Generation 1- Chapter 4

Madison was barely at the stairs with Aubree when she heard her mom’s key in the door. She rushed up the stairs to put Aubree in her crib and to make sure that she at least looked decent and not tipsy, which was how she felt.

When she finally made her way downstairs, she noticed her mom collapsed on the ground. What the hell is wrong with her now? she thought to herself and she made sure her mom was at least breathing. After waiting a while she finally said, “Mom, get up.”

“Baby! Hey!” Lanya slurred. She had clearly been drinking for hours before getting home. Great, here we go again, Madison thought as her mother clumsily gave her a hug. “I got you something baby! I hope you like it!” she shoved a gift box in Madison’s hands and beamed as she watched her open it. Madison was hesitant to open the box, but knew she should in order to make her mom happy. When she opened the box, she realized her mom had given her a bottle of 40 proof vodka. “Umm thanks mom! I’ll just put it on the bar shelf…with the other bottles". She hurried over to the bar and put the bottle of vodka on the shelf. She knew that it would be gone within days anyways.

“Oh baby! I had the most amazing time! I’m not exactly sure where I went. Billy tried to make it a surprise for me. But anyways, in the mornings we would go jogging and Billy is just the most amazing man ever! You have to meet him!” Madison wasn’t hardly listening to her mother, but when she finally looked up at her she noticed her mom had a big bruise by her eye. “Mom what happened to your eye? It looks like you’ve been punched or something!” Lanya touched her face and turned away, “Oh baby that’s nothing. I…ummm…I fell…yea! I fell! You know I’m a clutz.” Madison didn’t believe her mom, but she knew that it was time for the big talk she had been dreading since her mom’s downward spiral begun.

The next morning she called her aunt Lindy to discuss how to go about talking to her mom. “Maddie, I’ve been waiting for this day! We all know your mother has taken a turn for the worse with her drug and alcohol problems. I never thought it would get this bad. Anyways, I have already called the Starlight Springs Rehab Centre. They have a spot available for your mom, whenever she decides to go in. I say you just sit her down with Bentley as well and just tell her how you feel. It is important for her to know that she is still loved and that is why you’re doing this. I’ve just sent you a voice message to share with your mom at the meeting. Let me know how it goes kiddo!” And with that, Madison had the confidence she needed to finally sit down with her mom. She just prayed everything went well.

“Gosh Maddie I’m so hungry! What exactly is so important that you need to interrupt my eating time?” Madison took a deep breath and searched for the words to say, “Umm, Mom, Bentley, Aubree and I really love you…” Lanya smiled, “And I love you all too my dear but whats the point?” “Well mom we’re worried about you. All you do is drink and sleep and we don’t want to see you die!” At this point Madison and Bentley both started heavily crying and Lanya grimaced, “What else is there Maddie? Huh?!? You don’t like my drinking? Well that’s just too damn bad!” Madison couldn’t speak anymore, she pushed the play button for the voice message her aunt had sent for the meeting. Their sobs were interrupted with this message: "Laney, I love you but you are taking this habit of yours too far! The kids are worried, I’m worried, hell even Charles is worried and life for you just can’t continue like this. I can’t believe you are putting your children through the same thing we both despised as kids. I get that Charles’ drinking and abuse towards you was the catalyst but Laney it’s up to you to be strong for your family. I have a spot for you at Starlight Shores Rehab Centre and it is imperative that you go for the sake of your life and your family’s lives. If you choose not to go, I will have no choice but to take the kids from you. I have already contacted the police and they are ready to remove them if need be. Please Laney, take control of your life again! I love you!” Lanya started crying as the voice message stopped. All 3 were crying, however the only audible words spoken were the following: Alright I’ll go!

After giving her children each a hug and a kiss, Lanya picked up her suitcase and hopped into the cab that was waiting for her. This was such a bittersweet moment for her, but she knew that it was best for her and for her family.

While Lanya was away at rehab, Madison did her best to keep the house in order. She cooked daily, cleaned and made sure Bentley and his friends did their homework before watching TV or playing outside.

Her favorite thing to do was read Aubree a story before bed time. She loved spending time with her baby sister. She is just the cutest thing!

