The Bennett Family Legacy

Chapter 2.5 - Going to the Chapel

noreply@blogger.com (Chestnut) — Sun, 20 Jan 2013 14:26:00 +0000

Madeline's and my wedding was here sooner than we could imagine. Most of it was a blur. What little I remember was reinforced by all of the lovely photographs Mom and Dad took.

She looked divine in her wedding dress. I was so taken aback by how beautiful she looked. She even blushed a little bit when I told her.

We had a short ceremony, with a focus on our vows and the exchanging of the rings. We both promised to be eternally faithful to each other, and support one another in our professional and personal endeavors. We promised to love one another until the end of time. It was all quite romantic.

We then exchanged our rings, much to the joyful tears of Mom, and even Dad.

Mom even fist-pumped. I think that was the funniest moment of the entire day.

Beatrice was excited, and even Tabby and Zach seemed happy for us.

Then the most important part--our first kiss as husband and wife. Beatrice made a "yuck" type sound and everybody laughed. But Madeline and I were beyond happy.

Everybody shuffled inside for dinner, but Madeline and I stayed outside a few moments longer just to revel in the moment together; to take it all in.

And then it was time for dancing. The best dance couple by far were Madeline's parents, Shanda and Ryan.

After we said good-bye to everyone that had stopped by, and helped Mom and Dad clean up everything, we settled into bed and just curled up together. It had been such a long day, but it was the most magical one we had both had. We talked for hours before falling asleep and dreaming of our future together.

Chapter 2.4 - The One

noreply@blogger.com (Chestnut) — Sun, 13 Jan 2013 14:00:00 +0000

We celebrated Beatrice's birthday not too long ago, and Dad invited over a friend of his, Madeline Magana. And can I say... she is the most amazing thing I have ever met in my entire life! She's gorgeous, a virtuoso, oh, and completely single!

Beatrice grew up to look quite a bit like how I imagine Dad was as a child. Well, minus the fact that he is male.

We had so much fun just chatting over cake, and getting to know each other. Dad had that twinkle in his eye like he knew something the rest of us didn't. Leave it to Dad. He is the spark that keeps the family running.

While Madeline was over for Beatrice's birthday, we jammed together. It was terrific. We hung out lots after that. Just jamming and chatting. We spent months going on dates and just spending time together.

During that time Mom and Dad spent a lot of time teaching Beatrice the basics while Tabby was off doing who knows what. Even Zach and I spent more time with Beatrice than Tabby did.

One night, after we went out for dinner, I invited her over to hang out and watch a movie. I was a little embarrassed to ask her, because I didn't want to come off as crude, but she readily accepted.

That night before she left, I made sure to talk to her.

"Madeline, I never thought I would find someone as amazing as you. I like you very much, and I want us to go steady. I want to take things slow. I don't want to mess this up."

"Tyriel, I thought you'd never ask. I would love to date you solely!"

I was elated! We hugged and she was on her way home. But we continued to chat and hang out in our free time.

One night, a few months later, I invited her over to hang out. Mom wished us a good night and we talked about the two of us, and the future.

And, well, things got a little heavy and...

...you know the story.

Every weekend after that, Madeline would come over, and we would spend the weekend together. It was the happiest I have ever been. Mom and Dad loved Madeline, and kept dropping subtle hints, asking when the two of us were going to take the plunge.

So one weekend, after a particularly great night, I popped the question.

Her reaction was priceless. Utter surprise and elation. She was adorable, jumping up and down and yelling, "Yes! Of course yes!"

I had finally found the one. We were both so happy together. I didn't ever think I would be this happy. We set the wedding date about a year out, because sooner than we knew it...

"Tyriel, I'm pregnant! Guess it is a good thing we scheduled the wedding so far out!" Madeline giggled. She was so radiant. Just glowing the entire time she was pregnant.

I loved talking to our soon-to-be bundle of joy. I took pleasure in the way Madeline laughed when I would talk to our baby.

And sooner than we knew, it was time for him to be born. We rushed to the hospital, and walked out a few days later with our new family member, Charles.

