Dear Diary, on our last day in Sunlit Tides, I took my little family to see the house where our story originated. It looked exactly like the photos in the first diary when Memphis Noble had lived there.
“It’s enormous,” Ellie said.
I decided to add a little family history to our day. “Memphis lived here with her older sister Keniesha and their parents. It’s where the girls grew up. But there was a terrible accident and their parents died. Memphis and Keniesha continued to live here as long as they could. When they ran out of money, they moved to Storybrook.”
“Why there?” Bea asked, her nose scrunching up. It was pleasing to me that she was curious since she would continue with the family tradition after me.
“Well, Keniesha was dating a guy named Mango. He had a contract with the baseball team there.”
“And Keniesha’s side of the family is where Chris comes from, right, Dad?”
“That’s right. Keniesha had two daughters. Only one of them had children. But Chris’ line is from them.”
“And what about Memphis? Did she have a boyfriend?”
I smiled at my daughter. “Yes, she sure did. His name was Liev Capra and he was from Storybrook. The house they lived in there, though, isn’t there anymore. It’s a long story that you’ll read soon when I give you the diaries.”
“I hope it’s juicy,” she said with a grin.
“I hope it isn’t!” Ellie added.
“It’s our history, ladies, so it’s important we keep up with it. There are some juicy parts, though. There’s also humor and heartache. Regular things families go through. And extraordinary things, too.”
Before the day ended, we took another long walk around the island. In our private conversations, Ellie liked to compare Sunlit Tides to Winchester. While she’d become accustomed to the idea of Bea living here, she was certain it wouldn’t work out. She wouldn’t tell Bea the “I told you so” stuff that parents often do, we agreed with each other on that. But, according to her, Bea would come right back home.
I would remind Ellie that there was no comparison between the two islands. It was like comparing apples to oranges, they were hardly in the same category. Winchester was stuck centuries behind without common amenities like electricity and running water. The people there lived hard lives working their fields from dusk until dawn. It was a strange place that didn’t take much to visitors and even had their own government. It was one place Rosetta wouldn’t be in charge of.
Sunlit Tides was a vacation destination with every modern convenience imaginable. Real estate was booming, the cars were fancy, and the bars were many.
Bea would have no trouble surviving here. Still, I would worry about her. My heart already felt heavy as if she’d already gone. Was it possible to already miss her even though she hadn’t left yet?
Once we were back home, the cold seeped into us even though winter was at an end. With Spring came windows that were frosty in the early morning and evenings, too. The new season also brought Ellie’s birthday. To me, she didn’t look any different. Her opinion, though, was quite different.
“I’m pretty sure I gained weight on our trip. I had a hard time zipping up my skirt this morning.”
“Let me help you unzip it.”
“Holden, I’m being serious,” she said with a laugh and dismissive wave of her hand.
“I’m being pretty serious, too.”
“You’re being cheeky. And, well, it is pretty charming.”
“I do try,” I cracked as I put my hands on her waist. “You haven’t gained an ounce.”
“But I have!”
“You know what? Good, I’m glad!”
“Holden!”
“It just gives me more to hold onto, baby.”
“You’re incorrigible.”
“If that means I’m going to woo you, then, you’re right!”
“Oh… Holden,” she sighed as my fingers trailed up her blouse to unbutton it. “We – “
” – Shh.” As the silky fabric dropped to the floor, I leaned in, my lips finding hers, my hands behind her now to undo her bra…
Later… uh, much later, I joined Bea in the living room. To my dismay, she was sitting on the couch, entranced by some horror movie.
“Isn’t that scary?”
“Dad-duh!” she exclaimed. “Shhh… this is a good part!”
“What is it?”
“Graveyard Gary, of course.”
“Oh, pardon me,” I said as I sat near her.
“So who is this Graveyard Gary and why do you like him?”
After giving me a withering look, she turned her attention back to the TV. I couldn’t tear my eyes away from her as, over the course of several minutes, her lips tightened, and a crease formed between her eyes. She clasped her hands in a tight grip in front of her and bit her lip as anticipation built.
Listening to the tense music building in the movie, I knew something big was about to happen, so I, too, turned to the TV. Right then, some kind of ghoulish character jumped into the frame and grabbed a girl who was in the bathroom. It didn’t take long before the scene became gruesome and blood flew in every direction, drenching the entire room.
