Author’s Note: This chapter is a bit shorter than normal. Originally, when I wrote it, there were over 3300 words. Yikes, right? So, there was only one natural place to break it in half which left this first part on the shorter side. I hope you enjoy it.
Dear Diary, even though it was only eight twenty in the evening, it was already growing dark when my cab crossed Freedom Bluff Bridge which led back to Fortress Rock where I lived. Soon, it would be winter and it would start getting dark as soon as five in the evening.
While I was looking forward to crawling back into my own bed tonight, I missed some things about Winchester Farming Community. My grandparents, of course, and the way their house always seemed to smell like baking bread, pies or other goodies. Believe it or not, I missed the chores, too. It was hard work that kept me in shape and limber. I also missed the smell of the ocean.
Most of all, I realized almost as soon as I left that I missed Ellie Duberry.
Ellie Duberry.
As the cab pulled up to the brownstone, I paid the driver and thanked him, then stepped out of the car, standing outside the front gate. Staring up at my lonely attic window where my bedroom was, I sighed, thinking that Ellie would never see where I lived, would not share in my life.
When we said our goodbyes, I felt a certain reluctance but I wasn’t sure why. I think perhaps grandma’s words, her attempts at matchmaking, had gotten into my head. The solution then was to shake it free and not let that influence me. There was no reason to believe Ellie felt anything for me other than friendship and I don’t think I’d encouraged that in any way.
I would only be a summer friend to her that had gone home and wouldn’t be heard from again. She promised she’d write – I promised, too. But I didn’t want to be a penpal because it would never be the same as being there.
So, what did I want?
Peace and calm. I immersed myself in the Winchester culture and all the stress, mistrust and strain had melted away leaving me with a true sense of calm I’d never experienced. I’d also discovered a friendship free from conditions which opened my eyes to new possibilities. I was finally feeling grounded.
And it was all because of Ellie. Shaking my head again, I thought what a strange thing that was to think. All because of Ellie?
Where had that stray thought come from?
I don’t know how long I stood there before I realized the house was full of life. The lights were on and there was music floating out. Strange music. Like, little kid music. Oh wow. Was that Chris singing with it?
What was going on?
“Holden! My long lost twin! I’m so happy you are home!” Rosetta exclaimed as I finally entered.
Chris hit the volume on the stereo and then stood by Julie’s side.
“Welcome home!” they both said, nearly in unison.
I laughed a little. “What’s happening?”
Julie and Chris shared a knowing look then, grinning, Chris said, “We’re getting married!”
Laughing, Julie added, “And look who’s here!”
I hadn’t seen the little girl standing behind them. It took a moment before I realized who she was.
“Paisley!”
“Yes! I got her back just before her birthday! Isn’t that wonderful?”
Grinning from ear to ear, I nodded. “Hi, Paisley. Do you remember me?”
Paisley shook her head without saying a word.
“Honey, this is your Uncle Holden,” Julie told her. Turning back toward me, she added, “She’s still getting used to things.”
“Of course, I understand.” I winked at the little girl to try to show her I wasn’t a big meanie or something.
She smiled very slightly.
After a while, Julie took Paisley upstairs to bathe her and get her to bed.
“So, are they living here?” I asked.
“You should have seen her apartment,” Chris said. “It was an absolute pit.”
“The worst,” Rosetta agreed.
Christopher opened his mouth to tell me about it when Rosetta kind of butted in.
“It was all my idea. They’re engaged and this house is huge! There are rooms I haven’t even explored yet. Anyway, she was destitute. It is the least we can do for Christopher’s fiancee.”
“Well, however it came about, I couldn’t be happier. Jules deserves some happiness and to have her daughter back. What’s going on with her divorce?”
This time, Chris was able to jump in first. “In three months, the divorce will be finalized and then we’ll set a date after that.”
“Sounds good,” I said. “And, hey, buddy, congratulations.”
“So, how did you survive in that wretched place? I still can’t believe you went there, let alone stayed for three months. Thinking of you living there like that makes my skin crawl.”
I couldn’t help but frown. “On the contrary, I’m very fond of Winchester. I wouldn’t want to live there but it was a really nice break from the city.”
“Tell us about it,” Chris said.
“Well, life is really slow there. They aren’t too concerned about what the clock says. They get up early and go to bed early, too. They work hard – harder than you can imagine. There’s no road signs or house numbers, everyone knows everyone else and where they live. People are friendly and they take time to visit each other to play horseshoes or to just sit on the porch and chat.”
