Graham Legacy (25) Family Ties

Kale stared in surprise at Desiree for less than a second before hugging her.

"It's so good to see you, Desiree." He glanced at Holly. "Why don't you go sit in the living room with Holly while I go throw on some clothes?" Desiree nodded and followed Holly.

Holly and Kale exchanged a glance before sitting down. They were pretty sure they knew where this was going. Desiree seemed nervous and in a state of distress. Kale was certain his niece must be pregnant. "So, um, what can we help you with, Desiree?" Desiree bit her lip. "My mom would be furious if she knew I was here." Desiree sighed. "But I think you should know. " Holly spoke, "If you want to keep the baby we will understand and if you want to give it up-" Desiree put her hands up. "Woah, slow down. I'm not pregnant! I don't even have a boyfriend!" She leaned in."So, this is what happened. "

"Mom and Ethan were getting into another argument. At first I just thought it was one of their regular fights. You know they argue, Ethan hits mom, he apologizes and we all move on." Kale interrupted. "He hits Jazlyn?" Desiree bit her lip. "Yeah, um, Ethan hasn't been doing too well since dad went to prison." Desiree paused. "And he's not taken his death well. Anyway, I started to listen just to see what it was about...and they were arguing about you."

Kale was confused. "Me? Why about me?" Desiree touched her index finger to her forehead. "That's what I was thinking...so I listened in."

Jazlyn: Maybe if I just talked to Kale, help him understand
Ethan: Understand? No man is going to want to hear your excuses, mom! You had no right!
Jazlyn: I was trying to do what was best for you
Ethan: That is BS! You were doing what was best for you! You knew that dad would have been furious if he found out...that he would have left you if he found out.
Jazlyn: Your not being fair, Ethan! I tried my best, you know how unreasonable Kanoa was. And Kale? He would have tried to jump in and save the day. 
Ethan: And would that have been so bad? Seriously?
Jazlyn: Your just angry..
Ethan: Of course I'm angry! My whole life I thought my father was a lying, cheating dirt bag! And now I find out that Uncle Kale-
Jazlyn: Forget I said anything.
Ethan: That's not good enough! 

 *Ethan walks out the door*

 Jazlyn: Ethan, where are you going

Ethan: To get answers!

*door slams*

Kale sat dumbfounded. Nothing had prepared him for this. Nothing could have. Ethan was....his son. He understood Jazlyn's reasoning. He knew his brother and he knew Jazlyn. Kanoa would have been furious and left Jazlyn, never looking back. Jazlyn would have been devastated, and heart broken. And Kale? Kale knew his own character. He would have done everything in his power to take care of Ethan and Jazlyn. 

He swallowed and chanced taking a look at Holly. Her expression was unreadable but Kale knew that just meant she was thinking. "So Ethan, is my son?" Kale finally managed to say. Desiree nodded. "Yep. I only came to tell you because he's devastated. He's not sure what to do...if he should even talk to you." Kale interjected. "Tell him to call me when he's ready to talk." He handed Desiree his business card. "And if you ever need to talk you can call me too." Desiree stood quickly. "Well, thanks." She headed out the door before Kale could ever hug her.

Kale turned to Holly. "Well?" Holly rested her hand on Kale's shoulder. "I'm still kind of in shock." Kale nodded. Holly knew it was silly, but she felt almost betrayed by this new knowledge. Kale sensed her feelings and read her face. "Holly, this happened way before you and I." Holly smiled at Kale, trying not to let her hormones get the better of her. "I know its just-" She felt her face redden. "I really can't imagine you and Jazlyn  together." Kale shook his head. "Then don't. Holly, she cheated on me and even if I knew then that Ethan was my son then there's no way we would have stayed together."Holly felt reassured. "Good." Kale pulled her in for a kiss. "And don't you forget it."

Lyddia's due date was fast approaching...Kyle's quiet house was about to get a lot louder ;)

Lyddia went into labor at home. There wasn't any time to go to the hospital! Kyle, quick! Be useful!

