The Monroe Legacy - G.2. Finale - Fade to Gray

Disclaimer- This chapter contains some adult language and is rated PG-13

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In the years that followed between Hallie's announcement and Gray's 21st birthday the dynamic if the Monroe house changed drastically. Hallie began to step back from the day-to-day running of the house, allowing Gray to see to the bills and decisions as well as cooking the meals. She was either found fiddling with minute gadgetry at her inventing bench or curled in Cai's arms in front of the fire. Cai was writing small pieces for the press but spent more time reading the paper than writing for it.

Though they'd never admit it both Hallie and Cai liked the slow, semi-retired life they were living. They finally had time for each other as well as time to better get to know all of their children as they neared adulthood and independence.

After her first bit-part in indie film, Unfortunate Thursdays, Violet was beginning to make a name for herself at the studio. While she had yet to play a part where she didn't die horribly she was enjoying her life in front of the the camera. With this success came exposure and she began to understand what her parents had meant about the price of fame. She often emerged from cast parties to find paparazzi waiting to snap her juiced antics.

One night after a rowdy party she had had enough and confronted the paparazzo waiting in the car park.

'Could you kindly leave me the fuck alone' was her less than eloquent request, eliciting a snigger from the man holding the camera.

'Are you gonna call me an ass-hat douchewizard next?' bantered the photographer, lowering his camera and grinning.

Violet's breath caught. The ass-hat douchewizard photographer was absolutely gorgeous. Forgetting her anger she blushed and muttered,

'Not my most mature response but it's been a bad week' she turned to go.

 

'Want to tell me about it?' came the photographer's soft request. She paused and he continued, 'Off the record, I swear. I've had a crappy week too.'

Wondering if she was making a huge mistake Violet accepted, the butterflies in her stomach urging her closer to the handsome stranger. A few days later an envelope arrived at the house containing a cut-out gossip article, it described the luminous quality of Lucky Palms newest actress and urged studios to look more closely at a Miss Violet Monroe, star in the making. Also enclosed was a baseball cap with a picture of an ass pinned on. Scrawled across the cheeks was a phone number and one word.

'Dinner'.

As Violet began a secret relationship with the young reporter, Gray and Aisha were still a solid pair. After senior prom they each lied to their parents about an after party and snuck to a motel where they spent a tentative first night together. At graduation they held hands throughout and were voted the couple most likely to marry. Gray was also Valedictorian.

Less lucky in love was Sienna. Still smarting from being passed over as heir she decided to take her parents seriously when they told her to take risks. At the Spring Fling she marched up to Ethan, her long term crush and asked him to dance in front of all of his friends. He laughed so hard that he almost peed himself before turning her down flat.

Humiliated and crushed Sienna fled the gym and spent the rest of the evening alone in the play park. The police picked her up ten minutes after curfew and escorted her home to where a firm but sympathetic Hallie waited. Sienna would not be comforted, silently swearing that she'd find a way to outdo each and every one of her siblings. Gray wanted badly to help her, to regain the closeness they'd once shared but ever since his selection as heir his sister had been pushing him away.

Unfortunately for Sienna, Gray would soon have other things to occupy his mind. As soon as he had his high-school diploma he marched in to the managers office at The Lonely Cactus and demanded a kitchen job. His boss laughed and took him on as a Spice Runner! He'd known this day was coming since the day Gray had started as the scullion four years ago!

His new career dominated Gray's life, he spend hours poring over menu plans, experimenting with spice combinations and practicing his cooking. Soon even his date nights with Aisha were cooking related, he would take her to rival restaurants to scope out the competition, get her to trial his new concoctions or sometimes just drag her along to scour markets or even forests for a missing ingredient!

Hallie watched with concern, Aisha didn't seem to mind but it was clear to her that her sons' girlfriend was mainly interested in having a comfortable life. Her driven son would provide for anyone he loved but Hallie wondered whether that would be enough for Aisha in the long term. The pretty teen was used to the excitement of being the toast of high school, being the wife of a workaholic chef might soon lose its shine and Hallie feared that it would break her son's heart.

