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!