Madeline Leopardi-Royce--Chapter 2

Madeline (19), her husband Aiden (22) and their daughter Kayle (2)
Narrated by Madeline.

Finally we got things semi-back in order. After our devastating fire we really had to buckle down financially in order to survive. Aiden keeps my spirits up because he tells me things are going to be OK. Now that my mother has passed it seems hard for me to be on my own without anyone to talk to. I try to talk to Beatrix but she has her own problems at the moment. My other brothers are in college so they barely even have time to talk to me.
Don't get me wrong. I love talking to Aiden but sometimes I need another person's perspective.

I guess our drama was not over because we were all sound asleep when our house alarm went off. I could not believe that someone actually was breaking into our house. Aiden immediately went to call the police and I went to make sure Kayla was alright.

thankfully the robber got caught. I would have died if she would have stolen something and we do not have another dime to our name to replace anything.

Aiden spends a lot of time with Kayla when he comes back from school. Hes almost done with college and can not wait until he can get a real job. I am doing OK at my job at the office but i feel that I need to do more. I have a daughter to think about.

I am getting ready to garden at some point. Kayla insisted going out with me so I bundled her up and let her play a bit in the snow. Its fun to see how she interacts with the snow.
I look at her and I am amazed that she is now 2 years old. Where did the time go? Now here she is my little toddler.

Aiden approached me the other day and told me that he feels that there is a distance between us. I do not know what he is referring to since I feel as close to him as ever.
He proposed that we begin having date nights. He told me that he talked to Beatrix who would be willing to take care of Kayla. I think were fine but the stress of 1. having a fire devour our home and 2. having a burglar attempt to rob us, is a lot of stress. I just hope that Aiden will stop with this growing apart thing.

Ethan Leopardi--Chapter 2 New beginnings?

Ethan (23) and his finaceé Noelle Dennis (23)
Narrated by Noelle.

Ethan and I have been engaged and living together for about two years now. I never thought that a guy like him could ever exist. He helped me when I really needed him. At breakfast we sit down and try to catch up on what has been going on. Ethan is a military man and that requires that he leaves one week out of the month. When he is here he is always working and we have conflicting work schedule.

I have never seen a family that is so close together like Ethan's. I love that they are united but sometimes it tends to get a little on my nerves. I can come home expecting to just go upstairs and relax but I can't because his family is over.
As much as I try to appear friendly, I think my new sister-in-law Shelby caught on that I wanted some privacy.

I caught Otani asking Ethan when we were getting married. Its not bad enough that he himself only got married a few months ago and now he over here trying to rush us. I know that we are engaged but lately it seems that we are already married. So what is the rush?

After I caught Ethan, Jade and Otani discussing their wedding party. The whole conversation was about weddings and their newborn babies. I was so bored with the conversation that I excused myself and headed to my sanctuary upstairs.

Ethan decided for us to have a date downtown Viramontes. I love this new little cozy restaurant. At first I was enjoying my dinner and Ethan ordered some champagne for us to drink.
"What are we celebrating Ethan?"
"We are celebrating because we have to announce our wedding soon. Its been two years and I want to know what you think about that."
"Ethan, I think that we need to take some time and think about it. I really appreciate all that you have done for me but honestly I feel that your suffocating me with this wedding thing."
"Its not a thing. Are we on the same page here? I thought we were ready to take the next step? What are you exactly telling me?"
"I am saying that I would like to wait. Ethan... maybe we should take a break in our relationship. I think that you want to get married NOW and I am only 25 and not in a rush"
"I think you are not ready and I think you need to find a new place to live. I want you out by the end of the month"
"Are you serious Ethan? Your going to act like this?"
" Noelle, you are not ready. I am not going to sit stagnant in this relationship waiting or hoping for the possibility of us getting married. Were over. I am done. No matter how I feel this does not mean that I am willing to wait."
"I think you need to think about this Ethan. Your acting irrational."
I got up and left back home. I understand that he wanted to get married...but I never thought that he would react this way.

*********

Ethan's point of view.

Noelle moved out. We kept screaming at each other for about two weeks when finally I had to leave on my military leave and when I got back she was gone. I realize now that she never wanted to get married. I know that many will think that I was her rescue when she got laid off. I really wanted to help her and I loved her.
In the end she never understood how I ended up our relationship so easy. It does not mean that it doesnt hurt me. I am hurt but I also understand that people come and people go. If Noelle was not willing to stay then I am prepared for her to leave.