Saffron was also breaking hearts, decimating the desirable male population of her high-school by the end of sophomore year. Hallie put her foot down when the audacious redhead tried to sneak off to do spring break with some neighbourhood college kids and enrolled her daughter in study club to limit her hours as a dating tornado.

Saffron was secretly relieved to be "forced" to spend more time in school. Whilst the attention and popularity of her lifestyle were fun she couldn't deny that she found it exhausting and she was hoping and looking for that guy who would suddenly make everything make sense. She dated a lot and never seriously which kept her reputation up and rumours swirling but meant she never actually had to do more than flirt a little when out with a guy before leaving him behind to miss her.

In their lack of romantic success Saffron and Sienna had finally found some common ground. They never talked about it openly but they could often be found on the sofa together, watching a romantic movie and eating a tub of ice cream between them. Hallie sympathised from a distance and let them be, she remembered the frustrations of her own never-been-kissed period and hoped her daughters would be as lucky as she had been in love. 

Jet had now been attending Fort Starch for two years and was certainly benefiting from the strict timetable. He was now an accomplished horseman and always begging Hallie and Cai to have a stable added to the house when he phoned home. His parents had little doubt what he'd be spending his inheritance on. Jet was also much less absent-minded, he had routines and goals he had to stick to and although on his holidays Hallie occasionally found him whispering into thin air she was pleased that her younger son had become more grounded in reality, it made it easier to wave him off at the start of each semester (she still cried every time).

Six months before Gray's birthday, Violet came home with a tiny diamond on her left hand and a previously unknown man on her arm.

Introducing him to her parents as her boyfriend of the past year and new fiance, Violet explained that Derek wouldn't be able to stay at his paper if they suspected he might be biased towards any of his subjects and that she would face problems at work if they knew how close she was to the press. From their own run-ins with the media Hallie and Cai knew that their daughters concerns were valid but seeing the look in her eyes when she looked at Derek and the way he was around Violet, they knew it was too late for objections.

A quiet back-yard wedding a few months later was attended by the Monroe family only, Derek was a former foster kid, and Hallie cried as her eldest daughter took her new husband's hand and ran for the taxi that would deliver them to their new home, a tiny place as far away from anything as they could get in Lucky Palms.

Now it truly felt like the end of an era, Hallie wondered if she'd hold a grandchild her arms in the next few years or watch the rest of her children say "I Do". She knew from her parents lives that you never knew how long you had left and she treasured every day that passed, the stormy tempestuous days of teenage heartache as well as the golden days of joy and reminiscences.

As she watched her eldest son bend over his 21st birthday cake, closing his eyes and wishing for his heart's desire, Hallie knew she had done everything she could.

Her children were grown, she had taught them what she knew and she would be there for them as long as she was able, to soothe their broken hearts and share in their happiness. As Gray grew into a fine young man and turned to kiss his girlfriend, Hallie took Cai's hand and they turned and left the room.

Their time was at its end.


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Read the first chapter of Gray's story here - G.3. Ch. 1 - A House is not a Home

The Monroe Legacy - G.2. Chapter 26 - There Can Only Be One

As the years rolled onwards Hallie watched her children closely, wincing at their mistakes and cheering on their successes. Their new town was beginning to feel like home and Lola was even talking about moving to join them.

Violet had grown into a confident and extroverted young woman, her conversation skills as bright as her big green eyes.

After a year rushing around Europe on her own she'd come back to Lucky Palms with a tan and a renewed determination to hit the big time. She got a job at the film studio, much to Saffron's annoyance, carrying coffee and running about after the stars. Violet schmoozed and flirted with anyone crossing her path who would get her were she wanted to go and was eventually rewarded with a walk-on part in a low-budget indie flick. She was on her way!