With a loud shriek, Bea came unglued, her feet jumping several inches off the floor and her arms flailing.
“Why are you watching this?” I demanded, averting my eyes from the nauseating display on the screen before me.
Bea giggled a little and continued staring at the screen through her fingers as if that would help.
“Dad, maybe you should go read a book or something. Go run on your treadmill.”
“What?” I asked. Was this pipsqueak really telling me what to do?
“Well, you and mom won’t let me have a TV in my room, so I have to watch this out here. I know you don’t like scary or paranormal things, so I was just trying to help.”
“What?” I repeated. “What do you mean I don’t like scary or paranormal things?”
Finally, she graced me with her full presence, looking me in the eye. “It’s only that Aunt Rosetta told me a long time ago that you don’t like stuff like that, that’s all. I didn’t mean anything by it. You can’t stomach certain things and that’s okay.”
“Oh, Aunt Rosetta said,” I muttered. I wasn’t full on angry but I could feel irritation bubbling under the surface. “I’ll have you know I like plenty of scary movies.”
“Like what?” she challenged.
“Uh, well, like Executing a Crumbcake I – V, for instance.”
“Those are, like, super old! And not even scary! No one watches those!”
As Bea erupted in fits of giggles at my expense, Rosetta and Ellie joined us.
“OMG, Graveyard Gary! I love this movie!” Rosetta said as she and Ellie sat down. “Oh, I missed the part where he slaughters that girl Erica in the bathroom! Classic moment!”
“It just happened, do you want me to rewind it, Auntie?” Bea asked with enthusiasm.
“No, we dare not frighten your dad,” Rosetta said. “He may never ask me to come over again. Besides, I would be much more inventive as Graveyard Gary. He is so inefficient. If he truly despises Erica, he should prolong her suffering. If I were he, I would not use an ax for death comes too quickly. I would use a scalpel and shred her to ribbons just to hear her scream. Then, when I was fully satisfied… the ax.”
Bea held her stomach as she laughed. Rosetta had created such a nauseating picture in my head, I’m sure I was grimacing hard. For the first time, though, I caught my wife looking at Rosetta in a new way, her expression one of shock and consternation.
While Ellie never said anything to us about that night, she did seem more guarded around my sister. They remained close friends and continued working together. But from that moment on, Ellie seemed to understand my side of things better.
“Hey, Buddy,” J.P. greeted as he walked up my driveway.
There was still come crispness in the air but it was going to be warmer today. Although Bea complained about the cold, I found it to be comforting in an odd way. I’d lived in Fortress Rock all my life so, in some ways, I felt like the chill was a part of me. It cleared my head and made me feel alive.
“Hey,” I said.
As usual, J.P. and Jem were common fixtures at our house. Ellie wasn’t as fond of that as I was but I figured that was because Calpurnia never seemed to be with them. As it was, Ellie was home less than I, so I welcomed my friend’s presence.
“I’m heading to the store and wondered if you need anything.”
“That’s nice of you,” I said. “Uh, yeah, we need milk.” I dug in my pocket for some money and handed it to him.
“So, Jem told me that Bea is moving to Sunlit Tides after graduation. I bet that hit you in the gut hard.”
“You have a way with words, J.P. You should’ve been a poet.”
“Am I wrong, though?”
I couldn’t deny it. “You know, she’s gotta do what she thinks is best for her. Ellie and I support her decision one hundred percent. Besides, she’ll be a legal adult, there’s not much we can do about it.”
“What’s she going to do there?”
“Realty,” I said. “She’s going to take a licensing course before she moves. Once she’s licensed, she already has a job lined up with a firm in Sunlit Tides.”
“Wow, I bet you wish you never went on that vacation, huh?”
All I could do was shrug. “Something tells me she would have left Fortress Rock either way. She’s a free spirit. What’s Jem going to do?”
J.P.’s chest puffed up with pride, as well it should have. “He’s going to the Culinary Institute of Granite Bay.”
I couldn’t stop my eyebrow from going up. “I didn’t know he could cook.”
J.P. laughed. “He can’t, that’s why he’s going to a culinary school.”
“Dude – “
” – I’m kidding! Yeah, he likes to cook. He’s shy about it, though, so that’s why you didn’t know I bet.”
“Wow. Well, I’m sure he’ll do great.”
All at once, he hopped around with wild sneezes. At least he covered his face and we were outdoors.
