Chapter 78-Promises are made to be Broken

One thing every Landgraab heir could always count on was a very special gift from Grandpa Wolfie on their 16th Birthday. Usually Wolfie would buy the most expensive car he could find as nothing was too good for his family. However for Bae a car was not the best present at all but Wolfie knew exactly what to buy for his great-great grandson. When Bae was a child he wouldn’t play with the electric train sets or remote control cars that everyone bought for him. Instead he would fill up the kitchen sink with water to sail his toy boats or he would fill up the bath tub so he could pretend to go on submarine adventures. If a car was not the toy of choice for Bae as a child it certainly wouldn’t be the toy for him as a teenager so Wolfie bought him a speedboat.

Everyday Bae would take that speedboat out on the ocean and spend hours on it. He felt more alive breathing in the scent of the salt water and feeling the cool breeze of the ocean wind as his boat glided across the ocean. Every time he heard the sound of the waves he knew he was at his true home and he spent as much time out on the ocean as he possibly could.

All of this would be even better if he could share it with his best friend Cassidy. Cassidy and Bae shared a love of the ocean and always did everything together until Cassidy graduated high school. Cassidy was two years older than Bae and was already attending university. They spoke on the phone with each other often and the two had made plans to spend a weekend sailing as soon as Cassidy came home for a holiday break.

One day while Bae was sailing he came across a small island. This island was never on any of his maps and against his better judgment he explored it a bit. The island was beautiful, peaceful and an exotic paradise. He didn’t see any sign of anyone living there so he decided that this would be his place.

Bae set up a tent on the island along with a couple of old lounge chairs that he found in the basement. He loved to relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the island. Sometimes he would pack a lunch; bring a radio to make a day of it. He wished Cassidy was here so they could hang out together on the island but he had to wait for his best friend to come home on break for that. Instead he would build a fire and invite his girlfriend to join him. His first love was the sea but he certainly did enjoy the company of a pretty girl. Shanta Fraser was his girlfriend and this island was the perfect romantic setting for some alone time with her.

Bae could have had any girl he wanted at the high school as many of them flirted with him often enough but it was Shanta who caught his eye. She may have not been the most popular girl in school but she wasn’t a clueless poptart like the rest of them. She was smart, pretty and he enjoyed hanging out with her. On their first date he took her to the movies. Normally he would have preferred to see a movie with a whole lot of action but he settled for a romantic comedy for her. Later on he took her out for ice cream and he walked her home. Before he kissed her goodnight he asked if she would like to go to the fall festival with him and she agreed. Soon after that they started dating regularly and Bae asked her to go steady. Bae told her about his career plans and Shanta had plans of her own. She wanted to become a nurse and was attending a university that had a special nursing program. He figured that he would date her now but after high school they would most likely go their separate ways. Both of them had career plans which were very important to them and both of them needed to concentrate on studying. The problem was that she always dropped hints of wanting more from him than he was willing to give.

At home Bae loved both his parents and was very close to them. Well sometimes they were too close as having parents who are teachers meant having them always around. Luckily he was he was an “A” student who was dedicated to his studies and never caused any trouble. He could tell that his mother was already dreading the day when he left for university. Whenever the conversation came up Chrissie put on a brave face but always had a tear in her eye. Bae told her he would come home on breaks but clearly Chrissie was not ready to lose her baby boy. Bae had to admit that he did love the special attention his mother gave to him but sometimes he felt as if she was smothering him. She needed to accept the fact that he was growing up and was ready to live life on his own.

Bae was also very close with his father. When Bae was a child Mickey taught him how to fish and they would often go on fishing weekends together. Eventually they started going on less and less fishing trips as time passed by. Bae wanted and needed to be out on the beach and in the ocean water more and he was able to catch more fish underwater than he could with a fishing pole. Both of his parents were vampires and they weren’t too fond of the sunshine. Sure they had plenty of that special sunscreen that Grandma Holly would send them but they still preferred to stay in the shade and would rarely visit the beach.