“It does sound pretty nice.”
Rosetta wrinkled her nose, “Pretty nice if you like outhouses and living without running water or electricity.”
As Chris glared at Rosetta for her negative attitude, I did my usual thing and ignored it. “I think you should visit and get to know our grandparents.”
“No. Way. Eww. They can come here. Father could even send a private jet to get them.”
“They are not going to leave and I’m being serious. They’re really old. And, they’re not going to live forever … But there’s something about them. Something they have that I want. They are so loving toward one another. Grandma calls Grandpa ‘old man,’ but he dares not say it back to her!”
This made all three of us laugh, Rosetta included in spite of herself.
“Wait, wait, wait,” Rosetta said, “what is this thing you want? You want to fall in love?”
I thought for a moment, taking my time even though she was staring at me. “No, I don’t want to fall in love. That sounds almost stupid when you say it like that.”
“Then, what?”
“I want what our grandparents have… Someone who looks at me the way Grandma looks at Grandpa. Or the way he looks at her when he thinks no one is watching. It’s true and pure. It’s more than a mere feeling. It’s like they fell for each other but then the love they shared grew bigger and bigger over the years. I’m sure they’ve had bad times like anyone else, but with them, I get the feeling they decided to continue loving each other no matter what and to be true. I’ve never seen anything like it. But, I want it.”
“I think I’ll have that with Julie.”
Smiling at Chris, I said, “I think you will, too.”
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Awww, poor Holden. He really misses Ellie and wants to find that love that his grandparents share I really hope he does, and I think Ellie may be the key to that.
Congrats to Chris and Julie! I’m so happy for them and saw this coming for a while now. I hope Paisley will be OK. She seems kind of out of sorts, poor kid. After what she’s been through, I don’t blame her for feeling that way. Kids usually bounce back pretty well though, and I am optimistic that she will be feeling a lot better soon.
I hope Rosetta doesn’t regret her attitude in regard to her grandparents. Like Holden said, they aren’t going to live forever, and she’s going to miss out on a lot with them with that attitude.
Holden’s heart is so precious. He wants exactly what you said; what his grandparents have. Ellie just might be the key to that, as you said.
I think Paisley will be all right now that she has a stable family life. I think you’re right to be optimistic.
Rosetta should enjoy her grandparents while she can, but it’s just not like her to think of that, I guess.
Chris and Julie engaged! Yay! I know he will be a much, much better husband and father than Brent 😀
I’m beginning to think that Rosetta doesn’t need to fall in love. She’s highly independent and not everyone in real life wants or finds a ‘soulmate’ — she seems to be one of those people. And there’s no problem with that either. If I’m remembering correctly (I might not) she wants her brother/family to have lots of kiddos so she can dote on them, but not necessarily her own children?
I wrinkled my own nose at her spoiled rich kid attitude, goodness. On the contrary, I love how Holden discovered a sense of peace that he can pursue in his own context. I think that will be very beneficial for his health!
Nice chapter <3
Thank you, Lila. 🙂 I think Chris and Julie make a good couple. I really like what you said about Rosetta. I think she would be a great doting aunt but so far, she doesn’t seem interested in having her own family. I agree that not everyone wants that or needs it. I wrinkled my nose as I wrote that spoiled rich kid stuff. hahaha I think Holden will really benefit from that sense of peace he’s found, too.
I guess other readers can hate me if they like. However given the last couple of posts for the twins, I’m seeing them as waking up to what a healthy relationship can be, and that it’s something they each want.
I honestly, based on written chapters, don’t see either twin ‘hooking up’ with anyone introduced so far. Ellie is very sweet and provincial, but based on her back story I didn’t see a connection forming beyond friendship.
‘Course as just a reader, I could be very wrong. 😉
Thank you, Mama Dragon. 🙂 I like how you put that, that they’re waking up to what a healthy relationship can be. I totally agree.
As for Ellie, I guess we’ll just have to see where that goes, if anywhere. 😀
I’m glad Julie and Chris are working together! Honestly I can’t see Rosetta with anyone right now. She needs a certain kind of man who can handle her. I’m wondering if it will be awkward for Chris, Julie, and Rosetta to all be living in the same house, though.
The way Rosetta responded to Holden wanting love in his life, lol! It’s not that crazy, Rosetta. Hopefully he will find it someday.