He was so precious. So darling. And I wanted to give him the world. I wanted to make sure that he had an even better life than I had. That he wanted to be heir. That he was confident to do so.

Again, it was that time of year, another Bennett Birthday. Beatrice was about to grow up into a child.

We were all so happy to see Beatrice grow up well. We made sure to celebrate and make sure she had a blast.

Tabaitha was around for her daughter's birthday, for a change. She hadn't been around much before then for Beatrice. However, Beatrice didn't seem to mind. She and Tabby were tight as ever.

Tabby even got her a toy rocket, somehow knowing that it was what Bea wanted the most. Bea went outside to play with her new toy, and Tabby confronted me in the hallway.

"How dare you steal Bea's thunder by having Charles and a wedding!" she demanded. I was more than a tad confused, and tried to get her to talk about it. She, apparently, had been drinking heavily, out with her friend Toni Roush.

"I should be heir! Mom should never have made you heir! You don't deserve it!" Tabby spat out. I had never been close to my sister, despite trying. That was the final straw.

"Don't you dare tell me what I do and don't deserve," I retorted. "I am the first born, and as per Mom's tradition, I am to be heir. For the longest time I had thought about passing on the heir to you, but you were never present in your daughter's life. Nor were you present in mine, or Mom's, or Dad's. You've been a ghost in this family. As much as I love you, Tabby, I want you out of this house after the wedding. I know you will be provided for by Zacharia. He loves you, unconditionally."

Tabby growled at me and stormed off out the door, on her daughter's birthday. I tried to forget our spat and enjoy the rest of the evening with my fiance and family. I was excited and nervous about our wedding in only a few weeks. While I felt guilty and angry with Tabby, I was the most elated I had been yet.

Chapter 2.3 - The Better Heir?

noreply@blogger.com (Chestnut) — Sun, 06 Jan 2013 14:00:00 +0000

As Mom always said in this journal, it never fails that we write after birthdays. I honestly do think it has something to do with reminding one of the passing of time.

And so time has passed, and Tabby celebrated her birthday.

Every moment that goes by, I think that she will be a better heir.

The week after her birthday, Tabby went down to the Interior Designers Inc. and got a job. She wants to be a huge hotshot home designer someday, like a part of that show "Interior Sims".

I had to go for a jog to clear my mind. Every single day Tabby does something that proves she will be the better heir. That she will do a better job of carrying on Mom's legacy. That maybe it should be a matriarchy! That's a thought. Honestly, the jog didn't do much for clearing my head.

To make things worse, Tabby has already pretty much secured a husband. Or at least a steady boyfriend. She met some guy, Zachariah Whitlock, at the local bar. And they hit it off immediately. I think it was her dance moves, if I understand the story correctly.

They are sort of adorable, in a way. All lovey-dovey. Gaga over each other. I envy her.

He even moved in immediately after she asked him! She really is on a better track than I am. But, welcome to the family, Zach. It is a pleasure to have you along for the ride.

On a positive note for me, I got a promotion at work!

But that was soon followed by, what else, a burglar.

The cops were quick to show up. Luckily nothing was stolen. I'm glad I spent the money on a state-of-the-art SimBurglarm!

A few months after Zach moved in, the two announced that they were pregnant. As happy as I was for her, I totally bummed out. Really? My little sister has a boyfriend and a baby on the way, and I haven't even been on a Plumbobing date!

I did find it funny, though, that Tabby had a huge thing for swimming every day while she was pregnant. It reminded me of Mom writing about going down to the pool all the time, especially when she was pregnant with the two of us. Like mother like daughter.

Sooner than we realized, it was time for Tabby to rush to the hospital to have her baby. Mom and Zach went with her, and she gave birth to a gorgeous baby girl, Beatrice. Dad and I went to the hospital to visit, and chatted some in the car. I told him about my worries, and he told me to just give it some time. That he had a surprise for me, and I just needed to be patient. Mom knew what she was doing.