Cheech didn’t mind visiting the beach at all and sometimes Bae would take him with him. Cheech was originally his mother’s dog but now he belonged to the whole family. They would play fetch, tug a war or just run around on the beach which both of them loved. He was a good dog who would even join Bae for a morning swim in the backyard pool.

There was one member of the family who understood Bae the most and that was Big Mama. Starr adored her grandson but she did not adore the title of Grandmother so she insisted on being called Big Mama. When Big Mama was his age she wanted to travel the world and take photographs of all the sites she seen. Whenever Bae visited his Grandparents he would always ask her to tell him stories of her travels and he was fascinated by all the photographs in her collection. Starr would listen to Bae’s dreams of sailing and exploring the oceans so she encouraged him to follow his dreams.

Since there was still some time before university Bae spent most of his time deep sea diving. He felt as if he were in another world underneath the water. The more he explored the more wonders he found on the ocean floor. He started collecting all the different types of seashells he could find and he would find bottles with messages in them. One time he even found a bottle that contained what looked like a part of a treasure map in it. He thought it would be awesome if one day he could find the rest of the map but the chances of that ever happening were slim to none. Most likely it wasn’t a real map anyway but for some reason Bae decided to keep it.

Cassidy called to say he would be coming home for a weekend and Bae couldn't wait to be reunited with his best buddy. Cassidy told Bae that he had some very special news that he wanted to share with him and he was looking forward to sailing. Bae was very excited until he remembered he had plans with Shanta. It was her 16th birthday and he had promised to attend her party. The decision was difficult but he decided to tell Shanta that he couldn’t attend and make it up to her somehow. They were going out that very night so he planned to tell her and he hoped that she would understand.

He went to her house to pick her up and she looked beautiful as always. “Hey babe are you ready to go?” Bae asked.

Shanta brushed her hair back and flashed a smile at him, “I sure am. Where are we going tonight?”

“I was thinking we could go to Starbucks and then hang out at the park for a while as we need to talk” Bae answered.

Shanta became a little curious and a bit nervous when she heard that. “What about is anything wrong?”

“No nothing is wrong but it can wait until we get to the park” he said.

“Why don’t you tell me now?” she asked, “If nothing is wrong I don’t see why you should wait.”

Bae knew that she would be disappointed so he might as well break the bad news now and get it over with. “Cassidy called and he will be coming home next weekend. If you remember I made plans with him to go sailing on his next break home.”

“Oh but next weekend is my birthday and why don’t you ask him to come to my party too? The more the merrier” she said.

“No, that is not going to work out as next weekend is only going to be the guys. I’m sorry but I can’t make it to the party but I do promise to make it up to you the weekend after.” Bae saw the look on her face and was surprised to see she was angry instead of disappointed.

“I don’t understand why you still can’t come to the party and spend time with Cassidy also. The party is at night so you won’t be sailing anyway” she snapped back.

“Cassidy and I are going to hang out at night. I haven’t seen him in months so we want to spend that time together” answered Bae.

“I still don’t see why you can’t come to the party with Cassidy. You promised you would be there and it’s only a couple of hours. I do hope that you reconsider and that you will be there. If not I will see you when I’m not with my friends!” Shanta walked back into her house and slammed the door.

Things didn’t go as Bae had hoped. He knew Shanta wouldn’t be happy but he never expected her to be that angry. He still wasn’t going to the party and planned to try and make it up to her. He did make a promise to her but if she was still angry there was not much more that he could do.

The day arrived when Cassidy was coming home and Bae went to the beach that morning where they planned to meet. He was looking forward to spending the weekend catching up on lost time with his best friend. It would be just the two of them hanging out together just like old times. Bae spotted his friend and he ran up to greet him.

“Cas! It’s great to see you man! How are things going at university?” Bae asked.

“It’s great over there man.” Cassidy answered “The studies are intense but they are fascinating. I can’t wait for you to join us.”

