Part 1: Jarah Seaforth
Dear Diary, we’ve met before, but this is my first official entry into the family legacy diary, so let me introduce myself. I’m Kara Poe, twenty-three years old, and graduated from university with a degree in psychology. I waited until after uni to write so I could concentrate on my studies. If you know me and my grades, you’ll see I didn’t need any distractions in order to pass my classes.
I was loathe to continue school, even though my parents thought perhaps I should aim for a doctorate. But then, an opportunity arose I couldn’t refuse.
Remember my friend Bram Seaforth? We’d been in touch over the years, mostly by phone since he’s blind. Well, he knew how much I hated school, and he offered to hire me as a counselor for his younger half-brother, Jarah. (I didn’t know he had a younger half-brother either!)
My parents were out-of-town visiting one of my brothers at his school. I arrived at the teen center early the same morning my plane landed back in my hometown. As I gazed at the building, several emotions fought for attention.
I spent part of my own teenage years in this facility. This was the place where I learned everything other kids take for granted. Living in the isolation my father had imposed on me since toddler-hood put me behind other children in every way. Even now, years later, I feel a mixture of love and anger when I think of my real dad.
Once inside, the security guard buzzed me in, and I followed the familiar halls to find Dr. Sweetwater who had taken over for Dr. Fellowes when she retired.
After our introductions, she brought me to the dayroom to meet Jarah.
What I found there was a boy, facing the wall, his head slumped forward slightly, his back to me.
“This is Jarah Seaforth?”
Dr. Sweetwater nodded. “Yes. He’s been a resident here on more than one occasion. After you meet him, I’ll show you where you can read his file.”
I knew better than to approach any of the residents from behind, so instead, I walked the long way around the couch and met him face on.
“Hi, Jarah. My name is Kara Poe, and I’m a friend of your brother’s.”
His eyes didn’t meet mine, nor did he acknowledge me in any other visible way. I wondered if he was deep in thought, or if he was aware of his surroundings?
“When you come home, I’ll be there to help you out. I hope we can be friends.”
For a fleeting moment, I thought he was listening to me. It was in the way the fingertips on his left hand moved ever so slightly. This gave me the encouragement I needed, and I smiled.
“Introductions can be hard,” I told him, “and that’s okay. But I’m here for you. I’m your advocate, and I will be your friend. In time, you will see you can trust me.”
Part 2: The Garden
When I got to the Seaforth mansion, I buzzed in, but was careful not to touch the gold and black fence. Every time I had in the past, an overwhelming sense of sadness gripped me until I couldn’t breathe. Sometimes that happens when I touch something. Other times, it’s as if I’m in other people’s heads. I can’t hear their thoughts, but I can tell what they’re feeling, or what they might be thinking.
For the longest time, I thought everyone was like me because it was so natural. It wasn’t until university I realized hardly anyone is like me. I don’t think it’s because I’m special, though, I think it’s because most people don’t realize they can do this.
Once Jeeves (I still don’t know his proper name, how rude I am!) buzzed me through the gate, I followed my senses. Bram knew I’d be coming over, and the garden we’d built together was our special place. It made sense that’s where he would be, waiting.
As I approached, I saw him standing inside the little picket fence. My heart went right into my throat. It wasn’t just how handsome he was. I mean, yes, it was that. I guess what I really mean is, I didn’t realize how much I missed him until I saw the shock of dark hair against his fair skin.
My eyes filled with tears as he turned his head slightly.
“Finally!” he said.
Without even tripping, he hurried down the row of plants, through the gate, and into my waiting arms. As soon as his arms encircled me, I knew I was home. My hot tears brushed the side of his face, and I kissed his cheek which now tasted salty.
“Hey, now,” he said, his voice a gentle drawl, “what’s with the tears?”
“I’m just so glad to see you.”
With a calloused hand, he cupped my face, his thumb wiping the tears away from under one eye.
“I’ve missed you so much,” he said, his voice breathy now.
I was ready, and hoping, for a kiss, but he stepped away, and said, “I can’t thank you enough for coming to help my brother.”
Trying to hide my disappointment, I turned to the business at hand. “I met him at the youth center. He wasn’t very talkative.”
Bram frowned. “No, he doesn’t speak a lot, never has. My father and his mother are divorced, and he’s lived with his mother since. She’s getting remarried and sent him here last year. He keeps running away. The last time he took off, the police took him to the center, and family court ordered inpatient counseling.”