As I climbed into bed that night, I could only wonder what "surprise" Dad had in store. And as I fell asleep, I could only wonder if I was ever going to find a beautiful woman to marry and if I was going to truly become the heir I should be.

Chapter 2.2 - A New Start

noreply@blogger.com (Chestnut) — Sun, 30 Dec 2012 14:00:00 +0000

My first day as the so-called Heir to the Bennett Family, I went out and got a job. Thought it might be a good idea for one thing, and I've always been interested in becoming a Superstar Athlete.

Instead of going home right away, I played guitar for some tips outside the building. I needed a stress-reliever, and it worked perfectly. I also ended up making a nice little chunk of change on the side. When I got home Dad insisted on painting a portrait of me for the Family Wall.

I then spent time before bed working out. I was so worried about work. From reading Mom's entries in this journal, I found out she had a hard time with her career choices. That she just wasn't happy with her jobs. I started worrying about if a sports career was really where I belonged. If I would have the same troubles as Mom did with her career choices.

Walking in the door to work the next day was the scariest and best thing I've ever done with my life. I love my job.

This weekend, Tabby bought a big chunk of ice. Huge. She decided she wanted to try sculpting in ice instead of clay. I am so glad that the sculptor's wheel is outside. That would be a mess I would not want to clean up. Dad was also awarded with an "Artist's Painted Ribbon" from the mayor for his artistic achievements! Way to go, Dad!

Sooner than I knew, it was Mom's birthday. I know she's been dreading it, so we had a small family-only party for her. I think she quite enjoyed it. And she definitely aged up very well.

Quick Interrupt

noreply@blogger.com (Chestnut) — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 05:17:00 +0000

I apologize for my lack of two updates that should have gone up this week. Life's been a tad topsy-turvy this week but has finally calmed down. Entries will be back on their normal posting schedule on Sunday, however, I may post the two entries I missed this week.

Chapter Two has begun! Huzzah!

Chapter 2.1 - Tyriel Bennett

noreply@blogger.com (Chestnut) — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 17:20:00 +0000

Well, here I am--inheriting a journal. A silly little book of paper. A journal that has apparently documented quite a bit about how Mom raised Tabby and me. And even some stuff that a few years ago I would not have wanted to know about Mom and Dad.

I'm not sure what to write about as my introduction to this journal of the Bennett family. In fact, I'm not quite sure that I want to be the so-called heir. I don't feel that I'd be the best candidate. My sister has always been the one in charge. Ever since we were kids she would be the one making the plans and I would be the one following. Tabby is the popular one. I'm the loner that sits in the corner and hides from everybody. I mean, what good am I going to be as an Heir to a generation of Bennetts?

But, Mom insists that it must be the first born that inherits the journal and the task of documenting the family and it's travels. So, in order to make her happy, I'll try. I'll try until I feel I can't do it and Tabby would be much better. Which might just be until Tabby's birthday. But we'll see.

Anyway, here's the general "About Me" that Mom wants included in every "Introduction" entry when this thing changes hands.

Lifetime Wish: Superstar Athlete
Traits: Athletic, Born Salesman, Loner, Unlucky, Virtuoso
Sign: Sagittarius
Food: Shawarma
Music: French
Color: Irish Green

Chapter 1.8 - The First Heir

noreply@blogger.com (Chestnut) — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 14:30:00 +0000

The Bennett Household has been a busy place as of late. For instance, as is tradition for my writing in this journal, a birthday happened. But, not just one birthday happened--three did!

Tabaitha's birthday was a quiet family party. She spent the day doing arts with her brother and father...

...while I cooked a birthday lunch for her.

We all enjoyed lunch, and prior to cake, Tabby got in a few last minutes with her doll house.

Tabby looked happy as she blew out the candles. And she became quite the looker as a teenager, let me tell you. Buddy told her that we'd forgo the birthday photographs like we did for Tyriel, only if she promised not to stay out late with boys. We all laughed, but Tabby had a mischievous twinkle in her eye. She's going to be a handful!