Gray had figured out that Aisha WAS flirting with him and the two were now a couple. She is heavily involved with the school dance team and competes a lot with them. This suits Gray fine as he has plenty of time to still obsess over cooking, their relationship is easy and low-maintenance. His GPA is great and Hallie would hardly worry about him at all except that he seems so focused on his future career that he's missing out on being a teenager, he even watches cooking tutorials as his down time. If he keeps going like he is after graduation he'll burn out by the time he's 30.

Jet is the opposite and is just a big kid, clinging to his childish ways and his imaginary friend. Though Hallie's seen him interacting with his family, his  teachers tell her that he is withdrawn and will .only. engage when the talk moves to horses or music. After a lot of thinking Hallie and Cai decide to send him to the special school. The discipline is strict, the days are structured and there is a great stable and Equestrian science facility too. Jet seems indifferent to going and Hallie hopes its the right thing to do.

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Sienna is still a straight A student, a member of the student council and continues to excel in Chem club. Ethan is now dating Piper, Sienna is pretending not to care and secretly formulating a chemical to make her irresistible! She has made a few other friends though, Sahan from her tutor group is at the house several times a week and while Hallie keeps trying to hint to Sienna that he's flirting, Sienna only has eyes for Ethan.

Saffron is bounding through life, making and breaking friendships with her infectious personality and hot temper. She keeps begging Violet to take her to work on the weekends but her big sister has enough competition without her pushy younger sibling trying to steal her spotlight. For now Saffron is contenting herself with playing Juliet in the school production and going out with lots of different boys. She still hasn't given away her second kiss though - she's saving it for a real-life Romeo.

With Jet's departure for Fort Starch approaching and Violet starting to talk about moving out, Hallie know that the time has come to announce her heir. She's talked it through with Cai and he agrees, there's one among their children who is most capable of shouldering the responsibility but who will also benefit from the journey the legacy will bring them.

Sitting all five down the night before Jet was due to leave Hallie felt nervous as she gathered the family together. She couldn't bear the thought of any of them being upset with her decision. She took a deep breath,

'Whilst we're all here together I wanted to tell you that I have made a decision about the heir.

Violet, you've asked for your money towards an apartment, your father and I are so proud of the go-getter you're becoming. Just remember that fame is a fair-weather friend and keep your feet on the ground as you achieve the success you so deserve.

Gray, you're the hardest working kid I've ever known. Whichever restaurant or culinary school you go to will be lucky to have you,we're sure going to miss your cooking when that happens. Just remember to live as well, there is so much more to life than work.

Jet, you know that your dad and I admire your light-heartedness and optimism, we hope you never lose them even as you take up this demanding opportunity. We're going to miss you so much but you'll be back all the time and with another way of looking at life.

Sienna, you're any parents dream. Sweet-tempered, hard-working and loyal. Even at my age I can learn a lot from the way you live your life, you brighten up everywhere you go. My worry for you is that you're not letting go, worrying too much about who we want you to be. We want you to be happy, so let loose and don't be afraid to make mistakes, we'll always love you as much as we do now.

Saffron, you're our little fire-cracker. You fight for what you want and you put yourself in the way ofevery opportunity. You have tested our patience and shown us a whole new world in equal measure, you inspire people to take every chance and to run as hard as they can. Just know you don't always have to burn the brightest and blind those who want to get closer, let people see the quiet you that we see, the thoughtful you, because it is a part of you too.

With all that said you can see that each and every one of you would be a worthy heir. But there can only be one.

Saffron and Violet, we want you to be free to chase your dreams wherever they take you, you shouldn't be tied to this town. Jet, you're still finding yourself and that's what matters most. Sienna, we want you to live for you, not to follow in our footsteps and settle because it is easy.

So we have chosen Gray.

Gray, we know that your career will bring you joy and success, we think that the legacy will bring you balance and remind you that true success comes from a life that is fulfilling in many different ways.'

As Hallie finished talking Gray staggered to his feet and stumbled to hug his mom, his face a picture of shock. Violet shrugged and went to comfort Sienna who was softly crying.Saffron laughed, slightly hysterically and congratulated her brother and Jet whooped and hollered as Cai looked on smiling.

