Ethan Leopard--Chapter 1

Ethan Leopardi, age 21
Parents: Monica and Francisco Leopardi
Narrated by Ethan.

Finally finally finally. I finally got my apartment rented in Viramontes. I have to admit that I never thought that it would take so long for my apartment to be ready. My mom came over to help me move my things in. I know that in a wierd way she is a little saddened that I choose not to go to college. Times are now different. Before it was expected for them to go to college. Now we are expected to live a full life filled with happiness and being a responsible citizen.

I sat down and looked around. Wow so this is what total peace and quietness sounds like. Don't get me wrong. I loved living at home but the fact that the Quads were so loud sometimes... well it made me want to scream. I convinced my mom that it was OK to let me move out. As of now she is just living at home with my quad brothers and sisters. Well one sister since Madeline moved out.
I managed to get a job in the military career. I am happy because I finally have a career. Im sadden because I will not be able to move as fast without a college degree. Either way I am happy to be out on my own.

I invited my brother Otani over and his finacee Shelby. They look so happy together. This has made me think about my own love life. For right now im dating Giselle at work but im not ready to bring her to my house at our family dinner. Will I ever be ready to get married? I looked at my brother and saw how he beamed when he looked at Shelby. Needless to say my mother is ecstatic that she can plan all these weddings. My sister Madeline just got married and im sure that despite their house fire they are fine.


Ah yes Giselle and I have been going out a little over a year. I have to admit that having a girlfriend at work is not that great. At first we were getting alone fine. We would talk all the time but then our orders were changing and she or I might get shipped away. At this point I was just glad to be with someone with whom I could relieve some stress.

I guess the stress was too much. No matter how much I tried to become "more involved" in my "relationship" it just didnt happen. Giselle ended up calling me telling me it was over. She also mentioned that she was getting shipped to another state. I didnt have anything to say and I bid her farewell.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My job requires me to be in top shape. If we are all day in training a physician would visit us at home to get our physical done. Let me tell you I always have the worst luck getting the eldest doctor. Today when I got home, I couldnt believe this beautiful physician was here waiting for me .
"Are you Mr. Leopardi?"
"Yes I am. Are you here for my physical?"
"Yes. Can we please proceed?"

Don't even ask how we ended up in bed together. I took my clothes off and she looked. She checked my pulse and mentioned it was racing. Next thing you knew we were kissing like crazy. Of course she told me that she never does this with anyone...but I dont believe it. Even I am not that egotistical to believe that. She was fun but I needed something better. Maybe someone stable?
either way she ended up recommending some coordination exercises at the local gym. She even mentioned Ballet or some other form of training would help. Can you imagine me in Ballet? I never saw her at base again. Who know if I will see her again.

It took me several months to muster up the courage to join a ballet class. My ballet teacher was Noelle and she was so hot. I saw her and I couldnt believe that she was single. Oh yes you better believe that I wanted to get to know this little lady.
We talked on an off and then I asked her out. She denied me stating that she didnt date her students. But im not one to give up. Trust me if I see something I want then I go for it.

I succeeded in getting Noelle to finally date me. Did you even doubt that she would? She is so amazing. We have spent every night together for the past four months. I still cant believe that im so in love. Noelle loves me and im so in love with her. I want her to be with me forever.


I decided to invite my family over to get to know Noelle. They all loved Noelle and my mother and brothers could not stop smiling over to me. Everyone knew that this was a special person since they met her.
Like I mentioned before. I dont let just anyone meet my family. Noelle is the first and after tonight, hopefully the only that has met my family.

My family left and Noelle had nothing but good things to say about them.
"Your family is so nice Ethan. I can see that you guys are close."
"We are somewhat. Right now everyone is trying to get settled in their own lives. Listen Noelle did you really like my family?"
"Of course I did why? Did you think that I would not?"

"I hoped that you would like them. This is why I bought this for you" I pulled out the box that held the ring.
"Ethan. Are you serious? Wow. I am shocked. This is why you wanted me to meet your family"
"Yes. I wanted you to know what you were getting into. Noelle, I have no doubt that you are the woman for me. I wanted to ask you if you would marry me?"
"Ethan, we barely know each other. I feel the same way. Of course I will marry you. I still cant believe it!"
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I went to see Noelle at work and she looked so sad when she greeted me.
"Whats wrong hun?"
"I just got laid off. I dont think that we can afford this wedding or even my rent. "
"OK we just need to take things one step at a time. We dont have to get married right this minute. We also dont need an extravagant wedding. Unless you want one."
"I know"
"Lets just take it slow. I love you and we can get through this"
"I know we can Ethan. Thanks for supporting me. I really appreciate having you with me during this."

Madeline Leopardi Chapter 1

Madeline, age 17 : Junior in high school
Aiden Royce, age 22 :Junior in college.
their Child: Kayla age infant

Aiden was still surprised that he managed to have a home for his new family. His girlfriend Madeline joined him in his newly purchased home. He managed to secure a loan for 54,000.

