO LOVE THIS! I hope the next part comes out soon as well!
On Oct 17, 2007 Miss_Crazy13 wrote:
Great story again!!
.Yay Fred and Renee have grown closer
.It sure was really quick, but I'm glad about it.And I'm sad and happy at the same time that Fred go's away.Can't wait till part 8.I hope that one comes also fast.
On Oct 17, 2007 josh1092 wrote:
Aha! I knew it!
Nothing was a real suprise for me because I suspected Fred. 
Loved it though! 5.0!
On Oct 17, 2007 sweetcharming wrote:
Wonderful part again! (and it came out so quick
)The shots are beautiful and you captered the emotions very well
I hope that Renee and Fred will end up together at the end
I'm waiting for more!!!
On Oct 17, 2007 S.Cains wrote:
NO she won't follow Priya's advice, she'll follow mine and go for Deacon! I really hope Fred doesn't come back into her life now.
I have only really just realised how amazing your screenshots are (having previously been distracted by the writing) but the set up of them is brilliant. And you had the perfect decoration, the right amount of clutter for a bedroom. Perhaps you could tell me where you got it from. Looking forward to the next part. 
5.0 as usual 
On Oct 17, 2007 wrote:
Wow! Fantastic. I loved your shots in this one. I really hope Renee doesn't hook up with Deacon while Fred is away...she seems so fragile and needy. And it was up SO QUICKLY! Hooray! I'm glad Fred's fishiness was nothing bad. I can still like him.
On Oct 17, 2007 ila73 wrote:
Fantastic story
On Oct 17, 2007 odnavgorode wrote:
Brilliant
On Oct 17, 2007 mangooo1 wrote:
WOW! That was fabolous! I think this is the best part, all of the chapters are great but this is wonderful. And it's so great that this is not the end
This part abour Renee and Fred was so romantic, I hope at the very end they will end up together. Just like Danny and Talia. Well Tatum and Deacon... I don't like them, I hope they won't cause trouble 
Congratulations and keep up the good work! 
On Oct 17, 2007 Butterfly Angel wrote:
On Oct 17, 2007 binky13 wrote:
So happy the next part came so quickly.
I'm upset about the whole Fred just up and leaving thing though.
On Oct 17, 2007 lilecka1405 wrote:
OMG THT WAS AMAZING! :] they r too cute ^_^
On Oct 17, 2007 porcha27 wrote:
aww thats is brilliant!! cant wait to see what happens renee and fred are so sweet together hope they stay together
On Oct 17, 2007 lia2223 wrote:
On Oct 17, 2007 MinnieID wrote:
Hannah is hilarious
I wonder what happens next
On Oct 17, 2007 BoodaMae wrote:
When will Mary have her baby? I'm so super glad that this came out so early! It was so good I don't even know where to begin! With the photos, and custom content! How did you get her to sit like that on the couch's and on the floor? The photo album looked absolutely georgeous! I loved
it and I hope the next part comes out just a soon as this one did! Thanks for making it long,also! And I'm giving you a 5.0, but believe me, if there was a higher rating I'd give it to you! Good job I'll be looking for part 8 and please hurry! Good job, I LOVE IT!
Happy simming
~Sarah~
On Oct 17, 2007 mini me3393 wrote:
I did a double take when I saw that this was up! It feels like the last part was just released yesterday! Renee's family all have such a great resemblence of each other. And yay for Fred and Renee!
Although boo that he's leaving. D: But I bet that Renee is going to insist on going with him anyways. And I'm probably completely wrong...but Deacon and Tatum will probably follow them (Deacon to get with Renee, Tatum to get back at her) and somehow the whole group is going to end up together on another adventure. Ha...I'm not even close, am I? Heh...well I'll definately be looking for the next part, and I already know that it'll be good! ^^
On Oct 17, 2007 iluvhorses13 wrote:
Parting is such sweet sorrow.
*sigh*. (but hopefully they won't be "parted" for very long! Hint hint... 
)
On Oct 18, 2007 cariadbach wrote:
On Oct 18, 2007 wrote:
It was long to read but worth it! It was great! I loved the drama
On Oct 18, 2007 leifofdel wrote:
On Oct 18, 2007 eshuff wrote:
Once again, what a great read!
I love Roman (ok, just the name, but he's so protective of his sister). And the shots of the farm are wonderful! The exchange between Roman and Fred ("spared the details" -- great great line).
Deacon -- well what can I say. Hope he falls out a window.
The tender, loving and truly mature feelings Fred has for Renee at the end of this are wonderful.
I loved the way you got the shot with the book -- fantastic technique!
Anyway, really really good! I could go on and on and on!!
Beth
On Oct 18, 2007 converse02 wrote:
Oh I loved it!