“These last two years in high school are going so slow. So are you ready to go sailing?” Bae said.

“I will be in a couple of minutes. I’m just waiting for someone to show up” Cassidy said. “Oh there she is now.”

 A lovely young woman walked up to Cassidy and gave him a kiss.

“Bae I would like you to meet my girlfriend Javiera. She is going to be hanging out with us this weekend."

To be continued…..

Chapter 75-Parenting 101

The pregnancy symptoms kicked in right away as Chrissie was constantly tired and had no energy at all.  She seemed to have a bionic nose that could detect any smell from far away and odors that never bothered her before made her feel queasy and nauseous.  They call it morning sickness but it to hit her at any time of the day.   The nausea was so bad she prayed for it to go away, but sadly that was not the case as the nausea lingered on and was always there.

Mickey was a nervous wreck but didn't want to show it as he figured the last thing she needed was to see him panic.   Whenever she would clutch her stomach he knew exactly what to expect next she would cover her mouth, gag and make a mad dash to the bathroom.   Mickey brought her damp cloths to wipe her forehead and he reassured her that all of this was temporary and would soon pass.

He would bring her ginger ale, dry crackers or anything she asked for.  In the morning it was a breakfast of ginger tea and dry toast always served to her in bed.  He gave her a backrubs to relax her, held her when she needed comfort and gave her some space when she wanted to be alone.  He did indeed feel helpless while he watched her suffer so he did anything he could to make her feel as comfortable as possible.

Chrissie needed to rest often and she took frequent naps.  Mickey would watch her sleep and think about their future as he knew they couldn’t live in this house forever.  Chrissie’s parents insisted they live there for as long as they needed because that sadistic vampire who tried to kill his wife not once but twice was still out there somewhere.  He even tried to kill Chrissie as a child so the baby that she carried was also considered to be a possible target.  He did make a promise that he would do anything in his power to keep his wife and child safe from that monster no matter what measures he had to take.

Meanwhile at Wolfie and Abby’s house:

A surprise was waiting for Wolfie one day after he finished recording his newest song.  All four of his grandchildren from his eldest son Denny were waiting for him to arrive home.  Many years have passed since Abby and Wolfie petitioned the court for guardianship and there was a bitter custody battle.  It was a battle Wolfie was determined to win as he would not repeat the mistake of allowing the Goodfellows to raise his flesh and blood ever again.

The two oldest Cory and Wayne were already influenced to go into a life of crime and were sentence to live in a juvenile detention center until they became of legal age.  Once their mother Gretchen gave her consent to the guardianship, Wolfie pulled some strings and the two were transferred to a military school.  The two have been on the straight and narrow ever since.  Cory is now living in Riverview and is working as a fashion designer.  Wayne travels a lot due to his band touring as he inherited his grandfather’s talent for music. 

The youngest Brooks doesn’t have any memories of his father and the only memories of his mother were on visiting day at the prison.  His grandparents were the only caretakers he ever knew.  He lives in Appaloosa Plains and eventually became a veterinarian who specializes in race horses.

The only child who was not born a fairy and still lives in Aurora Skies is Carson.  He graduated law school and is now working in the Aurora Skies district attorney’s office. 

Wolfie: This certainly is a surprise; it’s not often that I see all four of you together. 

Carson:  Grandpa Wolfie we received some bad news from the warden at Simcatraz.  Our mother passed away last night.

Wolfie:  I’m sorry for your loss.  You shouldn't have to worry about the funeral arrangements as I will make sure that is all taken care of.

Cory:  Wayne, Brooks and I flew in as soon as we heard the news.  We have some legal issues that we need to take care of first and we have all made these decisions long before now.

Wayne:  We knew our mother was not well so it was only a matter of time. However she did send every one of us letters and in each she says that she is grateful that you and Grandma Abby gave us a good life and so are we.