I’m so glad Chris and Julie are working together, too. You’re so right about Rosetta. I can’t imagine the guy she could be with; he would definitely have to be equal to her in everything. I was wondering if that would be awkward, too? Perhaps Chris and Julie should look for their own place now that they’re all well beyond college.
I thought that was funny, too. I mean, she acts like he should be more ambitious or something when he’s already achieved so much. Not everyone wants to rule the world. 😛
Awww Holden fell in love with Ellie! I mean, c’mon… we all know it! Lmao! <3 I ship those two so much..! 💕
I always had a feeling Holden was going to hook up with Julie while Chris was set up for Rosetta, but you turned this all around and it’s actually better this way! I wonder whether Rosetta will finally find someone though… but I’m certain she’ll survive either way! 😉
Can’t wait for what’s next! <3
Thank you so much. 🙂 Holden sure is thinking about her an awful lot! lol I’m so glad you ship them. I can’t wait to find out! 😀
I had to switch how things were going because Rosetta was so not into Chris. LOL It turned out that Julie and Chris had the little hearts for one another. 😀 I hope Rosetta experiences some romance. We shall see.
I can’t believe I’m FINALLY all caught up with your story! From gen 1 this has been an insaaaaneeee rollercoaster of emotions. I honestly thought Chris would end up with Rosetta, but I’m actually glad he ended up getting engaged to Julie, she definitely deserves someone who’ll love and respect her. Now I’m just hoping Holden and Ellie will end up together, seeing them together in the last chapter really made me smile. I’m looking forward to finally reading your upcoming chapters in real-time! 😆
Thank you so much, Ave 🙂 I’m so pleased you like the story! Thank you so much for reading! 🙂
I’m glad you like that Chris is engaged to Julie. I think it’s a good match. I’m even more pleased that Ellie and Holden made you smile. That means so much to me.
Thank you again for your kind words and encouragement. It means more than you know. <3
I hate to say it, but I really wonder if Chris+Julie is a permanent ship. Things happen.
And if Holden and Ellie are meant to be, no matter where they are in life, they’ll drift towards one another.
Things do indeed happen. I hope their ship doesn’t sink but Julie really is coming from a difficult place, so I guess we’ll see. 🙂
I like how you put this. I think you’re right about that.
I forgot to say that I am worried about Paisley though. I hope we get to see more of her in the upcoming chapters. Holden was so good with her before and I hope he gets to be the doting uncle.
Oh yes, Paisley did seem rather solemn, didn’t she? She will definitely be present in upcoming chapters. 🙂 I think Holden will very much enjoy being the doting uncle.
I LOVE the rewrite!!!! Its perfect and flows so well. The break is good too. I simply cant wait for the next half, to see how Holden fairs from his experience on the farm. I hope it is a positive one……hard to make comments when u read the chapters ahead of time. I could so let things slip to the readers…….hmmmm what could I say about next week…hehehehehe!
Thank you so much, Bee! I rewrote the next part of the chapter, too. lol It desperately needed it, as you knew. <3
The chapter you wrote was beautiful. I just re arranged it for you to get what “I” wanted from it. So selfish of me!! hahaha
Thank you, Bee. 🙂 You’re not selfish. LOL
Perhaps, but I could definitely say I know what I like to see from my favourite writers!
You have a way about you, that is for sure. 😀 <3
And that way…is “pushy” hahahahaahaha
LOL 😛
I caught up! This story took me on such a wild ride I couldn’t put it down for the past few days. My favourite gen so far is Marty’s, but Holden’s story is turning out so interesting. I can’t wait to read more. Wow, so many thoughts… I’ll just sum it up and say, I love Noble Doubt. Thank you for your writing!
Wow! Thank you so much! You seemed to read all of that so fast, I am duly impressed! 😀
I’m so glad you found yourself engrossed in the story. That makes me happier than you can imagine. Marty’s story was so fun to write; she was such a character! lol I’m glad you’re finding Holden’s story interesting, too.
Thank you again for your very kind words. <3
That’s a stunning end for Julie, she is married with a man she loves and she’s Paisley back.
Now we wish the same end for our twins and if I was I should visit my grandparents no matter how dirty and old fashion Winchester is.
Thank you! 🙂 I was so glad when Julie and Chris got together. And now Paisley is back, too, which is a relief.