It was great, this story by far is the most fascinating one yet! 
I hope Renee is willing to stay faithful to Fred, and hopefully Tatum doesn't go and ruin things, Fred seems to sweet to go and get hurt, he doesn't deserve it!! 
haha, but yea this was fast, hopefully the next part doesn't take too long... great stuff, I love it. 
5++
On Oct 18, 2007 candy820 wrote:
On Oct 18, 2007 plyangel456 wrote:
This is fantastic!!! Thank You!!! I loved it a lot!!! I give it a 5.0 if it had 10.0 I would give you that, because it was that good!!! plyangel456
On Oct 18, 2007 BuckinghamAlice wrote:
Woot, excellent chapter! I'm glad Renee and Fred were getting somewhere, but too bad they'll have to be apart. Oh, and Renee's family is wonderful... gives a lot of background on her.
Loved it all, really. Can't wait for the next part. 
On Oct 18, 2007 Eluna wrote:
On Oct 18, 2007 dianova wrote:
Cool!
After reading that I'm glad I'm an only child. I can't wait to read the next chapter =^_^=
On Oct 19, 2007 kitfu11 wrote:
Wow that was quick!!
Yet another excellent part! I love it! 
On Oct 20, 2007 german84 wrote:
Excelent chapter... I sort of suspected Fred had something up his sleeves, but never such a great past. Fred and Renee are more than fit for each other
. Good luck!!! 
On Oct 21, 2007 Lily Fairy2 wrote:
I loved it!! Hannah is just like a cheeky seven year old sibling! :PAre all Renees family actually related in the actual game? Because they all look like brothers and sisters.
How did you get Renee and all the others sit on the chair like that?
I loved the family environment, I hope Fred isn't gone too long, those pair are such a nice couple. I'd like to see more on Talia because we don't seem to have much info on her. Wonderful part and I can't wait for the next part. Can you let me know by Guestbook how many parts there will be? Thanks. Keep writing-Lilly.
On Oct 22, 2007 Sk8Iowa wrote:
I found it amazing. If I could rate it, it would definately be a 5.0. =) Everything's dimmed out and there isn't a spot for rating anymore. *shrug* I'm very glad that Fred told Renee his little secret that's not really little. LoL.
I love her family. They're very nice and caring and they all seemed to take to Fred immediatly. Your screenshots look amazing as always, and I love your photoshopped images. Great job! Great talent! Put them together and the outcome is just brilliant. I can't wait for the next part. You're catching up to me!! LoL. I really need to find the time to start working on the 11th part. Talk to you soon!!
On Oct 23, 2007 Katriona! wrote:
OOOOOoooh!!!!!Ooh ooh oooh!! The emotion!! I loved it absolutely!!!Damn good job!
On Oct 23, 2007 goodie2shoes wrote:
Bye, Fred.
Hope he finds the treasure and comes back, rolling in the $$$$! 
But it's up to you! 
Well done, nicely written, awesome pictures....and YOU POSTED IT UP QUICKLY! 
Of course I didn't have to wait forever, I just started reading all your stories today! 
5.0!
On Oct 26, 2007 123456789_1234 wrote:
On Oct 26, 2007 DuncX wrote:
Incredible! I started to read this story late last night. I read chapters 1 through to 3, and oddly enough had to pack it in at 3am before I almost passed out at my desk. I was hooked right from the very first chapter, and just like when you have a darn good book, I just couldn't stop reading. I was gutted when I finally had to give up and go to bed. After doing all the usual stuff this morning, I set about reading the rest of the chapters. You are most definitely a very talented writer. The screenshots are excellent and the creative and exciting way you describe situations had be visualising every single thing with crystal clarity. This has got to be one of the most original stories on here that I have ever read, and can actually imagine this as a mini series on the tv or a film. The characters are brilliant, and you bring them to life so well. I could go on and on about it, but I obviously won't. Absolutely top notch stuff and I can't wait to read more! Thank you sooo much for sharing this amazing adventure with us. Definitely top marks!
On Nov 14, 2007 lildebbye75 wrote:
great job, hopefully Renee will wait Fred. I have to admit I wanted her and Deacon to get back together but Fred is so sweet. I can't wait until the next part to see what happens. This is a great story with great screenshots. I'm glad I finally got the chance to read it.
On Dec 13, 2007 carol84 wrote:
On Jan 8, 2008 aaaaaaac wrote:
On Jan 24, 2008 qasert wrote:
On Jan 28, 2008 cptnemo6 wrote:
Super story!!
On Mar 8, 2008 Deedee09 wrote:
Your so talented Marta set fire to poor danny the hippo ! i think that bit was really good !5.0 !
On May 12, 2008 maryash wrote:
fantastic