“Man, are you sick?” I asked.
“Nah,” he said, his nose sounding plugged now, “both Jem and I are going crazy with allergies. It’s Spring, you know? We’re getting allergy shots today before we hit the grocery store.”
“Hey, Mr. S,” Jem said as he approached.
“Hi, there. I hear you’re going to culinary school.”
Jem seemed less than enthused as he shrugged and said, “Yeah, I guess so.”
“I hear you’re pretty good.”
Again, he shrugged. “I reckon. Cooking’s okay.”
“We’ve been through this, Jem,” J.P. said over my shoulder. “You have to do something and that’s as good as anything else.”
I couldn’t help but feel for the kid. His green eyes were downcast and he looked so sad.
“What would you want to do if you didn’t do that?” I asked him.
“I dunno. I don’t know what I want to do.”
“So, you’re going to be a chef,” J.P. said with finality.
“Yeah,” Jem said. “I’m going to miss Bea.”
“Well, who knows? Maybe after you get out of school, you can find a chef position in Sunlit Tides? There’s lots of restaurants and pubs there.”
His eyes seemed to brighten a little. “That’s a good idea!”
“Sometimes, on rare occasions, I have those,” I said with a smile.
One month before graduation, Bea and I took a lengthy walk. It was the aimless kind without a real destination. It felt good to spend a last moment alone with her before she became a young adult and left us.
After a time, we found ourselves on a pier. Staring out at the water, it felt like we were at the end of the world and nothing else existed beyond us and this moment.
Throughout most of our meandering, we didn’t speak and didn’t need to. From time to time, one of us would point something out of interest that we saw.
Finally, Bea said, “Do you think I’ll be okay on my own?”
My heart had never felt so tender toward her than it did in that moment. She was still so small and vulnerable. But it was my job to build her up and make her confident even though I wanted to hold her in my arms and keep her home forever.
“You will be. You know how I know?”
“How?”
“Because you are so much like your mom. She’s always been independent. When she was a young adult, she moved here to Fortress Rock by herself.”
“But she knew you.”
“True, but she didn’t even tell me she was here at first because she wanted to see if she could make it on her own. And she did great, just like you will.”
“And, what if I don’t, though? What if I’m broke and hungry and don’t have anywhere to go? What if I fall flat on my face?”
I thought for a minute before answering her, my eyes scanning the water as I thought. What I knew was that I wanted her to succeed. More than anything I’d ever wanted. She needed to know what it was like to do something difficult on her own without her parents’ help.
“Dad?”
Glancing back down at her, I took her hand and gave her fingers a gentle squeeze. “If that happens, you have a choice to make. You decide if you’re going to call us and you know we’ll be there in a heartbeat to get you and bring you home.”
“What’s my other choice?”
“To get back up and try again.”
“What if I can’t do it even after I try again?”
“If it comes to a situation like that, I won’t judge you and neither will your mother. We’re behind you one hundred percent, Chicken.”
We spent the rest of the time in silence, each lost in our own thoughts as we walked the long way back home.
My little girl… my sweet Chicken… who’d been a toddler only yesterday, was going to venture out on her own. She would carry on our long-held family tradition and have experiences of her own that didn’t include me.
It tasted bittersweet on my tongue and I didn’t know what would happen or what she would become. I only knew she would fight for what she wanted. And that was good.
Author’s Note: Hello! I just wanted to say that if it seems my pictures changed again, you are right! lol I reinstated my ReShade but I didn’t like the settings on last weeks chapters. Nuh-uh, blech. So, I changed them and I like them much better this week. Someday, I might even be good at this ReShade thing… just, not yet. 😂😂
One last thing for all who celebrate this week:
Happy Thanksgiving from my family to yours!
As always, thank you for reading, liking, lurking, and commenting,
It’s hard to believe Holden’s generation is coming to an end. So much has happened, and he’s come such a long way. Now it’s almost time to pass the torch, and I’m feeling a little sad. I will miss Holden, but I’m looking forward to the next adventure.
Rosetta is being super creepy again. Man, she really wigs me out at times. LOL! It seems like she rubs off on Bea quite a bit, and I hope it’s not going to be to Bea’s detriment.
By the way, I always thought it was too bad that Holden wasn’t very receptive to the paranormal. Me and my supernatural heart want to shake him a little. LOL! I adore him, but I hate to see him so closed minded about that. In that way, Rosetta is right on.