Kyle: *runs in circles screaming*

Sigh. Its really a wonder that sims can give birth at home at all. Lyddia gave birth to a boy, which they named Tyler. Who was invisible. I hate glitches! Tyler is going to become a toddler so we can actually see him. 

Tyler aged up into a handsome little guy...and he seems to look like both his parents. Kyle takes his role of dad real seriously and has baby proofed the whole house. 

And we missed Holly give birth, since we were over at Kyle's house for a few days :p Looks like she had a boy as well. They named him Dameon. That's a total of four boys and one girl. Yikes! Holly will not have quiet for the next ten years at least. 

 Kale received a phone call from Ethan. He was ready to talk. Kale kissed Holly as she worked on homework with the kids. "Wish me luck, I'm really not sure what's going to happen." Holly stated. "Just listen to what he has to say. Be supportive." Kale nodded. "I just feel like I've missed out on most of his life, he's an adult now." Holly shook her head. "Try not to think like that...be supportive!"

Ethan showed up at Hologram and the resemblance was uncanny. "Hello, Ethan." Ethan stared at Kale a moment, unsure. 

       Kale pulled Ethan into a hug. "Why don't we sit down?"

Kale couldn't stop staring at Ethan. He looked like a younger version of Kale. Ethan still hadn't spoken. "Did you have a safe drive down?" Ethan smiled finally. "Yes." Kale relaxed a little. "Good. Traffic can be terrible on the weekends." Ethan chuckled. "Yeah, well I didn't exactly plan on coming down. Been avoiding it for months." Kale asked. "So what made you change you mind?" Ethan smiled. "Desiree, actually." Kale wasn't surprised. "How?" Ethan's smile faded. "She said she wished she could trade places with me. That she wished that you were her dad...instead of.." His voice trailed off. Kale felt the pain in Ethan's silence. "I shouldn't have come." Ethan concluded.

"I'm glad you came." Ethan looked surprised. Kale continued. "I'm glad we're related." Ethan's lip twitched into a sly smile. "That we are...but I'm sort of at a loss as to what to do in this situation. I can't go around calling you Uncle Daddy." Kale laughed. "No, I'd rather you didn't." Ethan continued. "Again, I'm not sure as to the outcome of this situation." Kale thought a moment. "Well, nothing bad will come out of it." Kale inquired. "Its getting late, want to stay at our house tonight?" Ethan looked surprised. "Are you sure you want me there?" Kale affirmed. "Of course, your family!" 

As Kale and Ethan left Hologram, Kale had an epiphany. It didn't matter if Ethan was his nephew or his son. That Ethan regarded him as a father or as an uncle. Ethan was a young man full of potential with a troubled background. Kale just needed to offer him guidance to get him back on track.


End of Part 25

Graham Legacy (24) Renewed Hope

Kyle made good on his promise to move out. Though it was the house right next door. It was a two bedroom, one bathroom. He had done most the renovations himself, but it was coming along nicely.

Kyle had found Lyddia, in Bridgeport. She had nearly died and had been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Kyle was just relieved he had gotten to Lyddia in time. Some days were better than others, but Lyddia was doing better each and every day. They had gotten married at the courthouse, because Lyddia didn't want to deal with people, even friends and family. 

Things have virtually gone back to normal at Kale and Holly's house. Well, except Holly sometimes had nightmares about bats (which was understandable). Kale had been putting off reading the letter that Sinbad had sent to him. Kale knew it was from Kanoa. He was still having trouble processing his brother's death, since so much had been unresolved between them when Kanoa died. Kale knew Kanoa died because he had helped Holly and him escape. Kale looked at the letter from where he made his drink. What would it say?

Kale paused and then picked up the letter, and unfolded it. He swallowed and then read:

Kale,

I am sorry things ended the way they did. You were right, about more things than I care to admit. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me. Please don't tell Matthew about me. Keep an eye on Jazlyn and the kids. Your brother, Kanoa.

Kale walked numbly away from his drink and the letter. Kanoa had been sorry, he wanted forgiveness. Kale began to weep. All he had ever wanted was to reconcile with his brother. And now there was no chance of that. 