One night while she was mailing off some bills, she heard someone call her name. When she turned around it was Kyle Platt, her high school crush! “Hey Kyle, what are you doing here?”  Kyle looked shy for a second and said, “Hey Mad, you got a sec? I need to talk to you about something.” Madison’s heart did somersaults as she said, “Sure come inside. I’ll get us some drinks.”

She finished setting the drinks down on the bar top and went to turn around when Kyle pulled her into a hug. “Kyle, what are you doing?” she flirtatiously questioned. “Mad, look, I can’t lie to you. I really think I like you and ever since your party I couldn’t stop thinking about you. I was just wondering if you would go to the prom with me?” Madison’s heart went from doing somersaults to trying to bungee jump out of her throat, “You want to go with me? I don’t know what to say Kyle…of course, of course I’ll go with you!” Kyle was leaning in for a kiss, when all of a sudden Madison’s phone started ringing. She looked at the call display, the number for the rehab centre flashed across the screen. “Kyle would you excuse me for a second?” she said as she moved towards the kitchen. “Actually, it’s getting late so I better be going. See you at school tomorrow Mad!” Kyle gave her a hug and dashed out the door. Madison quickly answered the phone.

“Hello?”

“Hey Maddie! It’s Mom, how are you? I’ve missed you all so much, but this was the best decision I could have made for me…for us. Anyways, I have good news!” Madison hesitated in answering. She wasn’t sure how to read this conversation with her mom, especially considering her mom was usually high or drunk whenever they would speak. “What’s the good news mom?” Lanya took a deep breath and said, “I’ve successfully completed my rehab program. I’m coming home tomorrow!”

Generation 1- Chapter 3

Life in the Mason household was nowhere near getting back to normal. Lanya now took to heavily drinking and Madison was pretty sure was using some type of drug as well. She was so worried about her mom, but she never got around to talking with her because she now had to be the “mom” of the house. She was the one who made sure Bentley did his homework and went to bed on time. She was also the one who started to teach Aubree how to walk and talk and use the potty. She moved Aubree’s crib up her floor because she realized after a few nights that Lanya would often sleep through Aubree screaming for hours.
One night while everyone was sleeping. Lanya received a call and scrambled clumsily out of bed. She quickly got dressed and wrote a note to Madison before calling a cab and jetting out the door. It was the slam of the front door that woke Madison up. Thinking it was her mother coming in drunk again, she got out of bed to do the usual routine: get her 2 painkillers, start a pot of coffee and get a blanket. When she got downstairs and realized that her mother was gone, she instantly panicked. Where could she have gone? she thought, running throughout the house looking for her. Just as she was reaching for the phone to call the police, she saw the note on the bar. She tried her best to decipher the words her mother had clearly written down in haste:
Baby girl! I loveeeee youuuuu! Got a call from Billy. He gave me a free vacation, I had to leave right away. I know you’re responsible so the kids can stay with you. Not sure when I’ll be back. No throwing parties! Love you, Laney :)
WHAT THE %*$# Madison cursed so loud, she was pretty sure she heard Aubree stir in her sleep. She slumped onto the couch and read the note again and again, hoping that with each time she read it, the words would become less true. “I’m not dealing with this right now!”she screamed and went back upstairs to bed.

It felt like Madison had just gotten to bed when all of a sudden she heard the familiar scream of Aubree wanting to get out of her crib. It’s fine, Mom will get her she thought and tried to fall back to sleep. Aubree’s cries persisted for another 5 minutes until Bentley eventually screamed, “Maddie come and get her! I want to sleep too you know!”

Madison groaned as she pulled herself out of bed. This wasn’t a dream….her mom really did leave last night and Madison had no clue where she had gone and when she would be coming back. This is so not fair! I’m just a kid myself basically, and now all of a sudden I have to raise two other children? she dramatically thought to herself. She took Aubree out of her crib and set her on the floor.