Luckily, the Sculptor's wheel that Buddy got her for her birthday (since he got Tyriel an Architect's table for his) kept her occupied a lot of the time. She still came in late from time to time, but we didn't ask, and she didn't tell. She didn't need to. I knew. But I trusted her to be smart. She never came home with any of the boys in tow, but she definitely had fun out with them.

Tyriel and Tabaitha made great homework partners, and they usually finished very quickly when they worked together.

However, when Tabby went out on her late night outings with her friend Toni Roush, I helped Tyriel with the last of his homework. We chatted quite a bit as well. He has a crush on Tabby's friend Toni, but I don't know that she's right for him. I'm reserving judgement, however, and will let him go about it as he so chooses.

Sooner than we knew, it was a shared birthday for both Buddy and Tyriel! I couldn't believe it. Our little Tyriel was about to become a young adult! But it was so scary as well--Buddy was about to become an elder. Which means that my birthday isn't too far behind, sadly. There's still so much I want to do, but I don't know how much I can do. All I can do is work on them with a renewed fervor.

Before we had cake for Buddy and Tyriel, we all had a little time to ourselves. Buddy and I played a game of chess.

And Tyriel spent some time working out with a quick shower before the big birthday celebration with the four of us.

Buddy and Tyriel blew out the candles at the same time, and we sat down as a family to munch on the cake. Buddy was excited to work on some new painting ideas he had, and Tyriel was itching for a haircut now that he was officially a young adult. I decided to hold off on talking to him until he got the haircut so that I could figure out what to say to him.

When Ty got home, I was sitting in front of the television. Not watching, per se, but more having it on in the background while I thought. Ty sat down next to me, and we sat in companionable silence for a little while before I started the conversation.

"Ty, I have something to tell you. I didn't worry you and your sister with this when you were little, but, I want you to be the heir of this family. I want you to continue our legacy in Twinbrook. I love you, and I believe you can do great things in both your personal life and professional life." There. I said it.

Ty's response wasn't at all comforting, and for the life of me I can't even remember what he said except that he didn't feel he was a good fit. He rambled a bit about why, but I was in too much shock that he didn't want to become the heir.

I guess he took pity on me, however, and said he'd give it a try. I really hope he more than "gives it a try". I honestly think he'll do some amazing things in his life, and he'll be a very good fit for the family heir, much as he doesn't think so.

So then, I hereby pass this journal onto Tyriel Bennett as the official heir to the Bennett family. I love you Tyriel, I know you'll be a great heir.

Chapter 1.7 - All Work and No Play?

noreply@blogger.com (Chestnut) — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 06:30:00 +0000

It's been a while since I last wrote in this silly little thing! Life's been so busy, in a good way of course. so much has happened! Buddy's almost reached the top of his career, and I've gotten about as many promotions that I can at the Spa.

I even maxed my skills in handiness. Can you imagine? It was all the work I did for everybody around town. That and all the repairs at home!

And of course, as is the Bennett Tradition, it seems, we had a birthday. It never fails I write in this journal, and a birthday has passed. Maybe a passing birthday reminds me of how little I write here? But never mind that. Tyriel became a teenager! That's right. Our little Ty is growing up!

He wasn't very photogenic when blowing out his candles. Then again, he is a shybie. He also refused to go to the photographer's, so we let it slide. Pushing your luck with a teen isn't worth the effort.

Instead, he spent the night jamming on the guitar out in the yard. We all watched at one point or another. He's quite good, actually. A born natural.

Tyriel also took up an interest in Architectural Design in his free time after school, and a part-time job at the Bookstore.

Buddy and I helped Tabaitha with her schoolwork a lot. She never really seemed to be interested in finishing it and would stress out easily without help. As a reward she would get to paint...

...or spend some time playing chess.

Tyriel and Buddy liked to play catch when Tyriel's work was done. It wasn't very often with his job at the Bookstore, but it's great Father-Son bonding time I'm glad they're having.