Carson:  One thing she stresses in each letter is that the shares of Landgraab Industries that she inherited from Dad never end up with the Goodfellows.  While she was in prison they tried to make her sign them over but she always refused.

Brooks:  Mama never trusted them and neither do we.  That is why we have all legally changed our names to Landgraab as we should have no ties to the name Goodfellow nor do we want them. 

Cory: Carson drew up all the legal documents and they have been signed.  We have been discussing this for some time now and we decided that this should be something we would all do together as a family.

Carson:  Grandpa we are signing over all 49% of Landgraab Industries back to you.  Our father obtained them with malicious intent and we all know the events that transpired on the day he died.  Despite our father’s actions you took us in and gave all of us a good life that we would have never had otherwise.

Wolfie: All of you are my grandchildren just like Starr and Chrissie.  I wanted to take care of all of you and give you a good life.  I’m honored that you are taking the Landgraab name as that is your birthright.  The shares are another story; do you know how much money those shares generate?

Carson:  The money doesn’t matter to us but you, Grandma Abby and the love that you gave us does.  We all feel that this is the right thing to do and we intend to do it.  Mama also knew and she was fine with our plans.  She said that she made plenty of bad choices in her life but giving you and Grandma Abby her support in the custody battle was the best choice she could have ever made. She told each of us all that she was proud of the way we turned out, but not proud that we were better off being raised with someone other than herself.

Wayne:  You made it possible for Cory and I to be released from juvie and I can’t begin to tell you what it was like in there.  Without you and Grandma, I would hate to think about what would have happened to all of us.

Wolfie:  I’m glad that your Grandma and I did get to raise you and we are proud of the people you have become. I only wish I would have had the same opportunity with your father so that maybe he would have never turned to a life of crime.  Of course I can’t be sure look what happened with your Aunt Valerie.

Carson:  Aunt Valerie is another subject I needed to bring up.  As you know I am not permitted to work on her case but I am keeping tabs on the situation.  I don’t think her appeal is going to help her any.  We are all going to have to face the fact that the evidence against her is overwhelming and she will be in Simcatraz for a very long time.  

Wolfie:  Your Grandmother is already troubled by this whole mess; she is not going to be happy about this information.  Grandma and I will have to make arrangements to visit your Aunt after the funeral of course.  I will start notifying the family at once as I’m sure that they will be there to show their support.  I want each and everyone of you to know that you will always be members of a large and loving family and we will all be there for you whenever you need us.

Two weeks later at Simcatraz:

Visiting this place always depressed both Wolfie and Abby.  It was dirty, dark and gloomy and both of them hated the idea that this would be the place that Valerie would have to call home.  

They did have one advantage as they were always ushered through the back and was able to visit their daughter in one of the interrogation rooms. When the news of Valerie’s crimes hit the press the tabloids had a field day with the story.  The paparazzi that followed Wolfie Landgraab caused way too much commotion as they all wanted to get a picture of the rock star and his jail bird daughter.  Finally the warden had no choice but to grant special visiting rules for the Landgraabs to avoid the uproar and pandemonium.  Even with the special visitation the Landgraabs had to follow some rules.  They had to make appointments and their visit must be approved by the warden.  They had to follow a strict dress code and dress conservatively and modestly.  No denim or any colors that resembled prisoner attire were permitted to be worn.  They needed to remember not to wear anything that couldn’t pass through a metal detector as they would be search before they could enter.  All they were allowed to bring in with them was their identification and quarters for the vending machines as Valerie might miss her meal.  

A female prison guard escorted Valerie into the room and she would remain outside guarding the door for the entire visit.  It was clear that Valerie had some trouble as she was sporting a shiner.  Being a wolf she could hold her own but sometimes someone else would get the better of her. Life in prison was not easy and Valerie hated every minute of it.

They would be allowed to hug or touch once at the beginning and the end of each visit, but no physical contact was allowed during the visit.  Seeing Valerie like this always brought tears to Abby's eyes as no matter what Valerie did she was still her baby girl.