I totally agree with you about visiting the grandparents no matter how they live. Rosetta needs to figure out some better priorities! lol
Poor kids. They grew up not going to grandma’s house, and now they’re just now realizing grandmas are always right lol. At least one of them have.
That was a really fast courtship! When you know, you know, as Jonathan would say.
I’m really surprised Holden didn’t correct Rosetta about the electricity and outhouses. But, then again, it wouldn’t have changed her mind lol. She’s so privileged. All of them are.
Thank you so much 🙂 Every kid needs to grow up going to grandma’s house. 🙂 I like Jonathan and what he would say. lol
They really are so privileged. I mean, “have father send a private jet to get them.” C’mon, Rosetta. 😛
For realz lol
lol 😀
Congrats Chris and Julie! She deserves a better husband and father for Paisley – so glad she got her daughter back!! I wish Rosetta could see her twin’s side of things and realize the importance of visiting family. Maybe there’s still hope she’ll visit them. Holden’s summary of their love was truly beautiful, and I hope everyone gets to experience that kind of love 🙂
Thank you so much, Raymond 🙂 I think things are really looking up for Julie and her little family. It would be nice if Rosetta took into consideration how Holden feels. I think he had a good point that she should visit her grandparents while she still can. I hope the same thing. 🙂
Lol. The responses are as entertaining as your story. I look forward to next week, patiently.
LOL! Thank you, Jolie! I agree with you. <3
Congratulations, Chris and Julie! throws confetti I think they will have a happy life together. Chris may have had feelings for Rosetta in the past, but I believe that was just a childhood crush. Their personalities wouldn’t mesh well as a couple in my opinion. Chris found his person, and I know that there is that special someone out there for Rosetta too!
Maybe there could be a future for Holden and Ellie, but there would have to be big compromise for that to work. Either Holden would have to move to Winchester, or Ellie would have to leave it. If they really learned to love each other, nothing else would matter. We will just have to wait and see! 🙂
Thank you so much 🙂 I like the confetti throwing! 😀 It very well could have been a childhood crush Chris had on Rosetta. He grew up with her and so, it was kind of safe, I think. Except that she obviously didn’t have any feelings for him whatsoever.
You’re probably right that they would need to compromise for anything to work between Holden and Ellie. I think it’s true that if they love each other, nothing else will matter.
I can see that the comments are torn. Me, I am so happy for Chris and Julie. Rosetta missed out, and I am glad to see that Chris didn’t spend his life pining for someone who will not love him back.
The relationship between Holden and Ellie might work out. If they really care for one another. then they will find a way. Besides, there is something so very romantic about writing love letters to one another (even if they don’t start out as love letters). It is so much more personal and emotional hand writing a letter than sending an email. But maybe I’m just sentimental that way.
Thank you so much. 🙂 You’re right, the comments are pretty torn. I’m glad you’re happy for Chris and Rosetta. I thought it was important for Chris to move on from his crush on Rosetta since she was so obviously not interested.
You’re so right about there being such a difference in writing letters. It shows such care.
Strange to have him back home .. GLAD I never fully got on that ship .. kept a wary eye on it and was hoping it would sail but alas no
Thank you, Lisa. 😀 Ooooohhhhh……. Let’s hope you will like the ship that survives. LOL
lol I wait!
LOL! Okay 😀 😀
LOL Like I have a choice
Wow! I was just getting wound up and BAM! Oh well, artist’s prerogative to end where you please!! =( I do think Holden and Ellie would make a wonderful couple, and I love how you handles Julie’s story with Chris. I am a bit concerned about Paisley, however. I see possible problems looming there, she seems very withdrawn. I’m sure she has been through a lot of turmoil for one so young, and I hope it doesn’t give her problems later on. Rosetta seems to be the only one missing the “Love Boat” – no one to ship her with!! lol I will anxiously await the next chapter, and I think it will be fun to see the “alternative” outcome for Blue and Dax! Good chapter, short but sweet! ♥
Thank you, Marj! I’m sorry to cut it short this week. My hope is that next week, you’ll be so into the chapter, you’ll have forgotten how short today’s was. LOL
Paisley did seem a little withdrawn. We don’t know exactly what she has been through, so hopefully, she will be able to settle in once again and love Chris as her step-father. 🙂
Rosetta has definitely missed the love boat. haha She’s still contemplating and her political career is on the brink of really taking off, so I reckon we’ll see if that department opens up for her. lol
I’m glad you want to see the alternative outcome for Blue and Dax, too. 😀 I’ll get on that. <3
It’s so interesting to me that he didn’t have that kind of love modeled for him by his parents , even though they love each other so much . I can really see ways that both Rosetta and Holden were influenced by their parents .