I feel bad for Jem. It’s not easy being forced into doing something you don’t want to do, but I hope he will either grow into culinary or find something he really wants to do.
I loved the heart to heart Holden had with Bea, as well as the throwback to Memphis. I do miss her, and it’s so nice that they have this history to look back on. It seems so long ago that I was reading about Memphis and yet, it seems like just yesterday, too. I guess I’m feeling a little nostalgic. Even so, my favorite is Leo and oh man, I still miss him so much! 😩
I still miss Holden. I really loved him and Rosetta (even if she gave most people the creeps LOL).
Rosetta does rub off on Bea to an extent, but perhaps not as much as I first thought.
I can totally see why you say that regarding Holden and the paranormal. I had another request recently for that in the future as well, so you are not alone. 🙂 I will see what I can do.
I feel for Jem, too. It’s definitely not easy to be forced into a career when you’re not sure about it.
I couldn’t wait to be in Sunlit Tides and see Memphis and Keniesha’s house again. 😀 I felt nostalgic, too.
There was this show called “Beyond Reality” where these two professors studied paranormal events and such. I found it on Amazon Prime and have been watching it to get my supernatural fix in when I wasn’t playing Sims. LOL! Yay! Future paranormal stuff – can’t wait! 😀
I’ve often wondered how it might have been had Holden and Rosetta worked together in that area and if he’d been more receptive. I have to lauh because he’d probaby be pretty wigged out if he ever made contact with my VERY supernatural family in Forever in Time. 😀
I loved Memphis and Keniesha’s old house. 🙂 Just curious – did it come with Sunlit Tides or did you have one built for the story?
I’m already working it into Generation 7! Eep! We’ll see if it works out. 😀
Holden would have totally been wigged out. hahaha That incident with the monster from childhood ruined him. haha
The original Noble house came from Sunlit Tides but for this generation, I totally gutted the inside and redid it. lol I didn’t mess with the outside structure at all because me and roofs… well, we don’t get along.
Seeing Memphis’s house really gave me a shot of nostalgia! Those good old days.
I can never understand why people love watching horror movies! And Rosetta always creeps me out whenever she opens her mouth, Bea might find it funny but knowing what Rosetta is capable of, it’s not funny at all. I’m glad Ellie is at least sensing the very real dark side of Rosetta instead of blindly defending her. I wonder what would happen if Rosetta’s secret doings came into light.
I feel sorry for Jem, being pushed into something he doesn’t want to do — but doing nothing isn’t a good alternative. Perhaps cooking school will help sharpen his vision. And Bea is definitely on the other side of the spectrum. Moving to a new place by herself at such a young age is a brave move, and I can’t blame her for having worries despite her ambition. I think she’ll be okay. Her spirit is fiery, like her mother!
Thank you so much, Lila 🙂 I felt the same way when I saw Memphis’ old house. I can’t wait for you to see it in Gen 6! 😀
LOL @ horror movies. I love them myself. Or, rather, I love spooky ghost stories, not so much the gory movies. Anyway, Rosetta is still so creepy. haha You’re right that Bea may think it’s funny now, but she has no idea what her aunt is really capable of. That’s a good question about what would happen if Rosetta’s secrets came out. Whoa! haha
I feel for Jem, too. But you’re right that it’s better to do something than nothing. Perhaps he’ll enjoy it, or maybe, like you said, it will spark the desire for something else.
I think Bea will be okay, too. 😀
She has so many questions for a young adult to be as if she’s not ready yet, compared to all teenagers that are exciting to be an adult, Béa seems scared to be a little bit.
I think you might be right about Bea. Perhaps she feels like she’s growing up too fast. 🙂
Yes that’s what I felt reading about her worries about the future. Perhaps she is also a bit anxious because Holden was accidented and he did not interacted as he wanted with her chicken.
That’s another good thought. I think you definitely could be right about that.
Oh my psy/shrink following help me to understand lol.
❤❤❤❤
I admit that I’m happy Ellie finally saw a bit more of Rosetta’s dark side. As the generation has gone on, I’ve found myself liking her less and less!
What a good father/daughter talk. I think Bea will be alright. One way or another, she’ll get where she needs to be. I wonder what Jem really wants though – her, by the sounds of it..