Valerie:  Is there any news about when you are going to get me out of this hell hole?

Wolfie:  From what I hear it doesn't look good for your appeal.

Valerie:  Daddy you promised I would be out of here by now and yet I’m still here.

Abby:  That is not what your father promised.  He promised to help and he hired you the best defense attorney he could find. 

Valerie:  A lot of good that did me.  That so called shark you hired turned out to be nothing more than a jelly fish.  He wanted me to plead guilty.

Wolfie:  He said that was the best course of action to get you a lighter sentence.  You were guilty and there was plenty of evidence to support that.  You didn’t give him much to work with.

Valerie:  Ughhhh!  I can’t believe I came from a family of such imbeciles!  Daddy there are other ways you could have arranged for my release!

Abby: Your father did everything he possibly could.

Valerie:  Oh puh-lease!  You can’t tell me you are that dumb that you believe his bull shit!

Wolfie:  Now listen here I will not have you talking to your mother like that.  Your mother has been worried sick about you being in this place and so have I.

Valerie: If you were so worried you would get me out of here.  Anything can be arranged for the right price especially when you have your connections.  You pulled strings for Denny's brats.

Wolfie: That was different.  The crimes they committed were no where near as serious as yours and let us not forget they were minors.  They were in juvie and they weren't released.  They finished their sentence in a military school instead.

Abby:  You can’t be suggesting that your father break the law just so you can be released from prison.

Valerie: You are damn right I am!  He would do it for his precious Sandi or the Golden Boy but for me nothing as usual.  It’s just like when we were growing up they got everything and me NADA!

Wolfie:  There were no favorites among any of you.  We gave all of you a good life and anything you ever wanted.  Maybe we gave you too much as you seem to be acting like a spoiled brat!  Where you ever got this idea that we preferred your brothers or sisters over you I have no idea.  We taught you right from wrong but it’s a lesson you didn’t seem to learn.  Now you want me to break the law so I can get you off with a slap on the wrist.  Well that is not going to happen. 

Valerie:  It figures you would say that.  I should have expected this.  I have seriously had enough with both of you.  Maybe I can get myself out of her with my dividends for my Landgraab Industry stock.  You can use that.

Wolfie: You no longer have any stocks in Landgraab Industry.  I had to pull them back as I have with most of the family stock. 

Valerie:  You pulled them back?

Wolfie:  After the hostle take over attempt I pulled most of the family stock back and only the heir apparents have shares.  Your Grandfather's will gave me the right to do this if I feel it is necessary. After you tried to sell your shares to Denny, I didn’t think they were that important to you. 

Valerie:  Well where is the money going to?  What's the matter you don’t have enough to line your pockets you need that too?

Wolfie:  I’ll tell you where that money is going to YOUR CHILDREN!  Do you remember them?   Jackson and Mariah?  Do you even remember their names?   We have a relationship with them how come you do not?  I know they haven’t been here to visit you because they want nothing to do with you!  Thankfully they have good fathers who take care of them and I have made sure that are well provided for.  I set up trust funds for them as I have for all of my grandchildren.  I can’t believe the nerve on you to accuse your mother and I of favoring your brother and sister, but you forgot about your own children?

Valerie:  THAT’S IT!  I have had enough of the two of you!   Don’t you even think of coming back here unless you arrange for my release!  I don’t want to see either of you anymore as I get sick just looking at the two of you.  Just get out of here and I won’t be accepting any visits from either of you.

Wolfie:  Now that you had your say, I am going to have mine.  You had every opportunity to make a good life for yourself. You never wanted for anything because we gave you everything you needed. We gave you a good education, bought you a nice house to live in, you married three good men that you let slip through your fingers and you have two wonderful children who have neglected.  Some people would be jealous of the life you had and yet it wasn’t enough.  You threw it all away for this Shane person and this senseless revenge against your brother. 