Tabby also spends quite a bit of free time plunking away at the computer. I'm not quite sure what she's doing, but it looks like she's trying to write a book. I glanced over her shoulder one day and saw a document titled, "I, SimBot". She's such a great kid, even if she does stress out easily. Definitely a creative one. I can't wait to see what she does with her talents. Her and Tyriel.

For now, journal, I leave you with a family shot of the lot of us (minus Tabby, who was in bed) playing some video games before Tyriel hit the sack. I love my family. I hope the best for Tyriel when it comes his time to write in this.

Chapter 1.6 - Workin' Hard

noreply@blogger.com (Chestnut) — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 07:18:00 +0000

Buddy and I promised each other we'd do the best to provide for Tyriel and Tabaitha. And we kept to that promise.

Buddy worked extra hard at potty training Tabby, much to her chagrin. He also spent many long hours teaching Tabby how to talk.

While I spent my free time teaching Tabby how to walk.

We also spent time with Tyriel. His favorite thing to do was to go to the gym, so we dropped him off regularly after his homework was finished every day.

Most of his time was spent on the trampoline. That was fine by us, though. It gave him a great outlet, and let him socialize with the other kids around town. Mr. Keep-to-Himself also made a friend at school--Emma Bull.

He'd go to her house after school sometimes when Buddy and I were busy with Tabby or work-related things.

We made sure to talk to Emma's family before Ty went over for the first time, and establish that they had the same outlook on homework that we did; that it was to be done immediately. Thankfully they had the same policy in their household and we gladly let Ty spend time with Emma.

Once done with homework, they were allowed to entertain themselves as they saw fit.

Usually, it was in front of the television.

However, sometimes Ty and Emma took turns playing video games and chess on the computer. Like mother like son!

Tabby's birthday was coming soon, and I wanted to do something for her and Ty. So I decided to upgrade the computer to allow them to complete their homework faster as well as for some entertainment under Buddy's and my supervision.

It worked rather well if you ask me. Some of the best graphics I'd ever seen. Quite proud of my work, I headed to the park for the chess contest going on in town. It'd been the talk of the bookshop for weeks. I had to try my hand before Tabby's party.

I only ended up playing two games at the tournament; both against Charmaine Manne. The clock was ticking down to Tabby's party after two games, so I had to say my goodbyes and head back home instead of completing the tournament. Maybe next time. I got home and found that Buddy had painted a self-portrait that I'd been bothering him about for a while now. I'm so happy. I can't wait to pass those paintings down to Tyriel when he comes of age.

Even though we kept it small, Tabaitha's party was so much fun! Tyriel had so much fun playing with his little sister, and after the party we took Tabby to the photographer.

She was not happy about the fact and refused to go in a normal outfit. After a lot of arguing, Buddy and I just gave in and took her in her pajamas.

Ironically, when we got home, she changed into her every day clothes and painted outside in the dark. Buddy and I wrote it off to being the "Birthday Blues", but we could tell each other was worried about Tabby.

The next day, Ty and Tabby woke up happy and adjusted. So Buddy and I let out our breath and sent the two of them off to school. Tabaitha was so excited for her first day. It reminded me of when Ty went to school for the first day. I almost even teared up a little.

Buddy went to the Consignment Shop to drop off the paintings he'd been working on the past few weeks and ended up with a promotion for all his hard work! I spent my time before work unclogging the toilet.

When the kids got home, they sat down and worked on homework together. I hope they'll continue doing that even as they get into high school. Though I'm not going to hold my breath. Life is good, and it's just going to get even better. I can tell.

Chapter 1.5 - Birthdays Abound

noreply@blogger.com (Chestnut) — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 14:33:00 +0000

Things have been so busy lately! Lots of cleaning, and building going on on the lot. And to cut costs, Buddy and myself have been helping out. It's just taken up so much time.

So much so, that when I went into labor, we didn't even realize it had already been nine months! On the way to the Hospital, Buddy called a babysitter for Tyriel. I was so glad we'd finished the house in time for the newest addition to our family.