Don’t throw a party…who is she to tell me what to do? If she’s gonna have fun, I’m going to too. Madison was already whipping out her cell phone before she had time to process what she was about to do. She called Maria, her best friend and the most popular girl in school. Maria was super excited about throwing a party and promised to take care of everything. They decided to hold the party that night and make it a “password” party. Password parties were parties that no one knew about until literally hours before. It was invite only and the invite has to know the password in order to come in. Madison was excited, but knew that she was going to have to get rid of her younger siblings for the night. There was only one person she could think of to call…

When his phone rang and he saw that it was Madison calling, Charles immediately picked up. He had been wanting to know how his children had been all this time. Madison greeted her dad with a big hug and took extra long in letting go. They sat down to chat and Madison told him everything that had been going on since he left. He was surprised to hear that Lanya had become a drug and alcohol addict, considering she resented her own parents for being addicts when her and Lindy were kids. “How are you, pumpkin?” Charles asked Madison with a look of concern.
“Dad, it’s just really hard now that you’re gone. It’s like I’ve all of a sudden become the parent. I hardly get my school work done and I can’t get a part time job because there would be no one to watch the kids. I just want to be a normal teenager and I feel like this whole situation has robbed me of that.”
Charles looked at his daughter with fresh tears misting his eyes, “Maddie, what can I do to help?”
“Well,” Madison looked at her dad with a slight look of mischief, “Mel and I are throwing a party tonight. Nothing too wild!” She added in as her dad opened his mouth to object. “It would really help if you took Bentley and Aubree for the night.”
Charles thought for a second and said, “Alright. Call Bentley down here.”

Bentley couldn’t believe his eyes when he went downstairs. His daddy was actually standing there! He ran so quick that he tripped over his feet and fell straight into his father’s arms. “Daddy!! What are you doing here?!”
Charles let a tear finally fall at the sight of his only son’s excitement. “Hey Bent! I came over to see how you guys were doing. I’ve missed you all and I’m so sorry for the way I acted in the past. I love you guys.” Madison was so happy to finally see an authentic smile on her brother’s face.

She let a couple minutes pass before she eventually packed Aubree’s diaper bag and pushed all three of them out the door. Her party guests had arrived and she had to go outside to start asking for the password (which was Knuffle—weird). After everyone was cleared to enter, she turned up the music and got the bartender to mix up a couple different types of drinks. Everyone was really feeling the vibe of the party and for once Madison thoroughly enjoyed herself.

As the drinks continued to flow and her spirits started to lighten, Madison eventually drummed up the courage to walk over to Kyle Platt, her secret high school crush. They were making small talk and getting to know each other, when Madison’s phone started to ring. She ignored it, talking to Kyle for the first time was way better than taking a boring phone call. But the person calling persisted. They even left several text messages. When Madison finally checked her phone she saw a message that read, “Coming home earlier than expected. See you in 30 minutes- Mom.”

Madison immediately got hysterical. She ran around the yard screaming, “EVERYBODY OUT! PARTY’S OVER! OUT!” Everyone left the house as quickly as they could. They were used to this happening, especially at Password Parties. When the house was empty, she called her Dad and told him to bring Bentley and Aubree back home before Lanya got there. Charles had his limo driver rush them over, but was he quick enough?

Generation 1- Chapter 2

Later that day Lanya, Madison and Bentley were sitting around the table eating lunch. “Where in the world is Dad?” Bentley asked. Lanya’s heart dropped, she knew she was going to have to tell the kids eventually.

“Yea!” chimed in Madison, “I looked all over the house for him, but I couldn’t find him. Does he have a show mom?” Lanya looked away, she knew the time had come. “Umm kids, your father and I both love you very very much. But there comes a time when mommies and daddies just don’t care about each other the way they used to. Dad and I thought it would be best if we lived in separate houses for a while, until we work things out.” *silence* Lanya couldn’t stand the blank stare her kids were giving her, “How about some cookies!” Madison was the first to speak, “So Dad is at another house? Cool, that means we have 2 houses!!” Bentley remained quiet, all he could think about was the fact that his hero was gone and now he had no one.

The rest of the meal went by quietly. Lanya just didn’t have the words to say to her children. After all, this situation was new for her too. She never imagined herself being in this position. After she finished eating she slipped away upstairs after telling the children to try and do their homework. As soon as she was upstairs Bentley slammed his fist on the table, “THIS STINKS! Our family is ruined now and all because Mom and Dad don’t want to love each other anymore. What about us? Don’t we matter. What if we never see Dad again? What if he gets married and has other kids and never comes to visit! Now I have nobody! I’m all alone.” Madison felt bad for her little brother and as much as she was hurting inside, she knew she had to be strong for the both of them. “Don’t worry Bentley, you still have me,” she said wrapping her arms around him. “I know, but I still want Dad back Maddie,” he said, holding back tears.