I’m glad Ellie saw that side of Rosetta, too. I can totally understand why you find yourself not liking her. I think Holden will be key in keeping her from a dictatorship or something else awful.
I think Bea will be all right, too, you’re right. And, yes, what does Jem want? You just might be right about that! 😀
Wow, first of all, so many funny parts in this chapter! The “juicy” part had me rolling, as did Rosetta’s graphic description of torture… lol! I just imagined everyone except Bea just freaking out lmao! XD Of course, we all know she’s really capable of something like that, and I bet if Bea knew, she wouldn’t find it so hilarious! :/
But this chapter had so many emotional moments too, especially that last scene. Holden is such a great dad… building his daughter’s confidence while he knows he could make her stay home forever with just one word!
I’m sure Jem will go to Sunlit Tides to find Bea eventually, and I’m so looking forward to their reunion! 😀
That was such a great chapter Kymber! <3 And wow, it was the penultimate one. It will be sad to let Holden’s story go, but I’m so thrilled for Bea’s one! I’m sure it will amazing! 😀
Thank you so much. I’m really having a difficult time letting Holden go, although I’m excited to follow Bea along her adventure.
I’m so glad you enjoyed this chapter. Rosetta kills me so bad. LOL I think you’re right about Bea and if she would find it hilarious if she knew the truth about what her aunt is capable of.
I think you’re right that Jem will one day find his way to Sunlit Tides to find Bea. I’m looking forward to their reunion, too. 😀 😀
I hope Bea’s story is amazing! lol 😀 I will do my best. I’m looking forward to it a lot.
“It was one place Rosetta wouldn’t be in charge of.” Ah, so there is somewhere to escape to when her rule becomes a dictatorship. XD
I think Ellie’s being hard on Bea. She did something similar when she was young, and I think she should put more faith in Bea. It will be hard, but I think she’ll figure it out and be very happy.
I’m glad Ellie is starting to wise up about Rosetta. Her description was pretty horrifying. If one of my friends said that, I’d think it was a joke, but Rosetta doesn’t really joke around. Of course, from when Rosetta went after Holden’s shooter, we know it’s completely true. O_O
Oh I also meant to say I like JP less and less every time we see him. It’s so unfair for Jem to have his life decided for him. Hardly anybody knows at 18 what they really want. >:(
Happy Thanksgiving! I love that Snoopy gif 😀
Yes! That’s a good observation regarding Winchester and Rosetta’s reach. 😀 I laughed at “dictatorship” but, really, that’s not a farfetched thought when it comes to our dear leader.
Ellie needs to remember, as you said, that she once left home and came to Fortress Rock by herself. And she did just fine, working and going to school. I think Bea will be just fine, too.
It’s nice to see Ellie begin to understand what Holden’s been saying all their married life about Rosetta. lol I like what you said about what Rosetta did to Ella Dean after she had Holden shot. We definitely know that Rosetta is not beneath some revenge killing.
Happy Thanksgiving 🍁
I get more excited for Bea’s generation with each passing chapter! She has her reasonable doubts about how the move will go, but I think she’ll pull through and have an adventure of her own. Hopefully her and Jem will keep in contact 🙂
Thank you! Thanksgiving was great here although it took me away from the internet longer than I’d intended. lol
I’m so glad you’re excited for Bea’s generation. I think she’ll pull off this move, too. I also think she and Jem will be in contact as well. 😀
Time sure flies. So much to look forward to.
It sure does go by fast. Thank you so much. 🙂
Wow, did Holden’s life go quickly!! And it was an amazing chapter in the family legacy, too! I do hope Bea doesn’t get upset when she reads about her dad’s love for Fletcher, and has an understanding heart. She will have her own growing pains to live through as a young adult in a town where she is on her own, and I can’t wait to see what shenanigans she gets into! I feel sorry for Jem, he’s being pushed in a direction he’s unsure of. I kind of just see him and Bea as ‘brother and sister’ friends, but I may be wrong – only the author knows for sure!! =D I love the way Holden and Ellie act together, he is such a charmer! ♥ I think it would be hilarious to see Rosetta make a trip to Winchester for political reasons, and have to deal with (or try to!!) the latest St. Cyr female leader!! That would be quite a clash of personalities!! lol I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving, Kymber, and I am thankful for your great stories!! =)
Holden’s life did seem to go fast for me, too. I’m so glad you liked the chapter. 🙂 I’m not sure how Bea will react to Holden’s past but his diary is full of things she doesn’t know. lol I can’t wait to see what Bea does, too. I hope her gen is full of fun! I kind of feel the same way about Jem and Bea, too, but we’ll definitely be finding out. lol
You’re right, Holden really is a charmer. haha
I love your idea of Rosetta going to Winchester to deal with the St. Cyr heir! That is hilaious and awesome! 😀
Awe, what a sweet chapter. So many feels. <3 <3 <3
It is sweet that Rosetta and Bea seem really close (since I remember how Rosetta first reacted to the idea of children). But her talking about torturing someone seemed a bit out of left field.