Your mother and I will always love you whether you want to believe it or not. I will not break the law for you and you are going to have accept your punishment.  I will have your lawyer call you if there is any more information you need.  You want us to go we will and we won’t be back until you change your attitude.

There was not much more for Wolfie and Abby to do or say at this point as Valerie was not listening to a word they had to say.   All they could do is walk away and leave their daughter behind to pay for her crimes.  They really did try to teach all of their children right from wrong and somehow four out of the five learned that lesson.  Both were quiet on the ride home as neither one of them knew how their sweet little girl grew up so angry, vindictive and full of hate.  They never favored Sandi, Tyrone, Eddie or Ebony over Valerie but she somehow convinced herself that she was not as important to them.  Nothing could be further than truth as they indeed loved and cared for each and every one of their children.

When they arrived home the portal was in front of their house and they expected to see Grandma Holly and Grandpa Emmett.  

When they walked into the house they were surprised as Victor, Abby’s father was waiting for them.  He lived 4000 years in the future and served as a caretaker in Holly and Emmett’s house.  He preferred to spend all of his time there and rarely did he come to the past. 

Abby: Daddy what are you doing here?

Victor: Isn’t it obvious I have come to see my daughter and her husband.  It looks like something is wrong by the looks on your faces.

Wolfie: Victor we do love to see you but I’m sure you already know what the problem is and that is why my Grandparent’s sent you here.

Victor:  Living in the future does have its advantages. Yes I do know about Valerie and the horrible visit you had today.  Your Grandparents and I knew that both of you would be going through a hard time and you needed some support.

Abby: I don’t know how this happened or how I failed so badly with Valerie.  Something has gone terribly wrong with my baby girl and I don't know how to fix it.  What I want to do now is take that time portal and do it all again but this time better.

Victor:  Well my sweet Abigail, you know that is possible as we do have to ability to travel through time but this is strictly against the rules of the mission.  I do assure both of you, if you turned that clock back you wouldn’t do anything different as you haven't done anything wrong.  You loved each and every one of your children with all you heart, and you did a much better job at parenting than I ever did.  When they were little you helped them make their choices until it was time for them to make their own.  They all became adults and your job was finished.  You gave them the knowledge they all needed to live respectable lives.  Valerie made some very bad choices which neither one of you had anything to do with.  After you knew what she did you helped her even though you didn’t condone her actions.  You aren’t going to abandon her or stop loving her even after that blow out at the prison today.  You will be back there when she needs you and she will need you again no matter what she said to you today. What you have done is exactly what good parents would do.

Abby still had tears in her eyes as she hugged her father and Wolfie stood there silently while thinking about everything his father-in-law said.  Victor was right the Landgraabs did the best for all of their children.  They raised five children and four grandchildren and Valerie was only one of them.

Victor:  I do hope it is ok for me to hang out here for a couple of days?

Wolfie: Of course Victor, you are always welcome here.

Victor:  I wasn’t able to attend the wedding so I want to see my Granddaughter and meet her husband.

Abby:  I will call and let them know that we are on our way.

Victor:  Let me change first as these clothes will not be in style for another 4000 years.

A little later on at Starr’s house:

Victor was happy to be reunited with his grandchildren as he had not seen them in a long time.  Chrissie and Taylor were little girls but now he seen that they had grown into beautiful women.  He had not met Alicia yet and he adored his little granddaughter.

Victor did not come empty handed as he had a few gifts.  The one for Mickey made especially for him by Holly and the card on the gift simply read:

When the time comes you will need this potion.  No one will have to tell when but I promise you that you will know.

He handed Chrissie a package which was a gift from him to the baby.  By accident he kept referring to the child as his new grandson and even used the name Bae.  Chrissie realized the child she was carrying had to be a boy as neither her nor Mickey told anyone the chosen names.  

The gifts were opened later and Mickey did receive a potion which was labled:

"Potent Cure"

Chrissie opened the gift to find the cutest little sailor suit for a toddler along with a toy shark and a toy boat.

To be continued…….