Now that im home alone its actually easier to get some reading done. My family calls me a lot to make sure that im still alive. I am still alive...and yes I do have my engagement ring on... I am only human.

Francisco Otani -Chapter 4

Francisco Otani (27), finacee Shelby Downie (27)
Narrated by Francisco Otani.

Shelby and I have officially moved in together. I am glad that before my mother passed she knew that I was going to marry Shelby.
We were having dinner and Shelby looked so green that I asked what was wrong with her. At first I thought that she had food poisoning.

Turns out that she was expecting our first child. I am sure that everyone would expect the legacy heir to get married prior to having a baby. Shelby was so nervous when she told me that we were expecting. She is starting to show and it concerned her that we were not married yet. I told her that we needed to find another place because us and my dog and a baby will definitely not fit in this small apartment.

Shelby met with a realtor and we saw plenty apartments and houses. I am lucky to have a girl like Shelby. She was fine with renting another apartment if need be. We saw this house that she loved and wanted to know if I would agree in finally signing an offer.
On the outside I was already sold but I needed to see the inside as well.

I loved the inside. I love wood flooring and it was great to see that this was new construction and they were offering it at a low price. I looked at Shelby and said, "If your sure then lets make an offer".

We made the offer and we got it! Shelby could not wait until we could move in and start decorating.

My main concern was planning our wedding. Sure this should be a girls worry and not mine but I still had my legacy to be concerned about. I was 27 and I needed to make sure that our legacy was secured but at the same time I was ready to be a dad.

Shelby announced that she had her wedding dress and everything was good to go. We had already decided to have the wedding at our new house.

I was so nervous waiting at the arch for my bride to come down. I wanted to go up and make sure that she was ready...but my sister Juno told me that I was crazy. I needed to be patient and so here I am .... waiting.

My girl looked so pretty. I know that she was worried about showing her baby bump. For me I loved knowing that my child was in there witnessing our wedding.

We recited the traditional vows and I was so happy that we were officially married.

Our family went inside the house to enjoy the food we made. Juno and Jade loved the way Shelby had decorated the house. Shelby kept blushing when everyone complimented her.

We did the traditional cutting of the cake.

Shelby served me my first bite.

We managed to go outside and take a family portrait. I wish that we took it earlier in the day. Either way it was a perfect shot.

Finally Shelby managed to finish the living room area to her liking. She claims that shes done but people tell me that shes just nesting. I let her choose what she wants because we have the same taste.

Juno and Jade came by to visit us and to make sure that everything was fine. Juno began working out and Jade went along for support.

I guess it was meant to be because as soon as I got home Shelby went into labor. I was so scared but Juno and Jade told me to relax and it would go smoothly.

I still can not believe that we have quads. My sister Juno and Jade have twins but we have no quads in our family. I guess we are the first. We have 3 boys and 1 little girl. We decided to name them:
Angel, Francisco Ismir III, Nevada and Sergio. We are not planning on having any more children. Now that we have quads we have to work hard to make sure that we are able to pay birthing fee and dont even get me started on school fees.

Juno Leopardi--Chapter 4

Juno (age 29), her spouse Jade (age 28)
Children: twins, Phillip and Stewart (age 2)
Sister: Beatrix (age 19)
Narrated by Juno

It was such a sad feeling knowing that I was home and that my mother was no longer living there. As the first born she left this house to me and she even asked me to live here once she was gone. My other brothers and sisters went off to college while my little sister Beatrix decided to stay home after she decided not to go to college. Jade felt guilty about moving in because she felt that Beatrix should keep the house. Jade and I didnt agree about moving in but I did not want to break my promise to my mom.
We did manage to get our things moved over..that is after we paid the moving company $3000. I just hope that we manage to keep things up because my mom didnt really update anything in a while.

As soon as we fixed the living room I called to see where Beatrix was. She wasnt home and I did not know where her room was located upstairs. Jade was busy trying to get the boys situated. This move did nothing for them because they were crankier than usual. I think Jade and I need to discuss how we can stop spoiling our children.

When Beatrix finally came home we sat down and discussed with her how we felt about moving back home. Bea seemed Ok with it and just asked if we were going to respect her privacy. I made sure that she knew that I was there as sort of a room mate to her and not a parent. I love my sister but I do think that she wants to move out. The only reason she has not is because we both know that she can not afford it at this time.