I am sad that Holden’s story is coming to an end, but I am so excited to read all about Bea’s adventure in Sunlit Tides.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the chapter. ❤ Here’s the thng with Rosetta and her little monologue there… She just likes horror movies and so she was just logically telling them the flaw she saw in Graveyard Gary’s technique. lol Of course, that’s not how it came off. 😂
Yes. Knowing Rosetta it makes total sense that she would explain a more efficient way of doing things. This just happens to be about murder. 😁
LOL Yes! haha 😀
It kind of feels like Jem isn’t so into the culinary arts. It’s ok though, some people take time to figure things out. I kind of wish Ellie had more confidence in her daughter. Bea will be just fine.
I think Jem is overwhelmed with the huge decision of figuring out what he wants to do. I agree that not everyone knows right away what direction to go in. I think Ellie is trying to comfort herself into thinking Bea will be right back home. lol I agree that Bea will be fine. 😀
I loved the throwback in the beginning of this chapter getting to see Memphis’s house and hearing Holden give Bea a little family history lesson. It made me nostalgic!
Jem reminds me of my younger brother. My parents also decided what he would go to school for because he can’t decide what he wants to do for the rest of his life, and also, I believe he just wants to please our parents. I would give Jem the same advice I gave my brother. Figure out what you want to do, then do it. If you are only going to culinary school to make your dad happy, you won’t stick to it long because it’s not something you enjoy doing. Do what makes you happy and your parents will just be glad that you are happy! And if culinary school ends up being something Jem enjoys that’s great too. 🙂
Rosetta is just so dang creepy. I don’t like the effect she has on Bea at all. I would be worried too if I was Holden and Ellie! Though honestly I would be the parent to pull my sibling aside and tell them not to talk that way around my kid if they want to be in their life lol.
I’m so glad you enjoyed seeing Memphis’ old house. It really makes me nostalgic, too.
That is excellent advice you gave your brother and something good for Jem to know, too. I do think J.P. and Calpurnia would be happy to see Jem happy. 🙂
Rosetta can be creepy, for sure. I thought Ellie and Holden should have followed your suggestion and perhaps tld Rosetta not to talk around Bea like that. But I think that was the first time Ellie really saw that kind of thing. She’s always seen Rosetta’s supportive, professional side. Although I’m not sure how Ellie hasn’t caught glimpses od the dark side before.
What a great Dad Holden is, and what a scary aunt Rosetta is!
LOLOLOL! My feelings exactly! 😂😂😂
I loved this passage:
“I hope it’s juicy,” she said with a grin.
“I hope it isn’t!” Ellie added.
“It’s our history, ladies, so it’s important we keep up with it. There are some juicy parts, though. There’s also humor and heartache. Regular things families go through. And extraordinary things, too.”
It was such nice, brief moment that accomplished so many things. First, it served as a nice admonishment to Ellie. I know he wasn’t scolding her directly, but I think it was partly directed at her. She’s doing her mom thing and trying to shield her baby from all the bad stuff, but the fact is, bad stuff exists right there in their own family and Ellie can’t and shouldn’t steer Bea away from it. (gasp) I wonder how Bea will react when she reads about her dad’s past! How will she take him sleeping with men? Does Ellie know? I know she doesn’t know (and doesn’t want to know) all of his past. Anyway, I’m getting off track lol. Secondly, this was a nice little moment for us readers too. You and I often discuss legacy stories and how varied they are. Some are traditional and stick to a set of rules while others are very plot driven and are more like a story of a family that just so happens to span 10 generations. This story is like that, and even though I don’t need to see the traditional legacy bits in this story, they are nice to see from time to time. I’m not sure if you did this on purpose, but this passage is very similar to the passing the torch moments that occur so much in traditional legacy stories. I always called mine “the heir talk” lol.