“Now he’s being released, and you need me.”
He smiled, the worry draining from his face. “Yes, I need you.”
Part 3: Passion Ensues
After a quick lunch, we settled onto the sofa in the living room. Right away, to my delight, Bram pulled me into his arms. Wherever his fingers brushed my sensitive skin, it tingled. It was like his presence was bringing me to life; as if I’d not been fully awake before.
“So, who all lives here?” I asked. “Seems like fifty people could fit without bumping into each other too much.”
He chuckled. “My father lives here officially, but is away most of the time. You’ll know if he comes home because everything gets super formal around here. Then, there’s my older half-sister Sloan. She’s newly divorced, so she and her daughter have been staying here.”
“Oh, you have another sibling?”
“Yeah, my father has been married three times. My mom was his second wife.”
“And, where is she?”
I could sense something in him closing or tightening. Like a door shutting. He didn’t want to talk about her. But he said, “Who knows?”
“I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay. Oh, um, Sloan’s daughter is named Zayday, and she’s seven years old. She’s got the cutest little voice.”
He smiled when he said that, and it warmed my heart. “Do you want children someday?”
“Yes, I do,” he said. “The only problem is that my father doesn’t think I’ll ever amount to anything.”
“That’s terrible.”
“I can see why he thinks that, but he’s never given me a real chance to prove myself.”
“What is it you want to do?” I couldn’t believe I’d never asked him that. Perhaps I was as bad as his dad.
“I want to be a writer. I’ve taken some culinary courses, and would like to put together a cookbook. But my father thinks I shouldn’t be seen let alone heard.”
My nostrils flared and my muscles quivered. “That’s ridiculous! You can do anything you want!”
He tilted his head back and drummed his fingers lightly on my arm. “For sure, I agree. You know what? I’m going to work on it, no matter what he thinks.”
“That’s my man,” I laughed.
“Well, I should show you where you’re going to stay.”
He stood, then held his hand out for me to take.
We went to the second floor, where he ran the fingers of his free hand along the wainscoting on the wall as we walked. He stopped at a large double door, opening it, then standing back to let me pass through first.
My heart froze for a second, then began pounding hard.
“I think you’ve made a mistake. This can’t be for me.”
His brows went up. “Really? I know this house like the back of my hand. White paneling, balcony, white bed with curtains-“
“-Yes, this is it, then,” I said, letting out a slow breath.
Taking my hand again, he pulled me further into the room, then embraced me with those strong arms. When he spoke, his hot breath made my cheeks rosy.
“Kara… I’ve longed to be with you again.”
My fingers trembled as I felt the tight muscles of his back.
With a slow deliberation, he brushed his lips against mine. All at once, my stomach felt empty except for the butterflies that always fluttered when he was near. As he kissed me, I wondered if he could feel how hard my heart was beating. I sighed, closing my eyes when his tongue found mine.
With a reluctance we could both feel, he stepped back. I wanted to scream for him to continue what he was doing, but instead waited to see what he would say.
“Kara, I’ve wanted you for the longest time, but if you’re not ready or don’t want me the same way, I understand.”
It was the sweetest, craziest thing anyone had ever said to me.
In response, I pulled him toward me, and continued the kiss I was already missing so much. What happened next felt like a dream. We couldn’t get our clothes off fast enough. without speaking, it was if we had the same mind, with the same wants.
For someone who once swore she’d never do this because it seemed too shocking and disgusting… well, I’m glad I did.
Part 4: Is it Love?
I understand what it means now when someone says they are floating on air. It is an interesting state that left me giddy inside. Bram didn’t seem much better, and I learned this was the first time either of us had done anything like that before. I’m glad we were each other’s firsts because neither of us had any reason to judge the other. Not that I would.
We were freshly dressed for dinner, and in the family room.
Jeeves (?) had lit a wonderful fire, that drew me just like it might a moth. I stood there, basking in the warmth.
“Kara,” Bram said.
He was standing next to me, so close, I could smell his aftershave and shampoo.
“Hm?” I asked, taken by the fire dancing in front of me.
He paused for so long, I didn’t think he had anything to say after all.
Finally, he said, “I love you, Kara. With every fiber of my being, I love you.”
My mouth fell open slightly, and my skin tingled all over again. I felt breathless as tears filled my eyes, threatening to spill down my cheeks.
“I love you, too, Bram. With all my heart.”