He purchased this lovely home and Madeline was ecstatic when she arrived there with Kayla. Madeline felt happy but sad that she no longer was going to live at home. This was quite a transition for someone so young as she. She was 17 a mother to a newborn and engaged to her 22 year old fiancee. She just hoped that she could managed all this and finish her last few years of high school.

Madeline managed to settle all of Kaylas things in her room. She soon noticed that her daughter was hungry and required her milk. Whenever Madeline fed Kayla she loved staring at her. There was something that changed when she became a mom. She still couldnt believe that she was a mom. Her family had freaked out when they found out she was pregnant but they eventually came around. Now that her father was no longer there Kayla served as a comfort not only to her but to her mother as well. Kayla was the third grandchild for Monica and she loved her grandchildren dearly.
"There there. How do you like your new home? Now were here with Daddy so everything is going to be fine."


Aiden was a hands on type of dad. He would get home late from school so he barely made it in time to tuck Kayla in. He loved knowing that his family was waiting for him at home. He just hoped that these last two years of college would go smoothly. Aiden needed to declare his major and finish his career to begin his internship. He was still debating on whether to go into business or law. For right now Law seemed more appealing but would require more time away from home. He pushed these thoughts aside and focus on the bundle of joy in his arms. He loved how his daughter smelled like baby powder. The minute he looked at her every worry he had seemed to disappear. He set Kayla down in the crib and tucked her in.

When he reached their bedroom Madeline was waiting for him.
"I thought that you would never get home. How was school?"
"It was great"
"You know Aiden. I love that we no longer need to hide. Were here all alone with Kayla. I still cant believe that we have this house."
"Well believe it Maddy. This is our house. Our home. I love you."
"I love you too Aiden. I love you so much."
* * * * * *

Monica dropped by often to make sure her daughter was OK. She didnt worry about Aiden mistreating her or anthing like that. She just wanted to make sure that Madeline was adjusting to living with Aiden and an infant baby. Much to Monica's surprise they were all fine. Before she knew it they were discussing when they were going to get married. Both Aiden and Madeline placed the idea of marriage on the back burner. Now that they were living together they mostly focused on finishing school and raising their daughter. This is what Monica feared. She said her piece and left the subject alone.

"You know your mom is right. We need to buckle down and decide when we are getting married."
"I know. Its just a little overwhelming with Kayla and school. "
"I know but still Maddy. I think your mom will hang us both if we dont move this foward."
Madeline chuckled, "I guess your right. Lets plan it then."
*******************************************************************************

Months later, they were home celebrating a small wedding ceremony. Madeline did the traditional feeding of the cake and Aiden did the same. the whole family showed up in support of their wedding. Now Madeline will sign her name Madeline Leopardi-Royce.

Madeline's quad sister decided to spend the night. Madeline was part of quadruplets. There were two boys and two girls among their older brother and sister. Beatrix was there to help clean up and to hang with her sister. There was so much that Madeline knew now that Beatrix could not even imagine. Beatrix couldnt even think about being married at 18 let alone having a child.
"Are you happy Maddy?"
"Bea of course I am. Its a big change. Its having to be responsible not only for Kayla but for Aiden as well. Im lucky. Aiden helps me out a lot. I never thought that we would live in a house. Cleaning this... well its worse than having to clean our little room back home."
"I would imagine. I still cant believe your a Mrs. WOW. How is the... you know... sex life"
"Its good. Bea, you wait until your ready. I was ready with Aiden and unfortunately we had a little accident. Trust me. We did everything we were supposed to do. I still ended up pregnant."
"I hear you. I miss you at home. Ivan and I are fighting constantly I cant stand him. If it were for Rodrigo Iwouldnt have any one to talk to."
" You have to make peace with Ivan. This cant keep going on like this forever. I hear Kayla..come on upstairs with me."

"Ugh. How can you just change her diaper with out any reaction"
"shes my baby. I do it all the time. Don't worry. Some day you too will be changing someone's diaper. "
"I dont think so Maddy. This more your thing."
"have you thought about what college your going to?"
"Honestly Maddy. Dont get me wrong but I really do not want to go to college. Mom said it was our choice and im deciding not to go."
"I wish I could go. I dont know yet. Aiden and I are not that well off financially. I have to see if we can afford both tuitions. I still dont know if he's going into law. If so then its definitely going to get tight financially around here."


"I hear you Maddy. Not all is colored roses huh? Hello there Kayla. She's so cute. I cant believe shes part of our family. All of my nephews and nieces are so cute!"
************************************************************************************

Madeline was now a Senior in high school and now a mother of a one year old. Her daughter was now beginning to walk and she nor Aiden were ready for how active she was getting.

Madeline was really struggling with school. She was falling behind but managed to talk to her teachers to get some extensions on her coursework. How did people manage to have a baby and go to school? If she was this stressed with high school then definitely she was not even going to try to go to college. At least not now. Maybe in the future.
**********************************************************************************

Aiden was falling a little behind in college studies as well. He began studying more and his load of responsibility was being ignored some what. Madeline had to remind him to trim the flower bushes in front of the house. As much as Aiden felt guilty about putting more pressure on Madeline...he had to do it. If he didnt rely as much on her then he would fall too behind and risk not graduating next year. He could not take that risk.