Here is my parents old living room set. I still can not believe that things remained the same after I moved out. My parents were pretty much set in their ways. This is why they lived a life debt free. They saved all their money to pay for our college and other expenses.

We moved all of our furniture and just bought a few accent pieces. We do not have that much money to redo the whole house. I do want to redo the outside but we are taking it one step at a time. My brother Otani called to make sure that we were settled in and didnt need any help. He himself is looking for a house to rent.

Jade and I sat on our bed in my parents old bedroom and managed to talk a little. it seemed strange that we were here and that we had a whole house to ourselves. The boys were put to bed and we loved that we no longer had noisy neighbors to bother us.

Obituary--Monica Leopardi

Monica Leopardi, beloved wife of Francisco Leopardi and mother to:
Juno, Francisco Otani II, Ethan, Beatrix, Madeline, Ivan and Rodrigo.
Grandmother to: Phillip, Stewart and Kayla.

She leaves behind a life full of family as well as a prosperous career as a visionary in the field of artisit.

ch 13 Monica Leopardi--widow of Francisco Leopardi

Monica age 76, her children (quads), Beatrix age 17, Ivan age 17 and Rodrigo age 17.


****************

The time had come for the remaining children to discuss their college
opportunities. Monica did not believe in forcing anyone into
college. She did however tell them the pros and cons to a college
education. Now that Francisco was gone it would be harder for Monica to be
home alone. She was thinking of maybe selling this house if Juno did not
want it for herself. Monica looked around at her children and was amazed at how
much they had grown. She called a family meeting and requested their
answer in regards to attending college or not.

The first asked was Beatrix. Beatrix had a rocky relationship ship
with her brother Ivan which only got worse when Madeline moved out. For
Monica it was no surprise when she asked Beatrix if she would go to
college.

"Well Beatrix, I need to know honey if you are going to college or
not."

Beatrix looked at her mom and wondered if she truly meant it when she said
she wouldnt push. She looked at her brothers then to her mom and replied,
"Mom as much as I would love to go to
college, I think I will have to say

no. I cant phantom being away from Viramontes stuffed in a college
dorm. I'm sorry. I know its not
what you wanted to hear"
"Now now
Beatrix, we agreed this is your life and you get to make choices.
OK lets move on to the next
person"


Ivan was the next to be asked. He was still in shock that Beatrix
actually said no to college. He looked at every one and replied
"Mom I do want to go to college. I cant wait to get out
Viramontes.
I hope you dont regret not going Beatrix"

Rodrigo also agreed with Ivan he too wanted to go to college. So there it was the decision was made for all of them. Monica was happy that she got to see how her kids would progress. She was saddened that Beatrix decided not to go to college but she couldnt and would not go back on her word.
****************

Monica caught Beatrix right after she had finished arguing with Ivan. Monica could not understand why they both hated each other so much. As much as their father tried to get them to get along they made no progress.

"I wish you would change your attitude towards your brother. Whether
you like it or not you and Ivan share a special bond. You two are part of
a Quad and you should try to at least get along"
"I cant mom. He just doesnt understand that he cant run me like he
does Rodrigo. We dont see eye to eye and I doubt that we ever will."

********

Monica decided to invite both Otani and Juno over for dinner. Otani called at last minute to cancel because he could not get out of work. Juno was able to make it with her wife Jade. Monica loved to see that they were growing into a lovely couple.

Monica stepped away for a minute to the kitchen to make sure that dinner was almost done. As she closed the oven door she stood up and felt so dizzy. Monica was getting older and she knew that she would have to settle things with Juno and Otani before her time came. She needed to make sure that Juno was aware of being able to inherit the house. Even though Otani was the legacy heir he showed no interest in the house and told her so many times.

********

The evening came when Monica told her plan to both Juno and Jade. Jade who got along with her mother-in-law would not hear of such talk. Monica cared dearly for Jade but didnt want them to assume that they would live forever.

Monica discussed everything over dinner with the lawyer who had drawn up Francisco's will as her own. Juno hated having this discussion but knew that it just had to be done.

Monica was correct in trying to get her affairs in order since soon after she passed away. Ivan and Rodrigo went to college while Beatrix stayed behind to live with Juno and her family. For now Beatrix would be at home but she knew that sooner or later she had to move.

They buried Monica next to her husband. The children came and Otani could not get over the grief of losing not one but both parents.