Notes:
Thank you to Bee (Stories by Bee, Poses by Bee) who made both Bram and Jarah! Thank you, Bee!
And, thank you, friends, for reading this and continuing with this story for so long. I’m both excited and scared for when Generation 10 rolls around and Noble Doubt ends. Eep!
I hope you like Kara’s story. It’s going to be different!
Hugs to all,
I just love how Kara and Bram’s relationship is developing. They’re a really sweet couple. Kara has a lot to learn about his family though. I hope Bram’s father doesn’t cause problems between them.
Thank you, Heather 🙂 I”m so glad you love how their relationship is developing. You’re right that Kara has a lot to learn about his family.
You’ll meet dear old dad very soon. 😀
I just spent 30 minutes browsing your site. Good grief you have a lot of great writing!
Wow! Thank you, Jacqui 🙂
It’s so sweet that Kara and Bram kept their romance going despite the distance. That’s a sign that the feelings are true. I’m excited to see more of them together.
Thank you so much, Violincat 🙂 I think you’re right that Kara and Bram’s feelings are true. I”m glad you like them together. 😀
Hmm I wonder about what happened to Jarah to make him this way. Hopefully there’s no dark family secret or something… I can’t wait to see if Kara has similar powers to Rosetta!
Thank you, Raymond 🙂 That’s a good question about Jarah. Answers are coming up soonish. I like the comparison of Kara/Rosetta. Answers to that coming up soon, too! 🙂
LOL ” it seemed too shocking and disgusting” had me rolling .. this gen is not a slow starter that is for sure!
Thank you, Lisa 🙂 No, it’s not going to start of slow at all. hahaha
Kara is an adult now, yay! I didn’t know they were even an item lol. I hope they live a long life together and have lots of babies. 🙂
Sorry I’ve been MIA. I’ve been dealing with a lot and I haven’t even worked on any of my stories in awhile. :/ I’m looking forward to reading more!
Thank you, Stormy ❤️ Yes, I hope Bram and Kara have a long life together, too. But we’ll see what happens. 😀
I hope everything is going better for you now and that you’re able to return to the things you enjoy. ❤️
I’m not late to the party, I’m making a memorable entry. 😉
I am loving Kara so much. I also started out as a psychology major, but I too loathed the idea of so much school. It was my cousin that suggested that I become a nurse.
I have a suspicion that the hair is not the only thing that Kara has in common with Rosetta. And speaking of Rosetta, I am still dying to see the conclusion to the mystery surrounding that box of hers.
Thank you so much 🙂 I think memorable entrances are the best! 😀
I’m so glad you love Kara. I really want her to be different than the other heirs. She kind of has the potential of Rosetta, as you mentioned, but without the self-serving, know it all thing going on. lol We’ll see if she reaches her potential or not, that’s for sure.
YAY for your cousin suggesting nursing. How many times have we stepped in as counselors? 🙂
The mystery will continue very, very soon! 😀
Zayday… talk about weird names. Poor kid must have a hard time in school. That aside, I feel this story is going to be a sweet romance – please let me be right!
LOL! Thank you, Jina 🙂 I’m sorry for my late reply. Family stuff again. 🙂
Zayday is such a weird name. I could’t think of anything fitting, so she is named after one of my favorite characters in a TV show, Zayday Williams. lol Hopefully, she isn’t bullied.
I think you might be right about the sweet romance. 🙂 I’m trying to take it easy on how mean I can get in this generation. 😀
Is it weird that my inner Clinical Psychologist-wannabe is jealous of Kara getting to be a counsellor? 😂
I am so glad she & Bram kept in touch – it sounds like it could – fingers crossed – be the much-anticipated Happily Ever After!! ♥
Caz xx
Thank you, Caz 🙂 I’m sorry for my late reply. Family stuff again. 🙂
No, I don’t think that’s weird. It’s through these stories I get to do all the things I will never be able to. 😀 If that makes sense. lol
I’m really glad she and Bram kept in touch, too. Wouldn’t it be nice if they had a happily ever after? I’ll try very hard not to be too mean. 🙂 xoxo
Oh, I really like Kara already – despite what she’s been through, she grew up to be a warm-hearted, level-headed young lady. And so pretty! <3 That ability of hers is very interesting btw, and I wonder how it will play out during her story!