The third generation was almost ready.

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Read the Generation 2 Finale - Fade to Gray.

The Monroe Legacy - G.2. Chapter 25 - A Change of Scenery

The next few months rushed by and brought about a significant birthday that Hallie was not looking forward to. In an effort to ignore the date Hallie and Cai shared a cake with their children but as they looked in the mirror they had to admit that time was starting to take its toll on them.

Silver was beginning to streak through Hallie's long black hair and Cai was getting deep lines on his forehead. Age might be changing them physically but under it all they were still the same youngsters who fell in love all those years ago.

Once they were done with the festivities they sat all their children down for a talk, Hallie wanted to give them the information in the legacy and Cai had another announcement to make.

Once they were all settled Hallie fiddled with her hair, took a deep breath and began.

'I know I've kind of made this into a big deal by sitting you all down and demanding your attention but really I just want you to have time to think about what I'm about to tell you, it took me several years to process how I felt!'

Hallie went on to explain the concept of the legacy, the duties of the heir and how she would choose, seeing Sienna pull herself up tall and Jet sink in his chair. She finished with the words that she still remembered from her mother's announcement'

'My mother told us all this, that she wouldn't choose the smartest, the loudest or the highest achiever. The heir will be the one of you who most needs the opportunity. The one who will use it to change their life. It changed my life, it brought me all of you and this wonderful home. The financial inheritance is for each of you to spend as you wish. Please think about the legacy, tell me if you don't think you want the responsibility, I would never hold that against you. Your father I will let you all grow-up and to get to know you better before I make any decisions.'

Cai squeezed Hallie's hand, before continuing with the big announcements.

'Kids, I know this is coming from nowhere but how would you feel about moving to Lucky Palms? It would be this summer, I've been offered a job at the paper there that I'd like to take up, Vi you'll be done with school,  and you three will be between schools. Gray I know you'd be leaving mid-way through high-school. It's an hour away so we'll be close enough but what do you all think?'

Gray shrugged, 'I don't mind, school is school and there's loads of great restaurants in Lucky Palms where I could work part-time!'.

'And Sunset Film Studios!' Saffron interrupted. 'I could be an extra!'.

'Rocky wants to go' Jet agreed and Sienna shrugged, perhaps in a new town she would be the popular sister!

Violet was quiet and it looked like her eyes were a watering.

'What do you say Violet', Hallie asked softly.

Violet shook her head and forced a smile, 'Who am I to argue, there's nothing to keep me here.' Her voice cracked and she stood up and quickly left the room. As everyone got ready for bed, the triplets buzzing with excitement at the change of scenery Cai heard Violet sobbing into the phone.

The last few months in Appaloosa Plains were bittersweet. Hallie would miss having her extended family and friends  so close but Belle was already living in the suburbs of Lucky Palms and as Luna kept pointing out it was only an hour down the freeway.

Their last big family gathering was for Violet's graduation, she graduated with honours and her parents couldn't have been prouder. Cai even turned a blind eye to Chadd's presence, knowing that distance would likely out an end to whatever lingering flirtation his between his daughter and the older boy.

Gray finished his Sophomore Year and was voted Prom King to his great surprise. He hadn't even taken a date but apparently his good-natured charm had won the hearts of the student population. He thought maybe he'd try being a little more social at his new school, it could be fun!

Cai went out to Lucky Palms a few weeks early to oversee the building work. He was keeping it all very hush hush insisting that the new house be a surprise for everyone, Hallie included.

When moving day arrived they waved goodbye to their family and their home, Hallie wondering what her mother would make of them leaving the home they had built. Marlie had always insisted that the legacy was people, not things, but Hallie would miss the home they had raised their family in.

As they pulled up to the gate of their new house a collective gasp went out and Hallie was stunned into speechlessness.

'What the actual hell!' was all the usually reserved Sienna could muster as Cai walked out of the gates, a huge grin on his face.