It all happened too fast. First he was trimming the bushes and next thing he knew he was calling the fire department. His house was inflames. He got in just in time to get Kayla out and it was close. He called the fire department but it seemed like forever before they got there.

Madeline got home to the horror of her house burning down and the fire truck arriving at home. Her first thought was.. "My baby...." She saw Aiden onthe front lawn who was holding Kayla safely in his arms.
"what happened?"asked Madeline.
"I dont know... I just got Kayla out."

After the fire was put out they all walked into the house.
"Oh my god. How are we going to recover from this?"
Monica rushed in after she heard the news, "Maddy... Aiden... where are you guys?"
"were in here mom"
Otani arrived as well and was astonished by the damage.
"geez your whole kitchen and dining area its literally gone."
"I know. Man what int he world happened" said Aiden.

The firemen approached Aiden and explained that the fire began in the kitchen and headed upstairs through the ceiling. Thank god that it they didnt lose Kayla's crib. They did however lose their own bedroom. the only thing upstairs that survived was a single bathroom.

Otani looked at his niece. His heart went out to them. He never lived through a fire but dreaded having his baby sister live through this with her family. Thank god no one was hurt. They would make it past this. They just had to.

Author's note:
The fire was thanks to ROS. I had forgotten about the fire so I had go back and add the scenes. There are more surprises in this family yet to come! I am sadden that Madeline will not go to college yet Aiden still has to decide what career path to follow.

Francisco Otani--Chapter 3

Otani, age 25
Job: Magazine Editor
*taxes paid $2,500

Otani still could not believe that his father was no longer with them. It was hard to imagine his father gone. He had so much to say to his father but now that opportunity was gone. His mother was even more distraught but she was managing. It had already been two years since his dad Francisco died. More than anything Otani missed his father's laugh.

Otani had been dating and met Shelby Downie. At the time they met they were both trying to settle down and start a serious relationship. No matter how much Otani loved his space he knew there was something missing. Shelby and him began dating and it was like everything fell in to place all at once. Shelby was busy with her career in event planning and he was busy in his journalism career. Before he knew it Shelby told him that she had a job offer in another city. Otani knew that she wasnt trying to trap him but he couldnt risk her leaving. He made the decision right then and there to ask her to move in with him. She was excited at his proposal but wanted to make sure it was thought out.

"Are you sure?"
"Why would I be Shelby. I love you and I want us to be together."
"OK. I accept. Wow I cant believe that were moving in together after meeting six months ago. Otani I love you so much."
They were in love and they knew that they would do anything possible to nurture the love they felt for each other.

Ethan was a regular visit to Otani's apartment. It was no wonder that he was shocked that his brother actually asked Shelby to move in. Ethan joked and asked if he could be there when Otani told their mother.
"Mom is going to kill you. You know she wants you to marry first then live together."
"First off im 27 and I know what im doing. Second mind your business. Besides what about you? Your fresh off of college and dont know what your going to do with your life."
"Ya ...ya."
Ethan did know what he wanted to do but was not willing to let his brother forget how their mother was going to react.

* * * *

A couple of weeks after Shelby moved in, he approached her about having his mother and Juno over for dinner. Shelby was nervous but excited to finally meet his mother. She had met Juno before and they hit it off rather quickly.


Monica came over with Juno and enjoyed a wonderful breakfast at her son's house. Juno helped to gently break the news that Shelby and Otani were now living together. Much to everyones surprise she was fine with it. She just wanted her children to be happy and in turn that made her happy.
"Wow mom, I actually was expecting another reaction. Either way I invited you both here to meet Shelby but to also ask her if she wants to marry me."
Shelby almost choked on her pancake that she was devouring. "Propose? Your actually proposing?"
"Oh Otani. This is wonderful news" said Monica.
"Well Shelby waht do you say?"asked Otani.
"I say YES!"
With one word Shelby managed to remove all the anxiety that Otani had been feeling. Juno looked at her baby brother and smiled. She was so happy to see that they were getting married.

"I still cant believe were getting married"
"Neither can I. I hope that we have a wonderful marriage like my mother and father had. Shelby you love me right?"
"Otani, of course I love you. I think that you and I will live a wonderful life together. I love you more than words can say."

* * * *

Otani looked at the wonderful flowers he got for Shelby. It was their 6 month anniversay since she moved in. Their apartment was over taken by wedding supplies and wedding ideas. He was getting nervous to see the bill for this wedding. He just wanted his bride to be to be happy as he was.

Shelby and Juno got along so well that she asked Juno to be her maid of honor. Juno agreed and was happy that she got along with her new sister-in-law to be. There were a lot of things to get settled. After all she was marrying the legacy heir and that required a lot of preparation. Juno loved seeing how ecstatic Shelby was. It reminded her of her own wedding to Jade. It seemed like it was yesterday that they too were getting married. Now they were mostly at home with their two toddlers causing a mess.

Monica came over to help plan the wedding. She too was happy with the choice Otani made. Finally the Legacy would create the third generation. At least she hoped so. With her two eldest and one of her youngest children married or soon to be, she was happy as a clam.