She and Bram are so, so adorable together! <3 I hope nothing clouds their happiness (or, at least, nothing *too* tragic – it is a legacy after all)! 🙂
Thank you so much 🙂 I’m sorry for my late reply. Family stuff again. 🙂
I’m so glad you like Kara already! I’m really striving for her to be different. Her ability is going to play a huge part in her story. 😀 Exciting things coming right up! lol
I love Kara and Bram together, so I’m glad you do, too. I plan on taking it pretty easy on Kara in the romance department. After everything she has been through already, I don’t think I can bring myself to be too mean. LOLOL
Chapter one and we’re already here! What devious plots do you have up your sleeve?! Let legacy sims be happy 2k19!! (Says me, oops).
Jeeves (?) makes me chuckle every time.
What a big house to be isolated in, though. I wonder what it’llbe like when his father comes back into town. I can’t imagine he’ll be very kind to kara somehow. Oh, and I so hope she can get through to theyounger brother but I’m sure it’ll be quite a hard thing to do.
Thank you so much, Carys 🙂 I’m sorry for my late reply. Family stuff again. 🙂
Devious plots indeed! LOLOL There’s so much to do and only 30 chapters to do it in. 😀 😀
Hahaha about Jeeves (?). Jess said in her comment she would think it’s hilarious if we never know his name. LOL
Oh, when daddy comes back to town, everything in that house changes and it’s a pain in the tush, let me tell you. LOL You just might be right about his attitude toward Kara.
Kara really wants to help Jarah but as you mentioned, it is going to be difficult.
So we’re just diving right on in, eh? OK! LOL
I hope Kara never learns the butler’s name LOL. I think seeing “Jeeves(?)” for the next 30 chapters will make me smile. 😀
Zayday? His sister must be a real piece of work. Actually, his whole family sounds like a piece of work LOL.
As my version of Penny Pizzazz would say, “Kara Poe! I’m tellin your mama! Out here tryna be grown!” LOL 😛 Good for her.
Thank you, Jess 🙂 I’m sorry for my late reply. Family stuff again. 🙂 But you know all about that. Girl, I’m so tired. LOL
And, yes! We’re diving right in. LOL
OMG that would be hilarious if Kara calls the Butler Jeeves (?) from now on. hahaha
Yes, Zayday! lol I really liked this show and one of the best characters was Zayday Williams. lol She was awesome. And, yeah, your assumptions about the family are right on track! haha
LOLOL I love the last part of your comment. hahahaha
And we’re off and running! 🙂
I think psychology is a great career choice for Kara. If anyone “gets it,” she certainly does. Hell, she’s been to the dark side.
I love that she has these “feelings,” but she sells herself short in her views of herself. I think Lenora would have something to say about that. 😀
Awww, so the “L” word came up, and Kara proved herself wrong about doing it and it being disgusting. Hmmm…makes me wonder if they used protection though. A baby this early on wouldn’t be good for their relationship, I don’t believe.
And speaking of their relationship, there’s a lot of unanswered questions. Kara doesn’t know much about Bram or his family, and I believe there’s a lot that needs to come out if the relationship is to survive. He needs to open up about his past because if she finds out these secrets from someone else, there would be serious problems. Plus, the Rosetta mystery is still hanging in the air, which needs to be sorted out.
Hmmm…I wonder if there’s more to Jarah’s case than Bram is saying. I have a hunch something, really, awfully nasty happened and that’s why the poor kid is half catatonic.
Ah…lots to learn…lots to learn.
Thank you so much, Sharon 🙂 I’m sorry for my late reply. Family stuff again. 🙂 I’m still planning on sending out that email, but I’m so exhausted right now. lol Miss our chatty emails.
I’m glad it makes sense Kara would choose psychology. If only she liked school. hahaha
I think Kara could use a little Lenora in her life. She might understand herself better, that’s for sure.
Oh, yes, please…. LOL No babies right now. There’s too much to do first. 😀 😀
You’re right that Kara doesn’t know that much about Bram’s family. There is definitely some stuff that needs to come to the surface. He definitely needs to open up about his past. And, yes, the Rosetta mystery lingers on. Kara has a bit of a jolt regarding that in the next chapter. lol
Knowing this story the way you do, you’re probably safe in assuming there’s more to Jarah’s story than meets the eye.
Well, Lenora would definitely lend a helping hand. As you know, she’s kindness and compassion itself, and she’s been through her own versions of hell.