It was one place Rosetta wouldn’t be in charge of.
I’m dead! LOL It’s so true though. She won’t even go there!
Even after all this time, I still find it amazing that I can’t settle on who Holden favors more! Sometimes, he looks like Xalen Jr. while other times I’m like, man, that is Marty’s kid right there lol. That first picture of him looks like Marty’s son. How is old Marty?
Holden and Ellie remind me of Jonathan and Skyla sometimes! 😀
Graveyard Gary?? Executing a Crumbcake?! LOL I can’t breathe. It’s about time Ellie opened her eyes lol.
Ooooh, Jem doesn’t want to cook, eh? Interesting. Oh boy. Somehow I feel like Holden is going to regret planting the idea of Jem moving to Sunlit Tides to be with Bea lol. Or, maybe he won’t. Maybe he’ll like that she won’t be alone.
I love Holden’s advice to Bea! I could feel that he probably wanted to tell her they’ll come get here, but he chose to encourage her instead. Great dad moment!
Oh wait!! This is chapter 29! This generation felt so long and was such a roller coaster, but now that I realize it’s almost done I’m not ready LOL. Oooh, when Bea gets the journals, I wonder how she’ll feel about learning her mother’s real thoughts on her future plans, he he he.
Ugh, I hate when my spaces don’t show! lol
I hate that, too! I can’t figure out why it doesn’t space out right. 😤😡
I love what you said about that passage. You very much hit everything on the head. I was wondering how Bea would handle learning about her dad’s life, too. lol I have even toyed with the idea of Holden “forgetting” to give her his diary. haha I can’t do that, though, because in all honesty, I don’t think he cares if she knows. I’ve never decided if Ellie knew or not, but I’m thinking no.
I like having the “heir talk,” too! lol I think it’s good to wrap things up like this. I still can’t believe only one chapter left!
Rosetta and Winchester? I think she can’t be bothered. haha
I had to go back and look at the first pic again. He does remind me of Marty there! And here I thought he was all Xalen.
I have no idea how old Marty is. 😳😵 I’m so bad at their ages.
Jem doesn’t know if he wants to cook or not. He’s completely overwhelmed with the decision. I think Holden hasn’t thought ahead with that suggestion to Jem. hahahaha
I’m glad you loved Holden’s advice to Bea. You’re so right that he really would rather just come and get her if there’s a problem.
Oh my goodness! That’s a good question! I hadn’t thought of how Bea will react. Probably not good! 😳😵
I could totally see Holden not caring if Bea knows because it’s so normal to him and he’s so free spirited.
In an alternate universe where I am the director, Winchester would be the little unguarded back door no one knew about that let in the rebels (who are actually heroes lol) that finally take her down, tee hee hee. 😀
No, I said how IS old Marty lol.
I can see Bea being a little perturbed at her mother’s feelings and it causing a little trouble, he he he.
OMG! I like your direction! They did tolerate Mango after all! lol You are brilliant!!
Oh! Doh! She is fine. 😛 haha
Yes, I can see that as well. 😀
That was a sweet chapter full of sweet and scary moments…. the tenderness and love between Holden and Ellie is still strong.❤️ I’m so glad and also glad that she has a whole new appreciation for why Holden is creeped out by his sister. That may come in handy in the future, especially given how much Bea is influenced by her…..it scares me more than a little. 😳
I also wonder if Bea and Jem will find their way back to each other in the future either as friends or maybe even lovers. I don’t want to say goodbye to Holden but I am looking forward to Bea!
And your pictures are lovely! I don’t know what reshade is supposed to do, but they look lovely as always! ❤️
Thank you so much, Audrey! I really worry about my pics as I often feel like they don’t measure up to the ideas I have for them in my head. lol I’m glad you like them.
Ellie and Holden are on the same page and have really grown together again. I think the vacation did them wonders. Rosetta’s input on murder also helped put Ellie on Holden’s page where she’s concerned. lol Bea has definitely been influenced by her aunt. The future will show us how much or how little that matters.
TBH, Bea and Jem are currently up in the air for me. They really get along in game and seem to adore one another, but no decisions have been made regarding them yet. I’m curious to see who she meets in Sunlit Tides, too.