Kale found Holly and pulled her in for a hug. Holly didn't say anything. She had seen the letter earlier and knew Kale had read it. She didn't know what Kanoa had said but lightened the mood. "I called a sitter, Lyddia actually invited us over to their house tonight." Kale nodded and kissed her forehead. "Sounds good."

Visiting Lyddia was a good distraction for Kale, Holly decided. He needed to get his mind off Kanoa. Holly was amazed at how loyal Kale had been to Kanoa. In the end, Kanoa did right his wrong but nearly cost them both their lives. Meanwhile, Lyddia was telling Kale about renovating their home. Holly was proud of her brother for finally getting his own place although she missed him and Lyddia both. Especially at dinner time. Toddlers aren't the best conversationalists. 

A few days later Lyddia announced to Kyle excitedly, "We are going to have a baby!" Kyle sat staring at Lyddia. "What?" Lyddia laughed. "We're having a baby." Kyle looked shocked. "A baby?" Lyddie couldn't stop laughing, Kyle's expression was so surprised. "Yes, honey a baby!" Kyle kissed Lyddia. "We're having a baby!" He exclaimed. 

  
And its time for the toddlers to age up! This time in their lives seemed to just fly by.

And on an unrelated note...Kambree apparently went to college and got a degree in Communications while Kale and Holly were away...as a toddler (???) I have no idea how...but that is one less child they have to send to college! ;) 

Theo is the first to age up! As the oldest, he's pretty laid back like Kale but will look out for his younger siblings. 

And as Kambree ages up, Holly almost throws up! Hmm...wonder what that's about? *wink

Kambree (our little college genius) still has a happy moodlet from getting her college diploma (lol). Hope she doesn't rub that degree in Theo's face too much!

Hayden ages up next! Aww...he looks so adorable in his sweater. He is the lone blonde out of the children...and up close his features look a lot like Holly, we will see with age!

Matthew is the last to age up...he has a head full of curly hair. Matthew is a very shy child and so far, doesn't act a thing like Kanoa. Kale tried not to cry looking at Matthew and thinking about his brother. Poor Kale! Holly excuses herself...

                    To go puke on the balcony! Isn't that just lovely?

Kambree and Matthew both are Artistic and immediately find the easels! They both quickly get their painting up to level five.

 Kale, Theo, and Hayden spend most days snorkeling in the pool. Hayden and Theo both have the athletic trait and love swimming!

Kale was super excited when Holly told him that they were going to have a baby!

They are just so cute together! They now have four kids and a baby on the way..that is going to one chaotic house for awhile. ;)

The next night, Kale was working out when the doorbell rang. Kale, knowing it was Kyle coming over to work out, turned off the treadmill and went to greet him.

Kale noticed the kids and Holly looking anxiously at him. "It's not Uncle Kyle, its some girl." Matthew stated.  "Well let's see what she wants. Maybe she's looking to babysit?" Kale winked at Holly before opening the door.

"Can I help you?" Kale asked, trying to be polite. "Yes, you can actually." The teenager confirmed, looking nervous. "Have I seen you before?" She nodded. "Not for years."

                     "Uncle Kale, its me, Desiree. Your niece."

End of Part 24

Graham Legacy (23) World's Collide Finale

"Had I known but yesterday what I know today,
I’d have taken out your two gray eyes
And put in eyes of clay;
And had I known but yesterday you’d be no more my own
I’d have taken out your heart of flesh
And put in one of stone."

                                                 – Quoted from Tam Lin

Things had gone from bad to worse as far as Reese was concerned. She was alive, thanks to Kane, as much as she hated to admit it. She had gotten plenty of food the past few days. But Kyle and Grayson had been sleeping more and more and Reese hadn't seen either of them stir in quite a long time. She wondered if she should risk acting on her plan without help. The original plan was to get either the gun or cellphone from Murdock. Ultimately, the goal was to call Kane's mom, Allison. Reese knew that Allison was the only person who could reason with her son. Reese wondered how closely Kane monitored the surveillance cameras. She decided she had to get the gun from Murdock regardless. Kyle and Grayson could die soon. The thought terrified her. Suddenly the door opened.

Reese felt her heart skip a beat. Axel. Was here. She stood in shock, trying to process what was happening.