Tabaitha is her name. She's just as beautiful a baby as Tyriel was. Buddy and I took turns with the nightly watch with her. We learned that working in shifts was the best way to take care of Tyriel, and made sure to work it out with Tabaitha, too.

We had so much on our plate with Ty and Tabby that we spent little time outside of work on anything but the two of them.

And sooner than we knew, it was Tyriel's birthday. I couldn't believe it! A child already, and about to start school! We took him to the Photographer's for a birthday photograph. He wasn't too keen on it, but it came out quite adorable if you ask me.

Ty's first day of school was so exciting for Buddy and me! We waved to him as he hopped on the school bus, and spent time in the kitchen with the new stove! Buddy decided to cook some breakfast for the first time in a very long time. It was absolutely delicious. I never knew Organic foods could be so tasty!

We fell into a rhythm. Ty was sent off to school. Buddy would paint and sell his paintings at the Consignment Shop, and quickly worked his way up the Painting Ladder with City Hall. I spent time perfecting my chess skills and working my way up the food chain at the Spa. Ty even made it into the Amateur Olympics! Buddy and I were so proud of him, regardless of placing fourth. We even took him out for some ice cream afterwards.

Sooner than we realized, it was Tabaitha's birthday! Time had flown by so quickly! We brought Tabby to the same Photographer we took Ty to for a celebratory Birthday Photograph. She didn't seem to mind, but that might have been because of the Rubber Duckies the cameraman was squeaking.

Life slipped back into a routine. Though, with another person using the plumbing, I had to do a lot more repairs around the house than before.

Buddy spent his free time at night practicing guitar...

And Tabby, wanting to be like her Daddy would plunk away at her Xylophone.

Things got hectic, though, and one day a fire started in the kitchen. We all panicked. Buddy got the children out of the house, but I just couldn't take my eyes off of the flames. I'm not sure why, but they were so entrancing. Luckily for everybody, a Fireman arrived just in time. He scolded me, of course, and I couldn't agree with him more that I was being stupid.

The fire put things into perspective. Buddy and I discussed it over breakfast one morning and decided to work extra hard to give the children the best life we could. We only hoped it would be enough in the coming years.

Chapter 1.4 - The Toddler Years

noreply@blogger.com (Chestnut) — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 05:25:00 +0000

Time flies by so fast with a baby around!

Before we knew it, Tyriel was a toddler and we were teaching him everything he needed to know about the world. I took an interest in teaching him to talk.

Buddy much preferred potty training Tyriel (Plumbob knows why)...

...and took specific pleasure in teaching Tyriel to walk.

In our spare time, I played chess and spent time ~~hacking~~ playing on the computer, as well as continuing with odd repair jobs around both the house and for townies.

Buddy much preferred to paint and play guitar. He even painted a portrait of me! I was so flattered.

Buddy celebrated his birthday one night after I'd gone to bed while still painting, without even reminding me! We'd been so busy with Tyriel that I completely forgot. I felt so awkward about missing his birthday. But he told me it was alright, and he would be happy with just cuddling.

And, well, one thing led to another. Can you fault us? Rhetorical question, mind you.

This was the happiest time of my life. Just spending time with Tyriel and Buddy was all I needed. One morning, I woke up sick to my stomach and made a run to the bathroom. Déjà vu...

I went to the Hospital to be sure, and bought another set of clothes. I really should have kept the first batch instead of giving them away. In the meantime, there's much to be done, and little time to do it in.

Note: Somewhat of a short one compared to the others, but with the way the story is progressing, this seemed the best stopping point. The next one should be longer.

Chapter 1.3 - Wedding Bells and Babies

noreply@blogger.com (Chestnut) — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 06:18:00 +0000

The next few weeks I went about a daily routine of breakfast, heading to the pool, and then off to work. I was so nervous to invite Buddy over. We still talked, of course, but I just couldn't bring myself to do it. He eventually asked about another date, and instead I decided it was time to invite him over and confess my attraction. I put on some Classical music to calm myself and waited.

I cringed as I confessed my attraction to Buddy. The music barely did anything to calm me down. I waited as he processed what I told him. It seemed like forever.