That night Lanya tossed and turned, nightmares consuming what should have been a peaceful sleep. All she could dream about was what transpired and what she discovered afterwards: dozens of racy emails between Charles and Fiona Grey, a supermodel. Just as she was able to finally settle into a deep sleep, a desperate shriek from Aubree jolted her awake. Ever since the fight, Aubree had been unable to sleep, often screaming from the apparent nightmares she was having. All Lanya could do was cradle her baby girl and rock her gently back to sleep. She was so worried that her baby was actually suffering from post traumatic stress from being a witness to what happened. I need to take her to the doctor tomorrow, she thought to herself, as she placed Aubree back in her crib and went back to bed.

As the days went by, Lanya’s mood worsened and she was slipping into a deep depression. Aubree’s night terrors increased and the doctor said she was definitely traumatized from witnessing the fight. Luckily, she was just an infant, so it would not affect her as she grew older. Days became weeks and weeks became months and soon enough it was Aubree and Madison’s birthday. Lanya decided to throw one big party because her heart just couldn’t handle planning two parties. Madison didn’t seem to have a problem with it, as long as it was a pool party. Hours before the party was set to begin, Lanya received a phone call- it was her sister Lindy. “ Hey Linds, what’s up?”

“Lanya, I didn’t want to have to be the one to tell you this…it’s about Charles.”

Lanya’s heart sank, she already knew what it was, “Who is she? Fiona?”

“No, although that would be expected. It’s his manager, Stardust.”

Lanya’s eyes were blurry with tears before she could even attempt stopping them, “How could he do this! It’s only been 6 months, we could have fixed things, we could have been a family. Whyyyyy” she wailed. Nearby, Bentley and Madison were standing quietly listening to the wails of their mom. Dad has a new girlfriend? Bentley thought to himself, but before he could say anything Madison pulled him into a hug and said, “Bentley, we’ll be fine. We have each other, always remember that, ok?”

Suddenly the doorbell rang. It was the pizza man along with many of the party guests. Among those at the door was Charles. Lanya almost fainted when she saw him. “Kids, why don’t you guys jump in the pool before we cut the cake,” she said rushing the kids out the back door. She then took a deep breath and walked to the front door. She received the pizza and proceeded to walk past Charles. He reached out and grabbed her, “Laney, I’m sorry! I don’t want things to be like this anymore. Please forgive me!” But Lanya kept right on walking, not without saying “I refuse to do this now Charles. Put the girls’ gifts on the table and leave.” She left Charles standing there with a visibly hurt look on his face, one that reflected the way she felt inside.

After everyone had eaten, Lanya called Madison over to cut the cake. Madison threw her shorts on over her swimsuit and quickly ran over. Everyone began to sing “Happy Birthday” so loudly that Madison didn’t even realize that something in her shorts was ringing. It continued to ring as she made a wish and bent over to blow out her candles. Then she was ready to finally become a teenager!

She grew into a beautiful teenager with noticeable features from both of her parents. She had her father’s vivid purple eyes and pale skintone and her mother’s hair colour and facial features. After she aged up, she finally heard the ringing coming from her pocket. She reached in and pulled out a brand new cellphone! Not knowing who it came from, she tapped on the messages icon and read the following message, “I wish you a birthday that is as wonderful as you are. I love you so much and wish I could have been there for your special day pumpkin. Talk to you soon, Dad.” Madison stuffed the phone back in her shorts and ran away crying. Lanya saw her leave, but didn’t have time to run after her because it was time for Aubree to grow as well.

Lanya brought Aubree to her cake as every one sang Happy Birthday again. I wish for a bright future for my baby girl. One that is free from the stress of my decisions, Lanya thought to herself. She then lightly blew out the candle. As Aubree aged up, she was the spitting image of her mother except with her father’s eyes and hair. What a beauty!