Axel hugged Reese in relief. "Your alive." He choked out. He felt a lump forming in his throat. Andrea and Zach were both dead but Reese was alive. And he would keep her alive. "Thank you" was the only word Reese was able to say. Axel and Reese lingered in their hug a moment.

Axel couldn't stop staring at Reese. "Did Murdock hurt you?" Axel swallowed. He thought of Murdock's hands around Andrea's neck. "He didn't did he?" Reese blushed. "No. Not at all." 

Grayson, who had slowly gotten to his feet disagreed. "Well, that's a lie on two counts." Kyle stood. "Technically, it's not. Because nothing really happened." Axel looked confused but moved on. "We need to get you all out of here." Grayson turned to Kyle. "I'm gonna go by my house...well, where my house used to be." Kyle nodded. Axel realized who Kyle was. "Kyle Reed? Your sister's looking for you."

 Axel brought Reese home. He had already called Sydnee with the news. He hadn't expected Cannon to be at Reese's house, and tried not to cringe as his former best friend hugged his ex wife. Reese felt conflicted and was unsure why. Axel had been the cheater, and yet hugging Cannon felt wrong some how. But hugging Cannon also felt right. She was still dazed over her experience in the basement.

Sydnee arrived with Cassidy and Reese threw her arms around Cassidy. "Mom! I missed you! I'm glad you didn't die." Reese chuckled and then felt herself choke up. "I'm glad I didn't die either, baby." She turned to Sydnee and hugged her. 

Cannon spoke to Axel. "I want to thank you for bringing Reese back. And I hope your okay...with everything. I wanted to talk to you about dating Reese." Cannon paused. "I heard about Andrea and Zach." Axel spoke gruffly. "I don't want to talk about it." Cannon noted Axel hadn't quit looking at Reese. "Well would you rather talk about, Reese? Seems you can't stop staring at her." Cannon stated pointedly. He didn't appreciate Axel's sudden interest in Reese.

 
Axel didn't respond. He didn't want to fight with Cannon. He couldn't begin to describe to his friend the ordeal he had been through. Axel didn't know if he himself would ever fully understand it. Cannon spoke again. "Did you hear me? I said-" Axel cut him off. "I heard I...I am just relieved that she is alive, Cannon." Cannon nodded. "Well, good then."

Cassidy hugged Axel. Axel was in shock. He hadn't seen her since divorcing Reese. He had been sure she hated him. "Hi, daddy." He hugged her back. "Hey, sweetie. Did you have fun at Grandma's?" She nodded. "Great-Grandpa Sinbad found the bad guy...well that's what Grandma said." Before he could ask another question Cassidy noticed Cannon. "Cannon!" She squealed clearly delighted. Axel waved at Sydnee. 

Reese was reprimanding her mother. "Why would you call Cannon?" Sydnee looked confused. "Well isn't he your boyfriend?" Reese nodded. "Yes, but-" Sydnee put her hands on her hips. "But what? You better not fall for Axel again, that boy is trouble!" Reese was embarrassed at her mom's acuity. " Of course I won't fall for him again! Its just....well you see..." Sydnee gave up. "Good luck with figuring that out. I'm going   home."

 
Axel noted how much Cassidy clearly loved Cannon and tried not to feel hurt. It was his own fault. He shut out his own daughter long before he divorced Reese. Axel tried to look at the situation with maturity. His daughter was alive. Reese was alive. That was enough. He suddenly remembered what Cassidy had said about Sinbad. "I gotta go, uh, see you all later." 

Sydnee arrived just as Kyle did. He hugged Holly. "I can't believe you were taken to." Holly stammered. "I need to find Lyddia." Kyle stated. "I need to find Kane." Sydnee couldn't help interjecting. "My father caught up with Kane." She pulled out her cellphone and showed Kyle the address. "I believe this is where they are at." Kyle nodded. "I'll be back." He confirmed to Holly and Kale and headed out the door.
 

 Axel trained the arrow on Murdock. He had planned on dragging out Murdock's death but couldn't. Axel just longed for this to be over. He wanted to move on from it. Sinbad clutched his chest, clearly thinking about Andrea and Zach as well. Axel drew the bow taunt. 