"I really like you too, Tammy, and I'd really like to spend more time with you."

I was ecstatic. I couldn't believe it. So I proposed going steady. Buddy readily agreed. We talked some more and had our first kiss as he was leaving! It was sweet. I couldn't believe it.

We were on the phone constantly after that. Talking, giggling, we were so into each other. A few weeks after we started dating, I invited Buddy over again.

We curled up on the bed and talked for hours.

And, well, one thing led to another and... the rest is history, as they say. It never got awkward between us. Even after that night. We still went on dates and chatted constantly. It was amazing having Buddy in my life.

One night, after some more fun, Buddy suggested that we move in together.

"If I'm not intruding, of course. I don't mean to intrude. I just think it's the most logical next step. I hope I didn't offend you!"

Of course he didn't offend me, and I told him that I would love to have him move in. That night we sat down and planned out a small two room house for us that we then had built the next morning.

I had been feeling queasy all night, and that morning I interrupted Buddy's tooth brushing with a lovely sight, I'm sure. He never mentioned it, and I was so embarrassed. We spent the day relaxing and just enjoying each other's company.

In our free time from work in the following weeks, we took turns playing on the computer. I would practice some chess, then go read one of my romance novellas, while Buddy played some sports games. He was really into those sports games. We also spent a lot of time just sitting on the bed and chatting.

During those weeks my clothes kept getting tighter. I knew I wasn't putting on any weight. If anything, I should be losing weight with the little food we ate due to lack of oven or microwave. After a visit to the Hospital, it dawned on me, and I went out promptly for some new clothes. Going home to talk to Buddy was nerve wracking, but I did it.

"Buddy, I need to talk to you. I don't want you to say anything, but I have to tell you this. I'm pregnant. I don't want our child to not know their father, who is such an amazing man, and I love so much. Will you marry me?"

"Of course, Tammy! I love you so much! I'll marry you! You know what, let's just have a wedding right now! Just the three of us! We don't really have any friends, so it's not worth having a big wedding."

So we did.

We decided to spend our Honeymoon time with each other instead of taking an expensive trip. Buddy especially loved talking to the baby.

My favorite was spending time at the pool...

...eating ice cream, and spending time with my favorite "pastime".

One night, after spending some time at the computer, I felt funny. It was then I realized that my water had broken and I was going into labor.

It was not a fun feeling, let me tell you.

Buddy and I rushed to the Hospital, and after many hours we came back home with a new bundle of joy.

Welcome to the family, Tyriel. Someday, it will be your turn to write in this journal.

Chapter 1.2 - Welcome to Twinbrook

noreply@blogger.com (Chestnut) — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 21:21:00 +0000

My first few months in Twinbrook have been interesting to say the least. Interesting and exciting. So much so, that I've forgotten to even write in my journal!!

On my first day here, I hired an architect to put together a quick wall and plumbing capabilities on the lot so that I could have at least some privacy from the road, and the ability to use a toilet. While he worked on putting that together for me, I headed over to the library to read up on some careers and apply for some jobs. Luckily, Twinbrook has free taxis. Brilliant!

I applied for a job in the military and was given a job as a Latrine Cleaner. Ew. But, we all start somewhere, right? I got bored since there were no skill books at the library (imagine that!), so I decided to overclock a computer instead. I broke it, and promptly fixed it. The library staff didn't seem to mind.

I spent some time catching up on my romance novellas and then caved in to go check out the Wellness Center. I had to pump it up for work.

It didn't look like much upon entering, but once I wormed my way downstairs, I found out that it actually had a decent gym. So I hopped on the treadmill.

I've never been very coordinated so I ended up falling down. A lot. At first I pretended I was doing lunges of some sort, but there were others there that were having about as much luck as I was. Looks like Twinbrook is not made of the most athletic folks.

I saw an advertisement while working out about a Neighborhood Grill-a-Thon at the park, and headed over. There wasn't much going on, so I played some chess.