Madison eventually came back downstairs, but wouldn’t say a word to Lanya. After a few minutes of awkward silence, Lanya decided to be the one to break the ice, “Hey sweetie, are you enjoying your party?” Madison threw an icy glare at her mother, “I was until I realized just how much you screwed up our family. My father didn’t even come to my birthday party because he can’t stand to be around you. You are pathetic mom, I wish I could be with my father, perhaps I would be happier.” Lanya was speechless. To hide the fact that she was seconds away from crying, she walked as calmly as she could back inside the house and did the only thing she could think of to take away the pain….drink…

Will Lanya be able to put her family back together? Or will her drinking completely tear it apart? Stay tuned to find out!! And don’t forget to comment with suggestions, tips, etc!

Generation 1- Chapter 1

Meet the family! Charles Mason, a Master Magician:

His wife Lanya Mason, a struggling Writer:

And their children Madison, Bentley and baby Aubree:

 

On the outside they look like a very happy, loving family. But inside the house, it’s a completely different story! You see Charles is a heavy drinker. Being a very successful Magician comes with a high celebrity status and access to the top bars and clubs. Charles never experimented with drugs, but alcohol seemed to consume his life when he was not performing. And when he did drink he was a completely different person, often resorting to verbal and emotional abuse with Lanya. One day while Lanya was putting Aubree in her swing, she noticed Charles was up drinking again. And she knew enough was enough!

 

“Charles this is crazy! Ever since you started hanging out with those celeb friends of yours, all you’ve been doing is drinking! It’s one thing to do it on the street, but to bring it into your house, with your kids! I’m sick and tired of this!” Charles took a swig of his drink and sneered, “You’re tired of this? You would be nothing if it wasn’t for me! What do writers make nowadays? NOTHING! You live off of my wealth and have the nerve to say you’re sick and tired? Get over yourself!”

“I don’t have the time to write because I’m too busy taking care of OUR children, which you’ve never done! When was the last time you held Aubree? Do you even know how to make a bottle?!?!” Charles twisted his face in anger, “You better be taking care of our children! You don’t do much else! Your writing sucks, just as much as your personality! I don’t know what I saw in you when I first met you…clearly I was blinded because you are the worst woman I’ve ever been with! You make me sick!"

This was the last straw for Lanya, “That’s it! It’s over! I refuse to be with a man who can’t even respect me as the mother of his children! You are a horrible man and like you, I must have been blinded because I’ve come to realize I HATE YOU!!!!” Charles smiled and said, “You’re making the worst decision of your life. You have no money, no education, NOTHING. But have it your way. Oh and by the way, your suspicions were valid. I have met someone else, someone more…on my level. She’s able to satisfy me in more ways then you ever could. You’re washed up…so let’s see how your life is better without me babe.”

And then he did the unthinkable. He slapped her! Although they often argued, he never put his hands on her, but this day was different! He slapped her so hard, she saw stars and thought she was going to black out. Before she could defend herself, he jumped on her and started pounding her saying, “You will regret this you whore! I am the reason you’re even here!”

His attack was relentless. She tried hard to defend herself, but to no avail. Eventually she just submitted to his attacks and waited for him to finish.

As Lanya was getting up, she heard Aubree screeching. Her poor baby had been there the entire time! And her older children were just upstairs, who knows if they heard the whole thing? “You need to leave Charles, right now!”

“I’m not leaving Lanya, this is my damn house! I paid for it!”

“Either you leave now or I will call the cops and have you arrested. If you leave peacefully, I will not call, but you better leave now and NEVER come back! I mean it!”

Charles went upstairs to email his agent and a couple girls he could stay with temporarily. He couldn’t believe his marriage was ending this way. What’s more, he couldn’t believe he actually hit Lanya! He loved her so much, but the love just wasn’t there anymore. After sending the emails, he proceeded to leave calmly as Lanya requested. As he was walking to the door, part of Lanya wanted to call him back and just try again, but after what just happened she couldn’t. After Charles left, her worst fears were finalized- she was now a single mom. She couldn’t help but look at Aubree and worry about what her future would be like without her father. She was just an innocent baby, she didn’t deserve to live in such a chaotic life.

After that, all she could think to do was get a drink. She wasn’t normally a drinker, but it was the only escape she could think of at the time.

Stay tuned to see how Lanya tries to mend the broken pieces of her life after Charles. Hope you enjoyed reading!