I totally miss our chatty emails too. I’m so glad things are calming down though and everything is working out. It was so great chatting with you on Messenger the other day. ❤️
I won’t go too much into any of the story since this is the beginning chapter of this generation. However, I will say that I totally love Jarah and can’t wait to see what he becomes. He’s a really smart kid. And I do want things to work out with her and Bram. They love each other, but there is a lot they need to work out.
I totally believe Lenora would be an asset. 🙂
It was nice speaking to you, too. Feel free to contact me anytime on Messenger.
I’m so glad you love Jarah. I think he’s pretty amazing. Hopefully, things work out with Kara and Bram. I guess we’ll soon find out. 😀
Oh. Man. I’m so excited to see this generation (and super excited that I managed to read AND comment in a timely fashion). I think Kara is going to be a force for sure! Jarah is going to be an interesting character and he’s really piqued my spidey-senses. What is going on there?!
Thank you so much, SweetP 🙂 I’m sorry for my late reply. Family stuff again. 🙂
I’m glad you’re so excited for this generation. I’m tickled you’re here! I think you’re right about Kara being a force. I’m glad Jarah has your spidey-senses tingling. That’s good! 😀
Awwww. I loved that the said the L word! Yay! And his half brother? Jarah….who is this boy? I like she has the ‘feelings’. I think things are going to get interesting. I bet her mother wished she’d found someone else due to his connection to the Inheritance. That alone means trouble ahead.
Thank you, Audrey 🙂 I’m sorry for my late reply. Family stuff again. 🙂 Anyway, I’m glad you loved the part with the L word. And the feelings, yes! I think you’re right about Bea’s wishes. We’ll definitely be seeing more about that soon.
I’m so glad we finally get to start this gen and in this fashion. What lies ahead is so exciting. But Oh I missed an editing mistake, dang it!
Wondering……are we ever going to find out his real name???!!! LOL
Thank you, Bee. I’m really glad you are excited for this generation. Oh no, what did you miss? 😀
The butler? Probably, but it would be funny if we didn’t. haha
I don’t think knowing his name would be any fun! Maybe she will come up with other funny names for him depending on his actions or moods. Keep us laughing. And now I don’t know the mistake I missed. I will try to find it later and let you know.
That’s a great idea! lol How funny would that be? 😀
Okie dokie. Thanks, Bee. 🙂
Kara’s voice sounds so assured. I really like that!
Thank you, CT. 🙂 I’m sorry for my late reply. Family things again. Anyway, I’m so glad you like Kara’s voice.
I like Kara but am a little concerned by choices she’s making. As much as I like Bram, I feel there’s a lot he isn’t telling her and when those things come to light … their relationship will be thoroughly tested. I’m also not sure how I feel about them becoming intimate/involved when she’s helping his half-brother. It seems like she’ll have a hard time keeping Jarah’s case confidential when Bram is so intuitive to her emotions. Am definitely in a wait and see mode.
Thank you, Addy! ♥ I can totally understand your concern with all of this. Personally, I’d be more cautious, but Kara feels like she knows Bram. Of course, she’s naive not to realize she can’t possibly know everything about him or his family. And, I like what you said about Jarah’s case, too.
Kara has a lot of juggling to do… and some things to find out as well.
Aaaaw, it’s nice that Kara got a little love. 🙂 They’re cute together, even though I’m getting scared that he’s got secrets that’ll come between them. What is with these cute rich boys and their messed up families, lol? 😀
I’m super stoked for this generation – can’t wait to see what Kara gets up to. 😀
Thank you so much, Louise. ♥ Oooooh, scared already? It’s only the first chapter! hahaha 😀 😀
I can’t wait for you to see what’s going to happen!
It was interesting when Kara described her ability to sense some things like when she’s touching the fence and the like. She’s wrong, as I think she *is* very special! And I like that she studied psychology. To be honest, I’ve been thinking of doing the same, but I’m not set on it yet.
She and Bram are so sweet together, I love their relationship. Also, she could help Bram write a book. I mean, I think there’s a tool that turns your words into text, and she could check for him if the tool’s doing it right. That could make for some bonding time for them, too.
Excited for what’s in store for Kara! ♥
Thank you, Jowita. ♥ I think she’s special, too. I thought psychology seemed the natural thing for her to study since she wanted to help out at the teen center in some way. I think you would be good in that field. 🙂
I am so glad to hear you love the relationship between Bram and Kara. Honestly, I couldn’t see her with anyone else right now. They had a connection as soon as they met. I like what you said about Kara helping Bram. I agree that would be something that bonds them.
I can’t wait for you to see! ♥