As Axel released the arrow he felt free somehow. Murdock could take nothing else away from him. 

As death came for Murdock, Axel wiped tears from his eyes. He would never see Andrea or Zach again. This realization hit him as hard as a truck and took the wind out of him. Axel tried to calm down as death carried Murdock out, and after a moment nothing was left but the whisper of the spirit realm.

Kyle burst into the room. He was out of breath. He didn't know how long Sinbad would let Kane live, so hailed a cab and ran the rest of the distance. "I need to speak to Kane." Sinbad nodded. "No problem. Kane's got exactly twenty minutes till his appointment with death."

Kyle sat down across from Kane. There was so much he wanted to say to this man. Kyle knew he didn't have much time. "Where is Lyddia? I know you had her kidnapped the same time as me." Kane stared at Kyle thoughtfully. "You know, Lyddia is a close associate of mine-" Kyle cut Kane off. "I know you used her as a prostitute for several months. Tell me where she is." Kane smirked. "Do you really think you love her? Do you really think a girl like Lyddia is capable of love? While she does have some wonderful attributes I doubt-" Kyle interrupted. "I'm a cop. We can go back and forth like this all day. Although I doubt Sinbad would be too happy with that."

Sinbad agreed. "Nope. Pretty sure if you keep playing dodge I may have to draw out your death by several hours at least. "

Kane glared at Kyle, not hiding the fact that he hated being cornered. "I can't tell you much. You were on Kanoa's hit list and Lyddia just got caught in the crossfires, I suppose. Murdock brought her to the basement, I didn't see her until she was nearly dead." Kyle choked out. "Dead? She's dead." Kane shook his head. "I sold her to an acquaintance in Bridgeport." Kane didn't break eye contact with Kyle. "Even if you do find her, she's as good as dead." Kyle felt violent anger but kept his emotions under control. "Can you tell me anything else about Lyddia?" The corner of Kane's lip twitched into a most vile smile. "Not related to finding her no." Kyle knew if he stayed another moment in Kane's presence he would kill him. He decided it best to leave. 

Sinbad reassured Kyle. "We'll keep him alive a few more hours and see if he decides to tell us anything else." Kyle nodded but he was sure that Kane had told him the truth. Sinbad smiled grimly. "He will have plenty of reasons to regret his actions by the time we get through with him." Kyle stood, walking to the door.

 "I slept with her you know." Sinbad and Axel went silent and Kyle felt adrenaline seize his system. He balled his hands into fists. He had figured as much, but hadn't pressed Lyddia for details. He now knew how entirely low Gage Kane was. "You say that as if she had a choice." Kyle walked out. He wanted to kill Kane but he refused to do it. He couldn't jeopardize going to prison. Not when he had to find Lyddia. The clock was already ticking. If she was nearly dead when Kane saw her...Kyle refused to think of a negative outcome as he hailed a cab.

Sydnee hugged Grayson who had finally come over after visiting the charred remains of his family's home. It was a bittersweet reunion. When Grayson was in the basement he didn't have to think about the future because he assumed he would die. Now the thought of living without his family seemed nearly unbearable. "I am so glad you are alive!" Sydnee exclaimed crying. "I was so close to your father and I thought I had lost all of you!" Grayson hugged her tightly. "No, I'm still here. I'm still alive."

Holly turned to Sydnee. "We need to be going. Kyle just called and he's on his way to Bridgeport and we can't stand being away from the toddlers another moment." Sydnee nodded. "I understand, I am so glad you stayed with me though."

Holly hugged Sydnee. Holly had only known her a short while but she felt bonded to her. They had survived horrible imprisonment and near death. Holly felt herself ready to cry again and pulled away from Sydnee. 

Sydnee smiled. "Take care, kid. Enjoy your life. It will fly by and soon you'll be as old as me. Holly nodded as she followed Kale out the door. 

End of Part 23


Author's Note: While both legacies will continue this is the end of their time together. They will now both be in their own storylines again...less people will die and order is restored to the sim universe ;)