Then I snuck some burgers that were left laying around. Talk about Horrifying quality!!!! But, when you're hungry and low on money, you take what you can get.

While at the park, I ran into Bobby Sargeant, a fellow co-worker. We chatted for a bit about work and computers, and then I called it a night.

The next few weeks was all about getting up, going to work and coming back home to sleep. With eating and other necessary functions in between. I hated work. I was so excited about it until after my first day. I eventually stopped even trying to work while I was there, I was so miserable.

I'd spend my time after work going to the Boxcar to eat.

And I spent what little free time I had relaxing any way I could, usually by spending some time at the pool. You can just see how stressed and unhappy I was.

I finally decided that I wasn't made out for a career in the Military and quit. It felt like a weight lifted off my shoulders to hand in my uniform. I went to the library to search for a new job, and spent some more time fiddling with the computers.

After a few days of research, I decided upon a career working in the Spa Industry. It definitely seemed more relaxing! Since I was still in need of money, I spent a lot of time at the pool, mainly just to use the showers. I also spent a lot of time at the park. I was aching for company. I made some friends, especially Bill Copperfield, but we never really hit it off, despite how cute he was. So a few months went by, I bought a fridge, and I went to work.

No matter how hard I tried to make more friends or find that special someone, I always ended up defeated. One day, however, I bumped into someone while at the Boxcar for my usual dinner. He was so handsome, and he had the newest laptop put out by the top company! I was enchanted by him. So I started up a conversation about his computer. And we hit it off. Buddy Bailey. Even his name is gorgeous! We talked and I found out he was in Politics... and single!

I was so excited after meeting him that I couldn't sleep. So I instead decided to tinker with the toilet. Hey, would you sleep after seeing a face like that?

I called him every morning when I got up and we would chat constantly. Weeks it went on like this. I was too nervous to ask him out for a date.

I finally did, though. Ask him out on a date, that is. We met up at the Boxcar for some drinks and dinner.

We then had a wonderful time just sitting on the swings and chatting. It was so perfect.

When the night was over, we hugged and went on our way. Of course we chatted for days afterwards about how amazing our date was and that we really should do it again.

In the meantime, I did some odd-and-end repair jobs for the locals which helped improve my handiness skills.

A few weeks later we decided to go on another date. This time a more formal one. We met up at the Chateu Restaurant and had an amazing time.

We held hands for the first time. I'm falling for him hard. Really hard. I think he's the one. I need to talk to him and confess my attraction. But I'm so nervous! I'll work up the courage in the next few days and keep a record, regardless of what happens.

Chapter 1.1 - Tamara Bennett

noreply@blogger.com (Chestnut) — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 23:41:00 +0000

My name is Tamara Bennett. I came from a wealthy home. "Came from" being the key words. My older brother squandered away our inheritance on frivolous pursuits. He longed to be of the celebrity status, and thought if he kept spending money to place himself in the "in crowd" he'd achieve his goal. Unfortunately, he lost everything we had, and passed away at a comparably young age.

Our parents died when he had just come of age and became the heir to the Bennett inheritance. I was still a child at the time. For being a genius, he had an intellect only rivaled by the garden tools. Luckily mother and father left me a very small sum of money my brother didn't know of.

That small sum of money bought me a plot of land in Twinbrook. While I searched in Riverview and Sunset Valley, I did not find a plot of land or atmosphere I was very fond of. While the plot of land I found in Twinbrook was considerably smaller than the rival plots in Riverview and Sunset Valley, it felt more homey to me. Twinbrook brought me as far away from my past as possible so that I could start anew.

I plan on continuing the Bennett Legacy here in Twinbrook. The first born child to each generation will become the heir, and must keep a journal like this one. As for twins...well, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.

I want all my heirs to start their journals with an introduction and a small piece about themselves, so I'm going to share that information now.

Lifetime Wish: The Tinkerer

Traits: Absent Minded, Computer Whiz, Handy, Light Sleeper, Schmoozer

Sign: Taurus
Food: Key Lime Pie
Music: Classical
Color: Lime