'Welcome home baby' he said, hugging Hallie as she continued to stare over his shoulder.

'It's- it's- our house? Our house is in Lucky Palms?' Hallie finally managed.

Cai smiled. 'I knew the move would be hard on you, leaving your home and I was trying to think of what you'd like. I spoke to the architect who built our house back in Appaloosa and he recreated it for us! It's Casa Monroe, Lucky Palms edition!'

Hallie was overcome with happiness, it was exactly what she needed to feel at home in the new town.

They settled in quickly, forming new routines in the new old house and exploring their new surroundings.

Violet was taking a gap year before deciding about college and worked part time at the spa whilst she socialised her way through the new community. She couldn't believe that she was almost an adult and had no idea what she wanted to do with her life. Violet dabbled in many things, she joined a band, quit the band, worked out a bit, hung out in the local bars and schmoozed with local celebrities. She'd set her heart in one of the big houses by the lake and knew that she'd need a great job (or a wealthy husband) if she was going to afford it!

Gray had got a part time pot-washing job at the exclusive hill-top restaurant The Lone Cactus and was living his dream. He came home after every shift smelling of spices and dreaming of having his own restaurant. Romon Tanner, the head chef had taken a liking to the young lad and was helping him to learn the craft. In his spare time Gray was spending a lot of time with a girl from school, Aisha. He liked her and she was super hot but poor Gray was so unused to flirting that he wasn't really sure if she liked him or not!

Jet was making occasional visits to planet earth, his grades were terrible and he still spent too much time alone but he did seem to be making more of an effort. He even went to Homecoming with his sisters though he wore jeans and got in a fight with a guy who tried to pinch Saffron's ass. Hallie and Cai were seriously considering sending him to a special boarding school which claimed to have experience dealing with kids who struggled with focus but they hated the idea of sending him away. Hallie reasoned that as long as he didn't fail school and kept up his riding, his only social activity, then it would be okay.

Sienna was probably having the hardest time adjusting to the move. She had hoped that going into a new school she wouldn't always be seen as Saffron's sister hit the kids in Lucky palms were even more like her sister than those back home. The only saving graces were the gorgeous weather, she spent hour in the pool, and the Science club she joined. There was a cute guy named Ethan who she worked on labs with and he didn't seem interested in her sister at all! Sienna saved up her allowance and bought herself a home chemistry set so she could improve and maybe impress Ethan enough that he'd ask her out!

Saffron was loving life in Lucky Palms though she hadn't managed to sneak inside a film set yet! She was having a blast at school and was always exploring the neighbourhood with her new friends. When Laurence Tucker took her to the wishing well she kissed the coin and wished for a fairytale romance! Attention was one thing but she dreamed of having a boyfriend who understood all of her, not just the shiny, popular, fun bit. What she got was Laurence kissing her without her permission. She couldn't believe he'd stolen her first kiss and rushed home to try and forget it ever happened.

Hallie watched them all from behind her workbench, she had still to figure out both that elusive invention and the right choice for heir. As a cool wind broke through the desert heat, Cai called from upstairs.

Packing her tools away she trudged upstairs, her mind full of questions only to be greeted with a beautiful bunch of flowers and a kiss. She'd forgotten her wedding anniversary!

Hallie let Cai massage away all her stress, there would be a moment when she knew what she needed to do, she was sure of it.

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The HEIR VOTE is closed but you can see the post at that link if you're curious.

Read the next chapter to find out the winner - G.2. Ch. 26 - There Can Only Be One

*Authors note - The neighbourhood move was sadly necessary - \With such a massive extended family Appaloosa Plains was full to bursting, lagging badly and with 4 spares to move out any day! I hope you'll enjoy the story as it continues in Lucky Palms - I chose this world because it best suits all the potential heirs. Classy restaurants for Gray, mansions for Violet, Film Studio for Saff, and plenty of room for Jet's horses and Sienna's whatever she decides!