Thank you, CT. 🙂 I like that you’re bringing this up. Marty and Xalen really love each other, as you say, but you’re right that Holden never really picked this up from them so much. I remember once Rosetta saying something like her parents’ relationship gave her the impression they shouldn’t have had children.
It’s interesting that you brought this up. Perhaps it needs further exploration. 🙂
Oh, I’m sure you’ll have it soon enough, Holden. Just invite Ellie over and bam! I really hope she turns out to be the one. She’s smart and sweet and pretty! I’m all for it. Come on, Kym! Make it so. XD
Thank you, Rosie 😀 I’m considering your request, Captain Picard. LOLOL I like how you said, just invite Ellie over and bam! haha
Dang! My ship just sank! So I’m grabbing onto Ellie for dear life. She and Holden could be good together, but…..they are SOOO different in so many ways. I hope he does write tomher and maybe invites her to see how he lives. Maybe she’ll fall in love ith the ballet. Just like him….❤️❤️❤️
I’m so sorry, Audrey! lol You’re right that Ellie and Holden are very different. Falling in love because of ballet is a lovely thought. I reckon we’ll see pretty soon if they are meant to be or not. 🙂
As opposed to Jowita, I’m not that upset about Julie marrying Chris. It’s nice for him to have found someone after being rejected by Rosetta. And I need Holden and Ellie to figure things out. Stat. She’s kind of a bold, funny girl – she could surely be okay away from Winchester. I do declare that I ship it!
This was short, but sweet 🙂 It’s only a little sad that we have to wait for more! But that’s always the case, isn’t it? 🙂
Thank you, Louise. 🙂 I’m glad you’re not upset about Julie and Chris. There is more to this that I would like to put into a bonus post at some point. Let’s just say, they do love each other and this is a smart move for Julie. You ship Holden and Ellie! Woot! I’m not saying things will work out but is Blue ever wrong? LOLOL
I would looove to read a bonus post about Chris and Julie! 🙂
I’m keeping my fingers crossed that Ellie and Holden work it out. As far as I understood, she remembered living in the “normal” world, so I’m sure she can do that again 😀
That’s great! I’ll see what I can do! 😀
Yes, she lived in the “normal” world until she was 14, so I would think she could easily stay in Winchester, or leave.
Noo, my ship is sinking. I hate you, Kymber! I really do! No, I don’t, don’t listen to me, really, I’m a dumbass.
I am a bit sad you decided to split the chapter. I went over 2000 words and then I just cut it in a weird way because I had to finish it, all happened yesterday. That is silly.
I think the way in which you ended this chapter is pretty natural. I love what Holden said at the end. And I wonder how and if he and Ellie will meet again. He really misses this special miss. I hope they do! I guess I just need to switch to her now, though it will be hard. You know, I may be saying Blue and Matthieu are sweet, but I’ve never really gotten over Dax. So I am afraid it will be similar with Julie.
Oh no! I’m so sorry your ship sank. I really am. :'( My chapters are usually around 2400-2500 words, give or take. I really thought no one would appreciate a chapter that was over 3300 words long. LOL
Holden does miss Ellie, it’s true. How could this ever work, though? I’m sorry about Dax, too. I just couldn’t see him happily settling down on a farm and I couldn’t see Blue happy in Paris. What a web I weave. I did a save where Blue and Dax were together, though. Perhaps I will show you in a bonus post. 🙂
For a chapter that flows naturally, I would. 🙂
Then again I think nothing of reading 400+ page (small print) books in a day. 😉
Thank you so much, Mama Dragon. 🙂 I will keep this in mind for the future. 🙂
Lol, I know, though I believe you had longer chapters in the past. I adore your writing, so I’d be thrilled. 🙂
It would be lovely to see Blue an Dax together!
Yes, I’ve had longer chapters in the past. Thank you so much for saying that. It means a lot. 🙂
Okay, then! One Dax/Blue post coming up in the near future!
Yay! I love all we’ve been getting on Wednesdays from you ♥ Hopefully, that’s not too much work, this and the chapters.
I’ve really been enjoying having more to write. 🙂 I’m finding as long as I stay ahead of things, it goes all right. If I feel the walls closing in, a Wed might be skipped. LOL