I’m so glad you’re looking forward Bea’s generation. I have some nice ideas in store for her. 😀 I want her generation to be on the lighthearted side for the most part.
That will be fun! I like Bea and her attitude about doing things on her own. I think Holden instilled that in her. He’s a good father and look how much he accomplished agains all odds.
I think you’re right that Holden instilled that in her. I’m so proud of him, too.
I loved the relaxing nature of this chapter. It’s so chill. Especially Bea and Holden’s walk. Their relationship is so special and wonderful 🙂
Wow, Rosetta really is a piece of work, though I’m glad she at least has her fondness for her family and that they’ve instilled some general goodness in her. Otherwise, her being Leader of the Free World would be terrible!
I’m getting more and more excited for Bea’s generation. I still don’t know what to make of her, except that she’s such a special young lady. She really is courageous, and I think she’s going to be very special to follow around 😀
I could tell your pics were a bit different this time, and I think they look really lovely. They’re great and colourful and refreshing to look at 🙂 I’m also digging the pumpkins in your layout! 😀 This was so great and I’m excited for what comes in the last chapter of this gen (30 is the last, right?).
I think we’ve had enough drama to warrant some chill chapters. hahaha
I think Holden has his work cut out for him regarding keeping Rosetta in line while she leads the free world! lol I think her “reign” could go either way at this point.
I’m so glad you’re excited for Bea’s generation. I’m really looking forward to it myself. I hope she will be just as special as you imagine she is. 😀
Thank you so much for letting me know what you think of the pics. I often feel I need opinions on the matter since I don’t think they look right. LOL I think I’ll keep these settings for now since they seemed to work well on the island, too.
I’m also glad you like the pumpkins! 😀 I wasn’t going to, but at the last minute decided to “decorate” for Thanksgiving. I can’t wait to put up my Christmas decorations, too! lol I’m feeling very festive this year.
Yes, the next chapter is the last of this gen! 😳😵 We are almost there!
Oh, you went back to ReShade. I’ve been considering doing this, but for now, I’m quite satisfied with the way my pictures look.
It was a lovely throwback to Memphis and Bea will find out all about her story soon. And I do think there’s a lot she doesn’t know about her dad and will have a chance to find out about.
Rosetta is being creepy again. Oh my… It’s quite frightening how much of an influence on Bea she might have. What will this lead to?
I’m sorry that Jem is being forced into something by his father. I hope he’ll eventually warm up to culinary or better – choose something he wants to do!
I love the little heart-to-heart between Holden and Bea. Goodness, can’t believe it’s nearly the end of his gen…
You’ve considered going to the dark side? 😀 Honestly, I think your pics are so lovely. I’d be curious if ReShade actually added anything to them as I find them quite nice without it.
I really feel like I’ve come home, seeing the house Memphis began her story in. I’m looking forward to Bea finding out more about the family’s past, especially her dad. haha
Yes, Rosetta can’t keep the creepy part of herself at bay 24/7, especially since she thinks she’s perfectly normal. No, better than normal. She thinks she’s superior. lol That’s a good question about her influence on Bea and what that might mean in the future for Bea.
I can understand why Jem’s future is being laid out before him since he’s so unsure what he wants to do. But at the same time, I hope if he finds he doesn’t like the culinary path, he’ll figure out what he does like and pursue that instead. It would be sad if he resented his family for making him go in this direction.
I’m really loving Bea and Holden’s relationship. I can’t believe we’re nearly done with Gen 5, too. There’s only one chapter left! 😳😵
Yes. I had it installed once but DOF didn’t work for me and I considered reinstalling it and checking to see if it’ll work. I like it when it’s not too strong. I’ve been watching TV lately and liked how there’s a strong blur of background in the close-up. I’ve been wondering if it’d look good for my story. For now, I’m experimenting a lot with Photoscape and am really liking the effects it offers, especially how light and sharp I can make the pictures look.
Yes, so much nostalgia!
Lol, Sam thought he was superior, too. And that other people were wrong, not him!
Keeping my fingers crossed that Jem will find out what he wants to do with his life!
I love it, too. Such a daddy’s girl, a bit like Blue!
I definitely think Photoscape is working well for you because your pics are so good.
Nostalgia is my middle name! LOL
Yes, Sam definitely thought he was superior, too. He and Rosetta are similar in some ways, for sure. She wouldn’t dream of wondering if she’s wrong or not. lol